Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for assessing samples using a plurality of charged particle beams. In one arrangement, at least a subset of a beam grid of a plurality of charged particle beams and respective target portions of a sample surface are scanned relative to each other to process the target portions. Signal charged particles from the sample are detected to generate detection signals. A sample surface topographical map is generated that represents a topography of the sample surface by analyzing the detection signals.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) power generation system includes a RF power source that generates a RF output signal delivered to a load. A RF power controller is configured to generate a control signal to vary the RF output signal. The controller adjusts a parameter associated with the RF output signal, and the parameter is controlled in accordance with a trigger signal. The parameter is adjusted over a predetermined number of bins. The parameter is adjusted in accordance with a cost function, and the cost function is determined by introducing a perturbation for each bin into an actuator that affects the cost function. The actuator may control an external RF output signal, and the trigger signal may vary in accordance with the external RF output signal. The perturbation is determined in accordance with a basis set having fewer dimensions than the number of bins.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a 3D printer includes the steps of providing information obtained in a factory calibration indicating a center of an inner diameter of a tip orifice in a metal extrusion nozzle and a center of a tip surface for the nozzle and inductively sensing the nozzle with an eddy current sensor when secured to a print head on a gantry or robotic arm of the 3D printer to identify a sensed location of the center of the tip surface of the nozzle. The method includes determining a location of the center of the inner diameter of the tip orifice on the nozzle on the print head and utilizing the provided information to locate the center of the inner diameter of the tip orifice.

Abstract: A programmable controller stores operational data for a number of embedded functions in multiple vehicles from one or more known manufacturers and is programmable to operation in a selected vehicle among the multiple vehicles.

Abstract: A torque converter management system includes a torque converter having a clutch and a torus. The torque converter management system includes memory hardware that stores instructions, that, when executed on data processing hardware of the system, cause the system to perform operations for protecting the torque converter. The operations include receiving torque converter temperature associated with the torque converter. The operations further include obtaining a torque converter protection schedule including one or more torque converter protective action initiation threshold temperatures each having an associated torque converter protective action and determining whether the torque converter temperature(s) exceeds a first one of the torque converter protective action initiation threshold temperatures.

Abstract: A speech recognition platform configured to receive an audio signal that includes speech from a user and perform automatic speech recognition (ASR) on the audio signal to identify ASR results. The platform may identify: (i) a domain of a voice command within the speech based on the ASR results and based on context information associated with the speech or the user, and (ii) an intent of the voice command. In response to identifying the intent, the platform may perform a corresponding action, such as streaming audio to the device, setting a reminder for the user, purchasing an item on behalf of the user, making a reservation for the user or launching an application for the user. The speech recognition platform, in combination with the device, may therefore facilitate efficient interactions between the user and a voice-controlled device.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) generator includes a power source configured to generate an RF signal applied to the load and a power controller coupled to the power source. The power controller is configured to generate a control signal to vary the RF signal, wherein the control signal adjusts a frequency of the RF signal in accordance with an external RF signal applied to the load. The frequency adjustment is variable in accordance with a cost responsive to a perturbation of the frequency of the RF signal.

Abstract: A battery module, in accordance with a non-limiting example, includes a module housing including a plurality of walls defining an interior, and a plurality of battery cells arranged in the interior. Each of the plurality of battery cells includes a vent. A vent manifold is connected to each of the plurality of battery cells. The vent manifold includes a central passage fluidically connected to the vent in each of the plurality of battery cells and a fluid inlet that selectively allows passage of an amount of fluid into select ones of the plurality of battery cells.

Abstract: A torque converter management system includes a torque converter having a clutch and a torus. The torque converter management system includes memory hardware that stores instructions, that, when executed on data processing hardware of the system, cause the system to perform operations for protecting the torque converter. The operations include receiving torque converter temperature associated with the torque converter. The operations further include obtaining a torque converter protection schedule including one or more torque converter protective action initiation threshold temperatures each having an associated torque converter protective action and determining whether the torque converter temperature(s) exceeds a first one of the torque converter protective action initiation threshold temperatures.

Abstract: A battery module includes a module housing including a plurality of walls defining an interior, an amount of fluid arranged in the interior, and a plurality of battery cells arranged in the interior and at least partially immersed in the amount of fluid. Each of the plurality of battery cells includes a cell can having an interior portion defined by a first wall member, a second wall member arranged opposite the first wall member, a first side wall member, and a second side wall member extending between and connected with the first wall member and the second wall member. The second wall member including a vent. An electrode stack is arranged in the interior portion. The cell can includes a thermally responsive fluid inlet that selectively exposes the interior portion of the cell can to the amount of fluid contained in the interior of the module housing.

