Abstract: A tank inventory signaling apparatus that has gas cylinder tanks stored on a pad having an array of spots to mark tank placement. Tanks are placed directly over the spots in a grid of rows and columns. Sensors below each spot act as weight or proximity sensors indicating the presence or absence of a tank. The sensors are connected to logic that monitors the state of all sensors. Tank inventory is inferred by changes of state of the sensor grid since it is necessary to change sensor state to remove a tank. Sensor states are reported to a remote server having associated tank management and supply software and route management software. In this manner, local tank usage can be tracked at remote locations for resupply of tanks and delivery of replacement tanks can be optimized.

Abstract: System and methods for defining non-linear petrofacies for a reservoir simulation model are provided. A cross-plot visualization of selected petrophysical properties from a three-dimensional (3D) geocellular grid array of petrophysical properties representing a reservoir rock formation is presented to a user via a display of a computing device. Upon receiving user input for defining a non-linear petrofacies region of the 3D geocellular grid within the presented cross-plot visualization, data points in the cross-plot visualization that are within the boundaries of the petrofacies region are identified. The identified data points are associated with the petrofacies region. Hydraulic rock properties are assigned to one or more cells of the 3D geocellular grid based on the data points associated with the petrofacies region.

Abstract: Presently described are optical films comprising a polymerized (e.g. microstructured) surface that comprises the reaction product of a polymerizable resin composition and polymerizable resin compositions that comprise nanoparticles; at least one first monomer comprising at least two (meth)acrylate groups; and at least one second (meth)acrylate monomer having following the structure (I); wherein at least one R1 comprises an aromatic substituent, t is an integer from 1 to 4, and R2 is hydrogen or methyl.

Abstract: Method of production of a photochromic composite material, in which, starting from a photochromic ruthenium complex with nitrosyl ligand, with a silica matrix by a sol-gel process or with a biodegradable matrix, in particular of starch or of agar-agar, so that the photochromic ruthenium complex with nitrosyl ligand, in the crystalline state and in the form of nanoparticles, is inserted into the nanopores of the matrix.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ink and a method of using the ink for making colored contact lenses. The ink comprises at least one colorant, a silicone-containing binder polymer, a solvent, a vinylic-monomer mixture, and optionally a photoinitiator or thermal initiator. The silicone-containing binder polymer is a copolymerization product of a polymerizable mixture including (i) at least one hydrophilic vinylic monomer; (ii) at least one functionalizing vinylic monomer containing at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl group —OH, amino group —NHR (wherein R is hydrogen or C1 to C8 alkyl), carboxylic group —COOH, epoxy group, amide group —CONHR, and combinations thereof; (iii) at least one silicone-containing vinylic monomer or macromere.

Abstract: A method for displaying a near-eye light field display (NELD) image is disclosed. The method comprises determining a pre-filtered image to be displayed, wherein the pre-filtered image corresponds to a target image. It further comprises displaying the pre-filtered image on a display. Subsequently, it comprises producing a near-eye light field after the pre-filtered image travels through a microlens array adjacent to the display, wherein the near-eye light field is operable to simulate a light field corresponding to the target image. Finally, it comprises altering the near-eye light field using at least one converging lens, wherein the altering allows a user to focus on the target image at an increased depth of field at an increased distance from an eye of the user and wherein the altering increases spatial resolution of said target image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surface structure and a Fresnel lens which has at least one such surface structure. Furthermore, the invention relates to a tool for production of a surface structure and a method for production of a surface structure or Fresnel lens. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a Fresnel lens.

Abstract: An embodiment of a camera module includes a holder configured such that the upper and lower portions of the holder are open and such that a first hole and a second hole, opposite to the first hole, are formed in the side surface of the holder, a first lens unit coupled to the upper portion of the holder, a second lens unit coupled to the lower portion of the holder, and a liquid lens disposed in the first hole and the second hole of the holder between the first lens unit and the second lens unit, the liquid lens protruding outward from the side surface of the holder, wherein at least a portion of the liquid lens may be spaced apart from the inner surface of the holder.

Abstract: A light-transmitting structure comprising a substrate having a plurality of regions where at least two of the plurality of regions have different refractive indices, an optical path length of light transmitted from a first light source through the plurality of regions is substantially constant, and where light transmitted from a second light source into the substrate is scattered by at least one of the plurality of regions.

