Abstract: Methods of treatment for medical indications having a microbial etiology are provided using polybiguanides, particularly water insoluble and complexed with a water insoluble antimicrobial metal material. The compositions are contacted with mucosal or dermal tissue susceptible to infection or infected in an amount sufficient to inhibit proliferation and with a spaced-apart regimen due to the persistence of the composition.

Abstract: A chromatographic device in which a chromatographic column pivots on a compression cylinder. Prior to pivoting, one end of the column is sealed with an end cap, the column is at least partially filled with a chromatographic medium and a piston is frictionally engaged within the column. The chromatographic column is then pivoted onto the compression cylinder, and the compression device is operated to push the piston into the column with a telescoping rod. The telescoping rod is then retracted, leaving the piston in place. The chromatographic column is then removed from the compression cylinder. A spring assembly is then inserted into column above the piston, and held in place with a torque mechanism mounted on the chromatographic column. The torque mechanism includes a bolt that can be tightened to provide a variable spring pressure against the piston.

Abstract: The compound intraocular lens ("CIOL") of the present invention includes a preexisting lens within the eye (which can be either of the crystalline lens of the eye, a conventional IOL or a base lens of a multi-component IOL) used as a platform for support (i.e., the "support lens") a cap situated on the support lens, and a sandwich lens which is sandwiched between the support lens and the cap lens. Utilizing a pre-existing implanted IOL or the crystalline lens of the eye, a surgeon can modify a patient's vision characteristics merely by utilizing the cap and sandwich lenses in conjunction with the pre-existing implanted IOL or the crystalline lens of the eye.

Abstract: A chromatographic device in which a chromatographic column pivots on a compression cylinder. Prior to pivoting, one end of the column is sealed with an end cap, the column is at least partially filled with a chromatographic medium and a piston is frictionally engaged within the column. The chromatographic column is then pivoted onto the compression cylinder, and the compression device is operated to push the piston into the column with a telescoping rod. The telescoping rod is then retracted, leaving the piston in place. The chromatographic column is then removed from the compression cylinder. A spring assembly is then inserted into column above the piston, and held in place with a torque mechanism mounted on the chromatographic column. The torque mechanism includes a bolt that can be tightened to provide a variable spring pressure against the piston.

Abstract: A liquid composition for applying a non-leachable antimicrobial coating on a surface. The liquid composition consists of a solution, dispersion or suspension of a biguanide polymer reacted with a cross-linking agent to form an adduct, and an antimicrobial metal material. The resulting antimicrobial coating does not release biocidal levels of leachables into surrounding solution.

Abstract: A chromatographic device in which a chromatographic column pivots on a compression cylinder. Prior to pivoting, one end of the column is sealed with an end cap, the column is at least partially filled with a chromatographic medium and a piston is frictionally engaged within the column. The chromatographic column is then pivoted onto the compression cylinder, and the compression device is operated to push the piston into the column with a telescoping rod. The telescoping rod is then retracted, leaving the piston in place. The chromatographic column is then removed from the compression cylinder. A spring assembly is then inserted into column above the piston, and held in place with a torque mechanism mounted on the chromatographic column. The torque mechanism includes a bolt that can be tightened to provide a variable spring pressure against the piston.

Abstract: An antimicrobial material is described which can be used to form on the surface on a substrate a non-leaching antimicrobial coating or layer which kills microorganisms on contact. The non-leaching antimicrobial coating or layer is a unique combination of an organic matrix immobilized on the surface of the substrate to having biocidal metallic materials non-leachably associated with the matrix. When a microorganism contacts the coating or layer, the biocidal metallic material is transferred to the microorganism in amounts sufficient to kill it.

Abstract: Contact killing antimicrobial articles, devices and formulations are described which kill microorganisms on contact. The articles, devices or formulations contain a non-leaching antimicrobial material which is a unique combination of an organic matrix having biocidal metallic materials non-leachably associated with the matrix. The antimicrobial material may used to form an antimicrobial coating or layer on a surface of the article or device, or may be dispersed in a vehicle or carrier to form a topical antiseptic or disinfectant, or solid shape having contact killing antimicrobial properties. When a microorganism contacts the article, device, or formulation, the biocidal metallic material is transferred to the microorganism in amounts sufficient to kill it.

Abstract: An automated portable keratometer includes a hand held housing and is battery powered. A projection system projects collimated light sources at equal converging angles to an optical axis which extends outside the housing. A camera, including an imaging device, and telocentric objective lens are aligned along the optical axis in the housing. The projection system projects a known pattern of collimated light sources onto a patient's eye. The reflected images of these light sources is captured by the camera and imaging device. Derivation of the distances between certain reflected images can be converted by known algorithms into radii of curvature of the eye. Alignment leveling, and other features can be included with the keratometer. The device can also be used to measure other curved surfaces.

