Abstract: A composition comprising a carbon material comprising a first channel with a width in the range of 50 nm to 1000 nm and a second channel with a width in the range of 20 nm to 200 nm, wherein the second channel comprises branches and is in fluid communication with the first channel, is provided. Further, articles comprising the composition are provided. A method for making a templated carbon material with hierarchical porosity is also provided.

Abstract: Lacrimal implants and related methods providing secure, wedgable retention within a lacrimal punctum and associated canaliculus of an eye are disclosed. The lacrimal implants can comprise an implant body configured for at least partial insertion through the lacrimal punctum and into the canaliculus. The implant body can include first and second portions, and can extend from a proximal end of the first portion defining a longitudinal proximal axis to a distal end of the second portion defining a longitudinal distal axis. The implant body can be configured such that, when implanted using an integral dilator, an angled intersection exists between the proximal and distal axes. In this way, at least a portion of the implant body can be biased against at least a portion of the lacrimal canaliculus located at or more distal to a canalicular curvature, thereby retaining an implanted position of the lacrimal implant using anatomical structures.

Abstract: A method for fabricating calcite channels in a nanofluidic device is described. A porous membrane is attached to a substrate. Calcite is deposited in porous openings in the porous membrane attached to the substrate. A width of openings in the deposited calcite is in a range from 50 to 100 nanometers (nm). The porous membrane is etched to remove the porous membrane from the substrate to form a fabricated calcite channel structure. Each channel has a width in the range from 50 to 100 nm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cosmetic shaped product: which is substantially formed with relatively low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid or a water-soluble salt thereof having a high penetrability into the skin; which is easily soluble to water; and which has satisfactory handling properties, and a method for producing the cosmetic shaped product. There is provided a cosmetic shaped product being a sponge-like shaped body formed with at least one polyanionic polysaccharide of hyaluronic acid and a water-soluble salt thereof each having an average molecular weight of 30,000 or lower, the sponge-like shaped body having a bulk specific gravity of 5 to 500 mg/mL. This cosmetic shaped product can be produced by freeze-drying an aqueous solution having a content of the polyanionic polysaccharide of 0.5 to 30% by mass.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multilayered wound dressing comprising a first layer; the first layer including channels that facilitate neovascularization of a wound; and a second layer in contact with the first layer, the second layer having the same or different chemical composition as the first layer; where the second layer comprises at least one surface that has a texture and the direction of the texture is operative to facilitate cell orientation and growth. A method includes forming a first layer of a polymeric material; forming a second layer of the same polymeric material as the first layer on the first layer; and forming a textured surface of the second layer of the same polymeric material as the first layer, the textured surface being operative to facilitate directional cell growth when used in a wound dressing, where the first layer and the second layer are formed using an additive manufacturing process.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate generally to apparatuses and processes for forming semi-solid electrodes having high active solids loading by removing excess electrolyte. In some embodiments, the semi-solid electrode material can be formed by mixing an active material and, optionally, a conductive material in a liquid electrolyte to form a suspension. In some embodiments, the semi-solid electrode material can be disposed onto a current collector to form an intermediate electrode. In some embodiments, the semi-solid electrode material can have a first composition in which the ratio of electrolyte to active material is between about 10:1 and about 1:1. In some embodiments, a method for converting the semi-solid electrode material from the first composition into the second composition includes removing a portion of the electrolyte from the semi-solid electrode material.

Abstract: A wound therapy device and method includes a skin contacting element, a reactor, and a reactor housing element. The skin contacting element is configured for covering an associated tissue site, the reactor for creating a pressure condition at the associated tissue site upon actuation thereof, and the reactor housing element for accommodating the reactor. The skin contacting element has a skin contacting side and an interface side, which is opposite the skin contacting side. The reactor housing element has a lower affixing side and an upper side, which is opposite the lower affixing side.

Abstract: A polyvinyl alcohol fiber that can easily be fibrillated at a low manufacture cost is provided. The readily fibrillative polyvinyl alcohol fiber contains a polyalkylene oxide in addition to a polyvinyl alcohol. A mass ratio of the polyalkylene oxide ranges from 3 to 40% relative to the total mass of the polyvinyl alcohol and the polyalkylene oxide. A method for manufacturing the polyvinyl alcohol fiber is also provided.

