Abstract: A plated article is provided comprising a) a polymeric substrate bearing b) a tie/seed layer in direct contact with the polymeric substrate and c) a plated metal layer, wherein the tie/seed layer has a thickness of less than 0.95 ?m, and wherein the tie/seed layer comprises two or more layers of tin alternating with two or more layers of copper, and in some embodiments up to ten or more layers of tin alternating with ten or more layers of copper. In some embodiments, the tie/seed layer includes a layer of tin in direct contact with the polymeric substrate. Typically, the layers of tin and copper comprising the tie/seed layer are sputter coated layers. In some embodiments, the plated metal layer comprises an alloy of copper and tin. In some embodiments, the plated metal layer comprises layers comprised of tin alternating with layers comprised of copper.

Abstract: A multi-arm swiveling mute rack provides swiveling arms and annular members that retain instrument mutes in an upright position, allowing each mute to be independently swiveled horizontally up to 360° for selective access to mutes. A base portion mounts to a shaft or flat surface near a musician for supporting mute rack. An axle extends vertically from base portion. A stationary lower plate receives axle, and a lower arm terminating at a lower annular member extends from the lower plate to retain a mute. Multiple rotatable upper plates and their respective upper arms terminating at upper annular members stacked above the lower plate. The upper plates swivel about the axle so that their respective arms and annular members swivel while retaining mutes. The arms are marked to define the relative angle of the mutes to each other. Multiple music item containers at the base portion retain music related items.

Abstract: Flow batteries can include a first half-cell containing a first aqueous electrolyte solution, a first electrolyte receptacle, a second half-cell containing a second aqueous electrolyte solution, a second electrolyte receptacle, and a separator disposed between the first half-cell and the second half-cell. The first aqueous electrolyte solution contains a first redox-active material and first mobile ions that are each continuously soluble, and the second aqueous electrolyte solution contains a second redox-active material and second mobile ions that are each continuously soluble. At least one of the first redox-active material and the second redox-active material is a phenothiazine compound, a sulfur-oxidized variant thereof, or a salt thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described to improve efficiency in the manufacturing of a product for a manufacturer. The system includes a manufacturing route. The manufacturing route specifies at least two dimensions, where a first dimension of the at least two dimensions is a client machine and a second dimension of the at least two dimensions is a process associated with the client machine. A data stream is responsive to the plurality of dimensions. A database is configured to receive the data stream. A processor is configured to provide data from the data stream that indicate a symptom of a problem which can occur within the manufacturing route.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed relating to smart renewable power generation systems with grid and DC source flexibility that can (1) intelligently and selectively pull power from one or multiple DC sources including solar panels, wind generators, and batteries based on certain criteria; (2) invert DC power to AC power; (3) supply the AC power to the electric grid or to an off-grid electric circuit to power AC loads; (4) supply DC power through one or multiple DC output ports to power DC loads; and (5) charge batteries. Various types of on-grid, off-grid, and on/off-grid DC flexible power inverters are described to demonstrate the innovation for delivering flexible, cost-effective, and user-friendly power generation systems to harvest any form of renewable energy available and convert it to usable electricity.

Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to holographic near-eye display systems. One example provides a near-eye display device, comprising a diverging light source, an image producing dynamic digital hologram panel configured to receive light from the diverging light source and form an image. The near-eye display device also includes and a combiner comprising a holographic optical element positioned to receive light from the dynamic digital hologram panel and to redirect the light toward an eyebox, the holographic optical element being positioned between the eyebox and a view of an external environment to combine a view of the image formed by the dynamic digital hologram panel and the view of the external environment.

Abstract: In one illustrative example, TV usage data associated with a residential set-top box (STB) are obtained and stored over a plurality of repeated (e.g. weekly) time periods. TV usage pattern data associated with the residential STB are derived based on the stored TV usage data. A suspected illegitimate use of the residential STB is identified based on identifying a match or correlation between the TV usage pattern data and one of a plurality of predetermined commercial TV usage patterns. Further, for each listing data of one or more published listings of business hours, types, and themes associated with one or more commercial establishments, a comparison or correlation is performed between the TV usage pattern data and the listing data. A commercial establishment associated with illegitimate use is identified based on identifying a match or correlation between the TV usage pattern data and the listing data associated with the commercial establishment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stereochemically defined polypropionates and methods for preparing and using the same. The stereochemically defined polypropionates may be useful in the synthesis of natural products and/or natural product-like libraries.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a high pressure regulation system for a ball valve used in a wellbore is disclosed. The high pressure ball valve includes an outer wall, an inner wall disposed in the outer wall, a tubing defined by an inner diameter of the inner wall, an annulus defined by an outer diameter of the inner wall and an inner diameter of the outer wall, a lower chamber formed in the annulus, and a relief valve fluidically coupled to the lower chamber. The relief valve is to control a pressure differential between a pressure in the lower chamber and a pressure in the tubing.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a Zinc Oxide (ZnO) conductive film on a semiconductor material, including depositing a doped ZnO seed layer on a diode, wherein the ZnO seed layer forms an electrical contact to the diode; and depositing a ZnO layer on the ZnO seed layer, wherein the ZnO seed layer and the ZnO layer each have a thickness, a crystal quality, and a doping level such that (1) the diode comprising III-nitride material is turned on with a turn on voltage of 2.75 volts or less applied across the ZnO layers and the diode, and (2) a contact resistance, of a structure comprising the ZnO layers and the diode, is lower as compared to a contact resistance of a structure comprising the ZnO layer directly on the diode without the ZnO seed layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically generating a metal-containing electrolyte (e.g., an electrolyte containing Sn2+ ions and an acid) includes an anolyte chamber configured to house an active anode (e.g., a metallic tin anode), an anolyte, and a sensor (e.g., one or more sensors) measuring a concentration of metal ions in the anolyte; a catholyte chamber configured to house a hydrogen-generating cathode and a catholyte; and a controller having program instructions for processing data from the sensor and for automatically generating an electrolyte having metal ions in a target concentration range in the anolyte chamber. In some embodiments, the apparatus is in communication with an electroplating apparatus and is capable to deliver the generated electrolyte to the electroplating apparatus on demand. In some embodiments, a densitometer and a conductivity meter are together used as sensors, and the apparatus is configured to generate low alpha tin electrolyte containing an acid.

