Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for preparing an antimicrobial plastic body, said processes comprising molding a precursor and being characterized in that prior to molding at least one component of the precursor is treated with a metal colloid.

Abstract: Rinsing and drying a surface of a microelectronic device and the enhanced removal of rinse fluid from the surface of the microelectronic device while the microelectronic device is rotated is provided as part of a spray processing operation. Rinse fluid is generally directed to the surface of the microelectronic device by a dispensing device while one or more such microelectronic devices are supported on a turntable in a generally horizontal fashion. Drying gas is supplied after the rinsing step. During at least a portion of both rinsing and drying steps, a drying enhancement substance, such as IPA, is delivered to enhance the rinsing and drying. Particle counts and evaporation thicknesses are reduced by delivering a tensioactive compound like IPA, during at least portions of the rinsing and drying steps while a microelectronic device is controllably rotated.

Abstract: Described are surgical instruments for use in surgical procedures, related methods, systems, and kits, the instruments including features that optionally include one or more specific dimensions, and features that may result in an ergonomic advantage during use.

Abstract: The invention provides a controlled release bioactive agent delivery device for treatment of an eye that includes a body member having a direction of extension, a longitudinal axis along the direction of extension, and a proximal end and a distal end, wherein at least a portion of the body member deviates from the direction of extension, and a polymeric coated composition in contact with a surface of the body member, the polymeric coated composition including a first polymer, a second polymer, and a bioactive agent. The first polymer and the second polymer are hydrophobic, and the body member has a length such that, upon placement of the device at an implantation site within a posterior segment of an eye, the device does not enter a central visual field of the eye. The invention also provides methods method of delivering bioactive agent to a posterior region of an eye.

Abstract: A method for producing a polyimide film comprises the steps of: preparing a polar organic solvent solution of a polyimide precursor obtained by mixing a tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride compound and a diamine compound; adding a dehydrating agent and an imidization catalyst to the polar organic solvent solution so as to prepare a resin solution composition; and drying the resin solution composition by heating so as to imidize the resin solution composition after flowing the resin solution composition onto a support in a casting manner, wherein diethyl pyridine is used as the imidization catalyst. According to the production method, it is possible to obtain a polyimide film which is highly productive and is excellent in the film quality such as the mechanical property, the adhesive strength, and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides a controlled release bioactive agent delivery device that includes a body member having a direction of extension, a longitudinal axis along the direction of extension, and a proximal end and a distal end, wherein at least a portion of the body member deviates from the direction of extension, and a polymeric coated composition in contact with the body member, the polymeric coated composition including a first polymer, a second polymer, and a bioactive agent, wherein the first polymer comprises polyalkyl(meth)acrylate, aromatic poly(meth)acrylate, or a combination of polyalkyl(meth)acrylate and aromatic poly(meth)acrylate, and wherein the second polymer comprises poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate). The invention also provides methods of delivering a bioactive agent to a patient in a controlled release manner, as well as methods of making a controlled release bioactive agent delivery device.

Abstract: A building panel for attachment to exterior and interior building surfaces, the panel including a casting layer having at least one imbedded reinforcing layer, at least one attachment means extending through the casting layer and imbedded reinforcing layer for attachment to a building frame, and a finishing layer adjacent to the casting layer, the finishing layer being positioned to cover a first end of the at least one attachment means.

Abstract: A system and method for utilizing a highly secure two-dimensional matrix code on a mobile communications display includes a mobile communications device having a visible display, and a means for creating a highly secure two-dimensional matrix code representing selected data. Means are provided for selectively transmitting the highly secure two-dimensional matrix code, from the means for creating it to the mobile communications device. The highly secure two-dimensional matrix code is then displayed on the visible display of the mobile communications device. Upon reading the code, a transaction is facilitated.

Abstract: The invention relates to sustained release implants and to methods for treating eyes, particularly the eyes of mammals having eye disorders or diseases. By using the implants and methods described herein, the delivery of the one or more bioactive agents can be localized at a desired treatment site, particularly the choroid and the retina.

