Abstract: A method for adjusting the wavelength and dominant mode of a laser fiber prior to installation in a laser assembly includes the steps of linearly stretching the laser fiber so as to modify its output wavelength, axially twisting the laser fiber so as to modify its dominant mode, and affixing the laser fiber to a laser assembly in its linearly stretched and axially twisted condition. The laser assembly includes a dynamic tuning mechanism for wavelength adjustment during use. The twisted and stretched fiber has an unadjusted wavelength and dominant mode that are within a selected range before adjustment by the dynamic tuning mechanism.

Abstract: There is provided a process for renewing the activity of supported metal catalysts for the hydrogenation of carbon monoxide to form a mixture of hydrocarbons comprising decreasing the hydrocarbon content of the catalyst, preferably by contact with hydrogen-containing gas at elevated temperatures, impregnating under a non-oxidizing atmosphere with a solution of at least one of an ammonium salt and an alkyl ammonium salt, optionally in combination with up to five moles of ammonia per liter of solution to the point where it has absorbed a volume of solution equal to at least about 10% of its calculated pore volume; oxidizing the catalyst with a gaseous oxidant in the presence of the impregnating solution and activating the catalyst by reduction with hydrogen at elevated temperatures. Optionally, the catalyst is calcined after the oxidation step, and passivated after the activation step.

Abstract: A motor control system is provided for controlling at least one motor driven mechanical actuator. The control system drives the motor according to a function of the actuator position. The system is further arranged to modify the motor speed to ensure that a predetermined power limit is not exceeded.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing microneedle structures is disclosed using soft lithography and photolithography, in which micromold structures made of a photoresist material or PDMS are created. The micromold manufacturing occurs quite quickly, using inexpensive materials and processes. Once the molds are available, using moldable materials such as polymers, microneedle arrays can be molded or embossed in relatively fast procedures. In some cases a sacrificial layer is provided between the forming micromold and its substrate layer, for ease of separation. The microneedles themselves can be solid projections, hollow “microtubes,” or shallow “microcups.” Electrodes can be formed on the microneedle arrays, including individual electrodes per hollow microtube.

Abstract: A buffer circuit is used to provide hysteresis, which can reduce the negative effects of noise in digital circuits. Reducing the number of transistors in the buffer circuit reduces the amount of space the circuit occupies and reduces power consumption. By connecting a voltage-coupling element between the body of a transistor in a first inverter and an output of a second inverter, the voltage-coupling element can control the hysteresis of the buffer circuit.

Abstract: A mechanism and method for maintaining a consistent state in a non-volatile random access memory system without constraining normal computer operation is provided, thereby enabling a computer system to recover from faults, power loss, or other computer system failure without a loss of data or processing continuity. In a typical computer system, checkpointing data is either very slow, very inefficient or would not survive a power failure. In embodiments of the present invention, a non-volatile random access memory system is used to capture checkpointed data, and can later be used to rollback the computer system to a previous checkpoint. This structure and protocol can efficiently and quickly enable a computer system to recover from faults, power loss, or other computer system failure.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing microneedle structures is disclosed using soft lithography and photolithography, in which micromold structures made of a photoresist material or PDMS are created. The micromold manufacturing occurs quite quickly, using inexpensive materials and processes. Once the molds are available, using moldable materials such as polymers, microneedle arrays can be molded or embossed in relatively fast procedures. In some cases a sacrificial layer is provided between the forming micromold and its substrate layer, for ease of separation. The microneedles themselves can be solid projections, hollow “microtubes,” or shallow “microcups.” Electrodes can be formed on the microneedle arrays, including individual electrodes per hollow microtube.

Abstract: A hollow microneedle with a substantially sharp edge is provided that includes at least one longitudinal blade at the top surface or tip of the microneedle to aid in penetration of the stratum corneum of skin. In a preferred embodiment, there are two such longitudinal blades that are constructed on opposite surfaces at approximately a 180° angle along the cylindrical side wall of the microneedle. Each edged blade has a cross-section that, when viewed from above the microneedle top, has an isosceles triangle profile. The blade's edge can run the entire length of the microneedle from its very top surface to its bottom surface where it is mounted onto the substrate, or the edge can be discontinued partway down the length of the microneedle. A star-shaped solid microneedle also is provided having at least one blade with a relatively sharp edge to assist in penetrating the stratum corneum of skin.

