Abstract: A flexible sheath is attached to an end of a rigid extension tube. The other end of the rigid extension tube is connected with a surgical handpiece. Two flexible sheaths may be used—one as a barrier against contamination of aspiration tubing and the other as a barrier against contamination of irrigation tubing. This is effected by securing two rigid extension tubes between the surgical handpiece and an associated one of the aspiration and irrigation tubings. Each flexible sheath is collapsible and expandable so they may be expanded from a collapsed condition over the associated aspiration or irrigation tubings and secured in the expanded condition. The aspiration and/or irrigation tubings are connected to a cassette of a surgical pack.

Abstract: An improved solution for use in the removal of cataractous lenses via liquefracture is described. The liquefracture solution contains a viscosity-enhancing agent to increase the residence time of the solution in the heating chamber of the liquefracture handpiece, thereby increasing the expulsion force of the solution from the handpiece (i.e., “pulse force”). An agent that releases gas when the liquefracture solution is heated in the handpiece may also be included in the solution, thereby also enhancing the pulse force of the solution upon expulsion from the handpiece. The solution preferably also contains a partially water-soluble agent that forms a temporarily insoluble precipitate when heated in a liquefracture handpiece. The precipitate acts as an abrasive agent when expelled with the liquefracture solution from the handpiece, thereby facilitating the cutting and disintegration of the cataractous lens material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to ophthalmic compositions containing a gelling amount of a combination of galactomannan polysaccharides and borates. The compositions gel or partially gel upon administration to the eye. The present invention also discloses methods of topical ophthalmic administration of the compositions to the eye.

Abstract: A container for delivery of a surgical fluid to a surgical handpiece is disclosed. The container includes a volume for receiving the surgical fluid to be delivered to the handpiece and an end for removably engaging a receptacle in a surgical console and for fluidly coupling with a source of pressurized fluid in a surgical console.

Abstract: Covalently-bound, hydrophilic copolymer coatings for implants are disclosed. The copolymer coatings comprise a hydrophobic aryl acrylic monomer, a hydrophilic monomer selected from the group consisting of hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylates, n-vinyl pyrrolidone and acrylamides, and a (meth)acrylamide reactive plasticizer.

Abstract: A lens delivery system having a plunger, an injector body and a nozzle portion connected to the injector body, the nozzle portion having a hinged lid and a hollow body with a lens holding platform formed beneath the hinged lid. The cartridge has an elongated nozzle tube or tip with a bore, the bore communicating with the lens holding platform. The bottom of the bore is rounded, which causes the edges of the lens between the lens haptics to fold upwardly as the lens is pushed down the bore from the platform by the plunger. A removable pin fits into the lid and prevents the lens from moving down the bore of the tip during shipment and storage.

Abstract: A method of welding metal components together including moving a laser beam in a first direction along an interface between a pair of metal components such that in the vicinity of the focused beam, metal from each component is vaporized to produce a keyhole in a pool of molten metal. The laser beam is oscillated in a direction different from (e.g., transverse to) the first direction such that the keyhole oscillates through the pool of molten metal and molten metal fills into the keyhole as the position of the keyhole changes.

Abstract: The present invention provides variable spot size illuminators that provide a light spot on a treatment plane by utilizing a zoom lens to direct light received from an image of a light source formed on an intermediate image plane onto the treatment plane. The zoom lens allows varying the size of the treatment spot while ensuring that the treatment spot exhibits parfocality. An illuminator of the invention can be utilized for performing a number of ophthalmic surgical procedures, such as, photocoagulation, transpupillary thermal therapy, and photodynamic therapy.

Abstract: A two optic accommodative lens system. The first lens in the system is fixed in the anterior chamber of an eye. The second lens in the system includes a non-circular ring with radial dimensions that are different in at least two meridians and implanted in the posterior chamber of an eye within the capsular bag. The radial dimension of vertical meridian of the lens approximates the natural diameter of the capsular bag. The optic of the second lens is connected to the ring at the vertical meridian by two or more of haptics. The radial dimension of horizontal meridian of the second lens is slightly larger than the natural diameter of the capsular bag.

