Abstract: A method of producing a capacitor electrode includes forming an oxide layer on a foil. The method also includes inducing defects in the oxide layer followed by reforming the oxide layer. The oxide layer is reformed so as to generate a reformed oxide layer that is an aluminum oxide with a boehmite phase and a pseudo-boehmite phase. The amount of the boehmite phase in the reformed oxide layer is greater than the amount of the pseudo-boehmite phase in the reformed oxide layer.

Abstract: A digital security system can store data associated with entities in resolver trees. If the digital security system determines that two resolver trees are likely representing the same entity, the digital security system can use a merge operation to merge the resolver trees into a single resolver tree that represents the entity. The single resolver tree can include a merge node indicating a merge identifier of the merge operation. Nodes containing information merged into the resolver tree from another resolver tree during the merge operation can be tagged with the corresponding merge identifier. Accordingly, if the merge operation is to be undone, for instance if subsequent information indicates that the entries are likely separate entities, the resolver tree can be unmerged and the nodes tagged with the merge identifier can be restored to a separate resolver tree.

Abstract: A treatment fluid for performing one or more pre-cementing operations in a wellbore can include a base fluid, a viscosifier, and a crushed glass material. The viscosifier can be dispersed in the base fluid. The crushed glass material can be dispersed in the base fluid for performing one or more cementing operations with respect to the wellbore.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a computer-implemented method includes receiving a request to evaluate an update to a computing system and obtaining a current configuration of the computing system. Aspects also include identifying one or more changes that the update will require to the current configuration and obtaining performance data corresponding to the one or more changes from a data repository. Aspects further include calculating a confidence score for the update based on the performance data and providing the computing system with the confidence score.

Abstract: Systems and methods for industrial robotic platforms. Squads of industrial robots autonomously communicate and work together. A control center may monitor the autonomous operations. Software at the control center, squad, and robot levels forms a distributed control system that analyzes various data related to the platform for monitoring of the various systems. Artificial intelligence, such as machine learning, is implemented at the control center, squad, and/or robot levels for swarm behavior driven by intelligent decision making. Each robot includes a universal platform attached to a task-specific tooling system. The robots may be mining robots, with a mining-specific tooling system attached to the universal framework, and configured for mining tasks. The platform is modular and may be used for other industrial applications and/or robot types, such as construction, satellite swarms, fuel production, disaster recovery, communications, remote power, and others.

Abstract: Systems and methods for industrial robotic platforms. Squads of industrial robots autonomously communicate and work together. A control center may monitor the autonomous operations. Software at the control center, squad, and robot levels forms a distributed control system that analyzes various data related to the platform for monitoring of the various systems. Artificial intelligence, such as machine learning, is implemented at the control center, squad, and/or robot levels for swarm behavior driven by intelligent decision making. Each robot includes a universal platform attached to a task-specific tooling system. The robots may be mining robots, with a mining-specific tooling system attached to the universal framework, and configured for mining tasks. The platform is modular and may be used for other industrial applications and/or robot types, such as construction, satellite swarms, fuel production, disaster recovery, communications, remote power, and others.

Abstract: Methods and diagnostic tools are provided for assessing contrast sensitivity in a subject in the presence and absence of luminance noise by: i) presenting to the subject a series of scenes, each scene comprising at least a first target having a preselected level of contrast superimposed on a uniform background and a second target having a preselected level of contrast superimposed on a luminance noise background, wherein in each successively presented scene the first and second targets that are superimposed on the uniform background and on the luminance noise background, respectively, have contrast levels that are different from the contrast levels of the first and second targets superimposed on the uniform background and on the luminance noise background, respectively, in the previously presented scene; ii) monitoring responses by the subject to step i); and iii) evaluating the contrast sensitivity of the subject based on the monitored responses.

Abstract: A power management integrated circuit (PMIC) can improve the ramp up speed of a boost converter with the inclusion of a controllable switch that may modify the connection of an output capacitor to reduce the ramp time as the output voltage is ramping to a desired boost setpoint. The switch may be controlled using jump start logic to switch a first plate or terminal of the output capacitor from a ground connection to a voltage supply connection. Once a threshold voltage is reached, the first plate of the capacitor may be switched from the supply voltage to ground. In certain cases, by switching the connection of the output capacitor between ground and a supply voltage based on one or more threshold voltages or a boost setpoint, the time to ramp from an initial voltage to a desired boost setpoint may be reduced.

Abstract: A component positioning system and method are configured to facilitate positioning of a component (such as a seat assembly) on a seat track within an internal cabin of a vehicle. The component positioning system and method include a component, and a position indicator coupled to a portion of the component. The position indicator emits a proper position indication when the component is in a proper position in relation to the seat track. The position indicator emits a remedial position indication when the component is not in the proper position with respect to the seat track.

Abstract: A ventilation assembly comprises a number of fan systems configured to purify air and a number of air distribution assemblies. Each air distribution assembly of the number of air distribution assemblies is configured to be removably installed on a seatback of a passenger seat. Each air distribution assembly of the number of air distribution assemblies comprises a pair of air distribution vents, ductwork configured to receive air from at least one fan system of the number of fan systems and direct air to the pair of air distribution vents, and a seat attachment device configured to removably couple the pair of air distribution vents to the seatback such that each air distribution vent is situated on opposite sides of the seatback for providing purified air to a seated passenger.

