Abstract: A fringe shift measurement system is provided and includes an optical phase mask configured to receive light fringes from optical flats. The optical phase mask has first and second halves, each half having alternating patterns of opaque rings and transparent rings. The first half pattern is phase-shifted with respect to the second half pattern. The first and second halves are configured to alternately block the light fringes or allow the light fringes to pass through the optical phase mask. A splitter is configured to direct the light fringes from the optical phase mask in desired directions. Concentrators are positioned to receive light fringes from the splitter and configured to focus the light fringes in a desired location. Detectors are configured to receive the focused light fringes from the concentrators and configured to convert the focused light fringes into digital signals. A control unit is configured to analyze the digital signals.

Abstract: A fringe shift measurement system is provided and includes an optical phase mask configured to receive light fringes from optical flats. The optical phase mask has first and second halves, each half having alternating patterns of opaque rings and transparent rings. The first half pattern is phase-shifted with respect to the second half pattern. The first and second halves are configured to alternately block the light fringes or allow the light fringes to pass through the optical phase mask. A splitter is configured to direct the light fringes from the optical phase mask in desired directions. Concentrators are positioned to receive light fringes from the splitter and configured to focus the light fringes in a desired location. Detectors are configured to receive the focused light fringes from the concentrators and configured to convert the focused light fringes into digital signals. A control unit is configured to analyze the digital signals.

Abstract: A collimated periscope that is switchable between a normal optical view of the outside, a display view, and an overlay view in which the outside view and display view are combined. The switching element is an electronically switchable mirror with primarily reflective, primarily transparent, and intermediate states, depending on the application of electrical potentials.

Abstract: A collimated periscope that is switchable between a normal optical view of the outside, a display view, and an overlay view in which the outside view and display view are combined. The switching element is an electronically switchable mirror with primarily reflective, primarily transparent, and intermediate states, depending on the application of electrical potentials.

Abstract: An axial elongate bipolar tissue sealer/cutter and method of use by a surgeon for electrosurgery on tissue. A chassis on a handle extends axially for axial movement. An effector on a distal end of the chassis first contacts tissue with axial movement. The effector provides bipolar electrosurgery. A member extending from the distal end is opposite the patient end of a tube. A part on the member is transverse to the axis to conduct electrosurgery. First and second bipolar electrodes on the effector and part are electrically isolated. A generator for bipolar electrosurgery supplies the electrodes. An activator is movably supported on the handle connects to the tube and/or chassis to axially move the patient end and its effector relative to the part. Tissue and bodily fluid therebetween are sealed or cut through application of compression and bipolar electrosurgery between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: An axial elongate bipolar tissue sealer/cutter and method of use by a surgeon for electrosurgery on tissue. A chassis on a handle extends axially for axial movement. An effector on a distal end of the chassis first contacts tissue with axial movement. The effector provides bipolar electrosurgery. A member extending from the distal end is opposite the patient end of a tube. First and second bipolar electrodes on the effector and a part on the member electrically isolated. A generator supplies the electrodes. An activator is movably supported on the handle and connects to the tube and/or chassis to axially move the effector relative to the part. Tissue and bodily fluid therebetween are sealed or cut through application of compression and bipolar electrosurgery between the first and second electrodes. The effector and the part have complimentary sealing or cutting surfaces for partial mating engagement upon axial movement toward one another.

Abstract: To ablate target tissue a handle with proximal and distal ends connect to an interior passageway and along an axis. A semi rigid and helical effector at the distal end is along the axis and has a sharpened distal tip and a mount at its handle attachment. A source of radio frequency current supplies the effector and is insulated from the handle for delivery to bipolar and monopolar circuits. A return electrode connects between tissue and the source of radio frequency current. A sensor is carried on the handle positioned to measure target tissue ablation. A control couples the source of radio frequency current and the sensor for loop regulation of ablation. The effector is a wire bent into the helical shape with an insulating sleeve to prevent passage of radio frequency current near its mount. The sensor has a calculator to find impedance or temperature changes and the control examines for a rise.

Abstract: An axial elongate bipolar tissue sealer and method of use by a surgeon for electrosurgery on tissue has a handle. A tube may move axially relative to a chassis on the handle. The effector provides bipolar electrosurgery. A member extending from the distal end is opposite the patient end of the tube. A part on the member is transverse to the axis to conduct electrosurgery. First and second bipolar electrodes on the effector and part are electrically isolated. A generator for bipolar electrosurgery supplies the electrodes. An activator is movably supported on the handle connects to the tube and/or chassis to axially move the patient end and its effector relative to the part. Tissue and bodily fluid therebetween are sealed through application of compression and bipolar electrosurgery between the first and second electrodes. The effector and the part have complimentary sealing surfaces for partial mating engagement upon axial movement toward one another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermal treatment of tissue employing microwave energy is disclosed. Preferably, the apparatus includes an elongated member having a tissue capturing portion. A microwave conductor operatively mounts with the elongated member and has a forward conductor end. The microwave conductor is adapted for movement between an unadvanced position where the forward conductor end is displaced from the tissue capturing portion and an advanced position where the forward conductor end is adjacent to the tissue capturing portion to direct microwave energy toward the body tissue portion supported therein. A source of microwave energy in electrical communication with the microwave conductor supplies microwave energy having a frequency ranging from about 400 MHz to about 2500 MHz. Preferably, the microwave conductor includes an active conductor and a return conductor in a coaxial arrangement. The forward conductor end may be uninsulated or insulated.

Abstract: An apparatus for transcervical sterilization or transcatheter embolization with a controlled bipolar RF catheter for creating thermal lesions in the fallopian tubes or thrombosing vessels has a catheter elongate along an axis thereof with a patient end. The catheter is circular and sized for transcervical insertion into the fallopian tube or transcatheter vessel insertion, respectively. A connector on an end of the catheter opposite the patient end has the terminations for RF and monitoring and is shaped for the surgeon to manipulate during placement and withdrawal. Two or more bipolar electrodes on the patient end are placed so each electrode is spaced from another with each circumscribing the catheter. A mucosa or thrombus sensor responsive to applied RF energy passing between the two or more bipolar electrodes determines the condition of the transmural formation of a lesion or the thrombus between each of the electrodes.