Abstract: Disclosed is a backpack comprised of a flexible bag for containing a load to be carried and adjustable-length connection means extending across the interior of the bag and interconnecting the front and rear thereof. The volume of the bag can be adjusted to match variously-sized loads by adjusting the lengths of the connection means.

Abstract: Sea-growth is removed from submerged ship-hull surfaces by the utilization of an apparatus which comprises a net with a predetermined mesh design made from an explosive cord with predetermined charge and manufactured in a specific net pattern for obtaining sequential ignition in a predetermined direction.The method further includes the positioning of the net in a specific mode at a predetermined distance from the submerged hull surface and the initiation of the net at certain points at timed intervals thereby controlling the energy dissipation and the removal of the sea-growth in sections along the ship hull surfaces.

Abstract: A new concept in polymeric prosthetic devices having a portion thereof composed of a hydrophilic polymer is described herein in which distortions and stresses upon the device due to water absorption are minimized or eliminated. Physical properties of the various portions of the device may thus be varied to provide the particular physical parameters required. Compositions of matter and methods of manufacturing the novel prosthetic devices are described. The composition of matter is a polymer which includes a water soluble solid inert substance removable by exposure to water during hydration of the hydrophilic portion of the device, thus eliminating distortions and stresses therein. The hydrophilic polymer described is useful, for example, as one component part of such prosthetic devices as a hard-soft contact lens, cardiovascular implants, etc. useful in aqueous environment wherein stress and deformation of the polymer shape due to hydration must be minimized.