Abstract: An x-ray fluorescence analysis device, including an x-ray source for irradiating a sample with x-ray radiation, an x-ray detector for measuring x-ray fluorescence radiation emitted by the sample, and a camera for producing an optical control image of the irradiated measurement point of a sample by means of an optical mirror arranged at an angle in the beam path of the x-ray source, which optical mirror includes a carrier having a mirror layer provided on the carrier. In order to create an x-ray florescence device by means of which realistic control recordings of the sample to be analyzed, in particular of the sampled surface point, the optical mirror has a passage window for the x-ray radiation, which is formed by an opening in the carrier and a foil forming the mirror layer and covering the opening on an outer surface of the carrier.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an optical element includes a first semi-transparent semi-reflective layer and a second semi-transparent semi-reflective layer. The optical element includes a first transparent material having a first refractive index and disposed between the first semi-transparent semi-reflective layer and the second semi-transparent semi-reflective layer. The optical element includes a second transparent material having a second refractive index, disposed between the first semi-transparent semi-reflective layer and the second semi-transparent semi-reflective layer, and surrounding the first transparent material in a plane parallel to the first semi-transparent semi-reflective layer and the second semi-transparent semi-reflective layer. The first refractive index is higher than the second refractive index.

Abstract: A heat shielding material and method for manufacturing thereof is provided. The method for manufacturing the heat shielding material, includes: providing a tungsten oxide precursor solution containing a group VIIIB metal element; drying the tungsten oxide precursor solution to form a dried tungsten oxide precursor; and subjecting the dried tungsten oxide precursor to a reducing gas at a temperature of 100° C. to 500° C. to form a composite tungsten oxide. The heat shielding material includes composite tungsten oxide doped with a group I A or II A metal and halogen, represented by MxWOy or MxWOyAz, wherein M refers to at least one of a group I A or II A metal, W refers to tungsten, O refers to oxygen, and A refers to a halogen element. The heat shielding material also includes a group VIIIB metal element.

Abstract: Multilayer stacks that can be used as decorative microsphere articles. The decorative microsphere articles can be a durable and aesthetically pleasing substitute for anodized aluminum and other matte metallic surfaces. The decorative microsphere articles are durable and can have a bright diffused appearance of any desired color, for example white, gold, silver, red, or other colors, while being capable of being manufactured using a roll-to-roll process. The decorative microsphere articles can also provide novel optical effects than can change at different viewing angles, including, for example, changing color with view angle, changing sharpness or clarity of an image or icon with view angle, and the like, that may allow customers to differentiate their products.

Abstract: There is provided a display device including a lens which guides light from a light source to a display surface, and a compensation member, having an inside surface opposite to a lens surface of the lens divided into a plurality of two-dimensional regions, in which a direction of an advance axis or a delay axis is controlled for each of the regions.

Abstract: An optical film, a liquid crystal display including the same, and a method for manufacturing a protective film used therefor are provided. An optical film includes a polarizer and a protective film laminated or stacked on at least one surface of the polarizer, and a thickness-direction retardation (Re) of the protective film is in the range of 0 nm to 200 nm, and an out-of-plane retardation (Rth) of the protective film is in the range of 300 nm to 1,200 nm.

Abstract: A light source unit includes a light source configured to emit a light, a first case including a first groove configured to receive the light source therein, a first sealing member disposed in the first groove and covering the light source, a second case disposed on the first case and including a first opening portion overlapping with the first groove, and a quantum dot member disposed between the first case and the second case and including a light conversion area configured to convert the light to a white light and a defect area surrounding the light conversion area. The first opening portion is disposed through the second case, a portion of the light conversion area overlaps with the first opening portion and the first groove, and the light source unit is configured such that the white light exits therefrom through the first opening portion.

