Abstract: An evanescent wave sensor and method for use in analyzing one or more media, the sensor including a waveguide having first and second wave propagating surfaces. The waveguide propagates an input signal along the waveguide between the first and second surfaces. The first surface receives a first radiation signal which indicates the presence of a first analyte, and the second surface receives a second radiation signal representing one or both of a second analyte and a reference. The first and second surfaces can both be contacted with a single medium, or with two separate media, and one or more output signals can be detected.

Abstract: Error rates above a given threshold are detected by initiating a counter to count a group of n bits on each occurrence of an error bit. The counters are inspected on each occurrence of an error to see whether the counter initiated x error bits earlier is still counting. If the counter is still counting the error rate is above a threshold of x error bits in a group of n bits in a serial stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel evanescent wave sensor which can have a high numerical aperture and is capable of being used in various forms of optically-based assays. Unlike previous fiber optical devices, the present sensors do not use any cladding at the contact points.

Abstract: An assay apparatus employing total internal reflection of excitation radiation at the interface between an optically conductive rod or fiber and a surrounding liquid phase of lower index of refraction. Immobilized on the surface of the fiber is a component of a complex formed in an immunochemical-type reaction; a fluorophore that can be excited into fluorescence by the excitation radiation is attached to another component of the complex. The fiber is coaxially disposed in cantilevered manner within a length of tubing, so that the excitation radiation can be launched into the unsupported end of the fiber and the fluorescent radiation tunneling back into the fiber may be observed at the same fiber end, thereby preventing that portion of the fiber surface between the unsupported fiber end and the mounted end being in contact with other than the surrounding liquid phase.

Abstract: A carriage is longitudinally reciprocated along a fixed base by a motor. A first pair of arms are pivotally connected at their lower ends to opposite sides of the base. A second pair of arms are pivotally connected at their upper ends to corresponding ones of the upper ends of the first arms and at their lower ends to opposite sides of the carriage. With a person reclined on his or her back, one of the person's legs extends between the first arms and between the second arms. The foot is held to a foot support pivotally mounted on the carriage. The thigh is held in a thigh support which extends between the first arms so that reciprocating movement of the carriage articulates the knee and hip joints of the leg.

Abstract: A source of optical wave energy for an optical communication system. One end of an optical waveguide fiber bundle is disposed in light-receiving relationship with respect to light from a Lambertian-type light source such as a light emitting diode. A spherical bead of transparent material disposed between the diode and the fiber bundle endface provides a rugged and inexpensive optical device that tends to collimate the light emitted from the diode.