Abstract: Provided herein is a single-walled pipette tip rack comprising buttresses for use in automated systems, in some embodiments. Also provided herein is a partial single-walled pipette tip rack comprising posts.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for reducing vibration of a chamber may include obtaining predefined motion data associated with a transferring device stiffly coupled to a chamber; determining movement of the transferring device based on the predefined motion data before the transferring device moves; determining, based on the movement, a first force to be applied to the chamber caused by the movement; and causing a support device of the chamber to apply a second force to the chamber to counteract the first force when the transferring device moves.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a 3D printer includes the steps of providing information obtained in a factory calibration indicating a center of an inner diameter of a tip orifice in a metal extrusion nozzle and a center of a tip surface for the nozzle and inductively sensing the nozzle with an eddy current sensor when secured to a print head on a gantry or robotic arm of the 3D printer to identify a sensed location of the center of the tip surface of the nozzle. The method includes determining a location of the center of the inner diameter of the tip orifice on the nozzle on the print head and utilizing the provided information to locate the center of the inner diameter of the tip orifice.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) power generation system includes a RF power source that generates a RF output signal delivered to a load. A RF power controller is configured to generate a control signal to vary the RF output signal. The controller adjusts a parameter associated with the RF output signal, and the parameter is controlled in accordance with a trigger signal. The parameter is adjusted in accordance with a cost function, and the cost function is determined by intruding a perturbation into an actuator that affects the cost function. The actuator may control an external RF output signal, and the trigger signal may vary in accordance with the external RF output signal.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing sodium lactate (NaL) solid particles is disclosed. The method comprises (a) providing a melt of NaL wherein the melt has a chemical purity of at least 95%. wt., and a water content of less than 5% wt.; (b) providing a cooling surface, which surface is provided with at least partially crystalline seed particles of NaL; (c) applying at least a part of said melt on a cooling surface; (d) crystallizing the applied NaL on the cooling surface forming solid NaL, and; (e) collecting at least part of the solid NaL from the cooling surface as solid NaL particles. Also disclosed are particles of NaL wherein the NaL particles are at least partially crystalline, with a chemical purity of at least 95%. wt., and a water content of less than 5%, and an average weight from 1-100 mg per particle. Uses of the particles are also discussed.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) power generation system includes a RF power source that generates a RF output signal delivered to a load. A RF power controller is configured to generate a control signal to vary the RF output signal. The controller adjusts a parameter associated with the RF output signal, and the parameter is controlled in accordance with a trigger signal. The parameter is adjusted over a predetermined number of bins. The parameter is adjusted in accordance with a cost function, and the cost function is determined by introducing a perturbation for each bin into an actuator that affects the cost function. The actuator may control an external RF output signal, and the trigger signal may vary in accordance with the external RF output signal. The perturbation is determined in accordance with a basis set having fewer dimensions than the number of bins.

Abstract: A cooling system for a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) of a vehicle includes a coolant circuit configured to direct a coolant flow through the RESS to remove thermal energy from the RESS, and a refrigerant circuit through which a flow of refrigerant is circulated. A chiller is fluidly connected to the coolant circuit and the refrigerant circuit and is configured to transfer thermal energy between the coolant circuit and the refrigerant circuit. An auxiliary circuit is fluidly connected to the coolant circuit. The auxiliary circuit is configured to selectably direct at least a portion of the coolant flow across a first side of a cold plate for thermal energy exchange with a phase change material located at a second side of the cold plate. One or more valves are configured to selectably direct the at least a portion of the coolant flow through the auxiliary circuit.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure include a charge port having fast phase change material resolidification. An exemplary charge port can include a plug housing and a direct current terminal electrically coupled to the plug housing. A subassembly is coupled to the direct current terminal. The subassembly includes a cartridge filled with a phase change material and an enhancer. The enhancer includes a top portion and a bottom portion. The bottom portion is embedded within the phase change material and the top portion extends beyond the cartridge into ambient. The phase change material removes heat from the direct current terminal when charging. The enhancer removes heat from the phase change material for rapid resolidification.

Abstract: Provided in part herein are static-defeating apparatus for use in multipipettor systems. Multiple pipette tips can be retained by a static-defeating sheet of material. A multipipettor, having multiple pipettes or nozzles, can engage the pipette tips retained by the sheet. After use, the multipipettor can eject the pipette tips, which sometimes are ejected as a single unit due to the pipette tips being retained by the sheet. In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes a snap plate having one or more holes, and a base rack for ease of mounting.