Abstract: A method for modifying the refractive index of an optical, polymeric material. The method comprises irradiating select regions of the optical, polymeric material with a focused, visible or near-IR laser having a pulse energy from 0.05 nJ to 1000 nJ. The irradiation results in the formation of refractive optical structures, which exhibit little or no scattering loss. The method can he used to modify the refractive index of an intraocular lens following the surgical implantation of the intraocular lens in a human eye. The invention is also directed to an optical device comprising refractive optical structures, which exhibit little or no scattering loss and are characterized by a positive change in refractive index.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a high-performance graphite sheet by imidizing a polyamic acid resulting from a reaction of dianhydride monomer(s) and diamine monomer(s) to obtain a polyimide film; and carbonizing and/or graphitizing the polyimide film to obtain a high-performance graphite sheet, where the polyimide film contains 2 or more fillers having different average particle diameters, and the thermal conductivity of the graphite sheet is at least 1,400 W/m·K. Further, the present invention provides a graphite sheet obtained by the above method.

Abstract: A porous membrane may be manufactured with a high content of filler material and a polymer binder. After forming the membrane, the membrane may be post processed to reform the polymer binder into a stronger yet still porous membrane. The post processing may include bringing the membrane above the melt temperature of the polymer or by immersing the membrane in a solvent. Photomicrographs show that the structure may change, yet the performance of the material in batteries and other electrochemical cells may remain the same or even improve.

Abstract: A method for making a porous, chemically bonded ceramic shaped article comprises i) providing a precursor powder mixture comprising polymer particles and a ceramic self-setting cementitious powder; ii) preparing a shaped article from a paste comprising the precursor powder mixture and an aqueous liquid; and iii) immersing the shaped article in an immersing liquid in which the polymer particles are soluble, for a period of time of from about 10 minutes to about two weeks to dissolve the polymer particles in the immersing liquid, thereby creating pores in the shaped article. A porous, chemically bonded ceramic shaped article having interconnected pores, a total porosity of at least about 50%, and a macroporosity of at least about 30% can be formed by such methods.

Abstract: Disclosed are nanocomposite membranes and methods for making and using same. In one aspect, the nanocomposite membrane comprises a film comprising a polymer matrix and nanoparticles disposed within the polymer matrix, wherein the film is substantially permeable to water and substantially impermeable to impurities. In a further aspect, the membrane can further comprise a hydrophilic layer. In a further aspect, the nanocomposite membrane comprises a film having a face, the film comprising a polymer matrix, a hydrophilic layer proximate to the face, and nanoparticles disposed within the hydrophilic layer, wherein the film is substantially permeable to water and substantially impermeable to impurities. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: A laser system for modifying the index of refraction of an optical hydrogel material. The laser system comprises a computer program to determine the position and shape of refractive structures to be written into the optical hydrogel material to correct a patient's vision, and a focused laser that generates laser light having a wavelength of from 400 nm to 900 nm, and which operates with an average power of 10 mW to 1000 mW to produce a pulse energy from 0.05 nJ to 1000 nJ with a peak intensity at focus of greater than 1013 W/cm2. The refractive structures exhibit a change in the index of refraction of 0.01 to 0.06 in the optical hydrogel material.

Abstract: A wound therapy device and method includes a skin contacting element, a reactor, and a reactor housing element. The skin contacting element is configured for covering an associated tissue site, the reactor for creating a pressure condition at the associated tissue site upon actuation thereof, and the reactor housing element for accommodating the reactor. The skin contacting element has a skin contacting side and an interface side, which is opposite the skin contacting side. The reactor housing element has a lower affixing side and an upper side, which is opposite the lower affixing side.

Abstract: A synthetic ice panel system for use on a ground surface includes plurality of substantially flat panels that mutually interlock to form a rink, such as for ice skating. Each panel includes a top surface, a bottom surface adapted for resting on the ground surface, and a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge includes a plurality of interlocking tabs and recesses operative to mutually interlock with adjacent panels. Each panel is preferably made with a high-density polymer infused with a lubricant. As such, ice skates and the like are able to slide with relatively low friction on the top surface of the panel. Weather permitting; the panels may be inverted in some embodiments wherein the bottom surface of each panel includes a cooling channel containing a cooling tube through which a coolant flows to freeze water resting on the panel, thereby forming a layer of ice above the panel.

