Abstract: A biocompatible inorganic porous material having a three-dimensional coexistent network of interconnected macro-pores and nanopores produced by the steps of mixing an organic water-soluble polymer (e.g., polyethylene oxide or a block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide), an alkoxysilane, and an inorganic water-soluble calcium salt in an aqueous acid solution, such that a sol-gel process of hydrolysis and polycondensation is initiated and thereby producing a gel; drying the gel to remove solvent by evaporation; and heating the gel to remove the polymer by thermal decomposition, thereby forming an inorganic porous material, which may be suitable for use as a bone tissue scaffold.

Abstract: Gas generation apparatus and methods are provided, including apparatus and methods for efficient vaporization, and optional burning, of meltable fuels. The apparatus and methods provide controlled generation and combustion of any low melting point dimensionally stable combustible meltable fuel. This is preferably accomplished by first converting the solid or semi solid meltable fuel material into a liquid state, then into vapor, and finally mixing with an air source or other oxidizer before combustion.

Abstract: Provided herein are new compact and miniature oxygen concentrator apparatus, as well as methods incorporating use of the apparatus. The apparatus and methods utilize selected cycle times, adsorbent specifications and novel conditions to produce a fast Pressure Swing Adsorption (“PSA”) system. The oxygen concentrator apparatus and methods herein have significant utility in the fields of biotechnology, engineering, and medicine. A particularly advantageous use of this invention is as a “snap on” portable oxygen concentrator, where piped compressed air is already available such as in civil and military hospitals, ambulances, air craft cabins, mobile fish tanks, etc. Those embodiments eliminate the need for dedicated moving machinery (blower, compressor, vacuum pump) normally associated with a conventional PSA oxygen concentrator.