Abstract: Methods and devices for cutting strips of tissue from masses of tissue inside or outside of the bodies of human or animal subjects. The device generally comprises a) an elongate cutting tube that has a distal end and a lumen that opens through an opening in the distal end and b) first and second cutting edges formed on generally opposite edges of the distal end of the cutting tube and separated by a distance D. The device is advanced through tissue to cut a strip of tissue of approximate width W. Width W is approximately equal to distance D.

Abstract: Methods and devices for cutting strips of tissue from masses of tissue inside or outside of the bodies of human or animal subjects. The device generally comprises a) an elongate cutting tube that has a distal end and a lumen that opens through an opening in the distal end and b) first and second cutting edges formed on generally opposite edges of the distal end of the cutting tube and separated by a distance D. The device is advanced through tissue to cut a strip of tissue of approximate width W. Width W is approximaely equal to distance D.

Abstract: Methods and devices for cutting strips of tissue from masses of tissue inside or outside of the bodies of human or animal subjects. The device generally comprises a) an elongate cutting tube that has a distal end and a lumen that opens through an opening in the distal end and b) first and second cutting edges formed on generally opposite edges of the distal end of the cutting tube and separated by a distance D. The device is advanced through tissue to cut a strip of tissue of approximate width W. Width W is approximaely equal to distance D.

Abstract: Methods and devices for cutting strips of tissue from masses of tissue inside or outside of the bodies of human or animal subjects. The device generally comprises a) an elongate cutting tube that has a distal end and a lumen that opens through an opening in the distal end and b) first and second cutting edges formed on generally opposite edges of the distal end of the cutting tube and separated by a distance D. The device is advanced through tissue to cut a strip of tissue of approximate width W. Width W is approximately equal to distance D.

Abstract: Methods and devices for cutting strips of tissue from masses of tissue inside or outside of the bodies of human or animal subjects. The device generally comprises a) an elongate cutting tube that has a distal end and a lumen that opens through an opening in the distal end and b) first and second cutting edges formed on generally opposite edges of the distal end of the cutting tube and separated by a distance D. The device is advanced through tissue to cut a strip of tissue of approximate width W. Width W is approximately equal to distance D.

Abstract: Methods and devices for cutting or coagulating. A device comprises a) an elongate member having a distal end, b) at least one foot member extending from the distal end of the elongate member, said foot member having a upper surface and a lower surface, c) an electrically and thermally insulating covering formed on at least the lower surface of the foot member and d) at least one electrode on the upper surface of the foot member. In operation, the at least one electrode is energized so as to cause cutting or coagulation of tissue located above the upper surface(s) of the foot member(s) while not causing substantial damage to tissue located below the lower surface(s) of the foot member(s).

Abstract: A peristaltic pump 10 for use in ophthalmic surgery includes a housing 12, a pump head 14 having plurality of rollers 16 held within the housing 12, and a backing plate 18 attached to the housing 12. The pump head 14 moves relative to the housing 12 and backing plate 18.

Abstract: Methods and devices for cutting strips of tissue from masses of tissue inside or outside of the bodies of human or animal subjects. The device generally comprises a) an elongate cutting tube that has a distal end and a lumen that opens through an opening in the distal end and b) first and second cutting edges formed on generally opposite edges of the distal end of the cutting tube and separated by a distance D. The device is advanced through tissue to cut a strip of tissue of approximate width W. Width W is approximately equal to distance D.

Abstract: Methods and devices for cutting or coagulating. A device comprises a) an elongate member having a distal end, b) at least one foot member extending from the distal end of the elongate member, said foot member having a upper surface and a lower surface, c) an electrically and thermally insulating covering formed on at least the lower surface of the foot member and d) at least one electrode on the upper surface of the foot member. In operation, the at least one electrode is energized so as to cause cutting or coagulation of tissue located above the upper surface(s) of the foot member(s) while not causing substantial damage to tissue located below the lower surface(s) of the foot member(s).

