Abstract: A system and method for verification of nasogastric tube (NGT) placement is provided. A fiber optic light guide includes a proximal end with a light source connection and a distal end having a light emitting tip. The light guide is constructed and arranged for insertion into a lumen of the NGT. A stop that prevents the distal end of the light guide from exiting a distal end of the NGT. The stop is adapted to engage a connector on the proximal end of the NGT. The light emitting tip can comprises a radial emitter. The light source can emit light at approximately 650 nm with an output power of approximately 30W. The stop is located so that the distal end of the light guide is positioned at an offset from the distal end of the NGT when the stop engages the proximal end of the NGT.

Abstract: Methods of producing gratings with trenches having variable height and width are provided. In one example, a method includes providing an optical grating layer atop a substrate, and providing a patterned hardmask over the optical grating layer. The method may include forming a mask over just a portion of the optical grating layer and the patterned hardmask, and etching a plurality of trenches into the optical grating layer to form an optical grating. After trench formation, at least one of the following grating characteristics varies between one or more trenches of the plurality of trenches: a trench depth and a trench width.

Abstract: Methods of producing gratings with trenches having variable height and width are provided. In one example, a method includes providing an optical grating layer atop a substrate, and providing a patterned hardmask over the optical grating layer. The method may include forming a mask over just a portion of the optical grating layer and the patterned hardmask, and etching a plurality of trenches into the optical grating layer to form an optical grating. After trench formation, at least one of the following grating characteristics varies between one or more trenches of the plurality of trenches: a trench depth and a trench width.

Abstract: A method and machine with an automated digging cycle is provided. The method includes moving an implement system of the machine through a work cycle, including interacting with a material. The method further includes sensing values associated with a bucket velocity parameter, such as bucket tip velocity, during interacting with the material, and controlling the velocity parameter via commands which control a sequence of bucket orientations whereby an implement system of the machine interacts with the material, responsive to the sensed values. The machine includes an electronic controller configured via a control algorithm to execute the automated digging cycle.

Abstract: A method and machine with an automated digging cycle is provided. The method includes moving an implement system of the machine through a work cycle, including interacting with a material. The method further includes sensing values associated with a bucket velocity parameter, such as bucket tip velocity, during interacting with the material, and controlling the velocity parameter via commands which control a sequence of bucket orientations whereby an implement system of the machine interacts with the material, responsive to the sensed values. The machine includes an electronic controller configured via a control algorithm to execute the automated digging cycle.