Abstract: A diffractive optical ICL made from two different hydrogel materials that are biologically acceptable for long term implantation in the cornea. The first material has a higher refractive index than the cornea and it is bound to the second material which has a refractive index similar to corneal tissue. The interface between the two materials consists of a microstructured diffractive surface. The adequate permeability of metabolites through both of the hydrogels of the diffractive ICL yields a safe implant for the cornea. Alternatively, the lens may be made of a single material and/or have an edge geometry that minimizes corneal irritation and allows the lens to sit within the corneal tissue smoothly and relatively flat.

Abstract: A UV blocking fabric is provided which includes a fabric, UV blocking particles having a property of deflecting, reflecting, absorbing and/or scattering ultraviolet rays; and a binding agent attaching the UV blocking particles to the fabric. An article of manufacture which includes a fabric, optionally shaped to form an article of clothing, an awning, an umbrella, a sunscreen, a tent, a tarp, a canvas and the like, UV blocking particles having a property of deflecting, reflecting, absorbing and/or scattering ultraviolet rays which may be colored to match or contrast with the color of the fabric; and a binding agent attaching the UV blocking particles to the fabric. The UV blocking particles may be applied to the article of manufacture prior to or after manufacturing the article by immersion methods or by spraying methods.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating annular mask lens for vision correction having diffraction-reducing edges are provided. The lens body having an annular mask that forms a "soft edge" by gradually decreasing the transmissivity radially from the center aperture to the annular mask area. The methods introduce varying levels of a coloring agent (e.g., dye) into certain portions of the lens.

Abstract: Annular mask lens for vision correction having diffraction-reducing edges. The lens body having an annular mask that forms a "soft edge" by gradually decreasing the transmissivity radially from the center aperture to the annular mask area.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for extracting leachable materials from a hydratable polymer by incorporation of an adsorbent into the solution employed to effect extraction. Suitable adsorbents are characterized as having a higher affinity for the leachable materials than either the hydratable polymer or the solvent employed in the solution. Also disclosed are sealed packages comprising an aqueous solution, an adsorbent and a hydratable polymer in the form of an ophthalmic device.

Abstract: An annular mask lens for the treatment of optical aberrations such as but not limited to night myopia, spherical aberration, aniridia, keratoconus, corneal scarring, penetrating keratoplasty, and post refractive surgery complication. The lens has an annular mask having an aperture larger than conventional pinhole contact lens. The aperture having a "soft" inside edge and which mask has a gradually increasing transmissivity radially toward the outer edge of the mask.

Abstract: 4-(Fluorobenzoylamino)-3,4-dihydro-benzopyran derivatives are disclosed to possess anxiolytic and anti-convulsant activities.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for tinting hydrogel materials, such as contact lenses, by dissolving a leuco sulfate ester of a vat dye in an compatible monomer solution, adding an oxidizing initiator to the monomer solution, and oxidizing and polymerizing the monomer solution and dye in the same solution. In one aspect, the oxidation and polymerization are conducted simultaneously whereas in another embodiment, the oxidation of the soluble leuco sulfate ester of a vat dye to the insoluble vat dye and polymerization are conducted sequentially in the same reaction medium.

Abstract: An antenna pointing device for use in a satellite tracking system, including a satellite tracking system mounted on a moving body. The tracking system has at least one sensor that generates a signal indicating the orientation of the moving body relative to the satellite. The pointing device includes a base mounted on the moving body, an antenna pointing arm carrying the antenna and a universal joint supported by the base. The pointing arm is rotatably mounted within the universal joint for rotation about first and second control axes, the universal joint being constructed and arranged to enable rotation of the pointing arm through greater than 180 degrees but less than 360 degrees about each of the first and second control axes while suffering no singularities of control.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for extracting leachable materials from a hydratable polymer by incorporation of an adsorbent into the solution employed to effect extraction. Suitable adsorbents are characterized as having a higher affinity for the leachable materials than either the hydratable polymer or the solvent employed in the solution. Also disclosed are sealed packages comprising an aqueous solution, an adsorbent and a hydratable polymer in the form of an ophthalmic device.

Abstract: A fluid control apparatus comprising a housing having a plurality of discrete ports; conduits individually interconnecting the ports and discrete sources of, and receptacles for, fluid; and a valve member positionable in the housing in preselected fluid transferring positions relative to said ports whereby, in a first fluid transferring position, fluid can be transferred by the valve member from one of the fluid sources to one of the fluid receptacles through the ports thereof and, in a second fluid transferring position, fluid can be transferred by the valve member from the one of the fluid receptacles to a second of the fluid receptacles through the ports.

