Abstract: A device and system for creating small (e.g., less than 3 mm and preferably about 1 mm in cross dimension) openings in the anterior lens capsule of a mammalian eye to facilitate insertion of lens reduction/removal device(s) and/or cannulae for injecting flowable lens replacement materials into the lens capsule. The device generally comprises a handpiece having an electrosurgical probe extending forwardly therefrom. The electrosurgical probe incorporates an annular tip electrode which is positionable in contact with the lens capsule, to create the desired less than 3 mm opening therein. The annular electrode tip may be either monopolar or bipolar in design.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing and removing and ophthalmic lens of a mammalian eye. The system includes a rotary lens-reducing probe device of either straight or curved configuration, the probe device comprising a tubular outer sheath through which a rotatable drive shaft extends. A rotating lens-reducing head member is positioned on the distal end of the drive shaft. The head member is configured and constructed to draw a flow of fluid and lens matter into contact therewith, thereby facilitating complete reduction of the entire lens without requiring significant axial (i.e., longitudinal) movement of the probe within the lens capsule. The distal portion of the tubular sheath is preferably configured to shield a portion of the lens-reducing head, during operation, to avoid inadvertent damage to lens capsule. Also, the distal portion of the sheath may be aimed or positioned to direct the flow of fluid and lens matter created by the rotating head in a preferred flow path within the lens capsule.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for qualitatively or quantitatively determining one or more analytes in matrices such as foods, biological fluids, etc. An embodiment for determination of a single analyte comprises a sample receiving vessel, a first membrane and a reagent-containing well. The prepared sample passes through the first membrane whereby extraneous matter is removed, and a filtrate enters the reagent-containing well to provide a filtrate-reagent admixture from which the analyte may be determined. An embodiment for determination for multiple analytes includes one or more additional membranes in series with the first membrane, each such additional membrane being operative to capture one or more analytes. Each of the additional analytes may then be eluted from the membrane upon which it has been captured, into a separate reagent-containing well to provide eluant-reagent admixture from which each desired analyte may be determined. Formulations for preparation additives are also included.

Abstract: A device and system for creating small (e.g., less than 3 mm and preferably about 1 mm in cross dimension) openings in the anterior lens capsule of a mammalian eye to facilitate insertion of lens reduction/removal device(s) and/or cannulae for injecting flowable lens replacement materials into the lens capsule. The device generally comprises a handpiece having an electrosurgical probe extending forwardly therefrom. The electrosurgical probe incorporates an annular tip electrode which is positionable in contact with the lens capsule, to create the desired less than 3 mm opening therein. The annular electrode tip may be either monopolar or bipolar in design.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing and removing and ophthalmic lens of a mammalian eye. The system includes a rotary lens-reducing probe device of either straight or curved configuration, said probe device comprising a tubular outer sheath through which a rotatable drive shaft extends. A rotating lens-reducing head member is positioned on the distal end of the drive shaft. The head member is configured and constructed to draw a flow of fluid and lens matter into contact therewith, thereby facilitating complete reduction of the entire lens without requiring significant axial (i.e., longitudinal) movement of the probe within the lens capsule. The distal portion of the tubular sheath is preferably configured to shield a portion of the lens-reducing head, during operation, to avoid inadvertent damage to lens capsule. Also, the distal portion of the sheath may be aimed or positioned to direct the flow of fluid and lens matter created by the rotating head in a preferred flow path within the lens capsule.

Abstract: Methods and a device for determining the corrosivity of a substance to human skin or membrane are disclosed. In one approach, corrosivity is evaluated by measuring the time required for the test substance to transit a biobarrier that mimics human skin or membranes or the time required to cause a component of such biobarrier to break down and transit the membrane. The invention also envisions alternative approaches which involve series of layers of dyes and corrosive-resistant materials coated onto microspheres or test strips. Use of these methods provides a rapid determination of the corrosivity of test materials.

Abstract: Methods for determining the corrosivity of a substance to human skin or membrane are disclosed. In one approach, corrosivity is evaluated by measuring the time required for the test substance to transit a biobarrier that mimics human skin or membranes or the time required to cause a component of such biobarrier to break down and transit the membrane. The invention also envisions alternative approaches which involve series of layers of dyes and corrosive-resistant materials coated onto microspheres or test strips. Use of these methods provides a rapid determination of the corrosivity of test materials.