Abstract: Methods, financial systems, and devices of administering insurance policies with premiums based on user behavior monitored by a communication device are provided.

Abstract: Techniques for reducing broadcast messages are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as an apparatus for reducing broadcast messages. The apparatus may comprise a module to create a virtual group member list associated with at least one virtual group comprising at least members of a physical group. The apparatus may also comprise a module to send a broadcast message to members listed in the virtual group member list. The apparatus may further comprise a module to retain a responding member in the virtual group member list if a broadcast message is received from the responding member. The apparatus may still further comprise a module to remove a non-responding member from the virtual group member list if a broadcast message is not received from the non-responding member.

Abstract: Optically transparent, high refractive index hydrogels are provided. Expansile hydrogel intraocular lenses are fabricated from the hydrogels by heating them above their elastic deformation temperatures and deforming them into an elongated configuration having at least one reduced dimension suitable for insertion through a small surgical incision. The lenses are allowed to cool in this configuration and retain the deformed shape prior to surgical implantation. Following implantation the lenses hydrate into an enlarged elastic form reassuming the original lens configuration of full capsule size.

Abstract: Organosiloxane compositions curable to optically clear, high refractive index elastomers are disclosed. The cured compositions have superior post-folding high resolution recovery making them suitable for fabricating foldable intraocular lenses used in small-incision ophthalmic surgeries. The organosiloxane compositions include first and second vinyl terminated organosiloxanes differing in molecular weights, each containing diphenylsiloxane and dimethylsiloxane, and, in addition, fumed silica, a crosslinking reagent, a platinum containing catalyst, and optionally an ultraviolet absorbing compound.

Abstract: Non-hydrolyzable, hydrophilic, heterocyclic cross-linking agents for cross-linking vinyl comonomers are provided. The cross-linked copolymers form optically transparent, high water content, and high refractive index hydrogels having long term stability which are useful as intraocular lenses and superabsorbents. The crosslinkers are selected from 4,6 divinyl pyrimidine, 2,5 divinyl pyrazine, 1,4 divinyl imidazole and 1,5 divinyl imidazole.

Abstract: An intraocular lens includes an optic body and a pair of cantilevered spiral support members or haptics extending outwardly from a peripheral portion of the optic body. The haptics are formed as portions of an elongate cylindrical body. A method of making the haptics is disclosed which allows the haptic to be of variable cross sectional area, to be aplanar, and to include bends and curves, for example, without introducing undesirable molecular level changes or damage into the material of the haptic, which molecular level changes result in conventional haptics undesirably having a memory of their former shape and resulting dimensional changes (creep) of the conventional haptics over time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for fabricating biocompatible implants. In particular, the present invention process involves punching out implants from sheet stock. In the exemplary embodiment, the implant is an intraocular lens, wherein the lens haptic is punched from ribbon stock fed through a punch press. The punching operation can be accomplished in a planar punch and die arrangement, or the die can be situated on cooperatively rotating drums. In an alternative embodiment, the entire intraocular lens is punched from sheet stock. In this process, the lens optics are formed first in the sheet stock to provide individual convex or concave hemispheres, spaced along the length and width of the sheet. The sheet stock is aligned with a die, and the die punches out the lens such that the lens optic coincides with the hemispheres and the lens haptics are punched therealong simultaneously.

Abstract: Expansile hydrogel intraocular lenses are heated above their elastic deformation temperatures and deformed into an elongated configuration having at least one reduced dimension suitable for insertion through a small surgical incision. The lenses are allowed to cool in this configuration and retain the deformed shape prior to surgical implantation. Following implantation the lenses hydrate into an enlarged elastic form reassuming the original lens configuration of full capsule size.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved intraocular lens haptic having an enlarged anchoring head and an integrally formed support portion extending therefrom. An oblong hole is provided in the anchoring head. The haptic is punched from a sheet or ribbon of polyvinylidene fluoride film, and thereafter a lens optic is cast around the anchoring head. During the casting operation, the lens optic material fills in the oblong hole and all spaces around the anchoring head. Thus, the anchoring head is firmly embedded in an outer periphery of the lens optic. Because the haptic is punched, it can be fabricated to have a variety of different anchoring head shapes and to have a variety of support portion shapes with varying numbers of bends at different bend angles. The orientation of the oblong hole within the anchoring head is also easily changed as is the orientation of the anchoring head relative to the support portion, although both structures are integral and formed from a single sheet of material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for folding or curling a flexible lens and for inserting the lens into an eye. The apparatus includes a loading and folding head having a slidable tubular member for curling the lens by constricting a loading chamber within the head, a cannula for entering the eye, and a body housing a plunger for advancing the curled lens out of the loading and folding head and through the cannula. The tubular lens-curling member is configured to enable the lens to curl gently in cooperation with a retaining lip on a wall of the loading chamber, in one smooth, simple and continuous motion.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for deforming and inserting a flexible intraocular lens into an eye which permits the size of an ocular incision to be significantly smaller than the diameter of the intraocular lens being implanted, and its embodiments are suitable for use with lenses having radial flange or projecting filament haptics. The apparatus includes a contoured duct with a pair of internal guiding grooves configured to engage peripheral edges of the lens, curling the lens as it is advanced along the longitudinal duct axis from the elongated inlet to the coaxially aligned generally circular outlet of the duct. The guiding grooves are mutually opposed and converge along the length of the duct to essentially the periphery of the duct outlet.