1. Method comprising:
a) introducing a first analyzing optical wavelength \u03bb1 into a tunable optical filter using a nominally fixed wavelength laser operating at a first temperature T1, the tunable optical filter being tunable by changing an operating parameter (parameter), and having a first calibration between optical wavelength and the operating parameter,
b) varying the parameter of the tunable optical filter,
c) measuring the optical power output from the tunable optical filter to produce a first optical power vs. parameter relationship,
d) changing the temperature of the nominally fixed wavelength laser to temperature T2 to produce a second analyzing optical wavelength \u03bb2,
e) introducing the second analyzing optical wavelength into the tunable optical filter,
f) varying the parameter of the tunable optical filter,
g) measuring the optical power output from the tunable optical filter to produce a second optical power vs. parameter relationship,
h) comparing the first and second optical power vs. parameter relationships,
i) based on said comparison changing the calibration of the tunable optical filter.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the parameter is voltage.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the parameter is current.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein an additional optical signal is introduced into the tunable optical filter.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein the additional optical signal is a WDM signal.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein \u03bb1 and \u03bb2 differ by less than 2 nm.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein the difference between T1 and T2 is in the range 5-30 degrees C.
8. The method of claim 1 including the additional steps of:
j) changing the temperature of the nominally fixed wavelength laser to temperature T3 to produce a third analyzing optical wavelength \u03bb3,
k) introducing the third analyzing optical wavelength into the tunable optical filter,
l) varying the parameter of the tunable optical filter,
m) measuring the optical power output from the tunable optical filter to produce a third optical power vs. parameter relationship,
n) comparing the first, second, and third optical power vs. parameter relationships,
o) based on said comparison changing the calibration of the tunable optical filter.
9. Optical system comprising:
a) a nominally fixed wavelength laser operating at a first temperature T1 to produce an output, the output having first analyzing optical wavelength \u03bb1,
b) a tunable optical filter, the tunable optical filter being tunable by changing an operating parameter (parameter), and having a first calibration between optical wavelength and the operating parameter,
c) an optical connection connecting a) and b) for introducing the output of the nominally fixed wavelength laser into the tunable optical filter.
d) a tuning source for varying the parameter of the tunable optical filter,
e) a photodetector for measuring the optical power output from the tunable optical filter to produce a first optical power vs. parameter relationship,
f) a thermoelectric device associated with the nominally fixed wavelength laser for changing the temperature of the nominally fixed wavelength laser to temperature T2 to produce a second analyzing optical wavelength \u03bb2, and produce a second optical power vs. parameter relationship.
10. The optical device of claim 9 wherein the parameter is voltage.
11. The optical device of claim 9 wherein the parameter is current.
12. The optical device of claim 9 further including an additional optical connector associated with the tunable optical filter for introducing an additional optical signal into the tunable optical filter.
13. The optical device of claim 12 wherein the additional optical signal is a WDM signal.
14. The optical device of claim 9 wherein the thermoelectric device operates over a range of 5-30 degrees C.
15. Method comprising introducing an optical signal into a tunable optical filter, and analyzing the performance of the tunable optical filter by steps comprising:
a) introducing a first analyzing optical wavelength \u03bb1 into the tunable optical filter using a nominally fixed wavelength laser operating at a first temperature T1, the tunable optical filter being tunable by changing an operating parameter (parameter), and having a first calibration between optical wavelength and the operating parameter,
b) varying the parameter of the tunable optical filter,
c) measuring the optical power output from the tunable optical filter to produce a first optical power vs. parameter relationship for the analyzing wavelength \u03bb1,
d) changing the temperature of the nominally fixed wavelength laser to temperature T2 to produce a second analyzing optical wavelength \u03bb2,
e) introducing the second analyzing optical wavelength into the tunable optical filter,
f) varying the parameter of the tunable optical filter,
g) measuring the optical power output from the tunable optical filter to produce a second optical power vs. parameter relationship for the analyzing wavelength \u03bb2,
h) comparing the first and second optical power vs. parameter relationships,
i) based on said comparison changing the calibration of the tunable optical filter.
The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.
1. Vertebral osteosynthesis equipment, including:
bony anchoring members, such as pedicular screws (1) or hooks, whereof at least one comprises a proximal threaded stud (6) intended for receiving a nut (4) and a base portion (7) intended for anchoring to a vertebra;
one or two linking rods (2), intended to be connected to these anchoring members and to be attached to the vertebrae by these anchoring members,
parts (3) for connecting this(these) linking rod(s) (2) to these anchoring members, and
extension pieces (5) intended for engaging on the proximal stud(s) (6) of the anchoring member(s) for running down connecting parts (3) on this or these proximal stud(s) (6) until they rest on the proximal zone(s) (17) of the base portion(s) (7) of the anchoring members;
equipment characterized in that the proximal stud (6) of at least one anchoring member and the extension piece (5) intended to be used with this anchoring member include retaining means (12, 32; 35) enabling to position and retain the extension piece (5) on the free end of the proximal stud (6), concentrically thereto, and in that the end distal portion (30) of said extension piece (5) has an external diameter smaller that that of the bore of said nut (4), in order to let through the nut (4) thereon.
2. Vertebral osteosynthesis equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that said positioning means comprise a rod (12) integral with the proximal stud (6) or of the extension piece (5) and a bore (32) provided, respectively, in the extension piece (5) or the proximal stud (6), whereas this rod (12) may be engaged in this bore (32).
3. Vertebral osteosynthesis equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that said positioning means comprise means enabling axial connection of the proximal stud (6) with the extension piece (5).
4. Vertebral osteosynthesis equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that the proximal stud (6) comprises a threaded proximal rod (12), and said end distal portion (30) of the extension piece (5) comprises a tapered hole (32) for screwing the extension piece (5) on this proximal rod (12).
5. Vertebral osteosynthesis equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that the extension piece (5) is, outside said end distal portion (30), of flexible structure.
6. Vertebral osteosynthesis equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that said flexible structure is in the form of a metal wire wound into a spiral.
7. Vertebral osteosynthesis equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that the spires of said metal wire are contiguous.
8. Vertebral osteosynthesis equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that said end distal portion (30) is threaded so that it enables to screw the nut (4) thereon.
9. Vertebral osteosynthesis equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that said retaining means includes an unthreaded proximal rod (12) on the stud (6), and an unthreaded bore (32) and two flexible tabs (35) bent inwardly on said end distal portion (30), said tabs 35 being capable of being elastically bent outwardly by said proximal rod (12) when the latter is inserted in the bore (32) so as to generate a friction between these tabs (35) and the rod (12), sufficient for the retention of the extension piece (5) on the stud (6).
10. Vertebral osteosynthesis equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that the two tabs (35) are diametrically opposed.
11. Vertebral osteosynthesis equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that the two tabs (35) are arranged by U-shaped slots (36) cut through the wall of the end distal portion (30).
12. Vertebral osteosynthesis equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that the bore (32) is narrowing from its distal opened end to its proximal end, until a narrow portion (37) near which are located the proximal ends of the tabs (35).
13. Vertebral osteosynthesis equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that the body (31) is formed by a single flexible rod, having a tip cap (38) at its proximal end.
14. Vertebral osteosynthesis equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that said positioning means comprise means enabling axial connection of the proximal stud (6) with the extension piece (5).
15. Vertebral osteosynthesis equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that the extension piece (5) is, outside said end distal portion (30), of flexible structure.
16. Vertebral osteosynthesis equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that said end distal portion (30) is threaded so that it enables to screw the nut (4) thereon.