Abstract: A power interface (14) connected to an ultra capacitor (16), a power source (18), and a load (20), with a controller (22) for managing the power interface (14), and monitoring the ultra capacitor (16), power source (18), and demands of the load (20) attached thereto. The power interface (12) selectively switches the circuit between the ultra capacitor (16) and the power source (18), and between the load (20) in response to the level of demand of the load (20) attached thereto such that the ultra capacitor (16) powers peak demand and the power source (18) powers steady demand.

Abstract: A power interface (14) connected to an ultra capacitor (16), a power source (18), and a load (20), with a controller (22) for managing the power interface (14), and monitoring the ultra capacitor (16), power source (18), and demands of the load (20) attached thereto. The power interface (12) selectively switches the circuit between the ultra capacitor (16) and the power source (18), and between the load (20) in response to the level of demand of the load (20) attached thereto such that the ultra capacitor (16) powers peak demand and the power source (18) powers steady demand.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the visual characteristics of a surface of a workpiece includes two separate light sources. The first source provides one or more focused beams of light which strike the workpiece at a first angle and are reflected therefrom. The second source provides one or more unfocused beams of light which strike the workpiece at a second angle, different from the first angle, and are reflected therefrom. All of the reflected beams converge onto a single photo detector. The beams are time multiplexed so that the photo detector only reads one beam at a time. The output of the photo detector is processed to provide surface quality measurements of the workpiece such as gloss, distinctness of image and orange peel.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating neonatal jaundice is in the form of a garment (10, 40) which has semiconductor light sources (14, 214, 314) affixed thereto for radiating toward the "inside" of the garment when the infant is dressed in the garment. A portable energy source such as batteries (318) or a fuel cell (360) powers the array of light sources. A method according to the invention vests the infant in the garment, and energizes the light sources by coupling a battery to the light sources, or fueling and starting the fuel cell. The therapy is continued for as long as desired or needed.

Abstract: Fatty tissue involved in a liposuction procedure is treated with microwave energy (also known as RF). In a particular embodiment of the invention, the microwave energy is applied by means of a catheter including a suction lumen, an electromagnetic transmission line, and an antenna coupled to the distal end of the transmission line. A microwave generator coupled to the distal end of the transmission line causes radiation from the antenna into the fatty tissue adjacent to the distal suction port of the suction lumen, which tissue is thereby heated and softened. The softened fatty tissue is more readily detached from the adjacent tissue than in the absence of heat, and less mechanical force is required for removal. In another embodiment of the invention, the transmission line is formed so that the electromagnetic field extends into the suction lumen, so that the fatty tissue being removed therethrough continues to be heated.

Abstract: A catheter includes at least two electrical conductors extending from the proximal to the distal ends. A semiconductor chip generator of electromagnetic radiation is located at the distal end and is energized by electrical power supplied by the electrical conductors. The chip may be a laser or include an oscillator for generating electromagnetic radiation at a selected frequency or frequencies. In one embodiment, two chip radiation generators are located distally, each connected to one of the conductors. A third conductor is connected in common to both chips, whereby they may be energized independently. An axial aperture may be provided for a guide wire. A balloon may surround the distal end of the catheter, and may be inflated by way of another axial aperture.