Abstract: A surgical instrument which both incises and splits the nucleus of a lens has a pair of spring steel segments slidably received in a metallic tube. Each segment terminates in a tip. As the spring steel segments are drawn into the tube the tips come together to form a cutting edge useful for incising the lens. When the segments are extended from the tube the tips separate, forcing the incision open until the lens is split.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for manufacturing complex gears includes the creation of a data set to control a robotic machine tool enabling the tool to machine the contours of the gears accurately after the gear has been cut. Each gear is mounted to an indexable chuck which is used to position the gear for machining operations such as chamfering and deburring that heretofore have been done by hand. A machine cabinet allows debris from machining to be recovered by a vacuum-operated system and an air-cooling system cools the gear during machining without requiring the use of cooling oils or other liquids.

Abstract: An irrigation and aspiration tubing system for use with surgical handpieces and irrigation fluid supplies has a flexible tube with first and second lumens formed integrally along its length, with a first lumen used for transporting irrigation fluid to the handpiece and a second lumen used for aspiration of fluid and emulsified particles from a surgical site. The cross-sectional area of the first lumen is selected to provide a cross-sectional area available for fluid flow in excess of the cross-sectional area of a standard surgical irrigation tubes. The system also includes at least one adaptor to allow the tubing to be attached to known surgical handpieces. Preferably, a second adaptor is also provided allowing attachment to sources of irrigating fluid and aspiration vacuum. One said lumen is formed integral with either the interior or exterior surface of the flexible tube.

Abstract: A comparatively light and compact permanent magnet arrangement for an MRI apparatus has a pair of opposed permanent magnet arrays with a shimming system to adjust the uniformity and strength of a magnetic field in a central chamber of the apparatus. The MRI apparatus is used to examine the extremities of a patient to determine cardiovascular characteristics from an analysis of the blood flow through selected arteries in the extremity. The information collected can be used to calculate such characteristics as total cardiac output, blood flow, arterial wall thickness and elasticity and the presence of plaque.

Abstract: An infusion sleeve for use with a phacoemulsification handpiece has a hollow body with an open end by which the sleeve is attachable to the handpiece and an open tip through which a phacoemulsification needle is passed. Irrigating liquid is directed from the handpiece through the sleeve. At least three discharge ports are formed in the sleeve to provide increased flow of irrigating liquid proximate the sleeve tip. The ports may differ in size, shape and positioning on the sleeve. Internal reinforcing ribs are provided to limit contact between the thinner portions of the sleeve wall and the phacoemulsification needle. External ridges are provided to limit leakage through the incision. A sleeve with an oval cross-sectional configuration is also provided to limit leakage through the incision. These features may be combined to provide sleeves with desired characteristics.

Abstract: An infusion sleeve for use with a phacoemulsification handpiece has a hollow body with an open end by which the sleeve is attachable to the handpiece and an open tip through which a phacoemulsification needle is passed. Irrigating liquid is directed from the handpiece through the sleeve. At least three discharge ports are formed in the sleeve to provide increased flow of irrigating liquid proximate the sleeve tip. The ports may differ in size, shape and positioning on the sleeve.

Abstract: A warming scarf has front and rear panels assembled to create an insulating air pocket when the scarf is worn. The front panel is larger than the rear panel and the excess fabric is gathered and pleated at the scarf's edges to “pouch” the fabric and form the air pocket.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for manufacturing complex gears includes the creation of a data set to control a robotic machine tool enabling the tool to machine the contours of the gears accurately after the gear has been cut. Each gear is mounted to an indexable chuck which is used to position the gear for machining operations such as chamfering and deburring that heretofore have been done by hand. A machine cabinet allows debris from machining to be recovered by a vacuum-operated system and an air-cooling system cools the gear during machining without requiring the use of cooling oils or other liquids.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the adjustment of a magnetic field produced by permanent magnet arrangements facing each other across an air gap include a series of ferromagnetic shim blocks individually adjustably positionable within the magnet arrangements to adjust the strength and uniformity of the magnetic field. A backing plate to which the permanent magnets are attached has channels within which adjusting elements are used to move the shim blocks with relation to the permanent magnets, preferably toward or away from the air gap. Shim blocks are arranged in selected geometric arrays and shapes responsive to the geometry of the magnet arrangements and may be formed as toroidal shapes or as individual blocks of varying sizes.

Abstract: A surgical blade for use in ophthalmic surgery has a multi-faceted distal end with cutting edges which meet at an angle greater than 90° and preferably 140°, resulting in a blade with a relatively large surface area. An anterior shoulder is positioned intermediate the distal and proximal ends of the blade to direct the blade to dimple down when the blade has been inserted into the cornea a sufficient distance to bring the shoulder into contact with the corneal tissue, allowing the surgeon to make a linear entry into the anterior chamber resulting in a reproducible, leak-free incision by using a straight-in hand motion. The blade is rounded at certain of its lateral edges to avoid snagging the incision when the blade is passed through the cornea.

Abstract: A feeding cup for infants has a main reservoir communicating through a channel to a feeding spout. Breast milk placed in the reservoir enters the spout via the channel when the cup is tilted or when the sidewalls of the reservoir are compressed to create a pumping action. The reservoir is curved to fit a user's hand and has sidewalls that are thicker than the walls of the channel. The spout is designed to allow drop-by-drop dispensing of the breast milk.

Abstract: A permanent magnet arrangement has a pair of permanent magnet groupings supported by a C-shaped yoke. Each magnet grouping comprises a series of circular, concentrically-arranged permanent magnets in a support frame. An adjusting mechanism allows each circular magnet to be individually aligned and adjusted with respect to the remaining magnets. The circular magnets can be formed as solid disks, toroidal solids or from individual magnet elements arranged in circular rings. A backing plate supports each magnet grouping and attaches the grouping to the yoke.

Abstract: A surgical blade for use in ophthalmic surgery has distal cutting edges formed by a pair of anterior-to-posterior bevels which meet at an angle greater than 90.degree. and preferably 140.degree., resulting in a blade with a surface area greater than that of similarly dimensioned prior art blades. An anterior shoulder is positioned intermediate the distal and proximal ends of the blade to direct the blade to dimple down when the blade has been inserted into the cornea a sufficient distance to bring the shoulder into contact with the corneal tissue, allowing the surgeon to make a reproducible, leak-free incision by using a straight-in hand motion. The distal cutting surface is rounded at its lateral edges to avoid snagging the incision when the blade is passed through the cornea.

Abstract: A repositionable insulating truck bulkhead panel has lower and lateral reinforcing rails made form impact-resistant material to reinforce and support a pair of thermoplastic panel face panels between which closed cell foam is inserted to add insulating properties and structural strength. Molded-in channels on the front and rear of the panels provide multiple, selectable recessed mounting sites for hardware such as handles and cleats and also provides paths for air circulation.