Abstract: A method includes receiving, by a computing device, a raw image indicative of a cross-section of a thermally-sprayed layer. The image includes a matrix of pixels, and each respective pixel in the matrix of pixels defines a luminance value. The method may further include determining, based on the luminance values, at least one pixel that corresponds to an oxide component in the layer and removing the at least one pixel that corresponds to the oxide component in the layer to generate a modified matrix of pixels. The method may further include generating an oxide-filtered image based on the modified matrix of pixels. The method may further include converting, by the computing device and based on the luminance values, the oxide-filtered image into a binary image and determining, by the computing device and based at least partially on the binary image, a porosity of the coating layer.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, by a computing device, an image indicative of a cross-section of a thermally-sprayed layer. The thermally-sprayed layer includes a microstructure. The image comprises a matrix of pixels, each pixel in the matrix of pixels defining a respective luminance value. The method includes determining, by the computing device and based on the luminance values of the matrix of pixels, a quantification of a layering of the microstructure of the thermally-sprayed layer.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, by a computing device, an image indicative of a cross-section of a thermally-sprayed layer. The thermally-sprayed layer defines a porosity comprising a void volume of the thermally-sprayed layer. The image comprises a matrix of pixels, each pixel in the matrix of pixels defining a respective luminance value of a plurality of luminance values. The method includes identifying, based on the luminance values, at least one pixel that is indicative of a void volume in the thermally-sprayed layer. The method includes calculating, based on the at least one pixel that is indicative of the void volume in the thermally-sprayed layer, a total porosity of the thermally-sprayed layer. The method includes determining, by the computing device and based on the at least one pixel that corresponds to a void volume in the thermally-sprayed layer, a quantification of a spatial homogeneity of the porosity of the thermally-sprayed layer.

Abstract: An example article includes a substrate and a barrier coating on the substrate. The barrier coating includes a matrix including a rare-earth disilicate extending from an inner interface facing the substrate to an outer surface opposite the inner interface. The barrier coating includes a graded volumetric distribution of rare-earth oxide rich (REO-rich) phase regions in the matrix along a direction from the inner interface to the outer surface. The graded volumetric distribution defines a first volumetric density of the REO-rich phase regions at a first region of the matrix adjacent the outer surface. The graded volumetric distribution defines a second volumetric density of the REO-rich phase regions at a second region of the matrix adjacent the inner surface. The second volumetric density is different from the first volumetric density. An example technique includes forming the barrier coating on the substrate of a component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective display case for sports cards, designed to safeguard the card from physical damage while incorporating a tamper-evident mechanism and authentication features. The case consists of a transparent top cover and a base cover, both made from medical-grade polypropylene resin, which snap together to create a sealed environment protecting the card from dust, moisture, and contaminants. The top and base covers feature innovative snap mechanisms and are equipped with tamper-proof security labels, enabling immediate authentication without removing the card from the case. Additionally, the display case includes a customizable gasket that enhances protection and aesthetic appeal. This invention provides a secure and efficient method for grading and authenticating sports cards, ensuring both protection and ease of identification.

Abstract: An article includes a silicon-containing ceramic substrate and a coating system overlying the silicon-containing ceramic substrate. The coating system includes an intermediate coating overlying the silicon-containing ceramic substrate and a barrier coating overlying the intermediate coating. The intermediate coating includes silicon and hafnium disilicide. A coefficient of thermal expansion of the intermediate coat is less than about 7 parts per million (ppm) per degree Kelvin (K).

Abstract: An example article includes a substrate and a barrier coating on the substrate. The barrier coating includes a matrix including a rare-earth disilicate extending from an inner interface facing the substrate to an outer surface opposite the inner interface. The barrier coating includes a graded volumetric distribution of rare-earth oxide rich (REO-rich) phase regions in the matrix along a direction from the inner interface to the outer surface. The graded volumetric distribution defines a first volumetric density of the REO-rich phase regions at a first region of the matrix adjacent the outer surface. The graded volumetric distribution defines a second volumetric density of the REO-rich phase regions at a second region of the matrix adjacent the inner surface. The second volumetric density is different from the first volumetric density. An example technique includes forming the barrier coating on the substrate of a component.

Abstract: An example article includes a substrate and a barrier coating on the substrate. The barrier coating includes a matrix including a rare-earth disilicate extending from an inner interface facing the substrate to an outer surface opposite the inner interface. The barrier coating includes a graded volumetric distribution of rare-earth oxide rich (REO-rich) phase regions in the matrix along a direction from the inner interface to the outer surface. The graded volumetric distribution defines a first volumetric density of the REO-rich phase regions at a first region of the matrix adjacent the outer surface. The graded volumetric distribution defines a second volumetric density of the REO-rich phase regions at a second region of the matrix adjacent the inner surface. The second volumetric density is different from the first volumetric density. An example technique includes forming the barrier coating on the substrate of a component.

Abstract: In some examples, an article may include a substrate and a coating system on the substrate. The coating system may include a layer comprising a plurality of voids, wherein respective voids of the plurality of voids define respective void volumes; and a nucleating agent within at least some of the respective void volumes of the layer, wherein the nucleating agent is configured to induce crystallization of the molten CMAS. The coating system may include an environmental barrier coating, thermal barrier coating, and/or abradable coating.

