Abstract: An apparatus (100), control system (150) and methods are provided for directly measuring a pressure gradient, i.e. by real-time pressure measurements, with particular application for in situ measurement of transvalvular blood pressure gradients for the aortic valve and other heart valves, using minimally-invasive techniques. The apparatus takes the form of a multi-sensor assembly, e.g. enclosed within a micro-catheter or a steerable guidewire, and comprises a plurality of optical pressure sensors (10) is arranged along a length of the distal end portion (101), for measuring pressure simultaneously at each sensor location. For example, four MOMS optical pressure sensors (10), and optionally, a flow sensor (20), are incorporated into a distal end portion (101) having a diameter of 0.89 mm or less, and preferably 0.46 mm or less.

Abstract: An apparatus (100), control system (150) and methods are provided for directly measuring a pressure gradient, i.e. by real-time pressure measurements, with particular application for in situ measurement of transvalvular blood pressure gradients for the aortic valve and other heart valves, using minimally-invasive techniques. The apparatus takes the form of a multi-sensor assembly, e.g. enclosed within a micro-catheter or a steerable guidewire, and comprises a plurality of optical pressure sensors (10) is arranged along a length of the distal end portion (101), for measuring pressure simultaneously at each sensor location. For example, four MOMS optical pressure sensors (10), and optionally, a flow sensor (20), are incorporated into a distal end portion (101) having a diameter of 0.89 mm or less, and preferably 0.46 mm or less.

Abstract: Apparatus (100) is provided comprising an optical micro-sensor (10) for directly measuring a fluid temperature and flow by thermoconvection, which suitable for medical applications, e.g. using minimally-invasive cardiovascular techniques. A multi-sensor apparatus (100) may take the form of a micro-catheter or steerable guidewire, equipped with a plurality of miniaturized optical sensors (10) arranged along a length of the distal end (101), each coupled via optical fibers (11) to a proximal end (102) comprising an input/output connector (112) to the control system (110), without the need for electrical connections. This enables direct measurement of blood flow, temperature and/or blood pressure simultaneously at several locations within the blood vessels or the heart, including transvalvular measurements. Preferably, the distal end portion has a diameter of 0.89 mm (0.035?) or less, and more preferably 0.46 mm (0.

Abstract: An illumination system comprising a laser light source and a wavelength conversion module for generating high brightness illumination by photoluminescence. The wavelength conversion module comprises an optical element comprising a wavelength conversion medium, set in a mounting for thermal dissipation, and an optical concentrator. The shape of the optical element and its reflective surfaces provides improved light extraction at the converted wavelength, and allows for more effective cooling. It provides a compact light source with a configuration suitable for applications that require high brightness and narrow bandwidth illumination at a selected wavelength, e.g. for fluorescence microscopy, or other applications requiring étendue-limited optical fiber coupling.

Abstract: A robotic tree trimmer has a hydraulic system adapted to be mounted to a tractor and comprising an extendible vertical mast. A first hydraulic motor attached to the vertical mast and adapted to linearly extend and rotate the vertical mast 180 degrees around a first vertical axis. An extendible horizontal boom attached to a distal top end of the vertical mast and having an extension member on an end opposite the distal top end of the vertical mast; a second hydraulic motor attached to the extension member and used to rotate a trimming apparatus 360 degrees around a second vertical axis variably spaced from the first vertical axis by the extendible horizontal boom.

Abstract: A robotic tree trimmer has a hydraulic system adapted to be mounted to a tractor and comprising an extendible vertical mast. A first hydraulic motor attached to the vertical mast and adapted to linearly extend and rotate the vertical mast 180 degrees around a first vertical axis. An extendible horizontal boom attached to a distal top end of the vertical mast and having an extension member on an end opposite the distal top end of the vertical mast; a second hydraulic motor attached to the extension member and used to rotate a trimming apparatus 360 degrees around a second vertical axis variably spaced from the first vertical axis by the extendible horizontal boom.

Abstract: An artificial stone and a method of fabricating a stone surface area therewith are described. The artificial stone comprises a stone body cast of a cement aggregate and has an outer visible surface area shaped to resemble a real stone. The stone body has a substantially flat rear surface. Fastener means are provided to secure one or more attachment brackets to the rear surface and adjacent at least one edge portion of the stone body to suspend the artificial stone on a support surface. The stone body is preferably cast with a light aggregate including polymeric particles.