Abstract: A device for use in laser surgical procedures for moving axially an optical fiber element that is connected at its proximal end to a source of laser energy. The distal end of the fiber elements with a cooperating piercing tip member has a tapered configuration so that it is capable of penetrating soft tissue of membrane such as the myocardium or epicardium of a human heart during the revascularization procedure. Various combinations of bundled optical fiber elements are disclosed which provide different tapered distal end designs that can be used in various surgical procedures.

Abstract: A method of selecting laser parameters for performing laser-assisted myocardial revascularization to avoid inducing undesired cardiac arrhythmia without synchronization of delivery of laser energy and the patient's cardiac cycle, the method comprising the steps of minimizing the power level of laser energy used, thereby decreasing the overall trauma to the heart, selecting a pulse frequency as great as possible while avoiding adverse summation effects, selecting a pulse width as wide as possible to prevent excessively high peak powers per pulse and not so wide as to cause undesired thermal damage, selecting an energy flux rate, shaping the front end of each pulse of laser energy to provide efficient, non-explosive TMR channeling, and correcting the selected power level, pulse width, pulse frequency and energy flux rate for mechanical events, including method of access to the heart, position of selected portions of myocardium in the heart, temporal duration of the procedure, natural movement of the heart, spec

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for performing a transmyocardial revascularization procedure is disclosed which utilizes two laser power sources. A first laser source provides a coagulating or blanching effect on tissue and a second laser source capable of tissue ablation are supplied to a combined optical fiber bundle comprising a plurality of fibers which can be moved axially or rotatively by the operating physician. As the distal end of the fiber bundle is moved forward, bursts of laser energy therefrom may be programmed to first penetrate the epicardium with minimal bleeding and thereafter provide channels or pockets in the myocardium for causing or stimulating angiogenesis.

Abstract: A transmyocardial revascularization (TMR) enhanced treatment for coronary artery disease and other medical procedures utilizing a source of laser energy and a laser delivery means attached thereto, the treatment or other medical procedure being one in which the coronary artery is temporarily occluded during a surgical procedure, the enhanced treatment comprising the steps of positioning the laser delivery means adjacent the distal anatomy of the heart muscle, delivering laser energy to the distal anatomy of the heart muscle through the laser delivery means to create at least one TMR channel communicating oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to myocardium of the distal anatomy of the heart muscle, such that during treatment or other medical procedure in which the coronary artery is temporarily occluded, the distal anatomy of the heart is essentially continuously supplied with oxygenated blood, and performing the treatment or other medical procedure in which the coronary artery is temporarily occluded durin

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a laser myocardial revascularization of a human heart comprises a hand-held device with an elongated flexible lasing assembly including an axially movable fiber bundle which can be placed into the chest cavity of a patient. At the distal head end of the device laser energy from the distal end of the fiber bundle is initially reduced to form a relatively small opening in the epicardium of the heart. The fiber bundle is moved through the opening so that lasing with full laser power takes place beneath the epicardium to form a larger channel through the myocardium that extends into the left ventricular cavity. After the channel has been formed, the optical fiber bundle is retracted from the channel and back through the small epicardium opening so as to minimize operative bleeding and allow sealing of the epicardium after the apparatus is removed.

Abstract: Improved methods and devices related to laser-assisted transmyocardial revascularization (TMR), and more particularly, to improved methods and devices for creating branched TMR channels through myocardium in which a single opening is made in an epicardial surface with a plurality of channel branches, having predetermined geometries extending into and through myocardium, depending therefrom. A method of creating branched TMR channels comprises piercing an epicardial surface mechanically or with laser energy, directing laser energy through the opening in a first predetermined angular orientation with respect to the epicardial surface to create a first channel and delivering laser energy in a second predetermined angular orientation to create a second branch. A plurality of branches can thus be created in a single channel structure.

