Abstract: This disclosure provides novel compositions comprising an inorganic and organic compound, which provides a means for the indirect attachment of a reactive species, such as an organic reactive molecule, within a binder polymer matrix. Such compositions provide a hydrophilic nanoscale domain that is uniformly dispersed within the polymer matrix. The nanoscale domain comprises inorganic particles having a nanoscale dimension. Such compositions can enhance the performance potential of the re-active species within the polymer material. The polymer composite that results from the introduction of such reactive species into a polymer matrix provides a self-decontaminating feature. The reactive species include those that are capable of associating with a halogen to form a complex that is active in decontamination of chemical or biological agents.

Abstract: A silane-curing chemical resistant coating composition and methods for making and using the composition are provided. A coating can be manufactured, for example, by two simultaneous or sequential processes. In the first process an inorganic material such as silica or alumina with free amine or hydroxyl sites reacts with an organic moiety having a terminating functional group, such as an oxirane, amine or hydroxyl. In the second process, the material further reacts with an isocyanato, amino or other functional alkoxy, methoxy, acyloxy or other silane group. The terminal functional becomes an alkoxy, methoxy, alcyloxy or other silane that can cross-link with another such silane group on contact with moisture and/or upon absorption of ultraviolet light. Optionally, silane terminated polymers may be further added to contribute flexibility, hardness and other desirable physical properties.

Abstract: This disclosure provides novel compositions comprising an inorganic and organic compound, which provides a means for the indirect attachment of a reactive species, such as an organic reactive molecule, within a binder polymer matrix. Such compositions provide a hydrophilic nanoscale domain that is uniformly dispersed within the polymer matrix. The nanoscale domain comprises inorganic particles having a nanoscale dimension. Such compositions can enhance the performance potential of the re-active species within the polymer material. The polymer composite that results from the introduction of such reactive species into a polymer matrix provides a self-decontaminating feature. The reactive species include those that are capable of associating with a halogen to form a complex that is active in decontamination of chemical or biological agents.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, A reinforced catheter is provided comprising an inner layer forming a catheter body, the body having a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end having a closed tip end, a middle reinforcing layer extending over the first inner layer to the distal end and an outer layer extending over the middle reinforcing layer. Additionally, a connector for coupling a catheter to an extension tube or afterloader is provided comprising a first half having a housing with at least one pair of opposing cutout portions of a first depth provided thereon, a second half slidably connectable with the first half and a biasing means for securing the second half within the housing.

Abstract: A neutron source for neutron brachytherapy is disclosed that may generate neutrons to treat cancer and other tumors. The neutron source in accordance with the invention may include a capsule into which the neutron emitting material is loaded and a guide wire. A coiled wire may be placed around the capsule and the guide wire to strengthen the capsule and guide wire. In accordance with one embodiment, the capsule containing the neutron emitting material is sufficiently thin so that the helium gas generated during the decay of the neutron emitting material may escape into the atmosphere. In a preferred embodiment, the neutron emitting material may be Californium (Cf225).

Abstract: The invention described herein comprises a method of treating a subject having a disorder characterized by the presence of one or more tumors comprising inserting a miniaturized concentrated neutron emitting source into said tumor(s) for a time sufficient to irradiate the cells of the tumor(s). The invention method can be employed in the treatment of both malignant and non-malignant tumors and is especially useful in the treatment of malignant tumors found in the brain, prostate, and other internal organs. A preferred neutron source is californium-252. The majority of the tumor can be surgically removed prior to insertion of the neutron emitting source. In a further embodiment of the invention, a neutron capture compound can be localized to the cells of the tumor prior to insertion of the miniaturized neutron emitting source in order to augment the effects of neutron therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a remote afterloader for moving a radiation source into and out of a catheter inserted in a tumor may include one or more radiation source cassettes, one or more motors, and a shielded container for storing the radiation source cassettes and the motor. Each radiation source cassette may include a radiation source wire having the radiation source connected to a treating end and a dummy source wire having a dummy source connected to a treating end. The motor advances and retracts the radiation source wire and the dummy source wire into and out of each radiation source cassette one at a time.

Abstract: A neutron source for neutron brachytherapy is disclosed that may generate neutrons to treat cancer and other tumors. The neutron source in accordance with the invention may include a capsule into which the neutron emitting material is loaded and a guide wire. A coiled wire may be placed around the capsule and the guide wire to strengthen the capsule and guide wire. In accordance with one embodiment, the capsule containing the neutron emitting material is sufficiently thin so that the helium gas generated during the decay of the neutron emitting material may escape into the atmosphere. In a preferred embodiment, the neutron emitting material may be Californium (Cf225).

Abstract: A method of treating a subject having a disorder characterized by a tumor performed by inserting a miniaturized concentrated neutron emitting source into the tumor to irradiate the cells of the tumor. The method is useful in treating malignant and non-malignant tumors and is especially useful in the treating of tumors of the brain, prostate, cervix and other internal organs. A preferred neutron source is californium-252. The tumor may be surgically treated prior to insertion of the neutron emitting source. A neutron capture compound may be localized to the cells of the tumor prior to insertion of the source to augment the effects of neutron therapy.

