Abstract: The invention features the drawbridge assembly and its applications in optical switches, optical crossconnects, optical add/drop multiplexers and variable optical attenuators. In optical switches and optical crossconnects, an array of the drawbridge assemblies can be used to redirect the multiple input lights to multiple outputs. In add/drop multiplexers, the drawbridge assemblies can select the light channels to be added and dropped. In the attenuator embodiment, a vertical mirror is inserted into two fibers, the first one as the input and the second one as output. The drawbridge assembly controls the position of the vertical mirror for blocking a certain portion of the light and enabling the attenuation. The continuous change of the mirror position results in variable attenuation. A series of VOA form a multi-channel VOA system on a single substrate.

Abstract: Methods and compounds are provided to improve the desorption and ionization of analyte for mass spectrometry analysis. More specifically, it is for laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. The method uses photon energy absorbing molecules that can bind with analyte either temporarily or permanently to improve the desorption and ionization of analyte.

Abstract: This invention relates to new compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and diagnostic kits comprising such compounds, and methods of using such compounds for inhibiting NAALADase enzyme activity, detecting diseases where NAALADase levels are altered, effecting neuronal activity, effecting TGF-&bgr; activity, inhibiting angiogenesis, and treating glutamate abnormalities, neuropathy, pain, compulsive disorders, prostate diseases, cancers and glaucoma.

Abstract: The invention features the drawbridge assembly and its applications in optical switches, optical crossconnects, optical add/drop multiplexers and variable optical attenuators. In optical switches and optical crossconnects, an array of the drawbridge assemblies can be used to redirect the multiple input lights to multiple outputs. In add/drop multiplexers, the drawbridge assemblies can select the light channels to be added and dropped. In the attenuator embodiment, a vertical mirror is inserted into two fibers, the first one as the input and the second one as output. The drawbridge assembly controls the position of the vertical mirror for blocking a certain portion of the light and enabling the attenuation. The continuous change of the mirror position results in variable attenuation. A series of VOA form a multi-channel VOA system on a single substrate.

Abstract: A refrigerant tube for a heat exchanger, comprising: a generally flat tube 10 having generally flat upper and lower walls 12/14; a plurality of reinforcing walls 16 connected between the upper and lower walls 12/14, the reinforcing walls extending along and generally parallel with a longitudinal axis A—A of the tube and being spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance; and a plurality of communication holes 18 distributed along the length of each reinforcing wall 16, thereby defining a plurality of discrete wall portions 20 along each reinforcing wall 16, each of the discrete wall portions 20 being disposed between adjacent communication holes 18 and having an upstream edge 22 and a downstream edge 24 thereof, the communication holes 18 and discrete wall portions 20 having lengths L1 and L2, respectively, as measured along the longitudinal axis A—A, the communication holes 18 being spaced apart along each reinforcing wall 16 by a pitch P.

Abstract: A method for forming a heat exchanger tube is disclosed. The method includes the steps of forming a pair of identical, asymmetric upper and lower members which and joining them together to form a tube. A plurality of longitudinally extending walls are also formed in the tube members. The walls form a plurality of flow paths in each tube.

Abstract: A heat exchanger tube is disclosed. The tube includes identical, asymmetric upper and lower members which are joined together to form a tube. A plurality of longitudinally extending walls are disposed in the tube members which form a plurality of flow paths.

Abstract: A heat exchanger acting as a condenser having a plurality of tubes for cooling a refrigerant flowing through the tubes to condense the vapor phase of the refrigerant to a liquid is shown wherein the condenser has a plurality of headers having baffles and/or phase separators positioned therein. The refrigerant strikes a side wall of one of the headers and respective phases are separated by gravity. Additionally, phase separators may be used to selectively route the vapor and liquid phases to specific locations in the heat exchanger. By-pass lines are used to transfer the non-productive phase to a specific location in the heat exchanger.