Abstract: An apparatus and method for aiding in the detection of dementia, concussion, other neurologic conditions, retinal, and optic nerve conditions. The apparatus enables the diffusion coefficient of the tissue to be ascertained and studied by directing the light from a laser or other coherent light source at the patient's retina, optic nerve or choroid and measuring the fluctuations in the intensity of the back-scattered light caused by the movement of light scatterers in the tissue. By comparing the measurements to a normal database, or to the subject's previous measurement, in combination with an eye examination and OCT image/measurement the changes caused by the disease and the effectiveness of therapy can be ascertained. The disclosed apparatus allows the incident and detection optics to be attached to ophthalmic devices typically used in ophthalmologic care.

Abstract: The novel design of the one piece self-locking scleral buckle eliminates the need for a separate tire, band and sleeve by incorporating the band with the tire and making the device self-locking so the sleeve is no longer necessary. As one piece of silicone replaces the need for three separate pieces of silicone scleral buckling surgery is simplified thus making the procedure faster, safer and more efficient. The novel design of the scleral buckle placement instrument allows the surgeon to more firmly grasp the silicone material making the procedure faster and more efficient.

Abstract: A novel retinal and optic nerve autologous bone-marrow derived stem cell surgery method is provided. The method generally includes the separation of stem cells from the bone-marrow of a patient, and the reintroduction of the cells to treat various optic nerve and retinal conditions of the eye. Novel needle embodiments which can be used during the stem cell surgery are also described.

Abstract: A device for automatically detecting a change in position beyond a reference position is provided. Preferably the change in position results from a change in height of an object. In the preferred embodiment inclinometers detect a change in position resulting from an electric line or other suspended object that has descended from its reference position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a selective telephone call blocker, preferably with timer. The user preferably sets the current time and one or more beginning and ending time periods during which the call block feature is active. The user then selects, one or more codes, such as two letter or number code(s). During the period of time in which the call block feature is active the device will automatically ask the caller to enter the code in order for the call to be completed. If the correct code is entered within a preset time period the call will be transmitted to the telephone or answering machine. If an incorrect code or no code is entered, the invention preferably repeats the request for correct code entry. If within a next preset time period the correct code is not entered the call will be disconnected. Preferably, the call block feature is not operational if the receiving phone is in use. In this case, the calling party will get a busy signal if the receiving party does not have a call waiting feature.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for safely cannulating a blood vessels, including but not limited retinal blood vessels, is described. In one embodiment, the apparatus can consist of a micropipette/microcannula, micromanipulator and positioner mounted to a base, which is attached to a wrist rest commonly used in eye surgery. The micropipette/microcannula is connected to tubing such that a medication may be injected through the micropipette/microcannula into the blood vessel or conversely, a small quantity of material may be removed from a blood vessel. Alternatively, a catheter, wire or stent may be placed through the micropipette/microcannula to treat or diagnose an area remote from the insertion site. The ability to cannulate a retinal blood vessel should be efficacious in the treatment of vein and artery occlusion, ocular tumors and other retinal, vascular and optic nerve disorders that would benefit from diagnosis and/or treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for safely cannulating a retinal blood vessel is described. The apparatus consists of a micropipette/microcannula, micromanipulator and positioner mounted to a base, which is attached to a wrist rest commonly used in eye surgery. The micropipette/microcannula is connected to tubing such that a medication may be injected through the micropipette/microcannula into the blood vessel or conversely, a small quantity of material may be removed from a blood vessel. Alternatively, a catheter, wire or stent may be placed through the micropipette/microcannula to treat or diagnose an area remote from the insertion site. The ability to cannulate a retinal blood vessel should be efficacious in the treatment of vein and artery occlusion, ocular tumors and other retinal, vascular and optic nerve disorders that would benefit from diagnosis and/or treatment.

Abstract: The novel design of the eye self-test device increases patient compliance by reminding the patient to self-test and allows the patient's doctor to monitor compliance with the testing regimen. The data may be recorded and the patient notified if a change in vision necessitates examination by the doctor. The test is robustly manufactured to withstand breakage and is lightweight and portable. Its preferred method of attachment is such that it is capable of adhering to any vertically visible surfaces such that the conspicuous location of the test should encourage an improvement in testing compliance. Patient information, including instructions for testing and the doctor's name and telephone number for contacting in case of emergency may be provided internal or external to the device. In an alternative embodiment, an event reminder is provided which can also include an eye-self test.

Abstract: A wet/dry chamber assembly for a hand held vacuum cleaner is provided. The chamber assembly includes a body member which is attached to the vacuum cleaner. Liquid, other fluids and other materials that are accumulated within the wet/dry vacuum chamber assembly are prevented from escaping from within the chamber by at least one occluding object.

