Abstract: A connector for interconnecting a waveguide with a light component (e.g., another waveguide) for allowing light communication therebetween. Assemblies for connecting a waveguide can be formed with the connector. In one embodiment, the connector is employed for connecting to a waveguide useful in performing medical applications such as provision of photodynamic therapy.

Abstract: The invention described herein is an apparatus for performing photodynamic therapy comprising: a waveguide, a light source in communication with one end of the waveguide, a photodynamic tip in communication with another end of the waveguide wherein the photodynamic tip is designed to be securely but removably attached to a scaling tip of a scaler and the apparatus delivers light in a desired illumination pattern and in at least one predetermined wavelength to activate a photosensitizing composition for the killing of microbes. The invention also includes a method for using the apparatus in conjunction with a scaler to perform sonophotodynamic therapy and a method for making the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention presents devices, kits, systems and methods that can be used to otitis externa. For example, a method of present invention includes applying a photosensitizing composition to treatment site within ear cavity where microbes causing otitis externa are located; inserting at least a portion of a light delivery device into the cavity; and applying light to the treatment site at a wavelength absorbed by the photosensitizing composition so as to inhibit or eliminate the microbes and/or to reduce inflammation at the treatment site but without causing physiological damage to host tissue within the ear cavity; wherein the light is delivered by the light delivery device to the treatment site and the light delivery device is in light communication with a light source via a waveguide.

Abstract: The present invention provides an alignment system comprising a base having a feature that accepts a first optical element, a first eccentric element having a through hole that accepts an eccentric assembly comprising a second eccentric element having a feature that accepts a second optical element and is attached to the second optical element via second attachment means, wherein the first eccentric element is engaged with the base via first attachment means and axial alignment between optical axis of the first optical element and optical axis of the second optical element is achieved by rotationally adjusting at least one of the eccentric elements relative to the base. The present invention also provides methods to make and use this alignment system.

Abstract: A boating safety apparatus comprises a support body, a flag attachment member and a flag. The support body includes an attachment device configured for attaching the support body to another body. The flag attachment member is movably mounted at a first end thereof to the support body. The flag attachment member is movable between a displayed position and a stowed position. The flag is attached to the flag attachment member adjacent the second end of the flag attachment member. The flag is configured for designating an active water sport activity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an optical probe employed for the delivery of light. More particularly, the present invention relates to an optical probe, a probe tip or combination thereof and its uses for delivery of light to upon surfaces of tissue and other portions of the human body or other organisms.

Abstract: The present invention presents devices, kits, systems and methods that can be used for nasal decolonization of microbes and treatment of MRSA, E. coli, and E. fecalis. For example, it includes a method for nasal decolonization of microbes comprising: applying a photosensitizing composition comprising methylene blue to anterior nares; inserting at least a portion of a light delivery device into the nasal cavity; and applying light to the anterior nares at a wavelength ranges from about 650 nm to 680 nm; wherein the light is delivered by the light delivery device to the anterior nares; the light delivery device is in light communication with a light source via a waveguide; and over 90% of the microbes at the anterior nares is eliminated by the nasal decolonization.

Abstract: The present invention provides an alignment system comprising a base having a feature that accepts a first optical element, a first eccentric element having a through hole that accepts an eccentric assembly comprising a second eccentric element having a feature that accepts a second optical element and is attached to the second optical element via second attachment means, wherein the first eccentric element is engaged with the base via first attachment means and axial alignment between optical axis of the first optical element and optical axis of the second optical element is achieved by rotationally adjusting at least one of the eccentric elements relative to the base. The present invention also provides methods to make and use this alignment system.

Abstract: This disclosure describes the design and construction of high-precision off-axis optical imaging systems. The disclosure also describes the design and construction of high-precision mounting structures for rigidly holding optical elements in an optical imaging system. The disclosure further describes both a mechanism for highly stable mounting and a technique for high precision focusing of a detector in a complex optical setup. The disclosure even further describes both tooling and a technique used for focusing high precision optical imaging systems. The theory and use of at least these concepts are introduced by examining how these concepts aid the construction and use of a non-contact laser scanning system.

Abstract: This disclosure describes the design and construction of high-precision off-axis optical imaging systems. The disclosure also describes the design and construction of high-precision mounting structures for rigidly holding optical elements in an optical imaging system. The disclosure further describes both a mechanism for highly stable mounting and a technique for high precision focusing of a detector in a complex optical setup. The disclosure even further describes both tooling and a technique used for focusing high precision optical imaging systems. The theory and use of at least these concepts are introduced by examining how these concepts aid the construction and use of a non-contact laser scanning system.

Abstract: The present invention provides SPR sensors in which the sensing element is a planar lightpipe. The sensors of this invention include configurations which employ multiwavelength light incident on the SPR sensing area at a single angle or at a range of angles. Sensors of this invention also include configurations that employ monochromatic light at a range of angles. Many of the configurations of the SPR lightpipe sensors of this invention involve imaging of input light through the lightpipe. In one embodiment, the invention provides a first order SPR sensor system in which the sensing element is a planar lightpipe. Light coupled into the lightpipe reflects off an SPR sensing area positioned on an external surface planar surface of the lightpipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to SPR sensors in which the sensing element is a planar lightpipe. More specifically, a planar lightpipe sensor configuration for measurement of SPR at a single angle operation is provided. The lightpipe of this sensor is beveled to facilitate coupling of substantially collimated white light, preferably TM polarized white light, at a selected single angle that excites SPR at the sensing area. Angle of incidence on the SPR sensing area is determined by bevel angle used. This embodiment is a zero order sensor in the sense that it allows measurement for a given analyte at only a single angle of incidence. In this embodiment, however, the lightpipe can have a plurality of SPR sensing area across its width to provide for multichannel sensing. Refractive index sensitivity of this configuration is estimated as 4.times.10.sup.-5 RI units.

Abstract: The present invention provides SPR sensors in which the sensing element is a planar lightpipe. The sensors of this invention include configurations that employ multi-wavelength light (including broad band and white light) incident on the SPR sensing area at a single angle or at a range of angles. Sensors and probes of this invention also include configurations that employ monochromatic light at a range of angles. Many of the configurations of the SPR lightpipes of this invention involve imaging of input light through the folded lightpipe. In one general embodiment, the invention provides a SPR sensor system in which the sensing element is a folded planar lightpipe.