Abstract: Disclosed are intraocular lenses which have an expandable or fillable bag means comprising the central lenticular portion of the lens and lenses which are expandable by filling chambers within a flexible central lenticular portion. The central lenticular portion additionally can comprise a solid lens portion. The expandable bag means or chambers are filled correlating to a desired refractive power after placement in the eye. The intraocular lenses can be inserted in the eye through relatively small incisions (less than about 4 mm). Subsequent changes in refractive power can be accomplished without removing the implanted intraocular lens and with minimal or no trauma. The intraocular lenses can be implanted in either the posterior chamber or capsular bag.

Abstract: Disclosed are intraocular lenses where the refractive power is fixed at implantation while offering the benefit of changing the refractive power subsequently with little or no surgical invasion and in a nearly atraumatic manner. The intraocular lenses are comprised of a central lenticular portion having a chamber therein and having at least one refractive, rupturable membrane which can be ruptured subsequent to implantation thus changing the refractive power of the lenses. The intraocular lenses can be implanted in either the posterior chamber or capsular bag.

Abstract: A penetrant apparatus for controlling the depth that a penetrant device penetrates a material relative to its outer surface, where the cross-sectional thickness of the material is not susceptible to caliper-type measurement because its inner surface is inaccessible except by intrusive means, and a method for penetrating the material utilizing the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a penetrant device connected to and driven by driving apparatus, depth sensing apparatus, thickness sensing apparatus, and comparator apparatus. The depth sensing apparatus determines the depth of penetration of the penetrant device into the material while the thickness sensing apparatus determines the thickness of the material between its inner and outer surfaces.

Abstract: An ophthalmic laser surgical method for treating or removing intraocular tissue anterior to the fundus while reducing the likelihood of photocoagulation damage to the fundus. Laser radiation in the infrared wavelength range is directed at the tissue to be treated or removed, the wavelength range being selected so as to minimize transmission of the laser radiation to the fundus by the ocular structures anterior to the retina.

Abstract: Intraocular lenses are disclosed which have haptic loops or feet generally forming a closed or locked structure. The haptic loops are unlocked or sprung open once an intraocular lens is implanted in an eye thereby seating the lens in the eye. The intraocular lenses can be implanted in either the anterior chamber or posterior segment.

Abstract: An automatic cycler for performing Continuous Cycling Peritoneal Dialysis (CCPD) and Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis (IPD) is provided. The apparatus of the present invention is a safe and convenient cycler apparatus for performing peritoneal dialysis in either home or clinical environment. The apparatus provides a stable base by storing dialysate at a relatively low position. Tubing administration set length is reduced to a minimum by the use of individual, separated valves and by the elimination of redundant, duplicate tube sections. Administration set complexity is reduced by the use of a conventional design dialysate container for heating and weighing of an infusing dialysate dosage. The apparatus allows for gravity feed to a patient with an optional capability of adjusting the pressure head for the gravity feed.

Abstract: A method and a related apparatus for disinfecting, for reuse, separation devices for blood is disclosed. Devices which may be disinfected, for reuse, include dialyzers, filters and membrane plasmapheresis devices including their interconnected and associated blood lines and intravenous administration sets. Subsequent aseptic reuse of the separation devices for blood and their connected, associated blood lines and intravenous administration sets is possible.

Abstract: Container bags for intravenous solution of one-piece, blow-molded construction typically have a fill port or tube and at least an administration port in one end of the container bag. A method, an apparatus and an article of manufacture are provided where a fill port or tube on a polyolefin or other plastic container bag is sealed into a dome shape where the solid wall, dome-shaped material closing the port or tube effects the seal. The method provides for sealing the open end of a thermoplastic tube or port by using respectively hot and cold dies. Resistance of the tube or port to forming a seal at adjoining interfaces is overcome by rotating at least one of the dies. Disruption and mixing of the plastic at the interface or closure line is accomplished, forming a substantially homogenous mass which seals the port opening.

Abstract: Layered thermoplastic articles and a method for forming layered thermoplastic articles are provided. The method involves forming a layered, thermoplastic parison, followed by blow molding the parison in a mold cavity to form a desired configuration of hollow article. The blow molded articles can be of any configuration achievable with known blow molding technology. Every section of the article can be layered, or the article can have selectively intermittent layered sections. The containers typically are used for storing and dispensing liquids and are of one-piece construction. In accordance with this invention, the thermoplastic materials are of a type which are incompatible.

