Abstract: A sourceless orientation sensor having an azimuthal sensor which determines the azimuthal orientation relative to a planetary magnetic field, and a tilt sensor which determines the direction and magnitude of the displacement from vertical using the planetary gravitational field. The tilt sensor includes a transparent gas and a transparent viscous fluid in a spherical shell, a light emitting diode (LED) mounted at the top of the shell, and four photodetectors mounted at the bottom of the shell. As the tilt sensor is rotated the path of the light cone emanating from the LED and refracting at the gas/fluid interface is altered, thereby altering the intensity of light incident on the photodetectors. The magnitude of the light incident on the photodetectors is processed to provide the tilt angles. A thin transparent disk floats at the gas/fluid interface to damp surface waves caused by reorientation of the device.

Abstract: A backflow preventor which permits adjustment of the outflow direction is provided. A conduit provides fluid communication between the two valves of the backflow preventor. The conduit can be separated, e.g., by cutting along a groove, leaving annular flat regions. The annular flats are configured to engage with a coupler to provide leak-free connection between the separated portions of the conduit. The separated portions of the conduit can be rotated to adjust the outflow direction. Preferably, an infinite number of outflow directions are possible, all of which lie in a plane parallel to the inflow direction.

Abstract: A solid-state ophthalmic surgical laser operating in the near and mid-infrared region (approximately 0.8 and 2.94 .mu.m) comprises a YAG laser including a trivalent erbium activator (Er:YAG) which is pumped by a semiconductor laser diode array. Either the pump wavelength (0.8 .mu.m) or the wavelength from the Er:YAG (2.94 .mu.m) can be alternately selected by the user for performing photocoagulation or photoablative surgical procedures on or within the eye. A single crystal sapphire fiberoptic delivery system transmits either wavelength to the surgical site.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming wire bundles from a plurality of wire or cable is provided. A plurality of wires are withdrawn from a rack and simultaneously measured by a linear counter. The wires are cut at various positions to provide a bundle having beginning and ending points for the bundle as desired. A driven pulling spool is used to guide the bundle along a desired path. The pulling rope is preferably attached to the bundle by an inflatable bladder. Rollers for guiding the cable include flared end flanges with diameters equal to the shaft diameter of the roller.

Abstract: A standard and bracket support system is provided. The standard portion includes an elongated standard having opposed front and back walls. One or more brackets are coupled to the standard. An engagement member for engaging a shelf or other supportive item is coupled to the bracket. The shelf-engagement member includes a slot which receives a portion of a bracket. The shelf-engagement member is coupled to a shelf or other supported item. In one embodiment, engagement is by screwing, nailing or adhering a flat portion of the shelf-engagement member to the portion of the shelf, preferably a rear edge or bottom surface of a shelf. In another embodiment, the shelf-engagement member is an elongated member with a channel for receiving an edge of a shelf or other supported item.