Abstract: In some implementations, an electro-optical device includes a multi-mode interferometer (MMI) variable optical attenuator (VOA), comprising: an input to receive an optical beam; an output to output the optical beam; and an optical waveguide to couple the input to the output, wherein the optical waveguide is configured to self-image the optical beam within the optical waveguide; and a control component to apply a forward voltage across the MMI VOA to control attenuation of the MMI VOA.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for enabling the publication of media content. The method comprises enabling a producer of media content to post at least one media item to an online platform; providing access to the at least one media item via the online platform to at least one publisher registered with the online platform; receiving a request from a publisher to obtain rights to a particular media item posted by the producer; and enabling the publisher and the producer to perform a transaction transferring the rights to the particular media item from the producer to the publisher using the online platform.

Abstract: A proton treatment system including a proton accelerator structured to generate a proton beam, a beamline pathway configured to direct the proton beam from the proton accelerator to at least one treatment room, a magnet assembly, including superconducting magnets, located in the beamline pathway and configured to transport the proton beam away from the accelerator into the at least one treatment room, an achromat, configured as an achromatic superconducting magnet assembly, that bends the proton beam away from the proton accelerator toward the at least one treatment room, and a collimator provided inside the achromat and configured to select the proton beam with desired energy levels.

Abstract: A proton treatment system including a proton accelerator structured to generate a proton beam, a beamline pathway configured to direct the proton beam from the proton accelerator to at least one treatment room, a magnet assembly, including superconducting magnets, located in the beamline pathway and configured to transport the proton beam away from the accelerator into the at least one treatment room, an achromat, configured as an achromatic superconducting magnet assembly, that bends the proton beam away from the proton accelerator toward the at least one treatment room, and a collimator provided inside the achromat and configured to select the proton beam with desired energy levels.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for enabling the publication of media content. The method comprises enabling a producer of media content to post at least one media item to an online platform; providing access to the at least one media item via the online platform to at least one publisher registered with the online platform; receiving a request from a publisher to obtain rights to a particular media item posted by the producer; and enabling the publisher and the producer to perform a transaction transferring the rights to the particular media item from the producer to the publisher using the online platform.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for enabling the publication of media content. The method comprises enabling a producer of media content to post at least one media item to an online platform; providing access to the at least one media item via the online platform to at least one publisher registered with the online platform; receiving a request from a publisher to obtain rights to a particular media item posted by the producer; and enabling the publisher and the producer to perform a transaction transferring the rights to the particular media item from the producer to the publisher using the online platform.

Abstract: A dosing spout for liquid containers, and a system for inventory control, verification and accounting for liquids dispensed in smaller doses or portions from larger containers. The device controls flow of a liquid from a container in predetermined dosage size by an air tube that permits flow of liquid through a liquid tube when the container is tilted. After a predetermined time, the air tube is closed, which terminates flow of the liquid through the liquid tube. The time interval during which the air tube is open is correlated with the viscosity of the liquid in the container so that a predetermined dosage is dispensed through the dosing spout. Controls and signaling devices operate the dosing spout, and wireless communications devices and processors record uses of the dosing spout.

Abstract: The invention describes the method and apparatus for enhanced efficiency in a laterally-coupled distributed feedback (LC-DFB) laser. In a device featuring the effective ridge design, lateral confinement of the guided optical modes is provided by a surface etched grating, which also serves as a DFB element of the laser. Coupling and quantum efficiency of such a LC-DFB laser both improve with an increase of the lateral mode order. In accordance with this invention, a dramatic enhancement of the laser efficiency is achievable by designing it to operate in one of the higher order modes, notably the first order mode, while all the other lateral modes, including the zero order mode, are suppressed through gain-loss discrimination.

Abstract: The invention describes the method and apparatus for enhanced efficiency in a laterally-coupled distributed feedback (LC-DFB) laser. In a device featuring the effective ridge design, lateral confinement of the guided optical modes is provided by a surface etched grating, which also serves as a DFB element of the laser. Coupling and quantum efficiency of such a LC-DFB laser both improve with an increase of the lateral mode order. In accordance with this invention, a dramatic enhancement of the laser efficiency is achievable by designing it to operate in one of the higher order modes, notably the first order mode, while all the other lateral modes, including the zero order mode, are suppressed through gain-loss discrimination.

Abstract: An electric junction box is adapted to minimize the number of necessary components. It includes a first part having a first side including a plurality of integrally formed first connectors and a second side arranged and configured to receive at least one of a fuse and/or a relay. A second part has a first side arranged and configured to receive at least one external connector and a second side having a plurality of integrally formed second connectors. At least one intermediate part is disposed between the first part and the second part. It has a first side including a plurality of integrally formed first interconnecting means for engaging the first connectors of the first part, and a second side having a plurality of integrally formed second interconnecting means for engaging the second connectors of the second part.

Abstract: A method of using a robot to repeatedly manipulate a brazing nozzle is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes using a pointer to teach the robot to manipulate the brazing nozzle at a preselected angle with respect to, and length away from, an instant surface along a multi-dimensional seam line on an automotive sheet metal body. The pointer includes a base portion for connection with an end of a robot arm. The pointer additionally has a main body having a length inclusive of the base portion approximating the length of the brazing nozzle and the preselected work distance of the brazing nozzle away from the work piece. A contact portion of the pointer is continuous with the main body and is provided for contacting the work piece. The contact portion has two small parallel-spaced surface flats. The surface flats of the contact portion are generally aligned in a common plane at a preselected angle with respect to the robot arm.