Abstract: A medical electrical lead that includes a lead body having a lead body lumen, an electrode head assembly fixedly engaged with the lead body and having an electrode head assembly lumen communicating with the lead body lumen, and a conductor extending within the lead body lumen and the electrode head assembly lumen. An insulating member extends through the electrode head assembly lumen and the lead body lumen to electrically isolate the conductor.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead that includes a lead body having a lead body lumen, an electrode head assembly fixedly engaged with the lead body and having an electrode head assembly lumen communicating with the lead body lumen, and a conductor extending within the lead body lumen and the electrode head assembly lumen. An insulating member extends through the electrode head assembly lumen and the lead body lumen to electrically isolate the conductor.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead that includes a lead body having a lead body lumen, an electrode head assembly fixedly engaged with the lead body and having an electrode head assembly lumen communicating with the lead body lumen, and a conductor extending within the lead body lumen and the electrode head assembly lumen. An insulating member extends through the electrode head assembly lumen and the lead body lumen to electrically isolate the conductor.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the wavelength of light emitted by a tunable laser. The system includes a wavelength tuner that provides information of a desired wavelength; a coupler for tapping a portion of the light from the tunable laser; and an apparatus for measuring the actual wavelength of the light. The apparatus takes the portion of the light as an input signal and splits the input signal into two beams that are directed through two paths of different optical lengths. Then, the two beams are interfered with each other in order to form a fringe pattern at an observation plane, where the fringe pattern is detected and analyzed to determine the wavelength of the light. A processor compares the difference between the desired and determined wavelengths, and sends a tuning signal to the tunable laser forming a feedback control of the tunable laser.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the wavelength of an input light beam whereby the input light beam is split into two light beams which are directed through two paths of different optical length. The light beams are interfered with each other in order to form a fringe pattern at an observation plane, which fringe pattern is detected and analyzed to thereby determine the wavelength of the input light beam.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead is provided that is readily manufactured using a minimal number of parts, has a reduced size and improved reliability during implantation and extraction. The lead includes a modular electrode head assembly that is joined to a lead body at a butt joint. The butt joint is stabilized in at least four possible ways: insulation tubing that spans the joint is bonded to the electrode head assembly; two cabled conductors extending the length of the lead body are coupled to the electrode head assembly; an electrode head alignment peg interlocks with and is bonded to the lead body; and a coil electrode is positioned across the butt joint on the outer diameter of the assembly and the lead body. The lead size is minimized by using a compact retraction stop mechanism, a low-friction, press-fit drive shaft seal, and a small diameter coiled conductor insulated by a thin-walled insulating tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the wavelength of an input light beam whereby the input light beam is split into two light beams which are directed through two paths of different optical length. The light beams are interfered with each other in order to form a fringe pattern at an observation plane, which fringe pattern is detected and analyzed to thereby determine the wavelength of the input light beam.

Abstract: A single channel M×N optic switch is provided in accordance with the present invention to steer light radiating from any one fiber in an input bundle into any selected fiber in an output bundle. Precision beam-steering optics is implemented using a Risley prism pair controlled by a small computer. In order to efficiently couple light between two single-mode optical fibers a low-aberration lens approximately collimates the light from the source fiber before it is passed through the Risley prisms in order to minimize the aberrations introduced by the prisms as they collectively deflect the beam through some precise angle. A second low-aberration objective lens is used to refocus the light at the core of a selected output fiber. The focusing lens transforms the angular deflection of the beam into a change in the position of the focused spot in the focal plane of the lens.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead is provided that is readily manufactured using a minimal number of parts, has a reduced size and improved reliability during implantation and extraction. The lead includes a modular electrode head assembly that is joined to a lead body at a butt joint. The butt joint is stabilized in at least four possible ways: insulation tubing that spans the joint is bonded to the electrode head assembly; two cabled conductors extending the length of the lead body are coupled to the electrode head assembly; an electrode head alignment peg interlocks with and is bonded to the lead body; and a coil electrode is positioned across the butt joint on the outer diameter of the assembly and the lead body. The lead size is minimized by using a compact retraction stop mechanism, a low-friction, press-fit drive shaft seal, and a small diameter coiled conductor insulated by a thin-walled insulating tube.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead that includes a lead body having a lead body lumen, an electrode head assembly fixedly engaged with the lead body and having an electrode head assembly lumen communicating with the lead body lumen, and a conductor extending within the lead body lumen and the electrode head assembly lumen. An insulating member extends through the electrode head assembly lumen and the lead body lumen to electrically isolate the conductor.

Abstract: A single channel M×N optic switch is provided in accordance with the present invention to steer light radiating from any one fiber in an input bundle into any selected fiber in an output bundle. Precision beam-steering optics is implemented using a Risley prism pair controlled by a small computer. In order to efficiently couple light between two single-mode optical fibers a low-aberration lens approximately collimates the light from the source fiber before it is passed through the Risley prisms in order to minimize the aberrations introduced by the prisms as they collectively deflect the beam through some precise angle. A second low-aberration objective lens is used to refocus the light at the core of a selected output fiber. The focusing lens transforms the angular deflection of the beam into a change in the position of the focused spot in the focal plane of the lens.

