Abstract: A warming blanket incorporating an insert layer or sheet with a scrim having one or more pairs of heating and/or sensor wires arranged in a continuous pattern such that pair members are disposed in crossing relation to one another. The pair members may be cut and joined to establish electrical connections at defined crossing points to establish feedback loop circuits with a control element.

Abstract: A wafer-handling apparatus for semiconductor wafers, the apparatus including a holding structure having wedge assemblies configured to hold and rotate a wafer about a first axis, the first axis extending generally perpendicular to a surface of the wafer. Further, a shaft is operatively coupled to the holding structure and configured to rotate the holding structure about a second axis, the second axis different than the first axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for delivering ocular implants or microimplants. The apparatus is ergonomically designed for ease of use, and a simple manual depression of an actuator produces proportional movement of a linkage causing the implant or microimplant to be ejected through a cannula disposed at the desired location in the eye. Small gauge cannulas are provided for self-sealing methods of delivery.

Abstract: A method for inspecting semiconductor wafers. Specifically, an arm which is constructed to hold a wafer, is mounted on a rotational device to provide a user with the means of inspecting a wafer in any position without having to physically touch the wafer or move the wafer to another inspection station. The arm provides rotation about an axis parallel to the surface of the wafer, as well as rotation about an axis run which is perpendicular to the surface of the wafer and extends through the axial center of the wafer.

Abstract: A method for fabricating semiconductor wafers. Specifically, an arm which is constructed to hold a wafer, is mounted on a rotational device to provide a user with the means of inspecting a wafer in any position without having to physically touch the wafer or move the wafer to another inspection station. The arm provides rotation about an axis parallel to the surface of the wafer, as well as rotation about an axis run which is perpendicular to the surface of the wafer and extends through the axial center of the wafer.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable structure including a tube comprised of inorganic fillers dispersed within a soft resin, the tube housing optical fibers or ribbons surrounded by a water blocking material. The use of the inorganic fillers in the soft resin provides a cable structure with superior blowing performance due to low surface friction and high flexibility, allowing more effective installation of the fiber optic cable via blowing techniques The use of the inorganic fillers in the soft resin also reduces the thermal expansion/contraction of the cable structure, and increases the compression resistance of the cable structure to axial loads, providing protection to the optical fibers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an optical communication system having an optical cable with an improved configuration for multi-fiber arrangements. In particular, the invention is embodied in an optical communication system including an optical cable having an improved dry filling compound for protecting and maintaining multi-fiber arrangements therein and yet enabling relatively easy access thereto. The system includes a source of optical energy, an optical cable coupled to the source for transmitting optical energy from the source, and a receiver coupled to the optical cable for receiving optical energy from the source. The optical cable includes at least one multi-fiber unit tube having therein a plurality of optical fibers such as individual fibers or one or more fiber ribbons, and a dry filling compound formed around the at least one multi-fiber unit tube.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable structure including a tube comprised of inorganic fillers dispersed within a soft resin, the tube housing optical fibers or ribbons surrounded by a water blocking material. The use of the inorganic fillers in the soft resin provides a cable structure with superior blowing performance due to low surface friction and high flexibility, allowing more effective installation of the fiber optic cable via blowing techniques The use of the inorganic fillers in the soft resin also reduces the thermal expansion/contraction of the cable structure, and increases the compression resistance of the cable structure to axial loads, providing protection to the optical fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adapter for the transport of fluids with a microneedle device. The adapter can receive a syringe, for example, that is used to transport a fluid through the adapter for injection into a patient using the microneedle device. The adapter can include a seal through which a syringe needle is inserted to deliver fluid from the syringe into a fluid cavity in the adapter.

Abstract: A method for determining if a pig is predisposed to boar taint comprising assaying for a low molecular weight isoform of cytochrome b5 in a sample from the pig.