Abstract: The present disclosure provides a core-sheath filament. The core-sheath filament includes an adhesive core and a non-tacky sheath, wherein the sheath exhibits a melt flow index of less than 15 grams per 10 minutes. The present disclosure also provides a method of printing an adhesive. The method includes a) melting a core-sheath filament in a nozzle to form a molten composition, and b) dispensing the molten composition through the nozzle onto a substrate. Steps a) and b) are carried out one or more times to form a printed adhesive. The core-sheath filament includes an adhesive core and a non-tacky sheath. Further, methods are provided, including receiving, by a manufacturing device having one or more processors, a digital object comprising data specifying an article; and generating, with the manufacturing device by an additive manufacturing process using a core-sheath filament, the article including a printed adhesive based on the digital object.

Abstract: Methods and systems for rebate automation. In one embodiment sales check data comprising a check identifier, a point of sale identifier and a product identifier is inputted using a consumer user interface. One of a plurality of rebate offers matching the point of sale identifier and the product identifier of the sales check data is selected. The selected rebate offer comprises a rebate identifier and a reward value. Using the consumer user interface, the check identifier and the rebate identifier is submitted for validation to a rebate server to initiate accrual of the reward value. In another embodiment, a system for rebate automation includes a device with a consumer user interface, a rebate server and a point of sale system.

Abstract: A distributed intelligent system. The distributed network includes at least one gateway server configured for receiving meter data from one or more nodes of a distributed meter network and at least one subscriber station in communication with the at least one gateway server via a communication network. The at least one gateway server is further configured to selectively distribute the received meter data to the at least one subscriber station in accordance with a policy.

Abstract: A distributed intelligent system. The distributed network includes at least one gateway server configured for receiving meter data from one or more nodes of a distributed meter network and at least one subscriber station in communication with the at least one gateway server via a communication network. The at least one gateway server is further configured to selectively distribute the received meter data to the at least one subscriber station in accordance with a policy.

Abstract: A distributed intelligent system. The distributed network includes at least one gateway server configured for receiving meter data from one or more nodes of a distributed meter network and at least one subscriber station in communication with the at least one gateway server via a communication network. The at least one gateway server is further configured to selectively distribute the received meter data to the at least one subscriber station in accordance with a policy.

Abstract: A distributed intelligent system. The distributed network includes at least one gateway server configured for receiving meter data from one or more nodes of a distributed meter network and at least one subscriber station in communication with the at least one gateway server via a communication network. The at least one gateway server is further configured to selectively distribute the received meter data to the at least one subscriber station in accordance with a policy.

Abstract: A system for monitoring one or more nodes of a distributed meter network. The system includes at least one meter device at each node for metering a product and for generating a signal representative of a corresponding metering rate. A computation device in communication with the at least one meter device is provided at each node for computing meter data based upon the generated signal. The system further includes an autonomous intelligent network interface module (AINIM) at each node and in communication with the computation device. The AINIM includes a first microcontroller for autonomously and continuously monitoring the computation device and collecting meter data therefrom. The AINIM further includes a second microcontroller for receiving the meter data from the first microcontroller and autonomously distributing at least a portion of the received meter data via a communication network for receipt by a remote computer.

Abstract: A liquid crystal cell fabrication method is presented that utilizes a deposited metal gasket moisture barrier bonding two opposing plates of glass each having a spacer layer to accurately control cell gap thickness along with an optional integrated thermal sensor and heater deposition layer sandwiched between both opposing plates of glass.

Abstract: A liquid crystal cell is presented that utilizes a deposited metal gasket moisture barrier and support membrane bonding two opposing plates of glass, a thin film spacer layer to accurately control cell gap thickness, and an optional integrated thermal sensor and heater deposition layer sandwiched therebetween.

Abstract: A system for monitoring one or more nodes of a distributed meter network. The system includes at least one meter device at each node for metering a product and for generating a signal representative of a corresponding metering rate. A computation device in communication with the at least one meter device is provided at each node for computing meter data based upon the generated signal. The system further includes an autonomous intelligent network interface module (AINIM) at each node and in communication with the computation device. The AINIM includes a first microcontroller for autonomously and continuously monitoring the computation device and collecting meter data therefrom. The AINIM further includes a second microcontroller for receiving the meter data from the first microcontroller and autonomously distributing at least a portion of the received meter data via a communication network for receipt by a remote computer.

Abstract: A distributed intelligent system. The distributed network includes at least one gateway server configured for receiving meter data from one or more nodes of a distributed meter network and at least one subscriber station in communication with the at least one gateway server via a communication network. The at least one gateway server is further configured to selectively distribute the received meter data to the at least one subscriber station in accordance with a policy.

