Abstract: A blank having panels and flaps, a carton foldably constructed from the blank, a polybag, and a packaging system that includes the carton, the polybag, or both. The packaging systems include, among other things, certain tabs, flaps, cut out, and tear lines that allow absorbent articles contained in the several systems to be easily viewed and removed, while maintaining sufficient integrity of the packaging system.

Abstract: A blank having panels and flaps, a carton foldably constructed from the blank, a polybag, and a packaging system that comprises the carton, the polybag, or both. The packaging systems comprise, among other things, certain tabs, flaps, cut out, and tear lines that allow absorbent articles contained in the several systems to be easily viewed and removed, while maintaining sufficient integrity of the packaging system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for inspecting a specimen with light at varying power levels are provided. One system configured to inspect a specimen includes a light source configured to generate light. The system also includes a power attenuator subsystem configured to alter a power level of the light directed to the specimen during inspection between at least two power levels including a full power level and a minimum power level equal to or greater than about 10% of the full power level. In addition, the system includes a detection subsystem configured to generate output responsive to the light scattered from the specimen. The output can be used to detect defects on the specimen.

Abstract: A system for collecting, transporting and preparing a fecal specimen for examination includes a container, a closure selectively secured over an open end of the container, and a sample collection member coupled to the closure and extending into the container when the closure is secured thereto. In one embodiment, the closure includes a base and a cap that are hingedly coupled together. The cap is selectively moveable between a closed position that seals an aperture in the base, and an open position wherein the aperture is exposed to permit expelling contents of the container through the aperture. In another embodiment, the closure comprises a base having a spout and an aperture, and a cap coupled to the base for axial movement along the spout between open and closed positions. The system may further include a deodorant to mask or absorb odors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for inspecting a specimen with light at varying power levels are provided. One system configured to inspect a specimen includes a light source configured to generate light. The system also includes a power attenuator subsystem configured to alter a power level of the light directed to the specimen during inspection between at least two power levels including a full power level and a minimum power level equal to or greater than about 10% of the full power level. In addition, the system includes a detection subsystem configured to generate output responsive to the light scattered from the specimen. The output can be used to detect defects on the specimen.

Abstract: A grating based demultiplexer module is described. The module includes an integrally formed first section, second section, and third section. The first section includes a diffraction grating formed on the surface of the first section and directs a WDM beam onto the internal surface of the diffraction grating. The third section is positioned to receive angularly separated light from the external surface of the diffraction grating. In some embodiments, the third section can direct individualy beams of the angularly separated light onto the surface of optical detectors. The third section provides structural support and maintains the alignment between the first section and the third section.

Abstract: A grating based demultiplexer module is described. The module includes an integrally formed first section, second section, and third section. The first section includes a diffraction grating formed on the surface of the first section and directs a WDM beam onto the internal surface of the diffraction grating. The third section is positioned to receive angularly separated light from the external surface of the diffraction grating. In some embodiments,the third section can direct individualy beams of the angularly separated light onto the surface of optical detectors. The third section provides structural support and maintains the alignment between the first section and the third section.

Abstract: A grating based demultiplexer module is described. The module includes an integrally formed first section, second section, and third section. The first section includes a diffraction grating formed on the surface of the first section and directs a WDM beam onto the internal surface of the diffraction grating. The third section is positioned to receive angularly separated light from the external surface of the diffraction grating. In some embodiments, the third section can direct individualy beams of the angularly separated light onto the surface of optical detectors. The third section provides structural support and maintains the alignment between the first section and the third section.

Abstract: A system for collecting, transporting and preparing a fecal specimen for examination includes a container, a closure selectively secured over an open end of the container, and a sample collection member coupled to the closure and extending into the container when the closure is secured thereto. In one embodiment, the closure includes a base and a cap that are hingedly coupled together. The cap is selectively moveable between a closed position that seals an aperture in the base, and an open position wherein the aperture is exposed to permit expelling contents of the container through the aperture. In another embodiment, the closure comprises a base having a spout and an aperture, and a cap coupled to the base for axial movement along the spout between open and closed positions. The system may further include a deodorant to mask or absorb odors.

Abstract: A bearing system for a turbocharger shaft includes an elongated bearing carrier with two anti-friction ball bearings mounted in its ends and with a radially extending flange at one end that cooperates with stationary housing portions and carries thrust loads of the rotor in both directions. The elongated bearing carrier is supported within the housing by axially spaced elastic supports which permit the rotating assembly to rotate about its mass center and provide a shock and vibration cushion. The elongated bearing carrier and housing cooperate to provide a coolant cavity which communicates with the outside periphery of the elongated bearing carrier between the axially spaced elastic supports, which also act as coolant seals between the elongated bearing cavity and the bearing housing.

