Abstract: A polyimide-based lithium ion battery is presented. The battery comprises at least one anode and at least one ionically conductive and electrochemically active cathode; or at least one ionically conductive and electrochemically active anode and a cathode; or at least one ionically conductive and electrochemically active anode and at least one ionically conductive and electrochemically active cathode. The source of the ionic conductivity and electronic activity. in either the anode, the cathode (or both) lies in a solid electrolyte polyimide binder comprising a lithium salt and a pre-imidized soluble, amorphous, thermoplastic polyimide powder. The batteries of the present invention do not require adhesives or interlayer bonding which may fail and they have at least one ionically conductive and electrochemically active electrode, enhancing the overall performance of the battery.

Abstract: A flexible microbend device for attachment to an optical fiber is provided. The device comprises an upper bending element grid having at least one flexible element and a lower bending element grid having at least one flexible element. The upper bending element grid alternately engages the lower bending element grid. The flexible microbend device is attached to an optical fiber to form a sensor. The sensor may be either embedded in a host material or attached to a structure to detect various stresses or strains.

Abstract: A fiber optic wall shear stress sensor is presented. The sensor comprises a floating head supported by a physical arrangement. At least one optical fiber is positioned in an operable relationship to the floating head wherein an interferometric region is formed between the floating head and each optical fiber. The interferometric region changes in response to a shear force on the floating head.

Abstract: A thermally stable, glass-release coating comprising from about 25% to about 99.8% by weight of an oxide matrix and from about 75% to about 0.2% by weight of nitride particles, after curing, is used to coat parts that are used for glass manufacturing. The coating is applied to the part and cured at a temperature less than about 1200° C. The resulting parts are useful for glass manufacturing because the coating exhibits excellent glass-release properties and reduces and/or eliminates the need for swabbing agents.

Abstract: The present invention is a penetrator for passing blown optical fiber through a pressure-proof boundary. The penetrator comprises a cylinder for attachment substantially in line with an opening in the boundary. The cylinder has a proximal and a distal end cap, a cylinder wall, and a central passage or dip tube for optical fibers. The central passage has substantially the same cross-sectional area as the opening in the boundary. The dip tube is sealed to each end cap and has distal and proximal tee fittings for injecting sealing materials into the dip tube. The tee fittings are joined by a length of optical fiber duct therebetween. The invention permits the optical fiber duct circuit to be easily changed.

Abstract: An optical waveguide sensor having high refractive index sensitivity over a range of ambient refractive indices is provided. The sensor comprises a core having at least one long period gating disposed therein. An inner and outer cladding region, each cladding region having an effective refractive index. The total effective refractive index of the inner cladding region and the outer cladding region is approximately equal to but not greater than the effective refractive index of an environmental parameter to be sensed. These optical waveguide sensors are useful for measuring changes in a variety of environmental parameters.

Abstract: A microwave-driven ultraviolet (UV) light source is provided. The light source comprises an over-moded microwave cavity having at least one discharge bulb disposed within the microwave cavity. At least one magnetron probe is coupled directly to the microwave cavity.

Abstract: An optical sensor arrangement is provided. The arrangement comprises a light source coupled to an optical waveguide. The optical waveguide has at least one long period grating that promotes an excitation of confined propagating light into higher order modes causing an excitation of a sensing mechanism. A detector is coupled to the optical waveguide to detect a resulting optical signal.

Abstract: An extrinsic optical waveguide sensor for making refractive index measurements of an in situ sample is provided. The sensor comprises a holder having at least one sample input region and at least one interferometric region. At least one optical fiber is positioned in the holder, each optical fiber having an endface serving as an input and an output. At least one reflector, each reflector is positioned in the holder in an operable relationship to each optical fiber endface, thus defining each interferometric region.

Abstract: A single-ended long period grating optical device is presented. The single-ended optical device comprises an optical waveguide having at least one core mode and a plurality of cladding modes. At least one long period grating couples light from the core mode to the cladding modes. A reflector is positioned in an operable relationship to the long period grating, and the reflector reflects a signal. A mode stripper is positioned after the long period grating and removes the cladding modes from a transmitted signal and the reflected signal.