Abstract: Containers used for storing and dispensing liquids for medical applications include a closure, and medical connection device include cooperating connector members. An article of manufacture and a method are provided where a plastic outer closure is applied over container closures or over connection devices. The application of the plastic outer closure exerts an antibacterial effect in the juncture area defined by the interface of the outer closure and the container inner closure and neck, or defined by the interface of the outer closure and the connection site of the connector members. The outer closure is of a type of plastic that releases an antibacterial agent, which exerts an antibacterial effect in the juncture area.

Abstract: A keratoprosthesis having a generally cylindrical lens structure, extending anteriorly to the corneal stroma and posteriorly through the pupil and into the posterior chamber, and an anterior chamber supporting means. Certain preferred embodiments of the invention further include an anteriorly removable lens element, a lens structure having a posterior end of predetermined curvature for functioning as an intraocular permanent lens and an intracorneal flange support. The keratoprosthesis is virtually incapable of being extruded and permits subsequent visual correction without further surgical intrusion into the anterior chamber.

Abstract: Containers used for storing and dispensing liquids for medical applications and formed in a one-piece, molded construction include a neck defining a dispensing outlet and an annular lip, a closure for the outlet and a frangible section coupling the closure to the neck. An article of manufacture and a method are provided where a frangible section couples the closure to the neck and defines an annular channel between the outlet lip and the closure. Completing the article of manufacture and method, the neck has an overmold which engages the closure whereby the molding of the overmold may tend to reduce the bio-burden at the area of contact of the overmold and the neck and whereby displacement of the overmold ruptures the frangible section permitting removal of the overmold and closure for opening of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided where two relatively rotatable plastic tubes in telescoping relation are welded together at their telescoping, contacting interface. In practicing the invention, soft and flexible thermoplastic tubes are fitted in telescoping relationship, one inside the lumen of the other. Gripping jaws compress and shape the outer tube uniformly which stiffens the inner and outer tubes and defines a contacting interface. Axially spaced from the interface, the inner tube is chucked with shaping jaws to impart a polygonal, cross-sectional shape to the inner tube. Frictional heat generated by rotating one tube relative to the other tube softens the interface allowing the tubes to weld together when rotation is stopped.

Abstract: An article of manufacture and a method are provided where a protective cap for a connector provides antibacterial effect to the connector by fixedly lining a chamber of the protective cap with an absorbent material retaining an antiseptic. By mating a skirt on the protective cap with a corresponding flange on a medical connector, a contamination proof seal is also provided which functions to limit contamination from the outside of the cap and retain a liquid antiseptic on the inside of the cap.

Abstract: A thermoplastic member such as a length of tubing for forming a catheter balloon is sealed by radiant heat to a thermoplastic shaft of a medical device such as a Foley catheter. Radiant heat is supplied as a narrow annular band by an apparatus which also automatically locates portions of the shaft at the narrow annular band. A length of shrink tubing is placed over the balloon tubing and adjoining portions of the shaft, is then preshrunk while at that location, and is further shrunk therearound and is subjected to radiant heat by the apparatus in order to seal the balloon tubing onto the shaft and complete assembly of a balloon catheter. It is especially preferred that the shrink tubing be tinted so as to enhance the seal formed beneath the shrink tubing.

Abstract: Ultrasonic bubble detection apparatus utilizes a typically one-piece, rigid housing having a channel defined therein for receiving flow tubing in which bubbles are to be detected. First and second ultrasonic sending and receiving transducers are positioned on opposite sides of the channel, with an aperture communicating between each of the transducers and the channel, the aperture being filled with an elastomeric material capable of transmitting ultrasound energy between the channel and each transducer means. An air-containing slot may be positioned at the bottom of the channel to hinder the propagation of ultrasound energy through the housing from the first to the second transducer by a route other than one passing through the elastomeric material. Also, a novel shape for the apertures, and the elastomeric material filling them, is disclosed.

Abstract: A closure system for a conduit defining a connector at its end is provided having increased convenience of use and reliability of sterile sealing. A tubular closure member is provided which may be positioned about the connector in telescoping relation. The closure member surrounds but is spaced from the forward portion of the connector to provide space for antiseptic to be provided, to flow both inside of the connector member and about preferably at least 0.5 centimeter of the exterior forward portion thereof for improved antibacterial effect on the connector. An end closure such as a screw threaded cap may be provided.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical valve implant apparatus for the control and relief of elevated intraocular pressure, by controlled and regulated drainage of intraocular fluid from the eye of a mammal to surrounding anatomical structures, which provides and assures proper and natural positioning of the drainage valve implant apparatus in the eye, encouraging comfortable and diffuse drainage.