Abstract: An optical element includes a porous layer with a network of a plurality of interconnected voids. The porous layer is optically diffusive to at least one wavelength of light when the network of interconnected voids is substantially free of fluid. The porous layer of the optical element undergoes a detectable optical change upon fluid ingress into the network or egress from the network of interconnected voids.

Abstract: An optical system is disclosed and includes an optical sensor, a plurality of photosensitive pixels disposed on the optical sensor, a wavelength-selective optical filter in optical communication with the photosensitive pixels, the wavelength-selective optical filter being disposed remotely from the optical sensor, an area disposed in the wavelength-selective optical filter, the area having a transmission spectrum different from a transmission spectrum of a portion of the wavelength-selective optical filter not in the area and a reflector, the wavelength-selective optical filter and a measurement subject each being disposed between the reflector and the optical sensor along an optical path.

Abstract: An optical element includes a porous layer with a network of a plurality of interconnected voids. The porous layer is optically diffusive to at least one wavelength of light when the network of interconnected voids is substantially free of fluid. The porous layer of the optical element undergoes a detectable optical change upon fluid ingress into the network or egress from the network of interconnected voids.

Abstract: Medical adhesive articles include a layer of adhesive and a modified substrate layer where the layer has a plurality of cuts arrayed in a pattern that may be random or the pattern can be arrayed along at least one axis. The cuts are gaps, but the gaps are not visible to the naked eye when the adhesive article is in an unstressed state, and at least some of the cuts become gaps that are visible to the naked eye and form apertures when the adhesive article is in a stressed state. The adhesive articles can be used to adhere a medical device to skin.

Abstract: A method for filtering airborne particulates is described. The method includes providing an exhaust hood, and the exhaust hood defines an intake and the exhaust hood being adapted to receive airborne particulates via the intake. The method also includes conveying a portion of a filter media from a media source area to an active media area, transferring the portion of the filter media from the active media area to a media discard area, the media discard area and the media source area being disposed on substantially opposed sides of the active media area, and severing the portion of the filter media in the media discard area from a remainder of the filter media.

Abstract: Filter assemblies are described. In particular, a filter securement assembly for receiving and retaining a filter media in an exhaust hood is disclosed, the filter securement assembly being releasably securable to the exhaust hood, includes a filter frame, a cover and a face forming a portion of the cover, the face defining a plurality of apertures therethrough, the apertures forming at least 50% of a face surface area.

Abstract: An optical element includes a porous layer with a network of a plurality of interconnected voids. The porous layer is optically diffusive to at least one wavelength of light when the network of interconnected voids is substantially free of fluid. The porous layer of the optical element undergoes a detectable optical change upon fluid ingress into the network or egress from the network of interconnected voids.

Abstract: An optical device is disclosed and includes an optical sensor, a plurality of photosensitive pixels disposed on the optical sensor, a wavelength-selective optical filter in optical communication with the photosensitive pixels, and a plurality of spatially-variant written regions disposed in the optical filter, the written regions having a transmission spectrum and each of the written regions being larger than each of the pixels.

Abstract: An optical system is disclosed and includes an optical sensor, a plurality of photosensitive pixels disposed on the optical sensor, a wavelength-selective optical filter in optical communication with the photosensitive pixels, the wavelength-selective optical filter being disposed remotely from the optical sensor, an area disposed in the wavelength-selective optical filter, the area having a transmission spectrum different from a transmission spectrum of a portion of the wavelength-selective optical filter not in the area and a reflector, the wavelength-selective optical filter and a measurement subject each being disposed between the reflector and the optical sensor along an optical path.

Abstract: A lightguide includes features for extracting light that would otherwise be confined and propagate within the lightguide primarily by total internal reflection. A first portion of light propagating within the lightguide and extracted exits the lightguide through a first area of the lightguide having an optical reflectance of at least 30% and an optical transmittance of at least 5% for normally incident light at a wavelength of the extracted light. A second portion of light propagating within the lightguide and extracted exits the lightguide through a different second area of the lightguide having an optical transmittance of at least 80% for normally incident light at the wavelength of the extracted light.

Abstract: A lightguide includes features for extracting light that would otherwise be confined and propagate within the lightguide primarily by total internal reflection. A first portion of light propagating within the lightguide and extracted exits the lightguide through a first area of the lightguide having an optical reflectance of at least 30% and an optical transmittance of at least 5% for normally incident light at a wavelength of the extracted light. A second portion of light propagating within the lightguide and extracted exits the lightguide through a different second area of the lightguide having an optical transmittance of at least 80% for normally incident light at the wavelength of the extracted light.

Abstract: Semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks are described. More specifically, the semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks include at least two polymers that are closely associated. The first polymer is an ionic polymer that is not crosslinked. The second polymer is a cross-linked polymer that can be either another ionic polymer or a non-ionic polymer. Methods of making the semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks, articles containing the semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks, and methods of using the semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks are also described. The semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks can function as ion exchange resins.

Abstract: Semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks are described. More specifically, the semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks include at least two polymers that are closely associated. The first polymer is an ionic polymer that is not crosslinked. The second polymer is a cross-linked polymer that can be either another ionic polymer or a non-ionic polymer. Methods of making the semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks, articles containing the semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks, and methods of using the semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks are also described. The semi-interpenetrating polymeric networks can function as ion exchange resins.

Abstract: A reaction device comprises a flexible, fluid-impervious pouch and an analytical sensor for real time, in situ, reversible measurement of properties of materials within the pouch. The sensor can be integrally connected to the pouch or it can be free of such connection. Preferably, the analytical sensor comprises a responsive element that can be located inside or on the pouch, a processing element that can be located outside the pouch, and a means for transmitting information between the responsive element and the processing element. The transmitting means can include one or more of electrical, optical, magnetic, nuclear and mechanical means. The pouch can be used singly or it can be a member of a combinatorial array of pouches that can be used in producing a library of materials. A method monitors changes in properties of materials within the pouch.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for measuring a functional characteristic of one or more thin film coatings applied to a thin film using a photoisomer. A photoisomer is mixed into each functional coating in known amounts. Photodetection of the photoisomer as a part of the functional coatings is used to control a functional characteristic of the thin film during the manufacturing process. The photoisomer is activated with light of a selected wavelength range, and light fluorescence is measured in another selected wavelength range.