Abstract: In one example, a battery includes a negative terminal, a positive terminal, an electrolyte contained between the negative terminal and the positive terminal, and a hydrogel layer positioned between and physically separating the negative terminal and the positive terminal.

Abstract: A method of reversible spatial mode selection and conversion between waveguides and free space is presented using a multiplexed volume Bragg grating (MVBG). The MVBG has an inherent angular selectivity, providing different losses for different transverse modes and converting a higher order mode in waveguide to a single fundamental mode in free space. Using the device in a resonator allows for a pure higher order mode to be guided and amplified in the gain medium, to increase the mode area, to extract accumulated excitation more efficiently, and, therefore, to increase gain of the amplifier. In the same resonator, the device is able to convert the higher order mode to a high brightness Gaussian beam in free space or to a fundamental mode in a waveguide.

Abstract: A poison-resistant catalytic converter includes a washcoat having a support material comprised of titania and/or silica and a plurality of platinum group metal particles disposed in the support material. The washcoat is disposed on a substrate having a plurality of cells that define respective apertures. The catalytic converter is resistant to poisoning from sulfur and phosphorous compounds while operating at low temperatures. Applications include spark ignited internal combustion engines in combined heat and power systems, vehicles, combustion turbines, boilers and other applications for utilities, industry and vehicle emissions control.

Abstract: A variable focus ophthalmic device is described. The device comprises a front curve optical portion of the variable focus ophthalmic device comprising a front curve top optical surface and a front curve bottom optical surface and a back curve optical portion of the variable focus ophthalmic device comprising a back curve top optical surface and a back curve bottom optical surface. A cavity is formed by the front curve bottom optical surface of the front curve optical portion of the variable focus ophthalmic device and the back curve top optical surface of the back curve portion of the variable focus ophthalmic device. A first fluid with a first index of refraction and a second fluid with a second index of refraction is provided, wherein the first index of refraction and the second index of refraction are different and the two fluids are immiscible.

Abstract: A variable focus ophthalmic device is described. The device comprises a front curve optical portion of the variable focus ophthalmic device comprising a front curve top optical surface and a front curve bottom optical surface and a back curve optical portion of the variable focus ophthalmic device comprising a back curve top optical surface and a back curve bottom optical surface. A cavity is formed by the front curve bottom optical surface of the front curve optical portion of the variable ophthalmic device and the back curve top optical surface of the back curve portion of the variable focus ophthalmic device. A fluid with a first index of refraction and a dielectric film is in contact with at least a portion of the fluid with a first index of refraction and overlaying an electrode capable of establishing an electric field. A gas with a second index of refraction is provided, wherein the first index of refraction and the second index of refraction are different.

Abstract: A variable focus ophthalmic device is described. The device comprises a front curve optical portion of the variable focus ophthalmic device comprising a front curve top optical surface and a front curve bottom optical surface and a back curve optical portion of the variable focus ophthalmic device comprising a back curve top optical surface and a back curve bottom optical surface. A cavity is formed by the front curve bottom optical surface of the front curve optical portion of the variable focus ophthalmic device and the back curve top optical surface of the back curve portion of the variable focus ophthalmic device. A first fluid with a first index of refraction and a second fluid with a second index of refraction is provided, wherein the first index of refraction and the second index of refraction are different and the two fluids are immiscible.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to form energization elements upon electrical interconnects on three-dimensional surfaces are described. In some embodiments, the present invention includes incorporating the three-dimensional surfaces with electrical interconnects and energization elements into an insert for incorporation into ophthalmic lenses. In some embodiments, the formed insert may be directly used as an ophthalmic lens.

Abstract: A method of gravimetric volume determination is described in which a load cell can be calibrated either outside of an analytic analyzer for gravimetric calibration of the analyzer, or in a fully automated manner inside the analyzer.

Abstract: A device for the gravimetric volume determination of liquid volumes. The device comprises a housing (11) having the shape and dimensions of a standard rack used in a clinical diagnostic analyzer system for holding sample or reagent containers, and the following components contained in housing (11): a load cell (12) for gravimetric volume determination, a weighing container (13) for receiving a liquid to be weighed with said load cell (12), a windbreak (14) which shields said weighing container (13) from air flow, an evaporation trap (15) which prevents evaporation of liquid loaded into said weighing container (13), a temperature sensor (21), an air-pressure sensor (31) and a humidity sensor (41) for sensing temperature, air pressure and humidity respectively at predetermined points within said housing (11), and an electronic processing unit for processing electrical output signals delivered by said load cell (12) and by said sensors (21, 31, 41).

Abstract: A method of gravimetric volume determination is described in which a load cell can be calibrated either outside of an analytic analyzer for gravimetric calibration of said analyzer, or in a fully automated manner inside said analyzer.

Abstract: A device for the gravimetric volume determination of liquid volumes. The device comprises a housing (11) having the shape and dimensions of a standard rack used in a clinical diagnostic analyzer system for holding sample or reagent containers, and the following components contained in housing (11): a load cell (12) for gravimetric volume determination, a weighing container (13) for receiving a liquid to be weighed with said load cell (12), a windbreak (14) which shields said weighing container (13) from air flow, an evaporation trap (15) which prevents evaporation of liquid loaded into said weighing container (13), a temperature sensor (21), an air-pressure sensor (31) and a humidity sensor (41) for sensing temperature, air pressure and humidity respectively at predetermined points within said housing (11), and an electronic processing unit for processing electrical output signals delivered by said load cell (12) and by said sensors (21, 31, 41).

Abstract: A method for a waterborne photopolymerizable thiol-ene polyurethane dispersion including water, low molecular weight polyurethane prepolymer with terminal unsaturation and pendant acid groups, and a polyfunctional thiol. The dispersion can also include a neutralizing agent. After application of the dispersion to a surface, the water is evaporated and visible light or UV radiation is applied to form a crosslinked network film.