Abstract: The present invention is a phase-imaging technique by digital holography that eliminates the problem of 2&pgr;-ambiguity. The technique is based on a combination of two or more digital holograms generated using multiple wavelengths. For a two-wavelength experiment, the phase maps of two digital holograms of different wavelengths are subtracted which yields another phase map whose effective wavelength is inversely proportional to the difference of wavelengths. Using two holograms made with a 633 nm HeNe laser and a 532 nm doubled YAG laser an image was obtained that is a 3D reconstruction of a reflective surface with axial resolution of ˜10 nm over a range of −5 um, without any phase discontinuity over this range. The method can be extended to three wavelengths or more in order to reduce the effect of phase noise further.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of associating visual symbols with verbal expression including the steps of preselecting a language having both verbal and written expressions, establishing an array of sounds employed in the verbal expression of the language, assembling an array of symbols correlating to the first array of sounds according to the language, associating a mechanical physiologic cue with each sound in the array of sounds, and animating the array of symbols according to the mechanical physiologic cues.

Abstract: An infectious disease or disorder in a fluid, such as a mammalian blood sample, is detected by taking a transmission spectrum of a test sample in at least a portion of the ultraviolet visible near-infrared and comparing the spectrum with a standard sample spectrum. From the comparison it is then determined whether the fluid from the test sample contains an infectious disease or disorder, and an identity of the infectious disease or disorder is determined. Spectroscopic and multiwavelength turbidimetry techniques provide a rapid, inexpensive, and convenient means for diagnosis. The comparison and determination steps may be performed visually or by spectral deconvolution.

Abstract: A device for manipulating a molecule in vivo relative to a target tissue includes at least one elongated member having at least two discrete and separately activatable electrodes separated by an insulating material interposed therebetween. The electrodes are configured to establish at least one of a first electromagnetic field between selected electrodes sufficient to manipulate a molecule relative to a target tissue and a second, typically higher-level, electromagnetic field sufficient to cause transient permeability of a cell membrane within the target tissue. A third electromagnetic field may also be applied to cause further translation of the molecule into an electropermeabilized cell and/or manipulated with respect to the tissue. Thus three-dimensional manipulation of the molecule relative to the target tissue may be effected to optimize a desired positioning thereof, such as entry into a cell.

Abstract: An excimer or molecular fluorine laser system includes a discharge chamber filled with a gas mixture, multiple electrodes within the discharge chamber and connected to the discharge circuit for energizing the gas mixture, a resonant cavity including the discharge chamber for generating a laser beam, and an intracavity homogenizer for homogenizing an intensity profile of the laser beam generated in the resonator. The intracavity homogenizer may include each of a first bi-prism and a second bi-prism disposed at opposite ends of the resonant cavity and having the discharge chamber disposed therebetween. In this case, optical axes of the first bi-prism and the second bi-prism are each at least substantially parallel to the optical axis of the laser beam.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a colony replicator transfer disk, a first side having a colony collecting substrate and a second side having a mechanism to attach the transfer disk to a stamping base. A substantially fluid impervious layer exists between the side and the second side of the transfer disk.

Abstract: A portable mass spectrometer for underwater use includes a watertight case having an inlet and means for transforming an analyte gas molecule from a solution phase into a gas phase positioned within the case. Means for directing a fluid to the transforming means from the inlet and means for analyzing the gas-phase analyte molecule to determine an identity thereof are also positioned within the case.

Abstract: A portable mass spectrometer for underwater use includes a watertight case having an inlet and means for transforming an analyte gas molecule from a solution phase into a gas phase positioned within the case. Means for directing a fluid to the transforming means from the inlet and means for analyzing the gas-phase analyte molecule to determine an identity thereof are also positioned within the case.

Abstract: The electroporation system and method combine pulses having different characteristics for delivering molecules to cells in vivo. The pulses include a high-intensity pulse for inducing electroporation and a low-intensity pulse to induce electrophoretic molecule movement within an interstitial space, molecule adherence to a cell membrane, and electrophoretic movement of the molecule through the permeabilized membrane. The use of a high-intensity and a low-intensity pulse achieves improved delivery; reduction of intensity and/or duration of pulses for inducing electroporation; and decreased muscle stimulation, tissue damage, and patient discomfort.

Abstract: The present invention is a heat-exchanging apparatus that also serves as a handler-transporter of media-containing vessels. The heat-exchanging apparatus is composed of a flexible, holow tube that is generally in the shape of a coil, which allows for the flow of liquid therein. There is an insulated gripping means for covering the handle of the flexible, hollow tube's first end and second end to prevent contact with hot or cold temperatures when the present invention is handled or transported. In addition, the flexible, hollow tube is connected to two flexible, heat-insulated tubes. The flexible, heat-insulating tubes are connected to a fluid dispenser and a reservoir to provide a channel for in-coming fluid and out-going fluid. Also, to allow for secure and safe handling/transporting of media-containing vessel, the first and second ends of the flexible, hollow tubes are held together by a locking means.

Abstract: An optical filter includes an input optical fiber bundle and an output fiber bundle. Each of the bundles has one end having the fiber ends substantially two-dimensionally arrayed and another end substantially linearly arrayed. Each input fiber is configured to receive a portion of a two-dimensional input image at the two-dimensional end and transmit the image portion to the one-dimensional end. A spectrally dispersive element receives the image portions from the input fiber bundle and outputs a predetermined spectral component to the output optical fiber bundle at the one-dimensional end, transmitting the image portion to the two-dimensional end. The output fiber bundle two-dimensional ends are arrayed in corresponding fashion to the first ends of the input fibers for spatially reconstructing the input image.

Abstract: A power distribution cabinet for containing electrical components and associated circuitry includes a panel adapted to provide an interface for the distribution of power from a high voltage source to low voltage applications. The panel includes several outlet receptacle housings, wherein the housings are each L-shaped and disposed contiguously in a vertical series on the front of the cabinet each at a 45-degree angle. Collateral damage to the power distribution center can be minimized wherein a damaged single housing can be replaced without disturbing the remaining housings or outlet receptacles, thereby maintaining the operability of the power distribution center. The housings each comprise several weep slots disposed at the hydraulically lowest point of each of the housings so that condensation that forms on an inner surface of the housing is collected and drained through the weep slots thereby preventing any moisture damage to the interior circuitry and electrical components.

Abstract: A sensor communication system comprising an array of sensors adapted to transmit sensor data in extensible markup language (XML) format to be received by a data server, the data server communicating the sensor data to a data store and the data store further communicating the sensor data to a data reporting device.