Abstract: An optical connector includes a connector sub-assembly, an inner housing that receives a rear portion of the connector sub-assembly, a boot extending from the inner housing, and an outer housing coupled to the boot. The outer housing and the boot are configured to allow relative rotation about a longitudinal axis of the optical connector but can move together along the longitudinal axis. The boot can be rotated relative to the inner housing between a locked position in which the outer housing is prevented from moving axially and depressing the end portion of a latch arm of the connector sub-assembly, and an unlocked position in which the outer housing can move axially to depress the end portion of the latch arm.

Abstract: A fiber optic assembly is provided including a housing having an exterior and an internal volume, a cable port configured for a plurality of fiber optic cables to pass from the exterior to the internal volume of the housing, and a cable strain relief. The cable strain relief includes a base and a restraint projection extending from the base. The restraint projection includes opposing first second faces, a leading edge facing the internal volume, and a trailing edge facing the exterior. The restraint projection is configured to receive the plurality of fiber optic cables banded at a first location disposed at the leading edge and a second location disposed at the trailing edge, such that a portion of the plurality of fiber optic cables is disposed at the first and second faces, and the restraint projection resists lateral movement of the plurality of fiber optic cables relative to the base.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making a foaming agent by preparing a liquid maltodextrin solution by dissolving maltodextrin in a solvent; combining the liquid maltodextrin solution with an octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) solution to form a biphasic maltodextrin-OSA mixture; agitating the biphasic maltodextrin-OSA mixture until homogenous creating a homogenous solution; adjusting the pH of the homogenous solution to a predetermined threshold to yield the foaming agent; and adding glycerol to the foaming agent to form a shelf stable foaming agent.

Abstract: An end cap for a telecommunications closure includes an end cap body having a central hub and a plurality of cutouts; a plurality of extensions extending from the central hub, wherein each of the plurality of extensions comprises a plurality of walls; and a plurality of mechanism positioning elements configured to house at least a portion of a compression mechanism, each mechanism positioning element having a base, at least one wall that extends from the base, and a compression mechanism opening, wherein the compression mechanism opening is configured to house at least a portion of the compression mechanism.

Abstract: A fiber optic assembly is provided including a base configured to be mounted to a surface, a sidewall extending from the base, a cover configured to engage the sidewall to enclose a portion of the fiber optic assembly, a midplane separating a first portion of the fiber optic assembly from a second portion of the fiber optic assembly, and a hinge disposed between the midplane and the sidewall, which enables the midplane to transition between an open position and a closed position. The midplane includes a plurality of adapters disposed through the midplane from a first side to a second side and a plurality of splice holders disposed on the second side configured to retain at least one fiber optic splice connection between an optical fiber of an input cable and an adapter of the plurality of adapters.

Abstract: A fiber optic assembly is provided including a housing having an exterior and an internal volume, a cable port configured for a plurality of fiber optic cables to pass from the exterior to the internal volume of the housing, and a cable strain relief. The cable strain relief includes a base and a restraint projection extending from the base. The restraint projection includes opposing first second faces, a leading edge facing the internal volume, and a trailing edge facing the exterior. The restraint projection is configured to receive the plurality of fiber optic cables banded at a first location disposed at the leading edge and a second location disposed at the trailing edge, such that a portion of the plurality of fiber optic cables is disposed at the first and second faces, and the restraint projection resists lateral movement of the plurality of fiber optic cables relative to the base.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a composition for the dechlorination of water and improving the palatability of chlorinated water for livestock. In certain aspects, disclosed compositions comprise a pour point suppressant; a reducing agent; a weak base, and water. Further disclosed are method for dechlorinating chlorinated water comprising combing a dechlorinating solution with chlorinated water, wherein the dechlorinating solution comprises a pour point suppressant; a reducing agent; a weak base, and water.

