Abstract: An optical switch including a bistable component, a reflective component, the reflective component being operatively connected to the bistable component, a first electrothermal bent beam actuator, a first contacting component operatively connected to the first electrothermal bent beam actuator component, the first electrothermal bent beam actuator component and the first contacting component disposed such as to enable advancing the bistable component the reflective component from a first stable configuration to a second stable configuration, a second electrothermal bent beam actuator component and a second contacting component operatively connected to the second electrothermal bent beam actuator component, the second electrothermal bent beam actuator component and the second contacting component disposed such as to enable advancing the bistable component and the reflective component from the second stable configuration to the first stable configuration.

Abstract: A passive wavelength-division multiplexing fiber-optic temperature sensor, as well as a distributed fiber-optic temperature sensing system, incorporates at least one wavelength-division-multiplexing optical coupler, so that any given sensor interfaces optically by at least one designated optical wavelength, thus providing means for any given fiber-optic temperature sensor to be distinguished from other fiber-optic temperature sensors of similar design operating on the same optical fiber system.

Abstract: Copper purge fittings for brazing components of a special gas delivery line together are provided. An orifice is located on the top or end portion of each fitting to create a continuous flow of inert purging gas through the delivery line under construction while brazing. Each fitting will reach temperatures exceeding 1500 degrees. By having a continuous flow of inert gas while brazing, the protection of the interior portion of the system remains intact. Without a purge in place, the intense heat would create a rapid immediate buildup of carbon and other contaminates. Brazing is only commenced after the elimination of harmful oxygen and proper flow of purging gas is measured. The purging gas pressure is lowered if it becomes high enough to potentially cause separation of tubular sections from the purge fittings and is raised if a low flow rate is detected indicating potential insufficient flow of purging gas.

Abstract: A method of controlling the drug release rate of a drug coated endovascular stent by depositing a drug material layer on the stent and then modifying the drug material using gas cluster ion beam irradiation to create a carbon matrix with interstices containing the original drug. The rate at which the drug elutes through the interstices can be controlled by processing parameters. Multiple layers may be employed to create time varying release rates.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a camera. In one embodiment, although not limited thereto, an illuminator illuminates an area of interest. A camera then takes multiple pictures of the illuminated area and an algorithm is then used to compare the pictures and locate and pirate cameras based on the reflection characteristics.

Abstract: A vial and particles for distributing reagent bound particles in a fluid, a kit, and methods for distributing particles in a fluid.

Abstract: An improved patella resection guide and a method for applying the patella resection guide during the performance of knee arthroplasty. The patella resection guide includes a plurality of gripping handles having a corresponding plurality of pivotally interconnected crossover members at distal ends of said gripping handles, an opening in each pivotally interconnecting crossover member wherein one crossover member is position inside another crossover member, a stem having a proximal end connected to each gripping handle and each pivotally interconnected crossover member wherein the members are intertwined at a crossing point and are adjoined by fastening means to said stem, and further having a distal end comprised of a female receptor, a clamp having a top flange and side flange, and adjustable locking means for fixing a distance between the teeth of the top flange.

Abstract: Circuit modules and methods of construction thereof that contain composite meta-material dielectric bodies that have high effective values of real permittivity but which minimize reflective losses, through the use of host dielectric (organic or ceramic), materials having relative permittivities substantially less than ceramic dielectric inclusions embedded therein. The composite meta-material bodies permit reductions in physical lengths of electrically conducting elements such as antenna element(s) without adversely impacting radiation efficiency. The meta-material structure may additionally provide frequency band filtering functions that would normally be provided by other components typically found in an RF front-end.

Abstract: A system and method for measurement of parameters of a conductive material, include generating an oscillating electromagnetic field (EMF) interacting with a sample portion from a remotely positioned source; measuring values of components of impedance of the electromagnetic; populating a system of equations including a theory of electromagnetism-based mathematical model of the electromagnetic system; solving the system of equations to calculate values of a distance between the sample portion and the source, thickness of the sample portion in proximity to a point of projection of the source onto the sample portion and electromagnetic properties of the sample portion; outputting the calculated values as the measured values; and repeating the steps of generating, populating, solving, outputting and repeating using the calculated values for the step of populating in place of the measured component values.

Abstract: A real-world representation system includes a set of devices, each device being arranged to provide one or more real-world parameters, for example, audio and visual characteristics. At least one of the devices is arranged to receive a real-world description in the form of an instruction set of a markup language and the devices are operated according to the description. General terms expressed in the language are interpreted by either a local server or a distributed browser to operate the devices to render the real-world experience to the user.

