Abstract: A system for measuring the electrical conductivity of disinfecting and rinsing solutions within a cleansing container includes a power supply for driving a pair of detectors and/or a meter, a conductivity probe for measuring the electrical conductance of the solutions, an oscillator, amplifier, and rectifier circuit, and indicators such as colored lights for indicating the type of solution within the container. The entire measuring system may be miniaturized and provided within the lid of the container. The system is particularly adapted to ensure that the correct steps are taken during the disinfection of contact lenses.

Abstract: A decoupling sleeve for inclusion in a fluid conduit of an ultrasonically-operated instrument, such as a surgical instrument, which is irrigated by irrigating fluid at the operative site. The decoupling sleeve includes a tubular thin-walled body portion defining spaced openings, and a collar member for retaining the decoupling sleeve in a tip cap sleeve member for the instrument. The inclusion of the decoupling sleeve in the irrigating fluid conduit intermediate a portion of an ultrasonically-operated tool and the interior of the tip cap sleeve member defining the fluid conduit impedes the transmission of ultrasonic energy through the fluid medium in the conduit, thus reducing objectionable cavitation and bubble formation at the operative site.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for aligning and attaching partly-worked lens blanks to a block so that the remainder of the blank can be machined. The machine comprises a vee-shaped holder for supporting the block with it axis vertical above a moveable table on which the lens blank is supported. The moveable table is freely moveable in any direction in a horizontal plane and the machine includes means for bringing the block and partly-worked lens into contact and achieving alignment of the axes of the block and lens blank by permitting the lens blank to move in any direction in a horizontal plane. A film of liquid adhesive is provided between the surface of the lens blank and the block which acts both as a lubricant and as a bonding agent when correct alignment has been achieved.

Abstract: An intraocular surgical instrument includes an elongated inner tube that is axially movably connected at a first end to a handpiece, and comprises a cutting edge at a distal end. An elongated outer tube is disposed coaxially with the inner tube, is connected at a first end to the handpiece, and includes a cutting edge at a distal end. A first clearance is provided between the inner tube and the outer tube at a first rearward region and a second region adjacent to the cutting edges, such that the cutting edges are maintained in a cutting relationship. A second clearance, larger than the first clearance, is provided at a third region disposed between the first and second regions.

Abstract: A device for controlling the dispensing of pigments suspended in solution for reciprocating needles that penetrate the skin. For use in an apparatus of the type which includes a tip assembly, including a needle secured to a reciprocating driven by a motor, an adapter member is disclosed having a generally axially aligned chamber, a portion of which is manually secured to the tip assembly. The adapter member also defines an inclined chamber for receiving a pigment-containing reservoir member with a transfer tube. A weighted wire has a portion located within the transfer tube. The wire includes a second portion which resides within the reservoir member so that when the reservoir member with its pigment solution and wire is inserted into the adapter member, reciprocation of the tip assembly causes the wire to agitate the pigment suspension while controlling flow of the pigment-containing solution to the lower portion of the axially aligned chamber in the adapter member, and hence to the needle.

Abstract: A variable spot size illuminator for projecting a variable size spot of light into an illumination plane comprises a source of light, fiberoptic image transmission means having an entrance surface and an exit surface, means for projecting a cone of said light onto said entrance surface, objective lens means for focusing light emerging from said exit surface into said illumination plane, and means for varying the distance between said entrance surface and the vertex of said cone of light. The variable spot size illuminator is useful for projecting a spot of variable size with constant beam convergence in a laser photocoagulator.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument for use in ophthalmic surgery includes a cylindrical body having front and rear plugs in opposite ends thereof with a piston disposed in a centrally disposed chamber in the body, and a probe having an elongate tubular outer member with a proximal end received in an axial bore in the front plug and a closed distal end with a port therein and an elongate tubular inner member slidably disposed in the outer member with a distal end movable across the port to provide a cutting action and a portion fixed in an axial bore in the piston such that the probe inner member is moved with the piston, the rear plug having an axial bore therethrough aligned with the probe inner member to permit evacuation of cut material through the surgical cutting instrument and a second bore therethrough for supplying pressure to the chamber to move the piston against a spring bias.

Abstract: Surfaces and articles or devices sterilized with an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution are treated with an aqueous solution comprising a sufficient amount of sodium pyruvate to decompose the hydrogen peroxide. The invention includes a method and sterilization system which is particularly useful in medical applications. Hydrophilic contact lenses may be conveniently sterilized with a hydrogen peroxide solution and rendered non-irritating to the eyes by treating the sterilized lenses with a sterile, sodium pyruvate solution which decomposes any hydrogen peroxide remaining with the lenses.

Abstract: A surgical scalpel for use in ophthalmic and other forms of surgery having a blade that can be adjustably extended beyond a foot. The scalpel also includes an indicator for showing the length of the blade that is exposed beyond the foot. The indicator can be calibrated to compensate for variations in blade length and other manufacturing tolerances.

Abstract: An improved ultrasonic surgical aspirator for use in breaking up and removing tissue from an operative site recessed within a tissue body employs an elongated probe having an oval or elliptical cross section to more closely conform to and fit an incision in the tissue and to expose a wider area of tissue to ultrasonic vibrations as the operative tip of the probe is moved over the tissue. An improved method of performing a lensectomy on the human eye using the improved apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: Oxygen permeable hard contact lenses from the copolymerization of ethylenically unsaturated silicone ester; sterically hindered or bulky aliphatic ester of ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, and hydrophilic monomer; and method for the polymerization thereof.

Abstract: An intraocular lens four point contact haptics with an asymmetrical cross section. The ends of each of the haptics are contiguously juxtaposed and inserted in a common bore in the periphery of the optic. The legs of each of the haptics spiral outwardly in juxtaposed relationship, separate and extend away from each other to form eye contacting heel and toe portions residing on opposing sides of the inferior-superior axis of the lens. When two such haptics are employed, a wide haptic compression range can be achieved with little differential in compression force.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of hydrogel contact lenses having improved mechanical properties, said process comprising polymerizing, in the presence of an azo type initiator, a monomer mixture comprising from 25% to 50% by weight of N-vinyl pyrrolidone, up to 5% by weight of methacrylic or acrylic acid, 0.1 to 1% by weight of 1,3,5-tris(propenoxy)-2,4,6-triazine (TPT), or perhydro-2,4,6,-triketo-1,3,5,-tris (propene-2)-1,3,5-triazine (T.T.P.T.), as a cross-linking monomer, the balance being essentially hydroxy alkyl acrylate or methacrylate, wherein the alkyl group is ethyl or propyl.