Abstract: A cascaded arrangement of optical amplifying stages is used to provide efficient amplification of signals within an extended wavelength range in a relatively compact configuration. A wavelength selective filter is positioned at the output of a first amplifier stage and used to direct amplified signals within a longer wavelength range (e.g., L-band) into a second amplifier stage, thus forming a cascaded configuration of the first and second amplifier stages. The second stage imparts an additional level of gain to the signals within the longer wavelength range, and an optical combiner may be used to direct both sets of amplified signals along a common output path.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are bio-based compositions comprising branched aromatic compounds and/or branched cycloaliphatic compounds, and methods of their preparation from lignin-derived monomers, and their use as base oils in lubricant compositions, personal care compositions, and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: A bidirectional optical power monitor is disclosed that is used as an in-line monitor along a section of bidirectional optical fiber. The optical power monitor includes a bidirectional assembly of a lensing arrangement with a partially reflective element coupled to an output of the lensing arrangement. The reflective element directs small portions of optical signals propagating in each direction into separate ones of a pair of photodiodes (allowing for simultaneous measurement of power propagating in both directions along an optical fiber). The reflective element directs the majority of the optical signals through the lensing arrangement a second time and thereafter coupled into the proper section of optical fiber such that a continuity of signal propagation direction is maintained.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a pipeline plug may include a pressure head including a forcing face. The seal assembly may include a primary tapered ring including an expansion face. The expansion face may abut the forcing face. The seal assembly may include primary seal ring. The seal assembly may include a squeezer assembly, the squeezer assembly including at least one seal face, the seal face abutting the primary seal ring. The seal assembly may include a secondary tapered ring, the secondary tapered ring including a wedge squeezer face, the wedge squeezer face abutting a wedge face of the squeezer assembly. The seal assembly may include a bowl, the bowl including a wedge face, the wedge face in abutment with an expansion face of the secondary tapered ring.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods for managing a database. In one or more examples, the system obtains input data comprising one or more data entries, where each data entry comprises one or more data items, and each data item comprises a field name and a field value. The system can generate a key-value set for each data item to obtain a plurality of key-value sets. Each key-value set includes at least a first key element comprising the field name of the respective data item and a second key element comprising the field value of the respective data item. The system can sort and store the plurality of key-value sets in the database. The system can further receive a query indicative of a field name or a field value, and generate, for display, an output based on retrieved key elements sets based on the query.

Abstract: An exemplary die casting press includes a moveable platen that can be actuated to move toward and away from a fixed platen along tie bars. A fixed die is mounted on the fixed platen and a moveable die is mounted on the moveable platen. A die locking system has a locking post that is attached to and extends from the fixed die and a locking cam that is attached to the moveable die. An actuator moves the locking cam between a locked position and an unlocked position to engage and disengage from the locking post, respectively.

Abstract: A semiconductor laser is formed to include a current blocking layer that is positioned below the active region of the device and used to minimize current spreading beyond the defined dimensions of an output beam's optical mode. When used in conjunction with other current-confining structures typically disposed above the active region (e.g., ridge waveguide, electrical isolation, oxide aperture), the inclusion of the lower current blocking layer improves the efficiency of the device. The current blocking layer may be used in edge-emitting devices or vertical cavity surface-emitting devices, and also functions to improve mode shaping and reduction of facet deterioration by directing current flow away from the facets.

Abstract: A modular artificial skeletal muscle (MASM) actuator having a plurality of dielectric elastomer units assembled in series or in parallel. A proximal anchoring member is connected to a proximal end of at least one proximal dielectric elastomer unit and is configured for attachment to a proximal anchor point relative to a user. A tension member has a proximal end attached to a distal end of at least one distal dielectric elastomer unit and a distal end configured for attachment to a distal anchor point relative to the user. A controller is configured to cause simultaneous contraction or expansion of plurality of dielectric elastomer units, which contraction or expansion causes displacement of the tension member. A plurality of MASM actuators may be attached to an exoskeleton attached about an ankle of a user and controlled for therapeutic purposes, such as for assisting pediatric patients with cerebral palsy.

Abstract: The present invention discloses crosslinked poly(alkylene glycol) (PAG)-based hydrogel compositions, systems containing a plurality of cancer cells in contact with a cell culture media and encapsulated in the crosslinked PAG-based hydrogel composition and methods of making such crosslinked hydrogel compositions and systems. Also disclosed herein are methods of using such compositions and systems, such as, for example for screening an agent for effectiveness of the agent against cancer cells. Also disclosed herein are kits containing one or more components including one or more systems of the present disclosure and one or more instructions.

Abstract: A fully integrated circuit configuration that can be utilized to prevent abnormal overdischarge and overcharge in ultra-portable electronic systems is described. This battery protection integrated circuit can be enhanced by the addition of traditional battery protection schemes such as current limiting, overcurrent clamping, under voltage lock out and over voltage protection. This battery protection scheme utilizes a high side switch approach utilizing an ultra-low leakage PMOS power switch rather than the traditional low side NMOS switching.

