Abstract: An example optical device may have a surface-emitting laser structure that includes an active region configured to generate output light, a first distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) disposed below the active region, a second distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) disposed above the active region, a modulation structure that includes electroabsorption material, configured to modulate the output light in response to an applied bias, wherein the modulation structure is disposed within or adjacent to at least one of the first DBR and the second DBR. The electroabsorption material may include graphene or graphene-based composite material. An example method for modulating the output light may include generating a continuous-wave (CW) light in the active region, and then modulating the CW light by the modulation structure, via a bias-dependent absorption provided by the electroabsorption material.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for active electro-optical cable assemblies for high-density data transmission systems. An active electro-optical cable assembly may include comprises multi-lane copper cable array assemblies connected to small form factor connectors at a processing unit. At the end of the copper cable arrays, an electro-optical component may be used to convert electrical signals into optical signals. The optical signals may be coupled, via a fiber connector, to optical fibers. The optical fibers may be terminated with a multi-fiber push on connector for pluggable or pigtailed connections.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an optical communication system for coupling light, via VCSEL or PCSEL, into a multilayer waveguide. The optical communication system comprises a plurality of emitters, a semi-insulating (SI) substrate, a plurality of electrical contacts, a plurality of waveguides, and a diffractive optical coupling system. The SI substrate supports the plurality of emitters. The plurality of electrical contacts are configured to individually modulate each emitter. The plurality of waveguides and the plurality of emitters are separated by an air gap. The diffractive optical coupling system is configured to direct emitted light from the plurality of emitters into the waveguides.

Abstract: An oral care implement including an elongated body having a head portion supporting plurality of tooth cleaning elements and a handle portion defining an outer surface. The handle portion may include a shell portion formed from a transparent material and a core portion that is surrounded by the shell portion. The core portion may be formed from a colored material that is visible through the shell portion. The tooth cleaning elements may include bristle tufts arranged in specific columns and rows. A grip component may be coupled to an outer surface of the handle portion.

Abstract: An oral care implement including an elongated body having a head portion supporting plurality of tooth cleaning elements and a handle portion defining an outer surface. A grip control component is disposed on the handle portion and includes a pair of transversely spaced apart control surfaces separated by a longitudinally extending channel. The control surfaces are elevated above the outer surface of the handle portion and positioned to engage a user's thumb. The control component is operable to tilt the head portion at an upward or downward angle relative to a vertical plane of a user's teeth when the control component is grasped between the user's thumb and forefinger for producing a proper brushing angle at the gum line.

Abstract: An oral care implement including an elongated body having a head portion supporting plurality of tooth cleaning elements and a handle portion defining an outer surface. A grip control component is disposed on the handle portion and includes a pair of transversely spaced apart control surfaces separated by a longitudinally extending channel. The control surfaces are elevated above the outer surface of the handle portion and positioned to engage a user's thumb. The control component is operable to tilt the head portion at an upward or downward angle relative to a vertical plane of a user's teeth when the control component is grasped between the user's thumb and forefinger for producing a proper brushing angle at the gum line.

Abstract: An oral care implement including an elongated body having a head portion supporting plurality of tooth cleaning elements and a handle portion defining an outer surface. A grip control component is disposed on the handle portion and includes a pair of transversely spaced apart control surfaces separated by a longitudinally extending channel. The control surfaces are elevated above the outer surface of the handle portion and positioned to engage a user's thumb. The control component is operable to tilt the head portion at an upward or downward angle relative to a vertical plane of a user's teeth when the control component is grasped between the user's thumb and forefinger for producing a proper brushing angle at the gum line.

Abstract: A system or method of forming a handle portion of an oral care implement and a handle portion of an oral care implement formed thereby. The method may include providing a first mold that defines a first mold cavity having a shape that corresponds to the handle portion, injecting a first material into the first mold cavity via a first injection orifice with a first hot runner sub-system, and injecting a second material into the first mold cavity via a second injection orifice with a second hot runner sub-system. The second material is injected into the first material thereby forming the handle portion, with the second material forming a core component of the handle portion and the first material forming a shell component of the handle portion that surrounds the core component.

Abstract: A mechanically tapered bristle filament for an oral care implement. The filament is characterized by a long thin tapered end portion. The tapered end portion has a taper length and tip diameter comparable to chemically tapered filaments. The areal surface roughness of the tapered end portion however is greater than chemically tapered filaments thereby producing increased scrubbing action against the surfaces of the teeth. The foregoing taper and roughness characteristics of the present filament enhance inter-dental cleaning effectiveness.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for signaling and transmitting data through an optical link is described. The apparatus may include a connector including a first plurality of contacts compatible with an enhanced SFP (SFP+) connector. The connector further includes an additional contact formed at a space adjacent to the first plurality of contacts. A tone generator couples to the additional contact to receive a first signal and to generate a first distinct tone indicative of the first signal for transmission via the additional contact. The method may include generating a first distinct tone indicative of a first signal providing control or status of an apparatus and transmitting or receiving a differential data signal over a portion of a first plurality of contacts compatible with an enhanced SFP (SFP+) connector. The first distinct tone is transmitted over the additional contact formed in a space adjacent to the first plurality of contacts.

