Abstract: A centrifugal casting device and method employing a rotatable polymerization column adapted to accommodate a plurality of vertically aligned molds and being associated with an arrangement of advancing means and mold feeding means which are synchronized to intermittently and automatically advance a mold containing a polymerizable or curable composition in the mold cavity over the polymerization column and then automatically force feeding said mold into the polymerization column.

Abstract: A device and method for spin casting articles, such as lenses, employing a rotatable polymerization column in conjunction with a plurality of molds such that the column is adapted to accommodate a plurality of gravity fed molds in a loose mating engagement that insures rotation of the molds to be synchronized to the speed of rotation of the column to produce quality spun cast articles.

Abstract: A device and method for spin casting articles such as lenses employing a polymerization tube in conjunction with a plurality of molds such that the tube is adapted to accommodate the plurality of molds in an interference fitting and sliding relationship so that rotation of the polymerization tube will cause the molds to rotate at the same speed while maintaining the concentricity of the molds to the spinning axis of the tube to produce quality spun cast articles.

Abstract: A device for the centrifugal casting of articles in a rotatable polymerization column which includes retaining means disposed in the lower end of the column for communicating with a mold therein whereby the rotational speed of said mold and other vertically arranged molds above it are made substantially synchronous with the rotational speed of the column.

Abstract: A method is provided for restoring some or all of the activity of gamma-interferon which has been in contact with an acidic solution comprising the steps of: (a) placing the gamma-interferon in a solution which has a pH between about 5.5 and 9.5; and (b) incubating the solution at a temperature of between about 2.degree. C. and 8.degree. C. for a period of at least 24 hours. The method allows antibody affinity chromatography employing acid elution to be used to purify gamma-interferon, in that, the activity of the acid-eluted gamma-interferon can be essentially completely restored using the reactivation process.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a natural mixture of Type I and Type II interferons which are produced by induction with measles vaccine virus in leukocyte cells obtained from human donors immune to measles, and methods for the preparation of such pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: An improved gas feed means adapted to accommodate and secure the lower end of a polymerization column for synchronous rotation therewith and adapted to supply a controlled amount of a gaseous medium, such as nitrogen, into and through the rotating polymerization column so as to purge any undesirable gas within the polymerization column that could adversely affect the quality of the objects being centrifugally casted.

Abstract: Prophylaxis or treatment of interferon-sensitive diseases in a human is effected by the rectal or urogenital administration to a human of a liquid pharmaceutical composition of native human interferon (Types I and II), said liquid pharmaceutical composition not being clinically appropriate for intravenous or intramuscular injection.

Abstract: Hydrogels are prepared by subjecting to poymerization conditions an aqueous admixture comprising a major amount of an organic monomer which is characterized by a polymerizable ethylenic group ##STR1## as illustrated by N,N-dimethylacrylamide, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate or methoxytriethylene glycol methacrylate, and a minor amount of solubilized collagen. The reactants employed are at least partially soluble in the aqueous reaction medium. The hydrogels thus prepared are novel shaped articles having utility in the medical and cosmetic fields. Contact lenses of such hydrogels exhibit high water content, high oxygen permeability and good mechanical strength characteristics.

Abstract: Biologically stabilized compositions are prepared by subjecting to polymerization conditions an aqueous admixture comprising from 50 to about 70 weight percent solubilized collagen and from about 30 to less than 50 weight percent of an organic compound which is characterized by a polymerizable ethylenic group (>C.dbd.C<) as illustrated by N,N-dimethylacrylamide, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate or methoxytriethylene glycol methacrylate. The reactants employed are at least partially soluble in the aqueous reaction medium. The hydrogels thus prepared can be in the form of novel shaped articles having utility in the medical and cosmetic fields. Such hydrogels exhibit good biological stability, high water content, high oxygen permeability and sufficient mechanical strength characteristics to be useful as contact lenses.

Abstract: A rollable game playing piece, and a method of an individual utilizing the playing piece in playing games. A rigid body disc has a top surface provided as a friction surface, and has a number of casters or the like affixed inside and upwardly of its bottom for mounting the body disc so that it is stable and freely rollable over a flat surface. The playing piece has a substantially non-planar hemispheric profile across the entire top thereof. An individual engages the top friction surface with one of his feet, and propels the playing piece toward a net by flexing his leg at the knee and/or hip to apply a force to the playing piece, and then releasing engagement of his foot with the top surface of the playing piece.

Abstract: Gaseous fuels are produced by a process which involves simultaneous gasification of coal and pyrolysis of organic solid waste materials in a pollution-free conversion system. According to this process, a mixture of coal and organic solid waste materials is fed to the top of a reaction vessel such as a vertical shaft furnace or a blast furnace, wherein the feed is dried by heat exchange with the gases rising from the lower section of the reactor. Steam and an oxidant gas containing at least 75 volume percent oxygen are introduced to the bottom of the reactor for partially combusting coke and char in a partial combustion zone thereby providing the thermal driving force for the reactions in the reactor. The organic solid waste materials are pyrolyzed and the volatile components of the coal destructively distilled simultaneously in the presence of hydrogen in a pyrolysis and coking zone of the reactor wherein the organic solid waste materials are converted into char and the coal is converted into coke.