Abstract: A knife having a blade tip configuration that reduces incisional force by providing a more efficient distribution of tissue piercing and cutting forces over the cutting edges. The distal tip of the blade has a profile in plan view in the region of approximately 150 microns from the distal most point of the tip that may be described by the equation w=adn, where w is the distance from the blade's longitudinal axis to the blade's cutting edge, a is a constant of proportionality not greater than 0.5 and d is the distance along the blade's longitudinal axis from the extreme distal point of the blade tip. The extreme distal point of the tip has a slightly rounded, rather than pointy, profile, with a tip radius of approximately 40 microns or less.

Abstract: An improved instrument for helping to remove subretinal fluid and helping to perform fluid exchanges in vitreoretinal surgery is disclosed. The instrument includes a handle and a probe coupled to the handle. The probe includes a curved distal portion having a closed tip with a smooth surface capable of safely touching the retina.

Abstract: A loudspeaker comprising a housing provided with a magnet unit that generates a magnetic field and a membrane which is mounted in a frame and which is provided with an electrical conductor arranged in a pattern on the membrane, which membrane is positioned in the magnetic field in such a manner that a force is exerted when current is fed through the conductor pattern on the membrane, which force is capable of setting the membrane in motion so as to produce sound, wherein the conductor pattern is provided on the membrane in at least two spaced-apart vibrating regions, wherein the loudspeaker is provided with at least two sound channels extending between the two vibrating regions and the outer side of the housing, and wherein the central axes of the two sound channels, which are located between the outer wall and the inner wall of each channel, incline towards each other over a particular distance from the membrane.

Abstract: Pyrazolo[3,4-e]benzoxazoles and analogues thereof for lowering intraocular pressure and treating glaucoma are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a terminal ring assembly structured for engagement to a conductor post. The terminal ring assembly of the present invention includes a first ring element and a second ring element, each having a circular body and at least one grip having crimpable barrels for engaging a wire in electrical connectivity. The first and second ring elements further include an interlocking device, in which the interlocking components of the first and second ring elements engage each other so that the first and second ring elements are locked together.

Abstract: Disclosed are UV absorbers that contain a labile functional group capable of initiating free radical polymerization.

Abstract: RNA interference is provided for inhibition of Frizzled Related Protein-1 mRNA expression, in particular, for treating patients having glaucoma or at risk of developing glaucoma.

Abstract: A terminal socket assembly for interconnecting electrically powered vehicular components with an associated input male input pin and an output cable. The socket assembly includes a spring cage blank having first and second extending edges and a plurality of spaced apart and angled beams extending between the edges. The spring cage is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape, and particularly in an “hourglass shape”. A substantially tubular sleeve is provided for receiving the configured spring cage. The sleeve is compressingly engageable. The assembled sleeve and spring cage is capable of biasingly receiving and engaging an extending and inserting portion of the male pin. Gripping portions are integrally secured to the tubular sleeve and fixedly engage an extending end of a cable to electrically communicate the two cables.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising the 15-lipoxygenase-1 (15-LO-1) or 15-lipoxyngenase-2 (15-LO-2) gene such that 15-LO-1 or 15-LO-2 protein expression is replaced or replenished in the ocular surface epithelium of post-menopausal women suffering from dry eye. Thus, methods for treatment of dry eye in postmenopausal women are further provided.

Abstract: Proteasome inhibitors are useful for treating dry eye disorders and other disorders requiring the wetting of the eye.

Abstract: In a lubricant composition suitable for use in the manufacture of aluminum alloys comprising a lubricant base, the improvement wherein the lubricant composition further comprises: an effective amount of water, surfactant, and a high viscosity organic material having a low vapor pressure. It is believed that this mixture provides a method for uniformly distributing the surface oxide at the meniscus for casting applications and increasing meniscus stability. Uniform distribution of the oxide and increased stability at the meniscus reduces vertical fold formation that can lead to cracks in the aluminum ingot. In addition, the mixture promotes uniform heat transfer around the mold. Uniform heat transfer around the mold allows the solidifying aluminum alloy to stay in contact with the mold longer and form stronger ingot shells. A process for continuous or semi-continuous casting of aluminum alloys via the use of this lubricant composition is also disclosed.