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: A laser connector and electronic security system for a laser delivery system controls connection of the delivery system to a source of laser energy for medical procedures by storing encrypting codes to allow access by authorized, unused, delivery assemblies. The connector is specially dimensioned to further control delivery system access to the source, and the electronic security system utilizes EEPROM memory to allow storage and accumulation of information about the laser parameters used in the medical procedure. The connector and electronic security system is particularly suitable for pulsed laser transmyocardial revascularization (TMR) procedures and enables automatic power level calibration in accordance with the connected delivery system specifications, maximum time of usage settings, storage of the number/power level of the pulses delivered, and storage of the total number of TMR channels created.

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: A spiral catheter apparatus and method of use for access to, and laser or other treatment within, cavities and organs in the human body, the apparatus having a spiral member with a selected curvilinear shape, but flexible enough to assume a temporarily elongated shape such that the spiral member can be extended through the vasculature in the temporarily elongated shape and will assume the selected curvilinear shape when extended into a body cavity or organ, the spiral member formed of a superelastic or other material, the selected curvilinear shape serving to securely position the spiral member adjacent a selected surface within the body cavity or organ for laser or other treatment with a laser delivery device or other functional device on a selected surface, the apparatus further having a main catheter shaft with at least two hollow lumens extending therethrough, the first lumen for slidably guiding the main catheter shaft over the spiral member into a first position adjacent the selected surface, and the se

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: A rotating all metal sealed fluid delivery system for supplying fluid to an apparatus, such as an electron beam source assembly, in an UHV environment includes a housing with fluid inlet and outlet ports therethrough, opposed fluid inlet and outlet lines, an inlet and outlet bellows within the housing, and a turntable mounted in an aperture in the housing for attachment to a rotatable spindle of the apparatus. A ultra high vacuum compression gasket forms an UHV seal between the spindle and the turntable. The bellows are attached at first ends to the inlet and outlet ports, and at opposite ends to the opposed inlet and outlet lines extending to the rotatable apparatus, through the spindle and the turntable into the housing. The bellows are coiled within the housing and separated by a non-abrasive plate. Following attachment to the ports and lines, the entire length of each bellows remains within a single plane during rotation along the same axis as the axis of rotation of the apparatus.

Abstract: An electron energy analyzer uses identical sectors, typically though not necessarily ninety degree segments of a toroid, disposed in complementary relationship with an aperture therebetween to provide a mapping of the image at the entrance plane to the exit plane while permitting the desired energy analysis to be performed.

Abstract: An apparatus for sampling and registering fluids in pipelines utilizes a single probe to monitor fluid flow characteristics using sensors and attached gauges while simultaneously collecting fluid samples for laboratory analysis. A hollow probe defining fluid flow openings and a sample opening extends into the pipeline, and a pneumatically driven sampling assembly is slidingly engaged within the probe to carry the fluid sample through a fluid channel to a sample collection device. The fluid flow openings carry fluid through separate channels having sensors to gauges to simultaneous monitor the fluid flow rate and/or temperature. A variety of monitoring devices may be attached to the sampling apparatus, including on-line analyzers, thermocouple devices, pressure transmitters, and virtually any computerized monitoring device.

Abstract: A rigid, molded unitary palm guard, with shock absorption and dissipation properties protects the palm and the wrist of the wearer when incorporated into the palm area of a glove for roller skating, in-line skating, skateboarding, snakeboarding and the like. The guard is generally rectangular in shape with rounded comers and edges and defines an arched palm portion and a wrist portion. The arch of the palm portion forms a space between the palm of the hand and the guard, and in conjunction with the width of the palm portion, enables impact protection for the side of the palm of the hand as well as for the central area of the palm and the wrist. The outermost edge of the palm portion defines a first thickness, the apex of the arch defines a second and greater thickness, and the outermost edge of the wrist portion defines a third thickness. The guard cups the palm area thereby enabling the arched palm portion to be impacted in the event of a fall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the conversion of a standard push button telephone keypad into a data entry terminal permitting full alphanumeric DTMF entry through a telephone system to a file server for delivery to a service provider computer. The alphabetical letters are prearranged to enable single or adjacent keypairs to be defined for each alphabetical letter. DTMF signals are generated by the keypairs and are transmitted to conventional voice tone recognition apparatus and storage facilities of the central computer for later or simultaneous delivery to a service provider computer such as a facsimile machine, an E-mail system, a paging system, and/or any data base connected to a telephone line.

Abstract: A chip storage and insertion guide includes a generally rectangular plastic housing with a top wall, side walls and end walls. The end walls define guide posts for insertion into matching apertures in a printed circuit board. The side walls are configured so that the pins of a new chip are bent inwardly slightly as the chip is gently forced into the rectangular guide until it is flush against the inside of the top wall. A handle portion of a pivoted arm mechanism extends transversely across the top wall at each end of the housing. Pivot arms at each end of the handle extend down the side walls and are attached thereto with pegs pivotally engaged in notches formed in the side walls. When the two arm mechanisms are pivoted outwardly, a shoulder portion of each arm moves upwardly to align a camming surface with the lower edge of the side walls thereby enabling the chip to be inserted in the socket of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A universal lock is provided for attachment to a conventional quick release mechanism of a bicycle, a bicycle carrier, or a bicycle seat post. The lock includes a conventional key operated plug lock mounted within a lock adaptor which in turn is rotatably mounted upon a lever housing. The lever housing includes an aperture for attachment of the conventional lever bore at the end of the shaft of the quick release mechanism. A camming mechanism with stop points is used to control rotation of the lock adaptor on the lever housing. In the locked position, the lever housing blocks movement of the lever arm. In the unlocked position, the lever housing may be rotated to enable operation of the lever.