Abstract: Fiber bending mechanisms vary beam characteristics by deflecting or bending one or more fibers, by urging portions of one or more fibers toward a fiber shaping surface having a selectable curvature, or by selecting a fiber length that is to be urged toward the fiber shaping surface. In some examples, a fiber is secured to a flexible plate to conform to a variable curvature of the flexible plate. In other examples, a variable length of a fiber is pulled or pushed toward a fiber shaping surface, and the length of the fiber or a curvature of the flexible plate provide modification of fiber beam characteristics.

Abstract: An optical beam delivery device, such as an optical fiber, includes: a first length of fiber having a first refractive index profile (RIP) to enable modification of one or more beam characteristics of an optical beam having a first wavelength; and a second length of fiber having at least one wavelength-modifying confinement region and situated to receive the optical beam from the first length of fiber.

Abstract: A method of making a porous three-dimensional object.

Abstract: A method of making a three-dimensional object. The method comprises: a) positioning a layer of particles over a build plate; b) exposing the layer of particles to a first laser beam having a first set of beam characteristics, thereby heating the layer sufficiently to fuse at least a portion of the particles together to form a build layer; c) exposing a first region of one of i) the layer of particles or ii) the build layer to a second laser beam having a second set of beam characteristics to provide a first temperature profile for the first region; and d) exposing a second region of one of i) the layer of particles or ii) the build layer to a third laser beam having a third set of beam characteristics to provide a second temperature profile for the second region, the second temperature profile being different than the first temperature profile, wherein both the first region and the second region are in the layer of particles or both the first region and the second region are in the build layer.

Abstract: A laser optical fiber tray is generally presented. In some embodiments, the optical fiber tray comprises an enclosure having an opening in a bottom of the enclosure to accept a feeding fiber exiting from a top of a laser system rack, an opening in a side of the enclosure to allow passage of the feeding fiber out of the enclosure, a removable panel to allow access to an interior of the enclosure and two or more coil guides affixed within the interior of the enclosure, the coil guides spaced apart by a distance that defines a minimum diameter for a loop of the feeding fiber to be contained within the enclosure. In some embodiments, the optical fiber tray is mounted to a top panel of the laser system rack. In some embodiments, the optical fiber tray is mounted to a top panel of an external module which is mounted to a top panel of the laser system rack. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A laser optical fiber tray is generally presented. In some embodiments, the optical fiber tray comprises an enclosure having an opening in a bottom of the enclosure to accept a feeding fiber exiting from a top of a laser system rack, an opening in a side of the enclosure to allow passage of the feeding fiber out of the enclosure, a removable panel to allow access to an interior of the enclosure and two or more coil guides affixed within the interior of the enclosure, the coil guides spaced apart by a distance that defines a minimum diameter for a loop of the feeding fiber to be contained within the enclosure. In some embodiments, the optical fiber tray is mounted to a top panel of the laser system rack. In some embodiments, the optical fiber tray is mounted to a top panel of an external module which is mounted to a top panel of the laser system rack. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A theatrical apparatus including a first light source, a second light source and a third light source, a computer memory, and a computer processor. Each of the first, second, and third light sources may have current positions; and each may be configured to be remotely operated by the computer processor executing computer operating software to have its current position changed, independent of the other light sources. Data indicating the current position of each of the first, second, and third light sources, including a position count value for each of the first, second, and third light sources, is stored in the computer memory by the computer processor executing the computer operating software. The computer processor may be programmed by the computer operating software to use the position count values prevent collisions between the light sources.

Abstract: Described herein is a fiber laser coupler, comprising a fiber laser cable enclosed in a housing, the housing includes a circuit and a temperature sensitive variable resistance element (TSVRE) coupled to the circuit, wherein the TSVRE is in thermal contact with one or more locations within the housing and is configured to provide a resistance in the circuit associated with a temperature of the TSVRE, wherein the circuit is further configured to couple to a processor configured to determine a temperature of the TSVRE based on reading the resistance in the circuit.

Abstract: Described herein is a fiber laser coupler, comprising a fiber laser cable enclosed in a housing, the housing includes a circuit and a temperature sensitive variable resistance element (TSVRE) coupled to the circuit, wherein the TSVRE is in thermal contact with one or more locations within the housing and is configured to provide a resistance in the circuit associated with a temperature of the TSVRE, wherein the circuit is further configured to couple to a processor configured to determine a temperature of the TSVRE based on reading the resistance in the circuit.

