Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving vision incorporate the effects of biodynamical and biomechanical (biological) responses of the eye. The eye produces a biological response to trauma, such as a LASIK keratectomy or other necessary traumatic procedure in preparation for refractive surgery. By observing the biological response, a prospective treatment to correct higher order aberrations is adjusted to compensate for the biological effects. An improved photorefractive surgery system incorporates one or more suitable diagnostic devices that provide biological response information in such a manner that the patient need not change position from that assumed for the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A method and mold assembly to control the polymerization of a molded article. In one embodiment, an amorphous posterior mold comprising a non-critical surface having a controlled radius of curvature is used to produce molded articles. In an alternate embodiment, ophthalmic lenses are produced using a posterior mold in which the concave surface of the non-critical surface is filled with a liquid having a similar refractive index as the mold material. In still another embodiment, a positive lens is placed at a predetermined distance adjacent to the mold assembly to alter the irradiation path to the mold assembly. In still another embodiment, a positive lens is placed within the concave surface of the posterior lens.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a network interface card or the like for a wireless local area network may include a non-volatile memory in which a table of parameters for operation in one or several countries may be stored. The table may specify how the network interface card is to perform in multiple countries or regulatory domains so that the network interface card may adapt to operate in multiple countries, thereby allowing a network interface card manufacturer or vendor to use a single stock keeping unit for the network interface card in one or more countries.

Abstract: A method of designing a contact lens or other correction for providing presbyopia correction to patient relies on wavefront aberration measurement data for providing a best form correction. Preferably the correction is in the form of a multifocal translating style alternating vision contact lens or a simultaneous vision style correcting lens. A method for designing a correction for improving a person's vision is directed to correcting higher order aberrations in such a manner that a residual amount of the higher-order rotationally symmetric aberration is greater than a residual amount of the higher-order rotationally asymmetric aberration after the correction. A design method according to the invention is directed to correcting asymmetric higher order aberrations induced by decentering of a multifocal contact lens that has residual spherical aberration which provides increased depth of field.

Abstract: Wavefront aberration measurements measured in response to design parameter changes in a contact lens, for example, are used to design and prescribe contact lenses offering improved vision quality. In-situ optical performance of trial lenses provides real-time, objectively determined data as a design model for the lenses. Lenses designed by the inventive process are described as well as a method for using an aberrometer to design and prescribe contact lenses.

Abstract: A copper-nickel-silicon quench substrate rapidly solidifies molten alloy into microcrystalline or amorphous strip. The substrate is composed of a thermally conducting alloy. It has a two-phase microstructure with copper rich regions surrounded by a network of nickel silicide phases. The microstructure is substantially homogeneous. Casting of strip is accomplished with minimal surface degradation as a function of casting time. The quantity of material cast during each run is improved without the toxicity encountered with copper-beryllium substrates.

Abstract: A copper- nickel-silicon quench substrate rapidly solidifies molten alloy into microcrystalline or amorphous strip. The substrate is composed of a thermally conducting alloy. It has a two-phase microstructure with copper rich regions surrounded by a network of nickel silicide phases. The microstructure is substantially homogeneous. Casting of strip is accomplished with minimal surface degradation as a finction of casting time. The quantity of material cast during each run is improved without the toxicity encountered with copper-beryllium substrates.

Abstract: A heated chemical delivery system with an electrical plug-in, a heater electrically connected to the electrical plug-in and a housing connected to both the electrical plug-in and the heater. The housing includes a plurality of sides and a plurality of side openings with each side opening associated with a respective side. At least two of the side openings have different cross-sectional configurations corresponding to different chemical packets to be received therein.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a predictive outcome in the form of a predictive best instruction for a therapeutic ophthalmic correction of a patient's vision defects. The predictive best instruction is derived from prospective therapeutic-outcome-influencing, new information that is analyzed in conjunction with optimized, historical therapeutic-outcome information. The instruction is preferably an optimized, custom, photoablative algorithm for driving a photoablative, excimer laser. The instruction can be provided on a fee basis.

Abstract: An ice maker includes a mold having at least one cavity configured for containing water therein for freezing into ice. An auger extends substantially vertically through the at least one mold cavity. The auger is configured for rotating to thereby push the ice out of the at least one mold cavity. A temperature sensor is positioned in association with the mold for sensing a temperature of the mold. A heat transfer member is metallurgically coupled with the auger and extends downwardly from the mold.

Abstract: An electrically heated chemical delivery system including a heat sensitive chemical and an electrical heater adjacent to the heat sensitive chemical. The heater includes a heater element with a first heater side and a second heater side and a flexible printed circuit in electrical contact with both the first heater side and the second heater side. The flexible printed circuit includes at least one fold allowing electrical contact with both the first heater side and the second heater side.

