Abstract: Disclosed herein are an optical device, such as a connector or mode enlarger, and a method of fabricating the device. The disclosed device includes an optical medium having a first face for, e.g., permanent attachment to a waveguide, a second face for, e.g., a non-permanent connection, and a region between the first and second faces. A non-fiber, connector waveguide is disposed in the region to propagate the single-mode signal from the first face to the second face. The connector waveguide is optically matched to the waveguide at the first face to receive the single-mode signal carried by the waveguide. The connector waveguide includes a taper section such that the connector waveguide is enlarged at the second face to support an expanded beam of the single-mode signal for propagation through the non-permanent connection.

Abstract: An infant car seat includes a base including a belt path along which a vehicle belt can be secured to the base, and a carrier to detachably couple to the base. The carrier is positionable in a first, reclined position and a second, upright position. The belt path is fixed in location on the base such that the carrier can be positioned in either the first, reclined position or the second, upright position without adjustment of the vehicle belt relative to the base. This two-position infant carrier provides improved fit to child, The infant car seat also can include grips on the carrier of the infant car seat for improved carryability, grips on the base of the infant car seat for improved gripping of the vehicle seat and easier installation, and an adjustable height mechanism in the base for improved fit to vehicle seat.

Abstract: A child swing includes a swing frame, at least one hanger arm rotatably coupled to the swing frame, and a bouncer seat assembly including a bouncer frame and a seat coupled to the bouncer frame. The bouncer seat assembly is adapted to be attached to and detached from the at least one hanger arm. When the bouncer seat assembly is coupled to the at least one hanger arm, the bouncer frame and the seat can undergo swinging movement with the at least one hanger arm relative to the swing frame. When the bouncer seat assembly is detached from the at least one hanger arm and placed on a surface, the bouncer frame allows the seat to undergo bouncing movement relative to the surface.

Abstract: A method for modifying the resonance frequency of a micro-mechanical resonator, and resonators on which the method is practiced. A packaged resonator is trimmed by directing electromagnetic energy to the resonator through a transparent portion of the package. The removal of mass (by the energy) affects the resonance frequency of the resonator in a predictable manner. In some embodiments, the energy is sourced from a femtosecond laser. In some variations of the illustrative embodiment, the amount of mass to be removed is determined as a function of its location on the resonator. A mass-trimming map is developed that identifies a plurality of potential mass-trimming sites on the resonator. A site can be classified as a fine-tuning site or a coarse-tuning site as a function of the degree to which mass removal at those sites affects the resonance frequency. The sites can also be characterized as a function of their position relative to features of the resonator (e.g., nodal lines, etc.).

Abstract: An improved measuring cup is disclosed with volumetric indicia disposed on the inside of the cup that are viewable from above the cup, while the cup is disposed on a horizontal countertop or work surface. The horizontally upward facing volume indicia eliminate the need to raise the measuring cup to eye level to check the amount of material that has been added to the cup or the need to stoop down and view a side of the cup while the cup is disposed on a horizontal countertop or work surface. An improved handle is also disclosed which makes the cup more stable and less prone to being tipped over and spilled during use on a horizontal work surface.