Abstract: A device for automatically detecting a change in inclination beyond a threshold level is provided. Preferably the change in inclination results from a reduction of pressure for a tire associated with a vehicle. In the preferred embodiment mercury tilt switches are preferably placed at right angles to each other and are placed at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane. The contacts of the tilt switch can be at least substantially vertically oriented to further reduce spurious activation. The tilt switches are preferably connected to a timing circuit such that only a preset time duration activation will result in a signal being sent to a notification device, such as a light, sound, or other indication member or device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for safely cannulating a retinal blood vessel is described. The apparatus consists of a micropipette/microcannula, micromanipulator and positioner mounted to a base, which is attached to a wrist rest commonly used in eye surgery. The micropipette/microcannula is connected to tubing such that a medication may be injected through the micropipette/microcannula into the blood vessel or conversely, a small quantity of material may be removed from a blood vessel. Alternatively, a catheter, wire or stent may be placed through the micropipette/microcannula to treat or diagnose an area remote from the insertion site. The ability to cannulate a retinal blood vessel should be efficacious in the treatment of vein and artery occlusion, ocular tumors and other retinal, vascular and optic nerve disorders that would benefit from diagnosis and/or treatment.

Abstract: The novel design of the eye self-test device increases patient compliance by reminding the patient to self-test and allows the patient's doctor to monitor compliance with the testing regimen. The data may be recorded and the patient notified if a change in vision necessitates examination by the doctor. The test is robustly manufactured to withstand breakage and is lightweight and portable. Its preferred method of attachment is such that it is capable of adhering to any vertically visible surfaces such that the conspicuous location of the test should encourage an improvement in testing compliance. Patient information, including instructions for testing and the doctor's name and telephone number for contacting in case of emergency may be provided internal or external to the device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for safely cannulating a retinal blood vessel is described. The apparatus consists of a micropipette,micromanipulator and positioner mounted to a base which is attached to a wrist rest commonly used in eye surgery. The micropipette is connected to tubing such that a medication may be injected through the micropipette into the blood vessel or conversely, a small quantity of material may be removed from a blood vessel. Alternatively, a catheter, wire or stent may be placed through the cannula to treat or diagnose an area remote from the insertion site. The ability to cannulate a retinal blood vessel should be efficacious in the treatment of vein and artery occlusion, ocular tumors and other retinal, vascular and optic nerve disorders that would benefit from diagnosis and/or treatment.

Abstract: The novel design of the eye self-test device increases patient compliance by reminding the patient to self-test and allows the patient's doctor to monitor compliance with the testing regimen. The data may be recorded and the patient notified if a change in vision necessitates examination by the doctor. The test is robustly manufactured to withstand breakage and is lightweight and portable. Its preferred method of attachment is such that it is capable of adhering to any vertically visible surfaces such that the conspicuous location of the test should encourage an improvement in testing compliance. Patient information, including instructions for testing and the doctor's name and telephone number for contacting in case of emergency may be provided internal or external to the device.

Abstract: A noninvasive method for detecting the presence of diabetes mellitus and for monitoring physical changes caused by that disease is disclosed. In performing the method, a beam of light from a low powered laser is directed at a clear site in the lens of a patient's in vivo eye. The variations in intensity of the light back-scattered from the site are utilized to derive a measurement of the diffusion coefficient. Alternatively, or in addition to taking measurements from the lens, measurements may be taken from the conjunctiva, the cornea, or the retina of the vivo eye. It has been found that the diffusion coefficient decreases more rapidly versus age in persons having diabetes mellitus than in nondiabetic persons of comparable age. By relating the variations in intensity of back-scattered light with the patient's age and by comparison with corresponding measurements taken from nondiabetic persons of comparable age, the presence of diabetes mellitus can be determined.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of diabetes mellitus and for monitoring eye lens changes resulting from the disease is disclosed. The method involves ascertaining the diffusion coefficient of the lens of a patient's eye by directing a light beam from a low-power laser at a clear site in the lens of an in vivo eye and measuring the intensity of the back-scattered light. It has been found that the diffusion coefficient decreases more rapidly versus age in patients suffering from diabetes mellitus than for nondiabetic patients. Thus by comparing the intensity of back scattered light with the patient's age the presence of diabetes, the amount of damage caused by the disease and the efficacy of treatment can be detected.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting the presence of diabetes mellitus and other abnormalities affecting the lens of the eye and for monitoring eye lens changes resulting from that disease or from other causes is disclosed. The apparatus enables the diffusion coefficient of the lens of a patient's eye to be ascertained by directing a light beam from a low-power laser at the patient's lens and measuring fluctuations in intensity of the back-scattered light caused by the movement of light scatterers in the lens. The apparatus is arranged to give a three dimensional view of the light-scattering site in the lens of the eye from which a measurement is taken and employs a binocular microscope having a fiber optic situated in one eyepiece of the microscope. Back-scattered light is focused by that eyepiece on the fiber optic while enabling the site in the lens to be stereoptically viewed.

Abstract: A protective shield for patients whose eyelids are unable to protect and moisten the eye. The shield comprises a transparent plastic bag filled with transparent fluid lying over the patient's eye and supported by the surrounding orbital structure. The shield is secured to the head by an overlying circular soft rubber mask allowing visibility and magnification of the eye. The mask in turn is attached to the patient by a strap with a Velcro-type closure.