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: 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: The present invention is directed to an improved sustained release drug delivery device comprising a drug core, a unitary cup, and a permeable plug.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved sustained release drug delivery device comprising a drug core, a unitary cup, and a permeable plug.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved sustained release drug delivery device comprising a drug core, a unitary cup, and a permeable plug.

Abstract: A method for separating one mold section from another mold section and a contact lens molded in the two mold sections provides improved reliability that the lens is not damaged during this operation and that the lens is retained selectively on the desired. Various embodiments of apparatus for carrying out the method are disclosed.

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: An apparatus and method for hydrating is provided for hydrating a lens and extracting residual materials from the lens. The apparatus includes a shaft; multiple arms extending radially from a lower end of the shaft about a central axis in a star-shaped pattern, each arm including a fin extending therebelow such that multiple fins also extend radially with respect to said central axis, wherein the fins including lower outer edges that converge and form a nozzle face. A fluid transport passage extends through the shaft and terminates at an opening in the nozzle face, whereby fluid can be evacuated from the lens through this passage. Preferably, at least one recessed channel is formed in the nozzle face where the fins converge, wherein each of these channels extends from the opening in the nozzle face that forms a terminus of the fluid transport passage to a space between two adjacent fins. The lower outer edges of the fins have an arcuate surface, the arcuate surfaces forming a convex-shaped nozzle face.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for hydrating is provided for hydrating a lens and extracting residual materials from the lens. The apparatus includes a shaft; multiple arms extending radially from a lower end of the shaft about a central axis in a star-shaped pattern, each arm including a fin extending therebelow such that multiple fins also extend radially with respect to said central axis, wherein the fins including lower outer edges that converge and form a nozzle face. A fluid transport passage extends through the shaft and terminates at an opening in the nozzle face, whereby fluid can be evacuated from the lens through this passage. Preferably, at least one recessed channel is formed in the nozzle face where the fins converge, wherein each of these channels extends from the opening in the nozzle face that forms a terminus of the fluid transport passage to a space between two adjacent fins. The lower outer edges of the fins have an arcuate surface, the arcuate surfaces forming a convex-shaped nozzle face.

Abstract: A method for separating one mold section from another mold section and a contact lens molded in the two mold sections provides improved reliability that the lens is not damaged during this operation and that the lens is retained selectively on the desired. Various embodiments of apparatus for carrying out the method are disclosed.

Abstract: A system is provided for interactively assisting a patient. The system includes a speech synthesizer and recognition unit coupled to a programmed computer. The computer can keep track of a medication and diagnostic testing schedule. The system also includes diagnostic testing equipment coupled to the computer along with medication dispensing equipment. In accordance with a predetermined schedule, the system verbally communicates with the patient, prompts the patient through the various steps necessary to carry out the diagnostic testing and further prompts patient at appropriate times for taking medication. The medication is also provided in combination with the verbal prompts. The system also provides access to a telecommunications link in response to verbal requests of the patient and in one embodiment can move in a limited area adjacent the patient.

Abstract: An interactive patient assistance device houses a compartment for storing a testing device. A delivery mechanism makes the testing device available to the patient in response either to a prescribed schedule stored in resident memory or upon a command signal from the patient. The schedule may also be altered by a prescribed command issued by the patient.

Abstract: An interactive patient assistance device houses first and second compartments for storing a first item and a second item away from access by the patient. First and second delivery mechanisms are associated with the first and second compartments for making the first stored item available to the patient in response to a first command signal and for making the second stored item available to the patient in response to a second command signal. The first and second items are delivered to the patient according to schedules stored in resident memory. The schedules may be altered by a prescribed command issued by the patient.

Abstract: An interactive patient assistance device houses both preselected doses of medication and a physical testing device. Both medication and the testing device are normally retained within separate compartments within the device away from access by the patient. The device keeps track of medication and diagnostic testing schedules. The device is also capable of receiving and interpreting verbal commands of the patient. The device makes a preselected dose of medication available to the patient in response to either the medication schedule or the receipt of a verbal command by the patient. Likewise, the testing device is made available to the patient in response either to the testing schedule or the receipt of a verbal command from the patient.