Abstract: The present invention relates to lenses that are capable of post-fabrication power modifications. In general, the inventive lenses comprise (i) a first polymer matrix and (ii) a refraction modulating composition that is capable of stimulus-induced polymerization dispersed therein. When at least a portion of the lens is exposed to an appropriate stimulus, the refraction modulating composition forms a second polymer matrix. The amount and location of the second polymer matrix may modify a lens characteristic such as lens power by changing its refractive index and/or by altering its shape. The inventive lenses have a number of applications in the electronics and medical fields as data storage means and as medical lenses, particularly intraocular lenses, respectively.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the use of Group 8 transition metal carbene complexes as catalysts for olefin cross-metathesis reactions. In particular, ruthenium and osmium alkylidene complexes substituted with an N-heterocyclic carbene ligand are used to catalyze cross-metathesis reactions to provide a variety of substituted and functionalized olefins, including phosphonate-substituted olefins, directly halogenated olefins, 1,1,2-trisubstituted olefins, and quaternary allylic olefins. The invention further provides a method for creating functional diversity using the aforementioned complexes to catalyze cross-metathesis reactions of a first olefinic reactant, which may or may not be substituted with a functional group, with each of a plurality of different olefinic reactants, which may or may not be substituted with functional groups, to give a plurality of structurally distinct olefinic products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for creating shaped implants, such as intraocular lenses in vivo, as well as the novel implants themselves. Utilizing the method of the invention, it is possible to create an implant in vivo and to adjust either the physical properties such as refractive index, viscosity, etc., mechanical properties such as modulus, tensile strength, tear, etc., or the shape of the implant by noninvasive means. For example, using the method of the patent it is possible to create an intraocular lens in vivo and then adjust the shape and power of the lens through no invasion means. The novel implants are also addressed in this application.

Abstract: A toolbox has a toolbox body with a tool storage compartment; a handle connected to the body; the handle having a light source, at least one battery, and a switch; the switch selectively energizing the light source by electrically connecting the battery and the light source. The light source may be first and second LEDs disposed on opposite sides of the handle's central grip area. The handle may be substantially longitudinally rigid and rotatably moveable relative to the storage compartment through an arc. The handle may be connected to the toolbox body by releasable mechanical connectors, such as by carabineers engaging opposing ends of the handle.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel optical elements having improved UV protection. The optical element comprises a light adjustable optical element with a UV absorbent layer applied to at least one surface of the optical element. The invention is particularly useful in light adjustable intraocular lenses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lenses that are capable of post-fabrication power modifications. In general, the inventive lenses comprise (i) a first polymer matrix and (ii) a refraction modulating composition that is capable of stimulus-induced polymerization dispersed therein. When at least a portion of the lens is exposed to an appropriate stimulus, the refraction modulating composition forms a second polymer matrix. The amount and location of the second polymer matrix may modify a lens characteristic such as lens power by changing its refractive index and/or by altering its shape. The inventive lenses have a number of applications in the electronics and medical fields as data storage means and as medical lenses, particularly intraocular lenses, respectively.

Abstract: Ruthenium and osmium carbene compounds that are stable in the presence of a variety of functional groups and can be used to catalyze olefin metathesis reactions on unstrained cyclic and acyclic olefins are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of making the carbene compounds. The carbene compounds are of the formula where M is Os or Ru; R<1> is hydrogen; R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted aryl; X and X<1> are independently selected from any anionic ligand; and L and L<1> are independently selected from any neutral electron donor. The ruthenium and osmium carbene compounds of the present invention may be synthesized using diazo compounds, by neutral electron donor ligand exchange, by cross metathesis, using acetylene, using cumulated olefins, and in a one-pot method using diazo compounds and neutral electron donors.

Abstract: Techniques are used to detect and identify analytes. Techniques are used to fabricate and manufacture sensors to detect analytes. An analyte (810) is sensed by sensors (820) that output electrical signals in response to the analyte. The electrical signals may be preprocessed (830) by filtering and amplification. In one embodiment, a plurality of sensors are formed on a single integrated circuit. The sensors may have diverse compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to telechelic polymers having crosslinkable end groups of the formula and methods for preparing the same wherein n is an integer; is an alkadienyl group; Y is an alkyl group; and Z is crosslinkable end group. In general, the inventive synthesis involves reacting a functionalized chain transfer agent having crosslinkable ends with a cycloalkene in the presence of a ruthenium or osmium catalyst of the formula wherein: M is ruthenium or osmium; X and X1 are independently any anionic ligand; L and L1 are any neutral electron donor ligand; R and R1 are each hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted substituent wherein the substituent is selected from the group consisting of C1-C20 alkyl, C2-C20 alkenyl, C2-C20 alkynyl, aryl, C1-C20 carboxylate, C1-C20 alkoxy, C1-C20 alkenyloxy, C2-C20 alkynyloxy, aryloxy, C2-C20 alkoxycarbonyl, C1-C20 alkylthio, C1-C20 alkylsulfonyl and C1-C20 alkylsulfinyl.

