Abstract: A communications method comprising the following steps: emitting a series of pulses from a transmitter through water, wherein each pulse comprises a plurality of electromagnetic component signals, wherein each component signal has a fixed combination of wavelength and polarization state that differs from the wavelength and polarization state combinations corresponding to the other component signals; encoding data onto each pulse by varying the amplitude of selected component signals of each pulse; receiving each pulse with a receiver; and retrieving the data by detecting the component signals based on the component signals' wavelength, polarization state, and amplitude.

Abstract: A communications method comprising the following steps: emitting a series of pulses from a transmitter through water, wherein each pulse comprises a plurality of electromagnetic component signals, wherein each component signal has a fixed combination of wavelength and polarization state that differs from the wavelength and polarization state combinations corresponding to the other component signals; encoding data onto each pulse by varying the amplitude of selected component signals of each pulse; receiving each pulse with a receiver; and retrieving the data by detecting the component signals based on the component signals' wavelength, polarization state, and amplitude.

Abstract: An apparatus for suturing tissue includes first and second needles. A first structure associated with the first needle is adapted and configured to pass a leading portion of the suture from a near side of a tissue to a far side of the tissue. A second structure cooperates with the second needle to capture and secure the suture. Proximal movement of the apparatus after the suture is captured moves the suture from the far side of the tissue to the near side of the tissue.

Abstract: A meniscal repair device includes a handle with a thumbslide and a needle cartridge extending therefrom, the needle cartridge having distal tips having a specific directional orientation suited for a particular procedure. The meniscal repair device includes a needle rack and an obturator rack. A quantity of suture material is included in the meniscal repair device. The distal ends of the needle cartridge are adapted for penetrating soft tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for suturing tissue includes a housing. The apparatus also includes a first needle attached to the housing and a second needle attached to the housing. A suture having a leading portion and a trailing portion is also included. A first structure is operably associated with the first needle for passing the leading portion of the suture from a near side of body tissue to a far side of the body tissue. A second structure is operably associated with the second needle for retracting the leading portion of the suture from the far side of the body tissue back to the near side of the body tissue.