Abstract: Devices utilize elements carried by a fluid in a microchannel to switch, attenuate, shutter, filter, or phase shift optical signals. In certain embodiments, a microchannel carries a gaseous or liquid slug that interacts with at least a portion of the optical power of an optical signal traveling through a waveguide. The microchannel may form part of the cladding of the waveguide, part of the core and the cladding, or part of the core only. The microchannel may also have ends or may be configured as a loop or continuous channel. The fluid devices may be self-latching or may be semi-latching. The fluid in the microchannel is moved using e.g., e.g., electrocapillarity, differential-pressure electrocapillarity, electrowetting, continuous electrowetting, electrophoresis, electroosmosis, dielectrophoresis, electro-hydrodynamic electrohydrodynamic pumping, magneto-hydrodynamic magnetohydrodynamic pumping, thermocapillarity, thermal expansion, dielectric pumping, and/or variable dielectric pumping.

Abstract: An apparatus for replacing lost PSTN data in a packet network and for generating variable power white noise, includes a lost packet detection unit (402) for detecting lost data packets, a data processing unit (404) for producing in response a lost data output indicating when replacement data needed, data playout unit (408) or data replacement unit (406), each may be implemented as a variable power white noise generator (FIG. 3) to generate replacement data by reusing data stored in an extended playback buffer, and placing the re-used replacement data on an external network.

Abstract: Optical Integrated Circuits (OIC) in Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) Analysis Systems combined with micorarray or microwell plates to provide enhanced sensitivity, stability, speed of analysis and reduced size are disclosed. Using the OIC with other optical analysis methods to provide enhance analysis systems is also disclosed.

Abstract: An orthotic device for restoring range of motion to a patient's limb, includes a first device cuff configured for attaching the device to an upper region of a patient's limb above a limb joint, a second device cuff configured for attaching the device to a lower region of the patient's limb below the limb joint, and a spring attached between the first and second cuffs for bending in a manner counteracting muscle contraction of the limb to which the device is attached, the spring having spring characteristics whereby a counteracting spring force of the spring increases during an initial flexing of the spring through a first angle range, then remains peaked during a subsequent flexing of the spring through a second angle range and finally decreases with a subsequent flexing of the spring through a third angle range.

Abstract: A metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) varactor device has a source and a drain connected to each other, and a back gate, electrically separate from the source and drain, which is connected to a circuit common mode point.

Abstract: Optical Integrated Circuits (OIC) in Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) Analysis Systems combined with micorarray or microwell plates to provide enhanced sensitivity, stability, speed of analysis and reduced size are disclosed. Using the OIC with other optical analysis methods to provide enhance analysis systems is also disclosed.

Abstract: An interactive electronic shopping system and method create a virtual shopping facility from an actual shopping facility, such as a grocery store, restaurant, or office. A shopper at a computer or other suitable display device can move through the virtual shopping facility and see replicas of what would be seen in moving through the actual shopping facility. Various lists of items selected for purchase can be made, and predetermined lists and information can be displayed. Changes in the actual shopping facility, such as a change in a display of goods, can be accommodated by replacing prior data with new data so that the virtual shopping environment is kept current with the actual shopping facility.

Abstract: An interactive electronic shopping system and method create a virtual shopping facility from an actual shopping facility, such as a grocery store, restaurant, or office. A shopper at a computer or other suitable display device can move through the virtual shopping facility and see replicas of what would be seen in moving through the actual shopping facility. Various lists of items selected for purchase can be made, and predetermined lists and information can be displayed. Changes in the actual shopping facility, such as a change in a display of goods, can be accommodated by replacing prior data with new data so that the virtual shopping environment is kept current with the actual shopping facility.

Abstract: The retractable electric power cord apparatus of the present invention can be mounted within a wall space between a pair of vertical studs forming a wall. The retractable cord apparatus includes a frame sized to be positioned and attached within the wall space by way of an opening formed in the wall, a door pivotally connected to the frame and an electric power cord. A spool for extending and retracting the electric power cord is connected to an inside of the door such that the spool has an axis of rotation perpendicular to the door and is sized to fit within the frame.

Abstract: A lubricant container for a pneumatic tire and wheel assembly, the container having an orifice in which is located an elastomeric stopper, the stopper having three co-axial portions, the end portions being of smaller dimensions than the central portion which is arranged to be an interference fit within the orifice.

Abstract: Conveyor belting which is made substantially rigid in a transverse direction by means of at least two spaced-apart layers of high modulus transverse elements one layer either side of a core of compounded material having an average hardness of at least 75 BS degrees of hardness, of which the following is a Specification.

Abstract: A tire and wheel assembly having a lubricant to enable it to be operated in a deflated condition without destructive heating in which one or more ingredients of the lubricant composition are enclosed in an enclosing means, the other ingredient or ingredients of the composition being placed in the inflation chamber of the assembly. The enclosing means release the first ingredient or ingredients into the inflation chamber, upon loss of inflation pressure, to form the composition.