Abstract: There is disclosed a computer-controlled dispenser system. The system includes a first set of repositories for fluid components suitable for combination into different mixtures, a second set of repositories for viscous components suitable for combination into different mixtures, and a dispensing nozzle where the fluid and viscous components are dispensed. The system further includes a set of valves and pumps for moving fluid and viscous components to a dispensing nozzle and a scale for measuring an amount of fluid and viscous components dispensed from the dispensing nozzle. The system enables computer control to ensure accurate output of both fluid and viscous components according to the instructions received for their creation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a computer-controlled dispenser system. The system includes a first set of repositories for fluid components suitable for combination into different mixtures, a second set of repositories for viscous components suitable for combination into different mixtures, and a dispensing nozzle where the fluid and viscous components are dispensed. The system further includes a set of valves and pumps for moving fluid and viscous components to a dispensing nozzle and a scale for measuring an amount of fluid and viscous components dispensed from the dispensing nozzle. The system enables computer control to ensure accurate output of both fluid and viscous components according to the instructions received for their creation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for mixing a product including a high-precision scale for weighing product combinates added to the product, a series of computer-controlled flow control mechanisms for releasing product combinates as directed by a first computing device, a machine-readable label printer for printing a label including instructions to create the product from the product combinates at the direction of the first computing device, and a machine-readable language scanner for the label at the direction of the first computing device. The first computing device receives a request for the product, directs the machine-readable label printer to print the label including the instructions, directs the machine-readable language scanner to read the instructions; and operates the series of flow control mechanisms in response to data from the high-precision scale to release at least one of the product combinates in an amount directed by the instructions to create the product.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for enabling dynamic mixture of hair colorant for individuals within a local retail establishment or salon. The system utilizes a dynamically-updatable database of hair colorant mixtures, based upon input data regarding natural hair color and current state to generate a suitable mixture. The same system and database can be used for subsequent refill orders from a remote manufacturing site. The remote manufacturing system operates in much the same way, but at a larger scale, and can be used for subsequent refill orders submitted online. Whichever system is used, the same user and colorant mixtures will be generated, and any updates or changes to the colorant mixture will appear on any system reliant upon the same database of colorant combinate instructions.

Abstract: Composite materials and methods of forming composite materials are provided. The composite materials described herein can be utilized as an electrode material for a battery. In certain embodiments, the composite material includes greater than 0% and less than about 90% by weight silicon particles, and greater than 0% and less than about 90% by weight of one or more types of carbon phases. At least one of the one or more types of carbon phases can be a substantially continuous phase. The method of forming a composite material can include providing a mixture that includes a precursor and silicon particles, and pyrolyzing the precursor to convert the precursor into one or more types of carbon phases to form the composite material.

Abstract: Composite materials and methods of forming composite materials are provided. The composite materials described herein can be utilized as an electrode material for a battery. In certain embodiments, the composite material includes greater than 0% and less than about 90% by weight silicon particles, and greater than 0% and less than about 90% by weight of one or more types of carbon phases. At least one of the one or more types of carbon phases can be a substantially continuous phase. The method of forming a composite material can include providing a mixture that includes a precursor and silicon particles, and pyrolysing the precursor to convert the precursor into one or more types of carbon phases to form the composite material.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, an electrode includes a body of material formed in substantial part of carbon, the body having an exterior surface and an interior located within the exterior surface, and a plurality cavities located in the interior of the body. Each of the cavities is in communication with the exterior of the body and has an interior surface. The cavities can each be sized to accommodate a battery separator located therein and substantially covering the interior surface of the cavity.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a gas phase deposited porous separator is provided. The porous separator can be deposited onto an electrode. The electrode can include at least one cavity or protrusion, and the separator layer can be gas phase deposited onto a surface of the at least one cavity or protrusion. In certain embodiments, a method of gas phase depositing a separator layer is provided.

Abstract: C-MEMS architecture having carbon structures with high surface areas due to high aspect ratios and nanoscale surface enhancements, and improved systems and methods for producing such structures are provided. Specifically, high aspect ratio carbon structures are microfabricated by pyrolyzing a patterned carbon precursor polymer. Pyrolysing the polymer preferably comprises a multi-step process in an atmosphere of inert and forming gas at high temperatures that trail the glass transition temperature (Tg) for the polymer. The surface area of the carbon microstructures is increases by nanotexturing the surface through oxygen plasma exposure, and by integrating nanoscale structures with the carbon microstructures by exposing the carbon microstructures and a catalyst to hydrocarbon gas. In a preferred embodiment, the carbon microstructures are the source of carbon gas.

Abstract: C-MEMS architecture having carbon structures with high surface areas due to high aspect ratios and nanoscale surface enhancements, and improved systems and methods for producing such structures are provided. Specifically, high aspect ratio carbon structures are microfabricated by pyrolyzing a patterned carbon precursor polymer. Pyrolysing the polymer preferably comprises a multi-step process in an atmosphere of inert and forming gas at high temperatures that trail the glass transition temperature (Tg) for the polymer. The surface area of the carbon microstructures is increases by nanotexturing the surface through oxygen plasma exposure, and by integrating nanoscale structures with the carbon microstructures by exposing the carbon microstructures and a catalyst to hydrocarbon gas. In a preferred embodiment, the carbon microstructures are the source of carbon gas.

Abstract: C-MEMS architecture having high aspect ratio carbon structures and improved systems and methods for producing high aspect ratio C-MEMS structures are provided. Specifically, high aspect ratio carbon structures are microfabricated by pyrolyzing a patterned carbon precursor polymer. Pyrolysing the polymer preferably comprises a multi-step process in an atmosphere of inert and forming gas at high temperatures that trail the glass transit temperature (Tg) for the polymer. Multi-layer C-MEMS carbon structures are formed from multiple layers of negative photoresist, wherein a first layer forms carbon interconnects and the second and successive layers form high aspect ratio carbon structures. High-conductivity interconnect traces to connect C-MEMS carbon structures are formed by depositing a metal layer on a substrate, patterning a polymer precursor on top of the metal layer and pyrolyzing the polymer to create the final structure.