Abstract: A slit lamp with surgical laser capability includes an x-y table. An optical micrometer, readily retrofittable onto existing slit lamps, is mounted on the x-y table to measure table displacement in the y direction. The measuring electronics are resettable to allow the operator to select any y position from which the displacement is to be algebraically measured. Compact display optics are retrofittably mounted on the ocular assembly of the slit lamp between the collimator and the eyepiece to insert a reduced image of an LED indicator displaying the measured data into the periphery of the ophthalmic image seen through the eyepiece. An LCD indicator displaying the same data is mounted on the x-y table to allow positioning of the table without looking into the eyepiece. The LED indicator lends itself to display of laser operational data in addition to positional data.

Abstract: A tendon or ligament bioprosthesis comprised of a naturally occurring tendon or ligament isolated from an animal source, tanned with a bifunctional reagent capable of cross-linking biological tissue, at least one end of the tendon or ligament having attached thereto an intact decalcified chip of the bone from which the tendon or ligament was isolated. The presence of the decalcified bone chip provides a substrate which is receptive to the ingrowth of bone tissue when the bioprosthesis is implanted in a resected bone.

Abstract: A surgical illuminator comprising a plurality of elongated, flexible, optical fibers having proximal and distal end portions and a strip of tape for retaining at least the distal end portions of the optical fibers in a ribbon-like pattern. A connector is coupled to the proximal end portions of the optical fibers, and the connector is adapted to optically couple the optical fibers to a light source. The tape has adhesive on both of its faces so that the tape can also be adhered to a surgical instrument to provide illumination from the light source.

Abstract: A surgical instrument container has a top and bottom whose opposing surfaces are bordered by sidewalls and articulately connected to form an enclosed box. A planar substrate having upper and lower surfaces adapted to receive surgical instruments is pivotally mounted between the top and bottom. When the box is open, the substrate can be pivoted between the top and bottom to provide easy access to both upper and lower substrate surfaces. The substrate is positioned within the sidewalls of the top and bottom surfaces to effect enclosure of the substrate when the box is closed and thereby prevent retained surgical instruments from protruding through or falling out of the box. The substrate may be a porous foam or magnetic material or combination of each. The box may be mechanically or magnetically latched. The box may be composed of transparent material to permit visual inspection of the retained instruments when the box is closed.

Abstract: An apparatus for making electrical contact within the heart of a patient for pacing the heart and ECG sensing comprising an elongated tube sized to be received through a vein or artery into the heart and having a peripheral wall, at least one lumen and an opening in the peripheral wall which extends from the lumen to the exterior of the tube. An electrode is mounted in the lumen with the electrode being exposed at the opening. At least one conductive lead is coupled to the electrode and extends proximally within the tube. The tube has a body line, and the electrode extends radially outwardly no farther than the body line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly and method for introducing and transporting sample containers in a chemical analyzer, and in particular, to an assembly for organizing randomly loaded sample containers in a positively-identifiable fashion. The assembly additionally includes a means for sequencing the organization of sample containers and a novel means for dispensing measured amounts of sample therefrom.

Abstract: A process for modifying the surface of a preformed polymeric substrate to impart lubricity and other desired properties thereto, without at the same time significantly altering the bulk properties of the substrate, by epoxidizing the substrate's surface and reacting the epoxide groups so formed with a fluorocarbon capable of cleaving the epoxide rings and covalently bonding thereto. The article so formed is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the treatment or prophylaxis of cardiac disorders in a mammal, comprising administering to such mammal a short-acting .beta.-blocking compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R may be lower alkyl, aryl, or aralkyl; n may be an integer from 0 to about 10; x may be an integer from 1 to 3; Ar may be substituted or unsubstituted aromatic; R.sub.1 may be lower alkyl, or aralkyl; and pharmaceutically accepted salts thereof. Novel compounds possessing short-acting .beta.-adrenergic blocking activity are also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical solution container having an outlet port with a neck that includes a tapered annular collar for slidably and sealingly engaging the hollow spike of an administration set. The inner and outer surfaces of the tapered collar slope inwardly, the collar defining an opening that is smaller (when the collar is unstretched) than the reduced portion of the bore of the neck communicating with that collar, thereby helping to assure effective contact between the collar and an inserted spike.

Abstract: A process for modifying the surface characteristics of a pre-formed polymeric substrate to impart hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity, or other desired properties thereto, by peroxidizing the surface of the substrate and then allowing the active sites along the polymer chains to generate free radicals which induce graft polymerization of a suitable ethylenic monomer (or other ethylenically-unsaturated compound) onto the surface of the substrate is described. Such graft copolymerization is undertaken in the presence of variable valence metal ions in a reduced state under acidic conditions and at selected reaction times and relatively low temperatures, and ideally in the presence of squarate ions (diketocyclobutenediol) to control the physical characteristics of the surface graft and to restore the metal ions to their lower valence state without at the same time producing deleterious by-products.

Abstract: A disposable strain gauge pressure sensor providing reliable electrical isolation even at defibrillation voltages in the measurement of biological fluid pressures is produced by floatingly mounting a glass plate on a closed cell, fluid-impervious foam pad within a firm but not totally rigid plastic housing. The glass plate has a thin glass diaphragm integrally formed therein which carries the strain gauge element. Openings in the foam pad and the housing allow a fluid contained in a fluid dome on the outside of the housing to bathe the side of the glass diaphragm opposite that on which the strain gauge element is mounted. The glass plate, foam pad, and housing are bonded together in fluid-tight relationship so that fluid cannot reach anything within the housing other than the glass diaphragm. The housing is preferably transparent to allow observation of the diaphragm during operation.