Abstract: Aqueous hard surface cleaner compositions useful for removing permanent ink are disclosed. The compositions comprise 75 to 99 wt. % of water; 0.1 to 5 wt. % of a monoterpene; 0.1 to 5 wt. % of a C10-C17 fatty acid derivative; and 0.1 to 5 wt. % of one or more surfactants. The fatty acid derivative is selected from N,N-dialkyl amides, N,N-dialkyl esteramines, and N,N-dialkyl amidoamines. Preferably, a base such as sodium carbonate or monoethanolamine is also included. The invention includes concentrates comprising the non-aqueous components recited above, as well as other applications for the cleaners and concentrates such as graffiti removers and permanent ink erasers. The combination of a monoterpene and certain fatty acid derivatives, especially fatty N,N-dialkyl amides, unexpectedly enables even dilute aqueous compositions to rapidly decolorize black permanent marker from hard, non-porous surfaces.

Abstract: Personal cleansers and surfactant blends useful therein are disclosed. The cleansers comprise a primary anionic surfactant, a saturated C8-C-14 alkyl N,N-dialkylamide, and water. The cleansers have good foaming properties and improved viscosity build profiles compared with cleansers that rely on alkanolamides or betaines as the secondary surfactant. The saturated C8-C14 alkyl N,N-dialkylamides are water-white liquids that solubilize cleanser components well, including high levels of fragrances, and can be formulated easily without heating at any actives level up to 100%. Importantly, the surfactant blends build viscosity with less added salt compared with alkanolamide or betaine-based blends, even with more challenging anionic surfactants. Moisturizing cleansers disclosed herein have excellent flash foaming character, foam volume, and foam feel and provide a luxurious, lotion-like after-feel.

Abstract: Fatty amine compositions made from a metathesis-derived C10-C17 monounsaturated acid, octadecene-1,18-dioic acid, or their ester derivatives are disclosed. In another aspect, fatty amidoamines made by reacting a metathesis-derived C10-C17 monounsaturated acid, octadecene-1,18-dioic acid, or their ester derivatives with an aminoalkyl-substituted tertiary amine are disclosed. The fatty amines or amidoamines are advantageously sulfonated, sulfitated, oxidized, or reduced. In other aspects, the ester derivative is a modified triglyceride made by self-metathesis of a natural oil or an unsaturated triglyceride made by cross-metathesis of a natural oil with an olefin.

Abstract: Quaternary ammonium, betaine, or sulfobetaine compositions derived from fatty amines, wherein the fatty amine is made by reducing the amide reaction product of a metathesis-derived C10-C17 monounsaturated acid, octadecene-1,18-dioic acid, or their ester derivatives and a secondary amine, are disclosed. Quaternary ammonium, betaine, or sulfobetaine compositions derived from fatty amidoamines, wherein the amidoamine is made by reacting of a metathesis-derived C10-C17 monounsaturated acid, octadecene-1,18-dioic acid, or their ester derivatives and an aminoalkyl-substituted tertiary amine, are also disclosed. The quaternized compositions are advantageously sulfonated or sulfitated. In one aspect, the ester derivative of the C10-C17 monounsaturated acid or octadecene-1,18-dioic acid is a lower alkyl ester. In other aspects, the ester derivative is a modified triglyceride N made by self-metathesis of a natural oil or an unsaturated triglyceride made by cross-metathesis of a natural oil with an olefin.

Abstract: Esteramine compositions and their derivatives are disclosed. The esteramines comprise a reaction product of a metathesis-derived C10-C17 monounsaturated acid, octadecene-1,18-dioic acid, or their ester derivatives with a tertiary alkanolamine. Derivatives made by quaternizing, sulfonating, alkoxylating, sulfating, and/or sulfitating the esteramines are also disclosed. In one aspect, the ester derivative of the C10-C17 monounsaturated acid or octadecene-1,18-dioic acid is a lower alkyl ester. In other aspects, the ester derivative is a modified triglyceride made by self-metathesis of a natural oil or an unsaturated triglyceride made by cross-metathesis of a natural oil with an olefin. The esteramines and derivatives are valuable for a wide variety of end uses, including cleaners, fabric treatment, hair conditioning, personal care (liquid cleansing products, conditioning bars, oral care products), antimicrobial compositions, agricultural uses, and oil field applications.

