Abstract: An anode for an energy storage device includes a current collector having an electrically conductive layer and a surface layer overlaying the electrically conductive layer. A lithium storage layer may overlay the surface layer. The surface layer may include manganese. The lithium storage layer may include at least 40 atomic % silicon, germanium, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method of operating a set of dispatchers for a manufacturing facility, wherein each dispatcher of the set of dispatchers is a software application that makes dispatch decisions for the manufacturing facility based on facility data related to the manufacturing facility, includes identifying a first dispatcher of the set of dispatchers, wherein the first dispatcher is a non-initialized dispatcher, selecting, as an initialization partner, a second dispatcher of the set of dispatchers, and causing the first dispatcher to initiate a data retrieval process with the second dispatcher to retrieve, from the second dispatcher, an initial set of facility data related to the manufacturing facility.

Abstract: Method, apparatus, and computer program product are disclosed for estimating evapotranspiration (ET) using thermal and optical images. In some embodiments, a color image and a thermal image are acquired substantially simultaneously, each capturing a target of interest associated with an agricultural crop. Features, including color features and/or texture features, are extracted from the color image. The color image is segmented into surface temperature components based on the extracted features. The surface temperature components are selected from the group consisting of sunlit soil, sunlit residue, sunlit vegetation, sunlit snow, shaded soil, shaded residue, shaded vegetation, and shaded snow. The color image and the thermal image are co-registered to provide a registered thermal image. A component temperature is assigned to each of the surface temperature components by applying component masks to the registered thermal image.

Abstract: Method, apparatus, and computer program product are disclosed for estimating evapotranspiration (ET) using thermal and optical images. In some embodiments, a color image and a thermal image are acquired substantially simultaneously, each capturing a target of interest associated with an agricultural crop. Features, including color features and/or texture features, are extracted from the color image. The color image is segmented into surface temperature components based on the extracted features. The surface temperature components are selected from the group consisting of sunlit soil, sunlit residue, sunlit vegetation, sunlit snow, shaded soil, shaded residue, shaded vegetation, and shaded snow. The color image and the thermal image are co-registered to provide a registered thermal image. A component temperature is assigned to each of the surface temperature components by applying component masks to the registered thermal image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to detect breaks in tracks and/or detect the presence of a vehicle, such as a train, in a monitored section of the track or rail. Embodiments of the present invention measure the change in track inductance associated with a track or rail break. Electrical shunts are connected between the rails at spaced-apart intervals (for example a shunt can be placed every mile). At least two different frequencies of alternating current are generated and fed into the segments of rail (for example at or near a mid-point between the shunts). If a rail break occurs, the total inductance of the rail at that segment will change. Using two or more frequencies allows a rail break to be differentiated from environmental rail-to-rail and rail-to-earth leakage.

Abstract: A fenestration unit is disclosed. In various examples, the fenestration unit includes a plurality of panels, including first and second panels. In some examples, one or more of the plurality of panels is configured to slide relative to a frame of the fenestration unit to provide an opening in the fenestration unit. In various examples, each of the first and second panels are also configured to be pivoted relative to the frame such that the first and second panels can be hinged or otherwise pivoted open to increase the size of the opening in the fenestration unit.

Abstract: An anode for an energy storage device may include a current collector. An anode may include a first lithium storage layer overlaying the current collector. An anode may include a first intermediate layer overlaying at least a portion of the first lithium storage layer. An anode may include a second lithium storage layer overlaying the first intermediate layer. The first lithium storage layer may be a continuous porous lithium storage layer including a total content of silicon, germanium, or a combination thereof, of at least 40 atomic %. The first intermediate layer may include a first sublayer in contact with an underlying lithium storage layer and a second sublayer overlaying the first sublayer and in contact with an overlying lithium storage layer, the first sublayer having different a chemical composition than the second sublayer.

Abstract: Sliding operator assemblies and associated fenestration units, systems, and methods of use and assembly are described. Some such sliding operator assemblies transition a first, linear actuation force along a first axis (e.g., vertical) to a second actuation force along a second axis (e.g., horizontal) to cause a drive mechanism to impart opening and closing forces, respectively, on the sash. Some designs relate to belt-, twisted ribbon-, or band-drive sliding operator assemblies.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating obesity are provided. More particularly, intragastric devices and methods of fabricating, deploying, inflating, monitoring, and retrieving the same are provided.

