Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for correcting vision that employs two lenses, at least one of which is a multifocal lens, with different focusing characteristics for use in the two eyes of the patient. The visual performance of each lens (e.g., visual contrast or acuity) is selected in accordance with a predefined relation so as to optimize the binocular visual performance provided by the combination of the lenses.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens includes spherical aberration in an amount that accounts for spherical aberration introduced into the lens during the manufacturing process and/or spherical aberration differences in the manufactured lens measured off of the eye and measured on the eye. The result is a lens-and-eye optical system is free or substantially free of spherical aberration, i.e., having only negligible spherical aberration. Because the optical system is free or substantially free of spherical aberration, there is no or only negligible coma induced by the normal misalignment of the lens optical axis and the eye's primary line of sight. The result is a lens-and-eye optical system that provides enhanced optical performance and visual quality. Also disclosed are methods of designing and manufacturing lenses with spherical aberration adjustments to account for manufacturing process changes and off-eye to on-eye differences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system that emulates a desired waveform by producing a time profile of the desired waveform, which is characterized by a plurality of sample values, and generating a plurality of RF waveforms, each RF waveform of the plurality of RF waveforms having a polarity and scaled energy based on a corresponding one of the plurality of sample values, to produce an aggregate RF energy having spectral characteristics that approximate the spectral characteristics of the desired waveform.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments include methods of determining ophthalmic prescriptions to ameliorate presbyopia. Certain exemplary embodiments provide an ophthalmic lens having spherical aberration of the same sign as the patient's eye and of a magnitude effective to substantially provide a desired net spherical aberration for an optical system including the patient's eye and the ophthalmic lens where the desired net spherical aberration provides a desired increase in near vision. Certain exemplary embodiments include contact lenses, intraocular lenses, corneal onlays, corneal inlays, or corneal surgeries providing spherical aberration of the same sign as the patient's eye and of a magnitude effective to substantially provide a desired net spherical aberration for an optical system including the patient's eye and the ophthalmic lens where the desired net spherical aberration provides a desired increase in near distance vision.

Abstract: This invention describes strategies and devices for improving the visual experience while expanding the depth of field of presbyopic and pseudophakic patients. The invention describes strategies and devices for providing improved image quality and improved visual quality of patients employing simultaneous vision bifocal, trifocal or multifocal corrections or monovision. The invention describes strategies and devices for reducing the visibility of the defocused part of the retinal image generated by simultaneous vision bifocal and multifocal ophthalmic corrections and monovision. The invention describes strategies and devices that employ control of spherical aberration or other similar asphericities to reduce the visibility of defocused ghost images.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens includes spherical aberration in an amount that accounts for spherical aberration introduced into the lens during the manufacturing process and/or spherical aberration differences in the manufactured lens measured off of the eye and measured on the eye. The result is a lens-and-eye optical system is free or substantially free of spherical aberration, i.e., having only negligible spherical aberration. Because the optical system is free or substantially free of spherical aberration, there is no or only negligible coma induced by the normal misalignment of the lens optical axis and the eye's primary line of sight. The result is a lens-and-eye optical system that provides enhanced optical performance and visual quality. Also disclosed are methods of designing and manufacturing lenses with spherical aberration adjustments to account for manufacturing process changes and off-eye to on-eye differences.

Abstract: An method and system for determining the appropriate refractive prescription in a clinical optometry or opthalmology setting. Data in the form of aberrometric input, patient history and other information, and/or other environmental data is used to optimize a real-world prescription for an individual's optic needs through the use of a equivalent quadratic fitting calculation or a simulated through focus experiment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system that emulates a desired waveform by producing a time profile of the desired waveform, which is characterized by a plurality of sample values, and generating a plurality of RF waveforms, each RF waveform of the plurality of RF waveforms having a polarity and scaled energy based on a corresponding one of the plurality of sample values, to produce an aggregate RF energy having spectral characteristics that approximate the spectral characteristics of the desired waveform.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for correcting vision that employs two lenses, at least one of which is a multifocal lens, with different focusing characteristics for use in the two eyes of the patient. The visual performance of each lens (e.g., visual contrast or acuity) is selected in accordance with a predefined relation so as to optimize the binocular visual performance provided by the combination of the lenses.

Abstract: An single use, disposable electronic article surveillance tag is claimed wherein the tag features a spindle assembly which anchors and retains a set of ball bearings which are used to clutch and retain the shaft of a tack. The spindle features an operational tab which may be contacted by the appropriate probe to turn the spindle about a central axis.

Abstract: An electronic article surveillance tag is claimed wherein the tag features a spindle assembly which anchors and retains a set of ball bearings which are used to clutch and retain the shaft of a tack. The spindle features an operational tab which may be contacted by the appropriate probe to turn the spindle about a central axis. The spindle is seated in a retaining means with a graduated lip around the perimeter. The turning of the spindle serves to raise a portion of the spindle from the retaining means, loosening the ball bearing grip on the shaft of the tack. The electronic article surveillance tag may be used with either a smoothed or grooved tack shaft and may be operated by either mechanical probe actuation or by the use of a magnetic detachment means applied to the spindle.

