Abstract: A family of novel diazirine-based molecules is disclosed, as well as methods of manufacture and uses thereof. These compounds allow non-functionalized polymers, such as polyolefins, to crosslink via C—H insertion. Such a C—H insertion process is useful, for example, for the covalent adhesive bonding of low surface energy films or materials, or for creating rigid 3-dimenional polymeric structures by in-situ doping and activation of the crosslinker. The disclosed crosslinkers can be activated thermally, by UV radiation or by an electric potential.

Abstract: A series of novel molecular conjugates is disclosed herein, consisting of a photosensitizer moiety chemically bonded to at least one diazirine moiety. Such conjugates react in air and/or water with non-coherent visible light to form singlet oxygen, an energetic species known to be highly toxic to abroad range of pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, microbial biofilms and viruses. Such non-specific cellular damage limits the pathogen's ability to evolve into a resistant form. The diazirine moiety of the conjugate enables the reagent to be adhesively bonded to a plethora of substrates, such as, for example, polymers, non-woven fabrics, surgical masks and gloves, hospital gowns, hospital surfaces (such as counters, mattresses, curtains) medical implants, bandages, wound dressings, or air-filters. The resulting treated substrates act as an effective pathogen-killing barrier, providing protection against the spread of such pathogens to non-infected persons.

Abstract: Woven UHMWPE fabric stretches in the bias direction to such an extent that it is unsuitable for many potential applications and is porous, allowing air and water transmission. A composite UHMWPE material includes a single ply of high tenacity woven UHMWPE fabric having warp fibers in a first direction and weft fibers in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The UHMWPE fabric has first face and a second face. A stretch resisting axially oriented fusion layer is fused to at least one of the first face or the second face of the UHMWPE fabric with an axis aligned parallel to at least one of the UHMWPE fabric warp and weft axes, such that the stretch resisting fusion layer increases fabric tensile strength and inhibits bias stretch of the UHMWPE fabric, and renders the UHMWPE woven fabric air and water impermeable.

Abstract: Woven UHMWPE fabric stretches in the bias direction to such an extent that it is unsuitable for many potential applications and is porous, allowing air and water transmission. A composite UHMWPE material includes a single ply of high tenacity woven UHMWPE fabric having warp fibers in a first direction and weft fibers in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The UHMWPE fabric has first face and a second face. A stretch resisting axially oriented fusion layer is fused to at least one of the first face or the second face of the UHMWPE fabric with an axis aligned parallel to at least one of the UHMWPE fabric warp and weft axes, such that the stretch resisting fusion layer increases fabric tensile strength and inhibits bias stretch of the UHMWPE fabric, and renders the UHMWPE woven fabric air and water impermeable.

Abstract: A personal flotation device is described which is in the form of a flexible garment or combination of garments made from liquid impervious filaments of buoyant material. The garment or combination of garments accommodate movement of the wearer while providing the wearer with buoyancy.

Abstract: The invention comprises a totally implantable hearing prosthesis for hearing impaired persons. An inertial vibrational element is hermetically sealed and implanted in bone between the lateral and superior semicircular canals without breaching the integrity of the canals. The vibrational element is adapted to vibrate the walls of the canals and the fluids contained therein, thereby vibrating contiguous fluids within the cochlea thus stimulating hair cells and creating a hearing percept. The invention can also be adapted to be a tinnitus masking system, and/or used in combination with a cochlear implant hearing system.

Abstract: The invention comprises a totally implantable hearing prosthesis for hearing impaired persons. An inertial vibrational element is hermetically sealed and implanted in bone between the lateral and superior semicircular canals without breaching the integrity of the canals. The vibrational element is adapted to vibrate the walls of the canals and the fluids contained therein, thereby vibrating contiguous fluids within the cochlea thus stimulating hair cells and creating a hearing percept. The invention can also be adapted to be a tinnitus masking system, and/or used in combination with a cochlear implant hearing system.

Abstract: The invention comprises a totally implantable hearing prosthesis for hearing impaired persons. An inertial vibrational element is hermetically sealed and implanted in bone between the lateral and superior semicircular canals without breaching the integrity of the canals. The vibrational element is adapted to vibrate the walls of the canals and the fluids contained therein, thereby vibrating contiguous fluids within the cochlea thus stimulating hair cells and creating a hearing percept. The invention can also be adapted to be a tinnitus masking system, and/or used in combination with a cochlear implant hearing system.

Abstract: The invention comprises a totally implantable hearing prosthesis for hearing impaired persons. An inertial vibrational element is hermetically sealed and implanted in bone between the lateral and superior semicircular canals without breaching the integrity of the canals. The vibrational element is adapted to vibrate the walls of the canals and the fluids contained therein, thereby vibrating contiguous fluids within the cochlea thus stimulating hair cells and creating a hearing percept. The invention can also be adapted to be a tinnitus masking system, and/or used in combination with a coehlear implant hearing system.

Abstract: A surgical method and tools are described for the implantation of electrode arrays into the canalis cochlearis of profoundly deaf persons. Access to the canalis cochlearis is via the bony exterior ear canal and the middle ear, rather than the conventional route of drilling a cleft through the mastoid region posterior to the ear. Preferably entry to the canalis cochlearis is at a tangential angle to the curve of the basal turn. A template is used for landmarking the site for tangentially drilling into the canalis cochlearis comprising a plate shaped to be positioned by reference to the round window of the middle ear and the oval window. A device for holding open the field of view for the surgeon during implantation comprises elongated funnels.

Abstract: A new surgical method and tools are described for the implantation of electrode arrays into the canalis cochlearis of profoundly deaf persons. Access to the canalis cochlearis is via the bony exterior ear canal and the middle ear, rather than the conventional route of drilling a cleft through the mastoid region posterior to the ear. Preferably entry to the canalis cochlearis is at a tangential angle to the curve of the basal turn. A template is described for landmarking the site for tangentially drilling into the canalis cochlearis comprising a plate shaped to be positioned by reference to the round window of the middle ear and the oval window. A device for holding open the field of view for the surgeon during implantation comprises elongated funnels.

Abstract: A dual prong hearing prosthesis for surgical implantation into both the scala tympani and the scala vestibuli of the inner ear of deaf persons is presented. The prosthesis consists of two prongs each with a plurality of closely spaced electrodes at the proximal end, said electrodes configured to stimulate the auditory nerves of the inner ear at a plurality of sites. One prong carries circumferentially-configured electrodes while the electrodes of the other prong are longitudinally-configured in relation to the length of the prong. Conductor lines from each electrode on both prongs terminate at the distal end in a contact pad arrangement thereby enabling convenient electrical connection between the implant and speech processing electronics. Means are disclosed to minimize kinking of the prongs during implantation, and to enable the electrodes to be in close proximity to the modiolus and basilar membrane thereby allowing for a high degree of versatility in selecting discrete stimulation sites.