Abstract: A matrix for delivery of active substances such as fragrances and pheromones into the atmosphere is provided which matrix is active substance permeable (including to hydrophilic substances) and is formed of a copolymer which can be softened sufficiently at temperature between 45.degree. C. and 160.degree. C. to incorporate the substances therein without damage caused by heat or chemical reactions, the matrix being formed of a substantially linear block copolymer which is a reaction product of a polydiorganosiloxane which forms soft segments in said reaction product and a diisocyanate which forms hard segments, said copolymer having a glass transition temperature between 45.degree. C. and 160.degree. C. said soft segments comprising from 70 to 99 percent by weight, based on the weight of said copolymer, the average molecular weight of the copolymer being between 15,000 and 500,000.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved prosthetic toe joint adapted for replacement of a human toe joint which includes at least one one-piece member for implantation into the bone of the joint. The implant has a concave articulating surface which articulates against another one-piece component having a mating convex surface or against a mating convex bone surface. This one part component is provided with a flexible hinge section at the junction of its stem and the enlarged head portions. The hinge section is formed from a section of the stem which extends laterally outwardly on both sides of the stem portion adjacent the junction with the head. The laterally enlarged section is provided with a longitudinal channel extending through its midsection to form a hinge. Each of the one-piece components is preferably molded of a flexible elastomeric, physiologically inert material, for example medical grade silicone rubber.

Abstract: A method of forming hollow, porous elastomeric bodies and hollow, duo-layered elastomeric bodies wherein one layer is porous and contiguous with the other layer which is solid by (a) coating a surface of a mandrel with a coating liquid, (b) adhering a layer of water-elutable particles onto the coated mandrel surface, (c) applying a layer of fluid elastomer composition to the particle-coated mandrel surface wherein the elastomeric composition is capable of forming a water-insoluble elastomer, (d) causing said elastomeric composition to form a cohesive mass while in contact with the particle-coated mandrel surface, (e) dissolving said elutable particles from the cohesvie mass with a water-based solvent, and (f) removing the cohesive mass from the mandrel. The coating liquid comprises water and may also further comprise a wetting agent and/or a sugar. The invention also relates to the method wherein the water-elutable particles are adhered to the mandrel surface by heating the mandrel surface.

Abstract: A fixation stake for securing articles such as benthic barriers to the earth comprising hollow thin-walled elongated plastic body and an enlarged head portion at one end thereof, and a method and apparatus for inserting the stakes into the ground comprising a rod portion of a size suitable to be inserted through the hollow bore of the stakes, the apparatus having an upright handle portion and a horizontal foot peddle for insertion of the stakes into the ground.

Abstract: The specification describes and claims a method of making therapeutic rings from a curable silicone rubber based composition. The rings are capable of controlled release of the therapeutic agent in the human or animal body. The method includes the steps of:(i) extruding a first composition comprising a therapeutic agent and a first elastomer-forming silicone composition to provide a core;(ii) extruding a second composition comprising a second elastomer-forming silicone composition to provide a sheath enclosing the core;(iii) bringing together end portions of a piece of extruded core and sheath to form a ring,(iv) effecting crosslinking of the extruded core, and(v) effecting crosslinking of the extruded sheath.

Abstract: An artificial skin or bandage is formed from an elastomeric layer which is surfaced by a fibrous wound contacting layer which is first formed into a fabric and subsequently degraded by heat hydrolysis or other degradative treatment into a form which could no longer be formed into a fabric but which forms an ideal bioabsorbable wound contact surface in which damage to the newly formed, fragile epidermus is minimized.

Abstract: A transdermal drug delivery system, is provided which includes, in combination, an impermeable backing member, a matrix containing a medicinally active ingredient, and a pressure sensitive adhesive for affixing the system to the skin of a patient; the improvement in such system is based on the fact that said matrix is drug permeable (including to hydrophilic drugs) and is formed of a copolymer which can be softened sufficiently at temperature between 45.degree. C. and 160.degree. C. to incorporate the drugs therein without damage caused by heat or chemical reactions, the matrix being formed of a substantially linear block copolymer which is a reaction product of a polydiorganosiloxane which forms "soft" segments in said reaction product and a diisocyanate which forms "hard" segments, said copolymer having a glass transition temperature between 45.degree. C. and 160.degree. C.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing for leaks in individual cavities, such as pin sockets, in a component, such as an electrical connector, in which the pin sockets or other cavities to be tested for leaks extend into the component from a surface of the component is provided. The apparatus of this invention includes resilient surface for sealingly engaging the surface of the component which surrounds the sockets or other cavities. There is provided through the resilient surface a plurality of deformation resistant apertures, which may be, for example, hollow metal tubes, such as hypodermic needles protruding through the resilient surface. The apertures are geometrically arranged to correspond to the arrangement of the cavities so that one aperture is in alignment with the opening of each cavity. Each of the apertures is connected by a conduit to a pressure sensor, which is capable of measuring the rate of pressure decay or leakage out of the test section or cavity.

