Abstract: An alignment apparatus for aligning components of an optical assembly include a chuck configured to support the optical assembly thereon, and an adjustable flexure assembly disposed around the chuck. The adjustable flexure assembly includes a plurality of flexures. The plurality of flexures are positioned relative to the chuck such that each of the plurality of flexures contact the optical assembly when the optical assembly is positioned on the chuck.

Abstract: A tennis net anchoring device and method securely anchors a tennis net center strap to a recessed anchor post on a tennis court surface. The anchoring device comprises a longitudinal, double-sided, unitary body supporting a net-retention member and a ground-retention member. A top portion of the unitary body includes two arcuate T-shaped, net-retention members that retain the tennis net through grommet holes in the net. The net-retention members extend downwardly from the upper end of the middle portion to define an arcuate net-support surface. A lower portion of the unitary body includes two off-set, J-shaped ground-retention members, opposite the net-retention members. The ground-retention members have a ground-retention surface that forms an anchor post insertion channel. The insertion channel enables insertion of an anchor post recessed beneath the court surface. The ground-retention members have free ground ends that enable maneuvering of the anchor post within the anchor post insertion channel.

Abstract: A tennis net anchoring device and method securely anchors a tennis net center strap to a recessed anchor post on a tennis court surface. The anchoring device comprises a longitudinal, double-sided, unitary body supporting a net-retention member and a ground-retention member. A top portion of the unitary body includes two arcuate T-shaped, net-retention members that retain the tennis net through grommet holes in the net. The net-retention members extend downwardly from the upper end of the middle portion to define an arcuate net-support surface. A lower portion of the unitary body includes two off-set, J-shaped ground-retention members, opposite the net-retention members. The ground-retention members have a ground-retention surface that forms an anchor post insertion channel. The insertion channel enables insertion of an anchor post recessed beneath the court surface. The ground-retention members have free ground ends that enable maneuvering of the anchor post within the anchor post insertion channel.

Abstract: A soft tissue fixation device for use in ACL or CrCL reconstruction has a base member provided with a passageway extending perpendicularly from its top surface through its bottom surface. The passageway is sized to allow soft tissue to be inserted through the passageway. The fixation device also includes an affixing member attachable to the base member. The base member has a notched section in the top surface extending from the passageway to a first perimeter section of the base member sized to accommodate at least a portion of the graft. Either surgical grade tissue glue or at least one perpendicularly extending spike is used to secure the base member to the bone. The base member is also provided with a sleeve whose interior wall surfaces form a part of the passageway and is sized to be inserted into the bone opening. The affixing member is provided with a series of teeth members extending downward from its lower surface.

Abstract: A soft tissue fixation device for use in ACL or CrCL reconstruction has a base member provided with a passageway extending perpendicularly from its top surface through its bottom surface. The passageway is sized to allow soft tissue to be inserted through the passageway. The fixation device also includes an affixing member attachable to the base member. The base member has a notched section in the top surface extending from the passageway to a first perimeter section of the base member sized to accommodate at least a portion of the graft. Either surgical grade tissue glue or at least one perpendicularly extending spike is used to secure the base member to the bone. The base member is also provided with a sleeve whose interior wall surfaces form a part of the passageway and is sized to be inserted into the bone opening. The affixing member is provided with a series of teeth members extending downward from its lower surface.

Abstract: A soft tissue fixation device for use in ACL or CrCL, reconstruction has a base member provided with a passageway extending perpendicularly from its top surface through its bottom surface. The passageway is sized to allow soft tissue to be inserted through the passageway. The fixation device also includes an affixing member attachable to the base member. The base member has a notched section in the top surface extending from the passageway to a first perimeter section of the base member sized to accommodate at least a portion of the graft. Either surgical grade tissue glue or at least one perpendicularly extending spike is used to secure the base member to the bone. The base member is also provided with a sleeve whose interior wall surfaces form a part of the passageway and is sized to be inserted into the bone opening. The affixing member is provided with a series of teeth members extending downward from its lower surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for using biological material to discriminate an agent. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the steps of providing at least one cell, exposing at least one cell to an agent, measuring the response of the cell to the agent in terms of a physical quantity related to at least one of the cellular physiological activities of the cell, and identifying the agent from the measured response. The method further includes the step of quantifying the agent from the measured response.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for monitoring the status of a cell that consumes oxygen. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the steps of confining the cell in a sensing volume, measuring dynamically intracellular or extracellular signaling of the cell, and determining the status of the cell from the measured intracellular or extracellular signaling of the cell.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for monitoring the status of a cell that consumes oxygen. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the steps of confining the cell in a sensing volume, measuring dynamically intracellular or extracellular signaling of the cell, and determining the status of the cell from the measured intracellular or extracellular signaling of the cell.

Abstract: A soft tissue fixation device for use in ACL or CrCL, reconstruction has a base member provided with a passageway extending perpendicularly from its top surface through its bottom surface. The passageway is sized to allow soft tissue to be inserted through the passageway. The fixation device also includes an affixing member attachable to the base member. The base member has a notched section in the top surface extending from the passageway to a first perimeter section of the base member sized to accommodate at least a portion of the graft. Either surgical grade tissue glue or at least one perpendicularly extending spike is used to secure the base member to the bone. The base member is also provided with a sleeve whose interior wall surfaces form a part of the passageway and is sized to be inserted into the bone opening. The affixing member is provided with a series of teeth members extending downward from its lower surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for using biological material to discriminate an agent. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the steps of providing at least one cell, exposing at least one cell to an agent, measuring the response of the cell to the agent in terms of a physical quantity related to at least one of the cellular physiological activities of the cell, and identifying the agent from the measured response. The method further includes the step of quantifying the agent from the measured response.