Abstract: A loading device for loading pellets into reactor tubes has a modular design, which can be taken apart, moved through a manway, and then reassembled simply by stacking one part on top of another. A reciprocating slide plate and a vibrator work together to meter pellets through the loading device and into the reactor tubes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to detect breaks in tracks and/or detect the presence of a vehicle, such as a train, in a monitored section of the track or rail. Embodiments of the present invention measure the change in track inductance associated with a track or rail break. Electrical shunts are connected between the rails at spaced-apart intervals (for example a shunt can be placed every mile). At least two different frequencies of alternating current are generated and fed into the segments of rail (for example at or near a mid-point between the shunts). If a rail break occurs, the total inductance of the rail at that segment will change. Using two or more frequencies allows a rail break to be differentiated from environmental rail-to-rail and rail-to-earth leakage.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a substrate having a first dielectric constant, a porous semiconductor layer situated over the substrate, and a crystalline epitaxial layer situated over the porous semiconductor layer. A first semiconductor device is situated in the crystalline epitaxial layer. The porous semiconductor layer has a second dielectric constant that is substantially less than the first dielectric constant such that the porous semiconductor layer reduces signal leakage from the first semiconductor device. The semiconductor structure can include a second semiconductor device situated in the crystalline epitaxial layer, and an electrical isolation region separating the first and second semiconductor devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for navigation and positioning a central venous catheter within a patient. The system may include a first pole and a second pole designed to generate an electric field sufficient to obtain a plurality of field measurements. The system may include a stylet inserted into a medical device. The stylet may include a magnetic assembly configured to produce a magnetic field positioned along a distal portion of the stylet, and a stylet electrode positioned distal of the magnetic assembly. The stylet electrode may be designed to function as both an interior excitation electrode and an interior detection electrode. Advancement of the medical device in the patient may include using a conductance curve generated from the plurality of field measurements to identify an obstruction or malposition in the patient.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to tool string embodiments, system embodiments, and method embodiments for testing and/or sampling a formation in an open hole hydrocarbon well, for example in order to determine whether the well merits production. Disclosed embodiments can be concerned with minimizing hydrocarbon emissions during testing, for example to provide a greener testing approach. Thus, improvements to reservoir testing a hydrocarbon well are disclosed.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods herein relate to managing a chronic condition such as diabetes. These systems and methods may obtain patient data from a plurality of devices, integrate the data for analysis of trends that may be presented to the patient and/or health care professional along with an actionable suggestion. In some variations, a method may include the steps of receiving analyte data generated by an analyte measurement device and patient data generated by a patient measurement device. One or more data trends may be generated by analyzing the analyte data against the patient data using a computing device. The device settings of one or more of the analyte measurement device and the computing device may be modified in response to one or more of the data trends.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a compound having a STING agonistic activity, which may be expected to be useful as an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of STING-related diseases. The present disclosure relates to a compound represented by the formula (I): wherein each symbol is as defined in the description, or a salt thereof.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to tool string embodiments, system embodiments, and method embodiments for testing and/or sampling a formation in an open hole hydrocarbon well, for example in order to determine whether the well merits production. Disclosed embodiments can be concerned with minimizing hydrocarbon emissions during testing, for example to provide a greener testing approach. Thus, improvements to reservoir testing a hydrocarbon well are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an abrasive assembly and a method of making an abrasive assembly. The method can include receiving a segmented adhesive-backed abrasive article that includes a release liner and a plurality of abrasive segments disposed on the release liner. Each abrasive segment comprises a segment abrasive layer and a segment adhesive layer that each have a smaller planar surface area than a planar surface area of an adhesive-backed abrasive sheet. The release liner of the segmented adhesive-backed abrasive article is continuous and connects the plurality of abrasive segments which are discrete from each other. The method can include applying transfer film assembly to the segmented adhesive-backed abrasive article. A second adhesive layer of the transfer film assembly adheres to the segment abrasive layer and the segment abrasive layer is sandwiched between the segment adhesive layer of a first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer.

Abstract: Powder alloy compositions and associated additive manufacturing techniques are described herein for production of sintered articles with microstructure and/or enhanced wear and corrosion resistance. In some embodiments, an article comprises sintered cobalt-based alloy having chromium carbide precipitates dispersed therein, the chromium carbide precipitates having an average size less than 4 ?m.

Abstract: An abrasive article having a removable support sheet having a first major surface. An image layer containing inks applied over the first major surface. A polyurethane backing layer having a first major backing surface located adjacent to the image layer and a second major backing surface opposite the first major surface. A functional layer comprising an abrasive layer applied to the second major surface; the abrasive layer comprising a make coat, abrasive particles and a size coat.