Abstract: A progressive cavity pump includes at least one of a jacketed stator casing and a jacketed inlet body. The jacketed stator casing includes a stator heating chamber, a stator assembly, and a rotor rotatably disposed within the stator assembly. The stator heating chamber forms a first space around the stator assembly and receives heating fluid therein. The stator assembly includes a cylindrical wall and a stator segment that forms a helically-convoluted chamber within the cylindrical wall. The jacketed inlet body includes an inlet heating chamber and a working fluid chamber in fluid communication with the helically-convoluted chamber. The inlet heating chamber forms a second space around the working fluid chamber and receives heating fluid therein. The stator heating chamber and the inlet heating chamber are isolated from each other, the helically-convoluted chamber, and the working fluid chamber.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to several processes that may recover commodity chemicals from an alkaline metal-air battery. In various embodiments, while the cell is operating, various side products and waste streams may be collected and processed to regain use or additional value. Various embodiments also include processes to be performed after the cell has been disassembled, and each of its electrodes have been separated such as not to be an electrical hazard. The alkaline metal battery recycling processes described herein may provide multiple forms of commodity iron, high purity transition metal ores, fluoropolymer dispersions, various carbons, commodity chemicals, and catalyst dispersions.

Abstract: A method of operation and non-transitory computer readable medium are provided for a mobile communications device which includes memory storing program instructions and a processor coupled to a first input that passively collects input data and a second input that collects response data based on a challenge. A statistical behavioral model is generated based upon passively collected input data for the user. A level of assurance (LOA) is determined based upon the statistical behavioral model and the passively collected input data from the first input. The LOA is compared with a threshold and based on the comparison: the mobile device operation is enabled as a result of determining that the LOA meets or exceeds the threshold without requiring response data from the at least one second input, otherwise, the challenge is generated and the mobile device operation is enabled responsive to valid response data from the second input.

Abstract: A smoking article is provided, having a component housing including a power source, and a tubular housing having a first end and a longitudinally-opposed second end, wherein the first or second end is configured to receive the component housing. The tubular housing includes an outer wall defining a cylindrical cavity. An aerosol-generating element is configured to be received within the cylindrical cavity, wherein the aerosol-generating element is configured to produce an aerosol in response to heat. An associated aerosol-generating element and related production methods are also provided.

Abstract: Our system describes Unlimited Range Drive (URD) capabilities of an electrical automotive vehicle using machine learning technique, assisted by newly designed intelligent battery modules (IBM-R, IBM-D/R) and newly invented high voltage continuous variable power plant (CVPP), our intelligent battery and power plant modules work in harmony and continuously provide feedback to each other, causing a high voltage battery to recharge while other high voltage battery is in use to drive a vehicle, this charging/recharging process and dynamically switching high voltage battery in use is continued until physical life of batteries is exhausted which may be 10 to 15 years, dynamic coordination of the modules with dynamic switching of battery in use archives Unlimited Range Drive (URD) capabilities which may exceed more than 1 million miles drive on a single high voltage battery charge, our URD system provides clean environment and cost effective more than 1 million miles drive solution.

Abstract: Various aspects and embodiments of dwelling automation administration are described. Among other aspects or features of the embodiments, a dwelling automation system in a computing device authenticates a user. A management interface in the dwelling automation system generates a user interface for administering a plurality of automation devices at different dwellings based on access and control rights of the user. The user interface can grant the user access to at least one automation device associated with a hub associated with at least one dwelling.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the various embodiments may provide porous materials for electrodes of electrochemical energy storage systems.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to aspects of authenticating a mobile device and providing a vehicle access key thereto when a previously registered mobile device is not accessible. In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method includes requesting at a first mobile device, access to a profile associated with controlling operations of a vehicle, the profile having stored thereon an access key for operating the vehicle, the access key having been previously installed on a second mobile device. The method further includes upon successful authorization, receiving the access key at the first device and operating the vehicle using the access key on the first mobile device.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are directed to binder jetting for forming three-dimensional parts having controlled, macroscopically inhomogeneous material composition. In general, a binder may be delivered to each layer of a plurality of layers of a powder of inorganic particles. An active component may be introduced, in a spatially controlled distribution, to at least one of the plurality of layers such that the binder, the powder of inorganic particles, and the active component, in combination, form an object. The object may be thermally processed into a three-dimensional part having a gradient of one or more physicochemical properties of a material at least partially formed from thermally processing the inorganic particles and the active component of the object.

