Abstract: A backlight module includes a planar light plate with planar illumination for providing a planar light, the backlight module further including a light plate base and at least one side retaining frames that can be assembled/detached. The light plate base is disposed on one side under the light plate, and two opposite sides thereof extend upward to form two side frames for retaining two opposite sides of the light plate. The side retaining frame is sleeved on the lateral side of the opening end of the light plate base, for retaining the light plate in the light plate base.

Abstract: A planar optical waveguide is provided. The planar optical waveguide includes a polymer substrate having a coefficient of thermal expansion, a first cladding disposed on the substrate, and a core disposed on at least a portion of the first cladding. The core is a halogenated polymer having an absorptive optical loss of less than approximately 2.5×10?4 dB/cm in the range from about 1250 to 1700 nm. The core has a thermo-optic coefficient and a refractive index, a product of the thermo-optic coefficient and the reciprocal of the refractive index being approximately equal to the negative of the coefficient of thermal expansion.

Abstract: Method and system for preparing a personal genetic profile includes collecting genetic data from an individual, assigning the data to a coordinate system, storing the data, and providing access for retrieval by the individual from whom the genetic data were collected, after receipt of an Identifier that adequately authenticates the identity of the data requester. Locations of genetic markers are provided as three-dimensional coordinates, described with matrix relationships that are consistent with the primary and secondary chemical structure of molecular constituents of a DNA chain for the individual.

Abstract: A non-aqueous route and process for preparation of boron nitride utilizing aerosol assisted vapor phase synthesis (AAVS) wherein boron precursors are nitrided in one or two heating steps, and wherein a boron oxide nitride carbide intermediary composition is formed after the first heating step and may be further nitrided to form resultant spheroidal boron nitride powders including spheroidal particles that are smooth, bladed, have protruding whiskers, and are of turbostratic or hexagonal crystalline structure, specifically wherein the boron precursor is dissolved in a non-aqueous solution prior to aerosolization.

Abstract: An apparatus for finding resources on a network comprises a finder server having access to: (a) a database including: (i) an index of resources available on network of interconnected computers on which a plurality of resources reside; and (ii) information regarding user feedback gathered from previous operations of the apparatus by a user and plural previous users; and (b) a learning system operable to access and learn from information contained on the database.

Abstract: A system and method that allows a ringer of a telephone to be silenced on demand without preventing outgoing calls to be placed. In an embodiment of the invention, there is a ring control device comprising a switch, a voltage control device in electrical series with the switch, and a first plug for receiving a first electrical signal, the first electrical signal comprising a first voltage and a second voltage, the first plug disposed in series with and before the voltage control device. The ring control device also includes a second plug for outputting at least one of the first and second voltages of the first electrical signal, the second plug disposed in series with and after the switch. In the ring control device, the voltage control device prevents one of the first and second voltages from passing to the second plug when the switch is in a predetermined position.

Abstract: An optical fiber amplifier module is disclosed which comprises a signal path located between a signal input and a signal output. A WDM coupler and an amplifying gain medium are disposed along the signal path. A pump laser is disposed out of the signal path in a manner that allows a pump signal from the pump laser to reflect off the WDM coupler and enter the signal path. An embodiment utilizing a second WDM coupler and a second pump laser is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention discloses an electrical slow cooker. Said slow cooker has an added thermal insulating layer, which is formed by filling foaming materials in the gap between the shell and the inner casing as well as between the pedestal and the inner casing, so as to improve the quality of the thermal insulation of the slow cooker.

Abstract: A microresonator is provided that incorporates a composite material comprising a polymer matrix and nanoparticles dispersed therein. The microresonator includes the composite material having a shape that is bounded at least in part by a reflecting surface. The shape of the microresonator allows a discrete electromagnetic frequency to set up a standing wave mode. Advantageously, the polymer matrix comprises at least one halogenated polymer and the dispersed nanoparticles comprise an outer coating layer, which may also comprise a halogenated polymer. Methods for making composite materials and microresonators are also provided. Applications include, for example, active and passive switches, add/drop filters, modulators, isolators, and integrated optical switch array circuits.