Abstract: A multi-channel swept wavelength optical interrogation system and a method are described herein that enable the interrogation of one or more biosensors which for example could be located within the wells of a microplate. In one embodiment, the optical interrogation system comprises: (a) a tunable laser that emits an optical beam which has a predetermined sequence of distinct wavelengths over a predetermined time period; (b) a distribution unit that splits the optical beam into a plurality of interrogation beams; (c) an array of optical interrogation units that receive and direct the interrogation beams towards an array of biosensors; (d) the array of optical interrogation units receive a plurality of reflected interrogation beams from the array of biosensors; (e) a data processing device that receives and processes information associated with the reflected interrogation beams to determine for example whether or not there was a biochemical interaction on anyone of the biosensors.

Abstract: The panel mounted low profile rotary switch includes a knob, a detent sub-assembly, a shaft, a bushing, and a panel. The knob is held to the shaft by one or more locking screws and the operation of the detent sub-assembly is enclosed and is not altered by removal of the knob. The entire detent sub-assembly is located on the knob side or user's side of the panel. Only the bushing and the shaft extend through the panel. The shaft is connected to a rotary component such as a rotary switch contact which engages circuitry on a printed circuit board. The switch or electrical connection is located on the undersurface of the panel.

Abstract: An adjustable optical tap for adjusting input power, output power and drop power in a communications network includes an enclosure having a plurality of connector assemblies being configured for interconnecting input and output cables; a cover attachable to the enclosure, the cover including a plurality of drop cable ports; and a tunable splitter disposed in the enclosure in communication with the input cable and the drop cable ports, the tunable splitter being configured for adjustment to affect attenuation in a broad wavelength band.

Abstract: A method for micro-article assembly, the method including: applying a curable formulation to a first member; curing the applied curable formulation to provide a pressure sensitive adhesive on the first member; and combining, such as applying pressure to the first member having the cured selectively applied pressure sensitive adhesive and a second member to form the microplate assembly and as further defined herein.

Abstract: An adjustable optical tap for adjusting input power, output power and drop power in a communications network includes an enclosure having a plurality of connector assemblies being configured for interconnecting input and output cables; a cover attachable to the enclosure, the cover including a plurality of drop cable ports; and a tunable splitter disposed in the enclosure in communication with the input cable and the drop cable ports, the tunable splitter being configured for adjustment to affect attenuation in a broad wavelength band.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fiber bundles and methods for making fiber bundles. According to one embodiment of the invention, at the endface of the fused fiber bundle, the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the endface to the cross sectional area of the plurality of optical fibers is at least about 2.5. According to another embodiment of the invention, a fused fiber bundle includes a plurality of optical fibers, and a glass tube surrounding the terminal segments of the optical fibers, wherein the refractive index of the glass tube is less than the refractive index of the claddings of the optical fibers. Other embodiments of the present invention provide methods for making fused bundles.

Abstract: A dual inlet microchannel device and a method for using the device to perform a flow-through kinetic assay are described. A microplate having an array of the dual inlet microchannel devices and in particular their specially configured flow chambers is also described. Several embodiments of the dual inlet microchannel devices and specially configured flow chambers are also described.

Abstract: A fluid handling system for transferring fluids is disclosed. The fluid handling system incorporates a plurality of transfer units for dispensing and/or collecting fluids as part of a closed analytical system. The plurality of transfer units are capable of functioning independently and/or collectively when assembled in a unitary array format. Methods of making and using the fluid handling system are also disclosed. The fluid handling system allows a sub-array of transfer units to shift in a vertical direction independent from a position of another sub-array of transfer units that are assembled within the same fluid head. Therefore, the fluid handling system facilitates multi-port fluid delivery and collection in an array format. Further, the fluid handling system aligned with a sensing surface enables label-free detection assays to be performed in an analytical system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for improving the control of the temperature of a supported member, such as a substrate, in high vacuum processing systems, such as ion beam etch (IBE) systems. The apparatus includes thermoelectric devices that transfer heat from a support member supporting the supported member to a liquid-cooled heat exchange member to regulate the temperature of the support member. The method includes cooling the support member with thermoelectric devices that transfer the heat to the liquid-cooled heat exchange member.

Abstract: A closed flow-through microplate is described herein that can be used to perform high-throughput kinetic flow-through assays to detect biomolecular interactions like material bindings, adsorptions etc. . . . that is helpful for example with testing new drugs. A method for manufacturing the closed flow-through microplate is also described herein.

Abstract: An article of manufacture having a nominal profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in a table. The table selected from the group of tables consisting of TABLES 1S–16S, 1R–17R, and IGV. Wherein X and Y are distances in inches which, when connected by smooth continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each distance Z in inches. The profile sections at the Z distances being joined smoothly with one another to form a complete airfoil shape.

