Abstract: A holder for a device may have a receiver that captures an end of the device, and an engagement mechanism that may latch or secure the device into the holder. The holder may permit the device to be held in two or more different positions, and may secure the device in the holder when the holder may be oriented in several different orientations. The holder may operate in conjunction with a removable protective cover that may include features that interact with the engagement mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing crystals includes a sealed chamber having a crucible and a seed holder disposed therein. The seed holder is selectively positionable within the chamber from a first position relative to the crucible to at least one subsequent position within the crucible. A heater is configured and dimensioned to heat a melt disposed within the crucible and an insulator is included for insulating the heater and the crucible. An actuator rotates at least one of the crucible and the seed holder relative to the other and a support ring suspends the crucible within the sealed chamber. A ceramic thermal shield is disposed atop the support ring and regulates the heat loss from the crucible to an upper portion of the chamber. The crucible has a non-smooth outer surface morphology or a chemically altered outer surface for increasing the absorption or transfer of thermal energy generated by the heater.

Abstract: In some preferred embodiments, a medical imaging system having stable camera optics is provided that includes: a photon emitting source that emits photons towards a plurality of photon receivers; an optical interface between said photon emitting source and said plurality of photon receivers including an optical coupling gel that is prone to discoloration from local contaminants and an optical coating adjacent said optical coupling gel; and said optical coating having means for avoiding discoloration of said optical coupling gel.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a new saw is cutting crystal is provided. This saw uses a driven string wetted with a dissolving fluid so cut crystal material. The present invention avoids the problems of localized heating causing chemical changes in the crystal that occur in other techniques.