Abstract: A laser processing head conducts laser energy to process a workpiece. A fiber input emits the laser energy, and internal optics focus the laser energy as a laser beam to a focus spot relative to an output on the head. A relay between the fiber input and the internal optics directs a portion of process light, which has returned from the process through the internal optics to the relay. The effects of the internal optics form the returned process light as a hollow converging cone toward the fiber input. The relay is located in an angular space situated an extent outside the diverging cone of the emitted laser energy from the fiber input, such as at a numerical aperture that is about 10 percent greater than the numerical aperture of the fiber input. A sensor detects the portion of the process light directed to it.

Abstract: A cathode heater assembly for use in a vacuum electronic device comprises a refractive cup having a bottom portion and side walls forming a container; a cathode secured in the container of the refractive cup; and a heater wire coupled to the refractive cup. The cathode heater assembly may be manufactured by providing a refractive cup having a bottom portion and side walls forming a container; inserting a cathode pellet in the container of the refractive cup; impregnating the cathode pellet with electron emissive materials while the cathode pellet is in the container of the refractive cup; and attaching a heater wire to the refractive cup.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system and a method for monitoring the state of optical elements of a device for laser material processing. According to the present disclosure a detailed monitoring of the state of optical elements of a device for laser material processing takes place by monitoring properties of laser radiation in the direction of an optical fiber or laser radiation entering a laser processing head connected to the laser source and these measurements, which can be performed during the processing process. The device according to the present disclosure has optical sensors for measuring the intensity and respective current laser power.

Abstract: An audio device having a housing including a first loudspeaker disposed in the housing and oriented to emit sound towards a top of the housing, a second loudspeaker disposed in the housing and oriented to emit sound towards a bottom of the housing, and a third loudspeaker disposed in the housing and oriented to emit sound radially outward from the housing of the audio device. Embodiments may include a microphone array disposed proximate the top of the audio device and encircling the first loudspeaker.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein include a data receiving device for an analyte monitoring system. The data receiving device detects a disconnect between the data receiving device and a sensor control device of the analyte monitoring system. The data receiving device sets a duration of a scan window for receiving connection data packets from the sensor control device to a current length and initiates the scan window. In response to determining that a connection between the data receiving device and sensor control device has not been established based on connection data packets received during the scan window, the data receiving device performs iterations of a process to adjust the scan window, involving increasing a duration of the scan window to a new length that is greater than the current length and initiating the scan window based on the duration of the scan window at the new length.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of preventing, ameliorating and/or treating disorders or diseases associated with the integrated stress response (ISR) involving the p-eIF2? pathway arising from various cellular stresses such as oxidative stress, hypoxia and ER stress, chronic or prolonged bio-mechanical stress. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method which prevents or alleviates aberrant cell differentiation that is caused by the activation of the integrated stress response and thereby prevents or alleviates conditions, disorders or diseases resulting therefrom. In one embodiment, ISR-associated diseases subject to the present invention include but are not limited to skeletal disorders including disc degeneration, MCDS and other skeletal dysplasias, cancers, inflammatory diseases, diabetes, fibrosis, obesity and neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract: The use of bacteria-based binders to bind and strengthen 3D printed compositions; bio-plastic 3D printing materials comprised of combinations of particles of organic substrates such as coffee, pistachio shells and coconut shells, as well as sand (and combinations of one or more of the foregoing); processes for creating scent-free bio-plastic 3D printing material and products from such particles; the application of a copper finish, chrome finish and powder finish to bio-plastics made from such particles; and products and fixtures, such as sinks, toilets, faucets, coffee mug molds, lighting fixtures, and coffee cups, comprising non-flammable bio-plastic created by a process of 3D printing from such particles. Processes for imparting color or structure or surface texture to these and binding and strengthening them using enzyme-secreting bacteria.

Abstract: An apparatus calibrates a laser processing machine and includes an imaging sensor and a controller. The controller directs output of a beam from the machine’s low power pointer laser and directs an actuator at measurement conditions. Images of the beam are obtained by an imaging sensor, and the controller measures a parameter of at least one of the machine’s optical components. The controller then outputs an indication of the machine indicative of the measured parameter. For example, the controller can calculate a focus position of the beam from the laser head so the Z-position of the laser head can be adjusted for any discrepancies. In other examples, the controller can determine an offset of the fiber tip of the head so adjustments to operations can be made, or the controller can determine centering of the beam in the head’s nozzle so adjustments can be made.

Abstract: A laser processing head for directing a laser beam includes two reflectors and a sole lens element. The first reflector disposed in a housing's interior reflects the laser beam from a source to the second reflector, which then reflects the laser beam toward a process zone for a workpiece. The single lens element is disposed in the housing's interior between the reflectors. The lens element can be moved to adjust a focal position of the laser beam beyond the housing's outlet. To reduce contamination, one or more nozzles are configured to direct purge gas across one or more of the first reflector, the second reflector, and the lens element, while one or more collection areas disposed in the interior are configured to collect contamination directed from the purge gas.

