Abstract: A contact lens disinfection case includes a hollow cylindrical body with two open ends, and first and second end caps mounted on the open ends of the body to define with the body a fluid-tight housing. A contact lens holding basket is mounted on and is removable with the first end cap. An elongate locking member extends through the hollow body and engages the first and second end caps when the end caps are mounted on the body. The second end cap, when mounted on the body, abuts against the elongate locking member and causes is to engage the first end cap, locking it in place and preventing its removal. When the second end cap is not mounted on the body, the elongate locking member is positionable in non-engagement with the first end cap, allowing the first end cap to be removed from the hollow body.

Abstract: There are provided low temperature, storage stable, liquid mixtures of (1) isocyanato-containing prepolymers obtained from the reaction of linear and/or slightly branched polyetherpolyols and a polyisocyanate characterized by a methylene group --CH.sub.2 -- bonded to two benzenoid nuclei, and (2) a non-hydroxyl-containing flow modifier which is compatible with the said prepolymer. Novel liquid mixtures thus prepared exhibit little tendency to crystallize or phase separate when stored for prolonged periods of time, i.e., well below room temperature for several days.

Abstract: There is provided hard, non-toxic, substantially non-hydrophilic dentures including dentures comprising teeth anchored in or bonded to the denture material and optionally a linear of relatively soft elastomer. The hard dentures possess several highly desirable properties such as high heat distortion temperature and excellent impact resistance and rigidity resulting in excellent alignment with oral tissue and retention of superior fit and resistance to distortion under high thermal conditions.

Abstract: A hydration device and kit are provided for effecting the hydration of a dehydrated soft contact lens resident within the cavity of a mold element in which the lens was formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved delivery system for a dental treatment solution. More particularly, the apparatus disclosed includes a housing defining a well, a reservoir container for the dental treatment solution, and a pump for delivery of the solution to a hand piece. The pump includes an electrically energizable prime mover such as a motor or solenoid, a heater, and a control for the overall system. The control for the system provides a timing arrangement which is actuated upon placement of the reservoir container within the housing well, and which disables the system upon completion of the timing cycle. This feature, coupled with the employment of a visual signal, provides a dental professional with an indication of the strength or useful life of the dental treatment solution. Also disclosed are novel constructions for the pump and the heater, along with a novel design for the reservoir container.

Abstract: Hydroxyalkyl celluloses are useful as sedimenting agents in the non-destructive separation of red and white blood cells. Intact WBC recovery is higher than with conventional methods. The white blood cells may be used in interferon production.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for effecting delivery of a chemical solution useful in the softening of tooth caries and/or plaque in a patient's mouth utilizes a reciprocating piston-type pump having flow and pressure regulation for injecting a pulsating jet stream of the solution at a controlled rate and pressure, in combination with a separate heater device adjacent an applicator maintaining the temperature of the solution at or near body temperature as it is delivered to the mouth.

Abstract: An interferon preparation to be administered topically is provided comprising: (a) a therapeutically effective amount of one or more interferons; (b) a vehicle base compatible with the interferon or interferons being administered; (c) an effective amount of one or more protease inhibitors for the purpose of reducing the rate of decay of the biological activity of the interferon or interferons due to proteolytic agents; and (d) an effective amount of one or more anti-microbial agents. In certain preferred embodiments of the invention, the vehicle base is prepared from a mixture of polyethylene glycols or includes hydroxyethyl cellulose as a thickening agent.

Abstract: An improved mold apparatus and spin casting method adapted for use in the molding of precisely configured articles, e.g., a contact lens, from a liquid polymerizable reaction mixture containing at least one volatile component is disclosed. Loss of this volatile component from the reaction mixture is prevented by providing a separate reservoir filled with a liquid volatile substance which volatilizes and fills the space above the liquid polymerization mixture.

Abstract: A method is provided for securing a metallic microsieve which comprises;(a) inserting a metallic microsieve within the well of a frame-like support member, at least a portion of the upper edge of the well being fabricated from a fusible material and the height of the well wall being greater than the thickness of the microsieve;(b) directing a laser beam against a point on the upper edge of the well to melt fusible material in contact with the laser beam;(c) permitting the laser-molten fusible material to travel down the wall of the well and contact the edge of the microsieve; and,(d) permitting the laser-molten fusible material in contact with the edge of the microsieve solidify thereby forming a retaining member which secures the microsieve to the support member.

Abstract: A cutting device and method for the precision trimming of a selected portion of the peripheral edge of a cast lens secured on the external surface of a male mold independent of any eccentricity that may exist between the opening defined in the mold and the outer diameter of the mold.

Abstract: A method is provided for tinting a hydrogel contact lens whereby the tinting effect is not appreciably affected by the underlying color of the iris of the wearer's eyes.

Abstract: A portable cauterizing device having a variable temperature cautery tip that is activated by switching means that also performs the additional function of varying the temperature of the cautery tip so that the device can be activated and the temperature of the cautery tip can be regulated using only one hand.

Abstract: A process and cellular system for producing soluble biological mediators, including cytokines, lymphokines, monokines and interferons, and mRNA therefor, from white blood cells is provided. The process involves treating white blood cells with a mitogenic or antigenic agent in the presence of a controlled amount of red blood cells. Increases in production of the soluble biological mediator, gamma interferon, on the order of 5 to 10 fold have been achieved by maintaining the ratio of red blood cells to white blood cells between 10 to 1 and about 50 to 1. The process is particularly useful in producing HuIFN-.gamma. with PHA-P.

Abstract: A cutting device and method for the precision trimming of a symmetrical portion of the peripheral edge of a centrifugally cast lens secured within a cavity of a female mold without the need for extensive and complex prior alignment of the cutting tool with the lens.

Abstract: A centrifugal casting device employing a rotatable polymerization column adapted to accommodate a plurality of vertically aligned molds and a rotatable mold-dispensing magazine disposed at an angle .alpha. to the polymerization column and adapted to dispense molds one at a time into the polymerization column.

Abstract: There are provided improved integral skin microcellular polyether polyurethane elastomer products, e.g., shoe soles, which are characterized by outstanding low temperature dynamic flex and green strength at demold, at specific gravities as low as about 0.4 gm/cc. These elastomer products are desirably prepared from a two-component system, e.g., the reaction of Component A containing improved quasi-prepolymers, with Component B comprising a compatible liquid mixture containing poly(oxyethyleneoxypropylene)polyol, difunctional chain extender, halogenated blowing agent and other ingredients, as needed, over a relatively wide isocyanate index range without the drawback of any significant loss in the elastomer properties due to index fluctuation within said range.Improved integral skin microcellular polyether elastomers of low densities, e.g., 0.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for feeding molds to a device for centrifugally casting a plurality of axially symmetrical or asymmetrical articles such as lenses, disc valves, and the like on a continuous basis.

Abstract: A unit is described for use in a multi-unit decorative or structural arrangement. Each unit has, on at least one surface, an asymmetrical design which may be two dimensional or three dimensional. These asymmetrical designs are arranged to permit a number of identical units to be arranged together to form a large variety of overall designs whose final form depends upon the relative positions of the individual units within the arrangement. For example, a number of identical square tiles are provided, each having the same design and with the design created so that a tile wall can be formed from the identical tiles with hundreds of different overall designs. The same large number of overall designs may be formed from units other than square units including three dimensional building blocks and similar basic decorative or construction units.

Abstract: A cutting device for the precision trimming of a symmetrical portion of the peripheral edge of a centrifugally cast lens secured within a cavity of a female mold without the need for extensive and complex prior alignment of the cutting tool with the lens.