Abstract: A spool for receiving an optical fiber including: (a) an outer cylinder portion including (i) an outer surface, (ii) an inner surface, and (iii) a thickness therebetween; and (b) a first outboard flange and a second outboard flange each extending radially outward from the outer surface of the outer cylinder portion, the first outboard flange, the second outboard flange, and the outer surface of the outer cylinder portion defining a primary barrel portion of the spool. The thickness of the outer cylinder portion is substantially constant between the first outboard flange and the second outboard flange. A method of manufacturing the same including (i) injecting molding an injection molded monolith including the first outboard flange, the second outboard flange, and the cylindrical portion therebetween, and (ii) over-molding a polymeric cushioning material over the cylindrical portion of the injection molded monolith between the first outboard flange and the second outboard flange.

Abstract: A method of forming a TMDC monolayer comprises providing a multi-layer transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) film. The multi-layer TMDC film comprises a plurality of layers of the TMDC. The multi-layer TMDC film is positioned on a conducting substrate. The conducting substrate is contacted with an electrolyte solution. A predetermined electrode potential is applied on the conducting substrate and the TMDC monolayer for a predetermined time. A portion of the plurality of layers of the TMDC included in the multi-layer TMDC film is removed by application of the predetermined electrode potential, thereby leaving a TMDC monolayer film positioned on the conducting substrate.

Abstract: A method of forming a TMDC monolayer comprises providing a multi-layer transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) film. The multi-layer TMDC film comprises a plurality of layers of the TMDC. The multi-layer TMDC film is positioned on a conducting substrate. The conducting substrate is contacted with an electrolyte solution. A predetermined electrode potential is applied on the conducting substrate and the TMDC monolayer for a predetermined time. A portion of the plurality of layers of the TMDC included in the multi-layer TMDC film is removed by application of the predetermined electrode potential, thereby leaving a TMDC monolayer film positioned on the conducting substrate.

Abstract: A backscratcher having a telescopically adjustable shaft and a plurality of interchangeable attachment end pieces. The shaft has a plurality of segments which may be telescopically positioned within one another, in order to maximally extend the shaft, or alternately, to retract the shaft into a storage position. The shaft terminates at one end with an attachment segment having a threaded bore, thereby allowing selective attachment to corresponding threads located upon the attachment end pieces. The shaft terminates at its other end with an outermost segment having a clip on its outside surface, thereby allowing selective attachment of the backscratcher to a pocket on an item of clothing worn by a user. The interchangeable attachment end pieces include two backscratchers, a mirror, a pen, a fork, a spoon, a hand pointer, a business card holder, a toothbrush, a Phillips screwdriver, a magnet, an alligator clip, and a multiple attachment end piece.

Abstract: A method for splicing broken ends of wires suspended from a given height by attaching belts extending from opposite ends of a device to points near the broken ends, operating the device in one direction to draw the broken ends together and raise the device near to said given level, splicing the broken ends of said wires, operating the device in the reverse direction, and detaching the belts from said wires.