Abstract: A cranial perforator with an internal clutch which is engaged when the drill is placed against a bone surface for drilling and which will automatically release when the drill penetrates the skull. The components of the drill are held together by a plastic sleeve and a retaining ring which is ultrasonically welded to the interior surface of the plastic sleeve.

Abstract: An optic for an intraocular lens with finished, molded radii on the anterior and posterior edges of the peripheral surface of the optic. The optic has a thin central optical zone and a surrounding annular ring having sufficient material to support haptics. The ring is thicker than the optical zone and, thus, recesses the posterior surface of the optical zone to provide a capsulotomy space. The present novel optic is produced by novel molding pins which are shaped to provide the finished molded radii on the edges of the optic so that the optic requires little or no post-molding finishing or polishing other than the degating and deflashing.

Abstract: A container for a number of sealed packages for individual contact lenses. The individual lenses are packed in a sealed container in water and must be steam sterilized. Each individual package is stacked in the container of this invention during sterilization and drains are provided in the container for excess water resulting from the sterilization process. When sterilization is completed the container may be closed and sealed. The container has tamper resistant and tamper evident features.

Abstract: A shield for use with a pair of orthodontic pliers in removing an orthodontic bracket. The shield fits snuggly onto one jaw of the pliers and provides side walls adjacent the plier jaws. The jaws have a recess near their distal end such that the confronting surfaces of the jaw recesses and the confronting surfaces of the side walls provide an enclosure about a bracket while it is being removed so that if it fractures the enclosure will contain any pieces that may break off the bracket.

Abstract: A low glare intraocular lens optic using partial depth positioning holes.

Abstract: An improved catheter assembly is provided wherein a cannula depends from a catheter body having a first passageway therethrough communicating with the cannula through which an introducer needle may be introduced and removed. The assembly is provided with a second passageway communicating with the cannula through which a fluid may be introduced. A moveable means is provided disposed across the first passageway and moveable from a first position to a second position. The moveable means is provided with a duct passing therethrough, the duct being coaxial with the first passageway when the moveable means are in a first position to allow the introduction of removal of the introducer needle. Thereafter, the moveable means are adapted to be moved into a second position in which the access of the duct is displaced to be non-coaxial with the first passageway, and hence out of communication therewith and with the moveable means in the catheter body cooperating to seal the duct from the first and second passageways.

Abstract: A filtration unit comprising a filtration media subunit secured in an outer frame. The subunit comprises a fibrous filtration media enclosed in an inner frame having an upstream frame element and a downstream frame element. Each frame element has longitudinal and transverse struts and the intersection of these struts is in a single plane on the side of the frame elements which contact the filtration media. In one embodiment the filtration unit is enclosed in a sock of knit fabric; in another embodiment, there is a piece of knit fabric between the outer frame and the downstream frame element of the inner frame. The longitudinal struts may have portions which are perpendicular to and project beyond the principal plane of the periphery of the downstream frame element. If such perpendicularly projecting portions are provided, they are preferably arcuate in configuration.

Abstract: A disposable crimping valve assembly for parenteral solution delivery systems comprises a two-piece tubing receptor housing hingedly connected and with an irreversible snap connection which will not permit removal of the device from parenteral tubing after assembly. A back section has an integral movable pressure plate attached to the housing by integral flexible web connectors. When the movable plate is actuated toward the stationary press surface, tubing is bent over a sharp ridge element until the wall thereof contacting the sharp ridge collapses in a crimping action. The motor drive assembly provides rotational pressure to a threaded actuator engaging the back section without applying axial pressure thereto. The clamp permits manual adjustment to set flow rates when it is separated from the control housing.

Abstract: An applicator for accurately dispensing small amounts of fluids to tooth surfaces, including a handle, a nozzle which includes a reservoir for fluid and a piston member, and a lever, spring, plunger member, whereby activation of the lever forces the plunger against the piston which, in turn, forces fluid out of the reservoir through the nozzle.

Abstract: A soft intraocular lens suitable for placement in the anterior or posterior chamber and either in or out of the capsular bag. The lens has a fenestrated haptic defined by an arcuate member including a tissue contact portion, beam portions and support portions which acting together keep the lens in contact with the eye during distortion and tend to cause the lens to vault posteriorly when compressed.

Abstract: A smoke evacuator system for by-products of laser surgery including an inline construction of a motor and a filter assembly mounted on opposite sides of a mounting plate. The filter fits in a filter duct and the temperature of the flow between the filter and the vacuum chamber of the vacuum pump can be monitored to determine the clog condition of the filter. The system includes electronic circuitry to activate an alarm device to indicate to the user that the filter is clogged and further circuitry is provided to shutoff the motor after a long period of operation with a clogged filter to prevent damage to the system by overheating.

Abstract: A surgical instrument to facilitate the insertion and allow better control of the superior haptic of an intraocular lens into the capsular bag of the eye. The instrument includes a hollow cannula with a beveled distal tip and a tapered slot extending proximally from the distal tip of the cannula. A stylet slides freely within the cannula and has a distal tip beveled at an angle corresponding to the bevel of the distal tip of the cannula. A handle is provided for supporting the cannula and the stylet and includes a mechanism for advancing the stylet distally to align the beveled distal tips of the cannula and the stylus to form a plane which resolves the forces exerted by the resilient haptic in a direction which urges the haptic into the capsular bag.

Abstract: A ratchet-type dispenser for dental materials is disclosed. The ratchet is activated by a drive pawl and is prevented from returning by a detent pawl. The drive pawl and detent pawl are activated by the same lever arm.

Abstract: A molded blister package for storing and dispensing a hydrophilic contact lens comprises a base portion which includes a cavity surrounded by a outstanding flange, and a cover sheet sealed to the flange to enclose the cavity. A portion of the side wall of the cavity is inclined to form a ramp to the flange. The cover sheet may be stripped from the flange to expose the cavity and inclined side wall whereupon the lens is readily removed by sliding up and out of the cavity along the inclined surface.

Abstract: An insertion guide for aiding the insertion of the superior haptic of an intraocular lens into the capsular bag of the eye during intraocular surgery. The guide is made of a thin, flexible material and has a body portion and a flap portion connected by an integral connecting portion which permits the flap to move from the first position folded against the body portion to a second position where the flap is disposed at an acute angle to the body portion so that the flap will act as a backstop to guide the superior haptic of an intraocular lens into the capsular bag. The present invention also relates to the method of inserting an intraocular lens using this guide.

Abstract: A surgical tool for intercepting laser energy after it has energized a target site but before it energizes adjacent tissue. The instrument includes substrate of material having a high thermal conductivity for transmitting laser energy away from the surgical site and a highly absorbent surface material for absorbing radiant energy at the wavelength of the incident laser.

Abstract: An insertion guide for aiding the insertion of the superior haptic of an intraocular lens into the capsular bag of the eye during intraocular surgery. The guide is made of a thin, flexible material and has a body portion and a flap portion connected by an integral connecting portion which permits the flap to move from the first position folded against the body portion to a second position where the flap is disposed at an acute angle to the body portion so that the flap will act as a backstop to guide the superior haptic of an intraocular lens into the capsular bag. The present invention also relates to the method of inserting an intraocular lens using this guide.