Abstract: A thermal storage solution system is disclosed herein. The system includes an insulated container having a thermal storage medium, a heating element configured to heat the thermal storage medium, a heat receiving unit (e.g., thermophotovoltaic (TPV) heat engine, heat transfer fluid, an industrial process component) configured to convert heat into electric energy, and a mechanism configured to control a view factor between the thermal storage medium and the heat engine. In another embodiment, the system includes multiple thermal storage media as unit cells in a single enclosure or container with insulation between adjacent unit cells.

Abstract: While a vehicle is in a minimal power state, a first sensor is activated based on a location of the vehicle within a monitored area. The vehicle is transitioned to an on state based on detecting an object via data from the first sensor. Then the vehicle is operated to block an exit from the monitored area based on identifying the object as an unauthorized object.

Abstract: A surgical portal or portal system can include a portal assembly and a base plate assembly. The portal assembly can include a portal head and a portal stem disposed on a distal end of the portal head. The base plate assembly can include a depth stop disposed on a force dissipating plate. The depth of a working portal can be adjusted.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus is presented. The lighting apparatus includes a semiconductor light source capable of producing blue light of high power density, the semiconductor light source radiationally coupled to a phosphor of formula I in a monolithic form selected from single crystal and ceramic, Ax (M, Mn)Fy (I) where A is Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, or a combination thereof, M is Si, Ge, Sn, Ti, Zr, Al, Ga, In, Sc, Hf, Y, La, Nb, Ta, Bi, Gd, or a combination thereof, x is an absolute value of a charge of an [MFy] ion; and y is 5, 6, or 7.

Abstract: The present approach generally relates to systems and methods for implementing energy modulated tomographic imaging of nanoparticles. In certain embodiments, a first energy is used to activate probe particles labeling an anatomy or tissue of interest. The probe particles, once activated, emit photons at a different rate and/or spectrum in response to an underlying physiological event, such as action potentials propagating in the labeled anatomy or tissue. The emitted photons may then be detected and used to map or image the occurrence of the physiological event.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus is presented. The lighting apparatus includes a semiconductor light source capable of producing blue light of high power density, the semiconductor light source radiationally coupled to a phosphor of formula I in a monolithic form selected from single crystal and ceramic, Ax (M, Mn)Fy (I) where A is Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, or a combination thereof, M is Si, Ge, Sn, Ti, Zr, Al, Ga, In, Sc, Hf, Y, La, Nb, Ta, Bi, Gd, or a combination thereof, x is an absolute value of a charge of an [MFy] ion; and y is 5, 6, or 7.

Abstract: Blue and green-emitting Eu2+-activated oxyhalide phosphors of formula A-E may be used in devices for lighting or display applications: A. M3SiO3X4:Eu2+; B. M5Si3O9X4:Eu2+; C. M1.64Si0.82O3.1X0.36:Eu2+; D. M10Si3O9X14:Eu2+; E. M2SiO3X2:Eu2+; and wherein M is Ba, Ca, Sr, or a mixture thereof; X is Cl or Br, or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: The present approach generally relates to systems and methods for implementing energy modulated tomographic imaging of nanoparticles. In certain embodiments, a first energy is used to activate probe particles labeling an anatomy or tissue of interest. The probe particles, once activated, emit photons at a different rate and/or spectrum in response to an underlying physiological event, such as action potentials propagating in the labeled anatomy or tissue. The emitted photons may then be detected and used to map or image the occurrence of the physiological event.

Abstract: A leg guard includes a base and a pad assembly. The base is made of a rigid material, and includes a shin portion having a convex outer surface. The pad assembly includes a pad having a first concave surface adapted to engage the convex outer surface of the shin guard, and a second non-concave surface opposite the first surface.

Abstract: A blue or yellow persistent phosphor composition is provided, along with methods for making and using the composition. In one embodiment, the phosphor comprises a formula of Aa-b-c-BdCe(Of-gNg):Eub,-REc, wherein, A may be Sr, Ca, Ba, or a combination thereof; B may be Mg, Zn, Co, or a combination thereof; C may be Si, Ge, or a combination thereof; a is between 1 and 2.0; b is between 0.0005 and 0.1; c is between 0.0005 and 0.1; d is between 0.9 and 1; e is between 2 and 2.1; f is between 6 and 7; g is between 0.001 and 0.1; and RE is Dy, Nd, Er, Ho, Tm, Yb or a combination thereof. Embodiments use Sr, Mg and Si to produce blue phosphors or Ca, Mg and Si to produce yellow phosphors. In other embodiments, methods for making and applications for using, including uses in toys, emergency equipment, clothing, and instrument panels, are provided.

Abstract: A blue (Sr rich) or yellow (Ca rich) persistent phosphor composition is provided, along with methods for making and using the composition. More specifically, in one embodiment, the phosphor includes a material having a formula of Aa-b-c BdCe(Of-gNg):Eub, REc. In this formula, A may be Sr, Ca, Ba, or a combination of these metals; B may be Mg, Zn, Co, or a combination thereof; C may be Si, Ge, or a combination thereof; a is between 1 and 2.0; b is between 0.0005 and 0.1; c is between 0.0005 and 0.1; d is between 0.9 and 1; e is between 2 and 2.1; f is between 6 and 7; g is between 0.001 and 0.1; and RE is Dy, Nd, Er, Ho, Tm, Yb or a combination thereof. Beneficial embodiments use Sr, Mg and Si to produce phosphors that are blue in color or Ca, Mg and Si to produce phosphors that are yellow in color. In another embodiment, methods are provided for making persistent phosphors having the formulations above.

Abstract: A blue persistent phosphor composition is provided, along with methods for making and using the composition. More specifically, in one embodiment, the phosphor includes a material having a formula of A3M10-xC1+x(O20-xNx):Eu, RE wherein A may be Ba, Sr, Ca, K, Na or a combination thereof, M may be Al, B, Zn, Co, Ga, Sc or a combination thereof, and C may be Si or Ge or a combination thereof; x is between 0.001 and 5.0; and RE is Dy, Nd, Er, Ho, Tm, Yb, Sm or a combination thereof. Beneficial embodiments use Sr, Si and a combination of Al and B to produce phosphors that are blue in color and have a slower rate of decay. In another embodiment, methods are provided for making persistent phosphors having the formulations above. Other embodiments provide applications for such a phosphor, including uses in toys, emergency equipment, clothing, and instrument panels, among others.

Abstract: A method of regulating usage and/or concession eligibility in a smart card system is described herein. A card acceptance location (110) detects a presence of a smart card and determines its identification code. The card acceptance location (110) checks the identification code against a list stored locally at the card acceptance location (110). The card acceptance location (110) received the list from a second device. If the identification code of the smart card is listed on the list, the card acceptance location (110) performs an action on the smart card.