Abstract: Calibration imaging tips and related methods of use are described. In some embodiments, a calibration imaging tip may be positioned on a distal end portion of an imaging device to place a calibration surface within a predetermined distance of a focal plane of the imaging device. The imaging device may then be calibrated using one or more images of the calibration surface.

Abstract: Embodiments related to sterilizable handheld medical imaging devices including a rigid imaging tip, a sealed housing, and/or a sealed cable assembly as well as their methods of use and manufacture are described.

Abstract: The presently disclosed invention is related to methods to launch and a launch control transmission brake comprising a block, an input port and an output port defined in the block, a fluid path connecting the input port and the output port, an electrically actuated valve along the fluid flow path that closes the fluid path when the electrically actuated valve is actuated, an input path being the flow path between the input port and the electrically actuated valve, an output path being the flow path between the output port and the electrically actuated valve, and an actuator that actuate the electrically actuated valve.

Abstract: A tip assembly for a liquefaction surgical handpiece having a break-away or frangible tip protector. The tip protector protects the delicate tip from damage during handling and shipment, but is easily removed prior to use.

Abstract: A tip for a surgical handpiece having two coaxial tubes or channels mounted within a body. The tip has one or more features that shape the fluid discharge so as to optimize the performance of the handpiece for varying parts of the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A surgical system for a liquefaction handpiece. The system uses a pressure sensing element located on the output side of the fluid pulse engine to read directly the pressure of the fluid pulse exiting the engine.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece having at least two lumens or tubes mounted to a body. At least one tube is used for aspiration and at least one other tube is used to inject heated surgical fluid for performing a surgical procedure, such as an ophthalmic or otic surgical procedure. A portion of the second tube may form a pumping chamber. The pumping chamber works by boiling a small volume of the surgical fluid. As the fluid boils, it expands rapidly, thereby propelling the liquid downstream of the pumping chamber out of the second tube. The pumping chamber may use a heating filament or a laser to heat the surgical fluid within the boiling chamber, thereby creating a pressure wave that travels down the second tube.

Abstract: A tip for a surgical handpiece having two coaxial tubes or channels mounted within a body. The tip has one or more features that shape the fluid discharge so as to optimize the performance of the handpiece for varying parts of the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece having a tip with at least two coaxially spaced electrically conductive tubes. The tubes are separated by an electrical insulator. The interior of the inner tube is used for aspiration of liquefied tissue. The outer tube is surrounded by a soft irrigation sleeve that forms an irrigation fluid path. The distal portion of the interior tube terminates inside of the outer tube so as to form a boiling region. Surgical fluid from the irrigation fluid path can enter the boiling region through a hole or port in the outer tube. Electrical current is passed between the inner and outer tube to rapidly boil any surgical fluid in the boiling region. The boiling fluid rapidly expands out of the ring between the tube ends and forces hot fluid to contact the targeted tissue, thereby liquefying the tissue and allowing the tissue to be aspirated. Such a construction allows the boiling chamber to be self-priming and operate even if the outer tube is occluded with material.

Abstract: A tip assembly for a liquefaction surgical handpiece. The tip assembly has an inner connector and an outer cap. The outer cap contains an external thread for attaching the tip assembly to a handpiece. The inner housing contains an alignment tab and fits within the outer cap so as to allow rotation of the inner connector within the outer cap. The inner and outer liquefaction tip tubes are frictionally fit into a bore in the inner connector. The proximal end of the inner housing contains a gasket that seal the inner housing against the handpiece.

Abstract: The present invention is a tire comprising a tread and layers radially interior to said tread, wherein at least one layer comprises a dye or pigment that fluoresces when exposed to ultraviolet light. The fluorescent dye may be on the surface of the layer, or dispersed throughout the layer. The present invention also comprises a method of inspecting a tire for proper placement of components comprising shining an ultraviolet light onto a cut section of the aforesaid layer. The invention also includes a method of re-treading a tire where the fluorescent layer is interior to the tread, and detecting the fluorescence of the layer is a signal to cease tread removal operations. In one to embodiment of the invention, the tire has at least one steel belt, and the fluorescent layer is a tape covering the edge of the belt. In another embodiment of the invention, the tire is a non-pneumatic tire.