Abstract: Compact ASIC, chip-on-board, flip-chip, interposer, and related packaging techniques are incorporated to minimize the footprint of optoelectronic interconnect devices, including the Optical Data Pipe. In addition, ruggedized packaging techniques are incorporated to increase the durability and application space for optoelectronic interconnect devices, including an Optical Data Pipe.

Abstract: Disclosed are MEMS accelerometers and methods for fabricating same. An exemplary accelerometer comprises a substrate, and a proof mass that is a portion of the substrate and which is separated from the substrate surrounding it by a gap. An electrically-conductive anchor is coupled to the proof mass, and a plurality of electrically-conductive suspension anus that are separated from the proof mass extend from the anchor and are coupled to the substrate surrounding the proof mass. A plurality of sense and actuation electrodes are separated from the proof mass by gaps and are coupled to processing electronics. Capacitive sensing is used to derive electrical signals caused by forces exerted on the proof mass, and the electrical signals are processed by the processing electronics to produce x-, y- and z-direction acceleration data. Electrostatic actuation is used to induce movements of the mass for force balance operation, or self-test and self-calibration.

Abstract: A method of delivering content comprises receiving content in the form of an instruction set of a markup language, distorting the content according to predetermined parameters, and rendering the content. Apparatus for delivering the content are also disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a method of and associated system for placing nodes in a wireless local area network (WLAN). The method includes receiving user-specified parameters regarding the network. The parameters can include a layout of a building or other space, and requirements for the WLAN. An algorithm then employs these parameters to automatically create and optimized layout of multiple wireless access points for the WLAN. The method can display the layout and provide various types of information to the user.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to new therapeutic compounds isolated from spider venom and methods of using these new compounds. The compounds are sulfated nucleoside derivatives including ribonucleoside mono- and disulfates derived from guanine, adenosine, and cytidine. Some of these compounds are glycosylated or fucosylated bearing one or more sugar residues.

Abstract: Capacitive bulk acoustic wave x, y and z-axes gyroscopes implemented on (100) and (111) silicon substrates are disclosed. Exemplary gyroscopes comprise a handle substrate, a bulk acoustic wave resonator element supported by the handle substrate, and a plurality of electrodes surrounding and separated from the resonator element by very small capacitive gaps. The electrodes can excite and detect at least two degenerate bulk acoustic wave resonant modes in the resonator. Advantages include reduced size; higher Q, which improves noise and bias stability; larger bandwidth, and improved shock resistance. In addition, the high Q is maintained in atmospheric or near-atmospheric pressure which reduces the cost and complexity of the wafer-scale packaging of the gyroscope.

Abstract: Disclosed are photoluminescent formulations, comprising an effective amount of photoluminescent phosphorescent materials, which exhibit high luminous intensity and persistence. Also disclosed are photoluminescent objects formed by applying at least one photoluminescent layer, formed from photoluminescent formulations, to preformed articles. Further disclosed are methods for creating photoluminescent objects.

Abstract: A system and technique is disclosed for manufacturing a plurality of financial transaction cards substantially simultaneously even though their respective parameters, including the format of data in a readable/writable medium thereon, may vary from card to card. A surface of the financial transaction card contains terms and conditions and graphics, a writable/readable medium for storing variable data and a two-dimensional data matrix. The writable/readable medium may be implemented with a strip of magnetic material applied to the surface of the card, a smart chip carried on the card substrate, a two dimensional data matrix such as a barcode printed on the surface of the card such or any combination thereof. The variable data may be recorded on the writable/readable medium and may include an identifier which uniquely identifies the gift card from all other gift cards in the production set.

Abstract: The present invention is broadly directed to non-thermal plasma-based systems for reducing the amount of particulate matter in a gas stream, as well as to methods for using such systems. The present invention is particularly directed to such non-thermal plasma-based particulate matter reduction systems with self-cleaning surfaces. Particularly contemplated are self-cleaning surfaces that reduce particulate matter buildup such as is likely to cause the reduction of non-thermal plasma production in the system, and therefore the ability of such systems to reduce the amount of particulate matter in the gas stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable container of liquid food products or a cap thereof, having two independent round straw holes to be inserted by two ends of one bent drinking tube, wherein one of the straw holes is provided on a raised block which is on the top surface of the container or cap. The diameters of the straw holes tightly match the diameters of the drinking tube at its two ends, so that the drinking tube can be inserted into the container and pulled out repeatedly. The drinking tube used in the present invention is both for the purpose of drinking and closing the container.