Abstract: In one embodiment, a coupler includes a glass tube having a refractive index n3 and a passageway, a first optical waveguide and a second optical waveguide positioned within the passageway, each of the first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide comprising a core surrounded by a cladding. The glass tube further includes a tapered region having a taper length. A coupling region is present between the first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide within the tapered region. A refractive index of the cladding is less than a refractive index of the core, and a lowest refractive index of the cladding of the first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide is n2. Additionally, n3 is lower than n2 such that a value of ?2-3 is 0.07%??2-3?0.125, where ?2-3 equals (n22?n32)/2n22.

Abstract: A bowling shoe which may have removably attachable forefoot/sole slide pads, and removably attachable heel brake pads. The bowling shoe may also have an outsole made of TPU, as well as lip characteristics to prevent forefoot slide pad wear, and rear outsole characteristics to facilitate removal of the heel brake pad.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a plurality of different software builds from a common base code and different combinations of other components are described in the context of a collaborative framework in which multiple parties maintain a shareable base of software used for generating such builds. Systems and methods for generating a plurality of different hardware build designs from a common collection of hardware elements and different combinations of other hardware components are also described.

Abstract: A slip-on, moccasin-style golfing shoe has a shoe sole having a bottom surface with contours for gripping a golfing surface during striking of a golf ball; an upper, with the shoe sole, defining a volume for receiving a wearer's foot and defining an opening for insertion of a wearer's foot into the volume, the upper including resilient closure assembly fixedly extending across a forward portion of the opening; and, disposed within the volume, a heel cup of extended length, reduced width, and increased stiffness, for resisting lateral movement of a heel region of the wearer's foot during striking of a golf ball. The shoe sole defines a depressed footbed surface for a lower center of gravity and increased stability during golfing play.

Abstract: A slip-on, moccasin-style golfing shoe has a shoe sole having a bottom surface with contours for gripping a golfing surface during striking of a golf ball; an upper, with the shoe sole, defining a volume for receiving a wearer's foot and defining an opening for insertion of a wearer's foot into the volume, the upper including resilient closure assembly fixedly extending across a forward portion of the opening; and, disposed within the volume, a heel cup of extended length, reduced width, and increased stiffness, for resisting lateral movement of a heel region of the wearer's foot during striking of a golf ball. The shoe sole defines a depressed footbed surface for a lower center of gravity and increased stability during golfing play.