Abstract: The invention provides implantable sustained release bioactive agent delivery devices that include a body member having a direction of extension, a longitudinal axis along the direction of extension, and a proximal end and a distal end, wherein at least a portion of the body member deviates from the direction of extension; and a polymeric coated composition in contact with a surface of the body member, the polymeric coated composition including a first polymer, a second polymer, and a bioactive agent. The polymeric coated composition is formulated to provide controlled release of bioactive agent over time when introduced into physiological conditions. Methods of preparing implantable devices configured and formulated to provide controlled release of bioactive agent are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions that include macromers and visible light-activated polymerization initiators, and methods for forming a matrix using these compositions in conjunction with a light source that emits light primarily in the visible light spectrum.

Abstract: A cavity thermal detector assembly is presented that allows both tunable narrowband and broadband operation. This allows for high light efficiency, low thermal time constant, and flexibility in designing the optical path. The thermal detector/filter layers are part of the top mirror or mirrors of a Gires-Tournois-type optical cavity and provide absorption and reflection that can be adjusted to the desired width and position of the detected band. Tuning, if desired, can be achieved by applying micromechanical methods. Broadband operation may be achieved by bringing the sensor close to the bottom mirror. In this mode, the sensor or its supports may or may not touch over a small area.

Abstract: A redispersible polymer including, as a redispersing aid, a protective colloid system including from 30% to 100% of a low molecular weight polyacrylamide colloid having a 20% solution viscosity in water of 200 to 800 Centipoise.

Abstract: The present invention relates to binding surfaces for the immobilization of ligands, ligand surfaces and structured surface arrays which present a plurality of identical or different ligands. The invention further relates to a process for the production and the use of such surfaces and to specific binder molecules which can be used for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making thin-film batteries having composite multi-layered electrolytes with soft electrolyte between hard electrolyte covering the negative and/or positive electrode, and the resulting batteries. In some embodiments, foil-core cathode sheets each having a cathode material (e.g., LiCoO2) covered by a hard electrolyte on both sides, and foil-core anode sheets having an anode material (e.g., lithium metal) covered by a hard electrolyte on both sides, are laminated using a soft (e.g., polymer gel) electrolyte sandwiched between alternating cathode and anode sheets. A hard glass-like electrolyte layer obtains a smooth hard positive-electrode lithium-metal layer upon charging, but when very thin, have randomly spaced pinholes/defects. When the hard layers are formed on both the positive and negative electrodes, one electrode's dendrite-short-causing defects on are not aligned with the other electrode's defects.

Abstract: A redispersible polymer powder including: a polymer to be redispersed; and an ortho-cresol based condensation product or salt thereof; wherein the ortho-cresol based condensation product or salt thereof includes N-containing units derived from a N-based component incorporated into the ortho-cresol based condensation product or salt thereof during polymerization.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making thin-film batteries having composite multi-layered electrolytes with soft electrolyte between hard electrolyte covering the negative and/or positive electrode, and the resulting batteries. In some embodiments, foil-core cathode sheets each having a cathode material (e.g., LiCoO2) covered by a hard electrolyte on both sides, and foil-core anode sheets having an anode material (e.g., lithium metal) covered by a hard electrolyte on both sides, are laminated using a soft (e.g., polymer gel) electrolyte sandwiched between alternating cathode and anode sheets. A hard glass-like electrolyte layer obtains a smooth hard positive-electrode lithium-metal layer upon charging, but when very thin, have randomly spaced pinholes/defects. When the hard layers are formed on both the positive and negative electrodes, one electrode's dendrite-short-causing defects on are not aligned with the other electrode's defects.

Abstract: The present invention is related to spacers that can create fluid flow space at a variety of structural interfaces, particularly in building construction. The spacers of the present invention include unique hinges that can physically couple one panel of the spacer to another panel of the spacer in a manner that substantially distortionally separates the two panels. Preferred embodiments include a folded hinge having at least two folds. The spacers of the present invention also include unique panel dimples that help control the rigidity of the panel. In preferred embodiments, elongated dimples are used to help control rigidity.

Abstract: Medical implants formed of hydrophobic derivatives of natural biodegradable polysaccharides and that include bioactive agent are described. The implants demonstrate desirable bioactive agent release profiles and can be prepared to have high drug loading. The implants can be used to treat medical conditions, such as those requiring prolonged administration of the bioactive agent at a target location in the body.