Abstract: New valves to allow or prevent material flow through a conduit are disclosed. Such valves comprise a valve seat having a longitudinal axis, defining a through opening and including a seating surface which defines a portion of the through opening. A valve body, operatively coupled to the valve seat, is located at least partially in the through opening. A valve element is secured to and movable relative to the valve body. The valve element includes a sealing surface which is curved in at least one plane parallel to and including the longitudinal axis of the valve seat and is adapted to contact the seating surface to prevent material flow through the through opening. Pump assemblies and condiment dispensing systems employing such valves are also disclosed.

Abstract: New high refractive index polymeric compositions and foldable intraocular lenses made from such compositions are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present compositions comprise a copolymer including a major amount of a first constituent derived from a first monomeric component the homopolymers of which have a refractive index of at least about 1.50, a minor amount of a second constituent derived from a second monomeric component other than the first monomeric component the homopolymers of which have a glass transition temperature of less than about 30.degree. C., preferably less than about 22.degree. C., and a third constituent derived from a crosslinking monomeric component in an amount effective to facilitate returning a deformed intraocular lens made of the composition to its original shape.

Abstract: A process for recovering at least one precious metal from an ore containing carbonaceous material is disclosed. The process involves the use of certain plant derived ortho-quinone containing components, in particular, certain lignin and/or tannin derived components containing ortho-quinone functionality.Preferred compositions comprise at least one ligno sulfonate component containing ortho-quinone functionality. In the process, the use of at least one additional oxidant capable of maintaining the ortho-quinone containing functionality in the desired oxidation state provides for integrated process synergy.

Abstract: Processes for coating substrates, in particular substrates including shielded surfaces, with iron oxide-containing coatings are disclosed. Such processes comprise contacting a substrate with an iron oxide precursor, preferably maintaining the precursor coated substrate at conditions to equilibrate the coating, and then oxidizing the precursor to form a substrate containing iron oxide. Also disclosed are substrates coated with iron oxide-containing coatings for use in various magnetic applications.

Abstract: An ultraviolet light absorbing silicone composition is disclosed which comprises silicone base polymer and ultraviolet light absorbing component present as, or derived from, one or more silicon-containing ultraviolet light absorbing benzotriazole derivatives. Also disclosed are methods for producing such silicone compositions and derivatives. Such silicone compositions, which are preferably optically clear, are useful as lens materials.

Abstract: Processes for coating substrates, in particular substrates including shielded surfaces, with copper oxide-containing coatings are disclosed. Such processes comprise contacting a substrate with a copper oxide precursor, preferably maintaining the precursor coated substrate at conditions to equilibrate the coating, and then oxidizing the precursor to form a substrate containing copper oxide. Also disclosed are substrates coated with copper oxide-containing coatings for use in various applications.

Abstract: New intraocular lenses, fixation member assemblies for use in such lenses and methods for making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention involves a method for producing a fixation member assembly which comprises exposing a fixation member component to a first plasma at conditions effective to enhance, relative to a substantially identical fixation member component which is not subjected to the exposing step, the bondability between the fixation member component and a polymeric coating to be located on the fixation member component; and exposing the fixation member to a second plasma in the presence of at least one material selected from polymeric components, polymerizable components and mixtures thereof at conditions effective to form the polymeric coating located on the fixation member component. Enhanced bondability between the polymeric coating-containing fixation member component and the optic of the intraocular lens and/or enhanced biocompatibility are preferably provided.

Abstract: A process for recovering at least one precious metal from an ore containing metal sulfide material is disclosed. The process involves the use of promoting amounts of certain plant derived ortho-quinone containing components, in particular, certain lignin and/or tannin derived components containing ortho-quinone functionality. Preferred compositions comprise at least one ligno sulfonate component containing ortho-quinone functionality. In the process, the use of at least one additional oxidant capable of maintaining the ortho-quinone containing functionality in the desired oxidation state provides for integrated process synergy.