Abstract: A method and modem receiver for receiving serial data from a transmission link, for recovering data from the received data, and for synchronizing the receiver timing to that of the transmitter are disclosed. A receiver equalizer includes a filter and quantizer in the forward path and a feedback circuit connecting the quantizer output to the filter input. A measuring circuit is used to initialize the feedback circuit. The receiver filter, provided as a QMF wavelet filter bank, is implemented in one embodiment with a form of polyphase filtering followed by four M/2-point FFTs. The quantizer recovers data symbols and provides a quantization error feedback signal. The measuring circuit provides an approximation of phase and amplitude of isolated wavelets.

Abstract: A method for communicating serial input data over a transmission link. Serial input data is partitioned into parallel data elements and is coded prior to rotation by an invertible linear mapping. Resulting frames of parallel sign elements are transmitted over the link. After receipt from the link, the signal is assembled into frames of parallel signal elements which are de-rotated by an inverse linear mapping, then decoded. Thresholding the result of the inverse mapping recovers the parallel data elements, which are then re-assembled into serial output data. The linear mapping employs: 1) commuting rotation matrices for convolutionally rotating data vectors into signal vectors and vice-versa; 2) filter bank polyphase rotation matrices; or 3) computationally efficient multi-rate wavelet filter banks. Coefficients of the rotation matrix of the receiver are adaptively equalized to correct for transmission path distortion.

Abstract: A method of making a capillary splice includes applying pressure to a bore in a tube, applying heat to a portion of the tube to soften the portion of the tube, and forming a bubble within the bore in the heated portion under the influence of the pressure and heat. While forming the bubble, a diameter of the bore at the heated portion is measured to determine when the bubble has enlarged to a target size. When the bubble has enlarged to the target size, a force is applied along an axial axis of the tube to shape the bubble to a desired size.

Abstract: A device for removing heat from a fiber-optic package having at least one optical element includes a terminated fiber for diverting excess optical power away from the optical element and an energy dissipating element having a capability to absorb the optical power from the terminated fiber and a high thermal conductivity sufficient to distribute heat generated from absorption of the optical power.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ultrasonically scanning cylinders are provided. The methods and apparatus employ as few as one ultrasonic sensor for full immersion scanning and defect detection. Self-centering fixturing spins the cylinder, reducing vibration, allowing for fast ultrasonic scans. To create the 45 degree angle beam shear waves for the circumferential scans, the ultrasonic sensor is offset from the centerline of the cylinder, creating the correct angle for excitation of the shear wave.

Abstract: A method and modem receiver for receiving serial data from a transmission link, for recovering data from the received data, and for synchronizing the receiver timing to that of the transmitter are disclosed. A receiver equalizer includes a filter and quantizer in the forward path and a feedback circuit connecting the quantizer output to the filter input. A measuring circuit is used to initialize the feedback circuit. The receiver filter, provided as a QMF wavelet filter bank, is implemented in one embodiment with a form of polyphase filtering followed by four M/2-point FFTs. The quantizer recovers data symbols and provides a quantization error feedback signal. The measuring circuit provides an approximation of phase and amplitude of isolated wavelets.

Abstract: A method and modem for communicating serial input data over a transmission link. Serial input data is partitioned into parallel data elements prior to rotation by an invertible linear mapping. Resulting frames of parallel signal elements sequentially modulate a carrier, which is then transmitted over the link. After receipt of the modulated carrier from the link, the signal is demodulated and assembled into frames of parallel signal elements which are de-rotated by an inverse linear mapping. Thresholding the result of the inverse mapping recovers the parallel data elements, which are then re-assembled into serial output data. The linear mapping employs: 1) commuting rotation matrices for convolutionally rotating data vectors into signal vectors and vice-versa; 2) filter bank polyphase rotation matrices; or 3) computationally efficient multi-rate wavelet filter banks. Transmitter pre-emphasis places most of the information in lower baseband frequencies; complimentary de-emphasis occurs in the receiver.

Abstract: A method and modem for communicating serial input data over a transmission link are disclosed. Serial input data is partitioned into parallel data elements prior to rotation by an invertible linear mapping. Computationally efficient multi-rate wavelet filter banks are employed in a receiver for analyzing a received signal. Self-interference components are calculated in the receiver per sub-band and tap-weights for the filter banks are derived as a function over the range of self-interference values. A weighted sum is formed and subtracted from the delayed, received signal to eliminate the interference, and is removed from the recovered signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a first and second optical fibers including a fiber feed mechanism adapted to feed the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, and a nozzle adapted to provide a displacing force on the second optical fiber, where the second optical fiber is displaced away from the first optical fiber to thereby separate the second optical fiber from the first optical fiber. In one embodiment, the displacing force is provided by a gas stream directed away from the nozzle while in another embodiment, the displacing force is directed towards the nozzle. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a separation mechanism with a first guide, a second guide, a guide separator, and a deflector plate. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a clamp mechanism with a first clamping pad having an offset extension that extends beyond an edge of a second clamp pad.