Abstract: A tissue-removing catheter for removing tissue in a body lumen includes an elongate body and a handle mounted to a proximal end portion of the elongate body. The handle is operable to cause rotation of the elongate body. A tissue-removing element is mounted on a distal end portion of the elongate body. The tissue-removing element is configured to remove the tissue as the tissue-removing element is rotated by the elongate body within the body lumen. An inner liner is received within the elongate body and is coupled to the handle at a proximal end portion of the inner liner. The inner liner defines a guidewire lumen. The inner liner is coupled to the tissue-removing element at a distal end portion of the inner liner such that translational movement of the inner liner in the body lumen causes a corresponding translational movement of the tissue-removing element.

Abstract: This invention removes the need to provide temperature control for an optical time delay chip, which is usually provided by a thermo-electric-cooler, in order to significantly reduce the power dissipation of the device and allow ‘uncooled’ operation. Uncooled operation is achieved by monitoring the temperature of the chip, and changing the tuning of each microresonator within the device in order to continue providing the required time delay as the temperature is varied. This invention takes advantage of the fact that microresonators provide a series of resonant wavelengths over a wide wavelength range, so that the closest resonance wavelength below the operating wavelength can always be tuned up to that wavelength. When the device temperature changes, this is accounted for by both the choice of resonance wavelengths and the tuning for each of the microresonators in the device, in order to keep the correct tunable delay.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system are disclosed for facilitating access by a first person to a secure region within an environment having a plurality of items, wherein the secure region is at least partly defined by an access control device. The method acquires, using at least one visual sensor disposed within the environment, first image information including the first person and the access control device. The method identifies the first person using image analysis performed on the first image information. Further, the method identifies, using image analysis a first behavior of the first person relative to the access control device. Upon determining the first behavior corresponds to a predefined visual access behavior, and the security level of the first person satisfies a predetermined threshold security level associated with the access control device, deactivating a security element to permit the first person to physically access the secure region.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system are disclosed for facilitating access by a first person to a secure region within an environment having a plurality of items, wherein the secure region is at least partly defined by an access control device. The method acquires, using at least one visual sensor disposed within the environment, first image information including the first person and the access control device. The method identifies the first person using image analysis performed on the first image information. Further, the method identifies, using image analysis a first behavior of the first person relative to the access control device. Upon determining the first behavior corresponds to a predefined visual access behavior, and the security level of the first person satisfies a predetermined threshold security level associated with the access control device, deactivating a security element to permit the first person to physically access the secure region.

Abstract: A catalyst loading system comprising: a vessel comprising at least one gas distribution nozzle at or near the bottom of the vessel, a top fluid distributor located at or near the top of the vessel, a catalyst inlet through which catalyst is introduced into the vessel, a first contact point at which catalyst introduced into the vessel first contacts the contents of the vessel, and a discharge outlet whereby catalyst exits the vessel. Methods of preparing catalyst slurry for introduction into a downstream reactor or in-situ activation within the vessel utilizing the catalyst loading system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vane pump that employs one or more less restricted vanes (or looser vanes) within its rotor is described herein. The less restricted vane(s) are configured to radially move outwardly before the remaining vanes during startup. In one case, for example, at least one vane has a different thickness (e.g., thinner) as compared to the thickness of the remaining vanes. In another case, at least one slot has a different width (e.g., wider) as compared to the width of the other slots. The less restricted vane facilitates a cold start in highly viscous oil by allowing easier radial displacement and thus earlier initial build-up of pressure in the pump. The pump may be used with an engine or transmission.

Abstract: In the Waveguide Array Modulator (WAM) a single electrical signal drives an array of waveguide optical modulators, creating multiple modulated output signals that can be combined to provide a higher output power than from a single waveguide based modulator, enabling a higher dynamic range system. Alternatively, using a WAM in which different waveguide optical modulators are designed for different dynamic ranges, e.g. one highly efficient modulator for low level signals and one low efficiency but linear modulator for high level signals, the WAM based system can provide a higher dynamic range than from a single waveguide based modulator. Various WAM based systems for different applications are included.

Abstract: High-performance ultra-wideband Receive Phased Array Sensors (Rx-PAS) are disclosed, which have unique capabilities, enabled through photonic integrated circuits and novel optical architectures. Unique capabilities for a Rx-PAS are provided by wafer scale photonic integration including heterogeneous integration of III-V materials and ultra-low-loss silicon nitride waveguides. Novel aspects include optical multiplexing combining wavelength division multiplexing and/or a novel extension to array photodetectors providing the capability to combine many RF photonic signals with very low loss. The architecture includes tunable optical down-conversion, moving a chosen frequency band to baseband with high dynamic range; creating also a single frequency band channelizer, which is also expanded to create a multiple tunable frequency band channelizer.

Abstract: A laser including: a gain chip; an external cavity incorporating a Bragg grating; and a baseplate; wherein a first end of the gain chip has a high reflectivity facet forming a first end of the laser cavity; a second end of the gain chip has a low reflectivity facet; and a second part of the external cavity comprises a Bragg grating, supported by the baseplate, the temperature of the baseplate being maintained through a feedback loop; wherein the optical length of the external cavity is at least an order of magnitude greater than the optical length of the gain chip; wherein the Bragg grating is physically long and occupies a majority of the length of the external cavity and is apodized to control the sidemodes of the grating reflection.

