Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method of making a hollow-core photonic band gap preform from a specialty glass by pressing a specialty glass through a die to form a tube wherein the outer transverse shape of the tube is a hexagon, triangle, quadrilateral, or other polygon; stretching the tube to form a micro-tube with approximately the same outer transverse shape as the tube; stacking a plurality of micro-tubes into a bundle minimizing voids between adjacent micro-tubes and forming a central longitudinal void wherein the plurality of micro-tubes within the bundle comprise an inner structured region of the preform and the central void of the bundle comprises a hollow core in the preform; and inserting the bundle into a jacket tube. Also disclosed are the hollow-core photonic band gap preform and fiber formed by this method.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a photonic bad gap fiber and/or fiber preform with a central structured region comprising a first non-silica based glass and a jacket comprising a second non-silica based glass surrounding the central structured region, where the Littleton softening temperature of the second glass is at least one but no more than ten degrees Celsius lower than the Littleton softening temperature of the first glass, or where the base ten logarithm of the glass viscosity in poise of the second glass is at least 0.01 but no more than 2 lower than the base ten logarithm of the glass viscosity in poise of the first glass at a fiber draw temperature. Also disclosed is a method of making a photonic bad gap fiber and/or fiber preform.

Abstract: The subject invention provides novel devices and methods for the detection and quantification of neutrophil elastase activity in biological samples.

Abstract: The subject invention presides novel devices and methods for the measurement of nitric oxide in biological samples, including wound fluid samples. These advantageous devices and methods can be used for clinicians to monitor the wound's nitric oxide metabolism and/or response to treatment.

Abstract: The subject invention provides novel devices and methods for the detection of the presence and/or activity of proteases in biological samples

Abstract: Electromotive delivery of macromolecules can be provided using a delivery device including a first chamber for contacting a macromolecule delivery medium to a surface of a tissue or other anatomy of a patient; and a second chamber for contacting a receiving medium to the patient. A first electrode can be disposed in the first chamber so as to not directly contact the macromolecule delivery medium. A second medium having a buffering agent can be used to keep the first electrode from coming into direct contact with the macromolecule delivery medium. A second electrode can be disposed within the receiving medium in the second chamber such that the second electrode does not directly contact the patient. An electric field can be generated using the first and second electrodes in order to cause the macromolecule delivery medium to move into the tissue of interest from the first chamber of the delivery device.

Abstract: The subject invention provides novel devices and methods for the detection of the presence and/or activity of proteases in biological samples.

Abstract: A runner for pallets includes a cardboard sheet folded to include a first portion forming an M shape, a second portion folded across the M shape to form two closed triangles, and a third portion folded around the M shape including sections along and adjacent a first outer leg of the M shape and across the M shape and along and adjacent a second outer leg of the M shape. Adhesive bonds the third portion to the first and second portions. The arrangement forms a beam of sufficient structural rigidity to support the vertical and horizontal “abuse” often received by pallets. Notches for fork lift tines are cut into the length for matching a typical location of the fork lift tines. A pallet includes a deck such as cardboard or other material, and three runners attached to a bottom of the deck.

Abstract: A chalcogenide multi-clad optical fiber having a core, a first cladding and one or more subsequent claddings including a chalcogenide glass. The optical fiber may be capable of transmitting visible and inferred light and may be used for a wide variety of semiconductor applications.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a device comprising multiple specialty glass optical fibers that combines several different mid-infrared optical signals from multiple optical fibers into one signal in a single optical fiber. In addition, the present invention provides for a method of making the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a substantially void-free microstructured optical fiber using a one-step process is provided. A preform for the optical fiber is prepared, comprising an outer jacket made of solid glass, a cladding having a plurality of microtubes and/or microcanes arranged in a desired pattern within the jacket, and a core which may be solid or hollow, with the cladding and the core extending above the top of the outer jacket. The thus-prepared preform is placed into a fiber draw tower. As the fiber is drawn, negative gas pressure is applied to draw the canes together and consolidate the interfacial voids between the canes while positive gas pressure is applied to the preform to keep the holes of the microcanes open during the fiber drawing. The apparatus includes a jig having support tubes that are connected to a vacuum pump for application of the negative gas pressure and a vent tube connected to a gas supply for application of the positive gas pressure.

Abstract: A bubble pack comprises sheet product with elongated bubbles separated in one direction by weld lines for folding and separated in another direction by strips about half a width of the bubbles. A first portion of the sheet product is formed into a sleeve and a second portion slit to form flaps for tucking inside the sleeve portion to support, protect and separate 1st and 2nd vehicle mirrors with their stem mounts overlapped in a densely stored arrangement. The mirrors and stem mounts are separated and protected by bubbles of the sheet. One flap forms a vertical support adapted to support a weight of the product's laterally-extending stems and additional flaps folded into the sleeve separate the product from each other. The bubbles shift and expand during the packing process in ways that “glove” onto the product for cushioned and secure non-scratching protection of the product.

Abstract: The subject invention provides novel devices and methods for the detection of the presence and/or activity of proteases in biological samples.

Abstract: A runner for pallets includes a cardboard sheet folded to include a first portion forming an M shape, a second portion folded across the M shape to form two closed triangles, and a third portion folded around the M shape including sections along and adjacent a first outer leg of the M shape and across the M shape and along and adjacent a second outer leg of the M shape. Adhesive bonds the third portion to the first and second portions. The arrangement forms a beam of sufficient structural rigidity to support the vertical and horizontal “abuse” often received by pallets. Notches for fork lift tines are cut into the length for matching a typical location of the fork lift tines. A pallet includes a deck such as cardboard or other material, and three runners attached to a bottom of the deck.

Abstract: The present invention provides diagnostic methods and devices that can be used to assay a medium, such as tissue in vivo or a sample in vitro (e.g. biological sample or environmental sample), in order to determine the presence, quantity, and/or concentration ratio of one or more target analytes.

Abstract: An electrical lighting circuit for doll houses or other miniature installations includes, for actual connection in operating relation to a power source, a miniaturized master breaker switch, and a miniaturized master panel, together with a distribution circuit. In addition, for aesthetic appeal, a miniature power line input, including a weather head and a miniature current meter box, is simulated. Each of the separate outputs in the distribution circuit from the master panel leads to an individual doll house room or circuit group. One unique circuit group comprises a series circuit of subminiature bulbs mounted in shrink tubes to simulate candles, which are constructed to serve as miniature christmas tree lights, miniature chandeliers, or in like installations.