Abstract: Molding apparatus (10) is provided which allows use of a particulate non-liquid molding material (121) to produce a variety of articles, such as frustoconical barrel segments (122). The apparatus (10) includes a female mold segment (18) including generally annular inner and outer sidewalls (70, 76) and a complemental male mold section (20) having an annular sidewall unit (30). In use, a molding material (121) is placed between the sidewalls (70, 76) and the section (20) is shifted so that it telescopes within the section (18); this compresses the material (121) to a desired final shape, which is then hardened to yield the final product (122). An optional wear insert (26) can be used with female mold section (18), which can be replaced as needed and assists in cleaning of the apparatus (10).

Abstract: Compositions and methods for selectively binding specific metal ions, such as Ca2+and Cd2+, contained in a source solution are disclosed and described. This is accomplished by the use of a composition comprised of an EGTA ligand covalently bonded to a particulate solid supports through a hydrophilic spacer. The composition formula of the present invention is SS—A—X—L where SS is a particulate solid support such as silica or a polymeric bead, A is a covalent linkage mechanism, X is a hydrophilic spacer grouping, L is an EGTA ligand with the proviso that when SS is a particulate organic polymer, A—X may be combined as a single covalent linkage.

Abstract: A method for removing, separating, and concentrating certain selected ions from a source solution that may contain larger concentrations of other ions comprises bringing the source solution in contact with a composition comprising an ion-binding ligand covalently bonded to a membrane having hydrophilic surface properties. The ligand portion of the composition has affinity for and forms a complex with the selected ions, thereby removing them from the source solution. The selected ions are then removed from the composition through contact with a much smaller volume of a receiving solution in which the selected ions are either soluble or which has greater affinity for the selected ions than does the ligand portion of the composition, thereby quantitatively stripping the complexed ions from the ligand and recovering them in concentrated form in the receiving solution. The concentrated ions thus removed may be further separated and recovered by known methods.

Abstract: A method for separating and purifying the active hematinic species present in iron-saccharidic complexes including sodium ferric gluconate complex in sucrose, ferric hydroxide-sucrose complex and ferric saccharate complex and others of similar form and function, based on separation of the iron-saccharidic complex from one or more excipients and, preferably, lyophilization. Separation of the iron-saccharidic complex permits its analytical quantification; further concentration or purification as a new and useful product; preparation of redesigned formulations for new and useful pharmaceuticals; and/or lyophilization.

Abstract: The compositions of the present invention comprise one or more palladium bound ligands that are covalently bonded to inorganic or organic solid supports. These palladium bound ligands bonded to solid supports can be used for single heterocyclic amine base separation, or can be used to separate nucleotide chain containing specific sequences from other nucleotides or nucleotide chains. In one aspect of the invention, each ligand present is individually complexed to a single Pd(II) ion. If there are from 2 to 4 ligands present in the composition, then each ligand present must be separated from the other ligands by at least 3 atoms, preferably from 3 to 20 carbon atoms or equivalent spacing.

Abstract: A gimbal system is used for supporting and enabling the orientation of a circular satellite antenna dish in azimuth and elevation. The gimbal system includes a hoop structure, the ends of which are connected to the antenna dish. The dish is pivotally supported on the hoop structure for pivotal motion about its “X” axis. The hoop structure is mounted for rotation about the “Y” axis of the dish. The central axis of the hoop is coincidental with the central axis of the antenna. The hoop is driven by means of a motor to rotate the hoop and the antenna dish along therewith between a first position whereat the “Y” axis of the antenna is in its normal initial at rest (Y axis zero position) and a second position wherein the “Y” axis is rotated approximately eighty degrees from this initial position. A second motor is coupled to the antenna at one of the ends of the hoop structure to drive the dish about its “X” axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for removing species of ions from biological solutions, thereby allowing controlled study of the biological effect of one or more ion on a biological system or environment. In general, a solution from which one or more ion species are to be removed is contacted with an ion binding ligand having an affinity for the desired ion wherein the ligand is bound to a substrate such as a solid support or membrane. After the ions have been bound by the ligand-substrate composition, the composition having the ions bound thereto is removed, leaving a solution with a reduced concentration of the one or more ions which were targeted. The biological solution may then be compared to a control biological solution in its original state, or ions may added back into the depleted biological solution at known concentrations. Under either scenario, the biological effects of one or more ions may be studied.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for selectively binding metal ions from source solutions are disclosed. The composition is comprised of a polyamide-containing ligand covalently bonded to a particulate solid support through a hydrophilic spacer having the formula SS—A—X—L. In this formula, SS is a particulate solid support such as silica or a polymeric bead, A is a covalent linkage mechanism, X is a hydrophilic spacer grouping, and L is a polyamide-containing ligand having three or more amide groups and two or more amine nitrogens separated by at least two carbons with the proviso that when SS is a particulate organic polymer, A—X may be combined as a single covalent linkage.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for selectively binding specific metal ions, such as Ca2+ and Cd2+, contained in a source solution are disclosed and described. This is accomplished by the use of a composition comprised of an EGTA ligand covalently bonded to a membrane support. The composition formula of the present invention is M-B-L where M is a membrane having a hydrophilic, partially hydrophilic or a composite membrane with a hydrophilic surface, B is a covalent linkage, and L is an EGTA ligand. The separation is accomplished by passing a source solution containing the ions to be separated through a device containing the membrane-ligand composition, causing the selected ions to be complexed to the EGTA ligands and subsequently removing the selected ions from the device by passing an aqueous receiving solution through the device and quantitatively stripping the selected ions from the EGTA ligand.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and devices for purifying polypeptides and/or proteins using metal loaded ligand bound membranes by metal ion affinity chromatography are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for removing species of ions from biological solutions, thereby allowing controlled study of the biological effect of one or more ion on a biological system or environment. In general, a solution from which one or more ion species are to be removed is contacted with an ion binding ligand having an affinity for the desired ion wherein the ligand is bound to a substrate such as a solid support or membrane. After the ions have been bound by the ligand-substrate composition, the composition having the ions bound thereto is removed, leaving a solution with a reduced concentration of the one or more ions which were targeted. The biological solution may then be compared to a control biological solution in its original state, or ions may added back into the depleted biological solution at known concentrations. Under either scenario, the biological effects of one or more ions may be studied.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for simultaneously removing metallic ions and particulate material from a pH neutral solution using particle-removing membranes (e.g., ultra high molecular weight polyethylene) having immobilized ligands that possess the capacity and high equilibrium binding constants for ion removal. The method is particularly useful for simultaneously filtering/purifying deionized water.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for selectively binding metal ions from a source solution comprise using a polyhydroxypyridinone-containing ligand covalently bonded to a particulate solid support through a hydrophilic spacer of the formula SS-A-X-L (HOPO)n where SS is a particulate solid support such as silica or a polymeric bead, A is a covalent linkage mechanism, X is a hydrophilic spacer grouping, L is a ligand carrier, HOPO is a hydroxypyridinone appropriately spaced on the ligand carrier to provide a minimum of six functional coordination metal binding sites, and n is an integer of 3 to 6 with the proviso that when SS is a particulate organic polymer, A-X may be combined as a single covalent linkage.

