Abstract: Controlled delivery of biologically active agents such as pharmaceuticals to body sites is accomplished by combination with a monoglyceride and a vegetable oil. Upon contact with an aqueous liquid, the composition forms a reverse hexagonal liquid crystalline phase matrix which releases the active agent in controlled fashion. The method of delivery is particularly useful for the treatment of periodontal disease by insertion of the liquid crystalline phase precursor composition directly into the periodontal pocket, where water from the gingival fluid induces the spontaneous in situ formation of the reverse hexagonal liquid crystalline phase matrix.

Abstract: The cable dispenser generally comprises a collapsible stand, a collapsible reel and a hook which interconnects the reel and stand. The collapsible stand includes two inverted, generally U-shaped legs with an apex intermediate the ends of each leg. The legs are pivotably coupled together at their apexes. The legs are movable between a collapsed position in which the legs are alinged one over the other and an in use position in which the legs are crossed. The collapsible reel includes a flat base. A pair of inverted generally V-shaped rods are pivotably mounted to the base. The rods are movable between an in use position in which the rods stand upright on the base and a collapsed position in which the rods lie next to the base. The hook interconnects the reel and the stand, so that when the stand and the reel are in their respected in use positions, the reel rotates freely within the legs and when the stand and the reel are in their respective collapsed positioned, the apparatus is flat.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of producing metal oxides which are useful as high temperature superconductors. The method comprises the steps of:(a) mixing generally stoichiometric amounts of metal compounds with an alkali metal metal hydroxide, thereby forming a mixture;(b) heating the mixture to drive off water; and(c) filtering the mixture to remove the alkali metal ions.