Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for measuring the spatial temperature distribution of a flame emitted from a burner nozzle for use in the fabrication of tapered optical fibers and fused couplers so that the position of the burner can be calibrated to locate the optical fiber within the most thermally stable part of the flame during production.

Abstract: The present invention is a medical device for use on a bodily organ of a patient. The medical device includes a concave support element that is removably attachable to the surface of the bodily organ, thereby defining an enclosed space adjacent to the bodily organ. The enclosed space is fluidly connected to a fluid management system for circulating a fluid inside of the enclosed space. The medical device also has an energy transfer element mounted to the concave support element and electrically connected to a control unit. In some embodiments, the energy transfer element transmits intense ultrasound energy in a frequency range of 1-30 megahertz, and the fluid acoustically couples the energy transfer element to the bodily organ, and the fluid also cools the energy transfer element.

Abstract: Disclosed and taught herein is a novel vacuum return mechanism whereby the operating mechanism of a cyclic tool may be reset to its start position after having completed its operative cycle. A piston connected to the tool's operating mechanism is caused, by action of the tool's operating mechanism, to create a vacuum within a cylinder during the tool's operative cycle. Upon completion of the tool's operative cycle, the vacuum returns the piston, and thereby the tool's operating mechanism, back to their start positions.

Abstract: The present invention is a medical device for use on a bodily organ of a patient. The medical device includes a concave support element that is removably attachable to the surface of the bodily organ, thereby defining an enclosed space adjacent to the bodily organ. The enclosed space is fluidly connected to a fluid management system for circulating a fluid inside of the enclosed space. The medical device also has an energy transfer element mounted to the concave support element and electrically connected to a control unit. In some embodiments, the energy transfer element transmits intense ultrasound energy in a frequency range of 1-30 megahertz, and the fluid acoustically couples the energy transfer element to the bodily organ, and the fluid also cools the energy transfer element.

Abstract: A trocar for performing a surgical procedure on a patient. The trocar includes a hollow cannula having a distal end and a proximal end, and a housing having a distal end attached to the proximal end of the cannula and a proximal end having a wall attached thereto. Wherein the wall has an aperture therethrough for inserting surgical instruments into the trocar. The trocar includes a hollow tubular guide member having a proximal end attached to the wall about the aperture and a distal extending therefrom The trocar has a first seal comprising an elastomeric conical member having a proximal end adjacent to the distal end of the guide member, and a distal end extending therefrom, the distal end of the member having an opening therethrough.

Abstract: Disclosed and taught herein is a novel vacuum return mechanism whereby the operating mechanism of a cyclic tool may be reset to its start position after having completed its operative cycle. A piston connected to the tool's operating mechanism is caused, by action of the tool's operating mechanism, to create a vacuum within a cylinder during the tool's operative cycle. Upon completion of the tool's operative cycle, the vacuum returns the piston, and thereby the tool's operating mechanism, back to their start positions.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is described for tying together the two free ends of a suture placed into the tissue of a surgical patient. The surgical device comprises a handle having an actuator, an elongated shaft attached to the handle, a cartridge, and a pusher. The cartridge removeably attaches to the shaft and comprises a cable with two free cable ends with suture connectors attached thereto. The cable has a plurality of pre-tied loops disposed proximally to the two free cable ends. The pusher is slideably disposed on the shaft and transfers the pre-tied loops from the cable to the two free suture ends of the suture filament. In a preferred embodiment, the pusher comprises a lug train and a driver. The lug train has a plurality of lugs flexibly attached to each other and slideably attached to the distal end of the shaft. When the cartridge is attached to the distal end of the shaft, each of the pre-tied loops is positioned operationally over a corresponding lug.

Abstract: A vacuum-actuated tissue-lifting device and method for performing a surgical procedure in an operative space of a patient are disclosed. The preferred device has a shell with a profile configured to surround a tissue surface of the patient, a vacuum port located on the shell for applying a vacuum between the shell and the tissue surface, and an air conduit extending through the shell to permit air to pass into the operative space of the patient when vacuum is applied. In a preferred embodiment, the device has an entry port located on the shell and a perforable membrane located on the entry port to provide a seal when a surgical instrument is inserted through the membrane during the procedure. The device and method of the invention eliminate the need for carbon dioxide insufflation, mechanical lifting devices which create obstructions and high stress zones on tissues within the operative space created, and unwanted displacement of internal organs when the targeted tissue surface is lifted.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel conductive thienylene- and furanylene-vinylene polymers and to a process for their preparation. The polymer can be formed into coherent films in which no voids are visible upto magnifications of upto 5000 times. These polymers have band gaps below 2 eV which makes them more suitable than conventional polyphenylene and poly(phenylene vinylene) polymers for use e.g. in batteries.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel conductive thienylene- and furanylene-vinylene polymers and to a process for their preparation. The polymer can be formed into coherent films in which no voids are visible up to magnifications of up to 5000 times. These polymers have band gaps below 2 eV which makes them more suitable than conventional polyphenylene and poly(phenylene vinylene) polymers for use e.g. in batteries.