Abstract: A wavelength reference device for tuning a tunable Fabry-Perot filter and/or a tunable VCSEL to a desired frequency, where the device uses a modified Michelson interferometer to generate a series of reference frequencies

Abstract: A device is disclosed for introducing a flexible elongated element through at least two portions of a subject. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a proximal end and a distal end, and an advancement unit for longitudinally advancing the flexible elongated element toward the distal end of the device such that a proximal end of the elongated element may exit from the distal end of the device with sufficient force to pass through the subject. The device also includes a first curved die at the distal end of the device for imparting a looping configuration to portions of the flexible elongated element exiting the distal end of the device, and a second curved die at the distal end for receiving the looped flexible elongated element as it returns to the distal end of the device. In a further feature of the invention, a cutting mechanism is provided to permit the looped flexible elongated element to be separated from the remainder of the flexible elongated element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing mitral regurgitation. The apparatus is inserted into the coronary sinus of a patient in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, the apparatus being adapted to straighten the natural curvature of at least a portion of the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, whereby to move the posterior annulus anteriorly and thereby improve leaflet coaptation and reduce mitral regurgitation.

Abstract: This invention provides for a novel orthopedic prosthesis, specifically a prosthetic tibial component for a prosthetic total knee joint, that comprises two constructs, one being a metal base construct that engages the bone and the other being a polyethylene bearing construct that attaches to the metal base construct and articulates with a femoral prosthetic component on the opposing side of the joint. The metal base construct is composed of two different metals, one of which engages the bone surface and the other of which engages the polyethylene bearing construct. Each of these metals is selected so that its characteristics are well suited to its particular function. More particularly, the first metal (i.e., the one that engages the bone surface) is selected so as to provide a superior bone-engaging face, while the second metal (i.e., the one that engages the polyethylene bearing construct) is selected so as to provide a superior polyethylene-engaging face.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating microelectromechanically tunable vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers and microelectromechanically tunable Fabry-Perot filters with precise lateral and vertical dimensional control. Strained reflective dielectric film(s) are applied to a multiple quantum well structure to electronically band-gap-engineer the quantum wells. Appropriate strain in the reflective dielectric film layers is also used to create appropriate curvature in one of the reflective dielectric film stacks so as to form a confocal cavity between a planar reflective dielectric film layer and the curved reflective dielectric film layer in the vertical cavity surface emitting laser or filter.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in tuning a tunable optical device to a target wavelength, the apparatus comprising: a beam splitter for tapping a portion of the light emerging from the tunable optical device; a walk-off reflector for dividing the portion of the light emerging from the beam splitter into a plurality of beams; a multiple etalon for tailoring the light from at least two of the plurality of beams provided by the walk-off reflector; a multiple detector for detecting light from the multiple etalon and the walk-off reflector, the multiple detector providing a plurality of output signals; and a control unit for controlling the tunable optical device by providing a control signal to the tunable optical device according to the output signals provided by the multiple detector.

Abstract: In one form of the invention, there is provided a laser comprising a front mirror and a rear mirror which are disposed so as to establish a reflective cavity therebetween; a gain region disposed between the front mirror and the rear mirror, the gain region being constructed so that when it is appropriately stimulated by light from a pump laser, the gain region will emit light; one of the front mirror and the rear mirror is substantially fully reflective at the lasing wavelength and the other of the front mirror and rear mirror being partially reflective at the lasing wavelength so as to allow a beam of laser light to be emitted therefrom; and an intermediate mirror disposed between the rear mirror and the front mirror, at least a portion of the gain region being disposed between the rear mirror and the intermediate mirror, the rear mirror and the intermediate mirror being reflective at the pump wavelength and being spaced from one another so as to cause the pump light to be reflected between the rear mirror a

Abstract: A measuring gauge for measuring the relative position of two bones during surgery, the measuring gauge comprising an anchor, an adapter, an outrigger and a locking joint.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and method for the dialysis of blood. The improved apparatus comprises a subcutaneous port and catheter assembly comprising a connector portion comprising a subcutaneous port element, and a catheter portion comprising a catheter element. The improved apparatus also comprises a novel percutaneous catheter assembly comprising a catheter portion comprising a catheter element, and a connector portion comprising an extracorporeal connector element.

Abstract: A wavelength reference device for tuning a tunable Fabry-Perot filter and/or a tunable VCSEL to a desired frequency, where the device uses a Fizeau interferometer and a position sensitive detector, with the position sensitive detector being used to measure the location of the maximum reflected power from the interferometer, whereby to determine the wavelength of laser radiation for tuning the device.

Abstract: Novel light switches and attenuators are disclosed. In one form of the invention, a novel 2×2 crossbar switch is formed by positioning a movable reflector intermediate four fiberoptic lines. In another form of the invention, a 1×N switch is formed by providing a plurality of cantilevers each having a reflective surface thereon. In still another form of the invention, a novel light attenuator is formed by positioning a movable arm intermediate two fiberoptic elements.

