Abstract: Some embodiments may include a fiber laser system comprising: a pump combiner; a plurality of fiber laser pump modules arranged for pumping a pulsed output from the fiber laser system; and a pump controller to operate in a first operation mode to pump a pulsed output from the fiber laser system and to operate in a second different operation mode to pump a continuous wave (CW) output from the fiber laser system; the pump controller to, in the first operation mode, simultaneously activate individual fiber laser pump modules of the plurality of fiber laser pump modules; and the pump controller to, in the second operation mode, sequentially activate the individual fiber laser pump modules of the plurality of fiber laser pump modules. Other embodiments may be disclosed and/or claimed.

Abstract: Aeroponics apparatus is disclosed, which includes a grow bed tray having a base and at least two side-walls, the grow bed tray being able to hold a plant support at a position spaced from the base of the grow bed tray, and a nebulizer for nebulizing nutrient solution, the nebulizer located at the base of the grow bed tray and comprising an ultrasonic transducer and a holder for holding the ultrasonic transducer. Also disclosed is a method for crop production using the aeroponics apparatus by either flowing nutrient solution into the base of the grow bed tray to contact at least the roots of the crops or providing nutrient solution at the base of the grow bed tray and nebulizing the nutrient solution so that the nebulized nutrient solution contacts at least the roots of the crops.

Abstract: A computer-implemented technique includes initiating a synchronous two-way electronic communication session between consumer and vendor computing devices. This synchronous two-way electronic communication session may be initiated once the consumer passively or explicitly opts-in. The vendor provides an offer to purchase a product from their vendor computing device to the consumer computing device, and the consumer can ask follow-up questions and, if satisfied with the offer, purchase the product via their consumer computing device. The consumer's acceptance can be a one-click input to the consumer computing device, such as selecting a unique link associated with the offer, which can initiate a purchase process, such as a one-click purchase process.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable camera support apparatus designed to enable a user to record videos or capture still images while simultaneously performing action sports, aquatic activities, or various other extreme activities. More particularly, such portable camera support apparatus comprises a tubular member to hold a portable camera, grips on the tubular member for the user to comfortably hold and control the portable camera support apparatus with one or both hands at either end, a pivot coupler for attaching the portable camera to the tubular member, and an optional opening to enhance movement under water for aquatic activities. A portable camera support apparatus may also comprise a control switch, a pivot control, and a pivoting axis enabling a user to serve as the director of the videos or images captured by turning the camera on or off, adjusting the angle the camera is facing, taking snap shot images or controlling various other features of the camera.

Abstract: An transducer accessory or producing at least one guideline on a sonogram having a shadow mask adapted to an ultrasound transducer, and additionally useful for or marking skin using a marking device such as a pen.

Abstract: A method for linking data using permanent tokens is disclosed. The tokens may be used to link data pertaining to a consumer, a business, an address, an occupancy, or a household. The tokens are created in a central repository, which maintains an identification class for each entity. The identification class contains all available information concerning the entity. The tokens may be applied to a data storage system to allow real-time construction of a total customer view. The tokens may also be used to link the data storage system to a repository, such that the total customer view contains all available information concerning the customer. The total customer view may be used to formulate a response to customer input, such as a purchase or access to an Internet web page maintained by the data owner. By matching tokens instead of names and addresses, potential ambiguities and erroneous duplicates are eliminated.