Abstract: A light-emitting device includes a photoluminescent layer, a light-transmissive layer located on the photoluminescent layer, and a multilayer mirror layered together with the photoluminescent layer and the light-transmissive layer. At least one of the photoluminescent layer and the light-transmissive layer has a submicron structure. The submicron structure has at least projections or recesses arranged perpendicular to the thickness direction of the photoluminescent layer. The photoluminescent layer emits light including first light having a wavelength ?a in air. The distance Dint between adjacent projections or recesses and the refractive index nwav-a of the photoluminescent layer for the first light satisfy ?a/nwav-a<Dint<?a. A thickness of the photoluminescent layer, the refractive index nwav-a, and the distance Dint are set to limit a directional angle of the first light emitted from the light emitting surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical fiber assembly comprising a launching fiber having a receiving end and a transmitting end; an illuminating fiber having a receiving end and a transmitting end; where the receiving end of the launching fiber is operative to receive light from a light source and the transmitting end of the launching fiber is operative to transmit light to the receiving end of the illuminating fiber; where the launching fiber contacts the illuminating fiber in a manner so as to be offset from a center of a cross-sectional area of the illuminating fiber; and where the launching fiber has a diameter that is ? to ½ of a diameter of the illuminating fiber; and a lens that is operative to contact the transmitting end of the illuminating fiber.

Abstract: An illumination device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a light guide plate configured to emit light from inside through one surface of the light guide plate, a light source disposed to face a peripheral surface of the light guide plate, and a reflection sheet which is provided at a region face to the other surface of the light guide plate, which is opposite to the one surface, to reflect the light emitted by the light source toward the light guide plate. For distances between the light source and a peripheral edge part of the reflection sheet, a distance between a middle part of the light source in a peripheral edge direction of the light guide plate and a portion in the peripheral edge part of the reflection sheet corresponding to the middle part is the longest.

Abstract: A display device includes a first display panel, a second display panel disposed to be spaced apart from the first display panel, a first light guide plate which is under the first display panel and provides light thereto, a second light guide plate which is under the second display panel and provides light thereto, a light source unit which is commonly disposed under the first and second light guide plates and generates and provides the light to the first and second light guide plates, and a reflective member which is disposed on the light source unit and is commonly disposed on the first and second light guide plates, the reflective member defining a first curved surface which reflects the light to the first light guide plate and a second curved surface which reflects the light to the second light guide plate.

Abstract: A light guide plate according to the present invention includes a light guide member having a first and second main surfaces and a diffusing member next to at least one of the first and second main surfaces of the light guide member. A plurality of recesses are formed in one of the two main surfaces of the diffusing member that is opposite to the main surface next to the light guide member to diffuse light incident to the light guide member at the recesses. The recesses may include a first recess and a second recess. Preferably, when viewing the first main surface of the light guide member in a normal direction, a distance between a light incident surface and the second recess is greater than that between the light incident surface and the first recess, and the second recess is larger than the first recess.

Abstract: Described herein are techniques related to orienting a plurality of light-generating sources of a lightguide to illuminate a backlit a device, such as a display or keyboard, with soft, even light. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing light from a planar waveguide through a collimating array. Light received within a waveguide is propagated transmissively and retained by total internal reflection, except in response to impinging upon deflector elements which sufficiently redirect the light to escape the waveguide into a collimator array that further aligns and distributes the light.

Abstract: A backlight unit using a micro optical switch and a three-dimensional (3D) image display device are provided. The backlight unit includes a light source configured to irradiate light, a light guide plate configured to guide the irradiated light, an optical switch array including micro optical switches disposed above the light guide plate for each of cells of the backlight unit, and a lens array disposed above and corresponding to the optical switch array. Each of the micro optical switches includes a substrate, a first electrode layer disposed on the substrate and including first holes, and a second electrode layer spaced apart from the first electrode layer and including second holes not facing the first holes.

Abstract: A display apparatus utilizing all light output by a light source also includes a display panel with a shield portion, a light guide plate, and a quantum dot enhancement layer. The display panel includes a display portion and a shield portion. The light guide plate is parallel with the display panel and guides light emitted by the light source to the display panel. The quantum dot enhancement layer converts a wavelength of the light and the shield portion is configured to reflect stray or escaping light back into the quantum dot enhancement layer for conversion. The surface of the light guide plate is overlapped with the shield portion for preventing any light leakage and the mixing of light of different wavelengths and thus colors is increased and improved.