Abstract: Technologies for tracking the location of mobile assets include a tracking device mounted to an asset and radio-frequency identification tags installed or attached to static structures. The radio-frequency identification tags include identification data stored thereon. The identification data is associated with the installed location of the corresponding radio-frequency identification tags. The tracking device includes one or more transceivers configured to energize or trigger the radio-frequency identification tags and receive the stored identification data when the tracking device and asset are in proximity to the tags. The current location of the mobile asset is determined based on the identification data received from the radio-frequency identification tags.

Abstract: An example article includes a substrate and a barrier coating on the substrate. The barrier coating includes a matrix including a rare-earth disilicate extending from an inner interface facing the substrate to an outer surface opposite the inner interface. The barrier coating includes a graded volumetric distribution of rare-earth oxide rich (REO-rich) phase regions in the matrix along a direction from the inner interface to the outer surface. The graded volumetric distribution defines a first volumetric density of the REO-rich phase regions at a first region of the matrix adjacent the outer surface. The graded volumetric distribution defines a second volumetric density of the REO-rich phase regions at a second region of the matrix adjacent the inner surface. The second volumetric density is different from the first volumetric density. An example technique includes forming the barrier coating on the substrate of a component.

Abstract: In some examples, an article may include a substrate and a coating system on the substrate. The coating system may include a layer comprising a plurality of voids, wherein respective voids of the plurality of voids define respective void volumes; and a nucleating agent within at least some of the respective void volumes of the layer, wherein the nucleating agent is configured to induce crystallization of the molten CMAS. The coating system may include an environmental barrier coating, thermal barrier coating, and/or abradable coating.

Abstract: A transceiver module release system is disclosed. The system may be used to release a transceiver module housed in a cage that is permanently mounted on a printed circuit board. The release system may include a bail that rotates a slide-block through a slot to urge the bail forward in a slide-block path on the transceiver module. The bail has a hook shaped structure adapted to be connected with a detachable pull tab. As the bail begins to move forward from the locked position, wedge elements at the end of a pair of slide-block arms extending rearward from the bail may contact locking tabs on the cage, forcing the locking tabs outward. As the locking tabs are forced outward, the shoulders of the transceiver module are released, and the transceiver module is free to slide-block out of the cage as the operator pulls on the bail.

Abstract: A transceiver module release system is disclosed. The system may be used to release a transceiver module housed in a cage that is permanently mounted on a printed circuit board. The release system may include a bail that rotates a slide-block through a slot to urge the bail forward in a slide-block path on the transceiver module. The bail has a hook shaped structure adapted to be connected with a detachable pull tab. As the bail begins to move forward from the locked position, wedge elements at the end of a pair of slide-block arms extending rearward from the bail may contact locking tabs on the cage, forcing the locking tabs outward. As the locking tabs are forced outward, the shoulders of the transceiver module are released, and the transceiver module is free to slide-block out of the cage as the operator pulls on the bail.

Abstract: A release mechanism for releasing a transceiver module from a cage includes a fixed component, a locking component, and a pull component, where the locking component is used for locking the transceiver module in the cage and pivotally connected to the transceiver module. The user pulls the pull component to make the locking component to rotate to unlock and then draw out the transceiver module. The locking component further includes a spring part against the fixed component to resist the rotation and assist the locking component back to the original position. According to the fewer components and the easy assembly of the release mechanism, the total assembly cost of the transceiver module can be reduced significantly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a patient monitoring system for automatically monitoring patient parameters over time while the patient occupies a bed. The patient monitoring system may include a sensing system positioned underneath a patient and separated from the patient by at least one layer of material, the sensing system comprising a plurality of sensor cells, the sensor cells automatically collecting sensor data related to the patient parameters. The patient monitoring system may further include an interface for receiving the collected sensor data from the sensing system and a monitoring engine receiving the collected sensor data from the interface. Calculation components may be provided for determining the patient parameters from the collected sensor data.

Abstract: An improved window shade system, thought to be most beneficial in the Aviation and mass transit context. This system has a series of individual window shade units, each having a multilayer shade configuration. Such multilayer shade configuration provides for a great degree of control with regard to the amount of incidental light actually allowed to enter a passenger compartment. Further, each individual window shade unit is fully automated and may be linked to an adjacent window shade unit in a daisy chain fashion. This system presents novel features in the window shade itself, within the electronic components that operate the window shade, and the relationship between the system and its operators.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a magnetic valve reader used as an indicator tool. The magnetic valve reader determines a location and an orientation for a magnetic indicator device to indicate a device setting of an implantable medical device. The implantable medical device includes the magnetic indicator device coupled to a valve on the implantable medical device. External magnetic fields, specifically the Earth's magnetic field, may interfere with the compass and create an incorrect device setting indication. The electronic reader estimates the external magnetic fields to subtract the estimate from received data to minimize any influence that external magnetic field has on the accuracy of the device setting measurement.