Abstract: Phototherapeutic instruments are disclosed having integral stopper devices which limit the penetration of an optical fiber during tissue penetrating phototherapy. In one preferred embodiment, a fluted outer sheath is disposed about an internal optical fiber. The fluted sheath is configured to expand during penetration of the optical fiber into a patient's tissue. As the fluted elements expand, the present a much larger cross-sectional area which resists further penetration of the instrument beyond a predetermined desirable distance. The invention is useful in limiting an optically-transmissive fiber's penetration and, thereby, reduce the possibility of perforation of a body lumen or organ. The invention is particularly useful in placing a ablative laser radiation device into the ventricle of the heart when performing arrhythmia-correcting laser ablative procedures or when revascularizing the heart percutaneously.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for sterilization of endoscopic instrument lumens. Diffuse ultraviolet radiation is employed to sterilize the inner surfaces of the instrument lumen. The ultraviolet radiation can be delivered via one or more optical fibers having a light-diffusing assembly coupled thereto. The instrument operates by delivering cytotoxic radiation to the inner lumen surface to sterilize any biological agents which may be present within the instrument lumen.

Abstract: Anti-reflective coatings and methods for forming these anti-reflective coatings are disclosed that have a polymer chemistry and optical characteristics suitable for suppressing the light that reflects off a circuit substrate during a photolithographic process. These anti-reflective coatings include a phenolic polymer material and an epoxide-containing polymer material that can be combined in a select proportion to form a thermally curable polymeric anti-reflective coating. The select proportions of the combined materials tailors the optical characteristic of the anti-reflective coating to attenuate energy about a select range of wavelengths.

Abstract: A device for regulating the temperature in a room (4) for keeping objects comprises a thermo-electric cooling element (7) connected by one first end (8) thereof to said room through a first heat conducting element, means (16) connected to the thermo-electric cooling element and adapted to cause an electric current to flow through said cooling element, and a second heat conducting element connected to the opposite, second end (10) of the cooling element and adapted to be in contact with a medium (30) for exchange of heat therewith controlled by the electric current through said thermo-electric cooling element. One of the two heat conducting elements is flexible over at least a part (13) of the extension thereof.

Abstract: Methods and systems for beamforming are disclosed that include a signal processor that can dynamically determine the relative time delays between a plurality of frequency-dependent signals. The signal processor can adaptively generate a beam signal by aligning the plural frequency-dependent signals according to the relative time delays between the signals. The signal processor can store one frequency-dependent signal as a reference signal and can align the remaining frequency-dependent signals relative to this reference signal. One advantage of the signal processor is that it can align the plural frequency-dependent signals generated by an array of microphones that can be arranged in a linear, two dimensional or three dimensional array and located in a room environment.

Abstract: An anesthesia circuit stand is able to support an anesthesia circuit fitting, when not attached to a patient or to a patient airway securement device in such a manner that anesthesia vapor and nitrous oxide is prevented from escaping into the environment of an operating room. The stand includes a base portion to which is connected a stalk element. The stalk can be substantially in the form of a cone having a proximal end with a greater diameter than a distal end. Alternatively, the stalk can be in the shape of a generally cylindrical rod. A distal end of the stalk includes a plug portion which has a diameter sufficient to engage the inner diameter of an outlet orifice of an anesthesia circuit elbow in a frictional fit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for suturing in physically confined and visually restricted areas are disclosed. Suturing instruments are described that serve to deliver suture material through biological tissue by extending and retracting the distal portion of the instrument through the tissue. Suture needles are described that include structure for piercing through biological tissue to a position on the opposite side of the anastomotic site structure for delivering suture material through the tissue. In this way, a stitch is formed as the suture needle retracts. In one embodiment, the suture needle includes a notch located on the needle surface which can receive a loop of suture material. Upon passing the suture needle through the tissue, the suture material can be seated within the notch so that the suture material is drawn through the tissue as the needle is retracted. The needle can include a coupling mechanism that mounts the needle for pivoting action in response to a linear actuating motion of a rod.

Abstract: Materials and methods for photoreactive suturing of biological tissue are disclosed. The suture material includes a structure adapted for positioning at an anastomotic site and has at least a portion of the structure formed by a photoreactive crosslinking agent, such that upon irradiation of the structure the crosslinking agent adheres to the biological material. In one embodiment, the suture material can also include a high tensile strength element which is coated with a laser activatable crosslinking agent or glue. The suture methods can be practiced manually, or with various apparatus, such as endoscopes, catheters or hand-held instruments.

Abstract: A fire safety coating, particularly intended for application to hydrocarbon-conducting steel pipes (1) in the splash zone underneath oil plants at sea, consists of at least three layers, where the outer layer (5) is a mechanical protecting layer of rubber or plastic material, the next inside layer (4) is a flame-stopping layer comprising inorganic fibers and a rubber material, and an inside layer (3) is a rubber material which reacts particularly at a high temperature to liberate gases which both prevent inward penetration of oxygen and cause a transformation of the rubber material in the flame-stopping layer (4) to form a hard shell.

Abstract: Methods and systems for endoscopic suturing of biological tissue are disclosed. Endoscopic instruments are described which serve to position a suture material at an anastomotic site and deliver laser radiation to the suture material to effect fusion. The suture material includes a structure adapted for positioning at an anastomotic site and has at least a portion of the structure formed by a photoreactive crosslinking agent, such that upon irradiation of the structure the crosslinking agent adheres to the biological material. In one embodiment, the suture material can also include a high tensile strength element which is coated with a laser activatable crosslinking agent or glue. Upon activation, the suture material creates a desired closure or joinder of the biological material and is left in place while the endoscope is advanced to another target site or removed.