Abstract: A method of pruning a reference library of signatures and corresponding known structure parameter vectors, each signature comprising a reference signal vector, comprising: for a given reference signal vector, interpolating a parameter vector assuming that the given reference signal vector and its corresponding parameter vector were deleted from the reference library; and deleting the given reference signal vector and the corresponding parameter vector if an interpolation error between the corresponding parameter vector and the interpolated parameter vector is less than a threshold value.

Abstract: A system characterizes tissue using fluorescence spectroscopy, such as light-induced fluorescence. Native fluorescence (“autofluorescence”) from endogenous tissue without requiring fluorescence-enhancing agents is used to distinguish between normal tissue, hyperplastic tissue, adenomatous tissue, and adenocarcinomas. The system provides endoscopic image enhancement for easy location of a tissue site for optical biopsy tissue characterization. The system allows the use of an integrated endoscopic diagnosis and treatment device for immediate diagnosis and treatment without interchanging equipment and relocating the tissue site. The system is also integrated with existing endoscopy equipment for initiating and displaying the diagnosis. The system provides an adjunctive tool to histopathological tissue classification or, alternatively, further treatment is based on the optical biopsy system diagnosis itself.

Abstract: An artificial fishing lure of resilient, flexible material created in an initially curved configuration, which lure, when attached to a line and pulled through the water, essentially duplicates the swimming motion of an eel, snake, or lizard. This novel lure has a body portion and a flexible, elongate, relatively thin dorsal fin integral with the body portion and extending longitudinally for substantially the entire length of the body portion. One embodiment of my novel lure has a body portion of alternating large and relatively small sections, with each of the relatively small sections having major and minor dimensions, and with the major dimension of each of the relatively small sections being perpendicular to the plane of the relatively thin fin.

Abstract: A biopsy forceps device is provided for obtaining tissue samples at a site within the body, while maintaining access to the site through an access lumen of the biopsy forceps. The device includes an elongate tubular body for introduction into the body and navigation to an area of interest. An inner tubular member having a lumen, or a plurality of lumens, extends through or adjacent the outer tubular member, from the proximal end to the distal end, where cutting jaws are provided. The cutting jaws are rotatably mounted at the distal end of the device and are controlled by movement of the inner tubular member. The inner tubular member is coupled with a handle portion allowing control of the cutting jaws at the proximal end. Access to the lumen of the inner tubular member is gained at the proximal end, where a luer fitting is provided.

Abstract: An optical scatterometer system enables analysis of a sample material at various wavelengths without rotating or otherwise moving the sample material.

Abstract: An optical scatterometer system enables illumination of a sample material at various angles of incidence without rotating or otherwise moving the sample material.

Abstract: An optical scatterometer system includes a screen positioned to receive and display a pattern representative of light specularly reflected and scattered from an illuminated sample material and a camera positioned to record the pattern displayed on the screen. The screen may present a curved surface to increase its light gathering capabilities and may be constructed of an electron trapping material, a photochromic material or a pyrochromic material. The screen may contain one or more apertures for passing one or more incident light beams generated by a light source and/or light specularly reflected and scattered from the sample material. The screen may be positioned between the sample material and the light source, or the sample material may be positioned between the screen and the light source.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to maskless deposition and etching and more particularly to maskless deposition and etching of the surface of objects using single and multiple ion sources.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus using ion etching and ion assisted deposition to reform a surface of an object, such as a large lens, from its existing topography to a predetermined topography. The method comprises comparing the existing topography of the surface of the object to the predetermined topography. In one embodiment, the comparison can be used to distinguish objects having surfaces which are readily or economically reformable to the predetermined topography from those which are not suitable for such reforming. The method novelly utilizes an algorithm comprising image restoration. The ion etching structure of the apparatus comprises an ion source grid which can be used to provide an ion beam of a preselected spatial distribution. The grid is constructed of a nonconducting, vacuum compatible material, such as a ceramic sheet coated with a conductive layer on each side. Apertures are drilled through the grid in a selected pattern.

Abstract: A display device for a conventional eyeglass frame includes a display panel and an outer transparent panel mounted on and bowed outwardly relative to the display panel. At least one eyeglass frame can be supported by the device such that the lens holders and bridge of the eyeglass frame are positioned adjacent to the outer transparent panel with the side arms of the eyeglass frame being supportedly received by both the outer transparent panel and the display panel.