Abstract: A needle-free connector for accessing a patient's intravenous line includes a hollow body having a first end with a first opening, a second end with a second opening, and an inner wall defining a chamber. A hollow piston disposed in the chamber is axially collapsible to allow fluid to flow between the inner wall of the hollow body and the outer surface of the hollow piston. An inner surface of the hollow piston includes a fluted section having a radial array of axial slots. The fluted section has a first radial thickness configured to buckle in response to axial force applied to the hollow piston. The hollow piston further includes a retrograde-reducing stiffener. The retrograde-reducing stiffener has a second radial thickness that is greater than the first radial thickness.

Abstract: A needle-free connector for accessing a patient’s intravenous line includes a hollow body having a first end with a first opening, a second end with a second opening, and an inner wall defining a chamber. A hollow piston disposed in the chamber is axially collapsible to allow fluid to flow between the inner wall of the hollow body and the outer surface of the hollow piston. An inner surface of the hollow piston includes a fluted section having a radial array of axial slots. The fluted section has a first radial thickness configured to buckle in response to axial force applied to the hollow piston. The hollow piston further includes a retrograde-reducing stiffener. The retrograde-reducing stiffener has a second radial thickness that is greater than the first radial thickness.

Abstract: A method and apparatus may be used to determine the wavelength of an input optical signal. The wavelength of an input optical signal may be determined by dividing the input optical signal into a plurality of individual optical signals and inducing the individual optical signals to interfere with each other to form a plurality of output optical signals, such that the powers of the output optical signals have a ripple dependence on the wavelength of the input optical signal. The peak amplitude of each of the powers depends monotonically on the wavelength of the input optical signal over a range of wavelengths to be monitored for said input optical signal. A plurality of electrical output signals may be produced from the output optical signals, each electrical output signal corresponding to the power of each output optical signal. The electrical output signals may then be compared to a predetermined set of signal values in order to determine the wavelength of the input optical signal.

Abstract: A planar waveguide monitor is shown for determining the wavelength and power of component optical signals of a multiplexed optical signal. The monitor includes an optical waveguide router similar to a Dragone router with at least twice as many output waveguides as the number of component optical signals. An array of optical detectors is disposed to detect output optical signals from the output waveguides. The optical detectors produce a plurality of electrical output signals corresponding to the power of each detected output optical signal. The monitor includes a programmable computer to compare the electrical output signals to a predetermined set of output responses. The power and wavelength of each component optical signal of the multiplexed optical signal may be determined from this comparison.

Abstract: A 3.times.3 optical guiding arrangement is disclosed for providing both power splitting between a pair of output guides in the 3.times.3 guide structure and polarization splitting (into the TE and TM modes) between the central guide and the pair of outer guides. In accordance with the present invention, the mutual coupling length L and separation distance d between adjacent guides are chosen to provide the desired polarization splitting and total intensity (power) in the outer guides. For example, an input signal of intensity I comprising both the TE and TM modes may be launched in the center guide and with correct choices for L and d, will result in output signals of I.sub.TM /2 each of the outer pair of guides and I.sub.TE from the central guide.