Abstract: Naphthyl crown ether ligand molecules containing at least two naphthyl groups that are covalently bonded to suitable solid supports and coated by hydrophobic organic solvents are disclosed. These compositions and associated methods are characterized by selectivity of desired amine or amino acid enantiomers over their counter-enantiomers and derivatives. The composition preferably has an &agr;-value greater than or equal to 4. This allows for the separation of such enantiomers with nonchromatographic resin bed separations of three separation stages or less.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to polyamide ligand-containing polymeric resins and methods of using the same for removing, separating, and/or concentrating certain desired metal ions from solutions, even when the desired ions are in the presence of other metal ions and/or hydrogen ions at much higher concentrations. The unique composition of matter of this invention is a polyamide ligand-containing polymeric resin which is a reaction product of a hydroxymethylated polyamide ligand and a polymerization and/or crosslinking agent. Specifically, the polymeric resins of the present invention are comprised of from 10 to 50,000 polyamide ligand units wherein each polyamide ligand unit contains at least three amide groups (preferably from three to eight amide groups) and two amine groups separated by at least two carbons. Each amide group, after polymerization, may remain hydroxymethylated or be crosslinked to other polyamide ligand units through a crosslinking agent.

Abstract: The invention is a reconditioner for batteries to remove the “memory effect” or “voltage depression”, which is caused by the failure to completely discharge a battery before recharging the battery. The invention places a closed circuit with a low resistance between the positive and negative terminals of a battery. A threshold device is used to stop the current flow after the battery is discharged to a certain level. Some embodiments of the invention provide an indicator to indicate when a battery is sufficiently discharged. Other embodiments also provide a recharger, which recharges the battery after the battery is sufficiently discharged.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for selectively binding metal ions from a source solution comprise using a polyhydroxypyridinone-containing ligand covalently bonded to a particulate solid support through a hydrophilic spacer of the formula SS-A-X-L(HOPO)n, where SS is a particulate solid support such as silica or a polymeric bead, A is a covalent linkage mechanism, X is a hydrophilic spacer grouping, L is a ligand carrier, HOPO is a hydroxypyridinone appropriately spaced on the ligand carrier to provide a minimum of six functional coordination metal binding sites, and n is an integer of 3 to 6 with the proviso that when SS is a particulate organic polymer, A-X may be combined as a single covalent linkage.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for selectively binding metal ions from a source solution comprise using a polyhydroxypyridinone-containing ligand covalently bonded to a membrane support having the formula M—A—L(HOPO)n. M is a membrane having a hydrophilic surface, A is a covalent linkage mechanism, L is a ligand carrier, HOPO is a hydroxypyridinone appropriately spaced on the ligand carrier to provide a minimum of six functional coordination metal binding sites, and n is an integer of 3 to 6. The separation is accomplished by passing a source solution containing the ions to be separated through a cartridge containing the membrane-ligand composition, causing the selected ions to be complexed to the HOPO ligands and subsequently removing the selected ions from the cartridge by passing an aqueous receiving solution through the cartridge and quantitatively stripping the selected ions from the HOPO ligand.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for synthesizing a compound or a library of compounds of Formula 1A and 1B: