Abstract: The use of poly(oxybutylene)-poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxybutylene) block copolymers in pharmaceutical compositions useful for modifying the surfaces of contact lenses and other medical devices is disclosed. The present invention is based in-part on a discovery that this class of compounds is particularly efficient in wetting hydrophobic surfaces, such as the surfaces of silicone hydrogel contact lenses and other types of ophthalmic lenses, but do not induce foaming when used in conjunction with a peroxide-based contact lens disinfection regimen. Such compounds may also be useful for cleaning purposes. The use of the compounds as surfactants in peroxide-based compositions for disinfecting contact lenses therefore represents a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Abstract: Private anonymous electronic messaging between a message originator and a message recipient within an organization encourages open communication which can provide information to the organization that might otherwise be secreted from the organization, and can allow the message originator to obtain desired help (e.g., counseling). By profiling of the message originator based on current and previous electronic messaging within the system as well as external organizational information (e.g., behavioral or financial information), the system can assess concerns yet act as a gateway to protect the message originator's true identity through escalating levels of concern unless a genuine concern about the health, well-being, and/or safety of the message originator, others, or the organization is indicated, in which case the system can reveal the true identity of the message originator as appropriate.

Abstract: A hand tool and bit storage device configured to allow easy storage and access to a wide variety of bits. The hand tool comprises a body portion, a stem portion and a bit interface. The hand tool couples with the storage device. The storage device holds one or more tool frames or bit inserts each comprising a plurality of bits. The bit inserts are deformable to allow easy access to the bits contained therein. In some embodiments, the bit inserts may be locked in the storage device.

Abstract: A hand tool and bit storage device configured to allow easy storage and access to a wide variety of bits. The hand tool comprises a body portion, a stem portion and a bit interface. The hand tool couples with the storage device. The storage device holds one or more tool frames or bit inserts each comprising a plurality of bits. The bit inserts are deformable to allow easy access to the bits contained therein. In some embodiments, the bit inserts may be locked in the storage device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial tear formulations and ophthalmic formulations suitable for drug delivery. The formulations comprise galactomannans such as guar or hydroxypropyl guar and a borate source such as boric acid. The formulations further comprise a cis-diol such as sorbitol that interferes with the cross-linking of galactomannan and borate. Optionally, the formulations are substantially free of divalent cations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising ethyleneoxide butyleneoxide and a galactomannan such as guar. The compositions are particularly well suited for ophthalmic applications such as contact lens disinfection and rewetting. Methods for the treatment of dry eye using the compositions of the present invention are also contemplated.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting the uptake of cationic biocides into medical devices such as contact lenses and implants are described. Methods of stabilizing emulsions containing cationic biocides are also described. In particular, the present invention provides for the use of polymers acting as labile anionic polyelectrolytes to reversibly bind cationic biocides. The reversible binding can reduce the deleterious effects of cationic biocides while maintaining biocidal activity. Preferred polymers include galactomannan and polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: The use of poly(oxybutylene)-poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxybutylene) block copolymers in pharmaceutical compositions useful, for modifying the surfaces of contact lenses and other medical devices is disclosed. The present invention is based in-part on a discovery that this class of compounds is particularly efficient in wetting hydrophobic surfaces, such as the surfaces of silicone hydrogel contact lenses and other types of ophthalmic lenses, but do not induce foaming when used in conjunction with a peroxide-based contact lens disinfection regimen. Such compounds may also be useful for cleaning purposes. The use of the compounds as surfactants in peroxide-based compositions for disinfecting contact lenses therefore represents a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to disinfection and cleaning systems for medical devices. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to compositions, methods and articles for simultaneously cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses. The present invention is directed to ophthalmic compositions containing one or more block copolymers referred to as (polyoxyethylene)-(poly-oxybutylene) block copolymers (“PEO-PBO”). The invention is particularly directed to the use of PEO-PBO di-block copolymers as non-foaming wetting agents in peroxide-based compositions for disinfecting contact lenses.

Abstract: A radial foldout tool includes a body with opposing ends and one or more sets of tool drivers. A first set of tool drivers are positioned on/near a first end and a second set of tool drivers are positioned on/near a second end. The tool drivers are contained within channels of the body when in a closed position. The tool drivers are also contained in a plurality of planes. The tool drivers open by rotating/moving in a direction at least perpendicular to a neighboring tool driver. When they are in an open position, each of the tool drivers are in/near the center of the end of the body. By being positioned in/near the center of the end, the radial foldout tool is able to be gripped and turned in a fashion similar to a standard screwdriver.

