Abstract: The present invention generally relates to energy storage devices, and to metal sulfide energy storage devices in particular. Some aspects of the invention relate to energy storage devices comprising at least one flowable electrode, wherein the flowable electrode comprises an electroactive metal sulfide material suspended and/or dissolved in a carrier fluid. In some embodiments, the flowable electrode further comprises a plurality of electronically conductive particles suspended and/or dissolved in the carrier fluid, wherein the electronically conductive particles form a percolating conductive network. An energy storage device comprising a flowable electrode comprising a metal sulfide electroactive material and a percolating conductive network may advantageously exhibit, upon reversible cycling, higher energy densities and specific capacities than conventional energy storage devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimal planning and real-time control of energy storage systems for multiple simultaneous applications are provided. Energy storage applications can be analyzed for relevant metrics such as profitability and impact on the functionality of the electric grid, subject to system-wide and energy storage hardware constraints. The optimal amount of storage capacity and the optimal operating strategy can then be derived for each application and be prioritized according to a dispatch stack, which can be statically or dynamically updated according to data forecasts. Embodiments can consist of both planning tools and real-time control algorithms.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimal planning and real-time control of energy storage systems for multiple simultaneous applications are provided. Energy storage applications can be analyzed for relevant metrics such as profitability and impact on the functionality of the electric grid, subject to system-wide and energy storage hardware constraints. The optimal amount of storage capacity and the optimal operating strategy can then be derived for each application and be prioritized according to a dispatch stack, which can be statically or dynamically updated according to data forecasts. Embodiments can consist of both planning tools and real-time control algorithms.

Abstract: Redox flow devices are described including a positive electrode current collector, a negative electrode current collector, and an ion-permeable membrane separating said positive and negative current collectors, positioned and arranged to define a positive electroactive zone and a negative electroactive zone; wherein at least one of said positive and negative electroactive zone comprises a flowable semi-solid composition comprising ion storage compound particles capable of taking up or releasing said ions during operation of the cell, and wherein the ion storage compound particles have a polydisperse size distribution in which the finest particles present in at least 5 vol % of the total volume, is at least a factor of 5 smaller than the largest particles present in at least 5 vol % of the total volume.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optimal planning and real-time control of energy storage systems for multiple simultaneous applications are provided. Energy storage applications can be analyzed for relevant metrics such as profitability and impact on the functionality of the electric grid, subject to system-wide and energy storage hardware constraints. The optimal amount of storage capacity and the optimal operating strategy can then be derived for each application and be prioritized according to a dispatch stack, which can be statically or dynamically updated according to data forecasts. Embodiments can consist of both planning tools and real-time control algorithms.

Abstract: Redox flow devices are described including a positive electrode current collector, a negative electrode current collector, and an ion-permeable membrane separating said positive and negative current collectors, positioned and arranged to define a positive electroactive zone and a negative electroactive zone; wherein at least one of said positive and negative electroactive zone comprises a flowable semi-solid composition comprising ion storage compound particles capable of taking up or releasing said ions during operation of the cell, and wherein the ion storage compound particles have a polydisperse size distribution in which the finest particles present in at least 5 vol % of the total volume, is at least a factor of 5 smaller than the largest particles present in at least 5 vol % of the total volume.

Abstract: Gravity induced flow cell. The flow cell includes first and second reservoirs having a selected volume containing a flowable redox electrode. A membrane separates charged and discharged material. An energy-extraction region includes electronically conductive porous current collectors through or adjacent to which the flowable redox electrodes flow and to which charge transfer occurs. Structure is provided for altering orientation of the flow cell whereby gravity induces flow of the flowable redox electrode between the first and second reservoirs to deliver power. By varying the angle of the cell, flow rate and power delivered on discharge or the charge rate on charge may be varied.

Abstract: Flow battery. The battery includes high energy density fluid electrodes having a selected non-Newtonian rheology and structure for providing intermittent flow pulses of controlled volume and duration of the fluid electrodes, the structure adapted to promote interfacial slip to improve flow uniformity. The battery disclosed herein provides a potential solution to large-scale electrical energy storage needs.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for facilitating access controls for digital objects stored within a peer-to-peer overlay network. A privacy-preserving method is provided for matching identities between a first peer node and a second peer node in a peer-to-peer network. Such identity matching may be used, for example, to ascertain whether the first peer node should provide access to certain digital object stored in the peer-to-peer overlay network. Rather than providing its identities in an unprotected format, the second peer may provide its identities to the first peer node in a concealed representation so as to prevent the first peer from learning about non-matching identities. Such concealed representation may be a data structure that cryptographically conceals one or more identities of the second peer node or a user of the second peer node within a shared data space of the data structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for characterizing and screening for the existence or predisposition to X-linked disorders associated with changes in X-chromosome inactivation. The present invention also relates to processes of reducing a disease phenotype associated with an X-linked disorder in a female subject.

