Abstract: A filter element comprises one or more several tubular filter media element segments, which may be pleated filter media ring segments. One or more heat activated disks are used to connect each tubular filter media element segments together and/or to connect tubular filter media element segments with one or more end cap supports. The heat activated disks are solid in form for assembly with tubular filter media ring segment and then heat activated to bond with tubular filter media ring segments. Multiple end caps can be simultaneously bonded to one or more tubular filter media element segments if a filter stack assembly of component are heated together, such as in an oven. Filter media may also be simultaneously cured. Heat activated disks may be used as pleat stabilizers and/or for and/or as part of end caps.

Abstract: A dispensing container for extrudable fluid materials having a collapsible tubular body with a dispensing nozzle at one end and the opposite end being closed with an end wall member biased to fold about a fold axis transverse to the longitudinal direction of the tubular body, wherein the end wall member either comprises a wall part of which two surfaces enclose a concave angle between them and being foldable about a fold axis in the direction of the length of the valley or the end wall member bulges convexly in a generally conical shape.

Abstract: A dispenser for sachets comprising a container for sachets, having a slot opening communicating with an internal cavity such that a sachet may be inserted into the slot into the cavity, with an abutment surface within the cavity to limit the distance the sachet may extend into the cavity, and a cutter located within the cavity to cut the sachet, preferably on a withdrawal movement so the sachet is in tension. In another embodiment the dispenser dispenses sachets along a dispensing path and a cutter is located in the dispensing path to intercept and cut the sachet.

Abstract: A dispenser for sachets comprising a container for sachets, having a slot opening communicating with an internal cavity such that a sachet may be inserted into the slot into the cavity, with an abutment surface within the cavity to limit the distance the sachet may extend into the cavity, and a cutter located within the cavity to cut the sachet, preferably on a withdrawal movement so the sachet is in tension. In another embodiment the dispenser dispenses sachets along a dispensing path and a cutter is located in the dispensing path to intercept and cut the sachet.

Abstract: An optical detector such as a pin photodiode or avalanche photodiode is provided with an integral dielectric filter (8). The optical filter (8) preferably comprises a plurality of layers of silicon and silicon monoxide. If the detector is a PIN diode, the filter (8) may be provided on the underside of a substrate (1) before growth of the diode is commenced on the other side.

Abstract: An opto-electronic device, comprising an optical waveguide and means for imposing an electrical field in a direction transverse to the waveguide, is designed such that the spatial spread of the electrical field is very small. The electrical field overlies the region of peak amplitude of the profile of optical radiation in the waveguide. Constructed principally out of semiconductor materials made from elements selected from the III and V groups of the Periodic Table, the device lends itself to monolithic integration in optical communications systems.