Abstract: A deposition composition includes a solvent comprising a hydrofluorothioether compound represented by the following general formula (I): Rf—S—Rh where Rf is a fluorinated or perfluorinated group having 2-9 carbon atoms and optionally includes one or more catenated heteroatoms or chlorine atoms, and Rh is a non-fluorinated hydrocarbon group having 1-3 carbon atoms. The deposition composition further includes a coating material that is soluble or dispersible in said solvent.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting at least one component of a light source are provided. The apparatus includes a shield for the component, with this shield having a plurality of locations that are substantially transparent to an emission wave length of the light source. The shield is positioned such that during use of the light source, one of the substantially transparent locations of the shield is disposed between the at least one component of the light source and an object that is to be irradiated. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for advancing the shield upon activation of the light source or an element thereof in order to be able to dispose a different one of the substantially transparent locations of the shield between the at least one component of the light source and an object that is to be irradiated.

Abstract: A lens shield system for shielding a laser source of a system used for collecting capillary blood or fluid from skin, the lens shield comprising a strap apparatus releasably emplaceable around a member of a living being, the member having skin thereon and blood therein, and a lens shield member connected to the strap and disposed for receiving and for transmission therethrough of a laser beam from the laser source directed at the skin. A removable lens shield for shielding a laser source of a collection system used for perforating skin and collecting blood or fluid therein or therebeneath, the collection system in a housing, the lens shield comprising a body sized and configured for removable emplacement in the housing of the collection system between the laser source and the skin, and a window in the body through which the laser beam is transmissible prior to contacting the skin. A method for collecting fluid from a living being has been invented which uses the devices mentioned above.

Abstract: A new laser perforator has been invented for perforating skin with a perforation to permit blood under a surface of the skin to flow out, the perforator in one embodiment having a laser light source for producing an output laser beam, and a mode distribution apparatus for intercepting the output laser beam to control distribution of laser energy of the output laser beam across the perforation of the skin. A laser perforator is disclosed for perforating skin with a perforation to permit blood under a surface of the skin to flow out, the perforator in one embodiment having a laser light source for producing an output laser beam having an energy level between about 0.1 to about 2.0 Joules, the perforation ranging in diameter between about 0.1 to about 2.0 millimeters, in depth between about 0.5 to about 4.0 millimeters, and ranging in width between about 0.05 to about 0.2 millimeters. A method is also disclosed for perforating skin for blood sampling.

Abstract: A laser perforator is disclosed for perforating skin with a perforation to permit blood under a surface of the skin to flow out, the perforator in one embodiment having a laser light source for producing an output laser beam, and a mode distribution means for intercepting the output laser beam to control distribution of laser energy of the output laser beam across the perforation of the skin. A laser perforator is disclosed for perforating skin with a perforation to permit blood under a surface of the skin to flow out, the perforator in one embodiment having a laser light source for producing an output laser beam having an energy level between about 0.1 to about 2.

Abstract: A method for making an optical fiber bundle which, in one aspect, includes bending each of a plurality of optical fibers to form a bend therein and then suspending the fibers over a suspension member; holding the fibers taut under tension; applying potting material to the fiber bends and curing it; and removing the fibers from the suspension member.

Abstract: Methods for making optical fiber sensor probes for measuring or monitoring parameters of fluids, including but not limited to measuring blood gas concentrations and pH either in a vessel in vitro or in a human artery. Such probes, in one aspect, have one or more optical fibers with one or more chambers with a chemical indicating materialtherein which changes in response to light transmitted therethrough. In one aspect such probes have a probe body including a plurality of fibers having a substantial portion of their surfaces covered with an opaque material to enhance light signal transmission therethrough. Such probes may also have a coating thereon of an anti-thrombogenic mnaterial.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for testing chemical concentrations of fluids (liquids, gases) and for sensors used in such tests; methods and apparatuses for calibrating sensors and, in particular, for calibrating optical fiber sensors, the apparatus in one aspect including a body member with a cavity having gas inlet(s) and outlet(s) and a microporous tube therein for holding a fluid into which an optical probe sensor is insertable.

Abstract: Method for making a probe with a plurality (one or more) of optical fiber sensors containing colorimetric chemical indicators in gaps in the fibers, the fibers bent to provide good light transmission qualities. Apparatus for making a probe with a plurality of such optical fiber sensors. A probe with a plurality of such optical fiber sensors. A vacuum chuck for holding the ends of such fibers.