Abstract: Surfactant compositions comprising an alkoxylate, a sulfate, or ether sulfate of a C10-C12 monounsaturated alcohol are disclosed. The alkoxylate, sulfate, or ether sulfate may derive from undecylenic acid or undecylenic alcohol. Compared with their saturated analogs, the monounsaturated alkoxylates, sulfates, and ether sulfates are less irritating, making them valuable for personal care, laundry, cleaners, and other household applications. Microscopy studies show that the alkoxylates, sulfates, and ether sulfates have favorable phase behavior over a wide range of actives levels, expanding opportunities for products with greater compaction. When combined with cationic surfactants, the alkoxylates, sulfates, and ether sulfates exhibit synergy, and they have improved solubility compared with their saturated analogs. The surfactants find value for the personal care, laundry and cleaning, emulsion polymerization, agricultural products, oilfield applications, and specialty foams industries.

Abstract: Aqueous hard surface cleaner compositions useful for removing permanent ink are disclosed. The compositions comprise 75 to 99 wt. % of water; 0.1 to 5 wt. % of a monoterpene; 0.1 to 5 wt. % of a C10-C17 fatty acid derivative; and 0.1 to 5 wt. % of one or more surfactants. The fatty acid derivative is selected from N,N-dialkyl amides, N,N-dialkyl esteramines, and N,N-dialkyl amidoamines. Preferably, a base such as sodium carbonate or monoethanolamine is also included. The invention includes concentrates comprising the non-aqueous components recited above, as well as other applications for the cleaners and concentrates such as graffiti removers and permanent ink erasers. The combination of a monoterpene and certain fatty acid derivatives, especially fatty N,N-dialkyl amides, unexpectedly enables even dilute aqueous compositions to rapidly decolorize black permanent marker from hard, non-porous surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods associated with cocktails of growth factors and small molecules that target specific cell signaling pathways, the cocktails having been formulated to allow/promote the expansion of progenitor cells (e.g., nephron progenitor cells) within a defined culture system.

Abstract: Unsaturated fatty alcohol alkoxylates, processes for making them, and methods of using them are disclosed. In one aspect, a monounsaturated fatty alcohol alkoxylate is made by reducing a metathesis-derived monounsaturated alkyl ester, followed by alkoxylation of the resulting monounsaturated alcohol. Microscopy reveals that the monounsaturated alkoxylates have isotropic and lamellar phases over a wider range of actives levels compared with their saturated analogs. This attribute expands formulating latitude for many end-use applications. The unsaturated fatty alcohol alkoxylates are valuable in, for example, agricultural solvents, nonionic emulsifiers for agricultural compositions, hard surface cleaners, laundry detergents, specialty foams, additives or surfactants for paints or coatings, and surfactant compositions for enhanced oil recovery.

Abstract: Surfactant compositions comprising an alkoxylate, a sulfate, or ether sulfate of a C10-C12 monounsaturated alcohol are disclosed. The alkoxylate, sulfate, or ether sulfate may derive from undecylenic acid or undecylenic alcohol. Compared with their saturated analogs, the monounsaturated alkoxylates, sulfates, and ether sulfates are less irritating, making them valuable for personal care, laundry, cleaners, and other household applications. Microscopy studies show that the alkoxylates, sulfates, and ether sulfates have favorable phase behavior over a wide range of actives levels, expanding opportunities for products with greater compaction. When combined with cationic surfactants, the alkoxylates, sulfates, and ether sulfates exhibit synergy, and they have improved solubility compared with their saturated analogs. The surfactants find value for the personal care, laundry and cleaning, emulsion polymerization, agricultural products, oilfield applications, and specialty foams industries.

Abstract: Computing device file system change detection and change replication methods and systems are described herein. In one embodiment, the change detection is accomplished by comparing two master file tables of two different versions of the same file system and inferring file system name space change, file system metadata change and file data change. The method includes creating a file system name space change log and file data change log for any objects associated with the changes to the file system. The method also includes replicating these change logs to the replication server and applying the change logs to the data store on replication server.