Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for the detection of terahertz radiation. In one embodiment, frequency modulated spectroscopy is performed on a swept source of coherent far infrared electromagnetic radiation that is focused on a target. A beam of radiation passes through a cell in which the target is housed, losing energy as certain frequencies are absorbed by contaminants in the target. A detector is positioned to determine how much energy is lost by the radiation (e.g., which frequencies fail to transmit through the cell), thereby indicating the presence of contaminants in the target.

Abstract: A filter is deployed adjacent an occlusion in a vessel. A device including a stent and a sheath is advanced to the occlusion, the sheath is retracted to deploy the stent, and the stent is post dilated by a balloon of the device. The sheath is advanced through the deployed stent and over the balloon and over the filter. Since the balloon and the filter are enclosed within the sheath, any possibility of the balloon and/or the filter catching on the stent during retraction is eliminated.

Abstract: An angioplasty catheter assembly having an anchoring catheter within a guide catheter such that the anchoring catheter anchors to the guide catheter and the inner wall of a coronary artery; the anchoring catheter has an opening in its tubular wall such that a guide wire and balloon dilatation catheter can be disposed therethrough and extending through the length of the anchoring catheter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for treating a blood vessel. The blood vessel treatment system includes a hollow guidewire having a central lumen, an occlusion balloon attached proximate to a distal end of the hollow guidewire, and an inflation catheter slidable over the hollow guidewire. An annular inflation lumen formed between the inflation catheter and the hollow guidewire fluidly communicates with the central lumen of the hollow guidewire, allowing inflation fluid to flow through the annular inflation lumen and into a distal portion of the central lumen to inflate the occlusion balloon.

Abstract: A stent balloon assembly wherein the balloon has been blow molded inside the stent. Segments of the balloon at least partially fill gaps in the stent, even after the assembly is compressed, to retain the stent on the balloon during delivery. The stent balloon assembly may also be mounted on a catheter.

Abstract: Also provided is a fuel cell system comprising (1) a fuel cell with an anode compartment and a cathode compartment adapted to operate with a least one liquid consumable comprising (i) a liquid fuel composition or (ii) liquid electron acceptor composition, and: (2) one or both of (a) a fuel reservoir comprising liquid fuel composition separated from the anode compartment by a porous membrane that is selected to not be wetted by either the liquid fuel composition or a solvent/solution with which the anode chamber is adapted to operate or (b) a liquid fuel composition reservoir separated from the cathode compartment by a porous membrane that is selected to not be wetted by either the liquid fuel composition or a composition with which the cathode chamber is adapted to operate.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for the hydration of environments such as display cases, walk-in storage rooms, greenhouses and large-scale storage facilities are provided. Consistent humidification is provided while effectively eliminating the problem of water streaming from atomization nozzles at the end of a pressurization and atomization cycle. The present invention eliminates the traditional regulators, pressure tanks and solenoid valve assemblies required to control water pressure, as well as bladder tanks and regulator valves for regulating air pressure, while more effectively controlling the problem of streaming by incorporating a drawback valve and, optionally, a miniature water regulator. Kits for retrofitting existing humidification systems to incorporate the improvements described herein are also provided.

Abstract: Finishing an end of a plastic optical fiber by ablating the end of the plastic optical fiber by utilizing an Excimer laser so that the end of the optical fiber can be used in a optical connector. A high powered ultraviolet beam of light from the laser is absorbed by the end of the fiber and ablates the first few microns of the end face of the fiber. This process removes residual cracks and fissures to flatten the end of the fiber for use in the optical connector. The optical fiber is then ready to make a low loss interface with a source, a detector, or another optical fiber.

Abstract: There is disclosed a portable apparatus and process for using same including a test conduit assembly and related conduit valve and fluid flow assemblies for conecting to a process unit for fluid flow communication with the test conduit assembly for passing a fluid to be evaluated for corrosive effect on such test conduit assembly wherein the test conduit assembly includes a test conduit of a predetermined length disposed in a transparent conduit section for passing the fluid therethrough and wherein a heating unit of a predetermined length is disposed in the test conduit wherein the heating unit is of a length of at least about 2 inches and comprises less than about 50 percent of the predetermined length of the test conduit.