Abstract: A downhole tool to be positioned in a wellbore in a subsurface formation. The downhole tool comprises a first rod configured with a first cavity to obtain samples of formation fluid. The downhole tool comprises a translating member configured to shift the first rod from an open position to a closed position to obtain, via the first cavity, a first fluid sample of the formation fluid from a first location in the wellbore.

Abstract: Systems and methods include a cloud object storage container that receives an object file exceeding a predetermined size. A channel, communicatively connected to the cloud object storage container, is configured to automatically read data from the object file to facilitate generating a presigned URL. The generated presigned URL is attached to the object file, thereby creating a file identifier. The file identifier is stored in the cloud object storage container, which is automatically transmitted to a third party for scanning the file identifier for viruses or malware. A confirmation of a clean file scan is received from the third party, and the confirmed clean file identifier is stored in a clean cloud storage container. The clean cloud storage container is communicatively connected to an on-premises file storage container to facilitate storage of the clean file identifier. The on-premises file storage container stores the clean file identifier to facilitate future access.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for forming a component having a birefringent characteristic. The method may involve forming a first mask using nanoparticles of metallic material on a surface of a substrate of the component, and then performing a first etching operation at a first angle relative to the surface of the substrate using the nanoparticle mask to remove material from the surface to create surface features projecting from the upper surface in accordance with the nanoparticle mask. A second mask may be formed on the upper surface of the substrate by depositing an additional quantity of metallic material at a second angle, different from the first angle, to create a plurality of regions adjacent each one of the rods where the quantity of metallic material is absent. A second etching operation is then performed at a third angle using the second mask to create a plurality of voids at each of the regions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for producing a patterned nanostructured surface on a component from a pre-existing, nanostructured surface with a first spatial feature distribution on the component. The system makes use of a force application element configured to apply a force to the pre-existing, nanostructured surface, and a force application control subsystem. The force application control subsystem is configured to control elevational movement of the force application element along a first axis of movement into and out of contact with the pre-existing, nanostructured surface to apply a predetermined load to the pre-existing, nanostructured surface. The predetermined load is sufficient to modify the pre-existing, non-patterned nanostructured surface to create the patterned nanostructured surface.

Abstract: A system and a method for calibrating a wake-up sequence for a user includes determining that the user is asleep based upon sensor data, activating one or more stimulus mechanisms for a set period of time in a test wake-up sequence upon occurrence of a wake-up condition, determining an elapsed time within the set period of time of the one or more stimulus mechanisms being activated in the test wake-up sequence at which the user wakes from sleep based on additional sensor data, comparing the elapsed time to a threshold time indicative of a sufficient wake-up time, and determining a calibrated wake-up sequence including the one or more stimulus mechanisms having elapsed times below the threshold time.

Abstract: A bag dispenser includes a frame with a roller portion for receiving a bag roll defined by a plurality of bags attached to a leading bag to be dispensed, the roller defining a longitudinal axis. A brake plate is configured to capture the leading bag against the frame for providing frictional force on the leading bag to limit sliding thereof, the brake plate pivotally attached to the frame via a pivot arm, the brake plate pivotable with respect to the frame between a non-pivoted friction-application position and a pivoted bag roll-installment position, the pivot arm configured to pivot with respect to the frame along a pivot plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A vehicle onboard power (VOP) system is for a vehicle. The VOP system includes a power source, an outlet electrically connected to the power source, a processor electrically connected to the power source, and a memory. The memory has instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations including determining the vehicle is in an OFF state, detecting a change in a load profile associated with the outlet, and activating a vehicle alert response based on the change in the load profile.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a high-voltage (HV) bus and a controller. The controller, during assembly of a control system including a plurality of HV devices to be installed in a predefined order such that one of the HV devices is installed before an other of the HV devices, and responsive to detecting presence of the other of the HV devices and absence of the one of the HV devices, disconnects a traction battery from the HV bus.

