Abstract: An apparatus configured to function as a pluggable active optical connector that is modular with one or more channels and that converts electrical signals to optical signals and vice versa. On one side, the apparatus has a pluggable electrical interface to a line replaceable unit (LRU); on the other side the apparatus has a pluggable optical interface side to an aircraft fiber optic wiring bundle. The apparatus is pluggable to different types of LRUs including rack-mounted and bolted-down LRUs. The apparatus includes electronic and photonic components sufficient to enable electrical/optical conversion totally within a standard-sized aircraft connector. The apparatus is adaptable to various data communication protocols and has the flexibility to be used in either a single-fiber or a dual-fiber bidirectional data link.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for of improving processing results in a processing chamber by orienting a substrate support relative to a surface within the processing chamber. The method comprising orienting a supporting surface of a substrate support in a first orientation relative to an output surface of a showerhead, where the first orientation of the supporting surface relative to the output surface is not coplanar, and depositing a first layer of material on a substrate disposed on the supporting surface that is oriented in the first orientation.

Abstract: Systems and methods that use a differential spectral liquid level sensor to measure the level of liquid in a reservoir (e.g., a fuel tank or other storage container). The use of a differential spectral liquid level sensor solves the problem of common-mode intensity variations (i.e., intensity variations not due to the level of the liquid) by having two different wavelengths propagate through the same optical path but have different spectral attenuations in the liquid. By determining the ratio of the received optical powers, common-mode intensity variations can be neutralized, thereby enhancing the accuracy of the received power reading and the resulting liquid level indication.

Abstract: Variant Erwinia chrysanthemi L-asparaginases with reduced L-glutaminase activity and enhanced in vivo circulation are described as are fusion proteins containing an L-asparaginase and three tandem soluble domains of TRAIL for use in the treatment of cancers such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia.

Abstract: A method for delivering sports telemetry for a curling game provides players, coaches, and viewers with the detailed dynamics of a curling stone. The method is generalized to at least one computerized sports equipment in communication with at least one remote server. A sensing module of the sports equipment captures and sends an angular-motion measurement and a linear-motion measurement to the remote server. Further, a tracking module of the sports equipment sends a precise location reading to the remote server. The angular-motion measurement, the linear-motion measurement, and the precise location reading are compiled into a sports telemetry data. Subsequently, the sports telemetry data assess a plurality of summarization metrics which promotes game awareness and interest. Further, the sports telemetry data also generates at least one equipment motion animation of play-by-play breakdown of the game. Finally, an online view platform allows the general public to access the sports telemetry data.

Abstract: A optical fiber connecting device includes a hollow main body, balls, a sleeve ring, and a dust-proof sleeve. An hollow insertion portion of the hollow main body has a receiving recess and ball holes. The balls are received in the ball holes. The sleeve ring is sleeved around the receiving recess and has through holes respectively aligned with the ball holes. Each balls partially protrudes from one of the through holes. The dust-proof sleeve is removably sleeved around the hollow inserting portion and has an inner groove. The balls is engaged with the inner groove to retain the dust-proof sleeve.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a film includes generating a plasma in a processing volume of a processing chamber to form the film on a substrate. The processing chamber may include a gas distributor configured to generate the plasma in the processing volume. Further, a barrier gas is provided into the processing volume to form a gas curtain around a plasma located in the processing volume. The barrier gas is supplied by a gas supply source through an inlet port disposed along a first side of the processing chamber. Further, an exhaust port is disposed along the first side of the processing chamber and the plasma and the barrier gas is purged via the exhaust port.

Abstract: The invention relates to a contact for a direct plug-in connection, with a joining portion for the joining of a cable strand, and a contact portion for producing electrical contact with a passage opening in a printed circuit board, and an introducing portion forming a free end of the contact, wherein the contact portion and the introducing portion are formed on a strip of flat sheet-metal material having two side edges, a front side and a rear side, wherein, on the front side or the rear side in the contact portion, the strip has a convex bulge for bearing against the inner side of the passage opening.

