Abstract: A metrology apparatus has an illumination source that directs collimated light to a reference surface and to an optical component having a test surface that is in parallel with the reference surface. A first imaging lens defines a Fourier transform plane for light reflected from the reference surface and the test surface. A spatial filtering element is actuable to a blocking position that blocks specular light at the transform plane. A second imaging lens forms, at an image plane, an image of the test surface. A sensor array generates image data from received light at the image plane.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the surface contour of a target area of a substrate has a light source to emit a measurement light beam. A beam splitting element defines a measurement axis and a reference axis. A substrate holder disposes the target area along the measurement axis and tilted away from normal incidence, about a tilt axis that orthogonally intersects the measurement axis, according to a predetermined tilt angle that is a function of the measurement light beam wavelength. An imaging sensor records a fringe pattern generated from the measurement light beam and a reference light beam. A computer extracts frequency profiles from the recorded fringe pattern, each profile taken in a direction that is orthogonal to the direction of the tilt axis, wherein the programmed instructions further compute changes in the contour of the target area surface according to the frequency profiles.

Abstract: In general, techniques of the present disclosure are directed to a system for virtual socializing between electronic devices. In one example, the method includes joining, by a first computing device, a communication session enabling communication between the first computing device and a second computing device. The method includes outputting, multimedia content that is output at the second computing device. The method also includes receiving and outputting, by the first computing device, data from the second computing device using the communication session, while the multimedia content is outputting at the first output device, where the data comprises data captured by an input device of the second computing device. The method further includes sending a configuration request that sets a control model mode of the communication session, where the control model mode controls which computing devices communicatively coupled via the communication session has permission to modify at least the multimedia content.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to apparatus and methods for manufacturing continuous sucker rods with protective coatings. One embodiment provides a coating system including a first drive station disposed on a first end of a coating line, a second drive station disposed on a second end of the coating line to move a continuous sucker rod along the coating line from the first drive station to the second drive station, a heater disposed along the coating line, and a first coating station disposed along the coating line.

Abstract: Methods and systems for social media cooperation, via allowing inter-social network communications between users of different networks is provided. The inter-social network communications may be facilitated by sending inter-social network communications in a format determined by a protocol that is used by the social networks agreeing to allow inter-social network communications.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for detection and controlled interaction with one or more objects. The system can include an imaging subsystem (20), a tool subsystem (26) containing one or more tools, a stage subsystem (16) and a control system (40). The control system (40) can integrate controls for each of the other subsystems, which controls can be implement desired functions over a variety of process parameters to perform the controlled interaction.

Abstract: A chemical impairment detection system adaptable for use in a vehicle. The impairment detection system includes an intake adapted to receive an air sample from a source and an alcohol sensor for detecting an alcohol level in the air sample. An integrated breath chamber channels the air sample from the intake to the alcohol sensor. Source evaluator means in the breath chamber measure one or more characteristics of the received air sample for validating the sample. The source evaluator means measures the air sample characteristics as the air sample flows through the breath chamber.

Abstract: A grazing-incidence interferometer includes first and second spaced-apart diffractive optical elements with a generally planar object disposed therebetween. The first diffractive optical element forms sheared first-diffracted-order light beams that reflect from opposite first and second surfaces of the object at grazing-incidence angles, while a zero-diffracted-order light beam goes unreflected. The second diffractive optical element combines the unreflected zero-diffracted-order light beam and the sheared reflected beams to form a collimated, combined beam. A 1× double-telecentric relay system relays the combined beam to a folding optical system that forms first and second interference images on a diffusing screen located at an image plane. Digital images of the first and second interference images are obtained and processed to characterize the thickness variation of the object.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes an open frame storage device assembly for computing equipment. The assembly is configured to vertically suspend carriers, which hold storage devices, from a rack and to interconnect the storage devices to a computer system. The disclosed assembly provides high storage capacity, low weight, efficient cooling, and centralized power.

