Abstract: A lead wool electrode for an electro-chemical cell can be fused to a metallic collector to provide an electrical connection therebetween. Various methods of fusion such as thermal, electrical or chemical can be used.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are described for an Intellectual Property (IP) Generator for estimating timing, area, and power characteristics of an electronic system design. The IP Generator receives a user-supplied file having data describing a configuration of an IP design having multiple levels of hierarchy. The IP Generator also receives user-supplied technology parameters and data-flow information. The IP generator correlates estimated timing, area, and power characteristics for each IP sub component based on the user supplied technology parameters, data-flow information and configuration parameters. The IP generator reports the timing, area, and power estimates to a user via a graphic user interface prior to a transformation of a Register Transfer Level (RTL) design into the gate-level circuit design.

Abstract: This invention describes methods for fabricating polymer optical waveguides, and polymer optical waveguides themselves wherein at least one of the optical layers is deposited by a two-stage deposition process. In particular, the two-stage deposition process comprises spinning as the second step. Preferably, the polymer optical waveguide comprises a three layer structure comprising a lower cladding layer, a light guiding core layer and an upper cladding layer, supported on a substrate. The invention has particular application to the volume production of polymer optical waveguides on large area substrates.

Abstract: A data input apparatus having at least one transmit element coupled to a source of light of a predetermined wavelength, at least one light receive element and a detection device to detect interruption of beams of the light of said predetermined wavelength extending from said transmit element to said receive element wherein at least one of said transmit element and said receive element comprises at least one waveguide having a light transmitting core and a non-core portion and one or more discontinuance means adapted to reduce transmission of stray light within the non-core portion. The discontinuance is adapted to scatter, absorb, divert or block stray light and can be applied to one or more of the upper cladding, lower cladding, substrate or common base.

Abstract: A monolithic laser array (30) has a plurality of parallel laser elements (31-1, 31-2 . . . 31-16) configured such that there is significantly reduced bond pad metallization area and drive contact metallization area between adjacent pairs of laser elements. Each laser element has a waveguide (33) extending along its optical axis, a drive contact (34) extending along at least a portion of the waveguide (33), and a bond pad area (35) extending laterally from the drive contact. The laser elements are arranged in pairs of adjacent laser elements with each laser element of a pair having its bond pad area (35) extending laterally towards the other laser element of the pair and occupying a respective portion of the substrate surface between the laser elements of the pair. The substrate surface between pairs of laser elements is thereby substantially free of bond pad metallization to form an enhanced cleave area extending over the length of the array.

Abstract: A strain-responsive visual indicator comprises a pair of overlapping shutter strips (1, 2) adapted to be mounted to a substrate such that strain in the substrate causes relative movement M between them. Each shutter strip comprises an alternating set of windows (5) or (6) and bars (7) or (8) and the distal strip (2) is backed by a strip (3) of a different color exposed through its windows (6), or the distal strip can instead be printed with a set of alternating colors in place of its windows and bars. The effect is that under different strain conditions different color indications from the distal strip (2) will be visible through the windows (5) of the proximal strip (1), in accordance with the relative positions of the two strips. The indicator can be incorporated e.g. in the shaft of a toothbrush to give a visual warning in response to flexure of the shaft if excessive brushing pressure is applied. Numerous other applications and the use of different types of indicia are indicated in the specification.

Abstract: A novel tool and process, primarily useful for assisting ice climbers in creating a “V-thread” anchor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to asymmetric containers for fabric care products where a single container type may be used for two or more different fabric care products.

Abstract: A doping process, including applying pressure to at least one first phase of a semiconductor containing an electrically inactive dopant and removing the pressure to cause at least one phase transformation of the semiconductor to at least one second phase, wherein the at least one phase transformation activates the dopant so that the at least one second phase includes at least one doped phase of the semiconductor in which the dopant is electrically active.