Abstract: A porous electrolytic composite membrane for electrochemical energy systems, such as alkaline fuel cells, metal-air batteries and alkaline electrolyzers, comprises a porous polymeric material and nanomaterials. The polymeric material is preferably polybenzimidazole (PBI). The nanomaterials are preferably functionalized or non-functionalized. The nanomaterials are preferably titania nanotubes and/or graphene oxide nanosheets. The membrane further comprises an electrolyte solution, such as KOH. A method of preparing the membrane is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) to disperse particles (12) onto a surface (46). To this aim, the device comprises a container (20) for the particles to be dispersed having at least one scatter opening (22) to dispend particles, a roller like distributing element (30) with a curved surface (36), and means (32) with which the roller like distributing element can be brought into vibration in longitudinal direction, such that particles (12) will be moved out of the scatter opening (22) over the curved surface (36) downwardly in the direction of the surface to be sprinkled.

Abstract: An electronic device may include a housing and at least one coil carried by the housing. The electronic device may include a field member that includes a magnetic body having a shaft-receiving passageway therein, and at least one bearing within the shaft-receiving passageway. A shaft extends through the at least one bearing and coupled to the housing to permit reciprocal movement of the field member along the shaft and within the housing responsive to the at least one coil. A controller may be capable of powering the at least one coil to move the field member after a threshold period of non-movement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to culturing cells utilizing a matrix of microfibrillated thermoplastic polymeric materials. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of culturing cells. In addition, the invention relates to a biaxially oriented microfibrillated article for culturing cells dispersed in a cell culture medium. The matrix of thermoplastic polymeric materials for culturing cells of this invention finds use in tissue engineering and wound healing applications.

Abstract: A brush core for engaging and rotating a generally cylindrical brush having a hollow bore is provided. The brush core includes, but is not limited to, a body section forming an outer surface for engaging the hollow bore of the cylindrical brush. The outer surface of the body section includes three or more sides.

Abstract: Cells derived from postpartum tissue and products thereof having the potential to support cells of and/or differentiate to cells of a soft tissue lineage, and methods of preparation and use of those postpartum tissue-derived cells, are provided by the invention. The invention also provides methods for the use of such postpartum-derived cells and products related thereto in therapies for conditions of soft tissue.

Abstract: A device for treating a damaged tissue includes an expandable scaffold positionable in a portion of a luminal tissue structure of a mammal; and maintained via stent technology, wherein the scaffold is comprised of electrospun fibers composed of a biodegradable compound. The scaffold serves as a temporary template that allows the tissue to be rebuilt.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a play composition including a polymeric binder and oil. In an embodiment, the binder is a hydrogenated triblock copolymer including styrene. The oil is a mineral oil. The composition may further include a plasticizer, a release agent, and one or more fillers.

Abstract: The method to produce ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) incorporates tungsten-doped titania (TiO2/W) nanofiller during the ethylene polymerization process. The UHMWPE possesses improved mechanical and thermal properties. The process for producing the UHMWPE includes contacting ethylene under polymerization conditions with a polymerization catalyst (a vanadium (III) complex bearing bidentate salicylaldiminato ligands) in the presence of TiO2/W nanofiller and a co-catalyst in a reactor. The reactor is charged with solvent (e.g., toluene) and heated to a temperature suitable for polymerization, e.g., about 30° C. Following heating, the ethylene monomer is fed into the reactor and allowed to saturate for at least 10 minutes, and a methyl aluminum dichloride co-catalyst (MADC) is added to initiate polymerization of ethylene. Polymerization is quenched by adding methanol containing HCl incorporated with titania-tungsten nanofillers, which is then washed and dried to yield UHMWPE.

Abstract: This invention consists in a device and a method to determine the ionic, electronic and mixed (electronic-ionic) conductivity in polymer, ceramic and composite (polymeric-ceramic) membranes. The invention device may work from room temperature to 300° C. and the method includes the collection and analysis of electrochemical impedance spectra during cell operation.

Abstract: Various embodiments of scaffolds are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the scaffold includes a tubular polymeric structure, and a controlled gradient of solid-walled microtubules oriented radially or axially in the tubular polymeric structure. In another embodiment, the scaffold includes a nano-fibrous tubular polymeric structure, and an oriented and interconnected microtubular porous network formed in the nano-fibrous tubular polymeric structure. In still another embodiment, a composite scaffold is formed including a polymeric structure having an inner wall and an outer wall, and at least one electrospun layer positioned along at least one of the inner wall, or the outer wall, or in a middle of the porous polymeric structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a porous ceramic body, which includes: (S1) mixing silica powders having a particle size of 0.045˜0.5 mm, zircon flour and wax, thus preparing a ceramic mixture; (S2) placing the ceramic mixture into a mold, thus producing a green body; and (S3) sintering the green body at high temperature, thus obtaining a porous ceramic body, wherein the silica having a particle size of 0.1˜0.5 mm is contained in an amount of 50˜80 wt % based on the total weight of the porous ceramic body; and also which produces a bulk porous ceramic body having good strength and leaching properties with excellent dimensional stability and shape stability.

