Abstract: Multiple site information of light intensity is obtained by application of a multiple-fibre probe in a real-time optical monitoring system. The multiple-fibre probe includes a plurality of optical fibres distributed along the length of the probe. Each optical fibre may be is switchable between the mode for transmitting optical signal into the malignant tissue and the mode for collecting the optical signal from the same tissue. Thus the numbers of the probes can be minimized for collecting multiple site light information and the irritation to the tissue is reduced. A method of using such a probe to determine coagulated boundary in thermal or other treatment is also described.

Abstract: An air drag reducing apparatus is mounted on the rearward surface of a large vehicle. The apparatus comprises first and second pairs of identical panels having a base edge and first and second side edges extending from the base edge, and mating hinge plates and hinge pin. The base edges of the first pair of panels are adapted for mounting to one of the opposed vertical side edges of the rearward surface of the large vehicle and the base edges of the second pair of panels are adapted for mounting to one of the upper and lower side edges of the rearward surface. The second side edge of each of the first pair of panels is hingedly connected to the first side edge of a respective one the second pair of panels so as to form one of two fold-away portions of the apparatus. Each of the panels is symmetric about a respective axis of symmetry. At least one of the angles formed between the edges of the panels and the sides of the rearward surface of the vehicle is between 18 and 30 degrees.