Abstract: A probe comprises a small “consumable” probe substrate permanently mounted to a circuit-under-test. The probe substrate includes a high-fidelity signal pathway, which is inserted into a conductor of the circuit-under-test, and a high-bandwidth sensing circuit which senses the signal-under-test as it propagates along the signal pathway. The probe substrate further includes a probe socket for receiving a detachable interconnect to a measurement instrument. Power is alternatively supplied to the probe by the circuit-under-test or the interconnect. When the interconnect is attached, control signals from the measurement instrument are supplied to the sensing circuit and the output of the sensing circuit is supplied to the measurement instrument. In one embodiment, the sensing circuit uses high-breakdown transistors in order to avoid the use of passive attenuation. In a further embodiment, the sensing circuit includes broadband directional sensing circuitry.

Abstract: A current probe for acquiring a current signal from a current carrying conductor via a current diverting element has a probe body and first and second electrically conductive contacts extending from one end of the probe body for connecting to current diverting element. A current sensing circuit is coupled to the first and second electrically conductive contacts for generating an output signal representative of the current flowing in the current carrying conductor. An electrically conductive cable is coupled to receive the output signal from the current sensing device and extends from the other end of the probe body for coupling to an oscilloscope.

Abstract: A current probing system for acquiring a current signal from a current carrying conductor has a current diverting element mounted on the conductor for serially coupling the current signal to a current probe. The current probe has a probe body and first and second electrically conductive contacts extending from one end of the probe body for connecting to the current diverting element. A current sensing circuit is coupled to the first and second electrically conductive contacts for generating an output signal representative of the current flowing in the current carrying conductor. An electrically conductive cable is coupled to receive the output signal from the current sensing device and extends from the other end of the probe body for coupling to an oscilloscope.

Abstract: A probe comprises a small “consumable” probe substrate permanently mounted to a circuit-under-test. The probe substrate includes a high-fidelity signal pathway, which is inserted into a conductor of the circuit-under-test, and a high-bandwidth sensing circuit which senses the signal-under-test as it propagates along the signal pathway. The probe substrate further includes a probe socket for receiving a detachable interconnect to a measurement instrument. Power is alternatively supplied to the probe by the circuit-under-test or the interconnect. When the interconnect is attached, control signals from the measurement instrument are supplied to the sensing circuit and the output of the sensing circuit is supplied to the measurement instrument. In one embodiment, the sensing circuit uses high-breakdown transistors in order to avoid the use of passive attenuation. In a further embodiment, the sensing circuit includes broadband directional sensing circuitry.

Abstract: A method and a system is provided for discriminating between healthy cervical tissue and pathologic cervical tissue based on the fluorescence response of the tissue to laser excitation (LIF) and the backscatter response to illumination by white light (in the spectral range of 360 to 750 nm). Combining LIF and white light responses, as well as evaluating a spatial correlation between proximate cervical tissue sites in conjunction with a statistically significant “distance” algorithm, such as the Mahalanobis distance between data sets, can improve the discrimination between normal and abnormal tissue. The results may be displayed in the form of a map of the cervix representing the suspected pathology.

Abstract: A solenoid operated valve has a valve body with a plurality of ports and a spool slidable within the valve body to interconnect the ports in different combinations. An actuator drives the spool into several operating positions. The actuator has a solenoid assembly with an aperture within which first and second tubular pole pieces are received. An armature is able to slide within the two pole pieces and a push member projects from the armature abutting the spool. The push member is secured to a rolling bearing which has a plurality of rolling elements that roll against the pole pieces to reduce resistance to movement of the armature.

Abstract: The present invention recognizes that optical probes function both as medical access devices and as instruments which collect complex optical data. The invention provides an optical probe accessory device which can access luminal spaces within the body of a patient without sacrificing the quality of optical data obtained. The accessory device further comprises either, singly, or in combination, selectable features or options which optimize light transmission, maximize patient comfort, and provide single-use capabilities.

