Abstract: Apparatus for training a race swimmer to start a race include a first support assembly and a first hurdle member adapted to be held by the first support assembly above the water in a swimming pool, to be removed from the first support assembly by the force of a swimmer impacting the first hurdle member and to, thereafter, be positioned to be held by the first support assembly. The present apparatus preferably are portable and very flexible so as to provide a very effective training apparatus for swimmers. In addition, a starting block apparatus includes a portable base member, an adjustment assembly and a platform member which is adapted to be adjusted to vary the height of the platform member above the deck of a swimming pool and/or the angle of the platform assembly relative to the deck, as desired.

Abstract: An apparatus to facilitate identifying a container, for example, a pharmaceutical container, includes at least one member adapted to be secured, for example, removably secured, to a container and to provide indication information effective to distinguish the container when the member is secured thereto, for example, relative to an identical container without the member. The present apparatus is particularly useful in facilitating distinguishing one pharmaceutical container from one or more other pharmaceutical containers.

Abstract: Ophthalmic lenses, such as intraocular lenses, include cross-linked polymeric materials having a first constituent derived from a first monomeric component selected from the group consisting of acrylates, methacrylates and mixtures thereof, and a second constituent derived from a second component in an amount effective as a cross linker in the cross-linked polymeric material. The cross-linked polymeric material has branched chain alkyl groups, preferably included with at least a portion of the first monomeric component, in an amount effective to reduce the tackiness of the cross-linked polymeric material relative to a substantially identical cross-linked polymeric material without the branched chain alkyl groups.

Abstract: A posterior/anterior chamber intraocular lens for implantation in an eye has an optic and at least one elongated fixation member. The optic has an optical axis. The fixation member has a proximal segment joined to the optic, a distal segment extending away from the optic, and an intermediate segment joining the proximal and distal segments. The intermediate segment has a through-iris portion adapted to extend through the iris of the eye. The distal segment is adapted to be disposed in the posterior chamber of the eye while the proximal segment is adapted to be disposed in the anterior chamber of the eye.

Abstract: Intraocular lenses include a lens body sized and adapted for placement in a mammalian eye and having a plurality of different optical powers, and a movement assembly joined to the lens body and adapted to cooperate with the mammalian eye to effect accommodating movement of the lens body in the eye. Such intraocular lenses provide enhanced accommodation relative to the accommodation attainable using a single optical power IOL adapted for accommodating movement.

Abstract: Compositions useful for repairing osseous defects include particulate bioactive and biocompatible glass including 40 to 58% by weight silica, 10 to 320 by weight calcia, 10 to 320 by weight soda and 2 to 10% by weight phosphorus pentoxide. The particles have a size distribution of: 20 to 65% by weight, 50 microns to less than 297 microns; 20 to 45% by weight, 297 to less than 350 microns; and 15 to 40% by weight, 350 microns to less than 420 microns. Methods for repairing osseous defects utilizing such compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A process for reducing the particle size of porous organic polymers by subjecting an aqueous slurry of the porous organic polymers to a cutting action and recovering particles of reduced mean particle size. The particles produced by the process can be used as additives for lead acid batteries and as a starting material for the production of additives having functional release agents.

Abstract: A multifocal ophthalmic lens, having outer annular zones with vision correction powers less than a far vision correction power of the patient, is disclosed. These additional annular zones come into play, when the pupil size increases under dim lighting conditions, to thereby compensate for the near-vision powered annular zones. The net effect of the additional near vision annular zones and the additional annular zones having power less than the far vision correction power is to shift the best quality image from in front of the retina to an area on the retina of the eye, to thereby reduce halo effects and improve image contrast.

Abstract: Ophthalmic lenses, for example, intraocular lenses, contact lenses, corneal implant lenses and the like, have multifocal characteristics which provide beneficial reductions in at least the perception of one or more night time visual symptoms such as “halos”, and “glare or flare”.

Abstract: A rotary floor finisher for use with a power rider trailer for the sanding and screening of large wood floor areas. The floor finisher and sander to attached in substantially rigid relationship to each other and steered by a wheel provided on the floor finisher.

Abstract: A battery element of a lead acid battery including a negative plate, a positive and a separator having a metal inhibiting additive that reduces the detrimental effects of at least one impurity on the negative plate.

Abstract: An improved ophthalmic lens is disclosed which has a plurality of alternating power zones with a continuously varying power within each zone, as well as in transition from one zone to another. In other words, a plurality of concentric zones (at least two) are provided in which the variation from far to near vision correction is continuous, i.e., from near correction focal power to far correction focal power, then back to near, and again back to far, or vice versa. This change is continuous (progressive), without any abrupt correction changes, or “edges”.

Abstract: A battery element of a lead acid battery including a negative plate, a positive plate and a separator having a metal inhibiting additive that reduces the detrimental effects of at least one impurity on the negative plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in retaining a lamp in a housing include a member having a central opening, a first sidewall facing the central opening, a substantially opposing second sidewall facing away from the central opening, a front wall extending between the first and second sidewalls and a substantially opposing back wall extending between the first and second sidewalls. A plurality of spaced apart through holes passing through the member from the front wall to the back wall are provided. Each of these through holes include joined first and second openings. The first opening is located closer to the first sidewall and the second opening is located closer to the second sidewall. These members are particularly useful in combinations in which a lamp is located at least partially in a lamp housing. A member, as noted above, is provided in close proximity to the lamp face, for example, by fastener assemblies, to reduce the risk of the lamp falling from the housing, for example, during extreme storm conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air tube for use in a spirometer. This air tube is disposable and is at least partially, preferably completely, biodegradable, so that is can be economically produced and discarded after use by a single spirometer user. Cross-patient contamination and expensive sterilization procedures are thus avoided. In addition, making this air tube biodegradable allows for the use of plentiful and inexpensive materials of construction, such as cardboard, paper, biodegradable polymers and the like, and reduces the environmental burden caused by disposing of this component.

Abstract: Intraocular lenses include an optic adapted to focus light toward a retina of an eye and a movement assembly coupled to the optic. The optic includes a far vision correction power for infinity reduced by a diopter power increment. The movement assembly is adapted to cooperate with the eye to move the optic bidirectionally, that is anteriorly in the eye and posteriorly in the eye, for example, from a neutral resting position in the eye, to effect positive accommodating movement of the optic and negative accommodating movement of the optic, respectively. Methods of inserting such intraocular lenses into an eye are also provided.

Abstract: A battery element of a lead acid battery including a negative plate, a positive plate and a separator having a macroporous high cross-link organic polymer having sulfonic functionality in at least one of the negative plate or separator to improve capacity maintenance.

Abstract: An assembled battery having one or more positive plates, negative plates and separators and sulfuric acid electrolytes having a fluoro aliphatic surfactant present in the electrolyte that improves the utilization efficiency of the battery.

Abstract: Disposable air tubes having tracking information disposed thereon or disclosed. Spirometers for reading the tracking information on the disposable air tubes are also disclosed. The tracking information automatically ensures that air tubes are not re-used among different patients. The tracking information thus reduces or eliminates cross-contamination between patients and increases the accuracy of spirometry readings by reducing condensation buildup within the disposable air tubes.

Abstract: A smoke filter consists of substrate threads and/or strips each pre-coated with particulate sorbent (e.g. activated carbon granules), gathered together in solid or tubular rod form e.g. within a containing sleeve. When the gathered threads and/or strips form a tubular body, this may be provided with a core.