Abstract: A device and method for cutting or ablating tissue in a human or veterinary patient includes an elongate probe having a distal end, a tissue cutting or ablating apparatus located adjacent within the distal end, and a tissue protector extending from the distal end. The protector generally has a first side and a second side and the tissue cutting or ablating apparatus is located adjacent to the first side thereof. The distal end is structured to be advanceable into tissue or otherwise placed and positioned within the patient's body such that tissue adjacent to the first side of the protector is cut away or ablated by the tissue cutting or ablation apparatus while tissue that is adjacent to the second side of the protector is not substantially damaged by the tissue cutting or ablating apparatus.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring the wavelength of a source, for example monitoring a laser used in DWDM fiber optic communications systems, wherein the method and device comprise using a coarse arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) to resolve an ambiguity of wavelength measurement in a fine arrayed waveguide grating. The wavelength monitor or meter of the present invention may be configured as a standalone device suitable for use in many different applications and may also be integrated into a laser or laser array for use in DWDM fiber optic communications systems.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump 10 for use in ophthalmic surgery includes a housing 12, a pump head 14 having plurality of rollers 16 held within the housing 12, and a backing plate 18 attached to the housing 12. The pump head 14 moves relative to the housing 12 and backing plate 18.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for qualitatively or quantitatively determining one or more analytes in matrices such as foods, biological fluids, etc. An embodiment for determination of a single analyte comprises a sample receiving vessel, a first membrane and a reagent-containing well. The prepared sample passes through the first membrane whereby extraneous matter is removed, and a filtrate enters the reagent-containing well to provide a filtrate-reagent admixture from which the analyte may be determined. An embodiment for determination for multiple analytes includes one or more additional membranes in series with the first membrane, each such additional membrane being operative to capture one or more analytes. Each of the additional analytes may then be eluted from the membrane upon which it has been captured, into a separate reagent-containing well to provide eluant-reagent admixture from which each desired analyte may be determined. Formulations for preparation additives are also included.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring the pressure of a fluid. A flexible barrier separates the fluid from the pressure receiving surface of a pressure sensing device. The pressure of the fluid is transferred through the flexible barrier to the pressure receiving surface. The flexible barrier may be in abutting juxtaposition with or may be spaced apart from the pressure sensing surface. In either case, the flexible barrier is coupled or held in defined relationship to the pressure sensing surface such that the pressure receiving surface will receive the substantially actual pressure of the fluid even when the pressure of the fluid is less than the ambient atmospheric pressure. Coupling of the flexible barrier to the pressure receiving surface may be achieved by any suitable means, including adhesive or the application of a full or partial vacuum between the flexible barrier and the pressure receiving surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for qualitatively or quantitatively determining one or more analytes in matrices such as foods, biological fluids, etc. An embodiment for determination of a single analyte comprises a sample receiving vessel, a first membrane and a reagent-containing well. The prepared sample passes through the first membrane whereby extraneous matter is removed, and a filtrate enters the reagent-containing well to provide a filtrate-reagent admixture from which the analyte may be determined. An embodiment for determination for multiple analytes includes one or more additional membranes in series with the first membrane, each such additional membrane being operative to capture one or more analytes. Each of the additional analytes may then be eluted from the membrane upon which it has been captured, into a separate reagent-containing well to provide eluant-reagent admixture from which each desired analyte may be determined. Formulations for preparation additives are also included.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring the wavelength of a source, for example monitoring a laser used in DWDM fiber optic communications systems, wherein the method and device comprise using a coarse arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) to resolve an ambiguity of wavelength measurement in a fine arrayed waveguide grating. The wavelength monitor or meter of the present invention may be configured as a standalone device suitable for use in many different applications and may also be integrated into a laser or laser array for use in DWDM fiber optic communications systems.

Abstract: Inverted peristaltic pumps and related apparatus/methods wherein one or more compressible pump tubes are formed or mounted on a core member and one or more tube compressing members move about the core member so as to compress the tube(s) and propel a fluid through the tube(s). The core member may be removable and the pump tube(s) may be pre-mounted on the core member to form a disposable or reusable tubing cartridge. The core member or tubing cartridge may be easily inserted into and removed from the pump. In some embodiments troughs or grooves may be formed on the core member and the tube(s) may be disposed in such troughs or grooves.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring the pressure of a fluid. A flexible barrier separates the fluid from the pressure receiving surface of a pressure sensing device. The pressure of the fluid is transferred through the flexible barrier to the pressure receiving surface. The flexible barrier may be in abutting juxtaposition with or may be spaced apart from the pressure sensing surface. In either case, the flexible barrier is coupled or held in defined relationship to the pressure sensing surface such that the pressure receiving surface will receive the substantially actual pressure of the fluid even when the pressure of the fluid is less than the ambient atmospheric pressure. Coupling of the flexible barrier to the pressure receiving surface may be achieved by any suitable means, including adhesive or the application of a full or partial vacuum between the flexible barrier and the pressure receiving surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for qualitatively or quantitatively determining one or more analytes in matrices such as foods, biological fluids, etc. An embodiment for determination of a single analyte comprises a sample receiving vessel, a first membrane and a reagent-containing well. The prepared sample passes through the first membrane whereby extraneous matter is removed, and a filtrate enters the reagent-containing well to provide a filtrate-reagent admixture from which the analyte may be determined. An embodiment for determination for multiple analytes includes one or more additional membranes in series with the first membrane, each such additional membrane being operative to capture one or more analytes. Each of the additional analytes may then be eluted from the membrane upon which it has been captured, into a separate reagent-containing well to provide eluant-reagent admixture from which each desired analyte may be determined. Formulations for preparation additives are also included.

Abstract: A system for removing the lens from an eye of a mammal, including a lens-removal device having a probe for penetrating the lens capsule. The probe includes a sheath that shields a rotating impeller at all times, with the impeller being pneumatically actuated to advance to a lens removal position within the sheath. The impeller is pneumatically rotated using a turbine mechanism within a handle for the probe. Irrigation and aspiration are provided to facilitate removal of the lens tissue. The turbine is driven with pulsed air to prevent stiction. A purge/protection cap helps remove air bubbles from the system prior to use and protects the delicate impeller during transport. An operating system is also provided with a foot pedal actuator.