Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact, lightweight, cost-efficient ultraviolet-visible-far infrared (UV-VIS-IR) telescope system, covering the 300 nm to 2500 nm (0.3 ?m to 2.5 ?m) spectral range, based on a fast focal-ratio, reflective optics design, and an optical coupling interface appropriate for COTS spectrometers, commensurate with about 1U-2U CubeSat payload volume.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an irrigated catheter ablation apparatus comprises an elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one fluid lumen extending longitudinally therein; and a plurality of segmented ablation electrodes on a distal portion of the elongated body. The electrodes are spaced from the proximal end and from the distal end of the elongated body by electrically nonconductive segments. The electrodes are spaced from each other longitudinally by electrically nonconductive segments. For each electrode that is longitudinally disposed next to one of the nonconductive segments, an edge is formed between an electrode end of the electrode and a nonconductive segment end of the nonconductive segment. A plurality of elution holes are disposed adjacent to the edges. A plurality of ducts establish fluid communication between the elution holes and the fluid lumen.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an irrigated catheter ablation apparatus comprises an elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one fluid lumen extending longitudinally therein; and a plurality of segmented ablation electrodes on a distal portion of the elongated body. The electrodes are spaced from the proximal end and from the distal end of the elongated body by electrically nonconductive segments. The electrodes are spaced from each other longitudinally by electrically nonconductive segments. For each electrode that is longitudinally disposed next to one of the nonconductive segments, an edge is formed between an electrode end of the electrode and a nonconductive segment end of the nonconductive segment. A plurality of elution holes are disposed adjacent to the edges. A plurality of ducts establish fluid communication between the elution holes and the fluid lumen.

Abstract: A flexible tip electrode for an ablation catheter is disclosed. The catheter includes a catheter body and a hollow elongate tip electrode disposed at a distal end of the catheter body. The electrode includes a sidewall provided with one or more elongate gaps extending therethrough. The one or more elongate gaps providing flexibility in the sidewall for bending movement of the tip electrode relative to a longitudinal axis of the catheter body.

Abstract: A flexible tip electrode for an ablation catheter is disclosed. The catheter includes a catheter body and a hollow elongate tip electrode disposed at a distal end of the catheter body. The electrode includes a sidewall provided with one or more elongate gaps extending therethrough. The one or more elongate gaps providing flexibility in the sidewall for bending movement of the tip electrode relative to a longitudinal axis of the catheter body.

Abstract: A flexible tip electrode for an ablation catheter is disclosed. The catheter includes a catheter body and a hollow elongate tip electrode disposed at a distal end of the catheter body. The electrode includes a sidewall provided with one or more elongate gaps extending therethrough. The one or more elongate gaps providing flexibility in the sidewall for bending movement of the tip electrode relative to a longitudinal axis of the catheter body.

Abstract: High quality flexible optical mirrors (in a single or multi-layer implementation) are fabricated from polymer matrix composite material(s) by replication, cast-spinning, and 3-D printing processes. These mirrors are suited as controllable mirrors for different applications including telescope mirrors. The mirrors made from “smart” materials (carbon nanotubes in epoxy) attain controlled properties that may be changed by application of external stimuli, including stress, temperature, moisture, electric and magnetic fields, as well as electromagnetic fields. When formed with non-ferrous metal particles embedded in epoxy, the mirrors are suited for cryogenic operations. The mirrors formed with the ferromagnetic/epoxy material can be deformed and steered by magnetic or electromagnetic fields.

Abstract: A flexible tip electrode for an ablation catheter is disclosed. The catheter includes a catheter body and a hollow elongate tip electrode disposed at a distal end of the catheter body. The electrode includes a sidewall provided with one or more elongate gaps extending therethrough. The one or more elongate gaps providing flexibility in the sidewall for bending movement of the tip electrode relative to a longitudinal axis of the catheter body.

Abstract: A flexible tip electrode for an ablation catheter is disclosed. The catheter includes a catheter body and a hollow elongate tip electrode disposed at a distal end of the catheter body. The electrode includes a sidewall provided with one or more elongate gaps extending therethrough. The one or more elongate gaps providing flexibility in the sidewall for bending movement of the tip electrode relative to a longitudinal axis of the catheter body.

Abstract: An ablation apparatus comprises an ultrasonic transducer which includes a piezoelectric element having a cylindrical shape; a plurality of external electrodes disposed on the outer surface of the piezoelectric element; and at least one internal electrode disposed on the inner surface of the piezoelectric element. The at least one internal electrode provides corresponding internal electrode portions that are disposed opposite the external electrodes with respect to the piezoelectric element, the external electrodes and the at least one internal electrode to be energized to apply an electric field across the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A flexible tip electrode for an ablation catheter is disclosed. The catheter includes a catheter body and a hollow elongate tip electrode disposed at a distal end of the catheter body. The electrode includes a sidewall provided with one or more elongate gaps extending therethrough. The one or more elongate gaps providing flexibility in the sidewall for bending movement of the tip electrode relative to a longitudinal axis of the catheter body.

