Abstract: Systems and methods for multiple beam additive manufacturing use multiple beams of light (e.g., laser light) simultaneously to expose layers of powder material in selected regions until the powder material fuses to form voxels, which form build layers of a three-dimensional structure. The light may be generated from selected light sources and coupled into an array of optical fibers having output ends arranged in an optical head such that the multiple beams are directed by the optical head to different locations on each of the powder layers. The multiple beams may provide distributed exposures forming a distributed exposure pattern including beam spots that are spaced sufficiently to separate the fused regions formed by each exposure. The multiple beams may be moved using various techniques (e.g., by moving the optical head) and according to various scan patterns such that a plurality of multiple beam distributed exposures form each build layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for multiple beam additive manufacturing use multiple beams of light (e.g., laser light) to expose layers of powder material in selected regions until the powder material fuses to form voxels, which form build layers of a three-dimensional structure. The light may be generated from selected light sources and coupled into an array of optical fibers having output ends arranged in an optical head in at least one line such that multiple beams are sequentially directed by the optical head to the same powder region providing multiple beam sequential exposures (e.g., with pre-heating, melting and controlled cool down) to fuse the powder region. The multiple sequential beams may be moved using various techniques (e.g., by moving the optical head) and according to various scan patterns such that a plurality of fused regions form each build layer.

Abstract: Laser processing systems and methods are capable of moving a laser beam while maintaining consistent laser beam characteristics at processing locations. The laser processing systems generate a collimated laser beam having a consistent Z axis power density along at least a portion of a length of the laser beam and dither the collimated laser beam along one of the X and Y axes. The dithering of the collimated laser beam facilitates consistent laser processing on a three-dimensional surface, for example, to provide consistent deposition of a coating in a laser cladding process. A laser processing system may include a beam delivery system that provides both the collimation and the dithering of the collimated laser as well as an adjustment of the beam diameter of the collimated beam.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for gaining access to optical fibers contained within a fiber optic cable. Specifically, a cable entry tool can include a first jaw that can have a substantially V-shaped first channel formed therein, a first cutting element extending into the first channel and movable to any of a variety of depths, a second jaw positioned opposing the first jaw and that can have a substantially V-shaped second channel formed therein, and a second cutting element extending into the second channel and movable to any of a variety of depths. The first channel and the second channel can be movable with respect to each other for receiving therebetween a buffer tube having any of a variety of tube diameters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of formula 1 that are useful for the preventive or therapeutic treatment of diseases caused by abnormal activation of CXCR3 chemokines. The invention relates furthermore to a process for the preparation of said compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions containing said compounds and to novel intermediates used in the preparation of said compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of formula 1 that are useful for the preventive or therapeutic treatment of diseases caused by abnormal activation of CXCR3 chemokines. The invention relates furthermore to a process for the preparation of said compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions containing said compounds and to novel intermediates used in the preparation of said compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compounds of the formula Ia: in any of its stereoisomeric forms or a mixture of stereoisomeric forms in any ratio, or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof, wherein the substituents are as described herein. The inventive compounds have CXCR5 inhibitory activity, and are particularly useful in treating or preventing various inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, Crohn's Disease, associated with the modulation of the human CXCR5 receptor.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for gaining access to optical fibers contained within a fiber optic cable. Specifically, a cable entry tool can include a first jaw that can have a substantially V-shaped first channel formed therein, a first cutting element extending into the first channel and movable to any of a variety of depths, a second jaw positioned opposing the first jaw and that can have a substantially V-shaped second channel formed therein, and a second cutting element extending into the second channel and movable to any of a variety of depths. The first channel and the second channel can be movable with respect to each other for receiving therebetween a buffer tube having any of a variety of tube diameters.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a 3-(amido or sulphamido)-4-(4-substituted-azinyl)benzamide or benzsulphonamide compound as defined herein. The 3-(amido or sulphamido)-(4-substituted-azinyl)benzamide or benzsulphonamide compound is useful as a inhibitor of the chemokine receptor CxCR3, and for preventing or treating a CxCR3 chemokine receptor mediated disease or condition related thereto in a patient in need of such.

Abstract: Imidazo-quinoline, -pyridine, and -naphthyridine ring systems substituted at the 1-position, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, intermediates, and methods of use of these compounds as immunomodulators, for inducing cytokine biosynthesis in animals and in the treatment of diseases including viral and neoplastic diseases are disclosed.

Abstract: Aryl substituted imidazoquinoline compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, intermediates, and methods of use of these compounds as immunomodulators, for inducing or inhibiting cytokine biosynthesis in animals and in the treatment of diseases including viral, and neoplastic, are disclosed.

Abstract: An ECG analysis system is provided that automatically scans and classifies in sequence a plurality of long term recorded patient cassette tapes by first identifying and then inserting each tape cassette into a cassette player for the analysis system, and finally removing each tape cassette from the analysis system once the analysis is complete. The system includes bar code reading and writing devices that are integrated with the analysis system to positively identify the patient associated with the tape recording. An automatic multiple cassette loader is disclosed wherein an elongated, rigid transport member having a transport slot cut along a substantial portion of its longitudinal axis is used to guide a detent armature, driven by a worm drive, in placing cassettes within a cassette player. The detent armature protrudes through said transport slot and pushes a single cassette out from the bottom of a stack of cassettes along the longitudinal axis of the transport slot and into the cassette player.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for long-term ambulatory monitoring of blood pressure by an auscultation method, employing a pressurizable cuff and requiring no intervention by the patient. Heartbeats are sensed by ECG electrodes, and a microphone is used to sense the Korotkow sounds as the pressure in the cuff is varied. The presence or absence of a Korotkow sound within a preset interval following each heartbeat is used in determining when the cuff pressure equals the systolic and diastolic pressures. Those pressures are determined in each cycle of operation and are recorded on a continuously-running portable tape recorder, along with the ECG signals. In each cycle of operation, the initial pressure to which the cuff is inflated is based on the systolic pressure measured in the immediately preceding cycle. The pressure in the inflated cuff is thereafter stepped downward in small discrete decrements triggered by successive heartbeats during the measurement phase of each cycle.

Abstract: A system for encoding, recording, playing back, decoding, validating, and displaying cardiac signals obtained from a patient during ambulatory monitoring. The system permits the recording on a single track in a magnetic tape of a channel of ECG signals interrupted intermittently by blood pressure signals, time of day signals, and event marker signals. The ECG signal is recorded in analog form, but the other signals are recorded as pulse coded signals each having its own format. In the playback apparatus, decoders identify and verify each of the signals when they occur, and the played back information is plotted on a chart. If the time of day signal was not recorded on the tape, timing information can be produced by the playback apparatus from the cumulative tape travel. Fiducial signals introduced in the recording, playback, and charting operations are used in a method for identification and measurement of recording tape speed error, playback tape error, and plotter speed error.