Abstract: A conventional head-mounted display (HMDs) can display a virtual image at a fixed focus (e.g., infinite focus). If the user looks at an object that appears closer than the virtual image, then accommodation by the user's eyes will cause the virtual image to appear blurry. The HMDs disclosed herein include a dynamic electro-active focusing element that changes the focus of the virtual image to account for accommodation by the user. This dynamic electro-active focusing element may include a curved layer of electro-active material, such as nematic or bi-stable (e.g., cholesteric) liquid crystal, disposed between a static concave mirror and a convex surface on a beam splitter or other optical element. Changing the refractive index of the electro-active material causes the focus of the dynamic electro-active focusing element, making it possible to shift the virtual image's focus in as the user's eyes change focus.

Abstract: A method of making an axicon includes providing a structure having an axicon-shape cavity, the cavity having a first end and a second end, the first end of the cavity having a cross sectional dimension that is smaller than the second end, placing a polymeric substance into the axicon-shape cavity, and forming an axicon using the polymeric substance.

Abstract: Various welding systems that provide communication over auxiliary or weld power lines are provided. The disclosed embodiments may include a multi-process welding power supply that is communicatively coupled to a pendant via an auxiliary conduit that facilitates the exchange of data and power between components of the welding system. In some embodiments, the pendant may also include auxiliary outlets that allow an operator to power auxiliary devices at the weld location. The disclosed embodiments further include a pendant with a wire spool and wire feeder drive circuitry that is configured to activate spooling during MIG welding. Embodiments are provided that also allow for bidirectional data communication over a power line in networked welding systems.

Abstract: Molding optical components with fine (e.g., micron-scale) features from optical adhesive or polymer can be difficult because the optical components often stick to the mold. If the component sticks to the mold, then either the component or the mold may be damaged or destroyed as the component is removed from the mold. This damage can be reduced or avoided altogether by illuminating the interface between the component and the mold with ultraviolet (UV) light before releasing the component from the mold. The UV light reduces the adhesive forces that cause the component and the mold to stick together, making it easier to remove the component from mold without damaging either the mold or the component.

Abstract: Resistive bridges can connect many ring electrodes in an electro-active lens with a relatively small number of buss lines. These resistors are usually large to prevent excessive current consumption. Conventionally, they are disposed in the same plane as the ring electrodes, which means that the ring electrodes are spaced farther apart or made discontinuous to accommodate the resistors. But spacing the ring electrodes farther apart or making them discontinuous degrades the lens's optical quality. Placing the ring electrodes and resistors on layers separated by an insulator makes it possible for the ring electrodes to be closer together and continuous with resistance high enough to limit current consumption. It also relaxes constraints on feature sizes and placement during the process used to make the lens. And because the resistors and electrodes are on different planes, they can be formed of materials with different resistivities.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to communicate via a weld cable are disclosed. An example welding accessory includes a first port to receive input power via a first weld cable, a power converter to convert the input power to output power, a second port to output the input power via a second weld cable, and one or more output switches to selectively divert the input power from the power converter to the second port.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, apparatus, device, manufacture, circuit, composition of matter, and/or user interface adapted for and/or resulting from, and/or a process, method, and/or machine-readable medium comprising machine-implementable instructions for, activities that can comprise and/or relate to, generating a gradient in an index of refraction of a material.

Abstract: A method of operating a welding wire feeder includes receiving an input power from a welding power source, actuating a power relay to close and open a first current carrying path for application of the input power, and actuating bypass circuitry coupled in parallel to the power relay to close and open a second current carrying path in coordination with actuating the power relay. The method of operating the welding wire feeder also includes providing a welding wire to a welding torch.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, manufacture, circuit, composition of matter, and/or user interface adapted for and/or resulting from, and/or a method and/or machine-readable medium comprising machine-implementable instructions for, activities that can comprise and/or relate to, via a device comprising an electro-active lens, automatically acquiring at least two images of a scene.

Abstract: A welding or cutting device includes a first transistor coupled between a first node and a second node. The first transistor controls current and voltage provided to an inductor during a welding or cutting operation. The welding or cutting device also includes a first diode coupled in series with the first transistor between the second node and a third node, and a second diode coupled in parallel with the first transistor and the first diode between the first node and a fourth node. Additionally, the welding or cutting device includes a second transistor coupled in series with the second diode and in parallel with the first transistor and the first diode between the fourth node and the third node. The second transistor controls a voltage applied to a transistor during a freewheeling operation of the inductor.

Abstract: A method of operating a welding wire feeder includes receiving an input power from a welding power source, actuating a power relay to close and open a first current carrying path for application of the input power, and actuating bypass circuitry coupled in parallel to the power relay to close and open a second current carrying path in coordination with actuating the power relay. The method of operating the welding wire feeder also includes providing a welding wire to a welding torch.

Abstract: Belt conveyor idler systems for increasing the trough angle of a conveyor belt. In some embodiments, wing roll brackets that support the wing rolls increase in length from the front end to the back end of the idler system.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, apparatus, device, manufacture, circuit, composition of matter, and/or user interface adapted for and/or resulting from, and/or a process, method, and/or machine-readable medium comprising machine-implementable instructions for, activities that can comprise and/or relate to, generating a gradient in an index of refraction of a material.

Abstract: A system and method to exchange data among applications are disclosed. A request for information that includes private information is received from a user application. A respective indicator for each private information field within the requested information is determined. A protected set of information is provided to the user application. The protected set of information comprises the requested information with the respective indicator replacing the private information in each private information field of the requested information. At least one indicator is received from the user application. The original data corresponding to the received at least one indicator is determined.

Abstract: Belt conveyor idler systems for increasing the trough angle of a conveyor belt are disclosed. In some embodiments, wing roll brackets that support the wing rolls increase in length from the front end to the back end of the idler system.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to controlling a distribution of fuel to a plurality of nozzles associated with at least one aircraft engine by: determining a state of operation associated with the at least one aircraft engine, causing a valve coupled to a fuel supply and each of the nozzles to open when it is determined that the state of operation indicates a high power state relative to at least one threshold, and causing the valve to close when it is determined that the state of operation indicates a low power state relative to the at least one threshold.

Abstract: An example method includes displaying a first control and a second control, wherein a touch associated with the controls results in moving an indicator through information in a first direction and in a second direction, in response to the detecting a first touch associated with the first control, moving the indicator in the first direction, and in response to detecting a second touch associated with the second control, moving the indicator in the first direction.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for laser welding sheet metal plates having an anti-corrosion surface layer pre-coat. The plates are arranged one relative to the other in an edge-butting relationship. Using a laser beam having a first beam spot-size, a laser weld joint is formed along the adjacent edges of the sheet metal plates. Subsequent to forming the laser weld joint, a localized anti-corrosion surface layer is formed at least on the laser weld joint. In particular, a laser beam having a second beam spot-size larger than the first beam spot-size is scanned along the laser weld joint. During the scanning, a flow of a powdered anti-corrosion surface layer material is directed toward a portion of the laser weld joint that is being irradiated by the laser beam. The powdered material is melted by the laser beam and forms a layer adhering to the laser weld joint.

Abstract: Belt conveyor idler systems for increasing the trough angle of a conveyor belt are disclosed. In some embodiments, wing roll brackets that support the wing rolls increase in length from the front end to the back end of the idler system.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, apparatus, device, manufacture, circuit, composition of matter, and/or user interface adapted for and/or resulting from, and/or a process, method, and/or machine-readable medium comprising machine-implementable instructions for, activities that can comprise and/or relate to, generating a gradient in an index of refraction of a material.