Abstract: A method for calculating the temperature of a catalyst in a catalytic converter. The method includes the steps of determining a first catalyst temperature; determining a stabilized catalyst temperature; and using the first catalyst temperature, the stabilized catalyst temperature and an update fraction to calculate an updated catalyst temperature.

Abstract: Electro-optical device characterized by having been formed into an individual unit with an integral optical element, and method to form the device. An optical element, for instance a length of cylindrical microlens, is aligned with a diode strip having a plurality of diodes, for instance laser diodes, and attached to the lens. Subsequent to this attachment, the composite structure consisting of the diode strip having attached to it the lens is sectioned into individual diodes, each of which has a integral lens attached thereto.

Abstract: A read/write arm for use in an optical memory system. The read/write arm of the present invention has reflective surfaces for directing an optical beam from the arm rotation axis on to an optical disk. The arm features a lightweight lens mounted at one end of the arm for focusing a light beam onto an optical disk. The focal distance of the light beam may be adjusted using piezoelectric actuators mounted on the read/write arm for precisely deflecting the arm. The light beam may be further adjusted through use of a relay lens interposed between a collimating lens and the object lens. This arrangement is advantageously optimized through the use of feedback loops.

Abstract: Laser diode/cylindrical microlens assembly including a crossed-pair of passively aligned cylindrical microlenses attached to a substrate on which is mounted a laser diode chip. The microlenses are mounted in an "aplanatic" configuration with their flat surfaces facing the emitting facet of the diode, which arrangement provides for passive alignment and possible automated mounting, but requires no additional lenses for astigmatism correction. The crossed pair of lenses can collimate or focus the laser diode beam, for example focusing into a single mode fiber.

Abstract: An implantable cardioversion/defibrillation lead having an elongated insulative lead body carrying a tip electrode located at its distal end and a cardioversion/defibrillation electrode located on the lead body, proximal to the tip electrode. An elongated conductor coupled to the tip electrode extends proximally within the lead body. At the proximal end of the lead body is a first connector assembly carrying a first connector and a second connector assembly carrying a second connector. An elongated, stranded or cabled conductor is coupled to the cardioversion/defibrillation electrode and to the second connector and extends uninterrupted therebetween. A cylindrical transition member is coupled to the first connector by means of a coiled conductor. A press-fit sleeve having a longitudinal lumen extending therethrough compresses the stranded or conductor between the press-fit sleeve and the transition member to provide electrical interconnection between the stranded or cabled conductor and the transition member.

Abstract: Multiple element laser diode assembly incorporating a cylindrical microlens and at least one of an astigmatism correcting element and a collimating element. The use of a single purpose cylindrical microlens, for instance for circularizing a beam of laser light output from said diode, in operative combination with at least one additional optical element for correcting astigmatism and for collimating the beam enables the passive mounting of the several optical elements of the assembly without an active alignment step. The cylindrical microlens may incorporate as single powered surface, as may the astigmatism correction element. Alternatively, the astigmatism correction element may comprise a tilted optical plate. The collimating lens may be a spherical lens.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing cylindrical microlenses having exceptional optical properties, and the lenses manufactured according to the process. According to the present invention, a method is provided for fabricating cylindrical microlenses, the method comprising the steps of forming a glass preform by means of grinding at least one face thereof in the direction transverse to longitudinal axis of the lens, the preform having the shape of a cylindrical lens, and drawing the glass preform to reduce its cross-sectional dimensions while retaining its cross-sectional shape, thereby providing a cylindrical microlens with a high numerical aperture or other desirable characteristics. The drawing step may be facilitated by means of the application of heat to the preform. Further, the preform may be roughly formed to a shape intermediate to its finished form by casting, sintering, extruding, or other glass forming methodology.

Abstract: Laser diode/cylindrical microlens assembly including a crossed-pair of passively aligned cylindrical microlenses attached to a substrate on which is mounted a laser diode chip. The microlenses are mounted in an "aplanatic" configuration with their flat surfaces facing the emitting facet of the diode, which arrangement provides for passive alignment and possible automated mounting, but requires no additional lenses for astigmatism correction. The crossed pair of lenses can collimate or focus the laser diode beam, for example focusing into a single mode fiber.

Abstract: A helmet-mounted wireless frequency-modulated infrared beam-actuated auxiliary brakelight system capable of reliable operation in all ranges of ambient light while permitting the rider to turn his head from side to side over a large angle approaching 180 degrees or more. The system comprises a frequency-modulated infrared transmitter, in operative combination with a switch for detecting brake system actuation, and a helmet module, including a frequency-modulated infrared receiver and decoder in operative combination with a stop light. Brake system initiation results in switch actuation which causes the transmitter to emit a beam of frequency-modulated infrared energy towards the helmet module. When the beam is received at the helmet module, it is captured using a lens in operative combination with a novel lightpipe which ensures reception over a 180 degree angle.