Abstract: Provided is a variable displacement vane pump with a control slide and a first and second control chambers. Also, the pump has a control system for controlling delivery of pressurized lubricant to the chambers. The control system includes a control device configured for movement between at least a first control position and a second control position. The control device may include its own housing and/or include discs configured for relative movement. The pivot pin may include grooves for delivering a flow from the outlet to the control system. In the first control position, pressurized lubricant is delivered to the first control chamber and the second control chamber is vented, which increases the output flow of the pump. In the second control position, pressurized lubricant is delivered to the second control chamber and the first control chamber is vented, which decreases the output flow of the pump.

Abstract: This invention describes algorithmic and computational approaches to optimize the design and performance of microresonator based ultra-low noise lasers including a reflector or filter comprised of multiple (?3) microresonator rings with different ring radii coupled together through bus waveguides. The enhanced reflector/filter design optimization provides more control over the key parameters, including the suppression ratio of unwanted modes over both a wide wavelength range (supporting wide wavelength tunability) and over the narrow range around the laser wavelength (improving laser singlemode and noise performance), while also enabling the design of specific reflector/filter bandwidth and effective length (delay), supporting the design of an ultra-low noise laser with specific operating performance parameters.

Abstract: This invention provides ultra-low noise lasers with exceptional performance through the use of ultra-low loss microresonator based filters/reflectors including multiple (?3) microresonator rings with different ring radii. The ultra-low loss microresonators provide a long effective laser cavity length enabling very narrow linewidth laser operation, with multiple (?3) microresonators providing extremely high selectivity of the lasing mode over a very wide wavelength range; supporting single wavelength and widely tunable wavelength laser operation. The highly selective and also low loss filter/reflector supports high output power operation of the lasers.

Abstract: The invention provides a new linearized electro-optic modulator in which linearization is achieved by modulating the index of a Bragg grating reflector placed in the arm(s) of a Michelson Interferometer. This grating-assisted Michelson Interferometer (GAMI) modulator operates as either an intensity or amplitude modulator, and is shown to significantly improve the linearity of microwave photonics links. Furthermore, this modulator improves the performance of optical communication systems using advanced modulation formats.

Abstract: This invention removes the need to provide temperature control for an optical time delay chip, which is usually provided by a thermo-electric-cooler, in order to significantly reduce the power dissipation of the device and allow ‘uncooled’ operation. Uncooled operation is achieved by monitoring the temperature of the chip, and changing the tuning of each microresonator within the device in order to continue providing the required time delay as the temperature is varied. This invention takes advantage of the fact that microresonators provide a series of resonant wavelengths over a wide wavelength range, so that the closest resonance wavelength below the operating wavelength can always be tuned up to that wavelength. When the device temperature changes, this is accounted for by both the choice of resonance wavelengths and the tuning for each of the microresonators in the device, in order to keep the correct tunable delay.

Abstract: The invention provides a new linearized electro-optic modulator in which linearization is achieved by modulating the index of a Bragg grating reflector placed in the arm(s) of a Michelson Interferometer. This grating-assisted Michelson Interferometer (GAMI) modulator operates as either an intensity or amplitude modulator, and is shown to significantly improve the linearity of microwave photonics links. Furthermore, this modulator improves the performance of optical communication systems using advanced modulation formats.

Abstract: This invention provides ultra-low noise lasers with exceptional performance through the use of ultra-low loss microresonator based filters/reflectors including multiple (?3) microresonator rings with different ring radii. The ultra-low loss microresonators provide a long effective laser cavity length enabling very narrow linewidth laser operation, with multiple (?3) microresonators providing extremely high selectivity of the lasing mode over a very wide wavelength range; supporting single wavelength and widely tunable wavelength laser operation. The highly selective and also low loss filter/reflector supports high output power operation of the lasers.

Abstract: A bearing cage for a rolling element bearing assembly includes an outer surface, an inner surface defining a bore, and a plurality of pockets. Each pocket of the plurality of pockets is configured to house a rolling element of the rolling element bearing assembly. The plurality of pockets are arranged sequentially around the bearing cage with respect to an axis of the bore. A guide portion of the inner surface is tapered in an axial direction of the bore such that dimensions of the bore increase towards a central region of the bore, and the bearing cage further includes a plurality of conduits providing fluidic communication between the inner surface of the bearing cage and the outer surface of the bearing cage.

Abstract: A catalyst loading system comprising: a vessel comprising at least one gas distribution nozzle at or near the bottom of the vessel, a top fluid distributor located at or near the top of the vessel, a catalyst inlet through which catalyst is introduced into the vessel, a first contact point at which catalyst introduced into the vessel first contacts the contents of the vessel, and a discharge outlet whereby catalyst exits the vessel. Methods of preparing catalyst slurry for introduction into a downstream reactor or in-situ activation within the vessel utilizing the catalyst loading system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A catalyst loading system comprising: a vessel comprising at least one gas distribution nozzle at or near the bottom of the vessel, a top fluid distributor located at or near the top of the vessel, a catalyst inlet through which catalyst is introduced into the vessel, a first contact point at which catalyst introduced into the vessel first contacts the contents of the vessel, and a discharge outlet whereby catalyst exits the vessel. Methods of preparing catalyst slurry for introduction into a downstream reactor or in-situ activation within the vessel utilizing the catalyst loading system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bearing cage for a rolling element bearing assembly, the bearing cage including an outer surface; an inner surface defining a bore; a plurality of pockets, each pocket being suitable for housing a rolling element of the rolling element bearing assembly, the pockets being arranged sequentially around the bearing cage; characterized in that a guide portion of the inner surface is tapered in the axial direction of the bore such that the dimensions of the bore increase towards a central region of the bore.