Abstract: The present invention, in one embodiment, is a process for extracting pre-polymer from a polymer lens. The process of one embodiment comprises the step of contacting the ophthalmic lens with a super-cooled solvent for a period of time sufficient to extract pre-polymer from the polymer lens.

Abstract: The present invention includes a process for cleaning a mold or mold half comprising contacting the mold or mold half with a super-cooled fluid under conditions effective to clean the mold or mold half.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preparing a silicone hydrogel lens including heating a cast lens to drive off an organic diluent by moving the cast lens continuously through heating and cooling zones to provide a first-in-first-out handling system. The zones are either horizontally or vertically arranged. An apparatus embodiment of a vertical heating zone includes outer and inner concentric shells arranged in a heating chamber. One of the shells rotates about a vertical axis relative to the other. The outer shell has a spiral rail extending into the space between the outer and inner shells and the inner shell has a plurality of vertical ribs spaced about its periphery. A lens carrier placed on the rail is engaged and driven along the spiral rail by one of the ribs responsive to the relative motion between the outer and inner shells.

Abstract: A system is provided for sealing a space in a wellbore formed in an earth formation. The system has a swellable body arranged in the wellbore in a manner so as to seal the space upon swelling of the swellable body, the swellable body being susceptible of being in contact with formation water flowing into the wellbore, the swellable body including a matrix material provided with a compound soluble in the formation water. The matrix material substantially prevents or restricts migration of the compound out of the swellable body and allows migration of the formation water into the swellable body by osmosis so as to induce swelling of the swellable body upon migration of the formation water into the swellable body.

Abstract: A method for preventing or reducing interaction between a container and a polymeric article contained therein comprises oxidizing a surface of the polymeric article. The method is advantageously used to package ophthalmic devices in polymeric containers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a shaped part of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) comprising melt processing, wherein a) the UHMWPE has a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of at least 1*106 g/mol, b) during the shaping the storage plateau modulus of the UHMWPE (G*) is kept at a value of at most 1.5 MPa, c) whereafter, before the cooling, the G* is raised to its final value. The invention further relates to a shaped part obtainable with the process and the use of the shaped part in a medical application.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for extracting pre-polymer from a polymer lens. The process comprises the step of contacting the lens with a super-cooled solvent for a period of time sufficient to extract pre-polymer from the polymer lens.

Abstract: The present invention includes a process for cleaning an optical tool for manufacturing contact lens molds comprising contacting the optical tool with a super-cooled fluid under conditions effective to clean the optical tool.

Abstract: A process for hydrating biomedical devices, particularly ophthalmic devices including contact lenses, intraocular lenses and ophthalmic implants, involves exposing the devices to condensed water vapor.

Abstract: A method involves providing a monomer mixture comprising a biomedical device-forming monomer and a UV absorbing agent; and exposing the monomer mixture to an electron beam to cure the monomer mixture.

Abstract: A process for treating biomedical devices, especially contact lenses, involves contacting polymeric devices containing extractables with a solvent that dissolves and removes the extractables from the devices. The devices are subjected to at least two treatments with solvent to remove extractables in the devices. One of the treatment steps involves solvent used as a final rinse for a prior batch of devices. The solvent may be circulated through a series of tanks, in which case the devices are first extracted in the downstream tanks, followed by extraction in the first tank containing fresh incoming solvent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a shaped part of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) comprising melt processing, wherein UHMW-PE a) is annealed at a temperature between 130° C. and 136° C., preferably at about 135° C. for at least one hour, b) is converted into a shaped part at a temperature above 142° C.; and c) is cooled down to a temperature below 135° C. The inventiion further relates to a part like a fibre made with the process and the use of the fibre in a bio medical application.

Abstract: A method of and system for committing a transaction to a database. In one embodiment the method comprises initiating a database transaction; creating an electronic record that includes transaction data from the database transaction; executing a rule associated with the record to determine whether an electronic signature is required to connote review and/or approval of the electronic record, and requesting the electronic signature prior to committing the transaction to the database if execution of the rule results in a determination that an electronic signature is required.

Abstract: To break up high surface tension forces between an amorphous lens mold and a hydrated lens, a precise x-and-y-coordinate motion tangential to the lens surface is used in combination with a z-coordinate motion using the vacuum of a lens pick and place robot. The sequence of motions permits the transfer of lenses in an automated fashion from the molding step to a subsequent process in a robust and accurate manner, thereby minimizing lens-handling defects.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for managing a stability or shelf life study is provided. Requirements for a stage in a plurality of stages are determined and interfaces are output that define the requirements. Information may then be input for fulfilling the requirements. The input information is then validated against business rules that define logic to determine if the input information is acceptable. The input information is then stored.

Abstract: Intraocular lenses or contact lenses 20 are placed on a lower spindle 34 and held there by a vacuum in conduit 34. Noble and reactive gases 56, 58 are introduced and a voltage is applied across upper spindle 32 and lower spindle 34 to plasma treat one surface of the lens. The lens is transferred to the other spindle and the process is repeated.

Abstract: The current invention is directed to a process to sinter an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) having a weight average molecular mass of more than 1.106 g/mol, wherein a disentangled UHMW-PE is heated to a temperature above its equilibrium melting temperature at a pressure below 20 MPa.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ophthalmic lens, involves contacting the lens with an aqueous solution comprising a surfactant to remove debris from the lens, prior to inspecting and packaging the lens. The aqueous solution may further comprise a buffering agent and/or sodium chloride. Preferred surfactants include polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymer, nonionic surfactants, such as a poloxamer or a poloxamine. The methods may also be employed for additional biomedical devices, such as ophthalmic implants.

Abstract: A method for processing ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) of at least 400,000 by heating under an elevated pressure, followed by cooling, wherein UHMWPE having a lamellar thickness <12 nm and a melting temperature at atmospheric pressure >141° C. is used, by carrying out the heating under an elevated pressure via a transient hexagonal phase, which phase is represented by the hatched area in the Figure, which lies below the equilibrium line of the phase transition orthorhombic phase—liquid phase, which area is enclosed by points (P1, T1′), (P2, T1′), (P2, T2) and (P1, T1 ), wherein T1 and T2 represent the equilibrium temperatures associated with pressures P1 and P2 respectively, followed by heating to melting and cooling to ambient temperature.

Abstract: Designs for basecurves are disclosed which are designed to promote adhesion of an excess polymer HEMA ring to the basecurve during a demolding operation such that the excess polymer HEMA ring is removed along with the basecurve during the demolding operation. The basecurve mold designs promote and maintain adhesion of an excess polymer HEMA ring to the basecurve in a process for molding cast contact lenses in mold assemblies, each comprising a frontcurve and a spaced basecurve, and wherein a molded lens is formed therebetween. In an embodiment of the invention, the annular area of the basecurve mold can be formed with an annular step which includes projecting teeth positioned therearound which project into the excess polymer HEMA ring.