Abstract: A system for determining surface profiles of specimens such as semiconductor wafers includes a drive for mounting the wafer for oscillatory movement along a line and an optical imaging system overlying the wafer for focusing a beam on a small sport on the wafer and including a photodetector for detecting the reflected sport from the wafer. The spot is scanned along the line on the wafer while the focal depth of the imaging system is progressively changed while the photodetector and connected digital circuitry generate a plurality of spaced output signals for each scan along the line so that data comprised of a series of spaced signals are provided at a plurality of focus levels extending through the surface profile of the wafer. Computer means are provided for analyzing the data and providing a graphical output of the surface profile.

Abstract: A system for determining surface profiles of specimens such as semiconductor wafers and for making linewidth measurements thereon includes a drive for mounting the wafer for oscillatory movement along a line and an optical imaging system overlying the wafer for focusing a beam on a small spot on the wafer and including a photodetector for detecting the reflected spot from the wafer. The spot is scanned along the line on the wafer while the focal depth of the imaging system is progressively changed while the photodetector and connected digital circuitry generate a plurality of spaced output signals for each scan along the line so that data comprised of a series of spaced signals are provided at a plurality of focus levels extending through the surface profile of the wafer. Computer means are provided for analyzing the data and providing a graphical output of the surface profile from which accurate linewidth measurements are made.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer scanning system includes a confocal optical imaging system with a laser beam being focused on a small spot on the wafer surface to be scanned. The optics include an objective lens located closest to the wafer with means being provided to vary the spacing of the lens from the wafer over small distances to thus change the focal plane of the system. The wafer may be independently driven in two orthogonal directions in a plane generally perpendicular to the imaging system to bring selected portions thereof into view of the optics. During scanning, the wafer is rapidly vibrated in one of the directions while it is slowly moved in the other direction with a series of digital output signals being provided by the light reflected back from the laser spot on the moving wafer to provide precise information for constructing a three dimensional representation of the surface pattern of the wafer.

Abstract: A calibrating device for an optical catheter is provided in order to calibrate the catheter for use in a catheter oximeter system. The calibrating device includes a tube having a reference block therein which is spring-loaded into compliant engagement with the distal end of the catheter carrying the fiberoptic light transmitting and receiving guides. A releasable strap tightly secures the catheter to the calibrating device. The packaged catheter is therefore ready for calibration by simply removing the proximal end thereof from a sealed package while the calibrating device and major length of the catheter remain in their sealed and sterilized condition and connecting it to a processor for performing the calibration operation.

Abstract: A confocal optical imaging system includes a laser for producing a linearly polarized beam which is transmitted through the optical elements of the system, focused on a small spot on the target, and reflected back through the optical elements to a photodetector where the reflectance from the spot is determined. The optical elements include a pinhole plate for restricting the size of the transmitted and reflected beams which plate, along with other of the optical elements, can produce unwanted reflections adding optical noise to the reflected beam from the target. A retardation plate between the pinhole plate and the target alters the polarization of the transmitted beam relative to the reflected beam so that a polarizer will discriminate between the true reflected beam signal and the unwanted reflections to thereby improve the signal-to-noise ratio at the photodetector.

Abstract: A catheter oximeter includes a fiber optic catheter for supplying radiation to blood under test at a plurality of wavelengths and detecting the intensities of the radiation back-scattered from the blood at each of the wavelengths. The oxygen saturation level of the blood is then computed by deriving it with a formula which uses the ratio of one pair of intensity signals when the oxygen saturation level is relatively low and with a formula which uses the ratio of another pair of intensity signals when the oxygen saturation level relatively is high.

Abstract: A tape drive assembly includes a compact rectangular housing mounting a fixed take-up reel. A removable supply reel is mounted on a pivotable carrier which is adapted to be swung into a closure position on the housing to place the supply reel in operative position adjacent the take-up reel. In such operative position the supply reel is frictionally engaged by an endless drive belt which also frictionally engages the take-up reel so as to drive both reels and cause the tape to be fed therebetween in a path that passes adjacent a read/write head. The drive belt is formed of a viscoelastic material so that it is maintained on its supporting rollers under tension with the supply reel in or out of engagement with it and so that a constant tension is maintained on the drive belt, and hence the tape, at different driving speeds.

Abstract: A liquid flow regulator has a housing formed by two parts that snap together. The housing defines an axial bore, an inlet, an outlet and a plurality of axial grooves opening endwise of the inlet and laterally of the housing into the bore. The grooves taper axially so that the cross-sectional area of each groove gradually decreases from the inlet to nothing at a pont where the groove merges with the bore. The grooves have different axial lengths. An elastomeric sock fits within the bore. Means for expanding the sock radially outward into sealing engagement with the housing adjacent the bore is axially movable within the bore. Flow through the grooves and the bore is regulated by the axial position of the sock expanding means and the minimum cross-sectional area of the tapered, axial grooves at the axial location where the sock seals the bore. Axial adjustment of the sock expanding means sequentially opens and closes passage from the grooves through the bore to the bore outlet.

Abstract: A signal filter method and apparatus for removing portions of a signal indicative of erroneous data, an exemplary apparatus including means for receiving the signal, means for adjusting a threshold by increasing the threshold a first predetermined amount when the signal is in a predetermined relationship with the threshold and for decreasing the threshold a second predetermined amount when the signal is in a second predetermined relationship with the threshold, and means for comparing the signal with the adjusted threshold and for transmitting the signal if the signal bears a first predetermined relationship to the threshold. Disclosed herein are digital and analog implementations of the signal filter method and apparatus, particularly suited for use with catheter-type oximeter apparatus.