Abstract: A light bulb changing tool comprising a holding structure configured to engage a light bulb, the holding structure configured along an axis, the motorized holding structure configured to actuate in a first direction and a second direction. The light bulb changing tool further includes a force generator configured to selectively force the light bulb against the holding structure and a control unit configured to remotely communicate with the holding structure and the force generator, wherein the electronic control unit sends control signals to drive the holding structure to selectively move in the first direction and the second direction and/or to activate the force generator. The tool further comprises an arm member for positioning the holding structure in a desired configuration to engage the light bulb, wherein the arm member is coupled to the holding structure. The holding structure further comprises a rotator mechanism configured to rotate the holding structure in the first direction about the axis.

Abstract: A radial foldout tool includes a body with opposing ends and one or more sets of tool drivers. A first set of tool drivers are positioned on/near a first end and a second set of tool drivers are positioned on/near a second end. The tool drivers are contained within channels of the body when in a closed position. The tool drivers are also contained in a plurality of planes. The tool drivers open by rotating/moving in a direction at least perpendicular to a neighboring tool driver. When they are in an open position, each of the tool drivers are in/near the center of the end of the body. By being positioned in/near the center of the end, the radial foldout tool is able to be gripped and turned in a fashion similar to a standard screwdriver.

Abstract: The present invention is an aqueous pharmaceutical composition that includes an ionized therapeutic agent, an ionic component and guar gum. The guar gum is present in the composition a concentration sufficient to limit interactions between the ionized therapeutic agent and the ionic component thereby imparting stability to the composition. The composition is preferably at or near physiologic pH. The aqueous pharmaceutical composition has been found particularly useful as an aqueous ophthalmic, otic or nasal composition. The pharmaceutical composition, due to its characteristics, is particularly suitable as an ophthalmic composition.

Abstract: A light bulb changing tool comprising a holding structure configured to engage a light bulb, the holding structure configured along an axis, the motorized holding structure configured to actuate in a first direction and a second direction. The light bulb changing tool further includes a force generator configured to selectively force the light bulb against the holding structure and a control unit configured to remotely communicate with the holding structure and the force generator, wherein the electronic control unit sends control signals to drive the holding structure to selectively move in the first direction and the second direction and/or to activate the force generator. The tool further comprises an arm member for positioning the holding structure in a desired configuration to engage the light bulb, wherein the arm member is coupled to the holding structure. The holding structure further comprises a rotator mechanism configured to rotate the holding structure in the first direction about the axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to viscosity stabilized ophthalmic formulations and ophthalmic formulations suitable for drug delivery. The formulations comprise galactomannans such as guar or hydroxypropyl guar and a borate source such as boric acid. The formulations further comprise a diol alcohol such as sorbitol and, optionally, a pharmaceutically acceptable divalent cation salt such as magnesium chloride.

Abstract: Private anonymous electronic messaging between a message originator and a message recipient within an organization encourages open communication which can provide information to the organization that might otherwise be secreted from the organization, and can allow the message originator to obtain desired help (e.g., counseling). By profiling of the message originator based on current and previous electronic messaging within the system as well as external organizational information (e.g., behavioral or financial information), the system can assess concerns yet act as a gateway to protect the message originator's true identity through escalating levels of concern unless a genuine concern about the health, well-being, and/or safety of the message originator, others, or the organization is indicated, in which case the system can reveal the true identity of the message originator as appropriate.

Abstract: A universal ratcheting tool provides improved handling of tools that are difficult to use on their own, specifically, hexagonal wrenches. The universal ratcheting tool includes a handle and a body with a ratcheting mechanism within the handle. The body includes a first aperture for receiving a tool, and the first aperture includes slots to accept a plurality of sizes of tools. The body also includes a second aperture where the tool extends out of the body. A retaining component is coupled with the body to retain the tool and a retaining tab is able to be used to open and close the retaining component. Once the tool is positioned and retained within the universal ratcheting tool, a user is able to easily install or remove an object such as a screw with the benefit of a comfortable handle and the ease of use of the ratcheting mechanism.

Abstract: A universal ratcheting tool provides improved handling of tools that are difficult to use on their own, specifically, hexagonal wrenches. The universal ratcheting tool includes a handle and a body with a ratcheting mechanism within the handle. The body includes a first aperture for receiving a tool, and the first aperture includes slots to accept a plurality of sizes of tools. The body also includes a second aperture where the tool extends out of the body. A retaining component is coupled with the body to retain the tool and a retaining tab is able to be used to open and close the retaining component. Once the tool is positioned and retained within the universal ratcheting tool, a user is able to easily install or remove an object such as a screw with the benefit of a comfortable handle and the ease of use of the ratcheting mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial tear formulations and ophthalmic formulations suitable for drug delivery. The formulations comprise galactomannans such as guar or hydroxypropyl guar and a borate source such as boric acid. The formulations further comprise a cis-diol such as sorbitol that interferes with the cross-linking of galactomannan and borate. Optionally, the formulations are substantially free of divalent cations.