Abstract: A radial gradient contact lens is provided. The methodology described above allows the parameters of the lens and of the radial gradient profile to be chosen to improve the vision and the comfort of the wearer. The lens can be made thinner and the optical performance remains improved as the CL moves around in the eye. The improved vision leads to higher contrast when the iris of the eye is fully open as it is under low light level conditions. The use of an anamorphic lens consisting of an elliptical index profile for use in correcting astigmatism is described.

Abstract: An electrosurgery blade active electrode having a plurality of discrete electrical discharge points along a blade edge. A plurality of distinct points are provided for current discharge, facilitating controlled evenly distributed current through the tissue. The more stable discharge allows cutting with reduced current thus substantially reducing problems of the electrode sticking to the tissue and reducing damage to surrounding tissue. Furthermore, the cutting speed is increased and the smoke generated in the cutting process is decreased with use of the inventive blade. The electrosurgery blade of the invention may also include a plurality of grooves or channels on the side of the blade leading from the blade edge to the back of the blade away from the cutting edge to facilitate the escape of heated gasses from the area of the cut.

Abstract: A segmented GRIN anamorphic lens and a lens array using such lenses are provided. The lens has an optical axis and is composed of a plurality of segments. The interfaces between the segments are planes or wedges inclined at an angle to the optical axis. At least one segment has a predetermined axial index of refraction profile while the other segment may have either a predetermined homogeneous index of refraction or a predetermined radial index of refraction profile. The planar interface geometry and the index of refraction profiles are chosen to provide lenses with desirable optical properties. Spherical and cylindrical aberrations can be reduced or eliminated by appropriate choice of the index of refraction profile. The front and rear surfaces of the lens assembly can also be ground and polished into spherical shapes which act with the axial gradient interface to yield an anamorphic lens functionality.

Abstract: A method for cutting and faceting a gemstone to provide a torus ring shape and gemstone provided thereby. A complete or partial torus is generated having a hole bored in the center through the pavilion and the crown. The method works with various gemstone shapes including round, marquise, oval and cushion. In a round gemstone, a pair of parallel planes are lapped and a circular hole concentric with a vertical axis of the gemstone and perpendicular to the lapped planes is drilled through the gemstone crown and pavilion leaving a torus ring shape. Inside and outside pavilion faces are carved to the desired shapes. Outside and inside crown angles are cut or carved to the desired shape. The various surfaces are sanded and polished. If desired, another gemstone may be set into the center of the hole in the crown using goldsmithing and/or lapidary techniques.

Abstract: A segmented axial gradient lens and a lens system using such lenses are provided. The lens has an optical axis and is composed of a plurality of segments. The interfaces between the segments are either planes inclined at an angle to the optical axis, wedges or cones. At least one segment has a predetermined axial index of refraction profile while other segments may have either a predetermined homogeneous index of refraction or a predetermined axial index of refraction profile. The interface geometry and the index of refraction profiles are chosen to provide lenses with desirable optical properties from segments having only simple interfaces. Spherical and cylindrical aberrations can be reduced or eliminated by appropriate choice of the index of refraction profile even for a lens fabricated entirely from segments with flat surfaces. The front and rear surfaces of the lens assembly can also be ground and polished into spherical or cylindrical shapes.