Abstract: A microporous membrane wipe and a method of using such microporous membrane wipe are disclosed. The microporous membrane wipe may be uniaxially or biaxially oriented microporous membrane. The uniaxially or biaxially oriented microporous membrane may be made from one or more block and/or impact copolymers of polyethylene and/or polypropylene. A method of using such a microporous membrane wipe for skin oil blotting is also disclosed. Further disclosed is a method of using such a microporous membrane wipe for cleaning a surface for the removal of fingerprints, smudges and the like, where such surfaces may include, for example, eyeglasses, electronics, cell phones, displays, optical devices, camera lenses, microscope lenses and other precision optics, and/or the like.

Abstract: The application disloses methods of fabricating three-dimensional (3D) graphene crystalline foam, based on mixing a carbon source with a skelet (scaffold) powder. In one embodiment heat and pressure are used to compact the carbon and a metal powder into a close packed structure. In another embodiment a 3D crystalline graphene foam is fabricated with a large surface area (550 m2/g) from a 3D metal foam, depositing a layer of graphene using chemical vapour deposition (CVD), depositing a polymer support and removing the metal via wet chemical etching, such that the graphene retains the configuration, and then finally removing the polymer. A method of fabricating the metal foam framework and coating the metal with graphene are also disclosed.

Abstract: Asymmetric membranes comprising a first asymmetric porous zone including a first porous asymmetry that increases from the first exterior surface through the first porous zone of the bulk, and a second asymmetric porous zone including a second porous asymmetry that increases from the second exterior surface through the second porous zone of the bulk, wherein the first average pore size is larger than the second average pore size, as well as methods of making and using the membranes, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to zinc electrode and to methods of producing zinc electrode and particularly to a method of producing zinc electrode providing dimensional/geometrical stability during a battery charge/discharge operation. The invention provides methods of use of batteries comprising the zinc electrode of this invention. Applications of batteries of this invention include electric vehicles, portable electronics and drones.

Abstract: A bioresorbable and bioactive three-dimensional porous material made from bioresorbable polymers that can be combined with bioactive ceramics, producing a three-dimensional structure of interlinked pores containing additives capable of allowing the regeneration and formation of tissues, and a method for the production thereof is described.

Abstract: A roll for use in an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes an elastomeric core having hollow microparticles dispersed within the core. The hollow microparticles are compressive and resiliently recoverable after receiving an applied force.

Abstract: An in-mold foaming molded product having a thin wall part of the present invention contains expanded polypropylene resin particles. The expanded polypropylene resin particles include a polypropylene resin composition that contains an aliphatic diethanolamine fatty acid ester and an aliphatic diethanolamine in a total amount of not less than 0.1 part by weight but not greater than 5 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of polypropylene resin.

Abstract: In manufacturing a composite semipermeable membrane useful for separating a liquid mixture selectively, it is rendered possible to provide a composite semipermeable membrane that exhibits reduced deterioration of water permeability and solute removing property as a result of drying and that demonstrates reduced economic burden and load for waste liquid treatment without impairing the water permeability or solute removal ratio of the composite semipermeable membrane through change of the membrane manufacturing method, by making a saccharide exist in an aqueous polyfunctional amine solution in performing interfacial polycondensation by bringing the aqueous solution of the polyfunctional amine into contact with an organic solvent solution containing a polyfunctional acid halide on a microporous support membrane.

Abstract: The present specification discloses porous materials, methods of forming such porous materials, materials and devices comprising such porous materials, and methods of making such materials and devices.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for preparing a microporous polyolefin film comprising: a step of injecting a composition comprising polyolefin 30 to 60 wt % and a diluent mixture comprising a diluent, which can make liquid-liquid phase separation with the polyolefin thermodynamically 40 to 70 wt %, into an extruding machine, and melting and kneading thereof to prepare a single phase melt; and a step of extruding the melt while conducting liquid-liquid phase separation by passing through a section having the temperature below the liquid-liquid phase separation temperature and forming thereof in the form of a sheet, and a microporous polyolefin film prepared according to the method.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a water treatment membrane having high chlorine resistance and high permeability, the method including: forming an aqueous amine solution layer on a porous support, using an aqueous amine solution including a fluorine compound having an epoxy group in a terminal thereof and an amine compound; and forming a polyamide layer containing the fluorine compound by bringing an organic solution containing acyl halide into contact with the aqueous amine solution layer, and a water treatment membrane manufactured using the same.