Abstract: A check valve for providing fluid communication between a patient's middle ear and external auditory canal for improved comfort and hearing. The check valve is configured for permitting fluid to flow from the external auditory canal into the middle ear and for checking fluid flow from the middle ear to the external auditory canal.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser for dispensing sterile liquid comprising a container for storing the sterile liquid, a nozzle assembly mounted on the container, and a filter which has at least one surface and a plurality of its pores coated with a metallic material, e.g., a metal or metal oxide or metal salt, that is bacteriostatic or bacteriocidal, is described. The metal coated filter, methods for coating the filter, and methods for using the liquid dispenser are also provided.

Abstract: A computer controlled subjective refractor includes a microcomputer based remote hand control connected to an enclosure which houses the optical elements of the refractor and which controls their operation for the examination of a patient. The enclosure has a beam splitter extending at its bottom and a forehead rest extending near its bottom such that a patient's eyes are positioned near the bottom of the enclosure to view into the beam splitter and thereby materially reduce accommodation which would otherwise interfere with the accurate refracting of the patient's eyes. Movement and position location of the optical elements are achieved through a microcomputer based electronic controller which is in communication with the microcomputer remote hand control. Additionally, a microcomputer based target projector assembly may be used to selectively project any of a wide number of images comprised of eye charts and the like for testing the patient's vision.

Abstract: An automated portable keratometer includes a hand held housing and is battery powered. A projection system projects collimated light sources at equal converging angles to an optical axis which extends outside the housing. A camera, including an imaging device, and telocentric objective lens are aligned along the optical axis in the housing. The projection system projects a known pattern of collimated light sources onto a patient's eye. The reflected images of these light sources is captured by the camera and imaging device. Derivation of the distances between certain reflected images can be converted by known algorithms into radii of curvature of the eye. Alignment leveling, and other features can be included with the keratometer. The device can also be used to measure other curved surfaces.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser for dispensing sterile liquid comprising a container for storing the sterile liquid, a nozzle assembly mounted on the container, and a filter which has at least one surface and a plurality of its pores coated with a metallic material, e.g., a metal or metal oxide or metal salt, that is bacteriostatic or bacteriocidal, is described. The metal coated filter, methods for coating the filter, and methods for using the liquid dispenser are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automated perimetry. A patient interface is adjustable with respect to a previously positioned patient rather than requiring the patient to position him or herself with regard to the perimeter. Fine adjustment of the patient interface with respect to the patient is possible while a perimeter dome is moved away from the patient and patient interface. Once positioned, the perimeter dome is moveable to a position adjacent the patient. A visual stimulus generating and directing device is preferably contained in a first module attachable to the dome. The visual stimuli are directed to various locations in the dome. An optional feature includes an eye sensing device which continuously monitors the size and position of a patient's pupil and correlates this information to the projected stimuli to verify the patient's fixation during testing. The eye sensor is preferably contained within a second module attachable to the dome.

Abstract: An automated lensometer including a mounting device to support and center a lens to be tested along an axis. First and second arrays of light source patterns are positioned at different optical distances from the mounted lens and are projected along the axis through the lens. The images of the projected patterns are captured and stored in a camera imaging device located along the axis. A comparison of the patterns by a processor allows derivation of refractive power of the lens.

Abstract: A liquid chromatography column that can be rapidly packed without a reservoir column is disclosed. The column includes a double sealed compressor piston with a mixture delivery bore extending through the body of the piston. Resilient sealing means are provided in annular grooves provided in the piston. The piston retains a frit and slurry scraper is mounted to the piston. A method of packing such a column is also disclosed. An outlet end plate including solvent drainage bores is provided. A threaded end cap including radial slots in an inner surface for a threaded column is disclosed, as is an adaptor for joining flanged and threaded columns.

Abstract: A hand-held or portable diathermy apparatus is disclosed comprising a housing, a battery power supply preferably within the housing, and at least one electrode carried by the housing. The apparatus includes a radio frequency power generator for generating an oscillatory current ranging between about 1 kilohertz and about 20 megahertz, and supplying this oscillatory current to the electrodes. A manually operated switch is carried by the housing for selective energization of the radio frequency generator whereby, upon energization thereof, the apparatus is capable of being cycled several times outputting up to about 20 watts of power for up to 20 seconds or more on each cycle.