Abstract: The present invention provides an optical fluorescence based sensor for measuring the concentration of a gas (e.g., CO.sub.2 or ammonia) in a medium such as blood which has improved drift stability. In a preferred embodiment, the sensors of the present invention comprise microcompartments of an aqueous phase having a pH sensitive sensing component within a hydrophobic barrier phase. The sensors of the present invention are substantially free of partitioning species other than the analyte of interest which can migrate from one phase to the other in response to a change in pH in the aqueous phase and which substantially affect the concentration dependent signal. In an alternative embodiment, the sensors of the present invention are constructed so as to retard the migration of partitioning species, thus reducing the initial rate of drift.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article, comprising: a fabric sheet which has been mechanically compacted; and a curable resin coated onto the fabric sheet. The present invention involves compacting a fabric sheet to impart stretchability and conformability to the fabric while minimizing undesirable recovery forces. Suitable fabrics for mechanical compacting are fabrics which comprise fiberglass fibers which are capable of first being mechanically compacted and then being set or annealed in the distorted, state. The article may be in the form of an orthopedic bandage and may optionally contain a microfiber filler associated with the resin.

Abstract: The invention provides novel ionomer polymers and cements comprising .beta.-dicarbonyl groups. The invention has particular utility as filling materials for restoring teeth and for cementing inlays and crowns into place in the tooth, providing a base or a lining in a tooth cavity, and as adhesives or sealants. The invention provides ionomer cement systems that achieve increased resistance to water absorption and solubility.

Abstract: The present invention provides shelf-stable RTV silicones which are useful for preparing sealants, caulks, adhesives, coatings, molding materials, lithographic plates, release liners and reflective sheets. The silicone composition of the present invention comprises: (a) a curable silicone polymer, e.g., vinyl-containing organopolysiloxane, (b) a crosslinker, e.g., organohydrogenpolysiloxane, (c) a platinum catalyst of the Karstedt type and (d) an amine stabilizer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article, comprising: a fabric sheet which has been compacted using a heat shrink yarn; and a curable or hardenable resin coated onto the fabric sheet. The present invention involves compacting a fabric sheet to impart stretchability and conformability to the fabric while minimizing undesirable recovery forces. Suitable fabrics for compacting are fabrics which comprise fiberglass fibers which are capable of first being compacted and then being set or annealed in the compacted state. The article may be in the form of an orthopedic bandage and may optionally contain a microfiber filler associated with the resin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water-curable resin composition for use in an orthopedic cast composed of a water-reactive liquid organometallic compound having at least one hydrolyzable group per molecule and a viscosity of no greater than about 100,000 centipoise under ambient conditions; and an organic polymer, having a number average molecular weight of at least about 400, mixed with the water-reactive liquid organometallic compound. Preferably, the water-reactive liquid organometallic compound is a compound of the formula (R.sup.1 O).sub.x MR.sup.2.sub.(y-x) wherein: each R.sup.1 is independently a substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.1 -C.sub.100 hydrocarbon group, optionally interrupted in the backbone by 1-50 nonperoxide --O--, --S--, --C(O)--, or --N-- groups; each R.sup.2 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.1 -C.sub.

Abstract: The present invention provides a narrow orthopedic casting tape which can be handled in longer lengths suitable for economical production of coated fabric products. The narrow casting tape of the present invention is knitted as a wide fiberglass fabric with at least one removable connecting yarn in the length (i.e., warp) direction of the fabric which acts to connect two narrower strips of fiberglass fabric. The removable connecting yarn is subsequently removed from the fabric by a heat treatment process which separates the wider fabric into two narrower fabrics and also heat sets the fabric. Alternatively, the removable connecting yarn may be removed from the fabric by a dissolution process. Narrow fabrics of the present invention can also be constructed of organic yarns.The present invention also provides a tearable orthopedic casting tape which has a high degree of extensibility.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article, comprising: a fabric sheet; a curable resin coated onto the fabric sheet; and a plurality of microfiber fillers dispersed into the resin. The incorporation of microfiber fillers into the casting materials of the present invention adds substantially to the strength of the cured casting material, particularly when the fabric used therein is a non-fiberglass fabric, while not detracting from the handling properties of the uncured casting tape or bandage.The microfiber fillers useful in this invention are generally characterized as being short fibers having an aspect ratio greater than five to one. Blends of microfibers having different aspect ratios may be utilized in the casting tapes of the present invention. Preferred microfiber fillers or blends have an aspect ratio between 5:1 and 200:1, more preferably, the aspect ratio of the microfiber is between 5:1 and 50: 1, and most preferably, the aspect ratio of the microfiber is between 10:1 and 30:1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water-curable resin composition for use in the preparation of composite materials. The resin composition is composed of a water-reactive liquid organometallic compound having a viscosity of no greater than about 500,000 centipoise under ambient conditions; and a nonreactive organic thermoplastic polymer, having a number average molecular weight of at least about 1,000, mixed with the water-reactive liquid organometallic compound. Preferably, the water-reactive liquid organometallic compound is a compound of the formula (R.sup.1 O).sub.x MR.sup.2.sub.(y-x) wherein: each R.sup.1 is independently a substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.1 -C.sub.100 hydrocarbon group, optionally interrupted in the backbone by 1--10 nonperoxide--O--, --S--, --C(O)--, or --N-- groups; each R.sup.2 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.1 -C.sub.

Abstract: Fluoroaluminosilicate dental cement glasses are treated with an aqueous silanol treating solution and optionally with an additional organic compound. The treated glasses form cements with improved strength. The silanol can be ethylenically-unsaturated and can contain acidic groups, and, if so, is novel in its own right.

Abstract: Amino-ester catalysts for curing water-curable isocyanate-functional materials. Also disclosed are catalysis methods and curable compositions involving amino-ester catalysts, and casting articles and methods of orthopedic casting.

Abstract: The invention provides novel ionomer polymers and cements comprising .beta.-dicarbonyl groups. The invention has particular utility as filling materials for restoring teeth and for cementing inlays and crowns into place in the tooth, providing a base or a lining in a tooth cavity, and as adhesives or sealants. The invention provides ionomer cement systems that achieve increased resistance to water absorption and solubility.

Abstract: Catalyzes methods and curable compositions involving amino-ester catalysts and isocyanate-functional materials. Also disclosed are casting articles and methods of orthopedic casting.