Abstract: A lighting module may be provided that includes: a first and a second light source units which are disposed to face each other; a first case in which the first light source unit is disposed; a second case in which the second light source unit is disposed; a first plate of which one side is connected to the first case, of which the other side is connected to the second case and which includes a first hole through which light emitted from the first and the second light source units passes; a second plate which is disposed to face the first plate and includes a second hole through which the light emitted from the first and the second light source units passes; and a first and a second optical sheets which are disposed on the first and the second plates.

Abstract: A light guide plate includes a light guide layer and a metal reflective layer. The light guide layer has a light emitting surface, a bottom surface and a light incident surface. The light incident surface is located between the light emitting surface and the bottom surface. The metal reflective layer is coated on the bottom surface of the light guide layer. Additionally, an average reflectance of the metal reflective layer for light in a wavelength range of 400 to 550 nanometers is greater than an average reflectance of the metal reflective layer for light in a wavelength range of 550 to 700 nanometers.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a radiator, where the radiator includes a mounting portion used for mounting a heat source, a radiating portion connected with the mounting portion and used for absorbing heat transferred by the mounting portion, the radiating portion is internally provided with multiple radiating pipelines, the radiating pipelines are internally injected with liquid, and the liquid in the radiating pipelines is gasified after absorbing heat on one end where the radiating portion is close to the mounting portion, and in the radiating pipelines, moves from one end where the radiating portion is close to the mounting portion towards one end where the radiating portion is away from the mounting portion. The present invention further discloses a backlight module, and the present invention further discloses a display module. The present invention effectively improves the heat transfer effect, and effectively enhances the radiating effect.

Abstract: Provided is a display apparatus in which a deflection of an optical sheet as well as a slit due to vibration and impact are suppressed while a flaw in a member being in contact with the optical sheet is suppressed, uniform surface luminance and preferable image quality are attained, and thus the occurrence of a defect is suppressed. A display module in a TV receiver includes a display panel, an optical sheet group, a light guide plate, a chassis, a panel holding member and a bezel. At the middle part of the lower side portion of the optical sheet group, a latch hole is formed. At a portion of the bottom part of the chassis, which is opposed to the latch hole, is provided with a projecting part formed to have a cylindrical main body and a latch projection continuously formed from the main body with a cylindrical shape having a diameter smaller than that of the main body.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a backlight module and a display device, wherein the backlight module includes a light guide plate and a lamp bar, the lamp bar includes a flexible printed circuit board and several LED lamps fixed onto the flexible printed circuit board, wherein at least one position avoiding slot is provided in an edge region of the light guide plate, the LED lamps are located inside the position avoiding slot, and the flexible printed circuit board is located above the light guide plate and fixedly attached to a position of the position avoiding slot. The technical solution of the present invention can achieve fixing the lamp bar without providing an assembly module, which can effectively reduce a total weight of a display device, and meanwhile be advantageous to a narrow-bezel design of the display device.

Abstract: A display device includes: a display panel which display an image using light; a light source which generates and provides the light to the display panel; a circuit board on which the light source is mounted; a fixation frame on which the light source and the circuit board are disposed; and a lower frame on which the display panel is disposed and in which the light source, the circuit board and the fixation frame are disposed. The lower frame defines: a bottom portion thereof overlapping the display panel, and an accommodation portion thereof extending from an end portion of the bottom portion and on which the light source, the circuit board and the fixation frame are disposed. The circuit board extends to cover the accommodation portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optical transmitters, transceivers, and transponders used for transmission of information or data in any form through a physical medium dependent (PMD) network. The speed of such networks depends, in part, on the density of information that can be transmitted through the physical medium. Optical transmitters or transceivers can be used to transmit multiple independent signals simultaneously through the same medium using different directions or axes of polarization, where the difference in the directions or axes of polarization can be used to distinguish the multiple signals at the receiver. In this invention, we use a master laser (l0) to synchronize two slave lasers (l1 and l2) by its x-polarization and y-polarization components of carrier, respectively, so that two slave lasers can be enforced to lock on exactly the same wavelength l0 with perpendicular polarization directions.

Abstract: A photonic integrated circuit (PIC) is grown by epitaxy on a substrate. The PIC includes at least one active element, at least one passive element, and a dielectric waveguide. The at least one active and passive elements are formed over the substrate and are in optical contact with each other. The dielectric waveguide is formed over the substrate, and is in optical contact with the at least one active and passive elements. The at least one active and passive elements each are formed using a III-V compound semiconductor material.

