Optical Sensors, Inc.

Raymedica, Inc.

Laura J Bauer

William V Fowler

Laurie E Lynch

Lynn M Kimball

Britt K Norton

Tara N Sherman

A packaged prosthetic disc nucleus including a prosthetic disc nucleus and a retainer. The prosthetic disc nucleus includes a hydrogel core formed to hydrate from a dehydrated state. Further, the prosthetic disc nucleus is configured to such that following implantation into a nucleus cavity, the hydrogel core hydrates to a final hydrated state. The retainer selectively contains the prosthetic disc nucleus. Further, upon contact with a hydration liquid, the retainer is configured to allow the hydrogel core to hydrate from the dehydrated state while preventing the hydrogel core from hydrating to the final hydrated state. Thus, the prosthetic disc nucleus is constrained by the retainer in a partially hydrated state. In one preferred embodiment, the combination prosthetic disc nucleus/retainer is sealed within an outer enclosure, such as a pouch, that also contains a hydration liquid for hydrating the hydrogel core. During use, the prosthetic disc nucleus is removed from the retainer and implanted in the partially hydrated state.

Packaged, partially hydrated prosthetic disc nucleus

The present invention discloses novel polymer compositions comprising cellulose acrylamide, acrylamide and/or a fluorescent indicator species, and membranes made with these compositions. Optical pH sensors for monitoring the pH in a fluid sample, and methods for making such pH sensors are also disclosed. The pH sensors have reduced sensitivity to sample components that can interfere with pH measurements.

Optical sensor membranes having improved barrier properties

A method for making a optical sensor for measuring the pH of a fluid includes the steps of applying a solution containing (a) a cellulose acrylamide, (b) an acrylamide, and (c) a copolymerizable monomeric fluorescent indicator species to the distal end of an optical fiber and polymerizing the solution to form a pH sensor means.

Method for making an optical sensor having improved barrier properties

A method for making a fiber optic sensor includes the steps of applying an adhesive composition to the distal end of an optical fiber, and applying a solution containing a copolymer of (a) a cellulose acrylamide, (b) an acrylamide, and (c) a copolymerizable monomeric fluorescent indicator species thereto to form a sensing layer.

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Edina, MN, United States of America

Laura J Bauer