Abstract: An encoder system includes a disc coupled to a hub, the disc including a sensible member. The encoder system also includes a sensor operable to cooperate with the sensible member to sense an operating parameter of the disc, and a base assembly movable relative to the hub. A portion of the sensor is coupled for co-movement with the base assembly and movable between a first position in which the portion of the sensor is a first axial distance from the disc and a second position in which the portion of the sensor is a second axial distance from the disc, the second axial distance falling within a desired operating range.

Abstract: An encoder system includes a disc coupled to a hub, the disc including a sensible member. The encoder system also includes a sensor operable to cooperate with the sensible member to sense an operating parameter of the disc, and a base assembly movable relative to the hub. A portion of the sensor is coupled for co-movement with the base assembly and movable between a first position in which the portion of the sensor is a first axial distance from the disc and a second position in which the portion of the sensor is a second axial distance from the disc, the second axial distance falling within a desired operating range.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for the treatment of a medical condition, such as mucositis in patients who are undergoing cancer treatment. The apparatus has several embodiments. In each embodiment, an array of optoelectronic devices, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), is used to provide a uniform emission of monochromatic light while producing a minimal amount of heat. The LEDs may be cooled in several ways. The treatments are typically of a very short duration. In several embodiments, selected portions of the patient are treated using a hand-held or stationary lamp. In other embodiments, the entire gastrointestinal tract may be treated simultaneously.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for the treatment of a medical condition, such as mucositis in patients who are undergoing cancer treatment. The apparatus has several embodiments. In each embodiment, an array of optoelectronic devices, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), is used to provide a uniform emission of monochromatic light while producing a minimal amount of heat. The LEDs may be cooled in several ways. The treatments are typically of a very short duration. In several embodiments, selected portions of the patient are treated using a hand-held or stationary lamp. In other embodiments, the entire gastrointestinal tract may be treated simultaneously.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in photodynamic therapy (PDT) is provided having a substantially cylindrical support to which is attached a removable, multi-sided head. Each side of the head has an array of light-emitting diodes that provide monochromatic light to activate a photosensitive dye. The apparatus may be used in invasive surgery to treat brain tumors and the like. The apparatus may be used for topical treatments by providing a removable reflector over the light-emitting head. The temperature of the head is controlled, and the head is cooled by circulating cooling fluid through the head. The use of the cooling fluid allows the LEDs to be driven beyond their rated capacity. The catheter may also include an expandable light diffuser that is affixed over the light-emitting head and that is filled with a diffuser fluid such as a lipid solution. The apparatus may also be used to provide radiant energy to plants or to patients in non-PDT applications.

Abstract: A low cost LED array is formed from a plurality of modular units that are snapped together. Each modular unit consists of one or more U-shaped lead frame substrates which are overmolded with a thermoplastic insulator material. The lead frame substrates act as heat dissipators. The LEDs are then bonded onto the upper surfaces of the lead frame substrates. A reflector unit is separately molded and has one cone-shaped reflector for each light emitting diode. The reflector unit is aligned and affixed to the top of the lead frame unit such that the LED is disposed in the center of each cone. Each of the reflector units has several dovetail-shaped connectors which enable the completed module to be connected to adjacent modules to form the array. The modules are then electrically connected together in series or in parallel according to the particular application. The arrays may be used for plant growth or in photodynamic therapy.

Abstract: The monolithic hybrid LED array includes a metal heat sink substrate, a ceramic layer on the substrate, and a plurality of series-connected epitaxially-formed LEDs connected by interconnects such as conductive ink strips. The array preferably includes three to six sets of series-connected LEDs that are tightly packed on the substrate. The LEDs are housed in a modular housing having a power regulating circuit and an override feature for overriding the regulator to produce the maximum LED output for brief periods of time. The regulator may continuously vary the light intensity output from the equivalent of 0 to 2000 micromols per second per meter squared.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for irradiation of plants using optoelectronic devices. In accordance with this invention, optoelectronic devices that emit radiant energy at the appropriate wavelength are operated in a continuous mode or pulsed asymmetrically at a frequency and level of electrical power that results in sufficient irradiance to support plant growth and development. The apparatus consists of: (1) an array of optoelectronic devices, primarily light emitting diodes, for producing irradiance in each of three different wavelength regions necessary for specific plant photobiological reactions, (2) a pulse generator and associated electric power driving components, and (3) an electric direct current (D.C.) power supply.