Abstract: A camera system is configured to capture video content with 360 degree views of an environment. The camera array comprises a housing including a first quadrant, a second quadrant, a third quadrant, and a fourth quadrant, wherein each of the first quadrant, the second quadrant, the third quadrant, and the fourth quadrant form a plurality of apertures, a chassis bottom that is removably coupled to the housing, and a plurality of camera modules, each camera module comprising a processor, a memory, a sensor, and a lens, wherein each of the camera modules is removably coupled to one of the plurality of apertures in the housing, wherein the first quadrant, the second quadrant, the third quadrant, and the fourth quadrant each include a subset of the plurality of camera modules. Each of the plurality of camera modules includes a heat sink.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes an open frame storage device assembly for computing equipment. The assembly is configured to vertically suspend carriers, which hold storage devices, from a rack and to interconnect the storage devices to a computer system. The disclosed assembly provides high storage capacity, low weight, efficient cooling, and centralized power.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the surface contour of a target area of a substrate has a light source to emit a measurement light beam. A beam splitting element defines a measurement axis and a reference axis. A substrate holder disposes the target area along the measurement axis and tilted away from normal incidence, about a tilt axis that orthogonally intersects the measurement axis, according to a predetermined tilt angle that is a function of the measurement light beam wavelength. An imaging sensor records a fringe pattern generated from the measurement light beam and a reference light beam. A computer extracts frequency profiles from the recorded fringe pattern, each profile taken in a direction that is orthogonal to the direction of the tilt axis, wherein the programmed instructions further compute changes in the contour of the target area surface according to the frequency profiles.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide techniques that enable a communication server hosting a virtual communication session to receive theme parameters from a remote server to control the look and feel of the virtual communication session. In one example, a method includes sending a plurality of video feeds for display at a plurality of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) of client devices coupled to a communication session. The communication session enables communication among a plurality of users of the client devices. The method also includes receiving a set of parameters of a theme to modify one or more visual properties of the GUIs. The method also includes sending the set of parameters to the client devices connected to the communication session to modify visual properties of the GUIs displaying the plurality of video feeds at the plurality of client devices based on the parameters of the theme.

Abstract: Thickness and group index variations in test strip samples of ultra-low expansion glass are made by extracting the strip samples with front and back faces oriented at an acute skew angle to the axis of the boule. The strip samples are positioned the within an interferometric measurement cavity so that a set of subcavities formed by pairings of each of two reference surfaces together with each of the front and back faces of the strip sample which each subcavity having a different optical path length spacing. The skew angle is sized to avoid diffusion effects of striae present in the boule.

Abstract: A bitumen stream is upgraded by heating to near-critical or super-critical conditions in the stream. The bitumen stream may be from a water-based extraction process, an in situ bitumen recovery process, or a solvent-based bitumen extraction process. To achieve an appropriate feed stream composition, water and/or clay may be added. The clay offers a catalytic effect. To achieve an appropriate feed stream composition, water may alternatively be removed.

Abstract: The present disclosure, in some implementations comprises systems and methods for providing applications during video communication, via online communities or services, for example, social networks. Video communication may be video conferencing or “video chat” sessions among a plurality of users of the online services. Users may engage in a video conference or “video chat,” yet at the same time, use or obtain different applications, designated as either “personal” or “shared” applications. A “personal” application is one that does not involve others and is configured to enhance an individual user's personal experience during a group video communication. A “shared” application is one that involves at least one of multiple users during a group video communication, for example, users may participate in a card or trivia game, watch videos together, collaborate and share documents, or the like.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide techniques that enable a communication server hosting a virtual communication session to receive theme parameters from a remote server to control the look and feel of the virtual communication session. In one example, a method includes sending a plurality of video feeds for display at a plurality of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) of client devices coupled to a communication session. The communication session enables communication among a plurality of users of the client devices. The method also includes receiving a set of parameters of a theme to modify one or more visual properties of the GUIs. The method also includes sending the set of parameters to the client devices connected to the communication session to modify visual properties of the GUIs displaying the plurality of video feeds at the plurality of client devices based on the parameters of the theme.