Abstract: An element molded from a particle foam, including for example expanded polypropylene foam, includes at least one visible exterior surface defined by the particle foam. The visible exterior surface is textured having a roughness depth of less than or equal to 1.00 mm and a plurality of vent interfaces each having a maximum width of less than or equal to 0.4 mm. Methods of molding the element, together with a mold and a method of making the mold, are also provided.

Abstract: A hybrid porous structured material may include a porous region and a non-porous region. The porous region may include an imaginary stacked structure, wherein a plurality of imaginary spherical bodies/cavities are stacked so as to contact each other in three-dimensional directions. The non-porous region fills the gaps between the imaginary spherical bodies. A spherical colloid particle is present in each of the plurality of imaginary spherical bodies in the porous region. A separation membrane may include the hybrid porous structured material. A water treatment device may include the membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a mesoporous titanium dioxide thin film from a titanium precursor by using a polymer-grafted alumina composite as a support. The porous titanium dioxide thin film is obtained by using the polymer-grafted hybrid alumina composite as a support for sol-gel reaction, and thus it has a mesoporous structure and high surface area, thereby providing a high dye adsorption ratio. Therefore, a dye-sensitized solar cell using the mesoporous titanium dioxide thin film as a photoelectrode material has high energy conversion efficiency. In addition, it is possible to improve the long-term stability of a dye-sensitized solar cell through efficient infiltration of high-viscosity polymer and solid electrolyte as well as liquid electrolyte.

Abstract: Membranes having a single layer comprising first and second porous portions, wherein the first portion has a more open pore structure than the second portion, wherein the first porous portion includes a surface prepared by removing introduced particles, as well as methods of making and using the membranes, are disclosed

Abstract: Membranes having first and second porous portions, wherein the first portion has a more open pore structure than the second portion, wherein the first porous portion includes channels prepared by removing introduced fibers, as well as methods of making and using the membranes, are disclosed.

Abstract: Membranes having first and second porous portions, wherein the first portion has a more open pore structure than the second portion, wherein the first porous portion includes pores prepared by removing introduced particles, as well as methods of making and using the membranes, are disclosed.

Abstract: An electrode is provided for an electrochemical lithium battery cell. The electrode includes a bulk material that has a plurality of voids dispersed substantially throughout the bulk material. The bulk material is silicon. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A porous surgical implant constructed of a nonbiodegradable polymer that is molded to form an omnidirectional vascularization frame. The frame defines a porous external surface and a plurality of internal longitudinally extending capillaries of a substantially constant porosity throughout the implant. The internal capillaries are in fluid communication with the external porous surface and thereby configured to absorb a fluid adjacent the implant.

Abstract: A lithium-air battery cathode having increased mesopore and macropore volume and methods of making the cathode are provided. In at least one embodiment, a plurality of mesopores is present in the cathode having a porosity of 1 to 70 percent. In another embodiment, a plurality of macropores are present in the cathode having a porosity of 5 to 99 percent. In one embodiment, the mesopores and macropores are imprinted using a sacrificial material. In another embodiment, the mesopores and macropores are imprinted by applying a template. In another embodiment, the mesopores and macropores are formed by coating cathode material onto a porous substrate.

Abstract: Synthetic composite materials for use, for example, as orthopedic implants are described herein. In one example, a composite material for use as a scaffold includes a thermoplastic polymer forming a porous matrix that has continuous porosity and a plurality of pores. The porosity and the size of the pores are selectively formed during synthesis of the composite material. The example composite material also includes a plurality of a anisometric calcium phosphate particles integrally formed, embedded in, or exposed on a surface of the porous matrix. The calcium phosphate particles provide one or more of reinforcement, bioactivity, or bioresorption.

Abstract: Effective treatments of pain for extended periods of time are provided. Through the administration of an effective amount of clonidine in a drug depot at or near a target site, one can relieve pain caused by diverse sources, including but not limited to spinal disc herniation (i.e. sciatica), spondilothesis, stenosis, discogenic back pain and joint pain. When appropriate drug depot formulations are provided within biodegradable polymers, this pain relief can be continued for at least fourteen days.