Abstract: A digital transaction system operable to perform at least one digital transaction with at least one digital transaction device (26, 28, 30, 32), the digital transaction system including a Digital Transaction Card (DTC) (10) including a Digital Transaction Processing Unit (DTPU), the DTPU including a software module including instruction code which, when executed, causes the DTPU to receive and implement instructions in accordance with a standard command protocol (“standard commands”); a DTC external processor; and a DTC transceiver, in which the DTPU software module is operable to receive a plurality of standard commands issued by the DTC external processor responsive to user selection of a desired DTC personality, thus causing the DTPU to adopt the user selected personality; and upon completion of execution of the plurality of standard commands, the DTC (I O) adopts the user selected personality as the personality of the DTC (10).

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for fragmenting chains of nucleic acids (such as DNA) in a liquid sample. A liquid sample is provided, comprising chains of nucleic acids. A sample treatment device has a sample treatment zone. The liquid sample is contacted with the sample treatment zone. Surface acoustic waves (SAWs) are propagated along a surface of the sample treatment zone, or more generated acoustic waves are propagated to couple with the sample, and/or the sample is subjected to freeze-thaw cycling, in order to cause fragmentation of said chains of nucleic acids in the sample.

Abstract: Embodiments of a display device including barrier layer coated quantum dots and a method of making the barrier layer coated quantum dots are described. Each of the barrier layer coated quantum dots includes a core-shell structure and a hydrophobic barrier layer disposed on the core-shell structure. The hydrophobic barrier layer is configured to provide a distance between the core-shell structure of one of the quantum dots with the core-shell structures of other quantum dots that are in substantial contact with the one of the quantum dots. The method for making the barrier layer coated quantum dots includes forming reverse micro-micelles using surfactants and incorporating quantum dots into the reverse micro-micelles. The method further includes individually coating the incorporated quantum dots with a barrier layer and isolating the barrier layer coated quantum dots with the surfactants of the reverse micro-micelles disposed on the barrier layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to providing configurations of robotic devices are provided. A computing device can receive a configuration request for a robotic device including environmental information and task information for tasks requested to be performed by the robotic device in an environment. The computing device can determine task-associated regions in the environment. A task-associated region for a given task can include a region of the environment that the robotic device is expected to reach while performing the given task. Based at least on the task-associated regions, the computing device can determine respective dimensions of components of the robotic device and an arrangement for assembling the components into the robotic device so that the robotic device is configured to perform at least one task in the environment. The computing device can provide a configuration that includes the respectively determined dimensions and the determined arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to non-naturally occurring polypeptides useful for preparing armodafinil, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods of using the polypeptides. The non-naturally occurring polypeptides of the present invention are effective in carrying out biocatalytic conversion of the (i) 2-(benzhydrylsulfinyl)acetamide to (?)-2-[(R)-(diphenylmethyl)sulfinyl]acetamide (armodafinil), or (ii) benzhydryl-thioacetic acid to (R)-2-(benzhydrylsulfinyl)acetic acid, which is a pivotal intermediate in the synthesis of armodafinil, in enantiomeric excess.

Abstract: Quantum dots and methods of making quantum dots are described. A method begins with forming quantum dots having a core-shell structure with a plurality of ligands on the shell structure. The method includes exchanging the plurality of ligands with a plurality of second ligands. The plurality of second ligands have a weaker binding affinity to the shell structure than the plurality of first ligands. The plurality of second ligands are then exchanged with hydrolyzed alkoxysilane to form a monolayer of hydrolyzed alkoxysilane on a surface of the shell structure. The method includes forming a barrier layer around the shell structure by using the hydrolyzed alkoxysilane as a nucleation center.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing microcrystalline alpha alane are provided herein. An exemplary process comprises the elimination of the crystallization aid lithium borohydride through the use of excess lithium aluminum hydride or sodium borohydride. Further exemplary processes comprise methods for passivating microcrystalline alpha alane using a weak acid in a nonaqueous solvent solution.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing microcrystalline alpha alane are provided herein. An exemplary process comprises the elimination of the crystallization aid lithium borohydride through the use of excess lithium aluminum hydride or sodium borohydride. Further exemplary processes comprise methods for passivating microcrystalline alpha alane using a weak acid in a nonaqueous solvent solution.

Abstract: A surfactant suitable for use as an additive in the heat transfer liquid of a heating and/or cooling system, wherein the surfactant comprises a coconut-derived surfactant, the preferred coconut-derived surfactant being a non-ionic, coco-glucoside. The surfactant can be used as an additive in a heat transfer fluid of a wet central heating system or a chiller circuit at a concentration of between 800 ppm and 1500 ppm, but preferably 1200 ppm, as this has surprisingly been found to yield an optimum reduction in the surface tension of the heat transfer fluid, whilst not significantly or appreciably increasing the specific heat capacity of the heat transfer fluid.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide for an inspiratory limb for a breathing circuit that includes a first segment that comprises a first heater wire circuit and a second segment that comprises a second heater wire circuit. The inspiratory limb can include an intermediate connector that includes a connection circuit that electrically couples the first heater wire circuit to the second heater wire circuit. The inspiratory limb can be configured to operate in two modes wherein, in a first mode, electrical power passes through the first electrical connection to provide power to the first heater wire circuit without providing power to the second heater wire circuit, and in a second mode, electrical power pass through the first electrical connection to provide power to both the first heater wire circuit and the second heater wire circuit.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to providing configurations of robotic devices are provided. A computing device can receive a configuration request for a robotic device including environmental information and task information for tasks requested to be performed by the robotic device in an environment. The computing device can determine task-associated regions in the environment. A task-associated region for a given task can include a region of the environment that the robotic device is expected to reach while performing the given task. Based at least on the task-associated regions, the computing device can determine respective dimensions of components of the robotic device and an arrangement for assembling the components into the robotic device so that the robotic device is configured to perform at least one task in the environment. The computing device can provide a configuration that includes the respectively determined dimensions and the determined arrangement.