Abstract: A multi-pixel optical processing system includes a multi-pixel liquid crystal cell platform having a deposited metal gasket moisture barrier bonding two opposing substrates each having a spacer layer to accurately control cell gap thickness. A library of specialized pixel constructs is included that can be configured to yield predetermined optical functions at referential locations in the platform. A control system is provided utilizing a time division scheme that multiplexes temperature sensing and heating functions across an optional integrated active thermal element that may be integrated inside the liquid crystal platform. A calibration process characterizes the profile of the cell and generates a polynomial regression formula that provides the voltage drive output for all pixels in the platform based on the platform temperature and state of each pixel.

Abstract: A twisted nematic liquid crystal variable optical attenuator is presented with one substrate that includes a integrated subwavelength nanostructured polarizer. The device may incorporate an integrated isolator whereby a substrate of the liquid crystal sandwich is formed from doped garnet to comprise a faraday rotator etched with a subwavelenth optical nanostructured polarizing grating and enabling the substrate to function as an isolator. The liquid crystal variable optical attenuator may include a deposited metal gasket moisture barrier bonding the opposing top and bottom substrates each having a spacer layer to accurately control cell gap thickness. The liquid crystal variable optical attenuator may also include an integrated thermal sensor and heater deposition layer sandwiched between or deposited on at least one or both opposing substrates.

Abstract: A multi-pixel optical processing system includes a multi-pixel liquid crystal cell platform having a deposited metal gasket moisture barrier bonding two opposing substrates each having a spacer layer to accurately control cell gap thickness. A library of specialized pixel constructs is included that can be configured to yield predetermined optical functions at referential locations in the platform. A control system is provided utilizing a time division scheme that multiplexes temperature sensing and heating functions across an optional integrated active thermal element that may be integrated inside the liquid crystal platform. A calibration process characterizes the profile of the cell and generates a polynomial regression formula that provides the voltage drive output for all pixels in the platform based on the platform temperature and state of each pixel.

Abstract: A twisted nematic liquid crystal variable optical attenuator is presented with one substrate that includes a integrated subwavelength nanostructured polarizer. The device may incorporate an integrated isolator whereby a substrate of the liquid crystal sandwich is formed from doped garnet to comprise a faraday rotator etched with a subwavelenth optical nanostructured polarizing grating and enabling the substrate to function as an isolator. The liquid crystal variable optical attenuator may include a deposited metal gasket moisture barrier bonding the opposing top and bottom substrates each having a spacer layer to accurately control cell gap thickness. The liquid crystal variable optical attenuator may also include an integrated thermal sensor and heater deposition layer sandwiched between or deposited on at least one or both opposing substrates.

Abstract: A liquid crystal cell is presented that utilizes a deposited metal gasket moisture barrier and support membrane bonding two opposing plates of glass, a thin film spacer layer to accurately control cell gap thickness, and an optional integrated thermal sensor and heater deposition layer sandwiched therebetween.

Abstract: A liquid crystal cell fabrication method is presented that utilizes a deposited metal gasket moisture barrier bonding two opposing plates of glass each having a spacer layer to accurately control cell gap thickness along with an optional integrated thermal sensor and heater deposition layer sandwiched between both opposing plates of glass.

Abstract: Techniques for liquid replenishment in a printer/plotter. An ink delivery system (IDS) is employed wherein the on-carriage spring reservoir of the print cartridge is manually and securely connected to the off-carriage reservoir. A pen cartridge that uses an internal spring to provide vacuum pressure is connected from an inlet port through a unitary coupler to an ink reservoir located off the scanning carriage axis. The coupler serves to align as well as to secure two mating valves to securely hold them together in an open latched position which is not intended to be modified or disconnected until the entire ink supply has been depleted. A replaceable ink supply module for providing replenishment of an inkjet printhead includes a collapsible bag, an enclosure box, a connective tube, and an on/off valve. These four components are incorporated into a composite sealed system which remains intact during shipment, storage, installation and operation.

Abstract: Techniques for liquid replenishment in a printer/plotter. An ink delivery system (IDS) is employed wherein the on-carriage spring reservoir of the print cartridge is manually and securely connected to the off-carriage reservoir. A pen cartridge that uses an internal spring to provide vacuum pressure is connected from an inlet port through a unitary coupler to an ink reservoir located off the scanning carriage axis. The coupler serves to align as well as to secure two mating valves to securely hold them together in an open latched position which is not intended to be modified or disconnected until the entire ink supply has been depleted. A replaceable ink supply module for providing replenishment of an inkjet printhead includes a collapsible bag, an enclosure box, a connective tube, and an on/off valve. These four components are incorporated into a composite sealed system which remains intact during shipment, storage, installation and operation.

Abstract: A linear translation apparatus for optical systems has a tube and a piston that slides along an inner wall of the tube that is disposed about a longitudinal axis. An optical element mounted on the piston intercepts optical signals entering the tube so that optical path lengths within the optical system are varied as the piston moves along the longitudinal axis. The piston has a magnetic moment enabling the piston to slide along the inner wall in response to the strength and direction of a magnetic field generated by a magnetic actuator. A driver coupled to the magnetic actuator establishes the strength and direction of the generated magnetic field to achieve a predesignated motion profile for the piston along the longitudinal axis.