Abstract: Photodynamic therapy is used in the treatment of orthopaedic infections. Particularly, it is used in the treatment of infections related to orthopaedic conditions and surgery and includes treatment of sites of deterioration or trauma, such as prior to and after prosthetic fixation such as joint replacement or treatment of trauma sites such as pinning of bone fractures. An orthopaedic disinfection apparatus includes a photosensitiser and a light delivery system capable of producing and delivering light at a wavelength which is capable of being absorbed by the photosensitiser. Methods of treatment of orthopaedic infections are also disclosed.

Abstract: Photo-activated disinfection in the oral cavity is performed by a dental apparatus which includes a handpiece having proximal and distal portions, and a handpiece cover. The distal portion of the handpiece includes light emitting elements. The handpiece cover includes a sleeve adapted to provide a cover to the proximal portion of the handpiece and a sheath adapted to provide a cover to the distal portion of the handpiece. Suitably, the sleeve is a disposable component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to photo-activated disinfection. In particular, the present invention relates to photo-activated disinfection in the oral cavity. We describe a dental apparatus comprising a light source producing light at a predetermined wavelength and power, and optical transmission means to train the light from the light source onto at least one external side of a tooth. Preferably, the optical transmission means comprises at least one optical guide. In a preferred embodiment, the optical transmission means comprises a pair of substantially parallel elongate light guides each light guide having a distal end provided with a reflective surface inclined at 45° to the direction of light transmission along the light guides, the reflective surfaces of the light guides being opposed such that light emitted from each light guide is parallel but opposite in direction.

Abstract: A method of stimulating collagen formation in a selected area of mammalian skin in which the selected area is irradiated with a source of visible or near infra-red radiation. The radiation is absorbable by intracellular chromophores to enhance cellular activity and increase collagen formation. A skin treatment device for carrying out the method of the invention is also described.

Abstract: An indicator unit is provided to display information to occupants in a motor vehicle. An interface to a communication network provides data required for the specific information being displayed. The indicator unit is adapted to fit into a standard sized aperture found in motor vehicle dashboards, thereby enabling indicators for different operating parameters as desired by the owner to be incorporated into the dashboard of a particular vehicle. An input device also may be provided by which an occupant of the motor vehicle can control operation of the indicator unit.

Abstract: An indicator unit is provided to display information to occupants in a motor vehicle. An interface to a communication network provides data required for the specific information being displayed. The indicator unit is adapted to fit into a standard sized aperture found in motor vehicle dashboards, thereby enabling indicators for different operating parameters as desired by the owner to be incorporated into the dashboard of a particular vehicle. An input device also may be provided by which an occupant of the motor vehicle can control operation of the indicator unit.

Abstract: An indicator unit is provided to display information to occupants in a motor vehicle. The indicator unit is adapted for connection to a communication network and intercepts messages that carry data between other vehicle equipment. A control circuit is programmed to identify the existing network messages that carry the data needed for the information display. The control circuit operates a display device in response to received data. Because the indicator eavesdrops on the network and intercepts existing data messages, other equipment in the motor vehicle do not have to be programmed to communicate specifically with the indicator. This facilitates adding specific indicators to a particular truck.

Abstract: A system for protection from light generated by interaction of laser energy with matter is provided. The system, which is designed for use with lasing apparatus having a laser, includes an optical protection device with at least one optical element of a material that transforms between an active state for blocking laser light and an inactive state, where the optical element is transparent. A mechanism for controlling the transformation of the optical element between the inactive and active states, attaches to the optical protection device and the lasing apparatus respectively, and is responsive to the activating and deactivating of the laser, such that when the laser is activated, the control mechanism causes the optical element to transform to the active state and when the laser is deactivated, the control mechanism causes the optical element to transform to the inactive state.

Abstract: A device permitting a single primary laser producing a collimated beam at a given wavelength, to be used for different purposes by converting the collimated beam to a beam of different wavelength. The device comprises a secondary laser disposed within a body removably attached to the distal end of an articulated arm delivery system attached to the primary laser. Preferably, the secondary laser is interchangeable with respect to the delivery system thus to extend the wavelength (color) coverage of the primary laser according to the required wavelength conversion. The secondary laser may include an optical crystal or a circulated organic dye solution within a removable cell or reservoir. Appropriate lenses are provided to focus the primary beam and to determine the spot diameter of the conversed beam.

Abstract: A visible helium neon beam is used as an aiming beam to establish a spot at which a carbon dioxide beam also focuses. The carbon dioxide beam is then employed to vaporize biotic material. A distal end of an articulated arm may couple with the micromanipulator to direct the carbon dioxide beam from the laser through a waveguide and into the micromanipulator. Another aspect of the invention includes introducing the aiming beam into the waveguide through a dichroic mirror positioned in a knuckle joint of the articulated arm. In one embodiment, a laser diode generates the visible light of the aiming beam, and is disposed proximate to the distal end of the articulated arm.

Abstract: An optical system for use in a medical laser apparatus comprising an achromat having optical elements selected to cause two substantially different wavelengths, one visible and one infrared, to focus at a common focal point. The achromat comprises a negative lens and a doublet lens formed of a positive bi-convex lens and a negative meniscus lens. The materials of the two lenses which form the doublet have substantially different dispersions and indices of refraction and are chosen to cause a visible helium neon beam and an infrared carbon dioxide beam to focus at the same point. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the negative lens is made of zinc selenide, the bi-convex lens of the doublet is made of potassium chloride, and the negative meniscus is made of zinc selenide. The optical system of the present invention can be mounted in a micromanipulator for use in laser surgery.