Abstract: A commercial vehicle used for parcel delivery is installed with a control module. The control module communicates wirelessly with a transmitter to give control to the vehicle operator. The vehicle operator can access the vehicle's cargo compartment through the bulkhead door and/or the rear door solely by using the transmitter as opposed to manually actuating the door latch. A door actuator is added to the bulkhead door such that when the bulkhead door is wirelessly actuated the door opens without operator assistance, and the process of the door opening does not damage the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle operator can initiate the control module to allow a push-button start and stop of the vehicle's ignition system. Such elements contribute to time savings and cost savings for parcel delivery operators.

Abstract: Computer interfaces are provided for managing and deploying contextually relevant event canvases based on entity roles. Some systems are configured for identifying events and generating contextually relevant canvases associated with those events, which are contextually based on roles assigned to the events. A master canvas is also provided for facilitating navigation between the various canvases and to assign roles to the canvases, as well as for facilitating management configuration of the canvases. The master canvas includes a tabbed interface that allows navigation, configuration, and insight into the various canvases.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to methods and apparatuses for wireless vehicular communications involving the transmission of messages using two or more protocols. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments characterized herein, wireless station-to-station communications are carried out in which a plurality of stations share a wireless communications channel. Information is wirelessly collected respectively from transmissions associated with a legacy communication protocol and another type of communication protocol. A current communication environment of the station is dynamically discerned and characterizes a dynamic relationship of the collected information using the legacy communication protocol relative to the collected information using the other communication protocol.

Abstract: A sonic exfoliating glove includes a glove shaped member having a hand receiving portion with a hand receiving opening therein, four finger receiving portions, and a thumb receiving portion, the glove shaped member defining a palm surface overlying a palm and finger and thumb pads of a hand inserted therein. Five of six exfoliating pads are fixedly attached to the four finger receiving portions and the thumb receiving portion, one each, generally overlying the finger and thumb pads of the respective finger or thumb. A sixth exfoliating element is fixedly attached to the glove shaped member, so as to overly a central portion of the palm. At least one vibrating motor is attached to the glove shaped member and six connecting rods are each connected at one end to the at least one vibrating motor and at another end to the six exfoliating pads or elements, one each.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid leak detection system for monitoring leaks in a pressurized vessel. The system includes a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, and a processing module. The processing module is configured to any one or combination of: compare a temperature output from the temperature sensor to a reference temperature to produce a temperature differential; or compare a pressure output from the pressure sensor to a reference pressure to produce a pressure differential. The processing module is configured to any one or combination of: monitor the pressure differential to indicate when a leak occurs in a pressurized vessel; or monitor the temperature differential to indicate when a leak occurs in a pressurized vessel. The processing module is configured to generate an alert when a leak is detected.

Abstract: A Discrete Sample Introduction Module (DSIM) apparatus includes an internal tubing system to receive into the DSIM apparatus a discrete gas sample having a received concentration. A plurality of valves selectively partitions the internal tubing system to form a plurality of loops corresponding to a plurality of loop volumes to contain the discrete gas sample. The plurality of loop volumes receives a carrier gas to dilute the discrete gas sample to a plurality of preselected dilutions. The DSIM apparatus circulates a given one of the plurality of preselected dilutions for analysis by a spectrometer coupled to the DSIM apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are provided for trust agents. Trust agents may be enabled. A state determination may be received from each of the enabled trust agents. The state determination may indicate either a trusted state or an untrusted state. The received state determinations may be combined to determine a security state. A security measure may be enabled or disabled based on the determined security state.

Abstract: A plier assembly for retaining rings comprises first and second handle assemblies and a drive assembly. Operation of the drive assembly pivots the first handle assembly relative to the second handle assembly. As the first handle assembly pivots relative to the second handle assembly, a first support block of the first handle assembly pivots relative to the first handle assembly and a second support block of the second handle assembly pivots relative to the second handle assembly such that a first support block longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to a second support block longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An air conditioning system comprises a compressor, a rotary engine, and a condenser. The rotary engine comprises at least one drive shaft. The at least one drive shaft is operatively connected to the compressor and to the fuel tank. The condenser is operatively connected to the compressor. The evaporator is operatively connected to the condenser and to the compressor. The rotary engine combusts fuel to rotate the at least one drive shaft. Rotation of the at least one drive shaft operates the compressor to cause working fluid to flow such that the evaporator air conditions the passenger compartment.

Abstract: A detachable, retrofitting light accessory for both magnetic and adhesive attachment to a high-heeled shoe having an open archway with a ferrous metal shank, having a light-emitting diode (LED) light assembly, a magnet affixed to the LED light assembly and configured to magnetically engage the ferrous metal shank in the open archway of the shoe, and to magnetically attach the light accessory to the shoe, and a double-sided adhesive strip configured for placement between the magnet and an outer surface in the open archway to also adhesively attach the light accessory to the shoe, to prevent the light accessory from slipping relative to the shoe during use.