Abstract: A cell analysis and sorting apparatus is capable of monitoring over time the behavior of each cell in a large population of cells. The cell analysis and sorting apparatus contains individually addressable cell locations. Each location is capable of capturing and holding a single cell, and selectively releasing that cell from that particular location. In one aspect of the invention, the cells are captured and held in wells, and released using vapor bubbles as a means of cell actuation. In another aspect of the invention, the cells are captured, held and released using electric field traps.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for phototherapy are described in which laser light or other radiation is projected from within a catheter, through a balloon member, and toward the surface of tissue. The light reflected from body fluids or the tissue surface is captured by a collecting device located within the catheter, e.g., within the balloon member, and the intensity of the reflected light is ascertained. The apparatus and method provides for accurately positioning the apparatus against the tissue treatment site.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for forming annular lesions in tissue. The methods include introduction of an optical apparatus proximate to a tissue site, via, for example, a catheter. The optical apparatus includes a pattern-forming optical waveguide in communication with a light transmitting optical fiber. Energy is transmitted through the optical fiber, such that radiation is propagated through the optical fiber and the waveguide projects an annular light pattern, e.g., a circle or a halo.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for non-invasive measurement of blood velocity in otherwise inaccessible body regions, and for correlating such measurements with externally applied pressure to detect and/or assess diseases or physiological abnormalities. The blood velocity measurements can be based on the Doppler shift that occurs when an ultrasonic wave is scattered by moving particles within the blood. Since blood vessels have elastic walls, the geometry of the walls, and therefore the flow dynamics, will change in response to elevated in vivo pressure. The change in resistance to blood flow resulting from these pressure induced changes to the blood vessel wall geometry can provide a measure of intracranial pressure, ophthalmic pressure or various other body conditions that affect blood perfusion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for forming annular lesions in tissue. The methods include introduction of an optical apparatus proximate to a tissue site, via, for example, a catheter. The optical apparatus includes a pattern-forming optical wave guide in communication with a light transmitting optical fiber. Energy is transmitted through the optical fiber, such that radiation is propagated through the optical fiber and the wave guide projects an annular light pattern, e.g., a circle or a halo.

Abstract: Variable anti-siphon devices are disclosed for use in cerebrospinal fluid shunt systems. Such devices can include a housing with an internal chamber, an adjustable barrier separating the chamber into two cavities, and a diaphragm that seats itself against the adjustable barrier with a seating force that is proportional to the pressure differential across it. The adjustable barrier advantageously allows the level of anti-siphon protection to be modified. In one embodiment, the height of the adjustable barrier may be varied. In another embodiment, the barrier is moved longitudinally within the internal chamber to vary the volume of each chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of reducing skin wrinkles, including applying an acoustic pulse or train of pulses to a subsurface region of human skin without damaging or adversely affecting the surface or epidermis layer of the skin. The pulses cause changes in the dermis layer of the skin that result in enhanced smoothness of the epidermis layer of the skin. In particular, the acoustic pulses are applied to the dermis layer at an amplitude and for a period of time sufficient to induce production of new connective tissue that reduces or eliminate of skin wrinkles.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell includes at least a first and a second, generally planar, membrane-supporting frame each having a plurality of through-holes. Each is sealed to a plurality of annular coupling members located between the frames and generally aligned with a respective through-hole of each frame to thereby define a plurality of sealed conduits through the frames. Each coupling member is attached in a sealed relationship to the first frame by a number of bolts passing through oversized holes in the first frame so as to be capable of movement parallel to the plane of the first frame during assembly of the cell and is sealed to the second frame at a cylindrical interface which provides sealing at a range of distances between the first and second frames. This construction reduces the manufacturing tolerances required for the cell components.

Abstract: The invention features improvements in PRK procedures that relate to preventing non-uniform removal of material from the corneal surface. It has been realized that photoablation by-products resulting during the PRK procedure can affect the accuracy and the predictability of the procedure. Under certain conditions, the plume of photoablation by-products that have left the corneal surface can non-uniformly redeposit onto the ablation area and thus affect the uniformity of subsequent material removal. The plume of photoablation by-products, in the space above the corneal surface, can also non-uniformly affect the escape of further photoablation products from the surface. In addition to the plume effects, it has been realized that the hydration level of the corneal tissue during the PRK procedure can vary over the ablation area and likewise non-uniformly affect the PRK procedure.

Abstract: Wrapping apparatus for wrapping an object such as an agricultural bale with stretched film has a powered stretch film dispenser mounted to a swing arm disposed above a bale support; the swing arm is connected to a drive unit by which the arm is swung causing the dispenser to execute continuous circular motion about a bale on the bale support, the latter being operable to spin the bale slowly about an axis in the plane of motion of the dispenser. The dispenser derives power for positively dispensing wrapping film from the arm drive unit by way of a mechanical drive transmission. In use, turns of film are wrapped in overlapping, angularly displaced fashion about the bale and the rate at which film is dispensed always bears a fixed relationship to the speed of the drive unit, the angular speed of the swing arm and the rate at which turns are wrapped around the bale.

Abstract: An electrolyte cell includes a membrane (114) supporting frame (104) which having an aperture (180) having a stepped sidewall, including a peripheral sealing ledge (182) in which is set a seal (184), a membrane (114) whose periphery is urged against the seal (114) by a subframe (202) mounted in the aperture (180), the sub-frame (202) being provided with vertically extending stand-offs (218) at each corner so as to define a cavity partially bounded by the frame (104) and sub-frame (202) at the top of bottom of the aperture (180), the top and bottom edges of the sub-frame (202) being provided with a plurality of through-holes (216).