The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology, LLC

Christopher M Cilip

Nathaniel Michael Fried

Drew Schiltz

A device for optically inspecting a surface of a sample includes: a screen providing a first light profile pattern formed with lighter and darker areas wherein the areas form a first spatial intensity profile having a first spatial period, a holder for positioning the sample with the surface relative to the first pattern such that the first pattern is reflected by the surface, an auxiliary lens and/or curved mirror arranged between the screen and the holder for providing a second light profile pattern having areas which form a second spatial intensity profile with a second spatial period when at least a part of the first pattern passes the lens or is reflected by the mirror, an image recording unit for receiving an image of the second pattern reflected from the surface of the sample, and an evaluation unit for determining properties of the surface in dependence on the image.

Device for optically inspecting a surface of a sample

The present invention presents novel methods for performing noninvasive vasectomies in animals, including humans, and vasectomy clamps for use in such procedures. The invention further presents an apparatus for use in noninvasive male sterilization procedures. More specifically, the invention presents the application of lasers for noninvasive thermal coagulation and occlusion of the vas. Non-contact cooling of the tissue surface, for example, via cryogen or other cooling spray, prevents scrotal skin burns during the procedure. Both the laser radiation and cooling spray are delivered in a non-contact mode to the tissue. This procedure also preserves the surgical field-of-view, potentially allowing the urologist to visually monitor the skin surface during subsurface heating of the vas and preventing the formation of scrotal skin burns.

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Maple Grove, MN, United States of America

Christopher M Cilip