Abstract: A device for applying a substantially uniform thickness of a spreadable coating on a substantially planar surface has a handle, a roller attached to the handle, and a spacer on the outer peripheral surface of the roller for engaging the surface to be coated. The spacer defines an arc of at least about 360.degree. around the outer peripheral surface of the roller for maintaining the outer peripheral surface of the roller both in communication with and spaced from the surface to be coated at a distance corresponding to the radial thickness of the spacer means during travel of the roller over the surface to be coated. In one embodiment, the spacer is a filament helically wound about the outer peripheral surface of the roller. The filament is releasably mounted to the roller and has a substantially uniform radial thickness. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the device of this invention.

Abstract: A method and composition for providing a polymeric membrane in situ for isolating vessels which hold hazardous liquid materials. A liquid polymer composition is applied to at least one of the surfaces defining the area which is to hold the liquid hazardous material. Upon cure, a seamless bladder-like membrane is formed which adheres to the surface, and which can be removed by physically peeling from the surface to which it has been applied. The membrane possesses a unique combination of properties which are substantially maintained while in contact with the hazardous material. The polymeric membrane provides, for an extended period of time, an impermeable barrier which acts as a secondary sealant and prevents the spread, deposition, or migration of contaminants.

Abstract: A multi-path feed-thru lead is disclosed that provides increased conductive pathway density and that has particular utility in combination with microcircuit packages housing hybrid and semiconductor discrete and integrated circuit chips. The multi-path feed-thru leads have a configuration that facilitates sealing thereof in the apertures of microcircuit packages to provide increased conductive path density. The multi-path feed-thru lead according to the present invention includes an insulative substrate having a predetermined geometric configuration and includes an extended intermediate portion and first and second end portions configured to define a plurality of bonding pads that facilitate wire bonding to the circuitry housed in the package and to external circuitry, respectively. A plurality of discrete metalized conductive pathways are formed on the intermediate portion ad first and second end portions of the insulative substrate.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for easy and inexpensive fabrication of fold-up frames having diverse geometric configurations for flat packs (metal packages) for housing discrete and integrated circuit chips. The method includes a first step of cutting a piece of flat metallic stock to predetermined length and width consistent with the number of fold-up frames and the perimeter required for the specific fold-up frame configuration to be fabricated, respectively. The flat stock is then milled to form a plurality of grooves of predetermined angle lengthwise in at least one major surface thereof to define the number of sidewall members in the final configuration of the fold-up frame. The milled flat stock may then be sliced to form a plurality of individual milled frames each having the predetermined height required by the specific configuration fold-up frame. Apertures are formed in the milled frame by punching or piercing all sidewall members simultaneously in a single operation.

Abstract: A duplex glass preform for forming hermetic glass-to-metal seals of the compression type. The duplex glass preform comprises a glass infrasturcture or matrix having at least one end thereof modified by the selective distribution therein of ceramic particles. The ceramic particles are selectively distributed to form a ceramic density gradient having the largest concentration of ceramic particles at the surface and gradually decreasing with depth. The duplex glass preform of the present invention has utility in forming glass-to-metal compression seals in hybrid metal packages containing microcircuit chips. The duplex glass preform may be used in the normal insulative fashion or as a conductive member.

Abstract: A duplex glass preform for forming hermetic glass-to-metal seals. The duplex glass preform comprises a glass infrastructure or matrix having at least one end thereof modified by the selective distribution therein of ceramic particles. The ceramic particles are selectively distributed to form a ceramic density gradient having the largest concentration of ceramic particles at the surface and gradually decreasing with depth. The duplex glass preform of the present invention has utility in forming glass-to-metal seals in hybrid metal packages containing microcircuit chips.

Abstract: An offset weld ring is brazed or soldered to the top surface of a flat pack frame to provide an offset weld surface for the welding of a lid to the package in which the heat applied during the welding process is moved away from the glass feedthroughs in the package, thereby permitting closer spacing of the lid to the glass feedthrough for minimizing overall package height and obtaining a low profile package.

Abstract: An all-metal microwave chip carrier is provided with subminiature ceramic feedthroughs, each configured to function as a coaxial cable having a predetermined impedance. In one embodiment, the feedthroughs are formed by providing ceramic tubing metallized inside and out in which the ends are cut away to provide half-cylindrical bonding pads. In order to permit bonding directly to the feedthrough, a flat wire lead is soldered to the channel in the ceramic tube, with the ends of the flat wire extending onto the flat portions of the half-cylindrical portions of the feedthrough. In one embodiment, the chip carrier includes a base, ring, and stepped lid, all of Kovar or other suitable material, with the lid being weldable to the ring rather than being brazed or soldered.

Abstract: A microcircuit package in which one or more leads can be grounded to the package by a simple procedure which is performed on a package of usual construction. A braze preform is placed over a lead to be grounded, a metal washer is disposed over the lead and preform, and the assembly is brazed to cause fusing of the washer to the lead and to the header to provide a low resistance grounding connection between the lead and package.