Abstract: Novel blends of photo-initiators and photo-absorbers are disclosed. By the proper selection of the type and amount of absorber and initiator used in a composition, it is possible to regulate the conditions under which photo-induced reactions occur. In a specific embodiment, blends of UV initiators and photoabsorbers are used to control the conditions under which UV initiated polymerization occurs.

Abstract: A polymerization catalyst for the polymerization and copolymerization of olefin monomers and the copolymerization of olefin monomers with other monomers selected from, for example, norbornenes and styrenes are disclosed. The polymerization catalysts disclosed contain a metal center selected from Ti, Zr, Hf, Ni and Pd with at least one chelating ligand.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel photoinitiators and their use in light adjustable compositions. The initiatives comprise two or more multiphoton chromophores linked by a bridging compound. The bridging compound consists of a material that is compatible with the base material of the light adjustable composition. The novel photoinitiator permit the readjustment of light adjustable material without the need for significant amounts of photoabsorbers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combinatorial approach for preparing arrays of chemically sensitive polymer-based sensors which are capable of detecting the presence of a chemical analyte in a fluid in contact therewith. The described methods and devices comprise combining varying ratios of at least first and second organic materials which, when combined, form a polymer or polymer blend that is capable of absorbing a chemical analyte, thereby providing a detectable response. The detectable response of the sensors prepared by this method is not linearly related to the mole fraction of at least one of the polymer-based components of the sensors, thereby making arrays of these sensors useful for a variety of sensing tasks.

Abstract: An improved canoe including a hull has sidewalls extending fore and aft and a gunwale on the sidewalls. The gunwale has longitudinal slot extending for a substantial portion of the entire hull. A canoe accessory has a thickened attachment portion for engagement in the slot to attach the accessory to the canoe. A method of canoeing includes inserting a thickened portion of a canoeing accessory into a slot at a canoe gunwale to retain the accessory in place and paddling the canoe on a body of water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to altering the physical and/or chemical properties of at least part of at least one tissue in the eye. In a specific embodiment, it relates to the treatment and/or prevention of myopia. An activating energy source is utilized to photopolymerize or crosslink molecules in the sclera, thereby increasing the strength of the tissue. The individual is administered a crosslinking reagent or photopolymerizable molecule that becomes associated with the membrane, which is then precisely exposed to an energy source, such as light or ultrasound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a class of sensors prepared from at least a first material having a positive temperature coefficient of resistance and a second non-conductive or insulating material compositionally different than the first material that show an increase sensitivity detection limit for polar and non-polar analytes. The sensors have applications in the detection of analytes in the environment, associated with diseases and microorganisms.

Abstract: The invention provides novel organometallic complexes useful as olefin metathesis catalysts. The complexes have an N-heterocyclic carbene ligand and a chelating carbene ligand associated with a Group 8 transition metal center. The molecular structure of the complexes can be altered so as to provide a substantial latency period. The complexes are particularly useful in catalyzing ring closing metathesis of acyclic olefins and ring opening metathesis polymerization of cyclic olefins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel composition for improving the accommodation capability of an intraocular lens (IOL). In one embodiment, the composition can be injected into the capsular bag where it surrounds an implanted IOL anchoring the IOL to the capsular bag. Alternatively, for anterior chamber IOLs, the composition can be injected into the bag behind the lens. The material has a refractive index similar to that of aqueous thereby reducing any potential interference with the implanted IOL. Accommodation is provided by the mixture of the crosslinked composition caused by the flexing of the muscles. The novel composition is particularly useful in enhancing accommodation for adjustable intraocular lenses.

Abstract: A polymerization catalyst for the polymerization and copolymerization of olefin monomers and the copolymerization of olefin monomers with other monomers selected from, for example, norbornenes and styrenes are disclosed. The polymerization catalysts disclosed contain a metal center selected from Ti, Zr, Hf, Ni and Pd with at least one chelating ligand.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing cyclic polymers using transition metal alkylidene complexes as reaction catalysts is provided, wherein the complexes contain a cyclic group. Polymerization is carried out on the catalyst, using cyclic olefin monomers that undergo ring insertion polymerization, and no linear intermediates are generated. Following completion of polymerization, the cyclic polymer detaches from the complex via an intramolecular chain transfer reaction and the catalytic complex is regenerated. The invention also provides novel transition metal alkylidene complexes useful as catalysts in the aforementioned process, as well as novel cyclic hydrocarbons.