Abstract: An open, wraparound, sleeved garment and method of its manufacture from an integral single piece garment blank of flexible material. The open, wraparound, sleeved garment includes the single piece of flexible material seamed to itself along two separate seams, each of which extends from an end of a sleeve to a point along each opened edge of the garment.

Abstract: A vented syringe adapter assembly which includes a housing having a sidewall, bottom wall, and top wall, which walls combine to define a chamber within the housing. A dual lumen tubular conduit extends through the top wall, chamber and bottom wall with one end extending from the top wall and defining a syringe connector port and the opposite end extending from the bottom wall and defining a piercing tip. A first lumen extends through the tubular conduit from the syringe port to the piercing tip. A second lumen extends from the piercing tip to the inner chamber. An opening is provided on at least one of the walls of the housing and the opening is covered by a filter for allowing the passage of gases but preventing the flow of liquids through the opening.

Abstract: An intraocular lens assembly for implantation in the eye comprising a lens and first and second support members coupled to the lens and extending to locations spaced radially outwardly of the lens. At least one of the support members comprises a resiliently deformable strand having an outer segment which extends from the lens to a distal location spaced radially outwardly of the lens and an inner segment joined to the outer segment adjacent the distal location and extending to the lens. Major portions of the outer and inner segments are generally parallel, and regions of the parallel portions are curved so that the support member can be easily resiliently deformed toward the lens.

Abstract: Novel compounds of the general formula ##STR1## wherein Ar represents a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic or heterocyclic group; W represents alkylene of from 1 to about 10 carbon atoms; and B represents --NR.sub.2 COR.sub.1, --NR.sub.2 CONR.sub.1 R.sub.3, --NR.sub.2 SO.sub.2 R.sub.1, --NR.sub.2 SO.sub.2 NR.sub.1 R.sub.3, or --NR.sub.2 COOR.sub.1 wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 may be the same or different and may be hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or aralkyl, except that R.sub.1 is not hydrogen when B is --NR.sub.2 SO.sub.2 R.sub.1 or --NR.sub.2 COOR.sub.1, or R.sub.1 and R.sub.3 may together with N form a 5 to 7 momoered heterocyclic group; and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds exhibit .beta.-adrenergic blocking activity and are also useful in the treatment of glaucoma.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for parenteral administration is disclosed which comprises from about 0.01% to about 30% of a .beta.-adrenergic blocking compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein Ar represents a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic group or heterocyclic group; W represents alkylene of from 1 to about 10 carbon atoms; and B represents --NR.sub.2 COR.sub.1, --NR.sub.2 CONR.sub.1 R.sub.3, --NR.sub.2 SO.sub.2 R.sub.1, --NR.sub.2 SO.sub.2 NR.sub.2 R.sub.3, or --NR.sub.2 COOR.sub.1 wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 may be the same or different and may be hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxyalkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or aralkyl, except that R.sub.1 is not hydrogen when B is --NR.sub.2 SO.sub.2 R.sub.1 or --NR.sub.2 COOR.sub.1, or R.sub.1 and R.sub.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical member, such as a catheter, cannulae, or the like, has a monolithic construction. An inner core of plastic is passed through a conventional reinforcing apparatus, such as a conventional braiding mechanism. The braiding action is interrupted at predetermined intervals while the core continues to be fed so that straight reinforcing strand lengths are disposed on the outer surface of the inner core at predetermined lengths. The member passes through a heated sizing die to adhere the braided strand to the inner core, and a mechanical shear or rotating blade cuts the straight strand lengths off so that they are detached from the core. An over-extrusion of plastic may be provided to encapsulate the reinforcing strands. When the catheter is free of reinforcing strands it is relatively soft and flexible--such as at its tip--and where the reinforcing strands are provided it is relatively stiff. The monolithic construction ensures that components will not detach in a patient's body.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of glaucoma or lowering intraocular pressure in a mammal, involving topically administering to the eye of such mammal a selectively metabolized beta-blocking compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R may be lower alkyl, lower alkynyl aryl, or aralkyl; A may be a direct bond, lower alkylenyl, or lower alkenyl; x may be an integer from 1 to 3; Ar may be substituted or unsubstituted aromatic; R.sub.1 may be lower alkyl, lower hydroxy alkyl, lower alkenyl, lower alkynyl, or aralkyl; and pharmaceutically accepted salts thereof. Because of a relatively long duration of action of such compounds in ocular fluids and a relatively short duration of action in the systemic circulation, such compounds are useful for the treatment of excessive intraocular pressure without substantial systemic side effects.

Abstract: Described is a process for preparing 2,2'-disubstituted-1,3-dioxolane-4-methanol compounds having the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each independently hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl or R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 together with the carbon atom form a 3 to 6 member cycloalkyl group, or aryl, the process comprising: reacting D- or L-serine with a nitrosating agent in an aqueous solution in the presence of formic acid, acetic acid, or propanoic acid to prepare 2,3-dihydroxypropanoic acid (D- or L-glyceric acid), the aqueous solution comprising from about 0.1 to 0.5 liter of water per mole of the serine starting material; reacting the glyceric acid so formed with 2,2-dimethoxypropane in the presence of a loweralkyl alcohol to prepare the D- or L-glyceric acid alkyl ester which is reacted with a selected aldehyde or ketone or the acetal or ketal derivative to prepare the corresponding 1,3-dioxolane derivative.