Abstract: A dynamic lens for projecting different output beam shapes upon a target for heating, melting, or otherwise modifying the state of the target material. The dynamic lens includes a first light source of high power laser diodes generating a first light beam onto a lensing array with an LCOS device including a plurality of liquid crystal cells to curve and focus the first light beam into a second light beam forming the output beam shape on the target. A controller generates a control signal corresponding to the output beam shape. A single-point laser projects a third light beam tracing an outline of the output beam shape on the target to more clearly define the edge of the output beam shape. The single-point laser may be an IR fiber laser source scanned or traced by a scanner, such as a galvano scanner, directing the third light beam in two dimensions.

Abstract: A heat sink includes a baseplate of thermally-conductive material and a radiator for transferring heat to atmosphere around the radiator. The baseplate is configured to be in thermal communication with a heat source, such as an integrated circuit or a power electronic device. The radiator is disposed upon the baseplate and includes a skin of melted material formed by additive manufacturing which encloses a chamber. An outer wick of porous material is disposed within the chamber, the outer wick coats an inner surface of the skin. A refrigerant is disposed within the chamber. The refrigerant changes between a liquid phase and a vapor phase to convey heat from the baseplate to the skin, and is conveyed back through the wick in the liquid phase by capillary action. The radiator also includes a plurality of fins extending from a cover to promote heat transfer to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A dynamic lens for projecting different output beam shapes includes a first light source of laser diodes generating a first light beam toward a target. A projector generates a second light beam with a different wavelength than the first light beam. A beam combiner combines the first light beam together with the second light beam and directs the combined beams to a focusing plane that includes a lensing array to focus the first light beam into the output beam shape on the target. The lensing array includes a plurality of photoactive cells including at least one photoreactive group which changes molecular shape in response to light energy from the second light beam, thereby changing the orientation of adjacent liquid crystal molecules, which in turn alters the index of refraction of the photoactive cell. A method of operating the dynamic lens to generate the output beam shape is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dynamic lens for projecting different output beam shapes includes a first light source of laser diodes generating a first light beam toward a target. A projector generates a second light beam with a different wavelength than the first light beam. A beam combiner combines the first light beam together with the second light beam and directs the combined beams to a focusing plane that includes a lensing array to focus the first light beam into the output beam shape on the target. The lensing array includes a plurality of photoactive cells including at least one photoreactive group which changes molecular shape in response to light energy from the second light beam, thereby changing the orientation of adjacent liquid crystal molecules, which in turn alters the index of refraction of the photoactive cell. A method of operating the dynamic lens to generate the output beam shape is also disclosed.

Abstract: A trailer hitch coupling unit has a hitch pin assembly mounted on a trailer and a hitch receiver assembly mounted on a vehicle. The hitch pin assembly has a mounting plate and a platform forming a ball and socket joint therebetween, rotatably coupling the platform to the mounting plate. A bull nose, having a groove, projects from the bed plate. A first electrical connector is mounted in an axially extending bore in the bull nose. The hitch receiver assembly has a bed plate configured to be mounted on a bed of the vehicle above a rear axle thereof. The bed plate has a first opening configured to receive the bull nose. A locking plate is mounted on the bed plate for axial movement between a hitch pin receiving position adjacent the bed plate, and a hitch locking position spaced from the bed plate. The locking plate has a second opening configured to receive the bull nose. An actuator is operably connected to the locking plate for effecting the axial movement.