Abstract: A dual-mode imaging receiver (DMIR) can acquire and maintain SOA free-space optical communication (FSOC) links without a precision mechanical gimbal. Unlike other FSOC technologies, a DMIR can operate without precise spatial alignment and calibration of the transmitter's or receiver's spatial encoders (precision pointing) in static (fixed point to point) geometries. Instead, a DMIR uses electronic receive beam selection to acquire and track transmitters with coarse mechanical pointing and a single aperture. And because the DMIR can operate with just one aperture, it does not need a beacon at the transmitter since it does not transition from a wide field-of-view acquisition aperture to a narrow field-of-view detection and decoding aperture even in dynamic geometries.

Abstract: A liquid immersion microscope objective assembly includes an objective, a liquid delivery system for delivering an immersion liquid to a lens of the objective, and a liquid return system for removing liquid from an area around the lens. The objective may be positioned below a sample container. Liquid is delivered to the lens so as to form a bolus between the lens and the sample container. Excess liquid drains into the return system, which may be done via a notch or a V-shaped channel. Additionally, the direction of flow through the delivery system may be reversed, such that liquid may also be removed from the area around the lens via the delivery system. The assembly may also be utilized to remove liquid from the underside of the sample container. The assembly may also include a leak sensor and/or an electrowetting device.

Abstract: Using the private blockchain, the present invention will permit simultaneous cooperation between multiple, worldwide Patent Offices when reviewing patent applications by having a single repository for 1. prior art submitted by the applicant; 2. prior art identified by the various examiners at the NPOs; and 3. third parties. All prior art for a given patent in examination is stored in one repository (such as provided by the present invention) and it is (at first) controlled by cooperating national patent Offices. The repository can be controlled by other parties that are not national patent Offices. Using the private blockchain, the present invention will permit a patent Owner or Applicant to select worldwide patent law firms to draft and prosecute a patent application in worldwide countries. The patent Owner or Applicant can select which countries he wants to file patent applications in.

Abstract: A balance weight having one or more journals with a reduced mass portion disposed between a pair of journal portions that define circumferentially extending bearing surfaces. The reduced mass portion has a body, which defines a circumferentially extending bearing surface that is concentric with the bearing surfaces on the journal portions, and at least one stiffening structure that is configured to resist flexing of the journal portions relative to one another due to the transmission of bending loads through the balance shaft.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing method for an aircraft part having a polymer body and a metallic structural feature includes generating data defining the aircraft part with the metallic structural feature. A build process is determined for the polymer body of the aircraft part. The polymer body of the aircraft part is manufactured. A build path for a near net shape metallic structure is determined. The near net shape metallic structure is manufactured using an additive manufacturing process to direct metallic powder from a cold-spray nozzle on at least a section of the polymer body. The near net shape metallic structure is machined to provide the aircraft part having the polymer body and the metallic structural feature.

Abstract: A shingle which includes a substrate, granules deposited on the substrate, a first material strip applied to the top of the substrate, a second material strip applied to the bottom of the substrate, and an adhesive applied to the second material strip. The second material strip is positioned along an edge of the substrate such that when a shingle is applied to a roof overlaying an existing shingle, the adhesive adheres the second material strip of the overlaying shingle to the first material strip of the existing shingle. The second material strip is applied to the bottom of the substrate prior particles being applied to the bottom surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A gas shield for an additive manufacturing system includes a bracket and a flexible curtain mounted to the bracket. A method of additively manufacturing includes removably mounting a gas shield to at least partially segregate a powder dispenser and a chamber.

Abstract: An electronic controller includes a controller body having a head that adjoins a handle at a neck region, and that includes at least one thumb-operated control. The controller includes a hand retainer that in a closed position is configured to physically bias the user's palm against an outer surface of the handle. The hand retainer includes a resilient member that biases the hand retainer towards an open position. An adjustment mechanism couples the resilient member to the head and permits the resilient member to be adjusted betweena plurality of discrete positions to adjust the resilient member towards or away from the user's purlicue. The adjustment mechanism may include an anchor that is movable peripherally about the head between the plurality of discrete positions and is pivotably attached to the resilient member with a two-part fastener, with a friction member interposed between the resilient member and the anchor.

Abstract: A storage bag includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall connected to the first sidewall so as to form an interior of the bag with an opening to the interior. The storage bag also includes at least one zipper profile provided adjacent to the opening to the interior of the bag. The at least one zipper profile has opposing closure elements that respectively interlock with each other. The storage bag also includes a slider with at least one opening member and at least one detent on at least one end of the bag. The at least one detent is configured to engage with the at least one opening member of the slider to provide a leak-proof end seal.

Abstract: This invention relates to a combination of a gun having a rifled barrel and a round of enhanced performance ammunition, and to a projectile for use in the combination. The invention is especially, but not exclusively related to an improved form of projectile for small arms ammunition. There is provided a projectile with a nominal calibre, for use in a rifled barrel, the projectile comprising: a monolithic body, said monolithic body comprising a. an ogival portion forming the front of the monolithic body; said ogival portion at a point of intersection abuts with b. an elongate cylindrical core, said elongate cylindrical core comprising at least three bands located circumferentially thereon, said bands protruding radially outward therefrom; and said elongate cylindrical core abuts c.

