Abstract: An improved method and system for capturing and displaying a series of successive video images using at least first and second different exposure times, so that first video images captured using said first exposure time occur alternately in said series with second video images captured using said second exposure time. The method employs a digital computer and a software program for generating and storing digital data representative of said first and second video images, and utilizing that digital data to selectively display (a) side-by-side reproductions of said first and second images or (b) reproductions of only said first or said second video images or (c) composite images derived from the first and second video images digital data.

Abstract: A prosthetic tibial component for a prosthetic total knee joint includes two constructs, one being a metal base that engages a bone and the other being a polyethylene bearing that attaches to the metal base and articulates with a femoral prosthetic component on a opposing side of the joint. The metal base is composed of two metals, one of which engages the bone surface and the other of which engages the polyethylene bearing. Each of the metals is selected for its function. The first metal is selected to provide a superior bone-engaging face, while the second metal is selected to provide a superior polyethylene-engaging face. By combining the different material characteristics of two different metals there is formed a superior bone-engaging face and a superior polyethylene-engaging face.

Abstract: The invention is in the field of distributed Raman amplification for digital and analog transmission applications and other applications, e.g., instrumentation and imaging applications, including HFC-CATV applications. In particular, the invention uses a high power broadband source of amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) as the Raman pump source for improved system performance. The invention also includes methods for constructing such a high-power broadband Raman pump.

Abstract: A method and system for suppression of the optical carrier of an optically modulated digital signal, the method comprising the steps of: modulating the amplitude of an optical carrier with digital input data to generate an amplitude modulated optical signal; and modulating the frequency of the optical carrier of the resulting optical signal with the same digital input data. A fiber optic system comprising: an optical source adapted to produce an adiabatically chirped amplitude modulated optical signal; an optical fiber adapted to receive the optical signal; and an optical receiver; wherein the optical power of the signal launched into the fiber exceeds the stimulated Brillouin threshold of the transmission fiber for a single frequency, continuous wave signal.

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: A laser source for generating amplified and filtered optical output, comprising a VCSEL, a power optical amplifier, and a filter. A laser source for generating amplified and filtered optical output, comprising a first mirror and a second mirror forming a cavity, an optical amplifier disposed in the cavity, and filter means for filtering ASE generated and amplified by the optical amplifier. A system for generating amplified and filtered optical output, comprising an optical platform having electrical connections and a fiber optic connection, a VCSEL configured to generate seed light, an optical amplifier configured to receive and amplify seed light to generate power boosted ASE and a filter configured to reduce background noise from the power boosted ASE. A method of generating optical output having high optical power with high spectral fidelity, comprising generating seed light, amplifying seed light, and filtering the amplified optical output to reduce background noise.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suspended sleeping bag comprising upper and lower parts and fixing elements which are arranged on the foot and head ends thereof, thereby making it is possible to fix at two points which are distant with respect to each other and embodied in the form of a rope, strap, ribbon, a cut fabric strip or a strip of another tensile strength material. The lower part, in contrast to the upper part, absorbs tensile forces in a longitudinal direction and leads them to the fixing points along the lines which radially converge in the area of an assembly point or fixing point, respectively.

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: A method for demolding a body of frozen confection encased in a flexible disposable mold includes the steps of slicing the mold, applying heat to the mold sufficient to soften a surface portion of the body of confection to permit the mold to slip from the body, directing gas into the slit mold to open the mold and to separate the mold from the body, and applying suction to the mold to pull the mold free of the body. The invention further includes an assembly for effecting the method, the assembly including a slicer, a heater, a blower, and a suction device.

Abstract: An anatomical imaging system comprising a CT machine; and a transport mechanism mounted to the base of the CT machine, wherein the transport mechanism comprises a fine movement mechanism for moving the CT machine precisely, relative to the patient, during scanning.