Abstract: A process for producing a porous pipe is disclosed and includes forming an extrudable mixture comprising elastomer particles, binder component and a solid water carrier component having a composition other than the elastomer particles and the binder component and being associated with sufficient water to provide porosity to a porous pipe produced from the mixture; and extruding the extrudable mixture to conditions effective to form the porous pipe.

Abstract: New high refractive index polymeric compositions and foldable intraocular lenses made from such compositions are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present compositions comprise a copolymer including a major amount of a first constituent derived from a first monomeric component the homopolymers of which have a refractive index of at least about 1.50, a minor amount of a second constituent derived from a second monomeric component other than the first monomeric component the homopolymers of which have a glass transition temperature of less than about 300.degree. C., preferably less than about 220.degree. C., and a third constituent derived from a crosslinking monomeric component in an amount effective to facilitate returning a deformed intraocular lens made of the composition to its original shape.

Abstract: Coated substrates are disclosed comprising a three-dimensional inorganic substrate having a coating of electrically conductive tin oxide on at least a portion of all three dimensions thereof, produced by a unique process having particular applicability to the manufacture of tin oxide coated three-dimensional substrates. Certain novel coated substrates, such as flakes, spheres and monoliths are disclosed. The coated substrates are useful in battery, catalysis, heating, shielding and field dependent fluid applications.

Abstract: A composition comprising an acid resistant substrate in the form of fibers or particles coated with electrically conductive, doped tin oxide.

Abstract: A heating element comprising a three dimensional substrate having coating-containing electrically conductive tin oxide on at least a portion of all three dimensions thereof, the coated substrate being adapted and structured to provide heat in response to the presence of one or more electrical and/or magnetic fields.

Abstract: Processes for coating substrates, in particular substrates including shielded surfaces, with zinc oxide-containing coatings are disclosed. Such processes comprise contacting a substrate with a zinc oxide precursor, preferably maintaining the precursor coated substrate at conditions to equilibrate the coating, and then oxidizing the precursor to form a substrate containing zinc oxide. Also disclosed are substrates coated with zinc oxide-containing coatings for use in various applications.

Abstract: A heating element includes a multi-channel monolith substrate having a coating containing electrically conductive tin oxide on at least a plurality of the channels thereof, the coated substrate being adapted and structured to provide heat in response to the presence of one or more electrical and/or magnetic fields.

Abstract: A compound selected from the group consisting of those having the formula: ##STR1## and pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof, wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.4 are independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl radicals containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, OXO, and alkyl radicals containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, the 2-imidazolin-2-ylamino group may be in any of the 5-, 6-, 7- or 8- positions of the quinoxaline nucleus, and R.sub.5, R.sub.6 and R.sub.7 each is located in one of the remaining 5-, 6-, 7- or 8- positions of the quinoxaline nucleus and is selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br, H and alkyl radicals containing 1 to 3 carbon atoms. Such compounds, when administered to a mammal, provide desired therapeutic effects, such as alteration in the rate of fluid transport in the gastrointestinal tract, reduction in intraocular pressure, and increase in renal fluid flow.

Abstract: A sensing element for sensing the concentration of an analyte in a medium is disclosed. The sensing element comprises a matrix material having at least one indicator component covalently bonded thereto. The indicator component is capable of providing a signal dependent on the concentration of a analyte in a medium. The indicator component is derived from at least one indicator compound having an aromatic ring to which is directly bonded a group including a functional portion which is conjugated relative to this aromatic ring.

Abstract: A process for reducing the sulfur content of coal containing pyritic and organic sulfur comprising: contacting the coal with less than the molar stoichiometric amount of at least one +5 vanadium component and at least one reducible manganese component at selected conditions effective to oxidize at least a portion of the sulfur in the coal; reducing the sulfur content of the oxidized sulfur-containing coal; and recovering a coal product having a reduced sulfur content.In another embodiment, the process involves the use of certain plant derived ortho-quinone containing components, in particular, certain lignin and/or tannin derived components containing ortho-quinone functionality, to oxidize at least a portion of at least one of the pyritic and organic sulfur materials in the coal.Preferred compositions comprise at least one ligno sulfonate component containing ortho-quinone functionality.