Abstract: Metal interconnect structures are reworked to address possible voids or other defects. Etching of initially deposited interconnect metal to open voids is followed by reflow to accumulate interconnect metal at the bottoms of trenches. Additional interconnect metal is deposited over the initially deposited interconnect metal by electroplating and/or electroless plating. Additional diffusion barrier material may be deposited and patterned prior to deposition of the additional interconnect material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a resistive switching device (RSD) that includes a first terminal, a second terminal, an active region having a switchable conduction state, and a protuberant contact communicatively coupled to the first terminal. The protuberant contact is configured to communicatively couple the first terminal through a first barrier liner to a first electrode line of a crossbar array. In embodiments of the invention, the protuberant contact is positioned with respect to the first barrier liner such that the first barrier liner does not impacting the switchable conduction state of the active region. In embodiments of the invention, the protuberant contact is positioned with respect to the first barrier liner such that the first barrier liner does not directly contact the first terminal.

Abstract: A synthetic gaslight is described herein. The synthetic gaslight has a translucent upper section that simulates the upper part of a traditional gas flame, a translucent lower section that simulates the lower part of a traditional gas flame, and an opaque isolation section that prevents light from lower section from entering the upper section and that also prevents light from the upper section from entering the lower section. The translucent lower section maintains a constant illumination for the lower part of the simulated gas flame. The translucent upper section has a flickering illumination for the upper part of the simulated gas flame.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is formed to include a fin structure, a first trench at a first lateral end of the fin, a second trench at a second lateral end of the fin, and a filler filled on a first traverse side of the fin and a second traverse side of the fin. The filler is contained between the first trench and the second trench, and oxidized in-place to cause a stress to be exerted on the first and second traverse sides of the fin, the stress causing the fin to exhibit a tensile strain in a lateral running direction of the fin.

Abstract: A method of forming a nanosheet device is provided. The method includes forming a nanosheet channel layer stack and dummy gate structure on a substrate. The method further includes forming a curved recess in the substrate surface adjacent to the nanosheet channel layer stack. The method further includes depositing a protective layer on the curved recess, dummy gate structure, and exposed sidewall surfaces of the nanosheet layer stack, and removing a portion of the protective layer on the curved recess to form a downward-spiked ridge around the rim of the curved recess. The method further includes extending the curved recess deeper into the substrate to form an extended recess, and forming a sacrificial layer at the surface of the extended recess in the substrate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for efficiently navigating between applications are disclosed herein. An example method includes: concurrently displaying: a first user interface (UI) associated with a first application, a status bar with status indications associated with system-wide functions; and a first affordance associated with a second application. While concurrently displaying, the method includes: detecting a first input that corresponds to selection of the affordance and, in response: replacing display of at least a portion of the first UI with a second UI that is associated with the second application; maintaining display of the status bar; and displaying a second affordance that is associated with the first application. While concurrently displaying, the method includes: detecting a second input that corresponds to selection of the second affordance and, in response: replacing display of at least a portion of the second UI with the first UI; and maintaining display of the status bar.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for configuring a fingerprint sensor to operate in a capacitive sensing mode and an ultrasonic sensing mode are disclosed. A fingerprint sensor may be configured to operate in a capacitive sensing mode by driving a sensing electrode using a controller. In some implementations, an object positioned on or near the sensing electrode may be detected using the fingerprint sensor in the capacitive sensing mode, and the controller can drive electrodes of the fingerprint sensor differently to configure the fingerprint sensor to operate in an ultrasonic sensing mode. In some implementations, an applications processor may be instructed to authenticate a fingerprint of the object from image data obtained when the fingerprint sensor is operating in the ultrasonic sensing mode. In some implementations, a display of a mobile device containing the fingerprint sensor may be unlocked, or the mobile device may be woken up when the fingerprint is authenticated.

Abstract: A quantitative method for performing an automated diagnostic assay, comprising: incubating a capture reagent with a streptavidin-coated medium to form a solid phase complex; washing the solid phase complex to remove excess capture reagent; incubating the solid phase complex with a serum sample to form an immune complex; washing the immune complex to remove any unbound sample; incubating the immune complex with a conjugate to create an immune-conjugate complex; washing the immune-conjugate complex to remove any unbound conjugate; introducing a substrate capable of generating a quantifiable response; and calibrating the response generated from introducing the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel bone compositions for locally delivering a therapeutic agent to the site of a bone defect. Therapeutic agents may promote repair of the bone defect and/or treat conditions or disorders such as pain, inflammation, cancer, and infection. The compositions include calcium phosphate cements and a demineralized bone matrix or a collagen sponge. The compositions are useful for implantation in a patient at the site of a bone defect.

Abstract: A method is presented for forming a stacked metal-insular-metal (MIM) capacitor with self-aligned contact. The method includes forming a first electrode plate over a first interlayer dielectric (ILD), forming a first spacer adjacent the first electrode plate, forming a first insulating layer over the first electrode plate, forming a second electrode plate over the first insulating layer, and forming a second spacer adjacent the second electrode plate and the first insulating layer. The method further includes forming a second insulating layer over the second electrode plate, forming a third electrode plate over the second insulating layer, forming a third spacer adjacent the third electrode plate and the second insulating layer, and forming a second ILD over the third electrode plate. The method also includes forming a first via through the second ILD and directly contacting the second spacer such to prevent the first via from contacting the second electrode plate.