Abstract: A high-power laser processing head has precisely centered stationary lenses. The assembly of the lenses in the head can reduce contamination. The lens is affixed (soldered) in a ring-shaped highly precise mount, which ensures a high thermal conductivity of the joining interface. The mount and lens can be cleaned as a unit and inserted in a precisely manufactured receptacle of a housing module. A seal can provide sealing between an inner surface in the receptacles and a base surfaces of the mount. The modules has a groove around the diameter of the receptacle to catch any particles generated when inserting the lens mounts into the receptacle. The assembly is clamped into place by the next housing module. The lens is directly cooled by the module's body to mitigate contamination on the lens surface. During repairs, both lens and mount can be exchanged as a unit.

Abstract: A laser processing head transmits a laser beam to a process zone. An input lens fixedly mounted in the head images the beam from an input with a first (negative) focal length along an optical axis. An intermediate lens is movably mounted in the head in connection with an actuator, which can move the intermediate lens along the axis at a variable lens distance relative to the input lens. The intermediate lens images the beam with a second (positive) focal length. An output lens fixedly mounted in the head images the beam with a third (positive) focal length along the axis to a focal point. The third focal length is greater than the second focal length and provides a large working distance. The focal point can be varied at a variable focal distance along the axis in relation to the variable lens distance by which the intermediate lens is moved.

Abstract: A medical sensor includes an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), medical hardware, and a communication module. The ASIC is communicatively coupled to the medical hardware and communication module. The ASIC is configured to receive measurement signals from the medical hardware and provide the measurement signals to the communication module. The communication module is configured to process the measurement signal into measurement results and transmit the measurement results to a remove device. The communication module includes an application layer for processing the measurement signals and a link layer for transmitting the measurement results. The ASIC is configured to detect that a voltage supplied to the ASIC is below a threshold level and determine an amount of time that the voltage has been below the threshold level. The ASIC is further configured to respond to the voltage supplied to the ASIC being below a threshold level based on the determined amount of time.

Abstract: A flow cell includes: a first substrate; a second substrate; a first resin layer disposed over an inner surface of the first substrate; a second resin layer disposed over an inner surface of the second substrate; a first plurality of biological capture sites located at the first resin layer; a second plurality of biological capture sites located at the second resin layer; and a polymer layer interposed between the first resin layer and the second resin layer, such that the first substrate is attached to the second substrate via at least the first resin layer, the polymer layer, and the second resin layer, wherein the polymer layer defines a plurality of microfluidic channels that extend through polymer layer.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus monitors a cover optic on a laser processing head for contamination, indicating the need to replace the cover optic. The apparatus includes at least one reflector and at least one sensors that are disposed in the processing head adjacent a periphery of the cover optic. The reflector reflects radiation from the laser beam deflected from contamination on the cover optic and incident thereagainst. The sensor is offset from the reflector and detects at least a portion of the radiation reflected by the reflector. A controller in communication with the sensor can determine the contamination on the cover optic based on the detected radiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a formulation and method for preparing a fibrous material comprising nanofibers. The formulation comprises (a) at least one polymer, (b) at least one solvent in which the at least one polymer is dissolved to provide a polymer solution, and (c) at least one functional additive that imparts functionality to the fibrous material. The at least one functional additive is dissolvable or suspensible in the polymer solution. The formulation is able to remove or reduce the concentration of bacteria, viruses and heavy metals while maintaining high filtration efficiency. The invention also relates to a fibrous material prepared by the formulation and applications of the fibrous material.

Abstract: A flow cell includes: a first substrate; a second substrate; a first resin layer disposed over an inner surface of the first substrate; a second resin layer disposed over an inner surface of the second substrate; a first plurality of biological capture sites located at the first resin layer; a second plurality of biological capture sites located at the second resin layer; and a polymer layer interposed between the first resin layer and the second resin layer, such that the first substrate is attached to the second substrate via at least the first resin layer, the polymer layer, and the second resin layer, wherein the polymer layer defines a plurality of microfluidic channels that extend through polymer layer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for secured communication between a medical sensor and a computing device includes receiving, by the medical sensor, an authentication request from the computing device. The method includes generating, based on values provided in the authentication request, a challenge-response message for the computing device. The method includes receiving, from the computing device, a responsive challenge-response message. The method includes verifying that the responsive challenge-response message includes an expected value and corresponds to an expected format. The method includes, in response to verifying the responsive challenge-response message, sending a sensor secret value to the computing device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, in part, a microfluidic apparatus for detecting target molecules. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a protein microarray-integrated microfluidic system for detecting target molecules.