Abstract: A power management integrated circuit (PMIC) can improve the ramp up speed of a boost converter with the inclusion of a controllable switch that may modify the connection of an output capacitor to reduce the ramp time as the output voltage is ramping to a desired boost setpoint. The switch may be controlled using jump start logic to switch a first plate or terminal of the output capacitor from a ground connection to a voltage supply connection. Once a threshold voltage is reached, the first plate of the capacitor may be switched from the supply voltage to ground. In certain cases, by switching the connection of the output capacitor between ground and a supply voltage based on one or more threshold voltages or a boost setpoint, the time to ramp from an initial voltage to a desired boost setpoint may be reduced.

Abstract: Articulated waveguide systems, devices, and methods. Adjacent rigid waveguide segments are connected at an articulating joint. An internal antenna at the joint allows for three hundred sixty degree rotational capability at the joints. Multiple such joints may connect multiple pairs of adjacent waveguide segments to form a robotic waveguide arm. The arm can be articulated to place an energy applicator at the end of the arm in multiple positions and orientations at various speeds and directions of movement. Six degrees of freedom are provided for orienting the applicator using the robotic waveguide arm to transmit energy from a generator to an object, such as rock. The articulate waveguide may be used in a microwave-based system for mining rock having a microwave generator, the articulated robotic waveguide arm, and the applicator.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for a microwave energy applicator. The applicator may define an internal channel having one or more longitudinal ridges inside the channel configured to focus energy. The ridges may be moveable. A reflector may be located near an exit of the applicator. In some embodiments, the applicator may define a channel having a decrease in cross-sectional area with a dielectric filler therein, acting to transition from a lower to a higher permittivity material. The various embodiments of the applicator may be attached to a waveguide, which may be an articulable robotic arm having rotatable waveguide segments attached with a microwave generator. The applicator may alter an energy level of microwaves travelling therethrough, for example, to concentrate the energy for application at a rock face in a mine site.

Abstract: A system for excavating a rock face using microwaves. The system may include a microwave generator, an articulable robotic arm with a plurality of rotatably connected rigid waveguide segments, an applicator attached to a distal end of the robotic arm, and a robotic control system. The system produces microwaves with the microwave generator and moves the robotic arm such that the applicator moves along the rock face as the microwaves exit the applicator to precondition the rock face for excavation. Various patterns of microwave treatment, and controls based on sensor feedback, may be implemented.

Abstract: A power management integrated circuit (PMIC) can improve the ramp up speed of a boost converter with the inclusion of a controllable switch that may modify the connection of an output capacitor to reduce the ramp time as the output voltage is ramping to a desired boost setpoint. The switch may be controlled using jump start logic to switch a first plate or terminal of the output capacitor from a ground connection to a voltage supply connection. Once a threshold voltage is reached, the first plate of the capacitor may be switched from the supply voltage to ground. The PMIC may further include a quick start assembly that can drive the boost converter at a high duty-cycle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for industrial robotic platforms. Squads of industrial robots autonomously communicate and work together. A control center may monitor the autonomous operations. Software at the control center, squad, and robot levels forms a distributed control system that analyzes various data related to the platform for monitoring of the various systems. Artificial intelligence, such as machine learning, is implemented at the control center, squad, and/or robot levels for swarm behavior driven by intelligent decision making. Each robot includes a universal platform attached to a task-specific tooling system. The robots may be mining robots, with a mining-specific tooling system attached to the universal framework, and configured for mining tasks. The platform is modular and may be used for other industrial applications and/or robot types, such as construction, satellite swarms, fuel production, disaster recovery, communications, remote power, and others.

Abstract: Industrial robotic platforms are described. The robotic platform includes a universal platform configured to attach to interchangeable task-specific tooling systems and mobility systems. The robots may be mining robots, with a mining-specific tooling system attached to the universal platform, and configured for mining tasks. The platform is modular and may be used for other industrial applications and/or robot types, such as construction, satellite swarms, fuel production, disaster recovery, communications, remote power, and others. The robot may be included in a swarm or colony as part of an overall autonomous architecture. The robot may be part of an architecture having a colony or remote control center that communicates with and monitors the robots.

Abstract: A power management integrated circuit (PMIC) can improve the ramp up speed of a boost converter with the inclusion of a controllable switch that may modify the connection of an output capacitor to reduce the ramp time as the output voltage is ramping to a desired boost setpoint. The switch may be controlled using jump start logic to switch a first plate or terminal of the output capacitor from a ground connection to a voltage supply connection. Once a threshold voltage is reached, the first plate of the capacitor may be switched from the supply voltage to ground. In certain cases, by switching the connection of the output capacitor between ground and a supply voltage based on one or more threshold voltages or a boost setpoint, the time to ramp from an initial voltage to a desired boost setpoint may be reduced.

Abstract: A power management integrated circuit (PMIC) can improve the ramp up speed of a boost converter with the inclusion of a controllable switch that may modify the connection of an output capacitor to reduce the ramp time as the output voltage is ramping to a desired boost setpoint. The switch may be controlled using jump start logic to switch a first plate or terminal of the output capacitor from a ground connection to a voltage supply connection. Once a threshold voltage is reached, the first plate of the capacitor may be switched from the supply voltage to ground. The PMIC may further include a quick start assembly that can drive the boost converter at a high duty-cycle.

Abstract: Methods and diagnostic tools are provided for assessing contrast sensitivity in a subject in the presence and absence of luminance noise by: i) presenting to the subject a series of scenes, each scene comprising at least a first target having a preselected level of contrast superimposed on a uniform background and a second target having a preselected level of contrast superimposed on a luminance noise background, wherein in each successively presented scene the first and second targets that are superimposed on the uniform background and on the luminance noise background, respectively, have contrast levels that are different from the contrast levels of the first and second targets superimposed on the uniform background and on the luminance noise background, respectively, in the previously presented scene; ii) monitoring responses by the subject to step i); and iii) evaluating the contrast sensitivity of the subject based on the monitored responses.