Abstract: A logarithmic arithmetic apparatus for enabling a microprocessor to determine the approximate value of a logarithmic function F(x) at a value of x of interest is disclosed. The apparatus includes look up tables (104 to 107) for storing and simultaneously accessing values of the function and its derivative for discrete values of x, an error between the value of the function and the value extrapolated from the derivative for discrete values of x, and a ratio function for determining the proportion of this error across an interval between two adjacent discrete values of x. The apparatus is also provided with multipliers (108, 109) and adder stages (110 to 112). The apparatus enables many logarithmic arithmetic functions to be determined accurately without significantly increasing the necessary capacity of the look up tables (104 and 105), and without significantly decreasing the speed of calculation.

Abstract: A method of forming a substantially regular array of microscopic structures on a surface of a sample (4) is described. The sample comprises a microscopic layer of at least one first material on a substrate of a second material, wherein the microscopic layer is sufficiently thin that stress fields at the interface of the microscopic layer and the substrate cause formation of separated regions of the first material on the substrate. The microscopic layer on the sample (4) is irradiated by means of a particle beam (5) at an acute angle &agr;, to influence the direction of alignment of said separated regions and/or the relative position of adjacent said separated regions.

Abstract: A method of inducing anesthesia, sedation, analgesia, hypothermia, and reduced stress by administering an effective amount of an adenosine compound to a mammal. It also provides a method for preserving donor organs in vivo by contacting them with an adenosine compound, as well as a method for preparing organ recipients for transplant.

Abstract: An instrument for subretinal implantation comprising an elongate tube having a distal end and a proximal end, the tube having a lumen passing from the proximal end to the distal end, the distal end having a distal tip, wherein the lumen forms an opening in the tip, the instrument further including a plunger, the plunger being capable of sliding motion within and with respect to the tube, wherein the outer diameter of the distal end of the elongate tube is sufficiently small to be inserted through the pars plana area of an eye and the length of the distal end of the elongate tube is sufficient long to permit the opening in said tip to thereafter be inserted beneath the retina through an opening therein, wherein the plunger can express material within the lumen therefrom through the opening in the tip into the subretinal space of an eye into which the tip is inserted.

Abstract: A multilumen filter device has a housing with first and second filter chambers, each chamber in fluid communication with a separate distal and proximal fluid path. The filter device may be used to provide respiratory gases to and receive expiratory gases from a patient connected to a unilimb respiratory circuit. The filter device may also serve as a connector for respiratory circuit components, and have fasteners or blocking devices at either or both of its distal and proximal ends.

Abstract: A collapsible light diffusing device includes a collapsible housing having a folded and an unfolded condition. The housing in the unfolded condition defines a first aperture and a second aperture, the second aperture being larger than the first aperture. The housing is adapted to be mounted to a light source such that the first aperture is nearer to the light source than the second aperture. The device further includes a flexible light diffusing member adapted to cover the second aperture when the housing is in the unfolded condition. The housing includes a plurality of substantially rigid panels of heat resistant material, hinged together to enable the housing to be manipulated between the folded and unfolded conditions.

Abstract: A method of transplanting a graft in the subretinal area of a host eye comprises preparing the graft by harvesting from the donor tissue a population of cells in a manner that maintains the population of cells in the same organization and cellular polarity as is present in normal tissue of that type. The population of cells are of a sheet-like form and are assembled with a relatively thin flexible pliable carrier composed of a non-toxic flexible composition which substantially dissolves at body temperature to form a graft. The graft is sufficiently flexible and pliable to be coiled to form a volute without disturbing the organization and polarity of the cells. The method further comprises coiling the graft to form a volute with the convolutions of the volute free of one another for subsequent uncoiling of the graft substantially to its original sheet-like form. An incision is made in the host eye for insertion of the volute.

Abstract: A fishing reel comprising a spool releasably secured by a locking nut on a spindle of a spool carrier, a ratchet mechanism engageable through a friction plate assembly being adapted to allow the spool to rotate relatively freely in a first direction and adapted to impart resistance or prevent rotation in the reverse direction, the friction plate assembly being operable by rotation of the locking nut to control the resistance to rotation in the reverse direction, the ratchet mechanism comprising a reversible pawl on the carrier and a circular ratchet mounted on the spindle of the carrier for coaxial rotation relative to the spindle, the pawl being moveable by means of a switch between a first position to prevent rotation of the ratchet in the forward direction and a second position to prevent rotation of the ratchet in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A system and method for receiving and storing location information and providing navigational information to facilitate travel to a desired location is disclosed. Geographic location information is entered into the system, and a two dimensional representation of information, or glyph, is output that contains navigational information. For example, longitude and latitude information for a delivery address can be translated into a bar code. The bar code can be scanned by a portable bar code reader by a delivery person for the secure transfer of delivery address information.

Abstract: An implant is provided for transplantation to the subretinal area of a host's eye comprising a laminate of a monolayer of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and a non-toxic, flexible support that, upon exposure to a set of predetermined conditions, will not impede normal eye tissue function. A method for preparing a population of RPE cells for transplantation to the subretinal area of a host eye is also provided. The method includes the steps of providing donor tissue comprising RPE cells, harvesting from that tissue RPE cells, and apposing the harvested RPE cells as a monolayer to a non-toxic, flexible support that, upon transplantation to the subretinal area and exposure to a set of predetermined conditions, will not impede normal eye tissue function of the host eye and the transplanted population.

Abstract: Xanthine compounds are utilized to accelerate anesthetic recovery from the effects of certain compounds as propofol, etomidate, barbiturates, opioids, isoflurane, enflurane, halothane, desflurane, sevoflurane and/or nitrous oxide. In a preferred embodiment, dialkyl substituted xanthines are utilized.

Abstract: A method of inducing anesthesia, sedation, analgesia, hypothermia, and reduced stress by administering an effective amount of an adenosine compound to a mammal. It also provides a method for preserving donor organs in vivo by contacting them with an adenosine compound, as well as a method for preparing organ recipients for transplant.

Abstract: Surgical instruments, surgical techniques, grafts, cell and tissue isolation techniques, and a method for transplanting retinal cells, including photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium, and choroidea within their normal configuration, or all three tissues in a co-transplantation procedure are provided.

Abstract: A purine compound, which has a desired and an undesired effect when a dosage sufficient to induce the desired effect is administered to a mammal, is combined with a counteracting agent, wherein the counteracting agent can reduce the undesired effect when the combination containing an effective amount of the purine compound is administered to a mammal. In a preferred embodiment, an adenosine compound is combined in vitro with a catecholamine in a predetermined ratio to form an adenosine composition. Very high dosages of a purine compound, such as adenosine, ATP or their analogs can be administered to a mammal via administration of compositions containing the purine compound and a counteracting agent, while reducing the dangerous, undesired effects associated with administering the same dosage of purine compound without first combining it with the counteracting agent. New catecholamine compositions are also taught.

Abstract: A linear actuator assembly for operating a plurality of surgical tools. The actuator can provide motive power to a plurality of different surgical tools which are attachable to a handpiece associated with the actuator assembly and may be foot pedal operated.

Abstract: A method for transplanting planar implants, devices, etc., is provided. Method is particularly adapted for transplanting planar sheets of retinal cells to the subretinal region of an eye. A method of preparing the retinal cell sheet and the associated surgical instrument is also provided.