Abstract: A strain relief for a fiber optic assembly is provided including a base, a forward cable channel, a rear cable channel aligned with the at least one forward cable channel along a longitudinal axis, and an offset post disposed between the at least one forward cable channel and the at least one rear cable channel. Each of the forward cable channel and the rear cable channel includes a first post and a second post extending from the base. The offset post is disposed along the longitudinal axis, such that when an optical cable is installed into the strain relief the optical cable bends around the offset post out of the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly, formaldehyde-free, aqueous binder composition that includes a carbohydrate, a crosslinking agent, and a pre-reacted product of an alcohol or polyol and monomeric or polymeric polycarboxylic acid or polyglycerol is provided. The pre-reacted product may include glycerol and esters of citric acid such a monoglyceryl citrate, diglyceryl citrate, and triglyceryl citrate as well as other higher molecular weight citric acid-based esters. The inclusion of the pre-reacted product in the binder composition helps to speed the crosslinking reaction, induces faster water evaporation, decreases the viscosity of the binder, helps to reduce the amount of water needed for application of the binder, decreases tackiness, and helps to achieve a maximum vertical expansion of the insulation pack in the transfer zone. The binder composition may be used in the formation of insulation materials and non-woven chopped strand mats.

Abstract: The disclosed method of reducing dust from livestock footing comprises preparing a liquid dedusting composition comprising a 1-dodecene homopolymer (PAO) and applying the composition to the livestock footing. In certain aspects, the dedusting composition has a kinematic viscosity of between about 4 centistokes and about 10 centistokes at 100° C. In further aspects, the composition is applied to the footing at a rate of between about 0.25% and about 1.5% (w/w). Further disclosed in a kit for dedusting livestock footing comprising a dedusting composition comprising 1-dodecene homopolymer (PAO) having a kinematic viscosity of between about 4 centistokes and about 10 centistokes at 100° C. and an applicator, configured and arranged to disperse the dedusting composition in the form of droplets between about 105 ?m VDM and about 665 ?m VDM.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a printed security mark comprises a random arrangement of printed LEDs and a wavelength conversion layer. During fabrication of the mark, the LEDs are energized, and the resulting dot pattern is converted into a unique digital first code and stored in a database. The emitted spectrum vs. intensity and persistence of the wavelength conversion layer is also encoded in the first code. The mark may be on a credit card, casino chip, banknote, passport, etc. to be authenticated. For authenticating the mark, the LEDs are energized and the dot pattern, spectrum vs. intensity, and persistence are converted into a code and compared to the first code stored in the database. If there is a match, the mark is authenticated.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a saw for cutting the window blind. A clamp assembly moves the window covering relative to the saw. A controller moves the clamp assembly to automatically position an end of the window covering relative to the saw. The saw is moved into engagement with the window covering to cut the window covering. A dust collection system comprises a shroud substantially surrounds the bottom of the saw blade where the shroud is connected to a vortex dust collector.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an authentication area on a portable object comprises a random arrangement of printed LEDs and a wavelength conversion layer. The object to be authenticated may be a credit card, casino chip, or other object. When the LEDs are energized during authentication of the object, the emitted spectrum and/or persistence of the wavelength conversion layer is detected and encoded in a first code, then compared to valid codes stored in the database. If there is a match, the object is authenticated. The LED power may be remotely inductively coupled and may flash the LEDs, while the wavelength conversion layer emission slowly decays during its optical detection. The flash of blue LED light may be emitted from the edges of the object, which may act as a light guide, for optical feedback to the user that the object is being authenticated.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an authentication area on a portable object comprises a random arrangement of printed LEDs and a wavelength conversion layer. The object to be authenticated may be a credit card, casino chip, or other object. When the LEDs are energized during authentication of the object, the emitted spectrum and/or persistence of the wavelength conversion layer is detected and encoded in a first code, then compared to valid codes stored in the database. If there is a match, the object is authenticated. The LED power may be remotely inductively coupled and may flash the LEDs, while the wavelength conversion layer emission slowly decays during its optical detection. The flash of blue LED light may be emitted from the edges of the object, which may act as a light guide, for optical feedback to the user that the object is being authenticated.