Abstract: A catheter apparatus is disclosed for controlling the interaction of a fiber coupled treatment laser with biological tissues, where the fiber tip is anchored into the catheter apparatus to keep the fiber tip from direct contact with the biological tissue. The catheter apparatus prevents fiber tip contamination by the biological tissue. The catheter may incorporate temperature sensitive elements for tissue temperature monitoring and control.

Abstract: A device for measuring optical power simultaneously for two or more spectral regions. Two or more photodetectors, such as photodiodes, measure the pulse energy and/or power emitted by a laser having output in two or more spectral regions. The laser radiation is transmitted through a diffuser or beamsplitter, then filtered and/or attenuated so that light from each respective spectral region is incident on the active region of a photodiode. The device also includes electronic circuitry with one or more operational amplifiers for each photodiode, integrators and analog-to-digital converters. In a preferred embodiment, the device also includes a microprocessor to provide noise reduction and calibration functions for each photodiode output, and to drive a display or readout.

Abstract: A draw bar replacement strap and method for temporarily coupling and moving a disabled railroad car without actuating the drawbar. The strap comprises an elongated, multi-section, multi-ply body extending between a terminal two ply eye through which the strap may be looped and a remote tail. The strap is integrally formed from an elongated, single ply that is appropriately looped and folded. A ratchet system is attached to the strap for tightening. An auxiliary pad is provided for preventing abrasion of the strap when deployed, and for restraining the strap when stored. A multiple ply section forms the eye and extends from the eye to an end journalled to the ratchet. An elongated, double ply body section extends between the ratchet journal and the tail. Through the multi-ply multi-segment structure the tow strength of the cable is vastly improved. In the method the strap is coupled around the towing drawbar, and the tail and ratchet are drawn through the eye.