Abstract: A laser-processing apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the laser-processing apparatus includes a debris removal system with an integrated beam dump system, the beam dump system operative to selectively position an absorber within the beam path of a beam of laser energy. The beam dump system may allow the beam of laser energy to propagate through the scan lens of the laser-processing apparatus, but prevent the beam of laser energy from processing a workpiece. The beam dump system may include an actuator assembly operative to retract the absorber from the beam path, thereby allowing the beam to propagate to the workpiece and for debris from laser processing to be drawn into a vacuum nozzle, thereby preventing damage to the scan lens. The beam dump system may further include a heat transfer system operative to control the rate of heat transferred away from the absorber.

Abstract: A simultaneous transmit and receive (STAR) system comprises a plurality of radiating elements and a plurality of antenna transmit/receive (T/R) elements. The plurality of antenna T/R elements are each in operable communication with a respective radiating element. Each T/R element comprises a transmit channel, a receive channel, a switch, and a directional coupler. The directional coupler comprises an RF input in operable communication with an antenna array receiving signals, an RF output coupling the received signals to an input of the receive channel, and a coupled input operably coupled to the switch. If the switch is set to a predetermined state, the respective transmit channel couples an active cancellation signal to the coupled input of the directional coupler to cancel at least some coupling effects arising on an input to the receive channel, arising from operation of at least some of the T/R elements in the array.

Abstract: A method of beamforming is provided. A single non-linear equalization (NLEQ) coefficient set is generated in beamspace, the single NLEQ coefficient set configured to characterize non-linear behavior of a system having an array of N elements. M parallel digital signals are received, for transmission by N channels, respectively, the N channels corresponding to the N elements. Each of the M respective parallel digital signals are equalized, using an NLEQ filter based on the single NLEQ coefficient set, wherein the single NLEQ coefficient set is used for each of the N elements and wherein the equalizing is configured to generate a set of M linearized parallel digital signals. Using a single summer, the M linearized parallel digital signals are summed, to produce one or more beamspace channelized output signals.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for laser-processing workpieces can be improved, and new functionalities can be provided. Some embodiments discussed relate to use of beam characterization tools to facilitate adaptive processing, process control and other desirable features. Other embodiments relate to laser power sensors incorporating integrating spheres. Still other embodiments relate to workpiece handling systems capable of simultaneously providing different workpieces to a common laser-processing apparatus. A great number of other embodiments and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: A technique allows a newsfeed item shown in a newsfeed of a social network to be easily promoted to another newsfeed in the social network. In a specific embodiment, the system receives a first user's promotion selection of an item displayed in a newsfeed of the first user. The item includes content provided by a second user. The first user is prompted to select a destination newsfeed. A selection of the destination newsfeed is received and the item is published on the destination newsfeed for a third user.

Abstract: System and method for beamspace nonlinear equalization in a plurality of parallel channels includes: receiving M parallel signals for transmission by N channels, respectively, wherein M is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and N is an integer greater than 1; performing a linear transfer function on each of the M parallel signal by a finite impulse response (FIR) filter; adding FIR filter tap outputs to each M parallel signals, respectively; phase shifting an output of a respective FIR filter per each of the M parallel signals to generate M intermediate channelized output signals per each of the N channels; summing, by a single summer, the M intermediate channelized output signals across the N channels to produce M channelized polyphase output signals; serializing the M channelized polyphase output signals to generate serialized M polyphase output signals; and equalizing the serialized M polyphase output signals to produce a linearized signal in beamspace.

Abstract: A technique allows a newsfeed item shown in a newsfeed of a social network to be easily promoted to another newsfeed in the social network. In a specific embodiment, the system receives a first user's promotion selection of an item displayed in a newsfeed of the first user. The item includes content provided by a second user. The first user is prompted to select a destination newsfeed. A selection of the destination newsfeed is received and the item is published on the destination newsfeed for a third user.

Abstract: A distribution list of users of an online social network can be used to communicate database record information to the users. In some implementations, one or more users of the online social network are identified as being relevant to the record and who are not following the record. A distribution list is provided and includes the information identifying the one or more relevant users. A network communication can be sent to users identified in the distribution list. The network communication identifies the record or information associated with the record.

Abstract: A system and related operating methods for transitioning an electronically displayed public mode of written conversation to an electronically displayed private mode of written conversation are presented here. The system operates by identifying a displayed public thread that conveys a conversation among a plurality of users, and by receiving an instruction to transition at least some content of the displayed public thread to a private setting. In response to receiving the instruction, the system initiates a private communication application, and then continues the conversation among at least some of the plurality of users in a private environment, using the private communication application.

Abstract: Disclosed are examples of methods, apparatus, systems, and computer-readable media for providing a distribution list of users of an online social network to receive data regarding a record stored in a database. In some implementations, information is received that identifies one or more users of the online social network who are relevant to the record and who are not following the record. A distribution list is provided and includes the information identifying the one or more relevant users. The distribution list indicates the one or more relevant users as one or more candidates to receive the data regarding the record. The distribution list is stored on a storage medium.