Abstract: A bracket includes a bracket material layer, and a cell foam attached to the bracket material layer for directing heat from a heating element toward glass. The heating element is attached to the cell foam for raising a temperature of the glass disposed on or over the heating element.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for a vehicle includes a bracket body having a glare shield and a circuit. The bracket assembly further includes an electrical device that is electrically connected to the circuit of the bracket body. The circuit comprises a plurality of leads extending along the bracket body.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification and aspiration device comprising: (a) a substantially hollow housing comprising a first end and a second end; (b) an electrical resistance heating element disposed at the first end of the housing and configured to thermally irradiate a space proximal to the first end and exterior to the housing; (c) a source of electricity in electrical contact with the heating element; and (d) a vacuum source disposed at and integrally connected to the second end of the housing; and a method for treating cataracts in vivo by liquefying a cataractous lens nucleus and aspirating the same from within a surrounding lens capsule comprising the steps of: (a) thermally irradiating and liquefying a lens; and (b) aspirating the lens.

Abstract: A method and instrument for thermal phacoemulsification includes, in one aspect, a process for introducing high temperature water into the lens capsule of the eye for emulsification purposes. The invention provides a mechanism for heating water to the desired temperature at the point of delivery, whereby the cannula that enters the eye is maintained at a temperature sufficiently low to avoid thermal damage to surrounding eye tissue. The invention provides an isenthalpic device for delivering heated water to the lens capsule for phacoemulsification. The device includes a intraocular cannula for delivering high pressure water, and a throttling mechanism at the point of delivery for converting the energy in the water stream from pressure to heat. The throttling mechanism may comprise a capillary passage, or a porous plug, or a micro-orifice which directs the fluid stream to strike a target in the cannula bore, after which the fluid is discharged from the cannula.

Abstract: An instrument for providing high pressure fluid pulses for cutting tissue including an internal pressure intensifying mechanism, and the provision of a suction force at the distal end of the instrument including an internal vacuum generating device to increase the suction force provided by a conventional suction source. A piston mechanism is provided for converting a low pressure fluid input to a high pressure fluid output, and a second piston mechanism is provided to intensify the suction force created by a conventional suction source at the surgical site.

Abstract: A pulsed fluid jet surgical instrument includes a cannula extending from a handpiece, the cannula emitting a pulsed fluid jet for cutting and emulsification purposes, and also providing suction for aspiration and evacuation of the fluid and tissue. A pressure intensifier piston arrangement receives fluid at relatively low pressure, and operates reciprocally and reiteratively to pump the fluid through the jet needle in a series of high pressure pulses, each having a nearly rectangular pressure waveform. The pressure intensifier piston is T-shaped, including a broad end which divides a drive bore into a driving chamber and a retracting chamber. A bistable valve is connected to admit high pressure gas into the actuating chamber, driving the piston to translate. The narrow end of the piston is disposed in a fluid pumping chamber connected to a supply of fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting and guiding the movement of a high speed liquid jet for ophthalmic incisions includes a fixture for removably securing the device with respect to the apex of the cornea. The corneal apex extends through an opening in the fixture, and a concentric suction ring secures the fixture to the eyeball. A proximal portion of the fixture is provided with an internal cutout to permit resilient horizontal flexure of the proximal portion. A first linear actuator is arranged to drive the first flexible bracket to translate horizontally in precisely controlled motion. Joined orthogonally to the fixture is a second flexible bracket, having an internal cutout that permits resilient vertical flexure. One end of the second flexible bracket is secured rigidly to the fixture, and a micrometer actuator is joined to the movable end of the second flexible bracket to position it vertically in precisely controlled spacing.

Abstract: A pulsed fluid jet surgical instrument includes a cannula extending from a handpiece, the cannula emitting a pulsed fluid jet for cutting and emulsification purposes, and also providing suction for aspiration and evacuation of the fluid and tissue. A pressure intensifier piston arrangement receives fluid at relatively low pressure, and operates reciprocally and reiteratively to pump the fluid through the jet needle in a series of high pressure pulses, each having a nearly rectangular pressure waveform. The pressure intensifier piston is T-shaped, including a broad end which divides a drive bore into a driving chamber and a retracting chamber. A bistable valve is connected to admit pressure gas into the actuating chamber, driving the piston to translate. The narrow end of the piston is disposed in a fluid pumping chamber connected to a supply of fluid.