Abstract: Examples are disclosed herein that relate to identifying batteries of different chemistries such as in a battery recycling stream. One example provides a method for differentiating between batteries of different chemistries, the method comprising determining an expected mass of a sample of one or more batteries based upon an expected chemistry of the sample of one or more batteries, weighing the sample of one or more batteries to determine a sample mass, comparing the sample mass to the expected mass, and if the sample mass does not match the expected mass within a threshold range, then determining that the sample contains one or more batteries of a different chemistry than the expected chemistry.

Abstract: The present teachings provide devices and methods of treating a tricuspid valve regurgitation. Specifically, one aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods of identifying a suitable location on the tricuspid annulus, placing a wire across the tricuspid annulus at such an identified location, deploying a tissue anchor across such an identified location, deploying two or more tissue anchors and coupling the tissue anchors with a flexible tensioning member, and applying tension to a flexible tensioning member that is coupled with the two or more tissue anchors, plicating tissues between each pair of the two or more tissue anchors, and reducing the circumference of the tricuspid annuls. As a result, a regurgitation jet is reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: An extensible key management system includes a developer services portal for accessing an application. The system may identify initiation via the developer services portal of an association of the application with an external API of a third party provider service and automatically obtain a sub-key for the external API from the third party provider service on behalf of a developer of the application. The sub-key may be obtained in accordance with authorization provided by a master key previously provided from the third party provider service. The system may map an association between the sub-key, the application and the external API and store the association. Upon receipt of a service call message resulting from a request from a user device executing the application, the system may identify and replace a developer API key included in the service call message with the sub-key based on the stored association.

Abstract: A system for removing minerals from a brine using electrodialysis. One system includes a gypsum removal system configured to receive a feed stream having a first amount of gypsum, to extract at least a portion of the gypsum from the feed stream, and to produce a first output having a second amount of the gypsum less than the first amount of the gypsum. The system also includes an electrodialysis (ED) system fluidly coupled to the gypsum removal system and configured to receive the first output from the gypsum removal system, to produce a second output having a substantially sulfate hardness free sodium sulfate solution, to produce a third output having a sodium chloride solution, and to produce a fourth output having a mineral solution.

Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a recreational floatation device comprising a body portion comprising an inflatable member having a first inner perimeter surrounding a first inner area, a first support portion comprising a layer of material extending through the first inner area and attached to the inflatable member at its first inner perimeter to support a user of the device, a back support member located within said first inner area, a hinge mechanism coupled to the back support member and the first inner perimeter and configured to allow the back support member to rotate between a first position, wherein a substantial portion of the back support member extends generally away from the first inner area, and a second position, in which the back support member lies substantially within the first inner area.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and a method for applying coatings to substrates such as, for example, a lens or electronic component. The apparatus includes a coating chamber in which there is provided one or more magnetrons which include, typically, an at least partially oxidized metal or metal alloy. A carrier is provided for the substrates to be moved and held in the coating chamber and the carrier is formed from a plurality of units on which the substrates are positioned and the units can be brought together to form the carrier.

Abstract: A blowout preventer (BOP) safety system for testing the integrity of safety valves at the sea floor is disclosed. The system includes a BOP stack including a BOP, the BOP comprising a BOP shear ram and a first hydraulic circuit, the first hydraulic circuit in fluid communication with the BOP shear ram and having an open side and a close side. The system further includes a manifold, wherein the manifold is disposed proximate to and in fluid communication with a dump valve, a first sensor, and a supply valve and a first safety valve disposed between and in fluid communication with the manifold and the BOP on the close side, wherein the dump valve is operable to allow flow from the BOP to the manifold through the safety valve, and wherein the first sensor is operable to detect the flow from the BOP to the manifold.

Abstract: This invention relates to pharmaceutical composition and methods of using vitamin A and/or RAR? agonist for the treatment or prevention of diseases or conditions associated with high fat diet and/or vitamin deficiency.

Abstract: A receiver comprises an interior space comprising a longitudinal central axis and a receiving end, a first set of first structures, and a second set of second structures. The first set of the first structures is positioned closer to the receiving end of the interior space than the second set of the second structures. The first set of the first structures has a first axial compliance coefficient along the longitudinal central axis of the interior space. The second set of the second structures has a second axial compliance coefficient along the longitudinal central axis of the interior space, such that the first axial compliance coefficient is greater than the second axial compliance coefficient.