Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for a dried blood sample collection device that facilitates self-testing by untrained personnel such as patients taking samples at home. The blood sample collection device comprises an actuator disposed through a distal barrel and a proximal barrel of the pen. Multiple frits for receiving blood samples are disposed within a distal end of the actuator. The frits are retained in a retracted position within the distal barrel by a biasing mechanism. A push button facilitates compressing the biasing mechanism and extending the frits through a distal opening of the distal barrel. The frits are configured to intake blood samples and store the samples in a dried state. A suitable desiccant may be used to cause the dried state. The actuator is configured to be removed from the blood sample collection device to enable retrieving dried blood samples from the distal end of the actuator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a candlelight simulation electronic candle, which comprises a candle body shell and a candle body base, wherein the candle body shell is connected with the candle body base to form an accommodating space; a wick, a casing through hole and a wall are formed on the upper end of the candle body shell; the wick is disposed between the casing through hole and the wall; the accommodating space is provided with a mounting bracket and a lens holder which are hinged to each other, and is also provided with a swinging mechanism which is configured to drive the lens holder to swing around the mounting bracket; and the mounting bracket and the lens holder are respectively provided with a light-emitting element and a lens. to form a flame.

Abstract: A method for chemical mechanical polishing of a substrate comprising tungsten using a nonselective chemical mechanical polishing composition.

Abstract: A method for chemical mechanical polishing of a substrate comprising tungsten using a nonselective chemical mechanical polishing composition.

Abstract: The invention is adapted particularly for simplifying the difficult task of measuring the openings of picture frame mats, and then transferring those measurements to a mitering machine for the purpose of accurately cutting, to the proper length, a piece of picture frame fillet molding. The invention includes at least a generally rectangular body, comprising a top plate and a base plate. A slide mechanism is slideably mated to the top plate by means of a male dovetail, which mates with the matching female dovetail. In addition, the slide mechanism is mated to the top plate by introducing the side of top plate into the slot of the slide.

Abstract: Optical multiplexers and demultiplexers are provided. In one implementation an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a first laser diode pair, a second laser diode pair, a polarization rotator coupled between the first and the second laser diode pairs, and an output port. The first and second laser diode pairs include a first laser diode, a polarization beam splitter, a first quarter waveplate, a filter; a second quarter waveplate, and a second laser diode. The first and second laser diode pairs are coupled to the polarization rotator at the polarization beam splitter of each laser diode pair. In one implementation the apparatus is operable to multiplex distinct light signals emitted from the first and second laser diodes. In another implementation, an apparatus is provided that is operable to demultiplex an input light beam having a plurality of distinct channels.

Abstract: Wet-laid chopped strand glass mats for use in roofing applications that have improved hot wet tensile strengths are provided. The chopped strand mats are formed by the application or inclusion of at least one coupling agent to the chopped strand mat during a wet-laid mat forming process. The coupling agent may be added to the chopped strand mat as part of a two-part binder composition that includes a binder and at least one coupling agent. Alternatively, the coupling agent may be added directly to the chopped strand mat independent of the binder. As a further alternative, the coupling agent(s) may be added to the white water in the wet-laid mat forming process and incorporated into the formed glass mat via the glass fibers. The binder may be a modified urea-formaldehyde binder, a non-modified urea-formaldehyde binder, and/or a formaldehyde-free binder. The coupling agent(s) may be silane coupling agents and/or reactive siloxanes.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a wet-laid nonwoven glass fiber mat comprised of a plurality of bundles of fibers. The method includes the steps of adding chopped fibers to an aqueous slurry containing a sufficient amount of a suitable hydrophobic agent to cause the fibers to form a plurality of bundles. The fibers are then formed into a mat which may be used in a number of reinforcement applications. A method is also provided for modifying the components in the water slurry to produce mats comprising either bundles of fibers or dispersed fibers.

