Abstract: A supernumerary robotic limb (SRL) system can include a plurality of rigid links, a joint that connects one rigid link to another rigid link in the plurality of rigid arms, and two variable stiffness actuators (VSAs) configured to drive the plurality of rigid links in order to complete at least one task. The VSAs can exhibit infinite rotation and infinite stiffness. The VSAs can include an output link. Additionally, the VSAs can include a set of elastic elements mounted on the output link. The VSAs can include an input link configured to provide kinetic energy for the output link. The VSAs can include a dynamic chassis configured to connect with the input link. Additionally, the VSAs can include a stiffness adjustor included in the dynamic chassis and configured to adjust an elastic transmission between at least one elastic element of the set of elastic elements and the output link.

Abstract: A system and method for portable solar power generation is provided. The portable solar power generator will be mounted on a movable platform, making it easy to transport and install in different places. Using solar panels, the generator will create electricity, which will be stored in a battery and converted to alternating current (AC) via an inverter. The generator has a control panel that allows users to monitor and regulate power generation.

Abstract: A waste management system includes a waste management device, a monitoring unit, and a communication unit. The waste management device includes a collection unit, a classification unit, a segregation unit, a plurality of sensors, a power unit, and a plurality of waste bins. The collection unit collects one or more waste articles. The classification unit utilizes a machine-learning model and identifies a waste category of the one or more waste articles. The segregation unit transports the one or more waste articles to a particular waste bin corresponding to the identified waste category. The power unit supplies power to the waste management device. The monitoring unit monitors the waste management device and controls a resultant action. The communication unit communicates one or more data between a control station and the waste management device using a plurality of IoT devices.

Abstract: A method for estimating a range of a moving target includes emitting, from a target, a first ultrasound signal T, wherein the first ultrasound signal T is generated based on a first differential Zadoff-Chu sequence x; receiving, at a receiver, a second ultrasound signal R, which corresponds to the first ultrasound signal T, wherein the second ultrasound signal R includes a second differential Zadoff-Chu sequence y; applying a maximum likelihood estimator to the first ultrasound signal T and the second ultrasound signal R to calculate an initial time of flight estimate taucorr; and calculating an initial range estimate dcorr of the target by multiplying the initial time of flight estimate taucorr with a speed of sound c. A differential Zadoff-Chu sequence is different from a Zadoff-Chu sequence.

Abstract: Anode materials comprising various compositions of strontium iron cobalt molybdenum oxide (SFCM) for low- or intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell (SOFCs) are provided. These materials offer high conductivity achievable at intermediate and low temperatures and can be used to prepare the anode layer of a SOFC. A method of making a low- or intermediate temperature SOFC having an anode layer including SFCM is also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods in which aliphatic epoxy resin crosslinked polymers are used in primary cementing applications. The aliphatic epoxy resin crosslinked polymers contain a derivative of a first epoxy resin, a derivative of a second epoxy resin and a polyamine. The first epoxy resin contains bisphenol A and an aliphatic monoglycidyl ether. The second epoxy resin contains a C12-C14 alkyl glycidyl ether.

Abstract: A cement spacer fluid and a method for making and a method for using the cement spacer fluid are provided. The cement spacer fluid includes a polyethyleneimine hydrochloride (PEI HCl) salt, an aqueous solvent, a viscosifier, and a weighting agent.

Abstract: A cement composition and methods for preparing and using the cement composition are provided. The cement composition includes a polyethyleneimine hydrochloride (PEI HCl) salt, an aqueous solvent, and a cement.

Abstract: A solid-state battery cell includes a cathode, an anode comprising microspheres of lithium metal embedded in an ion and electron conducting oxide-based material, with individual microspheres having a first solid electrolyte interface, and a first solid electrolyte layer comprising a sulfide-based solid electrolyte, the first electrolyte layer positioned between the cathode and the anode. The solid-state battery can also include a second solid electrolyte layer comprising an oxide-based solid electrolyte between the first solid electrolyte layer and the anode, the second solid electrolyte layer having a lower conductivity than the first solid electrolyte layer, and a second solid electrolyte interface between the first solid electrolyte layer and the second solid electrolyte layer.

Abstract: Methods for making and using an invert-emulsion drilling fluid, and the invert-emulsion drilling fluid are provided. An exemplary invert-emulsion drilling fluid a quaternary ammonium salt (QAS), an aqueous solvent, a non-aqueous solvent, calcium chloride, and a surfactant.