Abstract: A flexible tip electrode for an ablation catheter is disclosed. The catheter includes a catheter body and a hollow elongate tip electrode disposed at a distal end of the catheter body. The electrode includes a sidewall provided with one or more elongate gaps extending therethrough. The one or more elongate gaps providing flexibility in the sidewall for bending movement of the tip electrode relative to a longitudinal axis of the catheter body.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a variety of systems and methods for sensing electrical events about a selected annulus region of the heart and for treating tissue in the selected annulus region. Wherein the system includes a first catheter that has an expandable member, an ablation element, and a lumen configured to allow a second catheter therethrough. The second catheter includes a distal section in a ring shape and a plurality of electrodes coupled around the ring. Optionally a second lumen can be included through the first catheter that allows for contrast media to be delivered to the distal end of the system.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a variety of systems and methods for sensing electrical events about a selected annulus region of the heart and for treating tissue in the selected annulus region. Wherein the system includes a first catheter that has an expandable member, an ablation element, and a lumen configured to allow a second catheter therethrough. The second catheter includes a distal section in a ring shape and a plurality of electrodes coupled around the ring. Optionally a second lumen can be included through the first catheter that allows for contrast media to be delivered to the distal end of the system.

Abstract: A lead includes an elongated body and an anchor segment disposed between the distal end of the body and electrodes on a distal portion of the body. The anchor segment has lobes which are separated by slits and movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. A positioning mechanism is disposed inside the hollow interior of the body and at least partially within the anchor segment. The positioning mechanism has a distal positioning portion attached to the distal end of the body and a proximal positioning portion. A control member is connected with the proximal positioning portion to control the positioning mechanism to pull the distal end toward the proximal end so as to move the lobes from the collapsed position to the expanded position and to push the distal end away from the proximal end so as to move the lobes from the expanded to the collapsed position.

Abstract: A lead includes an elongated body and an anchor segment disposed between the distal end of the body and electrodes on a distal portion of the body. The anchor segment has lobes which are separated by slits and movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. A positioning mechanism is disposed inside the hollow interior of the body and at least partially within the anchor segment. The positioning mechanism has a distal positioning portion attached to the distal end of the body and a proximal positioning portion. A control member is connected with the proximal positioning portion to control the positioning mechanism to pull the distal end toward the proximal end so as to move the lobes from the collapsed position to the expanded position and to push the distal end away from the proximal end so as to move the lobes from the expanded to the collapsed position.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a variety of systems and methods for sensing electrical events about a selected annulus region of the heart and for treating tissue in the selected annulus region. Wherein the system includes a first catheter that has an expandable member, an ablation element, and a lumen configured to allow a second catheter therethrough. The second catheter includes a distal section in a ring shape and a plurality of electrodes coupled around the ring. Optionally a second lumen can be included through the first catheter that allows for contrast media to be delivered to the distal end of the system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an ultrasound compatible ablation electrode for use in ultrasound imaging guidance of ablation therapy using RF or the like. In one embodiment, an ultrasound compatible ablation catheter comprises a catheter body having a distal end and an ultrasonic transducer directing ultrasonic beams for imaging a target; and an ablation electrode connected to the catheter body, the ablation electrode having a plastic shell and a metallic coating on the plastic shell which are disposed in a path of the ultrasonic beams of the ultrasonic transducer between the ultrasonic transducer and the target, the metallic coating of the ablation electrode to be energized for ablation.

Abstract: An ablation apparatus comprises an ultrasonic transducer which includes a piezoelectric element having a cylindrical shape; a plurality of external electrodes disposed on the outer surface of the piezoelectric element; and at least one internal electrode disposed on the inner surface of the piezoelectric element. The at least one internal electrode provides corresponding internal electrode portions that are disposed opposite the external electrodes with respect to the piezoelectric element, the external electrodes and the at least one internal electrode to be energized to apply an electric field across the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: An assembly for controlling a vehicle, including a fluid contact surface constructed and arranged to act against a fluid passing over the fluid contact surface; and a support structure coupled to the fluid contact surface. The support structure is constructed and arranged to expand or contract between a first position and a second position, such that a first dimension of the support structure changes during movement of the support structure between the first position and the second position, while a second dimension of the support structure remains substantially constant during the movement of the support structure between the first position and the second position.