Abstract: A cleaning device (100) for cleaning fiber optic end faces comprises a dispensing nozzle (104) configured to discharge a jet column (118) generated by the Coanda effect with intermittent injection of a cleaning solvent into the jet column (118). The method comprises impinging the jet column (118) onto a fiber optic end face (120) while maintaining a stand-off distance from the end face being cleaned.

Abstract: A hand-held device for tying a twisted clinch knot includes a worm shaft, a handle defining a recess shaped to receive the shaft, a first stop for determining a forwardmost position of the shaft relative to the handle and for retaining a first end of the shaft within the handle, a hook located on a second forward end of the shaft, and a protrusion located on an interior wall of the handle that is received within threads of the shaft. A method for tying a twisted clinch knot includes the steps of providing the aforementioned device, attaching the hook to an article to which a line is to be secured, advancing an end portion of the line through an opening defined by the article, rotating the shaft about the protrusion while holding the handle on one side of the opening and while holding the end portion and a next adjacent end portion of the line on the other side of the opening, and passing a part of the end portion through a loop of the line that passes through the opening.

Abstract: A multicolor image printing device composed of a micro-reticulated resin containing different colors of ink which are selected to correspond with the image being printed by a scanning device coupled to a digitizer.In one embodiment a plurality of small resin pieces are preimpregnated with ink and then arranged in an array to form the image printing device.In another embodiment the resin is an integral piece and the ink is injected therein at the desired locations. The methods and apparatus of making and using both embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing printed images includes the steps of exposing a printing device to radiation, developing a photosensitive ink that is contained in the printing device, and transferring the ink to a substrate. The printing device comprises a printing element and the photosensitive ink. The printing element comprises pores having openings at a printing surface of the element, and the ink is disposed within the pores and is restricted from lateral movement within the element.

Abstract: A color facsimile printing device includes a porous printing element with capillary or cup-shaped pores which are filled with a photosensitive ink and prevent lateral migration of the ink in the printing element. The film is preferably flexible and compressible so that, once the ink is exposed and developed, a full color print can be transferred to a substrate when the device is pressed into contact with the substrate. Development of the ink can also take place after the exposed ink has been transferred to the substrate.