Abstract: A multiplexer/demultiplexer optical system component that is passively aligned upon assembly is disclosed. The optical system includes a lens block and a mirror-filter block. In some embodiments, optical filters are positioned and epoxyed to the mirror-filter block using a positioning tool. In some embodiments, optical filters are positioned and epoxyed on a support structure which has been etched to receive the optical filters. The mirror-filter block is a block having flat surfaces, one of which is a flat reflecting surface. The lens block is formed by injection molding and includes a barrel for holding and positioning an optical fiber, placement for a collimating lens, and placements for focusing lenses such that, when assembled, light incident on each of the focusing lenses propagates along the optical axis of the focusing lens. In some embodiments, the collimating lens and the focusing lenses are integrally formed with the lens block.

Abstract: A grating based demultiplexer module is described. The module includes an integrally formed first section, second section, and third section. The first section includes a diffraction grating formed on the surface of the first section and directs a WDM beam onto the internal surface of the diffraction grating. The third section is positioned to receive angularly separated light from the external surface of the diffraction grating. In some embodiments, the third section can direct individualy beams of the angularly separated light onto the surface of optical detectors. The third section provides structural support and maintains the alignment between the first section and the third section.

Abstract: A bearing system for a turbocharger shaft includes an elongated bearing carrier with two anti-friction ball bearings mounted in its ends and with a radially extending flange at one end that cooperates with stationary housing portions and carries thrust loads of the rotor in both directions. The elongated bearing carrier is supported within the housing by axially spaced elastic supports which permit the rotating assembly to rotate about its mass center and provide a shock and vibration cushion. The elongated bearing carrier and housing cooperate to provide a coolant cavity which communicates with the outside periphery of the elongated bearing carrier between the axially spaced elastic supports, which also act as coolant seals between the elongated bearing cavity and the bearing housing. The coolant cavity protects the bearing system and anti-friction ball bearings from heat conducted from the exhaust gas-driven turbine and also cools the housing.

Abstract: A multiplexer/demultiplexer optical system component that is passively aligned upon assembly is disclosed. The optical system includes a lens block and a mirror-filter block. In some embodiments, optical filters are positioned and epoxyed to the mirror-filter block using a positioning tool. In some embodiments, optical filters are positioned and epoxyed on a support structure which has been etched to receive the optical filters. The mirror-filter block is a block having flat surfaces, one of which is a flat reflecting surface. The lens block is formed by injection molding and includes a barrel for holding and positioning an optical fiber, placement for a collimating lens, and placements for focusing lenses such that, when assembled, light incident on each of the focusing lenses propagates along the optical axis of the focusing lens. In some embodiments, the collimating lens and the focusing lenses are integrally formed with the lens block.

Abstract: A system for viewing a scene from a remote location. The system includes a client machine. The system includes a network connected to the client machine. The system includes a server machine having a 3D environment stored in it. The server machine is connected to the network and remote from the client machine, wherein the client machine predicts a next view of the 3D environment based on a previous view of the 3D environment by the client machine, and the server machine predicts the next view also based on the previous view and sends to the client machine by way of the network only the difference between the predicted view and the previous view. Methods for viewing a scene from a remote location.

Abstract: A multi-layered guide wire that uses separate layers to achieve desired guide wire characteristics. Each of the layers may enhance one or more of the desired guide wire characteristics, with the combination of layers providing the desired combination of guide wire characteristics. Each of the layers may be provided over the entire guide wire, or only over selected portions of the guide wire. Further, selected layers may be co-extruded over the guide wire, which may reduce the manufacturing costs associated therewith.

Abstract: A water-cooled turbocharger is fabricated employing a coreless die casting process. Instead of casting a complete passage in the bearing housing of the turbocharger, an open ended channel is cast into the housing and then sealed off by a mating seal plate. O-rings or other sealing materials are used to seal the mating joints to prevent pressurized cooling water from leaking to the outside or into the internal bearing housing area.

Abstract: A water-cooled turbocharger is fabricated employing a coreless die casting process. Instead of casting a complete passage in the bearing housing of the turbocharger, an open ended channel is cast into the housing and then sealed off by a mating seal plate. O-rings or other sealing materials are used to seal the mating joints to prevent pressurized cooling water from leaking to the outside or into the internal bearing housing area.

Abstract: A method of operating turbochargers for use with internal combustion engines and a turbine housing therefor wherein the housing is uniquely configured so as to be able to be mounted in the engine compartment in a variety of modes and wherein the turbocharger may or may not be used in conjunction with a wastegate control. The unique configuration of the turbine housing permits the passage of exhaust gas through the interior of the turbine housing and more specifically through the extent of the internal scroll thereof wherein the exhaust gas imparts to the turbine operation peak efficiency before the driving gas is vented through a wastegate passageway at the terminus of the turbine housing as opposed to the entry thereof. The exhaust gases may also be bypassed from a point between the entry and terminus of the internal scroll.