Abstract: An oximetry probe assembly includes fluid seal assembly taking the form of a manually actuated plunger which moves relative to a barrel having a seal placed therein. Depression of the plunger causes the seal to be deformed so as to permit insertion of an oximetry probe through the seal and advancement towards a central venous catheter. When the plunger is released, the seal is compressed against the barrel and the sheath of the oximetry probe to thereby form a fluid-tight seal. The plunger and barrel are preferably configured as a one-handed grasping assembly whereby the user may hold the plunger and barrel with one hand, press the plunger with the thumb, and advance the oximetry probe through the fluid seal assembly with the other hand.

Abstract: An active packet inspection device for a communications network, comprises a first terminal and a second terminal each adapted to couple the appliance in-line in the network and communicate data packets with network devices. A packet processor is coupled to the first terminal and second terminal and configured to normalize the data packets. A network search engine coupled to the packet processor and the memory, and configured to compare the data packets with the stored signatures, and when a match is found and other specified conditions are met, to perform an action identified in an associated rule. In one aspect, the network search engine includes a network search engine controller and a network search engine table including a memory configured to store a plurality of replicated signatures. Advantages of the invention include the ability to perform deep packet inspections actively on a communications network at high-speed.

Abstract: This invention discloses a “reflective arrayed waveguide grating,” (RAWG) for demultiplexing a multiplexed optical signal into its component wavelengths and for multiplexing n optical signals into a multiplexed signal. The present invention found that a single slab can be used for coupling the signal in and for focusing the signal out of the array of waveguide that functions as a grating; and a single external fiber array interface containing plurality of fibers can be used for both inputting the signal in and for outputting the signal from the RAWG. Advantageously, this method reduces the chip size and on-chip insertion loss by eliminating a slab and using 50% shorter waveguides in the array allowing significant savings of the silicon real estate. The smaller chip size increases the reliability of the device significantly and almost doubles the yield of chips per wafer.

Abstract: A class of nanophotonic integrated circuit (nPIC) has been disclosed that is a platform technology for fiberoptic communication and computing, that is fabricated from waveguides that are based on natural index contrast (NIC) principle. A multifunctional nPIC and its fabrication details have been described. The nPIC is also known as an “optical processor”. A novel nanomaterial “dendrimer” is highlighted as the key ingredient that enables the fabrication of the nPICs and its multifunctionality from the same basic process. Other nanomaterials such as spin-on glass, nano-silica sol, and a combination of any of these materials can also be used via the natural index contrast method. Several preferred embodiments of the nPIC are described.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a concept of natural index contrast (NIC) for producing photonic waveguides and methods of fabrication thereof. Such waveguide forms the basis of a class of chip-scale micro- and nano-photonic integrated circuits (PICs). The NIC method utilizes the built-in refractive index difference between two layers of dielectric thin films of two different materials, one laid on top of another. This new class of waveguides simplifies the PIC fabrication process significantly. Based on the NIC based waveguides, PICs can be fabricated for a number of photonic applications such as arrayed waveguide grating (AWG), reflective arrayed waveguide grating (RAWG), interleaver, interferometer, and optical sensor. Additionally, several other PICs can also be fabricated via tiers of integration, such as triple-phase integration.

Abstract: This invention discloses a “reflective arrayed waveguide grating,” (RAWG) for demultiplexing a multiplexed optical signal into its component wavelengths and for multiplexing n optical signals into a multiplexed signal. The present invention found that a single slab can be used for coupling the signal in and for focusing the signal out of the array of waveguide that functions as a grating; and a single external fiber array interface containing plurality of fibers can be used for both inputting the signal in and for outputting the signal from the RAWG. Advantageously, this method reduces the chip size and on-chip insertion loss by eliminating a slab and using 50% shorter waveguides in the array allowing significant savings of the silicon real estate. The smaller chip size increases the reliability of the device significantly and almost doubles the yield of chips per wafer.

Abstract: A color coded elastomeric ring is fit onto a dental instrument. The elastomeric ring includes axial and circumferential formations for increased traction of a dental practitioner's finger to manipulate the instrument. Advantageously, two elastomeric rings are provided, one at each end of the instrument. Each elastomeric ring preferably has an outside profile with a decreasing diameter toward the adjacent end of the instrument. The ring is located adjacent to a receiving port for a tool insert or point.

Abstract: A motor vehicle early warning system is provided for enabling a motor vehicle to receive a warning signal (e. g., a brake activation signal) from a preceding vehicle and automatically and instantaneously transmit a warning signal to a following vehicle independently of any reaction time on the part of the driver of the motor vehicle. A receiver is located at the front of each vehicle for receiving a warning signal from the vehicle ahead of it. A transmitter is located at the rear of each vehicle for transmitting a warning signal to the vehicle behind it. A control unit is located on board each vehicle for responding to the reception of a warning signal by it's receiver for automatically causing it's transmitter to transmit a warning signal to the vehicle behind it.