Abstract: A one-way valve includes a valve support flange for facilitating attachment of the valve to a host device, a valve tube for facilitating coupling of the valve at one end to a delivery vessel or a delivery system, and a valve sheathing formed substantially tubular and collapsible upon itself, the sheathing open at one end and connected at the other end to the valve tube.

Abstract: An electronic article surveillance tag is claimed wherein the tag features a spindle assembly which anchors and retains a set of ball bearings which are used to clutch and retain the shaft of a tack. The spindle features an operational tab which may be contacted by the appropriate probe to turn the spindle about a central axis. The spindle is seated in a retaining means with a graduated lip around the perimeter. The turning of the spindle serves to raise a portion of the spindle from the retaining means, loosening the ball bearing grip on the shaft of the tack. The electronic article surveillance tag may be used with either a smoothed or grooved tack shaft and may be operated by either mechanical probe actuation or by the use of a magnetic detachment means applied to the spindle.

Abstract: A system for top-down evacuating and rinsing of a user-mounted colostomy bag has a valve assembly affixed through one wall of the colostomy bag, the valve assembly having a first coupling interface and an interiorly protruding stem, at least one solution reservoir for containing an aqueous solution, and a second coupling interface attached directly to or indirectly to at least one of the at least one solution reservoir, the coupling interface for connecting the reservoir to the valve for communication of the aqueous solution from the reservoir to the bag.

Abstract: A deactivator for deactivating label-style EAS devices is claimed. The preferred embodiment, of which, employs a microprocessor unit to control two transceiver coils, and a deactivation coil in series with a capacitor. The two transceiver coils are essentially two flat figure eights arranged concentrically but rotated through some angle with respect to each other. The transceiver coils are operated alternatively, first transmitting an interrogation signal and then listening for a response. When an EAS device is detected, the microprocessor unit drives the capacitor and deactivation coil at the system's resonant frequency to generate a high amplitude magnetic field then shifts the frequency of the driving current away from the resonant frequency to attenuate the magnetic field. A field sensor or current sensor provides feedback to the microprocessor to determine the resonant frequency of the system during a frequency sweep.

Abstract: An electronic article surveillance tag is claimed wherein the tag features a spindle assembly which anchors and retains a set of ball bearings which are used to clutch and retain the shaft of a tack. The spindle features an operational tab which may be contacted by the appropriate probe to turn the spindle about a central axis. The spindle is seated in a retaining means with a graduated lip around the perimeter. The turning of the spindle serves to raise a portion of the spindle from the retaining means, loosening the ball bearing grip on the shaft of the tack. The electronic article surveillance tag may be used with either a smoothed or grooved tack shaft and may be operated by either mechanical probe actuation or by the use of a magnetic detachment means applied to the spindle.

Abstract: Described herein are a range of techniques and apparatuses used to study the retinal vasculature near the fovea, a description of the need and rationale for noninvasive in vivo monitoring of the retinal vasculature, a presentation of theoretical and practical considerations which demonstrate that entoptic visualization of the smallest capillaries near the fovea is optimized by a short wavelength source of light which is constrained to enter the eye through a small limiting aperture moving in space near the eye at an optimized velocity in a circular or irregular path, and a discussion of the feasibility of using these techniques in a museum or novelty device as well as a research and clinical tool.

Abstract: Described herein are an apparatus and range of techniques used to study the retinal vasculature near the fovea, a description of the need and rationale for noninvasive in vivo monitoring of the retinal vasculature, a presentation of theoretical and practical considerations which demonstrate that entoptic visualization of the smallest capillaries near the fovea is optimized by a small short wavelength source (1 mm or less) rotating at 3.5 Hz in a circular path (radius 2 mm) imaged in the plane of the eye's entrance pupil and a discussion of the feasibility of using these techniques as a reseResearch relating to the development of the present invention was supported in part by grants from the United States Department of Health and Human Services (NIH EY08005 and EY07638). The United States government may have corresponding rights to the license and use of any resulting patent.

Abstract: Cylindrical fibrous structures comprising a fibrous mass of nonwoven, synthetic, polymeric microfibers wherein the microfibers are substantially free of fiber-to-fiber bonding and secured to each other by mechanical entanglement or intertwining, the fiber structure having a substantially constant voids volume over at least a substantial portion of the structure and, preferably, a graded fiber diameter structure, both as measured in the radial direction. The structures are particularly useful as depth filters.

Abstract: Cylindrical fibrous structures comprising a fibrous mass of nonwoven, synthetic, polymeric microfibers wherein the microfibers are substantially free of fiber-to-fiber bonding and secured to each other by mechanical entanglement of intertwining, the fiber structure having a substantially constant voids volume over at least a substantial portion of the structure and, preferably, a graded fiber diameter structure, both as measured in the radial direction. The structures are particularly useful as depth filters.