Abstract: A portable infusion device includes a disposable syringe which is located in a removable section of a compact package that comprises the device. In order to conserve space, a flexible piston rod assembly is provided wherein the syringe plunger head is connected to a thin flexible plunger stem which is reversely bent about the upstream end of the syringe body so that the outer end of the stem lies directly adjacent and parallel to the syringe body. A small motor located in the non-removable portion of the package drives the plunger through a screw which sequentially engages closely spaced teeth on the face of the plunger stem as it moves along the outer surface of the syringe. When the syringe contents have been discharged, the removable section, including the syringe and plunger stem assembly, can be readily removed and replaced.

Abstract: The cutting instrument of this invention is adapted to be heated to a predetermined temperature range and includes a steel substrate having a cutting edge, a copper composition having a yield strength of at least 25,000 p.s.i. laminated to the steel substrate and an electrical heater means secured to the copper composition laminate. The cutting edge of the cutting instrument and at least a part of the copper composition and heater means may be coated with a non-stick composition in order to prevent the cutting instrument from sticking to the subject upon which the cutting operation is performed with the cutting instrument.

Abstract: The cutting instrument of this invention is made by threading a heater assembly through a hollow cutting instrument body. A blade having a shank and a blade body including a cutting edge is secured within the hollow cutting instrument body at its shank portion such that the blade body extends from the hollow cutting instrument body. The heating assembly is secured to the blade body and to the cutting instrument body. The blade body is coated with a non-stick means.

Abstract: A control procedure for governing the incremental step operation of a pump stepping motor (74) employed in conjunction with a parenteral fluid metering device (2) is disclosed. The control procedure enables fluid to be pumped from the metering device (2) in non-pulsatile, essentially continuous fashion by suitably adjusting the stepping motor speed to compensate for the interruption of fluid flow which occurs during the refill phase (P.sub.R) of each pumping cycle (C). Adjustment of the stepping motor speed also compensates for non-linearities otherwise introduced into the fluid flow as a result of the camming mechanism (76,78) utilized to convert rotary stepping motor movement into rectilinear pumping movement.

Abstract: An optical connector for connecting photometric analysis equipment which includes a transmitting and receiving light pipe to a material such as flowing blood wherein the blood is not contaminated by the light pipe. The connector has a flow passage therethrough for connection to the blood flow conduit and a light pipe receiving passage extending at a right angle thereto. At the intersection of the passages there is provided an image transferring window, and the light pipe is arranged to be snugly received in the pipe receiving passage in abutment with the window. The image transferring properties of the window are such that no optical distortion occurs as light is transmitted from one face to the opposite face thereof. This is accomplished by forming the window of a coherent bundle of optical fibers of very small individual diameters in the order of 0.003 inches or less.

Abstract: An improved intravenous metering device (1a) having a measuring chamber (77) for use in measuring the discharge pressure of fluid exiting the device (1) is disclosed. The discharge pressure measuring chamber (77), which operates in conjunction with a pin (63) and flexure beam (65) arrangement to provide an indication of fluid discharge pressure, is incorporated into the fluid flow path through the device in order to permit sweeping of gas bubbles from the chamber (77) during device priming operations. Thus, complete removal of gas bubbles from the device (1a) prior to employing the device with a patient is more easily attainable.

Abstract: A device for precise metering of liquids for intravenous delivery to a patient, the device including a pumping chamber with a reciprocable diaphragm positioned therein. The device also includes check valves positioned at the pumping chamber inlet and outlet, and a gas retention chamber located upstream of the pumping chamber and having an upper portion providing for the formation of a gas-liquid interface and a lower portion from which liquid free of gas bubbles may be removed and directed into the pumping chamber.

Abstract: A device for precise metering of liquids for intravenous delivery to a patient, the device including a pumping chamber with a reciprocable diaphragm positioned therein. The device also includes valves positioned at the pumping chamber inlet and outlet, the valve at the pumping chamber inlet being operated independently of the pressure within the pumping chamber. The device also includes a gas retention chamber having an upper portion providing for the formation of the gas-liquid interface and a lower portion from which liquid free of gas bubbles may be removed.

Abstract: A periscopic sight is mounted to extend through the wall of protective armor surrounding a gun station. An elevation mirror is exposed to receive light from the direction in which the gun is pointing and to reflect the light along a vertical path extending through the sight. A sealed unitary lens system has a lens axis aligned with the vertical path and conducts the light therethrough to a stationary mirror accessible to the eye of an observer. The sealed unitary lens system has a sufficiently long eye relief to provide an unobstructed image to the observer in spite of the placement of the stationary mirror between the lens system and the observer.

Abstract: A confocal optical imaging system includes a laser for producing a linearly polarized beam which is transmitted through the optical elements of the system, focused on a small spot on the target, and reflected back through the optical elements to a photodetector where the reflectance from the spot is determined. The optical elements include a pinhole plate for restricting the size of the transmitted and reflected beams which plate, along with other of the optical elements, can produce unwanted reflections adding optical noise to the reflected beam from the target. A retardation plate between the pinhole plate and the target alters the polarization of the transmitted beam relative to the reflected beam so that a polarizer will discriminate between the true reflected beam signal and the unwanted reflections to thereby improve the signal-to-noise ratio at the photodete ctor.