Abstract: The present invention comprises apparatuses and methods, for routing optical communication signals over all DWDM wavelength channels. Incoming wavelength channels are separated into a plurality of sub-groups having a smaller optical bandwidth. Wavelength channels within each sub-group are then acted upon independently by a filter, or switch, tunable and operable over the bandwidth of each sub-group. The invention may be embodied in a plurality of dynamic wavelength routing circuits including 1×N and N×N circuits. The 1×N circuit embodiments may be used when the filter free-spectral range is smaller than the full DWDM bandwidth. These embodiments are less complicated than the N×N circuit embodiments, but do not provide the same routing bandwidth. The N×N circuit embodiments may be used to route the full DWDM bandwidth and may be used for other routing operations having large bandwidth demand.

Abstract: A microfluidic platform for use with a specific binding assay apparatus includes an elongate, nonlinear channel through which a sample or sample solution may flow to be brought into contact with capture molecules immobilized relative to a number of sensing zones on a reaction surface of the specific binding assay apparatus. The microfluidic platform may include regions with enlarged widths, which are to be positioned adjacent to and in communication with sensing zones of the specific binding assay apparatus. In addition, the microfluidic platform may include mixing structures that protrude into the channel so as to create folding of and, thus facilitate mixing of the constituents of a sample solution as the sample solution flows through the channel. Specific binding assay apparatus that include microfluidic platforms thereon are also disclosed. In addition, methods for fabricating the microfluidic platform are also disclosed, as are methods for using the microfluidic platform.

Abstract: A muzzle brake for reducing swing, climb and recoil of a rifle is improved with a plurality of spaced ports intersecting the exit throat of the brake and venting gasses which would otherwise form an undesirable boundary layer effect. The effect of the ports is to prevent formation of the restricting boundary layer in the throat and to reduce the acceleration of gasses in the throat, thus reducing the flash effect of hot incandescent exit gasses.