Abstract: Second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) polyene-based chromophores sterically stabilized with a dioxine ring and NLO chromophores containing bithiophene derivatives, and devices incorporating the same, are disclosed. An exemplary preferred chromophore includes an aminophenyl electron donor group and a dioxine-containing bridge structure. Another exemplary preferred chromophore includes a ring-locked bridge structure with a dioxine unit and a bithiophene unit. Another exemplary preferred chromophore includes a bridge structure with a bithiophene unit and an isophorone-derived cyclohexene unit.

Abstract: At least one walking member is detachably connectable to an in-line skate to enable the wearer of the in-line skate to connect the walking member to the in-line skate, thus enabling the wearer to walk while wearing the in-line skate. Two walking members can be provided on alternative sides of the in-line skate wheels to provide a more stable platform for the wearer of the in-line skate. Since the two walking members are removable, the walking members do not detract from the aerodynamic and functional performance of the in-line skate, and can be manufactured together with the skate or, alternatively, can be added to the skate after purchase.

Abstract: An apparatus including an elongate body having a lumen extending therethrough and a steering wire, having a distal portion defining a non-circular cross-section, associated with the distal portion of the elongate body.

Abstract: An electrode support structure comprises a guide body having at its distal end a flexible spline leg. The spline leg is flexed to define an arcuate shape to facilitate intimate contact against tissue. An electrode element is carried by the spline leg for movement along its axis. The structure includes a control element coupled to the electrode element. The control element remotely imparts force to move the electrode element along the axis of the spline leg. Therefore, in use, the physician can cause the electrode element to travel along a path that the spline leg defines, without otherwise changing the location of the guide body.

Abstract: A probe that facilitates the creation of circumferential lesions in body tissue. The probe includes a elongate body and a loop structure, in the form of a helical structure or other loop structure, that supports electrodes or other operative elements against the body tissue.

Abstract: A coil electrode for use in an electrophysiology probe includes a first material having a relatively high radiopacity and a second material having a relatively high resiliency. This combination provides the necessary levels of durability, resiliency and radiopacity. An electrophysiological probe includes a support structure, at least one first electrode defining a first radiopacity supported on the support structure and at least one second electrode defining a second radiopacity supported on the support structure, the second radiopacity being greater than the first radiopacity. When viewed under a fluoroscope, the pattern of electrodes of varying radiopacities allows the physician to distinguish between individual electrodes.

Abstract: A probe that may be used to create circumferential lesions in body tissue and, in some implementations, may also be used to perform mapping functions. The probe includes a collapsible/expandable structure that supports electrodes or other operative elements against the body tissue.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner that generates an output air stream to agitate dirt and other debris on the surface being cleaned.

Abstract: An image processing method and system for converting two-dimensional images into realistic reproductions, or recreations of three-dimensional images are embodied in a variety of interactive image processing tools that allow a user to apply any number or combination of image pixel repositioning depth contouring effects, algorithms or the like to create three-dimensional images with smooth realistic appearing surface contours.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods form larger and deeper lesion patterns by shaping a support body with multiple electrodes in ways that increase the density of the electrodes per given tissue area. The support body can carry either elongated, continuous electrodes or arrays of non-contiguous, segmented electrodes.

Abstract: A method of batch fabrication of ultraminiature fiber optic pressure transducers including the steps of: providing a first substrate with a first sacrificial layer formed thereover; forming a plurality of light reflective diaphragm structures on the first sacrificial layer; forming a plurality of fiber stopper structures on the light reflective diaphragm structures; forming a plurality of fiber alignment cavity structures on the fiber stopper structures, the light reflective diaphragm structures, fiber stopper structures and fiber alignment cavity structures providing a plurality of fiber alignment assemblies; providing a second substrate with a second sacrificial layer formed thereover; forming a plurality of ferrule structures over the second sacrificial layer; inputting a plurality of fibers into the ferrule structures and sealing each of the ferrule structures to the fiber inserted therein, the ferrule structures and the fibers providing a plurality of fiber-ferrule assemblies; etching the second sacrific

Abstract: A center support including a steering member and a mounting member integral with the steering member. The center support may be mounted on an internal support member within a catheter without the use of a ferrule.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods place a temperature sensing element in an “edge regions” between an energy transmitting electrode and a non-electrically conducting support body, where higher temperatures are likely to exist. Reliable temperature sensing, which is sensitive to variations in temperatures along the electrode, results.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the power supplied to an electrosurgical probe. The systems and methods may be used to monitor electrode-tissue contact, adjust power in response to a loss of contact, and apply power in such a manner that charring, coagulum formation and tissue popping are less likely to occur.

Abstract: A handle apparatus includes a handle body, a trolley member that may be secured to a steering wire, and a steering member operably connected to the trolley member. Rotation of the trolley member is prevented and rotation of the steering member axially repositions the trolley member and steering wire.

Abstract: A housing includes upper and lower holders in which a number of compact discs are stored. An arm is provided so that the proximal end may turn around a vertical shaft in the housing, and the distal end of the arm holds one of the compact discs in the upper holder. The arm turns sideward through an opening of the housing, and lowers along the vertical shaft to transfer the compact disc to a tray which is drawn from a printer. The compact disc is printed in the printer, held by the end of the arm again and transferred to the lower holder in the housing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the power supplied to an electrosurgical probe. The systems and methods may be used to monitor electrode-tissue contact, adjust power in response to a loss of contact, and apply power in such a manner that charring, coagulum formation and tissue popping are less likely to occur.

Abstract: A method and processing system for determining a soft decision metric for each input symbol, including and/or performing the steps of: computing trellis branch metrics based on a received sample sequence; updating initial state metrics from time (n−1) with a Viterbi algorithm (VA); constraining M trellises differently at time n such that only state transitions caused by an input value associated with a particular trellis are allowed; executing the VA on the M constrained trellises for a finite number (Nd) steps; and computing likelihood ratios by taking a difference of a maximum state metric at time (n+Nd) for each trellis with a maximum state metric of a reference trellis.