Abstract: A non-lithographic process for producing nanoscale features on a substrate is presented. The process involves applying to and reacting a first difunctional molecule with the surface of a substrate. A second difunctional molecule is applied and reacted with unreacted functional groups from the first difunctional molecule to form a patterned layer on the surface of a substrate. Selective application of the difunctional molecules is accomplished by using a nanoscale delivery device.

Abstract: An optical fiber holder is presented. The optical fiber holder comprises a tube having a longitudinal axis, a first end for receiving an optical fiber, and a recessed second end for protecting the optical fiber tip. An aperture is disposed along a length of the longitudinal axis of the tube for exposing the optical fiber to a sample. The optical fiber holder allows a sample to be tested while avoiding strain and bending influences.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a necktie assembly having a separate simulated knot assembly and necktie blade. The simulated knot assembly includes a frustum that has a necktie passageway therethrough. The necktie blade has a front apron with a proximal section and a distal section. A neckband extends from the proximal section of the front apron. In use, the necktie blade passes through the necktie passageway in the frustum, and attaches to a portion of the simulated knot assembly. Because the simulated knot assembly and necktie blade are separate pieces, stylish combinations of simulated knot assemblies and necktie blades can be worn.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method for racking or unracking pipe to or from a rack and a device to facilitate the process. The method provides a controllable procedure for inserting or withdrawing the pipe that is less dangerous than prior art methods and does not damage the pipe end. The method entails inserting a pipe gripper having an expansion sleeve into an accessible end of a pipe. The expansion sleeve is forced against an inner wall of the pipe, coupling the pipe gripper to the pipe. Depending upon the application, the pipe is then either pushed fully onto the rack or is pulled partially off the rack. For unracking operations, a crane sling is attached to the partially unracked pipe and the pipe is further manipulated off the rack.

Abstract: An rf capacitively-coupled electrodeless light source is provided. The light source comprises a hollow, elongated chamber and at least one center conductor disposed within the hollow, elongated chamber. A portion of each center conductor extends beyond the hollow, elongated chamber. At least one gas capable of forming an electronically excited molecular state is contained within each center conductor. An electrical coupler is positioned concentric to the hollow, elongated chamber and the electrical coupler surrounds the portion of each center conductor that extends beyond the hollow, elongated chamber. A rf-power supply is positioned in an operable relationship to the electrical coupler and an impedance matching network is positioned in an operable relationship to the rf power supply and the electrical coupler.

Abstract: The present invention uses straps and fasteners to adjustably support a receptacle on a patient who is recovering from a surgery or wound. Drainage from the wound or surgical incision is directed into the receptacle, which is fastened to a primary strap in any position that is convenient and comfortable for the patient. The extensive adjustability of the system facilitates prompt patient ambulation by allowing the patient to locate the receptacle in a position that maximizes comfort and minimizes personal inconvenience.

Abstract: A solid fritted bonding material consisting essentially of a blended wax composition and a powder is provided. The solid fritted bonding material is used to secure at least two articles together by applying the solid fritted bonding material to mating surfaces of each article; joing the mating surfaces of each article together; and heating the joined articles to a temperature wherein the blended wax composition burns away and the powder becomes activated to form a permanent bond between each article.

Abstract: A process for preparing an optical fiber having at least one long period grating with enhanced sensitivity is provided. A length of optical fiber having a refractive index profile is provided. The optical fiber supports a core mode and cladding modes for a range of operational wavelengths. Group indices are identified for the core mode and the cladding modes for a specific wavelength wherein the group indices are equal to each other. A long period grating is written in the optical fiber. The long period grating has a grating defined by the group indices and it couples light from the core mode to a cladding mode proximate to where the group indices are equal. The optical fibers prepared by the present invention may be used for measuring an environmental perturbation where high sensitivity is required.

Abstract: An optical sensor having at least one long period grating disposed within an optical waveguide is provided. The optical waveguide has a refractive index profile. The long period grating has a plurality of index perturbations spaced apart by a periodic distance .LAMBDA.. The long period grating promotes an excitation of confined propagating broadband light into higher order modes that excite a sensing mechanism. The excitation of confined propagating broadband light is spectrally dependent on the periodic distance of the long period grating and the refractive index profile of the optical waveguide.