Abstract: Redox flow devices are described including a positive electrode current collector, a negative electrode current collector, and an ion-permeable membrane separating said positive and negative current collectors, positioned and arranged to define a positive electroactive zone and a negative electroactive zone; wherein at least one of said positive and negative electroactive zone comprises a flowable semi-solid composition comprising ion storage compound particles capable of taking up or releasing said ions during operation of the cell, and wherein the ion storage compound particles have a polydisperse size distribution in which the finest particles present in at least 5 vol % of the total volume, is at least a factor of 5 smaller than the largest particles present in at least 5 vol % of the total volume.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body, a needle, and a cutter. A motor is operable to both move the cutter relative to the needle and actuate a needle firing assembly to retract and fire the needle relative to the body. The biopsy device also includes a needle rotation assembly that is configured to substantially prevent rotation of the needle about the longitudinal axis when the needle is in a proximal position yet permit rotation of the needle about the longitudinal axis when the needle is in a distal position. A valve assembly of the biopsy device includes a slider that selectively couples a secondary lumen in the needle with either atmospheric air or saline based on the longitudinal position of the slider. The cutter passes through the slider.

Abstract: Redox flow devices are described including a positive electrode current collector, a negative electrode current collector, and an ion-permeable membrane separating said positive and negative current collectors, positioned and arranged to define a positive electroactive zone and a negative electroactive zone; wherein at least one of said positive and negative electroactive zone comprises a flowable semi-solid composition comprising ion storage compound particles capable of taking up or releasing said ions during operation of the cell, and wherein the ion storage compound particles have a polydisperse size distribution in which the finest particles present in at least 5 vol % of the total volume, is at least a factor of 5 smaller than the largest particles present in at least 5 vol % of the total volume.

Abstract: Redox flow devices are described in which at least one of the positive electrode or negative electrode-active materials is a semi-solid or is a condensed ion-storing electroactive material, and in which at least one of the electrode-active materials is transported to and from an assembly at which the electrochemical reaction occurs, producing electrical energy. The electronic conductivity of the semi-solid is increased by the addition of conductive particles to suspensions and/or via the surface modification of the solid in semi-solids (e.g., by coating the solid with a more electron conductive coating material to increase the power of the device). High energy density and high power redox flow devices are disclosed. The redox flow devices described herein can also include one or more inventive design features. In addition, inventive chemistries for use in redox flow devices are also described.

Abstract: A network analysis capability is provided herein. A network analysis capability supports proactive detection of service troubles in a network by looking at the network from the perspective of the end users. A proactive detection mechanism is provided by having end user devices (e.g., smartphones, computers, and the like) run background applications which monitor for service-impacting problems and autonomously report service-impacting problems when such problems are detected. A background application, before and/or after problems are detected, collects diagnostic information and forwards the diagnostic information to a network for analysis. A network node compiles and analyzes data collected from the end user devices, data collected from one or more network-based data collectors, and, optionally, information from one or more network support systems, to diagnose problems and dynamically respond, potentially before service is impacted.

Abstract: A self-service system and method for lodging establishment convenience shops to allow a guest to pay for convenience shop items and avoid waiting in line at a front desk. An example method includes obtaining item identification information associated with items selected for purchase by a customer at a convenience shop of the lodging establishment by a self-service terminal, obtaining prices of the items by the self-service terminal, recording customer selection of a charge to room payment option by the self-service terminal, determining whether the customer has registered as a guest of the lodging establishment by the self-service terminal, and charging a total cost of the items to a reservation record by the self-service terminal when the customer has registered.

Abstract: Redox flow devices are described in which at least one of the positive electrode or negative electrode-active materials is a semi-solid or is a condensed ion-storing electroactive material, and in which at least one of the electrode-active materials is transported to and from an assembly at which the electrochemical reaction occurs, producing electrical energy. The electronic conductivity of the semi-solid is increased by the addition of conductive particles to suspensions and/or via the surface modification of the solid in semi-solids (e.g., by coating the solid with a more electron conductive coating material to increase the power of the device). High energy density and high power redox flow devices are disclosed. The redox flow devices described herein can also include one or more inventive design features. In addition, inventive chemistries for use in redox flow devices are also described.

Abstract: A sensor-mounting bracket for supporting a positioning sensor with respect to a camera so that the compass heading and tilt angle of the camera can be determined. To determine the compass heading and tilt angle of the camera, the sensor-mounting bracket is configured to align the positioning sensor with the sight line of the camera. In particular, the bracket is adapted to align the compass heading and the tilt axis of the positioning sensor so that they are parallel with the sight line of the camera.

Abstract: A biopsy system includes a biopsy device operable for taking one or more biopsy samples from a patient and a marker delivery device. The biopsy device includes a body portion having an alignment feature and a hollow biopsy needle extending distally from the body portion. The marker delivery device includes a marker deployer tube and an alignment feature associated with the marker deployer tube. The alignment feature on the marker delivery device is configured to matingly engage with the alignment feature on the biopsy device. A marker delivery device includes a resilient marker guide ramp.