Abstract: A system is described for optimizing lead close rates. The system may create a seller scoring model that may be “trained” by a sales lead data over a period of time. The scoring model may be used to measure the performance of sellers in terms of handling and closing sales leads. The scoring model may be used to predict the sellers' close rates for future leads. The system may normalize the sellers based on lead volume to increase the confidence level in the scoring model. The system may utilize the scoring model to determine lead specific handling instructions for future leads to optimize sellers' close rates.

Abstract: A system is described for optimizing lead close rates. The system may create a seller scoring model that may be “trained” by a sales lead data over a period of time. The scoring model may be used to measure the performance of sellers in terms of handling and closing sales leads. The scoring model may be used to predict the sellers' close rates for future leads. The system may normalize the sellers based on lead volume to increase the confidence level in the scoring model. The system may utilize the scoring model to determine lead specific handling instructions for future leads to optimize sellers' close rates.

Abstract: The bone grinder of this invention is capable of consistently producing ground bone particles of varying particle sizes, depending on the grinder head employed. The device provides the ability to easily interchange grinder heads according to the needs of a surgeon and the novel grinder head design optimizes the use of available bone stock by cutting the bone rather than crushing the bone.

Abstract: The invention includes apparatus and methods for evaluating vision through an intraocular lens. An image passes through a cornea, an intraocular lens, and a fovea window that are in a collinear array. In addition, the apparatus can include a human eye model, a fovea projector, and readable targets. The apparatus can be used to evaluate the vision of a subject through an intraocular lens such as a monofocal or bifocal intraocular lens. The ability of the subject to focus on one or more images at the fovea window provides information for evaluation of the subject's ability to see through an intraocular lens. Through movement of the fovea window or the intraocular lens dimensions or geometric constants of the subject's eye can be determined. The apparatus can also be used to evaluate vision through a bifocal cornea.

Abstract: The invention includes apparatus and methods for evaluating vision through an intraocular lens. An image passes through a cornea, an intraocular lens, and a fovea window that are in a collinear array. In addition, the apparatus can include a human eye model, a fovea projector, and readable targets. The apparatus can be used to evaluate the vision of a subject through an intraocular lens such as a monofocal or bifocal intraocular lens. The ability of the subject to focus on one or more images at the fovea window provides information for evaluation of the subject's ability to see through an intraocular lens. Through movement of the fovea window or the intraocular lens dimensions or geometric constants of the subject's eye can be determined.

Abstract: A rigid bifocal intraocular lens (60) for use as an artificial lens implant is disclosed. In one embodiment, the intraocular lens has a rigid lens body (61) having a chord (61a) and first and second lens portions (62) and (63). The first lens portion (61) has a focal length and the second lens portion (63) has a focal length different from the focal length of the first lens portion (62). The first lens portion (62) is positioned on one side of the chord (61a) and the second lens portion (63) is positioned on the other side of the chord (61a). The first and second lens portions (62 and 63) form an integral, one-piece optical lens body (61) with the first and second lens portions being non-movable with respect to one another. In another embodiment the rigid lens body has a first central circular lens portion and a second outer annular lens portion. In a preferred form of this embodiment the inner, circular lens has a diameter of a between about 1.8 millimeters and about 2.

Abstract: A snap-together arrangement for a multi-focal lens is provided for use as an artificial lens implant in an eye from which the cataractous natural lens has been removed. The lens includes concentric lens portions secured together by an engagement arrangement to engage adjacent lens portions. Haptic members are provided to secure the lens in the eye.

Abstract: A watercraft mounted on submarine hulls is taught which is capable of moving faster than a displacement vessel of the same length, while consuming equal or less fuel than would such a displacement vessel. The watercraft also has improved safety and stability characteristics, including the capability of operation in a raft configuration as well as the capability of beaching or parking in shallow water such that wave action does not affect the cabin occupants.

Abstract: A rigid bifocal intraocular lens (60) for use as an artificial lens implant is disclosed. In one embodiment, the intraocular lens has a rigid lens body (61) having a chord (61a) and first and second lens portions (62) and (63). The first lens portion (61) has a focal length and the second lens portion (63) has a focal length different from the focal length of the first lens portion (62). The first lens portion (62) is positioned on one side of the chord (61a) and the second lens portion (63) is positioned on the other side of the chord (61a). The first and second lens portions (62 and 63) form an integral, one-piece optical lens body (61) with the first and second lens portions being non-movable with respect to one another. In another embodiment the rigid lens body has a first central circular lens portion and a second outer annular lens portion. In a preferred form of this embodiment the inner, circular lens has a diameter of a between about 1.8 millimeters and about 2.