Abstract: A system for communicating supervisory information between amplifier nodes in an optical communication network utilizes modulation of an included pump source to superimpose the supervisory information on data signals (typically customer data signals) propagating between the amplifier nodes transmitted customer signals. The modulated pump appears as a modulated envelope on the amplified data signal exiting the amplifier node, and may be recovered by suitable demodulation components located at the second node (i.e., the destined receiver of the supervisory information). The supervisory information may include monitoring messages, provisioning data, protocol updates, etc., and is utilized as an input to an included modulator, which then forms a drive signal for the pump controller.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of electroreduction with a working electrode and counter electrode. The method includes a step of electrocatalyzing carbon monoxide and/or carbon dioxide in the presence of one or more nucleophilic co-reactants in contact with a catalytically active material present on the working electrode, thereby forming one or more carbon-containing products electrocatalytically.

Abstract: A method of controlling a wireless power transfer system comprising a primary stage and a secondary stage is provided. The primary stage comprises a DC/DC converter configured to generate a DC output, a DC/AC inverter configured to receive the DC output and to generate an AC output according to a variable switching frequency, and a primary coil configured to transfer power to the secondary stage in response to the DC/AC inverter generating the AC output. The switching frequency of the DC/AC inverter is adjusted to cause a phase angle between an input current and an input voltage of the primary coil to be less than or equal to a predetermined threshold. The DC output of the DC/DC converter is controlled to cause a desired amount of power to be transferred from the primary coil at the adjusted switching frequency.

Abstract: A gauge plate insulator includes an L-shaped insulating member having a base configured to be positioned between first and second gauge plate members and a leg extending from the base, a metallic backing plate having a first part configured to engage a first gauge plate member, a second part configured to engage the leg of the L-shaped insulating member, and a third part extending between the first part and the second part of the metallic backing plate, a first fastener configured to be received by a first opening and a second fastener configured to be received by a second opening defined by the second part of the metallic backing plate and an opening defined by the leg of the L-shaped insulating member, and an insulation plate configured to be positioned between a portion of the second fastener and the second part of the metallic backing plate.

Abstract: An electrical transformer and method of manufacturing an electrical transformer. The electrical transformer comprises a set of primary windings comprising first and second primary windings connected in parallel and first and second sets of secondary windings. Each of the first and second sets comprises a plurality of secondary windings that are connected in parallel. The secondary windings of the first set are electrically isolated from the secondary windings of the second set. The set of primary windings and the first and second sets of secondary windings are arranged in a stacked structure in which the secondary windings of the first set are interleaved with the secondary windings of the second set, and at least one secondary winding of the first set and/or at least one secondary winding of the second set is arranged between the first and second primary windings.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for monitoring a level of product in a reservoir of a chemical dispensing system. A lid configured to engage an opening of a container includes a level sensor having a transceiver that transmits an output signal and receives a portion of the output signal reflected back to the transceiver. The level sensor determines an amount of the product in the container by comparing a characteristic of the reflected signal, such as time the reflected signal was received, to the characteristic of the output signal, such as the time the output signal was transmitted. The level sensor may also determine the size of the container based on the reflected signal, and take this size into account when determining the amount of product in the container. The level sensor transmits product level data to a mobile device in response to receiving an interrogation signal therefrom.

Abstract: Pipeline isolation tool for sealing extrusion gaps of up to about 20% or greater includes a pair of fenced barriers (60, 160) having overlapping segments (68/70, 168/170) for restraining a seal (40). The segments expand to a pipe wall before the seal to prevent transition of seal medium over the segments and form a support wall for the seal. The support wall may include a protection ring (200). Springs (80, 180) surround each fenced barrier for returning the support system to a relaxed position. Inner rings (90, 190) are provided on sealing element facing surfaces (64, 164) of the fenced barrier for supporting the segments. The inner rings define a smooth inner guiding surface (92, 192) for the seal. The guiding surface is tilted inwardly towards the seal for resisting the sealing element during expansion and for preventing an inside diameter of the seal from expanding outwardly when compressed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for separating phenolic acids, comprising a step a) of contacting a feed containing at least two different phenolic acids (PA) with an extraction solvent to extract the at least two different PAs in a first PA containing liquid. The process also comprises a step b) of contacting the first PA containing liquid with a solid molecular imprinted polymer (MIP), such that the MIP captures a target PA from the at least two different PAs, to thereby form a first PA bound MIP dispersed in a second PA containing liquid, where the second PA containing liquid comprises at least one PA and none or a substantially lesser amount of the target PA originally present in the first PA containing liquid.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating the review of standardized documents and tagging such documents are provided. According to one embodiment, a method of communicating tag popularity is provided. In the context of a financial document processing application, which is configured to facilitate (i) tagging of financial information with taxonomy clements and (ii) creation of standardized documents in a form suitable for filing with a regulatory agency, tagged financial information is presented. Usage data is received by the financial document processing application relating to aggregate usage of taxonomy elements in standardized documents previously filed with the regulatory agency by filing companies. Visual feedback is then provided with respect to tagging conformance of the tagged financial information based on the usage data by displaying, within a user interface of the financial document processing application, an indication of prevalence of usage of the taxonomy clements among the filing companies.

Abstract: An ankle-foot orthosis having a foot plate defining a foot bed contoured to underlie the foot of the wearer, a flexible cuff configured to wrap around at least a portion of the shank of the wearer, and a strut assembly comprising a plurality of metal wires connecting the foot plate to the cuff. The plurality of metal wires may include piano wires. The foot plate may be fabricated with a computer aided manufacturing process.