Abstract: The surface wetting characteristics of polysiloxanes prepared from monomeric polysiloxanes endcapped with activated unsaturated groups and modulus modifiers are improved by the inclusion of small amounts of an N-alkenoyl trialkylsilyl aminate. The improved polymeric compositions can be used to form hard, gas permeable contact lenses and other biomedical devices.

Abstract: A ballasted multifocal contact lens has a vent for releasing constrictive pressure provided in its lower and ballasted portion. The vent has a surface which tapers from the anterior surface toward the posterior surface to allow the lens to be positioned below the inferior lid. A stabilizing portion is formed on the lens adjacent each side of the vent. The stabilizing portions engage the inferior lid and adjust the lens should it be rotated off axis.

Abstract: A monoaxial coarse-fine adjusting apparatus for optical instruments has a pair of friction wheels whose peripheries are in engagement with the fine adjusting shaft. The axles to which the friction wheels are mounted are received in slots formed in the coarse shaft. The coarse adjusting knob has a surface which the friction wheel axles bear against. A pair of springs are provided which accommodate for torsion and backlash. Rotation of the coarse knob directly rotates the coarse shaft. Rotation of the fine knob rotates the friction wheels in a planetary fashion. The friction wheel axles which are received in the slots in the coarse shaft, drive the coarse shaft an amount which is proportional to the rotation of the fine knob.

Abstract: Contact lenses are both cleaned and disinfected in aqueous solutions of proteolytic enzyme in a single-step by heating to a temperature of between 60.degree. and 100.degree. C. The cleaning and disinfecting process which may be conducted in one hour or less performs favorably against conventional methods wherein cleaning and disinfecting are conducted separately over a time period of up to twelve hours.

Abstract: A compact portable microscope includes an optical tube assembly which is resiliently mounted therein. Adjusting members bear against the optical tube to shift the position of the objective relative to the stage. The image of the specimen being examined may, therefore, be selectively positioned within the field of view of the microscope. The optical tube assembly is also movable axially within the housing for focussing.

Abstract: An improved refractor for use in the subjective examination of human eyes. Each half of the refractor includes a plurality of lens supporting disks, a hub assembly for rotatably supporting the disks, and a comb assembly to space the disks along the optical axis. One of the disks supports at least one set of 4 cross cylinder lenses. Each disk is coupled to a stepping motor for selective rotation. Each motor is, in turn, supported by a bracket which permits rotation equivalent to a partial motor step to insure alignment of the optical elements supported on the disks with the optical axis. The cylinder lenses supported on the disks are also rotated by a stepping motor. The Risley prisms of each half of the refractor are always positioned on the optical axis and rotated by stepping motors.

Abstract: An improved refractor for use in the subjective examination of human eyes. Each half of the refractor includes a plurality of lens supporting disks, a hub assembly for rotatably supporting the disks, and a comb assembly to space the disks along the optical axis. One of the disks supports at least one set of 4 cross cylinder lenses. Each disk is coupled to a stepping motor for selective rotation. Each motor is, in turn, supported by a bracket which permits rotation equivalent to a partial motor step to insure alignment of the optical elements supported on the disks with the optical axis. The cylinder lenses supported on the disks are also rotated by a stepping motor. The Risley prisms of each half of the refractor are always positioned on the optical axis and rotated by stepping motors.

Abstract: An improved refractor for use in the subjective examination of human eyes. Each half of the refractor includes a plurality of lens supporting disks, a hub assembly for rotatably supporting the disks, and a comb assembly to space the disks along the optical axis. One of the disks supports at least one set of 4 cross cylinder lenses. Each disk is coupled to a stepping motor for selective rotation. Each motor is, in turn, supported by a bracket which permits rotation equivalent to a partial motor step to insure alignment of the optical elements supported on the disks with the optical axis. The cylinder lenses supported on the disks are also rotated by a stepping motor. The Risley prisms of each half of the refractor are always positioned on the optical axis and rotated by stepping motors.

Abstract: An indexing mechanism for an optical instrument, such as a microscope, includes a support, a rotatable assembly having a plurality of detents, and a fixed member and a rotating wheel mounted to a spring. The non-rotating member is adapted to engage the detent formed in a flange on the nosepiece shell to provide positive and accurate alignment between the support and the rotatable assembly. When the rotatable assembly is rotated relative to the support, the rotating wheel engages the flange and provides for essentially friction-free rotation between detents. By insulating the spring and rotating wheel, the indexing mechanism may be used as a switch to control an electrical function of the optical instrument.

