Abstract: A receiver comprises at least two input ports. An optical signal containing n wavelengths is coupleable to one of these input ports. The receiver comprises a first demultiplexer coupled to a first input port to separate n wavelengths in the first input port onto n first multiplexer output ports, a second demultiplexer coupled to a second input port to separate the n wavelengths in the second input port onto n second multiplexer output ports, and a waveguide crossing matrix comprising an input side and an output side. The crossing matrix coupled to the n first and the n second multiplexer output ports on the input side and coupled to n shared photodetectors on the output side, one for each wavelength channel. Each of the photodetectors is coupled to one of the n first multiplexer output ports and one of the n second multiplexer output ports for the one wavelength channel.

Abstract: A drinking straw is marked to describe a particular type of drink in order to aid users to quickly and accurately identify drink contents. For example, the drinking straw may include text indicating soda, tea, coffee, or other designation of a drink. The drinking straws described herein provide servers, bartenders, and consumers with an easy-to-use tool for projecting what type of drink is in any cup, without having to rely on the drink's look or taste.

Abstract: A direct drive servo-valve wherein rotational motion of a drive motor rotor is converted into linear motion of a spool valve. The drive motor includes a shaft which has affixed to the end thereof a ball which engages the spool valve. The ball is affixed to the shaft by providing a bore internally of the shaft which is disposed eccentrically to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The ball has a portion thereof ground of so as to provide an integral protrusion which is received within the bore in the end of the shaft. The ball is permanently affixed to the shaft by brazing the protrusion into the bore and a planar surface which surrounds the base of the protrusion to the end of the shaft against which it mates.