Abstract: An improved wrap that is used in conjunction with beverages, especially those beverages that are placed into beverage holders. These wraps have a dual function of providing an enjoyable experience to the user by wicking away condensation and a protective barrier providing anti-microbial properties. The interior surface of the wrap is coated with materials that facilitate the absorption of moisture and the exterior of the wrap is coated with anti-bacterial agents. Embodiments of this improved wrap include the addition of advertising copy or coupons on the wrap and insulating materials that will keep the beverages hot or cold along with temperature sensitive inks that could warn the user that the beverage is hot or cold. Another embodiment will encompass fragrance that could add to the beverage enjoyment experience, such as wildflowers or lavender with certain teas.

Abstract: An oral care implement including an elongated body having a head portion supporting plurality of tooth cleaning elements and a handle portion defining an outer surface. A grip control component is disposed on the handle portion and includes a pair of transversely spaced apart control surfaces separated by a longitudinally extending channel. The control surfaces are elevated above the outer surface of the handle portion and positioned to engage a user's thumb. The control component is operable to tilt the head portion at an upward or downward angle relative to a vertical plane of a user's teeth when the control component is grasped between the user's thumb and forefinger for producing a proper brushing angle at the gum line.

Abstract: An oral care implement including an elongated body having a head portion supporting plurality of tooth cleaning elements and a handle portion defining an outer surface. A grip control component is disposed on the handle portion and includes a pair of transversely spaced apart control surfaces separated by a longitudinally extending channel. The control surfaces are elevated above the outer surface of the handle portion and positioned to engage a user's thumb. The control component is operable to tilt the head portion at an upward or downward angle relative to a vertical plane of a user's teeth when the control component is grasped between the user's thumb and forefinger for producing a proper brushing angle at the gum line.

Abstract: A system or method of forming a handle portion of an oral care implement and a handle portion of an oral care implement formed thereby. The method may include providing a first mold that defines a first mold cavity having a shape that corresponds to the handle portion, injecting a first material into the first mold cavity via a first injection orifice with a first hot runner sub-system, and injecting a second material into the first mold cavity via a second injection orifice with a second hot runner sub-system. The second material is injected into the first material thereby forming the handle portion, with the second material forming a core component of the handle portion and the first material forming a shell component of the handle portion that surrounds the core component.

Abstract: A system for forming an oral care implement and an oral care implement formed thereby. The system may include a first mold defining a first mold cavity having a first mold cavity axis; first and second injection orifices formed into the first mold and providing passageways directly into the first portion of the first mold cavity, the second injection orifice being spaced apart from the first injection orifice; first and second hot runner sub-systems fluidly coupled to the first and second injection orifices, respectively; wherein the system is configured to dispense the first material into the first portion of the first mold cavity via the first injection orifice, and after passage of a period of time, to subsequently dispense the second material into the first portion of the first mold cavity via the second injection orifice, the second material being injected into the first material to displace the first material.

Abstract: An oral care implement including an elongated body having a head portion supporting plurality of tooth cleaning elements and a handle portion defining an outer surface. A grip control component is disposed on the handle portion and includes a pair of transversely spaced apart control surfaces separated by a longitudinally extending channel. The control surfaces are elevated above the outer surface of the handle portion and positioned to engage a user's thumb. The control component is operable to tilt the head portion at an upward or downward angle relative to a vertical plane of a user's teeth when the control component is grasped between the user's thumb and forefinger for producing a proper brushing angle at the gum line.

Abstract: An oral care implement (100) in one embodiment includes an elongated body (101) comprising a head portion (110) supporting plurality of tooth cleaning elements (111) and a handle portion (120) defining an outer surface (127). A grip control component (130) is disposed on the handle portion (120) and includes a pair of transversely spaced apart control surfaces (132) separated by a longitudinally extending channel (133). The control surfaces (132) are elevated above the outer surface (127) of the handle portion (120) and positioned to engage a user's thumb. The control component (130) is operable to tilt the head portion (110) at an upward or downward angle relative to a vertical plane of a user's teeth when the control component (130) is grasped between the user's thumb and forefinger for producing a proper brushing angle at the gum line.

Abstract: A mechanically tapered bristle filament for an oral care implement. The filament is characterized by a long thin tapered end portion. The tapered end portion has a taper length and tip diameter comparable to chemically tapered filaments. The areal surface roughness of the tapered end portion however is greater than chemically tapered filaments thereby producing increased scrubbing action against the surfaces of the teeth. The foregoing taper and roughness characteristics of the present filament enhance inter-dental cleaning effectiveness.