Abstract: A monoaxial adjusting system is provided for accomplishing both coarse and fine focusing adjustments between the nosepiece and stage of a microscope. The coarse adjustment is made by rotation of either of two coarse adjusting knobs which in turn directly rotates a coarse adjusting shaft and cam. Suitable linkage is connected to the cam to affect linear movement between the nosepiece and stage. Fine adjustment is made through rotation of either of two fine adjusting knobs which actuate the coarse shaft and cam through a planetary gear reduction system and follower. A further adjusting mechanism is lever operated so that the operator may easily provide fine adjustment while manipulating the North-South stage and East-West slide control knobs. The entire adjusting system is spring and gravity loaded to eliminate backlash.

Abstract: A high intensity light table, for use with a stereomicroscope having movable rhomboid arms, has an illumination source and a reflector. The table also includes light diffusing members which are rotatably mounted thereto. The diffusing members have: (1) magnets affixed thereto which are responsive to movement of the rhomboid arms of the instrument; and (2) means therein for selectively passing a beam of high intensity illumination.

Abstract: A high intensity light table, for use with a stereomicroscope having movable rhomboid arms, has an illumination source and a reflector. The table also includes light diffusing members which are rotatably mounted thereto. The diffusing members have: (1) magnets affixed thereto which are responsive to movement of the rhomboid arms of the instrument; and (2) means therein for selectively passing a beam of high intensity illumination. An auxiliary reflector, which is rotatable about the source of illumination, may be employed to substantially increase the intensity of the beam of illumination.

Abstract: A monoaxial adjusting system is provided for accomplishing both coarse and fine focusing adjustments between the nosepiece and stage of a microscope. The coarse adjustment is made by rotation of either of two coarse adjusting knobs which in turn directly rotates a coarse adjusting shaft and cam. Suitable linkage is connected to the cam to affect linear movement between the nosepiece and stage. Fine adjustment is made through rotation of either of two fine adjusting knobs which actuate the coarse shaft and cam through a planetary gear reduction system and follower. A further adjusting mechanism is lever operated so that the operator may easily provide fine adjustment while manipulating the North-South stage and East-West slide control knobs. The entire adjusting system is spring and gravity loaded to eliminate backlash.

Abstract: A compact refraction instrument for use in both the objective and subjective examination of human eyes. The instrument incorporates an alignment mode, a retinoscopy mode, a distance mode and near mode. For carrying out the functions associated with these modes, the instrument includes a Brewster stereoscope, a mode change system, and a system for supporting a plurality of binocular/monocular vision testing slides. The instrument also includes a refractor system and apparatus for suspending the refractor system in the optical paths before the Brewster stereoscope. The refractor suspension system includes a frame support, a refractor support plate, an apparatus secured between the frame and refractor support plate for pivoting the refractor support plate about an axis substantial coincident with an axis in the plane of and centered between the two optical axes of the refractor.

Abstract: A stereo viewing system including a stereomicroscope, a film advance system and a high intensity illumination light table. The stereomicroscope includes rhomboid arms for positioning the optics over the film to be viewed. The light table includes a light transmitting cover, and a pair of intersecting reflectors, a pair of lamp assemblies and a diffuser, all combined to produce a diffused pair of intersecting annular rings of illumination. Each reflector is a section of a surface of revolution, preferably a section of a paraboloid. The lamp assemblies are mounted relative to the reflectors so that the filament of each lamp is, at least nominally, at the focal point of each parabolic reflector. The diffuser is, preferably, a pair of cylindrical shaped elements each of which is located between a lamp and its respective reflector and surrounds each lamp. The light table also includes a pair of mechanical dimmers and a cooling system.

Abstract: A stereo viewing system including a stereomicroscope, a film advance system and a high intensity illumination light table. The stereomicroscope includes rhomboid arms for positioning the optics over the film to be viewed. The light table includes a light transmitting cover, and a pair of intersecting reflectors, a pair of lamp assemblies and a diffuser, all combined to produce a diffused pair of intersecting annular rings of illumination. Each reflector is a section of a surface of revolution, preferably a section of a paraboloid. The lamp assemblies are mounted relative to the reflectors so that the filament of each lamp is, at least nominally, at the focal point of each parabolic reflector. The diffuser is, preferably, a pair of cylindrical shaped elements each of which is located between a lamp and its respective reflector and surrounds each lamp. The light table also includes a pair of mechanical dimmers and a cooling system.

Abstract: Apparatus for and method of forming ophthalmic lenses and/or semi-finished lens blanks including those of the eye contact type. The apparatus includes molds having cooperating first and second members each of which includes a longitudinal axis and a mold surface which is symmetrical with respect to such axis. In one embodiment these mold members or halves also include cooperating surfaces which, in operation and in cooperation with the selected lens material, both align the respective mold axes and axially position the mold surface of the first member with respect to the mold surface of the second member to thereby form the desired lens mold cavity. Further, each of the assembled molds also includes an annular reservoir which surrounds the mold cavity and is defined by surfaces provided on the first and second mold members. This reservoir is connected to the mold cavity via an annular restriction.