Abstract: A device for snaring cord-like objects is provided. The device comprises a hollow shaft having a pointed distal end, a rod having a pair of wires attached to its distal end, the wires being spring biased away from one another, and activation means. The rod and wires are located in the lumen of the shaft in reciprocally movable relationship therewith. The activation means is attached to the proximal ends of the shaft and the rod so as to allow the controlled movement of the rod and wires relative to the shaft. One of the wire-like elements defines a hook-shaped configuration at its distal end. The device allows the wire-like elements to be selectively located within the distal end of the shaft or in a configuration wherein the wire-like elements extend outwardly from the distal end of the shaft in flaring relationship to one another.

Abstract: A graft ligament strand tensioner includes a frame member for slidingly retaining loops of sutures extending from graft ligament strands. The tensioner further includes a collar portion, and is provided with a handle having a core portion on which the collar portion is disposed for axial movement, and a grip portion. The tensioner still further includes a spherical member connected to the handle and having rounded surfaces facing the collar portion. The collar portion is tiltingly movable on the spherical member rounded surfaces when manipulation of the handle, to pull sutures on the frame member taut, causes the collar portion to engage the spherical member rounded surfaces. The sliding retention of the sutures and the tilting movement of the collar portion provide substantial equalization of tension in the sutures and thereby the graft ligament strands.

Abstract: A system for determining a dimension of an anatomical structure using an appropriate set of 2-D slice images obtained by scanning the anatomical structure, the system comprising: assembling apparatus for assembling the set of scanned 2-D slice images into a 3-D database; extracting apparatus for extracting an anatomical feature from the information contained in the 3-D database; specifying apparatus for specifying a measurement to be ade based on the extracted anatomical feature; and calculating apparatus for calculating the measurement so specified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for altering the tissue in and around an intervertebral disc through localized hypothermia therapy to restore function of the disc and reduce pain. Hypothermia therapy is defined as the reduction of tissue temperature to below that of the equilibrium temperature. Target therapeutic temperatures and times are varied according to the desired treatment effect. Intended effects of hypothermia of the intervertebral disc include cellular disruption leading to cell death and or structural and chemical denaturation within the anulus fibrosus, nucleus pulposus, or nerve fibers, temporary or permanent deadening of the nerves within or surrounding the disc, induction of a healing response, angiogenesis, or accelerated degeneration and/or drying of the nucleus pulposus and/or anulus fibrosus. Various effects can be achieved by reaching different temperatures for differing periods of time or by the proximity of the hypothermia therapy device to the treatment target.

Abstract: A realtime computer-based viewing system comprising a database of first software objects in registration with one another, wherein at least one of the first software objects corresponds to a physical structure which is to be viewed by the system and at least one of the first software objects corresponds to a graft which is to be deployed adjacent to the physical structure, an endoscope for acquiring data about the physical structure when the physical structure is located within the endoscope's data acquisition field, wherein the endoscope is capable of being moved about relative to the physical structure, generating apparatus for generating a second software object using data acquired by the endoscope, wherein the second software object corresponds to the physical structure currently being viewed by the endoscope, registration apparatus for positioning the second software object into the database in proper registration with the first software objects already contained in the database, and processing apparatus

Abstract: In a piston pump (1) having a differential piston (12) positioned in a cylindrical housing (11) and translationally drivable, a first pressure chamber (13) of the differential piston (12) is connectable to a second pressure chamber (14) via a check valve (16) inserted into a connecting line (15), and to a storage reservoir (2) via an inlet valve (23). The differential piston (12) is provided with a dipping piston (41) attached to a piston rod (31). In addition, a pass-through (32) of the piston rod (31) from the first pressure chamber (13) is closed fluid-tight by seals (34), and a transport line (22) is positioned laterally offset from or concentric to the piston rod (31) in the vicinity of the pass-through (32) of the latter.

Abstract: An inexpensive method of coating silicon shot with boron atoms comprises (1) immersing silicon shot in an aqueous solution comprising a boric acid and polyvinyl alcohol, and (2) heating the solution so as to evaporate water and form a polymerized polyvinyl alcohol coating containing boron on the shot. A precise amount of this coated shot may then be mixed with a measured quantity of intrinsic silicon pellets and the resulting mixture may then be melted to provide a boron-doped silicon melt for use in growing p-type silicon bodies that can be converted to substrates for photovoltaic solar cells.

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.