Abstract: A device comprises first, second and third elements fabricated on a common substrate. The first element comprises an active waveguide structure comprising: a first portion supporting a first optical mode. The second element comprises a passive waveguide structure supporting a second optical mode. The third element, at least partly butt-coupled to the second portion, comprises an intermediate waveguide structure supporting intermediate optical modes. At least part of the second element is non-linear, supporting frequency conversion. A tapered waveguide structure in at least one of the second and third elements facilitates efficient adiabatic transformation between the first optical mode and one intermediate optical mode. No adiabatic transformation occurs between any intermediate optical mode and the first optical mode. Mutual alignments of the elements are defined using lithographic alignment marks.

Abstract: A cartridge, in particular a disposable cartridge, for use in an electrowetting sample processing system. The cartridge has a liquid input port for introducing an input liquid into an internal gap of the cartridge, the input liquid providing for at least one droplet, directly or via a liquid separation process within the internal gap, and the internal gap having at least one hydrophobic surface, at least one processing zone for processing samples located in the processing zone, and a delivery zone for delivering the at least one droplet from the liquid input port to the at least one processing zone. The delivery zone is configured to provide a repeating pattern of interacting electrowetting force for simultaneously transporting the at least one droplet within the delivery zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and apparatus related to a releasable mechanism having a first connector having a first end and a second end, a second connector having a top and a bottom, a first notch positioned near the first connector second end to releasably mate with the second connector bottom, and a second notch located near the second connector bottom to releasably receive the first connector second end.

Abstract: An aquatic animal such as coral is propagated on a base. The base has a top portion with a groove located therein. The groove has converging side walls. The groove intersects a depression that extends from the top portion to a bottom portion of the base. The depression has converging sides. An animal fragment is secured to the base by locating it in the groove, or alternatively in the groove and the depression. Water flow across the base may cause the fragment to move inside of the groove, wherein the fragment will sink down and become wedged in place, further securing or coupling the fragment to the base. The coral then grows and adheres itself to the base.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and apparatus to provide hemostasis at a blood vessel puncture site, having a hemostasis material and a clot formation accelerator, wherein said clot formation accelerator is substantially dispersed throughout said hemostasis material.

Abstract: An apparatus for inhibiting blood loss from a puncture site. The apparatus may include means for locating a puncture site in a blood vessel wall. This apparatus is comprised of a tube and an elongated member that is positioned around the tube. The elongated member includes a proximal end and a distal end. Around the tube is also a dissolvable distal capsule, the distal capsule including a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the distal capsule attaches to the distal end of the elongated member. Inside the distal capsule is hemostatic material such as a sponge.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and apparatus to provide hemostasis at a blood vessel puncture site, having a hemostasis material and a clot formation accelerator, wherein said clot formation accelerator is substantially dispersed throughout said hemostasis material.