Abstract: Luminescent imaging films (100) for fluorescent enhancement and methods of making and using the same are provided. The films (100) include a flexible carrier layer (1109, and a pattern of photonic structure (120) disposed on the flexible carrier layer, which is interspersed with an anti-biofouling material (130) to provide a pattern of analyte sites (132). The pattern of photonic structure includes a patterned high-refractive-index dielectric material surface (123) so as to provide resonance at the excitation or emission wavelength to enhance a fluorescence signal from labeled analytes.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed which relate to lifting a user from a seated position to a raised position. This is performed by incorporating a lifting mechanism into a seat coupled to a movable base portion. Actuators coupled to drive shafts enable a plurality of linkages to be raised and tilted, enabling the seat to rise at the push of a button or other triggering mechanism. A plurality of compressible springs enables an even balance between the weight of the human and the pressure of the lifting mechanism underneath the seat. As the lifting portion lifts the seat, an angle of the seat changes from a substantially horizontal position to a relatively angled position, mimicking the natural motion of the hips and thighs for humans needing assistance. Embodiments disclosed include using the device as a bedside toilet, having a removable bowl attached to the seat, or using the device placed over a toilet.

Abstract: The method of fabricating an optical waveguide fiber from a preform having a centerline aperture which includes reducing the pressure in the centerline aperture, then increasing the pressure in the centerline aperture to a pressure in order to improve uniformity, circularity, and/or symmetry around the centerline aperture region.

Abstract: A circuit for detecting a predefined reoccurring phase point an periodic electrical signal has an input stage which rectifies the signal into first and second complementary signals. A Schmitt circuit has an input connected to the rectifier stage and produces a first intermediate signal in response to the voltage of the first complementary signal. A complementary Schmitt circuit is connected to the rectifier stage and produces a second intermediate signal in response to the voltage of the second complementary signal. An output stage that is connected to the Schmitt circuit and the complementary Schmitt circuit, responds to the first and second intermediate signals by producing an indication of each occurrence of the reoccurring phase point in the periodic electrical signal.

Abstract: A circuit for measuring the frequency of an electrical signal includes a detector that senses a reoccurring phase point the electrical signal. A divide-by-M counter is connected to the detector and produces a control signal upon every Mth occurrence of the indication, where M is a positive number greater than one. A clock signal generator is provided. An output counter counts cycles of the clock signal between occurrences of the control signal and divides the count by M to produce an output count that corresponds to the frequency of the electrical signal.