Abstract: A device for use within a woman's urethra for obstructing urine outflow when the pressure in the woman's abdomen is at or above a threshold pressure level (IAP1). The device also allows urine outflow when the intra-abdominal pressure is below the threshold pressure level (IAP1). The device includes a flexible tube that is configured to be inserted into a urethra, wherein the tube defines a lumen that has inlet and outlet openings. The tube is configured to receive, conduct and discharge urine. The tube is further configured such that the lumen is at least partially obstructed when the pressure on the urethra surrounding the tube at least meets the threshold pressure (IAP1), and the lumen is more open when the pressure on the urethra surrounding the tube is at a level below a second, lower, threshold pressure (IAP2).

Abstract: A device (10) for use within a woman's urethra for obstructing urine outflow when the pressure in the woman's abdomen is at or above a threshold pressure level (IAP1). The device (10) also allows urine outflow when the intra-abdominal pressure is below the threshold pressure level (IAP1). Device (10) includes a flexible tube (15) that is configured to be inserted into a urethra, wherein the tube (15) defines a lumen (14) that has inlet (19) and outlet openings. The tube (15) is configured to receive, conduct and discharge urine. The tube (15) is further configured such that the lumen (14) is at least partially obstructed when the pressure on the urethra surrounding the tube (15) at least meets the threshold pressure (IAP1), and the lumen (14) is more open when the pressure on the urethra surrounding the tube (15) is at a level below a second, lower, threshold pressure (IAP2).

Abstract: An apparatus (60) for use within a woman's urethra (9) for inhibiting urine outflow when her intra-abdominal pressure rises. The apparatus (60) includes a generally tubular device (50) having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a longitudinal axis. Device (50) comprises structure (5) that is constructed and arranged to define a longitudinal passageway (14) that extends entirely through the device (50) from the proximal end to the distal end. Structure (5) is further constructed and arranged to be altered via an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, from a first state in which the passageway (14) is open along its length and able to conduct urine to a second state in which the passageway (14a) is more restricted or is closed off, to inhibit the passage of urine.

Abstract: An apparatus (60) for use within a woman's urethra (9) for inhibiting urine outflow when her intra-abdominal pressure rises. The apparatus (60) includes a generally tubular device (50) having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a longitudinal axis. Device (50) comprises structure (5) that is constructed and arranged to define a longitudinal passageway (14) that extends entirely through the device (50) from the proximal end to the distal end. Structure (5) is further constructed and arranged to be altered via an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, from a first state in which the passageway (14) is open along its length and able to conduct urine to a second state in which the passageway (14a) is more restricted or is closed off, to inhibit the passage of urine.

Abstract: Fluorescence of the anterior chamber of an eye is determined by projecting a ribbon of light from the side of the eye through the anterior chamber in a direction generally perpendicular to the optic axis of the eye. The ribbon of light is obtained by imaging the face (20) of a fiber optic bundle (18) and directing that image into the anterior chamber by a mirror (30) mounted adjacent to a contact lens (40). The contact lens (40) includes a flexible membrane (14) backed by a fluid. The pressure of the fluid can be varied by a syringe (44) to vary the curvature of the contact lens membrane (14). The fluorescence can be detected either directly by a photodiode (68) or through a fiber optic bundle (34) by a photomultiplier (76).

Abstract: Oxygenation of the retina is determined by measuring the fluorescence of flavoprotein in the retina. A spot of excitation light of a frequency of about 450 nanometers is scanned across the retina. Fluorescent light emitted from the retina at a frequency of about 520 nanometers is detected. The emission light may be detected at two frequencies of about 520 nm and 540 nm to allow for compensation for absorption and transmission variables in the eye. To compensate for fluoresence of the lens of the eye, the center of the pupil is imaged onto scanning mirrors so that the scanning beam of excitation light pivots at the center of the eye lens. Further, the center of the lens is imaged onto an optical stop in the emission optical path so that emitted light which passes back through the lens periphery, and not fluorescent light from the center of the lens, is detected. The emission light detector is a photon counting photomultiplier tube to permit safe limits on the intensity of the excitation light.

Abstract: An accessory is provided to enable the use of a fundus camera in the photogrammetric analysis of the ocular fundus contour. The accessory includes a stripe projector which projects an image of a grating such that the grating appears to be at infinity. This is accomplished by placing the grating at about the rear focal plane of the projection lens system. A mirror reflects the projected stripes into the eye along a projection axis parallel to the camera optic axis. The mirror also serves as an aperture stop near the eye so that the grating is clearly imaged at all depths of the optic disc cup. A predetermined relationship between the projection optic axis and fundus camera optic axis is maintained by supporting the projector from the front lens housing of the fundus camera. To that end, a sleeve fixed to the projector fits closely around the lens housing. The light source may be one of coherent or incoherent light.

Abstract: Glaucoma and other diseases may be detected by the analysis of angiograms to determine ocular blood flow. Using rapid sequence photography an ocular image is recorded on successive film frames. To determine the optical density of the film at selected image sites, the image position on the frames being subject to change from frame to frame, each frame is initially positioned manually at a starting position relative to a density sensing system. Then, X-Y stepping motors move the film under control of a digital processor to position the film frame at each selected image site. A detector is insensitive to light from a viewing optical system because of a filter included in that system. A crosshair image-point indicator is included on a filter in the viewing system.