Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Scott R. Miller
  • Patent number: 6741628
    Abstract: The present invention is a micro-cavity laser and methods related thereto. In the preferred embodiments, the micro-cavity laser comprises a laser pump signal in a fiber waveguide which is optically coupled to a micro-cavity resonator through a fiber taper. The micro-resonator includes a gain medium necessary for lasing action. The lasing frequency can be determined based upon the gain medium, the micro-cavity structure, as well as frequency selective elements such as gratings incorporated into the micro-cavity. The tapered fiber waveguide permits the micro-cavity laser to operate without a break in the fiber waveguide. In the preferred embodiments, the micro-cavity resonator is constructed from a doped silica or a semiconductor material. The present invention provides a compact laser with improved emissions and coupling efficiencies. Alternative configurations include multiple micro-cavities on a single fiber waveguide and/or utilizing multiple waveguides attached to one or more micro-cavity resonators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignees: California Institute of Technology, cQuint Communications Corporation
    Inventors: Oskar Painter, Ming Cai, Kerry J. Vahala, Peter C. Sercel
  • Patent number: 6633696
    Abstract: An optical wave power control device and method enables signal control, such as modulation and switching, to be effected within an uninterrupted propagation element, e.g. an optical fiber or planar waveguide. The propagation element is configured such that a portion of its wave guided power encompasses the exterior surface of the element, intercepting the periphery of an adjacent high Q volumetric resonator. Power of a chosen resonant wavelength is coupled into the resonator, where it circulates with very low loss in accordance with the principles of a whispering gallery mode device, and returns energy to the propagation element. By introducing loss within the resonator, the propagated power can be varied between substantially full and substantially zero amplitudes. Loss factors can be maintained such that the resonator is overcoupled, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Kerry J Vahala, Amnon Yariv
  • Patent number: 6213971
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for performing a liposuction procedure by means of a power-assisted liposuction device. The apparatus comprises a hand-holdable handle assembly (enclosing a gas driven reciprocating piston rod), a detachable cannula, an aspirator pump attached to the hand-holdable handle assembly and a foot pedal assembly that includes a vibrator element for regulating the supply of gas to the hand-holdable handle assembly. The hand-holdable handle assembly generally consists of a barrel, a hollow piston rod which reciprocates relative to the barrel, a seal body, an end cap (having a internal aspirated chamber), an atmospheric access return gallery, and a return spring chamber. Detachably coupled to the hand-holdable handle assembly by means of a quick disconnect is a hollow cannula, the distal end of which contains an aspiration aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: James Poole
  • Patent number: 4787885
    Abstract: A seton constructed of a hydrogel material is surgically implanted beneath a limbus-based scleral flap and extending into the anterior chamber of the eye in order to alleviate excessive intraocular pressure. Once implanted, the seton permits migration of aqueous to the area beneath the conjunctiva, thereby reducing the intraocular pressure. The material from which the seton is constructed as a material which is biocompatible with the tissue in the eye such as, for example, a hydrogel material having a water content ranging from approximately 30% to approximately 79%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Inventor: Perry S. Binder
  • Patent number: D463387
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Inventor: Peter J. Le Cheminant
  • Patent number: D478415
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Skechers U.S.A., Inc. II
    Inventor: Penny Masullo