Abstract: The invention teaches devices, systems, and method for building frames. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Optical multiplexers and demultiplexers are provided. In one implementation an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a first laser diode pair, a second laser diode pair, a polarization rotator coupled between the first and the second laser diode pairs, and an output port. The first and second laser diode pairs include a first laser diode, a polarization beam splitter, a first quarter waveplate, a filter; a second quarter waveplate, and a second laser diode. The first and second laser diode pairs are coupled to the polarization rotator at the polarization beam splitter of each laser diode pair. In one implementation the apparatus is operable to multiplex distinct light signals emitted from the first and second laser diodes. In another implementation, an apparatus is provided that is operable to demultiplex an input light beam having a plurality of distinct channels.

Abstract: A size composition containing one or more film forming agents, at least one coupling agent, and a fatty amide lubricant synthesized from a (poly)ethylene amine and a C5-C20 unsaturated fatty acid is provided. The fatty acid is preferably a conjugated fatty acid and the (poly)ethylene amine is preferably tetraethylenepentamine. The fatty amide lubricant may be modified by maleinized rubber or carboxylated rubber. The size is advantageously applied to glass fibers such as wet use chopped strand glass and used to form roofing composites, such as shingles. The fatty amide lubricant facilitates interfacial bonding between the glass and asphalt through a vulcanizing mechanism. The unsaturation of the fatty amide modifies the surface energy of the glass fibers to make the glass more compatible with the asphalt, enhances the compatibility between the glass and the asphalt, and improves glass/asphalt interactions through the reduced interfacial tensions.

Abstract: A roof covering includes a roofing mat formed from fibers of a fiber material. The fibers are coated with a sizing. The roof covering also includes a coating material that coats the mat. The coating material is based on an organic material. The sizing includes a sulfur-containing material that bonds to the fiber material. The sulfur-containing material has sulfur groups that form cross-links with the organic material. In another embodiment, the coating material contains sulfur added to the organic material. The sizing includes a bonding material that bonds to the fiber material and that bonds to the sulfur. The sulfur forms cross-links with the organic material.

Abstract: A fiber optical circulator includes a first collimator and a second collimator sandwiching a circulator core therebetween. The first collimator and the second collimator respectively define Port 1 and Port 2 thereof, and the first collimator further defines Port 3 thereof. The circulator core includes a first crystal and a second crystal at two ends respectively confronting the first collimator and the second collimator aside. The circulator core further includes a first group of two half-wavelength waveplates and a first Faraday rotator, and second subassembly a second group of two half-wavelength waveplates and a second Faraday rotator. A third crystal is disposed between the first subassembly and the second subassembly wherein a backward light path from Port 2 to Port 3 passes the third crystal and is deflected by the third crystal toward the first collimator though total internal reflection.

Abstract: A controllable attenuator includes a pair of collimators respectively connected to input and output fibers. A pair of reflection devices are respectively positioned behind the pair of collimators opposite to the corresponding input and output fibers. A U-like light path is defined among the pair of collimators and the pair of reflection devices. A neutral density filter is moveably positioned between the pair of reflection devices wherein a moving direction of the filter is preferably parallel to a longitudinal direction of the pair of collimators. An ND filter position indicator such as a potentiometer, is used to dynamically monitor attenuation setting.

Abstract: A fiber optical circulator includes a first collimator and a second collimator sandwiching a circulator core therebetween. The first collimator and the second collimator respectively define Port 1 and Port 2 thereof, and the first collimator further defines Port 3 thereof. The circulator core includes a first crystal and a second crystal at two ends respectively confronting the first collimator and the second collimator aside. The circulator core further includes a first group of two half-wavelength waveplates and a first Faraday rotator, and second subassembly a second group of two half-wavelength waveplates and a second Faraday rotator. A third crystal is disposed between the first subassembly and the second subassembly wherein a backward light path from Port 2 to Port 3 passes the third crystal and is deflected by the third crystal toward the first collimator though total internal reflection.

Abstract: A controllable attenuator includes a pair of collimators respectively connected to input and output fibers. A pair of reflection devices are respectively positioned behind the pair of collimators opposite to the corresponding input and output fibers. A U-like light path is defined among the pair of collimators and the pair of reflection devices. A neutral density filter is moveably positioned between the pair of reflection devices wherein a moving direction of the filter is preferably parallel to a longitudinal direction of the pair of collimators. An ND filter position indicator such as a potentiometer, is used to dynamically monitor attenuation setting.