Abstract: The present invention generally relates to novel biocompatible crosslinked polysaccharide gel compositions, methods of their manufacture and use, and the novel crosslinkers used to make them. In one aspect of the invention, a novel polyethylene glycol crosslinking agent is described for crosslinking hyaluronic acid. In another aspect of the invention, novel crosslinking agents comprising more than two functional groups are described. These multifunctional crosslinking agents can be used on their own to crosslink hyaluronic acid, or they may be combined with bifunctional crosslinking agents in varying ratios to make hyaluronic acid of tunable mechanical strength and hardness. The present invention also discloses novel hyaluronic acid compositions that have been coated with polyethylene glycol and methods of their use.

Abstract: A method of texturing a soft prosthetic implant shell, such as a silicone breast implant shell. A soft prosthetic implant with a textured external surface layer of silicone elastomer and having an open-cell structure is made by adhering and then dissolving round salt crystals. The resulting roughened surface has enhanced physical properties relative to surfaces formed with angular salt crystals. An implant having such a textured external surface layer is expected to help prevent capsular contraction, to help prevent scar formation, and to help in anchoring the implant within the body.

Abstract: Various methods, techniques or modules are provided to allow for the automated analysis of the 3-D representation of the upper front torso (i) to recognize 3-D anatomical features, (ii) to orient the subject with reference to their anatomy or a display, (iii) to determine dimensional analysis including direct point-to-point lines, 3-D surface lines, and volume values, (iv) to simulate the outcome with the addition of breast implants including breast and nipple positioning, (v) to assist in the selection of the breast implants, and/or (vi) to assist in the planning of breast surgery. The automated analysis is based on the analysis of changes in a 3-D contour map of the upper torso, orientation analysis of 3-D features and planes, color analysis of 3-D features, and/or dimensional analysis of 3-D features and positions of the upper torso.

Abstract: An elastomeric prosthetic implant having a shell and a patch providing a reinforced access region on the shell for introduction of manufacturing implements, such as a gel-filling tool. The shell may cover the entire inner face of the patch, or a substantial part thereof, and a peripheral edge of the patch and the shell cooperate to form a flush interface with no sudden surface steps on both interior and exterior surfaces of the implant. The removal of any surface steps eliminates undesirable tactile discontinuities and stress points that may cause the shell wall to wear or may irritate the surrounding tissues. The prosthetic implant may be a breast implant formed of a silicone elastomer. The patch may be the same material or a liquid silicone rubber, but at least has similar material properties such as elastic modulus, durometer and elongation.

Abstract: A variable cohesive gel form stabilizing implant is disclosed for augmentation or reconstruction of the breast. The prosthesis of this invention comprises an implantable shell or envelope (not limited to a single shell or envelope), filled with a biocompatible gel, or gels, having alterations in gel cohesiveness to maintain stable form, shape, and dimension after surgical implantation. The gel cohesiveness may increase, with increased volume or dimension of the prosthesis. The variable cohesiveness of the gel filler material may be altered by any means (i.e. chemical, fabrication, etc.). The variable cohesive gel form stabilizing implant has shape retention characteristics to maintain its form, thereby reducing or eliminating the undesirable effects of shell wrinkling, knuckling, scalloping or deformation, which can occur at the upper or lower pole of the prostheses, along the perimeter of the shell or at the base, post-implantation.

Abstract: An elastomeric gel-filled prosthetic implant having a shell made of a single gel barrier layer. The barrier layer is formed of a homogeneous silicone elastomer capable of sterically retarding permeation of the silicone gel through the shell and having a bleed rate that is less than about 40% of the bleed rate of current shells which use a sandwiched construction with an internal barrier layer. Further, the barrier layer shell is made of a material that exhibits a wet strength that is comparable to or greater than current shells. The silicone elastomer may be a polydimethyl siloxane, and the substituted chemical group is a diphenyl group with a minimum mole percent of at least 13%. The implant may be designed for breast reconstruction or augmentation such that the shell is accordingly shaped. The shell wall thickness is at least 0.254 mm (0.010 inches), and desirably about 0.456 mm (0.018 inches). The implant shell may be made by dip-forming, spray-forming, or rotational molding.

Abstract: The invention relates to needle-free apparatus that can be used to augment soft tissue. More specifically, the needle-free injectors of the present invention allow injection of more viscous materials such as collagen, hyaluronic acid, and other polymers that are useful as dermal fillers. The needle-free injectors of the present invention allow injection of such materials to fill the undesired lines, wrinkles, and folds of a patient. The present invention also relates to kits comprising such needle-free injectors and a quantity of dermal filling material. In addition, the present invention relates to methods of augmenting soft tissue using needle-free apparatus.

Abstract: An ozone system for agricultural applications generally includes a water flow line having an inlet for receiving a flow of clean water from a water source, an ozone injector suitable for producing a high concentration of ozone in oxygen, and a venturi injector for injecting the ozone gas into the water flowing through the flow line to produce an ozonated water stream. In addition, the system includes a degassing assembly for separating and removing undissolved ozone gas from the ozonated water stream and an ozone destruct assembly adapted to destroy the undissolved ozone. The entire system is motorized vehicle mountable to provide ease in applying the ozonated water stream from the system to agricultural crops.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for purifying the water in spas or hot tubs are provided. Such apparatus include an ozone generator sized and adapted to purify the water in a spa or jetted tub, the ozone generator including a chip electrode assembly adapted to produce ozone from air using an electric discharge, a housing structured to permit visual inspection of the chip electrode in the housing, a power supply assembly, and a transfer assembly cooperating with said ozone generator to pass ozone produced by the ozone generator to the water in the spa or jetted tub. The chip electrode assembly is removably secured to and separately enclosed from the power supply assembly and is adapted to be easily, manually replaceable.

Abstract: A system for inhibiting a wheeled, personal mobility unit, such as skateboards and in-line skates, from sliding along a surface having two or more surface portions oriented at mutually different angles has at least one part having a contact surface that generally complements the two or more surface portions of the surface. The part also has a body extending from the contact surface and terminating at an exposed surface. The part may have hinges to enable the part to bend and conform to complement the surface. The part may have three dimensional features extending from the contact surface for increased adhesive contact area relative to a flat contact surface. The part is anchored to the surface by way of offset fastening members extending from the contact surface and into a substrate of the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for removing debris and contaminants from water passing through a storm drain generally includes a debris trap adapted to fit within a storm drain a porous, filtering element adapted to separate debris from a water flow passing through the storm drain and a frame for directing the water flow into the porous element. The debris trap includes a frame element adapted to substantially prevent bypass of the debris trap, especially during low water flow conditions. The system may further include a debris block adapted to prevent debris from entering a back curb inlet opening of the storm drain. The debris block includes foam end members for adjustably securing and/or sealing the debris block to edges of the drain inlet.

Abstract: A trolley system is provided which includes a powered tow trolley that travels along a rail, an end trolley that is fixed to an end of the rail, and several intermediate trolleys that travel along the rail between the tow and end trolleys. All trolleys are interconnected with a flexible tow line. Each intermediate trolley is provided with an individual mechanical brake for preventing movement along the rail until the brake is actively released by either a pulling or pushing force exerted on the corresponding trolley. The trolleys may include saddles for supporting for example, a load of cables or hoses festooned between the trolleys that are used for powering a moving machine connected to the tow trolley.