Abstract: A valve comprising a cylinder with a number of inlet and outlet ports at one end having movable therein a resiliently surfaced piston, wherein the valve is closed by movement of the piston to a position wherein the resilient surface simultaneously closes all of the ports. Means is provided to normally urge the valve toward an open position and closing means which may be highly pressurized air is provided to move the piston to a valve closed position.

Abstract: This invention provides a multiple lumen implant in which the inner lumen is of a substantially spherical shape and is unattached or free-floating. The invention provides a construction which is able to provide and maintain a high projection and to simulate the natural flow of breast tissue during a variety of activities in which the patient may participate on a daily basis.

Abstract: A method of making implantable ligament and tendon prostheses from natural collagen-containing tissues is described. The tissues used are those wherein the collagen fibers are aligned in one direction such as in ligaments or tendons. The method comprises disrupting the interfibrillar matrix physically by mechanical means such as a roller or rollers in order to generate an expanded network of fibers that are more easily further treated chemically and which also generate a more favorable substrate for tissue ingrowth after implantation. Prostheses made from separated collagen fiber bundles which retain their natural configuration and length (as opposed to reconstituted collagen), exhibit improved softness and flexibility when compared with prostheses made from conventional chemically fixed (e.g., glutaraldehyde cross-linked) tendons which have not been separated as described herein.

Abstract: A prosthesis for replacing the proximal end of a tibia, installable without bone cement which includes a tibial plateau portion adapted to receive an articulation insert. Integral with the underside of the plateau is an intermedullary fixation stem to which is attached a medial-lateral fin. Attached to each end of the fin is a transverse fin which provides a dual "T" configuration, which provides superior anchoring of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A frame straightening and measuring system for auto body repair is provided including position locating arms moveable along each of three axis, each of said arms being provided with an extendable retractable measuring device such as a roll-up type tape measure provided with means for clamping the free end thereof at a desired location on the extendable position locating bars whereby the correct position of a damaged part relative to the axis of the motor vehicle can be determined accurately.

Abstract: A device is provided operable by rotary power means such as a common gas powered chain saw with bar and chain removed therefrom or a rotary electric saw with blade removed, which enables easy matching of logs for construction of log houses or other log buildings, the device having means to engage the drive mechanism of the rotary power means, the drive sprocket of a chain saw, the device including an elongated rotatable cutter preferably with multiple blades and having an elongated guide which shrouds all but one side of the cutting blade and which guide provides a means for sliding the cutter along the pre-cut side of one log and enabling the cutting to match that of another log which is placed and spaced in a juxtaposition with the cut side of said log; the movements of the guide along any imperfections in the cut log will result in a matching mirror image cut of the juxtaposed log.

Abstract: A device for converting a conventional combine into a unit which will crush and recover corn cobs as well as recover shelled corn comprising a flat perforated metal element which will replace the conventional chaffer and sieve in the final cleaning mechanism of the combine, the element having a plurality of fins protruding above the upper surface thereof adapted to channel and direct the flow of corn stocks and chaff thereover, the holes being of a size sufficient to allow the passage of corn cob particles therethrough.

Abstract: A trolling board for fishing designed to tow a bait behind and to the side of a moving boat, including a generally flat, elongated, float member having a front end generally tapered from one side to another and rearwardly, and having a weight on one side edge, which is thereby caused to be heavier than the other, a fishing line engaging device preferrably of a type which will squeeze the line between a stationary member and an eccentric rotatable member having a spring which is pivoted over center when the fishing line is engaged, and a trip lever engaging the rotatable device, said lever being adapted to rotate said device and release said line from the trolling device when a fish strikes the baited end of the line.

Abstract: A revolving drawer set up for cabinets and the like having pivots located adjacent to the front of the drawer so that the entire drawer is opened sufficiently to permit lifting of the contents out of the drawer. The invention provides an improved catch mechanism for such assembly employing a detent which engages a spring plate having a depression therein to receive the detent and employs improved supporting hardware for the drawer assembly.

Abstract: A mechanism for opening and shutting hinged doors, having special utility for discharge doors on silage elevators remotely operable by control ropes, which mechanism is firmly held in both open or closed position by gravity force holding the mechanism against a stop element which employ a door operating pulley, to one side of which is attached a control arm to open and close the door. The pulley is caused to rotate slightly past the point where said control arm is at its uppermost position when the door is opened and lowermost position when the door is closed and the stop means on said pulley prevents further rotation so that the door is held both open and shut by the force of gravity thereon.