Abstract: The present invention includes processes and resulting structures for producing a modified polymer having interconnecting channels. The interconnecting channels act as controlled transmission passages through the polymer. A hydrophilic agent is blended into the polymer so that it is distributed within the polymer. In one embodiment, a releasing material is blended into the polymer so that the releasing material is distributed within the product. The product is solidified so that the hydrophilic agent forms passages in the product through which a desired composition is communicable to the releasing material that is entrained within the product. The solidified product may be used to form a desired shaped article such as plug type inserts and liners for closed containers, or it may be formed into a film, sheet, bead or pellet.

Abstract: A surgical cross-connecting apparatus includes a first element, a second element, an adjustable tightening device and at least two rotatable hooking elements. The first element has opposing ends; one end has at least one aperture and the other end has a recessed surface including a central bore. The second element has opposing ends; one end having at least one aperture and the other end has a recessed surface including an elongated aperture. The recessed surface of the second element is positioned to overlap the recessed surface of the first element. The adjustable tightening device is positioned through the elongated aperture of the second element and within the central bore of the first element to secure the second element onto the first element. The tightening device is designed to rotatably fit and slidably move within the elongated aperture of the second element.

Abstract: The present invention includes processes and resulting structures for producing a modified polymer having channels. The channels act a controlled transmission passages through the polymer. A polymer is caused to assume a molten state, typically by applying heat and melting the polymer. A channeling agent is blended then reacted into the polymer so that it is distributed within the polymer. In one embodiment, an absorbtion additive is then blended into the product so that the absorbtion additive is distributed within the product. The product is solidified so that the channeling agent forms passages in the product through which a desired compound is communicable to additive that is entrained within the product. The solidified product may be used to form plug type inserts and liners for closed containers, or it may be formed into a film, sheet, bead or pellet.

Abstract: A handling tool for coupling to a cutting guide includes a substantially elongate first end shaped to be grasped by human hand. The tool includes at least two mating tines, disposed at a second end of the tool. The mating tines are biased to move toward each other and are forced apart from each other by a cam portioned therebetween. The mating tines each include a mating means for mating the tool with the cutting guide.

Abstract: The present invention includes processes and resulting structures for producing a modified polymer having interconnecting channels. The interconnecting channels act as controlled transmission passages through the polymer. A hydrophilic agent is blended into the polymer so that it is distributed within the polymer. In one embodiment, a water-absorbing material is blended into the polymer so that the water-absorbing material is distributed within the product. The product is solidified so that the hydrophilic agent forms passages in the product through which a desired composition is communicable to the water-absorbing material that is entrained within the product. The solidified product may be used to form a desired shaped article such as plug type inserts and liners for closed containers, or it may be formed into a film, sheet, bead or pellet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing the modulus of elasticity of a polymeric article, while at the same time maintaining its yield strength, crystallinity and elongation to rupture to be the same as the polymeric article prior to its heating and quenching treatment.