Abstract: The wavelength response of an arrayed waveguide grating can be tuned, in accordance with various embodiments, using a beam sweeper including one or more heaters to shift a lateral position of light focused by the beam sweeper at an interface of the beam sweeper with an input free propagation region of the arrayed waveguide grating.

Abstract: A device and associated methods for using surface electromagnetic waves (SEWs) generated at the surface of photonic band gap multilayers (PBGMs) in place of surface plasmons (SPs) in metal films. One device is a photonic circuit comprising a multilayer apparatus to generate surface electromagnetic waves, wherein the surface electromagnetic waves comprise the signal medium within the circuit. The circuit may be formed or etched on the surface of the multilayer apparatus.

Abstract: The present relates to a spatially modulated cladding mode stripper and to an optical fiber comprising a spatially modulated cladding mode stripper. The spatially modulated cladding mode stripper comprises a series of alternating high cladding light extracting regions and low cladding light extracting regions located along a portion of a cladding to modulate extracting of cladding light therefrom.

Abstract: Tapered waveguides made of high-index material attached to a tapered optical fiber are provided, enabling access to the optical modes of large, high-index resonators. In some embodiments, an optical fiber having a central axis, a tapered portion, and an untapered portion is provided. The tapered portion is configured to expose an evanescent field. An elongated waveguide is optically coupled to the optical fiber along the tapered portion and parallel to the central axis of the optical fiber. The elongated waveguide has a substantially triangular cross section perpendicular to the central axis of the optical fiber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a module that can be inserted into a housing of an industrial plug-in connector (5), into which module (1) at least one optical fiber connector (2) can be inserted and at least one adapter (3) can be inserted into the module (1), which adapter is connected to the optical fiber connector (2), wherein the adapter (3) contains an optical imaging element (11). In the plugged-in condition, the optical elements (11, 11?), for example the ball lenses proposed above, of two modules (1) are aligned with each other in such a way that the light signal exiting from the optical element (11) of the module of the first industrial plug-in connector (5) is coupled into the optical element (11?) of the module (1?) of the second industrial plug-in connector (5?).

Abstract: A switch for selectively coupling light from two input fibers to a selected two of plurality of output optical fibers. The switch was designed to handle standard Fiber optical connectors which have been polished and meet the specifications for the optical performance. The duplex mechanical switch creates a method to physically switch two fibers (Duplex) to another two fibers (Duplex). The performance regarding insertion losses, back reflection, crosstalk, immunity against backscattering of light and insensitivity to the wavelength of the light is consistent with this mechanical switch.

Abstract: There is provided an adapter tip to be employed with an optical-fiber inspection microscope probe and an optical-fiber inspection microscope system suitable for imaging the optical-fiber endface of an angled-polished optical-fiber connector deeply recessed within a connector adapter. The adapter tip or microscope system comprises a relay lens system having at least a first relay lens which is disposed so as to directly receive light reflected from the optical-fiber endface during inspection, the lens axis of the first relay lens being offset relative to the optical-fiber endface so as to deviate light reflected from the optical-fiber endface towards the optical-fiber axis of the connector.

Abstract: An optical connector apparatus includes a connector which is connected to an electro-optical composite cable including an optical fiber and a metal conductor, and a connection object to be connected. The connector is provided with a ferrule which has a conductive portion on at least a part of the surface thereof. The connection object to be connected is provided with an electrically conductive connection member to be connected to the ferrule. The ferrule and the cable are connected by a crimping structure. When the ferrule is inserted in the connection member, the connector and the connection object to be connected are electrically and optically connected to each other.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector along with a tool allows for the changing of the polarity of the fiber optic connector. Keys are installed in both the top and the bottom of the fiber optic connector, one in a first position and the other in a second position. Using the tool in one back-and-forth motion, the polarity of the fiber optic connector change be changed. The keys may be colored differently to identify the polarity of the fiber optic connector.

