Abstract: A blade holder 16 includes a bottom surface 18 for attachment to a blade 30. A top surface 20 interfaces with a drive-pin 32 of a microkeratome 38. A drive slot 22 is formed in the top surface 20 for engagement with the drive-pin 32 for allowing oscillation of the blade holder 16. A plurality of steps 24 are formed in the top surface 20, and rise from the drive slot 22 toward at least one side 26 of the blade holder 16.

Abstract: A microkeratome 10 for use in ophthalmic surgery includes a bar-link drive 20 connected to a cutting-head 36. A fixation ring 34 attaches to a patient's eye and is coupled to the bar-link drive 20 to the drive the cutting-head 36 at least partially across the fixation ring 34.

Abstract: A microkeratome 10 for use in ophthalmic surgery includes a bar-link drive 20 connected to a cutting-head 36. A fixation ring 34 attaches to a patient's eye and is coupled to the bar-link drive 20 to the drive the cutting-head 36 at least partially across the fixation ring 34.

Abstract: A blade holder 16 includes a bottom surface 18 for attachment to a blade 30. A top surface 20 interfaces with a drive-pin 32 of a microkeratome 38. A drive slot 22 is formed in the top surface 20 for engagement with the drive-pin 32 for allowing oscillation of the blade holder 16. A plurality of steps 24 are formed in the top surface 20, and rise from the drive slot 22 toward at least one side 26 of the blade holder 16.

Abstract: A cutting blade assembly 20 includes a ceramic blade 22 with a forward cutting edge 24. A lower portion 28 of a blade holder 26 is formed of ceramic and is integral to ceramic blade 22. An upper blade holder portion 30 is attached to the lower blade holder portion 28, such that the upper blade holder portion 30 is structured for engagement with a microkeratome oscillation mechanism 84.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for molding an IOL comprising first and second mold halves each having an optic forming surface and haptic forming surfaces which together define a mold cavity in the shape of the IOL to be molded therein when the mold halves are assembled together. An injection port is formed and connects to one of said haptic forming surfaces or the optic forming surface wherethrough a polymerizable material is injected into the mold cavity. A venting port is formed and connects to another haptic wherethrough air escapes from the mold cavity as the polymerizable material is injected through the injection port.

Abstract: A cutting blade assembly 20 includes a ceramic blade 22 with a forward cutting edge 24. A lower portion 28 of a blade holder 26 is formed of ceramic and is integral to ceramic blade 22. An upper blade holder portion 30 is attached to the lower blade holder portion 28, such that the upper blade holder portion 30 is structured for engagement with a microkeratome oscillation mechanism 84.

Abstract: A microkeratome 10 for use in ophthalmic surgery includes a bar-link drive 20 connected to a cutting-head 36. A fixation ring 34 attaches to a patient's eye and is coupled to the bar-link drive 20 to the drive the cutting-head 36 at least partially across the fixation ring 34.

Abstract: A microkeratome cutting blade assembly 10 includes a cutting blade 12 and a blade holder 14 attached to the cutting blade 12. The cutting blade 12 is keyed to aid in ensuring that a cutting blade 12 top surface 24 abuts the blade holder 14 during manufacturing.

Abstract: A microkeratome cutting blade assembly 10 includes a cutting blade 12 attached to a blade holder 14. A blade extension 18 is controlled to within at least six (6) ten-thousandths of an inch of a tangent extension length.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for molding an IOL comprising first and second mold halves each having an optic forming surface and haptic forming surfaces which together define a mold cavity in the shape of the IOL to be molded therein when the mold halves are assembled together. An injection port is formed and connects to one of said haptic forming surfaces or the optic forming surface wherethrough a polymerizable material is injected into the mold cavity. A venting port is formed and connects to another haptic wherethrough air escapes from the mold cavity as the polymerizable material is injected through the injection port.

Abstract: Method for removing unwanted excess material from a mold section is particularly adapted for removing a monomer ring adhered within a reservoir of a female mold section used to mold a contact lens. The invention involves piercing the monomer ring and rotating the piercing members (e.g., annularly spaced pins) relative to the mold section whereby the monomer ring is sheared from the mold section to which it was adhered while the molded lens is left intact in the mold section.

Abstract: Apparatus for clamping together contact lens molds having a polymerizable liquid monomer disposed therebetween includes a plurality of clamping assemblies each having a linearly translatable shaft member mounted to a contact lens curing table. A common mold clamp release assembly is provided through which each mold clamping assembly passes, thereby ensuring that each mold set is subjected to the same clamping and release profile. Additionally, the amount of clamping force of each clamping assembly may be individually adjusted by way of an adjustable nut mounted to the shaft member which, thereby, controls the amount of force delivered by the shaft member to the contact lens molds being clamped.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing unwanted excess material from a mold section is particularly adapted for removing a monomer ring adhered within a reservoir of a female mold section used to mold a contact lens. The invention involves piercing the monomer ring and rotating the piercing members (e.g., annularly spaced pins) relative to the mold section whereby the monomer ring is sheared from the mold section to which it was adhered while the molded lens is left intact in the mold section.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing unwanted excess material from a mold section is particularly adapted for removing a monomer ring adhered within a reservoir of a female mold section used to mold a contact lens. The invention involves piercing the monomer ring and rotating the piercing members (e.g., annularly spaced pins) relative to the mold section whereby the monomer ring is sheared from the mold section to which it was adhered while the molded lens is left intact in the mold section.

Abstract: A method for transferring a lens-shaped article from a first support to a centered position on a second support employs a transfer tool having a slideable plunger and plunger sleeve that cooperates with the first and second support to ensure that the article is oriented in a desired manner when transferred.

Abstract: A zoom lens system for optical instruments incorporates a crank and linkage mechanism which is adjustable to alter the conjugate length between at least a pair of zoom lens assemblies of the zoom lens system.

Abstract: A microscope is provided which is simply, accurately and inexpensively constructed from substantially all extruded parts. The modular construction of the microscope greatly reduces the costs of the instrument without sacrificing accuracy. The modularity further provides for a microscope which is readily adaptable to serve several distinct and separate functions.

Abstract: A support member for a precision optical instrument includes an integral bearing guide member for providing relatively friction-free movement to a movable member. The integral member 15 is pivoted with respect to the movable member to adjust the amount of play between the support member and the movable member.

Abstract: An apparatus for counterbalancing the weight of the movable member in a precision instrument includes a resilient member which is coupled, by way of a non-elastic member, over an eccentric surface of a rotatable member to the movable member. Rotation of the eccentric member causes the resilient member to deform an amount proportional to the eccentricity of the member and a nearly constant counterbalancing force may be applied to the movable member.