Abstract: A protective football helmet is provided having a two-piece mold shell diminution shell system. The helmet is comprised of a nine-piece part outer shell, a solid rim outer shell to deflect direct impact from the nine piece part outer shell, an inner liner helmet, compression springs as shocks, and a spin dial to control and restrict the movement of the compression springs and nine piece part outer shell. The nine piece part is a special designed helmet to absorb impact on contact from the crown of the helmet, all four sides and all angles in between to protect the players' head from direct contact at any angle. The outer shell diminution system is piece parted to absorb the impact energy individually by the outer shell protection. Each outer shell piece parted section takes on the impact of energy with an oval shape to deflect and transfer contact impact energy from one piece part to another, thereby dispersing the energy throughout the outer shell of the helmet.

Abstract: This invention concerns imageable, radiopaque embolic beads, which are particularly useful for monitoring embolization procedures. The beads comprise iodine containing compounds which are covalently incorporated into the polymer network of a preformed hydrogel bead. The beads are prepared by activating pre-formed hydrogel beads towards nucleophilic attack and then covalently attaching iodinated compounds into the polymer network. The radiopaque beads may be loaded with chemotherapeutic agents and used in methods of embolizing hyperplastic tissue or solid tumors.

Abstract: An aqueous composition comprises an amphiphilic block copolymer, having a hydrophilic block comprising pendant zwitterionic groups and a hydrophobic block, and a biologically active compound associated with the polymer. The polymer is preferably in the form of micelles, and preferably the biological active is a hydrophobic drug. The hydrophilic block is preferably formed from acrylic monomer including phosphorylcholine groups. The hydrophobic group is suitably formed from monomer which has groups which can be ionised at useful pH's, especially tertiary amine groups. Micelles may be formed by dissolving the block copolymer in aqueous solvent at a pH at which the amine groups are protonated then raising the pH to a value at which the amine groups are substantially deprotonated, whereupon micelles spontaneously form. The preformed micelles are then contacted with active, under conditions such that solubilisation of the active occurs. The active may be for tumour treatment.

Abstract: This invention concerns imageable, radiopaque embolic beads, which are particularly useful for monitoring embolization procedures. The beads comprise iodine containing compounds which are covalently incorporated into the polymer network of a preformed hydrogel bead. The beads are prepared by activating pre-formed hydrogel beads towards nucleophilic attack and then covalently attaching iodinated compounds into the polymer network. The radiopaque beads may be loaded with chemotherapeutic agents and used in methods of embolizing hyperplastic tissue or solid tumors.

Abstract: New fuels and fuel components comprising starch are provided, as well as novel methods for operating a combustor such as a boiler or an internal combustion engine by feeding a starch fuel to the combustor.

Abstract: New fuels and fuel components comprising starch are provided, as well as novel methods for operating a combustor such as a boiler or an internal combustion engine by feeding a starch fuel to the combustor.

Abstract: A free-flowing, hydrophobic starch composition has a near-neutral dry product pH. Methods for making the hydrophobic starch composition by preparing an aqueous mixture comprising a starch, a siliconate, and an acid, where the aqueous mixture has a near-neutral pH, and drying the starch solids to obtain a hydrophobic starch. Novel fuel compositions comprise hydrophobic starch which can be used in internal combustion engines, such as diesel engines. Hydrophobic starch compositions may be used as fuels or fuel components. Novel methods of fueling and operating internal combustion engines use hydrophobic starch as fuel or fuel components.

Abstract: A free-flowing, hydrophobic starch composition has a near-neutral dry product pH. Methods for making the hydrophobic starch composition by preparing an aqueous mixture comprising a starch, a siliconate, and an acid, where the aqueous mixture has a near-neutral pH, and drying the starch solids to obtain a hydrophobic starch. Novel fuel compositions comprise hydrophobic starch which can be used in internal combustion engines, such as diesel engines. Hydrophobic starch compositions may be used as fuels or fuel components. Novel methods of fueling and operating internal combustion engines use hydrophobic starch as fuel or fuel components.

Abstract: A new use of an elastomeric material to which a stitchable covering is laminated. More specifically a thin knitted fabric may be laminated to an elastomeric material, optionally a foamed or porous material. Other materials are contemplated. In addition, the invention is directed to forms over which the simulated skin may be placed to reproduce the curvature of the human anatomy. One form has a varying curvature but is essentially square. The various curved portions simulated various curved portions of the skin that would be found on the abdomen, thigh, arm, chest or scalp. Another form is a mannequin simulating the face of a patient and which optionally has means for securing the simulated skin to the mannequin in a life-like configuration which include a simulated mouth and simulated eyes. These in turn assist in anchoring the simulated skin to the mannequin and also provide realistic guidelines for surgical practice.

Abstract: Amplitude modulation of a radio frequency carrier is achieved by generating a rectangular wave pulse train at the carrier frequency, the pulses of which vary in width as a function of the amplitude of the audio input signal. The audio frequency input wave is subjected to an arc sine conversion process prior to the generation of the rectangular wave pulse train. The radio frequency pulse width modulated wave is amplified and then filtered to pass the fundamental radio frequency voltage and its modulation side bands.