Abstract: A part employing internally molded shapes and surface finish to provide cosmetic features or design elements includes a body, at least a portion of which is molded of a transparent or semi-transparent material having an internal surface and an external surface. A cosmetic feature is formed in the internal surface of the body and is visible through the body of the part from the external surface. In some embodiments, the part is within a mobile phone.

Abstract: A radio frequency shield enclosure (100) is mounted on a printed circuit board and is adapted to allow optical checking of the components enclosed by the shield enclosure (100). A cover (402) is removably attached to a frame (102) on the printed circuit board for access to the printed circuit board components therein. Material and spring forces are selected to minimize the forces on the printed circuit board when attaching or removing the shield enclosure cover (402). Any openings or gaps in the radio frequency shield enclosure cover (402) are small enough to prevent radio frequency energy at the highest anticipated frequency from being radiated outside of the radio frequency shield enclosure (100).

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing scents into the environment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the dispensing device is used in conjunction with an article of manufacture which contains one or more scents or aromatic materials.

Abstract: There is provided a process for renewing the activity of supported metal catalysts for the hydrogenation of carbon monoxide to form a mixture of hydrocarbons comprising decreasing the hydrocarbon content of the catalyst, preferably by contact with hydrogen-containing gas at elevated temperatures, impregnating under a non-oxidizing atmosphere with a solution of at least one of an ammonium salt and an alkyl ammonium salt, optionally in combination with up to five moles of ammonia per liter of solution to the point where it has absorbed a volume of solution equal to at least about 10% of its calculated pore volume; oxidizing the catalyst with a gaseous oxidant in the presence of the impregnating solution and activating the catalyst by reduction with hydrogen at elevated temperatures. Optionally, the catalyst is calcined after the oxidation step, and passivated after the activation step.

Abstract: A strip-like microneedle device is provided that includes an array of hollow microneedles, a diaphragm pump to extract interstitial fluid from skin, and a sensor that detects the concentration of the fluid. The microneedle device can be interfaced to an external sensor to produce a reading, or can be self-contained. One version uses an attachable/detachable microneedle array as a single-use, disposable unit. The device is portable, and is used by placing one finger on the microneedle array, and actuating the diaphragm pump with another finger, thereby obtaining the fluid sample. Solid coated or transparent microneedles could instead be used as an in-situ sensor, with either electrodes or an optical sensor.

Abstract: A method of auditing forms comprises issuing a request to provide a form identifier from a form. The identifier is transmitted to a host computer that verifies whether the identifier is valid for the form being used. Further, an error is logged if the identifier is invalid.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing scents into the environment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the dispensing device is used in conjunction with an article of manufacture which contains one or more scents or aromatic materials. In such an embodiment, the dispensing device can include a housing and a removable, reusable/replayable, closed, multiple scent-containing article of manufacture which is removably inserted into or onto said housing.

Abstract: An array of microneedles is provided to apply semi-permanent or permanent markings to skin, or to apply semi-permanent subcutaneous makeup or other cosmetic compounds to skin. The microneedles can apply identifications or other tattoo-like graphics, and will not enter into the dermal layer of the skin so that the application procedure is painless. The microneedle array is also useful for delivering specific compounds or actives into the skin, such as cosmetic compounds or nutrients, or various skin structure modifiers that can be delivered subcutaneously without having to visit a cosmetic surgery clinic.

Abstract: A method for performing a money transfer receive transaction includes loading payout funds, corresponding to a desired amount of money to be transferred from a sender to a recipient, in a payout account associated with a payout card, such that the payout funds are electronically accessible by the recipient using the payout card. A system for performing a money transfer receive transaction is also provided.

Abstract: A radio frequency shield enclosure (100) is mounted on a printed circuit board and is adapted to allow optical checking of the components enclosed by the shield enclosure (100). A cover (402) is removably attached to a frame (102) on the printed circuit board for access to the printed circuit board components therein. Material and spring forces are selected to minimize the forces on the printed circuit board when attaching or removing the shield enclosure cover (402). Any openings or gaps in the radio frequency shield enclosure cover (402) are small enough to prevent radio frequency energy at the highest anticipated frequency from being radiated outside of the radio frequency shield enclosure (100).

Abstract: A device for providing radio frequency shielding is disclosed. The device includes a frame and cover removably attached to the frame. The frame is configured to extend generally around the periphery of an electronic component. The frame has an upper wall, sidewalls depending therefrom, and a plurality of stiffening flanges extending from the upper wall towards an interior portion of the frame. The cover has an upper surface and a plurality of members extending therefrom for engagement with the sidewalls of the frame. The cover and the frame form an enclosure for radio frequency shielding the electronic component.