Abstract: A prosthesis for the replacement of multiple diseased or traumatized spinal facets comprises a portion that replaces at least a bony portion of the facets to be replaced and where the prosthesis attaches to the vertebra in a manner that does not require attachment to, or abutment against, the lamina. Multiple configurations of the prosthesis provide for replacement of the two inferior facets, the two superior facets, a superior and inferior facet, or all four facets. A method of installing the prosthesis is provided that is comprised of the steps of resecting at least a portion of the facets that carry the diseased or traumatized spinal facets and attaching the prosthesis in a manner that does not require attachment or abutment against the lamina.

Abstract: A cannulated threaded bone tunnel dilator that accurately advances through bone and dilates a bone tunnel in a gentle, controlled manner, including a distal tapered, threaded tip and a body mounted on the distal end of a shaft. The proximal end of the shaft includes a drive attachment for rotating the dilator so as to threadingly advance the dilator. In use, a guidewire is driven into bone, and then the surgeon advances the dilator along the guidewire until the tip of the dilator engages the bone. The surgeon then rotates the dilator clockwise so as to threadingly advance the dilator through the bone until the dilator reaches a desired depth. After reaching the desired depth, the surgeon removes the dilator by rotating the dilator counterclockwise and retracting the dilator from the then-compacted bone tunnel. The peaks and troughs of the dilator's thread compact the bone so as to create the dilated bone tunnel.

Abstract: A method for fixing a bone block in a bone tunnel comprising the steps of placing the bone block in the bone tunnel, advancing spaced-apart first and second metal wires through the bone, transversely of the bone tunnel, so as to intersect the bone block and extend through the bone block, removing one of the wires and replacing the one removed wire with a first absorbable rod, and removing the other of the wires and replacing the other removed wire with a second absorbable rod, whereby to retain the bone block in the bone tunnel with the absorbable rods.

Abstract: A graft ligament anchor includes a tubular body having a bore therethrough and proximal and distal ends. A flange is attached to the tubular body at the proximal end thereof and extends radially outwardly beyond the tubular body. A deformable wall is disposed in the tubular body bore and defines, at least in part, a chamber for retaining the graft ligament therein. An expansion device is configured for insertion into the tubular body axially of the tubular body, and for impinging upon the deformable wall to press the deformable wall, and hence the graft ligament received in the chamber, toward a wall of the bore, whereby to fix the graft ligament in the tubular body.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for introducing a flexible elongated element through at least two portions of a subject. In an embodiment, the device includes a proximal end and a distal end, as well as an advancement unit for longitudinally advancing the flexible elongated element toward the distal end such that a proximal end of the elongated element may pass from the distal end of said device with sufficient force to pass through the portions of the subject. The device also includes a securing unit for variably adjusting a securing force applied by the flexible elongated element to secure together the portions of the subject.

Abstract: A compact wavelength monitoring and control assembly for a narrow band source is provided comprising a narrow bandpass, wavelength selective transmission filter element, of Fabry-Perot structure, through which two collimated beams from a laser source are directed onto two photodetectors. The differential output of the two photodetectors is used in a feedback loop to stabilize the source to the desired wavelength. Through the dependence of the wavelength transmission of the Fabry-Perot etalon on angle and physical parameters, a wavelength variation of the source is converted into a transmission loss, which is different for the detectors, so that the wavelength change is detected by changes in the signals output from the detectors. Through the controlled variation of the source wavelength in the vicinity of the transmission maximum of the etalon, the absolute frequency of the Fabry-Perot locking point may be confirmed by the variation of the ratio of the detector signals.

Abstract: A filament retaining washer for mounting about the shank of a bone screw deployed in a bone whereby to retain the filament to the bone, the filament retaining washer comprising a structure having a screw hole extending therethrough for receiving therein the shank of the bone screw deployed in the bone, whereby to secure the structure to the bone, the screw hole defining a first axis, and the structure having a filament hole extending therethrough for receiving a filament therein so as to retain the filament to the structure, the filament hole defining a second axis extending substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for orienting a light source with individual or bundled, single- or multi-mode optical fibers so that the light source projects an efficient projection and/or an optimal projection toward at least one optical fiber.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing bone cement in a vacuum includes a container for mixing first and second components of a bone cement in a vacuum, the container having a sealed body defining an interior space and a selected quantity of the first component disposed in the interior space. The container is provided with an injection port for admitting the second component into the interior space vacuum source. A mixing paddle is disposed in the interior space and connected to a handle therefor extending out of the container. A plurality of indirect pathways extend between the interior space and the exhaust port which permit gas to pass therethrough out of the interior space, but prevent the bone cement first and second components from passing therethrough.