Abstract: A heated chemical delivery system with an electrical plug-in, a heater electrically connected to the electrical plug-in and a housing connected to both the electrical plug-in and the heater. The housing includes a plurality of sides and a plurality of side openings with each side opening associated with a respective side. At least two of the side openings have different cross-sectional configurations corresponding to different chemical packets to be received therein.

Abstract: Magnetic security tags/labels require to be activated/deactivated by magnetic/demagnetization and to enable this to be effected in bulk, with tagged products packed in a crate or stacked on a pallet, the invention proposes the provision of bulk magnetization/demagnetization coils generating a powerful magnetic field which is applied to the crate or pallet with a particular orientation which ensures that regularly shaped (e.g. rectangular) packages packed/stacked together and each carrying a security tag/label will each be subjected to a magnetic field component directed appropriately for magnetization/demagnetization of the respective tag/label irrespective of the particular orientation of the tag/label on the particular package.

Abstract: Wavefront aberration measurements measured in response to design parameter changes in a contact lens, for example, are used to design and prescribe contact lenses offering improved vision quality. In-situ optical performance of trial lenses provides real-time, objectively determined data as a design model for the lenses. Lenses designed by the inventive process are described as well as a method for using an aberrometer to design and prescribe contact lenses.

Abstract: A method of designing a contact lens or other correction for providing presbyopia correction to a patient relies on wavefront aberration measurement data for providing a best form correction. Preferably the correction is in the form of a multifocal translating style alternating vision contact lens or a simultaneous vision style correcting lens. A method for designing a correction for improving a person's vision is directed to correcting higher order aberrations in such a manner that a residual amount of the higher-order rotationally symmetric aberration is greater than a residual amount of the higher-order rotationally asymmetric aberration after the correction. A design method according to the invention is directed to correcting asymmetric higher order aberrations induced by decentering of a multifocal contact lens that has residual spherical aberration which provides increased depth of field.

Abstract: A method of making ice in an automatic ice maker includes the steps of: providing a mold including one cavity; filling the at least one mold cavity at least partially with water; providing an ice removal device at least partly within the at least one mold cavity; coupling a mechanical drive with the ice removal device; coupling a controller with the drive; measuring a temperature of the mold; measuring an ambient temperature associated with the mold; and controlling operation of the drive using the controller, dependent upon the measured temperature of the mold and the measured ambient pressure.

Abstract: A method and business architecture for providing vision correction to a patient involves obtaining wavefront aberration measurement information and, optionally, patient history data, ordering data, dispensing data, billing data, and other information, from the patient; transmitting the various data to respective appropriate platforms, e.g., transmitting the wavefront aberration information to a custom lens supply platform; producing a custom lens for the patient; and delivering a custom lens to the patient in a personalized manner. The method further involves fitting and measurement processes including in-situ lens shaping and custom manufacture of contact lenses, IOLs, inlays or onlays by laser ablation, lathing, casting/molding and machining. Business architectures according to the invention include segregating vision correction method steps into contractual, revenue generating business transactions.

Abstract: An ice maker includes a mold with least one cavity for containing water therein for freezing into ice. A temperature sensor is positioned in association with the mold and provides an output signal. An auger is positioned partly within the at least one mold cavity. A mechanical drive rotatably drives the auger. A controller is coupled with the sensor and the drive, and controls operation of the drive depending upon the output signal from the sensor.

Abstract: An ice maker includes a mold with at least one cavity for containing water therein for freezing into ice. Each cavity has a plurality of side walls. An ice removal device is positioned at least partly within the at least one mold cavity. A fill tube is positioned in association with the at least one mold cavity. The fill tube includes an outlet from which water is expelled at an impingement angle against at least one side wall of at least one mold cavity. The impingement angle is between about 10° and 60° relative to a horizontal reference.

Abstract: A pallet positioner includes a support frame that consists of a main upright structure with a pair of spaced, parallel outriggers extending horizontally at ground level. The distal ends of the outriggers are connected by a low-profile ramp. The upright structure includes a pair of vertical guide masts rigidly mounted on a horizontal base bracing the proximal ends of the outriggers. A pneumatically and hydraulically controlled, or electrically and hydraulically controlled, cantilevered carrier with a rotatable platform is mounted for vertical motion along the vertical guide masts. When the carrier travels downward, the carrier stops automatically at a level above the outriggers and must be manually restarted. A braking system under the platform prevents rotation thereof at ground level.