Abstract: Methods for making and using an invert-emulsion drilling fluid, and the invert-emulsion drilling fluid are provided. An exemplary invert-emulsion drilling fluid includes a C-36 dimer diamine dihydrochloride salt (CDDH), an aqueous solvent, a non-aqueous solvent, an emulsifier, and calcium chloride.

Abstract: A multimodal solid electrolyte for a solid-state lithium electrochemical device comprises a first layer formed of first rows each having an anode-facing base with an apex extending opposite an anode, the first layer being a first inorganic lithium conducting oxide material, and a second layer formed of second rows each having a cathode-facing base with an apex extending opposite a cathode, the second layer being a second inorganic lithium conducting oxide material, wherein the second rows are offset from the first rows such that the apex of each second row nests within the first rows. A solid polymer electrolyte layer is sandwiched between the first layer and the second layer.

Abstract: A separator for use in a unit cell of an energy device includes a perimeter wall and a step portion extending from the perimeter wall along an inner surface of the perimeter wall. A midpoint of a height of the perimeter wall is aligned with a midpoint of a height of the step portion. A planar membrane extends across an area defined by an innermost surface of the step portion. The planar membrane is aligned with the midpoint of the height of the step portion. The planar membrane includes perforations.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a solid oxide fuel cell features a functional layer for reducing interfacial resistance between the cathode and the solid electrolyte.

Abstract: A cement spacer fluid and a method for making and a method for using the cement spacer fluid are provided. The cement spacer fluid includes a polyethyleneimine hydrochloride (PEI HCl) salt, an aqueous solvent, a viscosifier, and a weighting agent.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack is provided that includes a top end plate, a bottom end plate, a plurality of fuel cells provided between the top end plate and the bottom end plate, at least one bipolar plate, a plurality of hollow fasteners, and a plurality of sleeves. Each of the at least one bipolar plate is formed between two of the plurality of fuel cells. The plurality of hollow fasteners and the plurality of sleeves extend through holes in each of the top end plate, the bottom end plate, the plurality of fuel cells and the at least one bipolar plate. Each of the plurality of sleeves surrounds one of the plurality of hollow fasteners. Each of the plurality of hollow fasteners comprises a top surface, a hole in the top surface, a side surface, and a plurality of holes formed in the side surface.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a motor vehicle, and in particular a vehicle body structure for a motor vehicle, with an extended roof reinforcement structure. An example vehicle includes an A-pillar, a roof side rail, a dash panel, and a reinforcement structure extending at least partially through the roof side rail and the A-pillar to a front end forward of the dash panel.

Abstract: An electrode is provided that includes a current collector and an electrode material comprising an electrode active material. The current collector includes at least one groove formed in the current collector. The electrode material is provided within the at least one groove, and the at least one groove has a prescribed depth from a surface of the current collector. A battery is also provided that includes a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte disposed between the cathode and the anode. At least one of the anode and the cathode includes a current collector and an electrode active material in which the electrode material is provided within at least one groove of the current collector, and the at least one groove has a prescribed depth from a surface of the current collector.

Abstract: A method of operating a 3-D printer apparatus includes a tank structure with a bottom wall with a printing area defined above and spaced apart from the bottom wall. A gas permeable liquid within the tank overlays the bottom wall of the tank structure defining a first mobile layer below the printing area. An inhibition liquid within the tank overlays the gas permeable liquid defining a second mobile layer below the printing area. A polymerizable resin overlays the inhibition liquid and flows into the printing area. Positioning of an object carrier controlled such that a lower surface of the object carrier is initially located within the polymerizable resin and within the printing area. Operation of a resin curing device beneath the bottom wall provides light to the printing area polymerizing predetermined portions of the polymerizable resin forming an object attached to the lower surface of the object carrier.

Abstract: A 3-D printer apparatus (three-dimensional printer apparatus) includes a bottom structure of a tank. The tank defines a printing area located above and spaced apart from the bottom structure. The bottom structure includes oxygen releasing electrodes. A resin curing device is configured to selectively provide light to the printing area. The electronic controller controls operation of the resin curing device and the oxygen releasing electrodes. The electronic controller selectively operates areas of the oxygen releasing electrodes thereby releasing oxygen to predetermined locations below the printing area in order to temporarily prevent the polymerization of a polymerizable resin within predetermined locations of the printing area during the printing process.