Abstract: A method at a first electronic device of a local group of connected electronic devices includes: receiving a first voice command including a request for a first operation; determining a first target device for the first operation from among the local group; establishing a focus session with respect to the first target device; causing the first operation to be performed by the first target device; receiving a second voice command including a request for a second operation; determining that the second voice command does not include an explicit designation of a second target device; determining that the second operation can be performed by the first target device; determining whether the second voice command satisfies one or more focus session maintenance criteria; and if the second voice command satisfies the focus session maintenance criteria, causing the second operation to be performed by the first target device.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a connecting unit having a plurality of positioning grooves and a cover unit having a plurality of positioning blocks. The cover unit is operable to rotate relative to the connecting unit between an engaged position, where the positioning blocks are respectively disposed in the of said positioning grooves and are respectively and at least partially aligned with shoulder surfaces in the positioning grooves such that the cover unit is unable to move axially and forwardly relative to the connecting unit, and a separated position, where the positioning blocks are respectively misaligned from the shoulder surfaces to allow the cover unit to move axially and forwardly relative to the connecting unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an electrical power supply structure comprising a plurality of conductors, each conductor extending longitudinally and configured to carry high amperage electrical power, a barrier support plate comprising one or more openings for receiving the plurality of conductors, a first support structure extending longitudinally from a first side of the barrier support plate, and a second support structure extending longitudinally from a second side of the barrier support plate. Each of the first and second support structures comprises a longitudinally extending enclosure having a plurality of transversely extending conductor support members for supporting the plurality of conductors.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to an isolation device for use in processing systems. The isolation device includes a body having a flow aperture formed therethrough. In one embodiment, the isolation device is disposed between a remote plasma source and a process chamber. A closure mechanism is pivotally disposed within the body. The closure mechanism can be actuated to enable or disable fluid communication between the remote plasma source and the process chamber. In one embodiment, the closure mechanism includes a shaft and a seal plate coupled to the shaft. A cross-arm is coupled to the shaft opposite the seal plate. The cross-arm is configured to selectively rotate the shaft and the seal plate of the closure mechanism.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a semiconductor processing apparatus. The processing chamber includes a chamber body and lid defining an interior volume, a substrate support disposed in the interior volume and a showerhead assembly disposed between the lid and the substrate support. The showerhead assembly includes a faceplate configured to deliver a process gas to a processing region defined between the showerhead assembly and the substrate support and an underplate positioned above the faceplate, defining a first plenum between the lid and the underplate, the having multiple zones, wherein each zone has a plurality of openings that are configured to pass an amount of inert gas from the first plenum into a second plenum defined between the faceplate and the underplate, in fluid communication with the plurality of openings of each zone such that the inert gas mixes with the process gas before exiting the showerhead assembly.

Abstract: An eye-tracking system includes an at least partially transparent visible light waveguide having a visible light display region configured to emit visible light to an eye of a user. A light source is configured to emit at least infrared (IR) light that travels along an IR light path to the eye of the user. A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) projector positioned in the IR light path directs the IR light. At least one diffractive input coupler on an input end of the IR light path downstream of the MEMS projector diffracts at least a portion of the IR light. At least one diffractive output coupler positioned in the IR light path downstream of the diffractive input coupler receives the IR light and directs the IR light toward the eye. At least one sensor is configured to receive the IR light after being reflected by the eye.

Abstract: A microgravity agriculture device includes a root cylinder providing a growing medium for the plant and intended for root growth. The root cylinder will extend into a water tank, and the root cylinder will include apertures and wicking elements to draw water from the water tank into the root cylinder for availability to the plant roots. The geometries of the water tank, root cylinder, apertures and wicking elements are designed in a manner to ensure water surface tension will cause water in the tank to fill and stay in the proper areas to ensure water flow to the plant, no obstruction of vents during tank filling, and no egress of the water through the vents.

Abstract: A branch fiber optic cable assembly includes a main fiber optic cable and a plurality of stub cables. The main fiber optic cable has a plurality of branching sites which are spaced apart from each other along an axial direction of the main fiber optic cable. Each of the stub cables has a first end integrally connected to the main fiber optic cable at one of the branching sites, and a second end extending away from the main fiber optic cable. A method of making the branch fiber optic cable assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to pumping devices, components thereof, and methods associated therewith for substrate processing chambers. In one example, a pumping ring for substrate processing chambers includes a body. The body includes an upper wall, a lower wall, an inner radial wall, and an outer radial wall. The pumping ring also includes an annulus defined by the upper wall, the lower wall, the inner radial wall, and the outer radial wall. The pumping ring also includes a first exhaust port in the body that is fluidly coupled to the annulus, and a second exhaust port in the body that is fluidly coupled to the annulus. The pumping ring also includes a first baffle disposed in the annulus adjacent to the first exhaust port, and a second baffle disposed in the annulus adjacent to the second exhaust port.

Abstract: A branch fiber optic cable assembly includes a main fiber optic cable and a plurality of stub cables. The main fiber optic cable has a plurality of branching sites which are spaced apart from each other along an axial direction of the main fiber optic cable. Each of the stub cables has a first end integrally connected to the main fiber optic cable at one of the branching sites, and a second end extending away from the main fiber optic cable. A method of making the branch fiber optic cable assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to assess monitor, improve, and/or modify health and well-being as it relates to people associated with a habitable or other built environments or spaces therein. In some embodiments, an intervention assessment system and methods include one or more sensors for measuring aspects related to the built environment, a personal user device, and a control circuit configured to receive one or more measurements form the sensor(s), identify a problem with the built environment, and identify potential interventions based on the indicators associated with the problem. By one approach, a plurality of potential interventions may be ranked based on, for example, the ability to reduce the prevalence of the problem or indicator in the built environment, feasibility, cost, and timeliness. In some approaches, the system and method also select and may implement one or more interventions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an electrical power supply structure comprising a plurality of conductors, each conductor extending longitudinally and configured to carry high amperage electrical power, a barrier support plate comprising one or more openings for receiving the plurality of conductors, a first support structure extending longitudinally from a first side of the barrier support plate, and a second support structure extending longitudinally from a second side of the barrier support plate. Each of the first and second support structures comprises a longitudinally extending enclosure having a plurality of transversely extending conductor support members for supporting the plurality of conductors.