Abstract: A foldable IOL system includes a foldable bi- or multifocal IOL and lens insertion instrument capable of unfolding the IOL by externally applied forces. The foldable IOL includes an oval lens body equipped with haptic structures for fixing the lens body within one of the chambers of the human eye. The lens body is foldable along two slits placed in the lens body parallel to and on either side of the oval lens body's long axis. The lens body is divided by the two separations into three parts: A central part and two side parts. The central part may be divided into two or more areas endowed with different optical powers. The lens body may be surrounded by an elastic ring that will keep the unfolded IOL in its unfolded position. The lens body may also have locking pins inside the slits that will keep the IOL in its unfolded position. The lens insertion instrument includes shielding to protect the folded IOL from loose tissue particles during the insertion process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for conducting laser emulsification surgery are disclosed. Laser energy is generated within the hand held member (10) and is transmitted to the probe cylinder (15) at the distal end of the device (2). The apparatus is a hand held device which contains a laser light source and flashlamp (12) for generating and emitting the laser radiation. Preferably, an Erbium YAG laser is utilized. A light horn arrangement (18) or mirror arrangement (51) transmits the light energy from the source (12) to the proximal end of a probe extension member (15). The distal tip (31) of the probe extension member (15) is directed to the cataract or other target to be emulsified.

Abstract: A broadband photon detector capable of detecting a steady state flux of incident radiation operates using a superconducting material is biased at the temperature where the material changes from a superconducting to a non-superconducting state. Photons which strike said material cause a temperature rise and a measurable increase in resistivity of the material that continues until the radiation ceases. The superconducting material for detecting the incident radiation is formed as a strip on microspheres that act as a substrate to make as small a heat sink as possible.

Abstract: A method for producing methane by hydrolysis of aluminum carbide, the aluminum carbide being formed by reduction of aluminum hydroxide/aluminum oxide with carbon derived from low grade coal in the presence of a catalyst at a temperature of at least 1250.degree. C. The hydrolysis of aluminum carbide in the presence of an acid catalyst forms aluminum hydroxide and methane, and the aluminim hydroxide, along with admixed impurities, is returned to the reducing step.

Abstract: A broadband photon detector device that operates using a superconducting material is biased at the temperature where the material changes from a superconducting to a non-superconducting state. Photons that strike the material cause a temperature change and a measurable increase in resistivity of the material. Measuring the increase in resistivity allows the detection of the incident photons. This detector is very sensitive because superconducting leads are connected at one end to the superconducting material and at another end to a sensor that measures the changing resistivity, thereby limiting thermal conduction. Thermal conduction is further prevented in another embodiment in which a sensor is electrically and thermally isolated from the superconducting material. This sensor detects the change in resistivity of the superconducting material through detecting a change in an eddy current established in the superconducting material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an x-ray sensor that converts x-ray radiation into infrared radiation using a high mass number material. The infrared radiation that results from this conversion is then detected using a superconducting detector. The superconducting detector uses a superconducting material for each of a plurality of detector elements that are temperature biased at the superconducting-nonsuperconducting transition temperature. As infrared photons strike one of the detector elements, the temperature of the superconducting detector element increases, which causes an increase in the resistance of the detector element. Using the output of each detector element an image of the original x-ray radiation is obtained.

Abstract: A broadband photon detector device which operates using a superconducting material is biased at the temperature where the material changes from a superconducting to a non-superconducting state. Photons which strike said material cause a temperature rise and a measurable increase in resistivity of the material. Measuring the increase in resistivity allows the detection of the incident photons.

Abstract: A photon detector which uses a superconducting material to detect photons of a specific frequency. The superconducting material is kept in its superconducting state so that resistance in the material does not appear, but incident photons produce a detectable magnetic field within the superconducting material. Sensing this magnetic field in the superconducting in its superconducting state allows for the detection of photons.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing methane by hydrolysis of aluminum carbide, the aluminum carbide being formed by reduction of aluminum hydroxide/aluminum oxide with carbon derived from low grade coal in the presence of a catalyst at a temperature of at least 1250.degree. C. The hydrolysis of aluminum carbide in the presence of an acid catalyst forms aluminum hydroxide and methane, and the aluminum hydroxide, along with admixed impurities, is returned to the reducing step.

Abstract: The invention includes a fiber optic bundle comprising a plurality of individually optic fiber elements. Each of the optic fiber elements has a first end and a second end. The first ends of the optic fiber elements have a smaller cross-sectional area than the second ends. The first ends are mechanically joined to provide strength to said fiber optic bundle. Detectors are connected to the second ends for receiving light channeled through the optic fibers. Due to the increase in size of the optic fibers from the first end to the second end, a magnification in the transported image takes place.

Abstract: A perimeter having an image projection system which projects an undistorted line target across the full range of a patient's field of vision is disclosed. The image projection system includes a projector, a bundle of optical fiber elements, and lenses associated with the optical fiber elements adapted to focus the target onto the observation hemisphere of the perimeter. The perimeter may also be provided with a fixation monitor system which monitors the patient's gaze and which will interrupt projection of the target when fixation is lost. The fixation monitor includes at least one sensor for detecting the intensity of infrared light reflected off the patient's eye, and a comparator adapted to compare the output signals from each sensor during the examination with base signals obtained at fixation. Any signal variation will indicate that fixation has been lost and projection of the target will be interrupted. Projection will resume once fixation has been reestablished.