Abstract: A system receives an image identified as related to a charging location and including at least one viewpoint of the charging point and analyzes the image to determine if the charging point is currently in use based at least in part on the presence of a vehicle at the charging point in the image. The system determines projected usage time of a charging point determined to be in use, based on at least one characteristic of the vehicle and updates a usage set indicating real-time usage of the charging point based on the projected usage time.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for time and frequency-restricted cryptocurrency transactions that use blockchain-based systems, tokens, coins, and exchanges to reduce energy consumption and increase energy efficiency. The system imposes time and frequency-specific restrictions on transactions to reduce temperature yield and lower the carbon footprint, which contributes to climate change. Transactions within the designated “open or free trade” period may incur zero or reduced fees, and any transactions outside of the transactors' designated time or frequency limits may result in higher fees, which a portion results in carbon credit offsets. The invention also includes an “ejection button” that allows transactors to buy or sell outside of their designated time or frequency limits without higher fees, with a percentage of the proceeds resulting in carbon credit offsets. The invention provides a more energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly alternative to existing cryptocurrency systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing the allocation of incoming charge power between an on-board power supply power output and HV battery power input. An electric vehicle (EV) may be used to provide power to one or more electrical devices connected to an on-board power supply of the EV. When the EV is connected to a charging device, a rate of charge may be determined. An allocation of the incoming charge power from the charging device may be determined as between a high voltage (HV) battery of the electric vehicle and the on-board power supply of the electric vehicle. Power may be simultaneously provided to the HV battery and the on-board power supply.

Abstract: Controlling charging of connected devices is provided. Presence of a target connected device is detected using a wireless transceiver of a vehicle. Settings indicative of how to charge the target connected device via a power connector of the vehicle are received a user interface presented to an HMI of the vehicle. Data packets from the target connected device indicative of a current state of charge of the target connected device are received using the wireless transceiver. The target connected device is charged from the power connector in accordance with the settings and the current state of charge.

Abstract: A bag dispenser includes a frame with a roller portion for receiving a bag roll defined by a plurality of bags attached to a leading bag to be dispensed, the roller defining a longitudinal axis. A brake plate is configured to capture the leading bag against the frame for providing frictional force on the leading bag to limit sliding thereof, the brake plate pivotally attached to the frame via a pivot arm, the brake plate pivotable with respect to the frame between a non-pivoted friction-application position and a pivoted bag roll-installment position, the pivot arm configured to pivot with respect to the frame along a pivot plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Upon detecting an accumulation of snow on a driving surface, a driving path from a first location to a second location is identified. A vehicle is operated from the first location to the second location and then to a third location that is identical to or proximate to the first location.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to receive data indicating that an electric vehicle is in an enclosed space; in response to receiving the data, instruct window actuators of the electric vehicle to open windows of the electric vehicle; and in response to receiving the data, instruct a heater of the electric vehicle to generate heat.

Abstract: Controlling charging of connected devices is provided. Presence of a target connected device is detected using a wireless transceiver of a vehicle. Settings indicative of how to charge the target connected device via a power connector of the vehicle are received a user interface presented to an HMI of the vehicle. Data packets from the target connected device indicative of a current state of charge of the target connected device are received using the wireless transceiver. The target connected device is charged from the power connector in accordance with the settings and the current state of charge.

Abstract: A process for producing organic fertilizers involves using a waste ammonia stream to capture sulfur dioxide from the oxidation of sulfur or a gas containing sulfur dioxide to make an ammonium bisulfite/sulfite solution. The sulfite solution is used to scrub hydrogen sulfide out of a biogas or other gas stream. The resulting products contain ammonium thiosulfate and ammonium bisulfite/sulfite.

Abstract: A bag dispenser includes a frame with a roller portion for receiving a bag roll defined by a plurality of bags attached to a leading bag to be dispensed, the roller defining a longitudinal axis. A brake plate is configured to capture the leading bag against the frame for providing frictional force on the leading bag to limit sliding thereof, the brake plate pivotally attached to the frame via a pivot arm, the brake plate pivotable with respect to the frame between a non-pivoted friction-application position and a pivoted bag roll-installment position, the pivot arm configured to pivot with respect to the frame along a pivot plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A filter element is provided that is preferably a side entry air filter having an air filter media pack, a housing seal and a frame that has a clamping projection, a pivot projection and/or guide members. The clamping projection can define a non-linear bearing surface that may be chevron shaped to provide for interface and potential alignment benefits. The housing seal may be a wave seal that undulates.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for producing a patterned nanostructured surface on a component from a pre-existing, nanostructured surface with a first spatial feature distribution on the component. The system makes use of a force application element configured to apply a force to the pre-existing, nanostructured surface, and a force application control subsystem. The force application control subsystem is configured to control elevational movement of the force application element along a first axis of movement into and out of contact with the pre-existing, nanostructured surface to apply a predetermined load to the pre-existing, nanostructured surface. The predetermined load is sufficient to modify the pre-existing, non-patterned nanostructured surface to create the patterned nanostructured surface.