Abstract: A sheath remover device is of elongate tubular form having a sheath capture region at one end and a passage along which a captured sheath may pass from the capture region. A plurality of latching fingers, each with an internally directed latch, are equi-spaced in the capture region. Two further inwardly directed latches are on the cut out regions. The sheath remover is designed so that, a sheath already disposed in the sheath capture region is pushed along the passage away from the sheath capture region when the remover is offered up to and engages the subsequent sheath. The spacing of the latches and is such that the earlier sheath is not released from latches until the latches have securely engaged in the subsequent sheath, thereby providing an indication of secure engagement of the subsequent sheath. The sheath remover may also be used as a cap and/or a cocking rod.

Abstract: A micro-optical element includes a support substrate, a micro-optical lens in a cured replication material on a first surface of the support substrate, and an opaque material aligned with and overlapping the micro-optical lens along a vertical direction.

Abstract: A turbocharger system for an internal combustion engine includes a turbocharger with a utility pedestal extending between the turbocharger and hard point associated with the cylinder block. The utility pedestal includes a mounting pad for attaching the combined turbocharger and pedestal assembly to an engine, as well as internal oil and coolant supply passages for supplying the turbocharger with coolant and lubricating oil under pressure.

Abstract: A turbocharger system for an internal combustion engine includes a turbocharger with a utility pedestal extending between the turbocharger and a mounting surface associated with the engine. The utility pedestal includes a mounting pad for attaching the combined turbocharger and pedestal assembly to the engine, as well as internal oil and coolant supply passages for supplying the turbocharger with coolant and lubricating oil under pressure.

Abstract: An optimal architecture for a polymer electrolyte battery, wherein one or more layers of electrolyte (e.g., solid block-copolymer) are situated between two electrodes, is disclosed. An anolyte layer, adjacent the anode, is chosen to be chemically and electrochemically stable against the anode active material. A catholyte layer, adjacent the cathode, is chosen to be chemically and electrochemically stable against the cathode active material.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a wafer level optical assembly comprising a first wafer level optical element, the first wafer level optical element comprising a first alignment structure and a second wafer level optical element, the second wafer level optical element comprising a second alignment structure, wherein the first alignment structure contacts the second alignment structure.

Abstract: A dual-inlet turbocharger system for internal combustion engine includes a single-shaft turbocharger with a dual-inlet compressor section. An air router provides a bifurcated air supply for the dual-inlet compressor section, and also provides a bifurcated source of charge air for the engine's cylinders in the case in which the present turbocharger system is applied to a V-block engine.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a skin pricking device. The device comprises a housing (2), and, contained within the housing (2), a lancet (12) formed integrally with a spring (8).

Abstract: Optical imaging apparatus are provided having the desired focal properties, which can be manufactured and/or assembled at the wafer level.

Abstract: An electrode/electrolyte assembly that has a well-integrated interface between an electrode and a solid polymer electrolyte film, which provides continuous, ionically-conducting and electronically insulating paths between the films is provided. A slurry is made containing active electrolyte material, a liquefied, ionically-conductive first polymer electrolyte with dissolved lithium salt, and conductive additive. The binder may have been liquefied by dissolving in a volatile solvent or by melting. The slurry is cast or extruded as a thin film and dried or cooled to form an electrode layer that has some inherent porosity. A liquefied second polymer electrolyte that includes a salt is cast over the electrode film. Some of the liquefied second polymer electrolyte fills at least some of the pores in the electrode film and the rest forms an electrolyte layer on top of the electrode film.

Abstract: The present invention provides optical imaging apparatus comprising solid state sensing elements and optical components operable to be manufactured and assembled at the wafer level.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a fuel system having a first fuel rail with an integrated diverter portion coupled to a high-pressure pump and separated from a common rail portion by a flow restriction device. The first fuel rail includes a pressure sensor coupled to the diverter portion at one end and a control valve coupled to the common rail portion at the other end of the same fuel rail. In V-engine embodiments, a second fuel rail communicates with the integrated diverter portion of the first fuel rail. In one embodiment, components including the first and second fuel rails, a pressure sensor, and a pressure or volume control valve are externally mounted outside the engine valve cover.

Abstract: A novel anode for a lithium battery cell is provided. The anode contains silicon nanoparticles embedded in a solid polymer electrolyte. The electrolyte can also act as a binder for the silicon nanoparticles. A plurality of voids is dispersed throughout the solid polymer electrolyte. The anode may also contain electronically conductive carbon particles. Upon charging of the cell, the silicon nanoparticles expand as take up lithium ions. The solid polymer electrolyte can deform reversibly in response to the expansion of the nanoparticles and transfer the volume expansion to the voids.