Abstract: A shaped catheter for accessing and treating preselected surfaces of cavities and organs within the human body, the apparatus including a tubular, shaped outer sheath with at least one guide hole and a tubular, flexible inner sleeve with a distal opening disposed adjacent the distal end, the inner sleeve slidably disposed within the outer sheath such that the distal opening of the inner sleeve can be operatively positioned adjacent the at least one of the guide holes and a laser delivery device or other functional device can be extended through the distal opening of the inner sleeve and through the guide hole on the outer sheath into the body cavity or organ. Providing a plurality of guide holes on the outer sheath will allow sequential treatment of the preselected surface within the body cavity or organ. Multiple TMR channels can be created or treatment at a number of sites can be made without moving or otherwise repositioning the outer sheath. The invention is also a method of use of such apparatus.

Abstract: The method for combined mechanical/laser myocardial revascularization of a human heart includes: inserting a mechanical piercing device and an elongated flexible lasing apparatus into the chest cavity of a patient; mechanically piercing, micro-tearing or spreading the epicardium of the heart; and then lasing from beneath the epicardium through the myocardium.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatuses related to laser-assisted transmyocardial revascularization, and more particularly, to improved methods and apparatuses for precisely positioning a fiber-optic or other waveguide adjacent the area or areas to be lased, including at positions adjacent the posterior epicardial and endocardial surfaces of the heart and at trans-septal positions within the chambers of the heart, thereby making possible the creation of channels in myocardial tissue at precisely the positions in the heart where ischemia or infarction or other have rendered such treatment desirable or necessary. These methods and apparatuses can be adapted for use in surgical applications throughout the human body or in animals for transmitting laser energy precisely, at predetermined positions and to predetermined depths.

Abstract: A balloon end contact scope device for performing laser-assisted transmyocardial revascularization (TMR) or other surgical and catheter procedures, the device particularly adapted for delivery of laser energy via a laser delivery means and configured to reach inside a body cavity or organ chamber at a point not directly accessible, either visually or otherwise, such as in a lateral or posterior position, the device having a hollow outer lumen, a balloon scope portion with an internal guide tube extending through the balloon portion for directing a laser delivery means or other surgical or catheter device through the visualization balloon toward the area being visualized. The balloon scope portion may have a plurality of guide holes extending therethrough. On the essentially transparent contact viewing surface a friction surface may be applied to facilitate precise positioning and treatment therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a device for precision aim control of a gun barrel muzzle of a turreted gun system for improved projectile accuracy of fired projectiles. Improved projectile accuracy is defined as minimizing the distance between a projectile's point of impact and the point of aim thereof. The invention includes an actuator assembly mounted to a flexible gun barrel that act in combination with elevation and azimuth actuators located in the gun's turret. The device also includes a muzzle sensory feedback subsystem for continuous sensing of the gun muzzle's i) displacement, ii) azimuth and iii) elevation angles as the gun is fired. The barrel mounted actuator assembly along with the muzzle sensory feedback subsystem significantly improves the muzzle's aim performance.

Abstract: The invention herein provides a method and apparatus for fabricating optical fiber vibration modal filtering sensors. Such filtering sensors are used in vibration control of engineered structures, especially flexible structures. In particular, the optical fiber sensor is made by a functionally weighted exposure of an optical fiber to ultra-violet (UV) laser source thereby modifying the refractive index of the optical fiber core resulting in a vibrational modal filtering sensor using a single mode interferometric detection scheme. The apparatus for making the same uses a multiple reel stepper motor mechanism, a process controller and a UV laser source.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for increasing the seed yield of leguminous plants in general and soybeans in particular by a foliar-applied fertilization method at an R5 seed growth stage for soy bean plants and the pod growth stage in other leguminous plants. The method requires spraying the leguminous plants with a methanol solution that is up to 50% of a water based solution; then subsequently or concurrently applying a urea based nitrogen fertilizer at 25-50 pounds/acre. Other leguminous plants which the method used therewith includes peanuts, peas and beans.