Abstract: A method and system for normalizing optical spectra using a non-uniform segment normalization. A spectrum is obtained and is represented as a function of wavelength as an amplitude at each of a plurality of wavelengths. At least one segment of the spectrum is selected, each selected segment being bounded by an upper wavelength and a lower wavelength. A normalization factor is computed as the sum of the areas for each of the selected segments. The spectrum is normalized by dividing at least one amplitude of the spectrum by the normalization factor. Segments can be selected with different wavelength ranges, that is, segments can be non-uniform. Test specimens can be categorized based on an analysis of normalized spectra. In particular, the specimen to be tested can be human cervical tissue, and the state of health of the tissue can be determined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for examining a sample using a substantially monostatic, substantially confocal optical system comprising transmitting optics that focus an illuminating light upon the sample and receiving optics that collect light emitted from the sample following illumination thereof. In certain embodiments, the receiving optics may be arranged circumferentially around the light path traversed by the illuminating light. In certain embodiments, video apparatus may be included to produce images or to align the system in proximity to the target tissue. The systems and methods of the present invention may be directed towards the examination of a body tissue to provide a medical diagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention recognizes that optical probes function both as medical access devices and as instruments which collect complex optical data. The invention provides an optical probe accessory device which can access luminal spaces within the body of a patient without sacrificing the quality of optical data obtained. The accessory device further comprises either, singly, or in combination, selectable features or options which optimize light transmission, maximize patient comfort, and provide single-use capabilities.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining a characteristic of a sample of a material by the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with the sample. The apparatus includes an optical assembly and a protective barrier. The optical assembly sequentially illuminates a plurality of volume elements in the sample with an intensity distribution in the sample that drops off substantially monotonically from a first region in a first optical path and collects electromagnetic radiation emanating from each of the volume elements. The optical assembly collects the electromagnetic radiation emanating from each of the volume elements with a collected distribution that drops off substantially monotonically from a second region in a second optical path. The first and second regions at least partially overlap in each of the volume elements. The optical assembly can be configured as a probe, to be directed to the evaluation of a sample of a biological material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining a characteristic of a sample of a material by the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with the sample. The apparatus includes an optical assembly and a protective barrier. The optical assembly sequentially illuminates a plurality of volume elements in the sample with an intensity distribution in the sample that drops off substantially monotonically from a first region in a first optical path and collects electromagnetic radiation emanating from each of the volume elements. The optical assembly collects the electromagnetic radiation emanating from each of the volume elements with a collected distribution that drops off substantially monotonically from a second region in a second optical path. The first and second regions at least partially overlap in each of the volume elements. The optical assembly can be configured as a probe, to be directed to the evaluation of a sample of a biological material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for examining a sample using a substantially monostatic, substantially confocal optical system comprising transmitting optics that focus an illuminating light upon the sample and receiving optics that collect light emitted from the sample following illumination thereof. In certain embodiments, the receiving optics may be arranged circumferentially around the light path traversed by the illuminating light. In certain embodiments, video apparatus may be included to produce images or to align the system in proximity to the target tissue. The systems and methods of the present invention may be directed towards the examination of a body tissue to provide a medical diagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for examining a sample using a substantially monostatic, substantially confocal optical system comprising transmitting optics that focus an illuminating light upon the sample and receiving optics that collect light emitted from the sample following illumination thereof. In certain embodiments, the receiving optics may be arranged circumferentially around the light path traversed by the illuminating light. In certain embodiments, video apparatus may be included to produce images or to align the system in proximity to the target tissue. The systems and methods of the present invention may be directed towards the examination of a body tissue to provide a medical diagnosis.

Abstract: A method and a system is provided for discriminating between healthy cervical tissue and pathologic cervical tissue based on the fluorescence response of the tissue to laser excitation (LIF) and the backscatter response to illumination by white light (in the spectral range of 360 to 750 nm). Combining LIF and white light responses, as well as evaluating a spatial correlation between proximate cervical tissue sites in conjunction with a statistically significant “distance” algorithm, such as the Mahalanobis distance between data sets, can improve the discrimination between normal and abnormal tissue. The results may be displayed in the form of a map of the cervix representing the suspected pathology.

Abstract: A method and a system is provided for discriminating between healthy cervical tissue and pathologic cervical tissue based on the fluorescence response of the tissue to laser excitation (LIF) and the backscatter response to illumination by white light (in the spectral range of 360 to 750 nm). Combining LIF and white light responses, as well as evaluating a spatial correlation between proximate cervical tissue sites in conjunction with a statistically significant “distance” algorithm, such as the Mahalanobis distance between data sets, can improve the discrimination between normal and abnormal tissue. The results may be displayed in the form of a map of the cervix representing the suspected pathology.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for examining a sample using a substantially monostatic, substantially confocal optical system comprising transmitting optics that focus an illuminating light upon the sample and receiving optics that collect light emitted from the sample following illumination thereof. In certain embodiments, the receiving optics may be arranged circumferentially around the light path traversed by the illuminating light. In certain embodiments, video apparatus may be included to produce images or to align the system in proximity to the target tissue. The systems and methods of the present invention may be directed towards the examination of a body tissue to provide a medical diagnosis.