Abstract: A device for controlling the thickness of a contact lens produced on an automatic and computerized numerically controlled (CNC) lathe is disclosed. A sensor control device is incorporated on a lens lathing machine for engaging the front surface of a lens button upon which the convex surface of the contact lens is to be machine lathed. Immediately upon contact between the sensor and the front surface, the sensor provides for breaking an electrical circuit in the lathe controller providing for automatic position registration of the lens button front surface relative to the cutting tool and its pivot point, and a lens of desired center thickness and power curve radius is subsequently generated. Close tolerances and high repeatability are domonstrated in contact lenses lathed generated by these principles.

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: An apparatus for storing and selectively dispensing sterile liquids comprises a liquid filled sealed flexible bag which has an integral dispensing spout formed therein. The flexible bag is received within a two piece housing which has spring mechanism to engage and exert pressure on the bag once the two pieces of the housing are closed together. A valve is mounted to the housing and engages the spout of the bag, effectively closing off the dispensing orifice of the spout. The valve is operable to move away from the spout to selectively dispense the pressurized sterile liquid from the bag.

Abstract: A technique is presented for increasing the effective strength and impact resistance of mounted, finished, edged and strengthened ophthalmic glass lenses and particularly those which are relatively thin and prestrengthened chemically. This is accomplished by the incorporation of material preferably applied to the edge of the lens such that the material cushions a relatively thin eyeglass lens when mounted in an eyeglass frame. The elastomeric material is selected to have high strength and low modulus properties. One particular group of materials meeting these requirements is known as heat shrinkable material. This material is preferably applied to the edge of a lens in the form of a gasket.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting and accumulating roll film on a film scanning stage, supported on a high intensity light table. The apparatus includes supply and take-up film reels and a pair of looping and guiding assemblies, all of which are secured to the scanning stage. The looping and guiding assemblies are aligned with the film reels and offset from each other in two orthogonal directions to position roll film in a zig-zag pattern on the scanning stage. The position of at least one of the assemblies is adjustable to vary the amount of film accumulated between the two assemblies.

Abstract: A contact lens disinfector utilizes a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) element as its heating source. The PTC heater element is held in intimate contact with a heat sink by a spring biasing member which accurately positions and tensions the PTC heater element thereby insuring that sufficient heat is delivered to the carrying case so that proper disinfecting of the contact lenses takes place.

Abstract: A device for facilitating the insertion and removal of a soft contact lens from a human eye, including a suction cup, a tunnel extension on one side of the suction cup, a vacuum source for applying vacuum through the suction cup to the lens and a collapsible member between the cup and the vacuum source. Upon placement of the suction cup over the lens such that the tunnel extension extends over the edge of the lens, the edge of the lens under the tunnel is caused to lift from the eye when vacuum is applied thereto and the suction created draws the entire lens against the suction cup. The collapsible member between the vacuum source and the suction cup collapses causing the suction cup holding the contact lens to move automatically away from the eye.

Abstract: A sealed container having matter, such as a liquid, paste or powder effectively sealed in the container, has an elongate stopper member transversely disposed in the seal. The seal grips the elongate stopper member but is not sealed thereto. The elongate stopper member has one end extending through the seal and the other end extending outside the container. The outside end of the stopper member may be grasped and pulled. The end extending into the container will be caused to be withdrawn through the container seal, leaving an opening into the container through the space formerly occupied by the elongate stopper member. The matter within the container may then be expelled through the opening.