Abstract: Glass-based micropositioning systems and methods are disclosed. The micropositioning systems and methods utilize microbumps (40) formed in a glass substrate (12 or 100). The microbumps are formed by subjecting a portion of the glass substrate to localized heating, which results in local rapid expansion of glass where the heat was applied. The height and shape of the microbumps depend on the type of glass substrate and the amount and form of heat delivered to the substrate. The microbumps allow for active or passive micropositioning of optical elements, including planar waveguides and optical fibers. Optical assemblies formed using microbump micropositioners are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for identifying an unknown substance includes an optical source configured to direct a laser excitation beam at the unknown substance. A detector is configured to detect scattered light from the unknown substance and generate at least one signal representative of a scattering spectrum corresponding to at least one chemical within the unknown substance. A microprocessor is in signal communication with the detector and configured to generate a pattern representative of the at least one chemical in response to the at least one signal received from the detector to identify the chemical composition of the unknown substance. The device is configured to complete a bioassay to identify a biological nature of the unknown substance.

Abstract: A system and method for managing optical power for controlling thermal alteration of a sample undergoing spectroscopic analysis is provided. The system includes a moveable laser beam generator for irradiating the sample and a beam shaping device for moving and shaping the laser beam to prevent thermal overload or build up in the sample. The moveable laser beam generator includes at least one beam shaping device selected from the group consisting of at least one optical lens, at least one optical diffractor, at least one optical path difference modulator, at least one moveable mirror, at least one Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) integrated circuit (IC), and/or a liquid droplet. The system also includes an at least two degree of freedom (2 DOF) moveable substrate platform and a controller for controlling the laser beam generator and the substrate platform, and for analyzing light reflected from the sample.

Abstract: The invention is an adjustable rod holder comprising a tubular holster mounted to an arm and a base, wherein the arm is secured to the base by a rotating joint that is secured in a first angular position by a locking member that moves radially with respect to an axle of the rotating joint. The rotating joint can be releasably secured at a plurality of indexed angular positions by the locking member fitting within a plurality of recesses spaced radially about an axle of the rotating joint. Preferably, the arm of the rod holder has a sufficient length to allow the rod holder to store the rod in a vertical position without interference from the gunnel or other mounting surface. In one embodiment, the rod holder has a pivoting stabilizer that engages the reel of a rod placed in the holder to secure and stabilize the system.

Abstract: The invention is a universal mounting system allowing a wide variety of accessories to be used interchangeably among one or more mounts secured to convenient surfaces or structures, such as the gunnel of a boat. The universal mount system includes a mount having barrel configured to receive the insert member of an accessory. A locking mechanism on the mount engages the insert automatically and interlocking splines on the insert member and along the barrel of the mount secure the insert at a desired rotational orientation.

Abstract: The invention is a universal mounting system allowing a wide variety of accessories to be used interchangeably among one or more mounts secured to convenient surfaces or structures, such as the gunnel of a boat. The universal mount system includes a mount having barrel configured to receive the insert member of an accessory. A locking mechanism on the mount engages the insert automatically and interlocking splines on the insert member and along the barrel of the mount secure the insert at a desired rotational orientation.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a semiconductor laser comprising a laser chip, a light wavelength conversion device, and a tunable lens according to the present invention is provided. The tunable lens comprises first and second fluid lens components positioned to direct light from the laser chip to the light wavelength conversion device. The first and second fluid lens components are oriented and configured such that the first and second longitudinal tuning axes defined by the lens components are skewed relative to each other and such that the respective curvatures of the lens surfaces of each lens component are variable. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a tunable lens is provided comprising the first and second fluid lens components. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I and methods for their preparation are disclosed. Further disclosed are methods of making biologically active compounds of formula I as well as pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising compounds of formula I. Compounds of formula I as disclosed herein can be used in a variety of applications including use as antibacterial agents.

Abstract: In order to improve the safety of a bicycle trailer with a foldable passenger compartment and a foldable seat arranged therein, a frame is being proposed at the backside of which a bracket element is provided that projects out towards the front and acts at the height of the shoulder area of the passenger compartment.

Abstract: In order to protect in particular the exposed areas of the chassis of a bicycle trailer against wear and tear from friction and impacts, at least one bumper is provided, which is positioned on the outside of a frame part of the chassis and extends past the outside of the frame of the chassis in at least one direction.

Abstract: In order to improve the safety of a bicycle trailer with a foldable passenger compartment and a foldable seat arranged therein, a frame is being proposed at the backside of which a bracket element is provided that projects out towards the front and acts at the height of the shoulder area of the passenger compartment.