Abstract: A light coupling unit includes a first major surface comprising one or more substantially parallel first grooves oriented along a first direction for receiving one or more optical waveguides. A second major surface for slidably contacting a mating light coupling unit comprises an optically transmitting window for propagating an optical signal therethrough, and a region of second grooves and lands configured to capture particulate contaminants in the second grooves.

Abstract: An optical ferrule assembly includes a hybrid optical ferrule having a glass portion assembled to a polymeric portion. The polymeric portion includes a groove for receiving and supporting an optical fiber having opposing open front and back ends. A light redirecting member includes an input surface for receiving light from the optical fiber and a light redirecting side. The open back end of the groove and the input surface define a recessed region therebetween. The glass portion includes an optically transparent glass insert disposed in the recessed region conforming in shape to an internal shape of the recessed region. An optical fiber is received and supported in the groove. The optical fiber includes a fiber end laser welded to the glass insert so that a central light ray from the optical fiber propagates through the glass insert before being received and redirected by the light redirecting side.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X00R828 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X00R828 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X00R828 through backcrossing or genetic transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Maize variety X00R828, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X00R828 are provided. Methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X00R828 and methods of using maize variety X00R828 are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X00P582 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X00P582 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X00P582 through backcrossing or genetic transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Maize variety X00P582, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X00P582 are provided. Methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X00P582 and methods of using maize variety X00P582 are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X95P897 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X95P897 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X95P897 through backcrossing or genetic transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Maize variety X95P897, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X95P897 are provided. Methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X95P897 and methods of using maize variety X95P897 are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X95P901 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X95P901 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X95P901 through backcrossing or genetic transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Maize variety X95P901, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X95P901 are provided. Methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X95P901 and methods of using maize variety X95P901 are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X95P903 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X95P903 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X95P903 through backcrossing or genetic transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Maize variety X95P903, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X95P903 are provided. Methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X95P903 and methods of using maize variety X95P903 are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X95P908 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X95P908 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X95P908 through backcrossing or genetic transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Maize variety X95P908, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X95P908 are provided. Methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X95P908 and methods of using maize variety X95P908 are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X95N785 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by crossing hybrid maize variety X95N785 with another maize plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X95N785 through backcrossing or genetic transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are described. Maize variety X95N785, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X95N785 are provided. Methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X95N785 and methods of using maize variety X95N785 are disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable delivery device including a housing, a port assembly, and a plurality of grooves. The housing includes an outer wall defining an exterior face. The port assembly includes a septum and a port opening that is exteriorly open relative to the housing face. The plurality of grooves are formed in the exterior face proximate the port opening, and are sized to receive a needle tip to guide the needle tip toward the port opening. In one embodiment, the port assembly is fluidly connected to a reservoir, such that the port assembly constitutes a reservoir refill port.

Abstract: Implantable drug infusion devices, systems and methods for delivering therapeutic substance to a subject that include a bulkhead and an attached reservoir formed by an elastic bladder are disclosed. When filled with therapeutic substance, the elastic bladder is elastically expanded such that the therapeutic substance is held at a pressure above ambient pressure. As the therapeutic substance is removed from the reservoir, the bladder collapses and may conform to the shape of the bulkhead surface over which it is located.

Abstract: A drug pump including a housing, reservoir, access port, flow restrictor mechanism, and refill port. The housing defines a discharge outlet, and maintains the reservoir in fluid communication with the refill port. The access port is fluidly connected to the discharge outlet. The flow restrictor mechanism is fluidly connected between the discharge outlet and the access port, positioned to establish outflow and inflow directions. The flow restrictor mechanism has flow restriction characteristics in the outflow direction that differ from flow restriction characteristics in the inflow direction. The flow restrictor mechanism partially restricts fluid flow in the outflow direction such that a clinician can sense a difference between an available injection rate through the access port as compared to through the refill port. Further, the flow restrictor mechanism does not overtly impede fluid withdrawal procedures via the access port.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for use in aspirating and/or refilling a reservoir of an implantable infusion device. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes one or more syringes and a plunger stop for holding a plunger of the syringe(s) in a minimally retracted position relative to a barrel of the syringe(s). The apparatus may further include a filter attachable to a syringe, wherein the filter permits the delivery of a therapeutic substance contained in the syringe while blocking the passage of gas bubbles within the therapeutic substance. Methods of aspirating and refilling a reservoir of the infusion device are also provided.

Abstract: An infusion system in which therapeutic substance from a reservoir is pumped by a bolus pump to an infusion port is disclosed. The therapeutic substance delivered by the bolus pump passes first through a passive check valve located downstream from the pump. The passive check valve opens in response to fluid pressure of the therapeutic substance. After passing through the passive check valve, the therapeutic substance passes through an active check valve located downstream from the passive check if the active check valve is actuated such that it is open. When not activated, the active check valve is closed and fluid flow through the active check valve in the downstream direction is prevented.

Abstract: A medical device and displacement-based over-pressurization mechanism (OPM) for use with the same. The OPM may be positioned in or along a refill passageway of the device. It may include a valve plunger having a portion in biased, abutting contact with a reservoir surface that moves as the reservoir volume changes. The reservoir surface may move between a full position and a refill position. The OPM is preferably configured to close and occlude the refill passageway when the reservoir and reservoir surface reach the full position, e.g., before reaching an overfill position. A sensor may also be provided to detect a position of the valve plunger.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for decreasing the volume and thickness of a hermetic battery that includes an electrode stack contained within a hermetic housing. In particular, the invention is directed to batteries that have a non-uniform thickness as defined by the hermetic housing. A battery according to the invention includes a battery housing with at least two battery housing portions that define different thicknesses. For example, a first portion of the battery housing may have first thickness and house the battery, while a second portion of the battery housing has a second thickness and includes one or more feedthroughs. The second thickness may be greater than the first thickness.