Abstract: The invention herein pertains to a process for improvement of stored fresh market fruits such as peaches, plums and nectarines by retarding mealiness, dryness and internal breakdown. Peaches in particular are routinely stored at 0.degree. C. to prevent softening. Unfortunately, "chilling injury" occurs in peaches, plums and nectarines stored by this conventional technique which can result in insurance claims, litigation and general consumer dissatisfaction. The invention comprises five steps for the transshipment thereof that results in enhanced fruit quality. This process is particularly suitable for imported fruits from overseas where transshipment by boat is required. The process can also be used to improve the quality of domestic fruits held for late-season "market window" sales.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating particles from liquids is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a generally cylindrical swirl chamber with a generally axially symmetric shape, and a porous filter element positioned coaxially inside the swirl chamber. The porous filter is preferably composed of a plurality of porous tubes. The liquid to be treated is forced into the swirl chamber through tangential injection slits extending along most of the height of the chamber, which generate a vortex flow inside the swirl chamber and around the porous filter element. Particle-free liquid permeates across the porous filter, flows along its interior, and is collected at a filtrate outlet port. The remaining liquid, now having a higher particle concentration, flows out of the apparatus and can be separately collected, or recirculated back to the apparatus for further separation. The swirling flow retards particle motion toward the filter element thus minimizing buildup of a cake of particles on the porous filter medium.

Abstract: The present invention uses an efficient data compression/decompression scheme using a passive data storage media such as a card-based approach for storage of medical data information. The invention operates on existing personal computer hardware in a medical center or doctors' offices, doing away with expensive investments in specialized technologies of central processing hardware. The invention is very economical to implement, at a cost of less than a dollar per card generated for a patient's use. With the advent of inexpensive desktop computing, a number of inventions have been offered to improve medical information storage and retrieval. They include the development of portable medical card technologies such as SmartCards and optical cards which are capable of storing medical information and can be carried by the patient. This card based system provides a methodology for storage and retrieval of medical information from a passive credit-card sized instrument.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to scanning electron microscope devices with an improved design that allows for lower magnification capabilities without signal degradation. In particular, the design improvement is in the aperture carrier for the electron detector/differential pumping system therein. Advantages of this improvement include shorter working distances of a specimen under examination to obtain the same magnification for prior art type ESEM apparatus, lower magnification capabilities of an ESEM apparatus, better signal/noise ratio of the specimen and higher chamber pressures in which the specimen can be examined. Other features of the invention herein includes use of a variable displacement mount for holding the sample using a piston design which allows for variable detector positioning with respect to the specimen.

Abstract: A mounting and fastening device for electronic printed circuit boards (PCBs) in a rack of an electronic enclosure. In particular, the assembly uses an elongated clamping assembly with or without a torque limiting clutching device that may form part of the torque tightening component of the device. The fastening assembly expands transversely to fasten the PCB and maintains a proper thermal conductive path between enclosure and PCB. The expandable clamping feature of the invention has several embodiments.

Abstract: The invention is a method and intended apparatus for filtering water in aquaria, fish-rearing tanks, hatchery or other aquatic systems using amphipods, e.g. the Hyalella azteca, in the filtering matrix of the managed water system. In particular, the use of amphipods in the filtration system results in maintenance-free operation due to the action and self-sustaining nature of amphipods in these aquatic systems.

Abstract: The invention is a method for the treatment and decolorization of waste water incident to the manufacturing of cosmetic products that contains dyestuffs, fatty organic chemicals and other organic chemicals. The method requires a strong base which is added to the waste water at a suitably high temperature to cause flocculation of fatty substances. Then an strong colorless oxidizer is added to reduce the hydrophilic character of the remaining organic chemicals and cause partial decolorization. The resulting waste water is in a state that can then be decolorized with powdered activated carbon. Finally, the powdered activated carbon is separated from the waste water. The decolorized waste water is discharged in compliance with acceptable water quality standards for plant effluents.