Abstract: A method of securing an optical fiber to a ferrule involves heating the ferrule to cause thermal expansion. A ferrule bore of the ferrule increases in diameter as a result of the thermal expansion, and an optical fiber is inserted into the ferrule bore. The ferrule is then cooled so that the ferrule bore decreases in diameter and forms a mechanical interface with the optical fiber. Finally, the optical fiber is fused to the ferrule by irradiating the optical fiber and the ferrule with laser energy.

Abstract: An optical device includes: an optical element with a surface including one of a light-receiving portion and a light-emitting portion; a resin layer provided over the one of light-receiving portion and the light-emitting portion; and a resin lens provided over the resin layer, wherein the resin layer includes a first shape larger than a second shape of the resin lens in a direction parallel to the surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are optical receptacles for use with electronic devices. In one embodiment, the optical receptacle comprises an optical lens body for receiving and transmitting optical signals and the optical lens body comprising a front face with a recess and a total internal reflection (TIR) surface. A cover is disposed in the recess of the optical lens body for protecting a surface of the optical lens body and also provides a cleanable surface. The optical receptacle also includes a receptacle shell with an open side for housing the optical lens body. and a cover disposed in the recess of the optical lens body.

Abstract: Interconnect systems for coupling a first system operating in a first type of environment (e.g., a cryogenic environment) to a second system operating in a second type of environment (e.g., a non-cryogenic environment) are provided. An interconnect system includes a first connector coupled to optical fibers that are coupled to the first system operating in the first type of environment. The interconnect system further includes a second connector coupled to optical fibers that are coupled to the second system operating in the second type of environment. The interconnect system may include an optical window configured to couple optical signals between the optical fibers, and the optical window is configured to maintain a vacuum seal between the first type of environment and the second type of environment such that the first type of environment is substantially thermally isolated from the second type of environment.

Abstract: A hermetic optical subassembly includes an optical bench having a mirror directing optical signals to/from an optical waveguide, a carrier supporting a photonic device, and an intermediate optical bench having a mirror directing optical signals between the photonic device and the optical bench. The optical bench and the intermediate optical bench optically aligns the photonic device to the waveguide along a desired optical path. In one embodiment, the photonic device is an edge emitting laser (EML). The mirror of the optical bench may be passively aligned with the mirror of the intermediate optical bench. The assembled components are hermetically sealed. The body of the optical benches are preferably formed by stamping a malleable metal material to form precise geometries and surface features. In a further aspect, the hermetic optical subassembly integrates a multiplexer/demultiplexer, for directing optical signals between a single optical fiber and a plurality of photonic devices.

Abstract: A single hybrid electrical/optical connector simultaneously forms both electrical and optical input/output connections by a single step engagement between elements on a connector and corresponding elements of the opposite gender on a mating connector. The connector can be surface-mounted on a circuit board, and a mating connector can be vertically pluggable onto the connector. The optical elements on the connector and/or the mating connector can be detachable, which can simplify assembly of a system that includes the circuit board. The hybrid electrical/optical connector has applications for optical transceivers. The hybrid electrical/optical connector includes a housing that extends laterally along a housing plane. The housing includes electrical and optical sockets thereon. In some examples, the electrical sockets and the optical sockets are laterally arranged on opposite sides of a division plane perpendicular to the housing plane.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method for making a partially bonded optical fiber ribbon. The method includes providing a linear array of optical fibers, and applying with an ink jet printing machine a bonding matrix material to at least a portion of at least two adjacent optical fibers. The applied bonding matrix material has a viscosity of approximately 2.0 to approximately 10.0 centipoise (cP) measured at 25 degrees Celsius (° C.). The applied bonding matrix material also has a conductivity of approximately 600 to approximately 1200 millimhos (mmhos). The applied bonding matrix material also has an adhesion of approximately 0.01 to approximately 0.20 Newtons (N). Also, the bonding matrix material is applied to at least a portion of at least two adjacent optical fibers in such a way that the linear array of optical fibers forms a partially bonded optical fiber ribbon.

Abstract: This document discloses novel conduits for telecommunications lines, such as optical fibers. In an aspect, a conduit might have a body defining one or more channels into which optical fibers can be inserted. In another aspect, the body might have a first face that is substantially planar and a second face opposing the first face. The second face might a low-rise arc profile and/or might be configured to be installed into a depression in a material. Also disclosed are methods and tools for installing, using, and/or removing such conduit.