Abstract: Thermally shock-resistant chemically bonded agglomerates suitable for use as a combustible fuel or in a gasification process are produced by:(a) mixing particulate organic material comprising particulate carbonaceous fuel and/or animal excrement (such as dewatered comminuted sewage sludge) with a lignosulfonate, in the presence of water, with application of heat sufficient to maintain the lignosulfonate in fluid form, so as to deposit a film of lignosulfonate over the surface of the particulate material;(b) oxidatively conditioning the lignosulfonate coated particulate material under conditions permitting escape of water present in the mixed particulate material, the conditioning either being in the presence of calcium ions or being followed by mixing the conditioned particulate material with lime; and(c) shaping the resulting free-flowing plastic mixture under pressure, to form the thermally shock-resistant agglomerates.

Abstract: A surgical device for implantation of deformable intraocular lens into the eye through a relatively small incision made in the ocular tissue including a holder with receiver for a lens holder. A lens holder for a surgical device for implantation of deformable intraocular lens into the eye including a split tubular member having a fixed tubular portion and a moveable tubular portion connected together at a hinge. A method for implantation of deformable intraocular lens into the eye using the above-described surgical devices.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display and method of making. The display includes a layer of support material stabilizing a layer of liquid crystal material in dimensional thickness and uniformity. The invention is particularly well suit for making heat-sensitive display labels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a biocompatible polymeric material and methods of making prepared by forming a mixture of collagen, a water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated compound and a cross-linking agent at a temperature of 30.degree. C. to 42.degree. C.; adjusting the pH of the mixture to 3.2 to 5.0; and polymerizing the mixture. The resulting material is rinsed in a physiologic solution at a temperature of 25.degree. C. to 80.degree. C. The resulting polymeric material has a modules of elasticity in the range of 10 to 27.times.10.sup.5 N/m.sup.2. Mechanical strength of the polymeric material is 20 to 100 times greater than polymeric material prepared by known methods. The material is optically transparent and is characterized by 95% or more light transmission in the visible spectrum and by resolution of 200 lines per mm for a +20D intraocular lens. The material is characterized by low protein absorption of about 0.1.times.10.sup.-3 .mu.

Abstract: An expandable body device for the gastric cavity including an elastic expandable body, a rigid fillant delivery tube sealedly connected to the expandable body and having a base portion, an extending portion, and a tip portion. An anchor and a valve are included on the base portion of the fillant delivery tube.

Abstract: An electrical wetness sensor powered by the electrogalvanic action of an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte. In the preferred embodiment the electrolyte is urine and the device is used to warn of incontinence. This device contains the following features: sensitivity to wetness; electrical battery-less operation; hermetic and permanent sealing; no-maintenance operation; portability, inexpensiveness, and disposableness. The alarm unit may be configured to produce a visual and/or audible signal. In the preferred embodiment the alarm unit transmits a signal to a remote FM radio receiver or dedicated device to announce incontinence. Incontinence is announced by a tone, visual signal, silencing of the radio station the receiver is tuned to, or activation of a microphone within the alarm unit to allow remote listening. Any or all of these indications may be designed into the device and are discussed.

Abstract: An aerosol dispenser having a swinging downtube. Further, the aerosol dispenser is preferably provided with a concave bottom when viewing the bottom from inside the container.

Abstract: Rechargeable dispenser, in particular spray bottle dispensers including at least one chemical reservoir for recharging the spray bottle dispenser. Preferably, a plurality of separate chemical reservoirs containing chemical concentrate are provided within the spray bottle dispenser to fully contain any inadvertent spillage of chemicals, and to insure a high degree of safety against accidental spills, and/or accidental ingestion by children.

Abstract: Rechargeable dispensers, in particular spray bottle dispensers including at least one chemical reservoir for recharging the spray bottle dispenser. Preferably, a separate solvent reservoir and chemical concentrate reservoirs are provided.

Abstract: A hingeless type intraocular lens microcartridge for use with a surgical insertion instrument. The hingeless microcartridge has a fixed configuration with a transition portion extending between a lens receiving portion and a nozzle portion.

Abstract: A collagen containing substrate comprising cattle basal membrane is conditioned by incubating the membranes in a mixture of pepsin, hyaluronidase and acetic acid and separating the collagen from the mixture. The mixture can include pepsin, hyaluronidase and a 0.5 M solution of acetic acid in 1:1:10 proportions. The incubation is conducted for about 10 hours at about 45.degree. C. After incubation, collagen is separated from the mixture by centrifuging at a speed of 5000 to 30000 rpms for about 30 minutes. The collagen is mixed with polymerizable monomer and polymerized to form a gel that can be ground to form an intraocular or contact lens.

Abstract: Thermally shock stable bonded solid materials are formed by mixing a solid mineral or inorganic material in an aqueous medium with a lignosulfonate, treating the aqueous medium with a metal ion- based complexing agent (such as lime), with application of heat sufficient to maintain the lignosulfonate in fluid form, so as to produce an intimate mix of saturated slaked lime with lignosulfonate and the mineral or inorganic material, and thoroughly mixing the resulting substantially dry material with dry urea (or a derivative thereof) so as to cause the mix to agglomerate, preferably followed by shaping the agglomerates by briquetting or the like.

Abstract: A strongly adherent laminate with enhanced thermal conductivity and high dielectric strength. The preferred embodiment includes an aluminum-surfaced substrate, a copper layer adjacent the aluminum oxide layer, and optionally, a tin/silver layer adjacent the copper deposition layer, forming a base substrate laminate for mounting a multilayer wiring board laminate to has been discovered. Another embodiment includes a metallic-surfaced substrate, an adjacent vapor-deposited dielectric layer, a metallic conductor layer adjacent the dielectric layer, and optionally, a solder layer adjacent the metallic conductor layer. Surprisingly, such construction has been demonstrated to have a self-healing dielectric whereby dielectric breakdown strength is maintained in repeated tests. Such laminates will find utility in the electronics industry in the fabrication of printed circuit boards and afford a combination of high adhesion, thermal conductivity, and dielectric strength heretofore unknown in the industry.

Abstract: An intraocular contact lens for implantation into the eye. The intraocular contact lens is provided with a transition between a lens portion and lens body portion to minimize edge formation that could potentially damage or wear the back of the iris. Further, the intraocular contact lens can have a variety of features including a groove on the anterior surface for enhancing lubrication between the intraocular contact lens and the back of the iris, an air passageway for equalizing the pressure between the anterior surface and posterior surface, and one or more indents for manipulating the intraocular contact lens under the eye during the implantation operation while preventing contact of the natural lens with the tip of the manipulating instrument.