Abstract: A contact lens of generally disc-like configuration having a central axis extending through the contact lens and about which the contact lens is substantially symmetric in configuration. The contact lens hasa pupil zone through which the central axis extends and which comprises the area immediately circumferentially surrounding the central axis;an iris zone, which comprises the area circumferentially surrounding the pupil zone; anda peripheral zone which comprises the area circumferentially surrounding the iris zone and extends to the edge of the contact lens.Further in the area immediately adjacent to the periphery of the iris zone and the contact lens and circumferentially extending therearound a band of dark substantially light-absorbing color is provided.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof ##STR1## where R.sub.2 -R.sub.7, Y, a and b are as defined, are useful in the treatment of hypertension and respiratory tract disorders.

Abstract: A compound of the following formula: ##STR1## wherein: R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is hydrogen or C.sub.1-4 alkyl or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 together are C.sub.2-5 polymethylene; R.sub.3 is hydroxy, C.sub.1-6 alkoxy or C.sub.1-7 alkylcarbonyloxy; R'.sub.4 is ethyl, isopropyl, t-butyl or cyclopentyl, and R.sup.1.sub.6 is hydrogen or C.sub.1-6 alkyl.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a contact lens with an iris simulating pattern by moulding comprising applying to the mould at least two differing designs so as to form an overall pattern. This overall pattern is transferred to the surface or surfaces of the contact lens during moulding and curing thereof, where the designs transferred interact with each other to substantially cover the iris and produce a coloured natural simulation of the iris of the eye when in use.

Abstract: Hydrophobic casting moulds are treated with electrical discharge, such as corona discharge, to provide enhanced compatibility with hydrophilic objects introduced into the mould, without interfering with the release properties of the mould. A preferred embodiment involves treatment of contact lens casting moulds with corona discharge to provide improvements in the lens manufacturing procedure, as well as enhancement in the quality of the contact lenses themselves. The invention is particularly applicable to the production of contact lenses having a colored iris pattern imprinted thereon.

Abstract: Video image compression apparatus and method provides full color, wide field of view, real time imagery having high central resolution. Compression ratios of 1600:1 are achieved thus reducing a required data transmission bandwidth sufficiently to abolish line-of-sight restrictions. Data compression apparatus and method (a) uses a log polar mapper to match the image display to human perceptual resolution to achieve a 25:1 compression ratio with no loss of perceived cues, (b) separates perceptual channels into low resolution, high discrimination level color and high resolution, low discrimination level contrast edges to yield an additional 8:1 compression ratio and (c) applies a data compression technique to yield an additional 8:1 compression ratio. A Gaussian filter is employed in generating a display of the imagery from the compressed data. An operator is provided a capability to rapidly move the high resolution window to any point of interest within the display.

Abstract: A compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein: one of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is hydrogen or C.sub.1-4 alkyl and the other is C.sub.1-4 alkyl or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 together are C.sub.2-5 polymethylene; and R'.sub.4 is ethyl, isopropyl, t-butyl or cyclopentyl.

Abstract: Apparatus and method which provides for the determination of a vehicle's orientation and position in an environment, such as a hallway, from an image of a retroreflective ceiling feature. A mobile robot 10 includes a light source 28 and a camera 12 that are pitched up obliquely at an intermediate angle between a horizon and a zenith. The camera views a ceiling having one or more strip-like retroreflective features 16 which are preferably aligned with an axis of the hallway. In that the feature presents a pattern or alignment which is substantially parallel to a long axis of the hallway the pattern is detected and processed to derive robot navigation information therefrom.

Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle, such as a mobile robot (10) includes at least one radiation projector (14, 16) which projects a structured beam of radiation into the robot's environment. The structured beam of radiation (14a, 16a) preferably has a substantially planar pattern of sufficient width to encompass the immediate forward path of the robot and also to encompass laterally disposed areas in order to permit turning adjustments. The vision system further includes an imaging (12) sensor such as a CCD imaging device having a two-dimensional field of view which encompasses the immediate forward path of the robot. An image sensor processor (18) includes an image memory (18A) coupled to a device (18D) which is operable for accessing the image memory. Image processing is accomplished in part by triangulating the stored image of the structured beam pattern to derive range and bearing, relative to the robot, of a object being illuminated.