Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical fiber refractive index grating. The method comprises the steps of, providing a substantially twist-free length of an optical fiber between a first spool and a second spool before attaching the first spool and the second spool to a support having a first surface opposite a second surface. The support and spools provide a filament organizer including the first spool as a lockable spool and the second spool as a rotary spool. The filament organizer further comprises a tensioner coupled to the rotary spool to apply tension to at least a central portion of the length of an optical fiber disposed between the lockable spool and the rotary spool.

Abstract: A mechanical stripping apparatus for displacing resin from a resin covered filament by forming a removable sleeve portion between opposing filament ends. The mechanical stripping apparatus comprises a first clamp for holding a filament at a first location and a second clamp having a separation from the first clamp and in axial alignment therewith for holding a filament at a second location. A first set of cutting blades adjacent to the first clamp is positioned for cutting into resin around a resin covered filament proximate to the first location. The mechanical stripping apparatus also includes a second set of cutting blades adjacent to the second clamp for cutting into resin around a resin covered filament proximate to the second location, such that a distance separates the first set of cutting blades from the second set of cutting blades. The distance between sets of cutting blades is less than the separation between the clamps.

Abstract: A mechanical stripping apparatus for displacing resin from a resin covered filament by forming a removable sleeve portion between opposing filament ends. The mechanical stripping apparatus comprises a first clamp for holding a filament at a first location and a second clamp having a separation from the first clamp and in axial alignment therewith for holding a filament at a second location. A first set of cutting blades adjacent to the first clamp is positioned for cutting into resin around a resin covered filament proximate to the first location. The mechanical stripping apparatus also includes a second set of cutting blades adjacent to the second clamp for cutting into resin around a resin covered filament proximate to the second location, such that a distance separates the first set of cutting blades from the second set of cutting blades. The distance between sets of cutting blades is less than the separation between the clamps.

Abstract: Bifunctional molecules and methods for their use in the production of binary complexes in a host are provided. The bifunctional molecule is a conjugate of a drug moiety and a presenter protein ligand. In the subject methods, an effective amount of the bifunctional molecule is administered to the host. The bifunctional molecule binds to the presenter protein to produce a binary complex that exhibits at least one of improved affinity, specificity or selectivity as compared to the corresponding free drug. The subject methods and compositions find use in a variety of therapeutic applications.

Abstract: Bifunctional molecules and methods for their use in the production of binary complexes in a host are provided. The bifunctional molecule is a conjugate of a drug moiety and a presenter protein ligand. The molecular weight of the bifunctional molecule is preferably less than about 5000 daltons, and the drug moiety may have a molecular weight of from about 50 to 2000 daltons. The drug moiety and presenter protein ligand may be covalently linked directly or through a linking group. The drug moiety binds to a drug target such as a protein and the presenter protein ligand binds to a presenter protein that is not the drug target such as extracellular or intracellular protein. Presenter proteins include peptidyl prolyl isomerase (FKBP), Heat Shock Protein 90 (Hsp90), steroid hormone receptors, cytoskeletal proteins, albumin and vitamin receptors.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for tagging explosives with a source of SF.sub.6 permitting the detection of their presence utilizing sensitive sniffing apparatus.