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a printed LED area comprises a random arrangement of printed LEDs and a wavelength conversion layer. The LED area is embedded in an object to be authenticated, such as a credit card or a casino chip. The object may include a light guide for enabling the generated light to be emitted from any portion of the object. In one embodiment, when the LEDs are energized during authentication of the object, the existence of light emitted by the object is sufficient authentication and/or provides feedback to the user that the object is being detected. For added security, the emitted spectrum vs. intensity and persistence of the wavelength conversion layer is detected and encoded in a first code, then compared to valid codes stored in the database. If there is a match, the object is authenticated.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a printed LED area comprises a random arrangement of printed LEDs and a wavelength conversion layer. The LED area is embedded in an object to be authenticated, such as a credit card or a casino chip. The object may include a light guide for enabling the generated light to be emitted from any portion of the object. In one embodiment, when the LEDs are energized during authentication of the object, the existence of light emitted by the object is sufficient authentication and/or provides feedback to the user that the object is being detected. For added security, the emitted spectrum vs. intensity and persistence of the wavelength conversion layer is detected and encoded in a first code, then compared to valid codes stored in the database. If there is a match, the object is authenticated.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a printed security mark comprises a random arrangement of printed LEDs and a wavelength conversion layer. During fabrication of the mark, the LEDs are energized, and the resulting dot pattern is converted into a unique digital first code and stored in a database. The emitted spectrum vs. intensity and persistence of the wavelength conversion layer is also encoded in the first code. The mark may be on a credit card, casino chip, banknote, passport, etc. to be authenticated. For authenticating the mark, the LEDs are energized and the dot pattern, spectrum vs. intensity, and persistence are converted into a code and compared to the first code stored in the database. If there is a match, the mark is authenticated.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly, formaldehyde-free, aqueous binder composition that includes a carbohydrate, a crosslinking agent, and a pre-reacted product of an alcohol or polyol and monomeric or polymeric polycarboxylic acid or polyglycerol is provided. The pre-reacted product may include glycerol and esters of citric acid such a monoglyceryl citrate, diglyceryl citrate, and triglyceryl citrate as well as other higher molecular weight citric acid-based esters. The inclusion of the pre-reacted product in the binder composition helps to speed the crosslinking reaction, induces faster water evaporation, decreases the viscosity of the binder, helps to reduce the amount of water needed for application of the binder, decreases tackiness, and helps to achieve a maximum vertical expansion of the insulation pack in the transfer zone. The binder composition may be used in the formation of insulation materials and non-woven chopped strand mats.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly, formaldehyde-free, aqueous binder composition that includes a carbohydrate, a crosslinking agent, and a pre-reacted product of an alcohol or polyol and monomeric or polymeric polycarboxylic acid or polyglycerol is provided. The pre-reacted product may include glycerol and esters of citric acid such a monoglyceryl citrate, diglyceryl citrate, and triglyceryl citrate as well as other higher molecular weight citric acid-based esters. The inclusion of the pre-reacted product in the binder composition helps to speed the crosslinking reaction, induces faster water evaporation, decreases the viscosity of the binder, helps to reduce the amount of water needed for application of the binder, decreases tackiness, and helps to achieve a maximum vertical expansion of the insulation pack in the transfer zone. The binder composition may be used in the formation of insulation materials and non-woven chopped strand mats.

Abstract: An active target has a target face that is backlit by LEDs, where a detection layer behind the target face detects a new projectile hole in the target, such as from a gun or an arrow. The detection layer may be formed of one or more resistive layers, and the detected increase in resistance due to a new projectile hole being created is sensed and correlated to an XY position of the hole. The location of the new hole is transmitted via an RF signal to the shooter's portable device, such as a smartphone, and the shooter sees the location of the hit relative to the target face in real time. The LEDs may be dynamically controlled. The target is disposable and is supported by a support base containing the control electronics and transmitter.