Abstract: A permanent split capacitor (PSC) motor includes a stator defining an axis of rotation and a rotor disposed adjacent the stator. The stator includes a start winding, a capacitor electrically coupled in series with the start winding, a first plurality of windings, and a second plurality of windings. The motor includes first and second sets of electrical leads connected respectively to the first plurality of windings and to the second plurality of windings, the first plurality of windings and the second plurality of windings respectively configurated to rotate the motor respectively at a first and second rotational speeds of the motor when mounted respectively to the first machine and to the second machine.

Abstract: An adaptor module and methods for controlling a replacement motor in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system are provided. The adaptor module includes a plurality of tap connectors, each configured to receive a control signal. The adaptor module also includes a user interface having a plurality of switches that are adjustable into a plurality of different configurations, wherein each of the plurality of configurations correlates to at least one stored operating parameter for application to the motor. The adaptor module also includes a processing device configured to determine an operating parameter at which to operate the motor based on the configuration of the plurality of switches and based on a determination of which tap connector is receiving the control signal. The adaptor module also transmits a command signal including instructions for the motor to operate in accordance with the determined operating parameter.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for achieving stable tracking and/or manipulation by robots of objects. In various implementations, it may be detected, based on force signal(s) from force sensor(s), that an end effector of the robot has made physical contact with an environmental object. Based on the force signal(s), end effector constraint(s) may be identified. These constraint(s) may include a position constraint associated with position control of the end effector and/or a grasp force constraint associated with grasp force control of the end effector. Error measure(s) may be determined based on a measured position/force of the end effector. The error measure(s) may include a position control and/or grasp control error. The measured position and/or force may be compared with the end effector constraint(s) to reduce an impact of the error measure(s) on operation of the robot.

Abstract: This invention provides a high temperature vacuum furnace including a hot zone designed for improved energy efficiency resulting in lower electrical power usage, lower manufacturing costs and easier replacement of components for lower maintenance costs. The hot zone has an outer supporting wall and an inner insulating wall surrounded by a new HEFVAC high density, high strength, low conductivity and low moisture-sensitive graphite insulation board ring connected in a unique z-shaped arrangement that contains radiant energy within the hot zone during the heat treating cycle. The hot zone further includes heating elements made of high quality graphite for increased thermal efficiency of the furnace. Also included in the hot zone are lower mass, tapered graphite nozzles that can sustain high pressure gas flow and decrease conductive heat losses from the nozzles to the hot zone chamber outer supporting wall during the heat treating cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to non-naturally occurring polypeptides useful for preparing armodafinil, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods of using the polypeptides. The non-naturally occurring polypeptides of the present invention are effective in carrying out biocatalytic conversion of the (i) 2-(benzhydrylsulfinyl)acetamide to (?)-2-[(R)-(diphenylmethyl)sulfinyl]acetamide (armodafinil), or (ii) benzhydryl-thioacetic acid to (R)-2-(benzhydrylsulfinyl)acetic acid, which is a pivotal intermediate in the synthesis of armodafinil, in enantiomeric excess.

Abstract: Glass furnace regenerators having opposed pairs of side and end walls formed of refractory blocks, wherein at last one of the side and end walls of the regenerator comprise an interlocking plurality of refractory blocks, and wherein the refractory blocks are self-supporting and load-bearing one-piece pre-cast structures of a refractory material. Tie back bars may be provided to operatively connect a wall formed of the refractory blocks to externally provided buckstays to allow relative movement between the refractor blocks forming the wall and the buckstays (e.g., as may be required due to the blocks undergoing thermal expansion during use).

Abstract: Shaving systems are disclosed that include a replaceable shaving assembly and a cartridge connecting structure for connecting the shaving assembly to a handle. In preferred implementations, the cartridge connecting structure has a magnetic portion configured to help draw the cartridge onto the handle and retain the cartridge in place when the razor is not in contact with the skin, and a mechanical engagement that provides the necessary retention forces required to keep the system intact during shaving.

Abstract: A heterogeneous electrical energy storage system (HESS) is managed by determining a power demand of a dynamic electrical power load in a system having multiple rechargeable energy storage components, each of the energy storage components having a respective capacity, energy delivery rate, energy density, specific energy, and cycle characteristic. In response to determining the power demand of the electrical power load, one or more of the energy storage components are discharged to supply power to the electrical power load in accordance with at least one of: a respective remaining capacity measured for at least some of the energy storage components, and the power demand of the electrical power load relative to one or more respective rate limits currently applied to the energy storage components.

Abstract: The invention relates to new compositions of polyorganic functional groups modified silica. The compositions contain a wide range of different functional groups such as mercapto, sulfide, thiourea, amines and amides in the same composition and each of these functional groups are present in an array of numerous different oligomers, configurations and stereochemistry. These functional groups have a strong affinity for metals and particular targets. Combining a high number of these functional groups together in the same composition enhances the overall binding affinity of the functionalised material. Combination with different structural configurations further enhances the capacity to bind to diverse structural variations in the targets found in actual process, product and waste streams. This multitude of binding mechanisms enables very high levels of purification and target removal as well as selectivity to be achieved in product, process and waste streams.