Abstract: A gas permeable (GP) ocular lens composition and method of formation are disclosed wherein 98-70% by wgt. of a first polymer component, selected for desired characteristics including gas permeability, and 2-30% by wgt. of a second polymer component, selected for basic GP lens characteristics such as rigidity, structural stability and desired refractive index, are combined in an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) structure forming a thermoplastic composition having optical clarity/compatibility and facilitating low cost formation by molding or thermoforming. The first polymer component is a block co-polymer from first and second monomers. The resulting lens composition has a flexure modulus in the range of about 2,000-50,000 psi; preferably about 5,000-40,000 psi; and more preferably about 20,000-40,000 psi. In one embodiment, the lens comprises a central portion and an annular portion of different characteristics.

Abstract: A gas permeable (GP) ocular lens composition and method of formation are disclosed wherein 98-70% by wgt. of a first polymer component, selected for desired characteristics including gas permeability, and 2-30% by wgt. of a second polymer component, selected for basic GP lens characteristics such as rigidity, structural stability and desired refractive index, are combined in an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) structure forming a thermoplastic composition having optical clarity/compatibility and facilitating low cost formation by molding or thermoforming. The first polymer component is a block co-polymer from first and second monomers. The resulting lens composition has a flexure modulus in the range of about 2,000-50,000 psi; preferably about 5,000-40,000 psi; and more preferably about 20,000-40,000 psi. In one embodiment, the lens comprises a central portion and an annular portion of different characteristics.

Abstract: A gas permeable (GP) ocular lens composition and method of formation are disclosed wherein 98-70% by wgt. of a first polymer component, selected for desired characteristics including gas permeability, and 2-30% by wgt. of a second polymer component, selected for basic GP lens characteristics such as rigidity, structural stability and desired refractive index, are combined in an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) structure forming a thermoplastic composition having optical clarity/compatibility and facilitating low cost formation by molding or thermoforming. The first polymer component is a block co-polymer from first and second monomers. The resulting lens composition has a flexure modulus in the range of about 2,000-50,000 psi; preferably about 5,000-40,000 psi; and more preferably about 20,000-40,000 psi. In one embodiment, the lens comprises a central portion and an annular portion of different characteristics.

Abstract: A hypodermic needle assembly is described which automatically covers the pointed end of the needle after the assembly is used in order to prevent accidental punctures. A sheath circumscribes the needle and is held a patient's tissue to allow sliding movement of the sheath over the needle pointed end, and preferably locking of the needle within the sheath, as well, when the needle is withdrawn from the patient.

Abstract: A thermionic converter (10) is set forth which includes an envelope (12) having an electron collector structure (22) attached adjacent to a wall (16). An electron emitter structure (24) is positioned adjacent the collector structure (22) and spaced apart from opposite wall (14). The emitter (24) and collector (22) structures are in a common chamber (20). The emitter structure (24) is heated substantially only by thermal radiation. Very small interelectrode gaps (28) can be maintained utilizing the thermionic converter (10) whereby increased efficiency results.

Abstract: Ultrasonic images of flowing streams can provide important information regarding the streams. Herein, a plurality of microbubbles are provided in such streams to enhance such images, aid in tumor detection and treatment, provide mapping of vascularity of tissue masses and measure instantaneous blood flow rate. The preferred microbubbles have a coalescence resistant surface membrane encapsulating a gas of a selected composition, the membrane including non-toxic and non-antigenic organic molecules. Preferrably, the microbubbles have diameters in the 0.5 micron-300 micron range.

Abstract: Pressure within a liquid containing vessel is determined by adding a solid precursor for at least one bubble to the liquid, retaining the precursor in the liquid for a sufficient time for it to form at least one bubble and generate a sonic signal, metering a characteristic of the sonic signal which is representative of the pressure in the liquid and determining the pressure in the liquid from the measured characteristic.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for converting crude carbon such as coal, carbonaceous wastes and the like into valuable chemical products and/or energy. A mass of solid crude carbonaceous fuel is fed into a high temperature liquid which acts as a solvent for carbon at a temperature sufficient to carbonize the mass and by which the carbon is separated from impurities. Volatile fractions are removed from the mass which acts as a distillation column. Air, or another oxygen source, is introduced into the reactor wherein it reacts with the carbon dissolved in the liquid therein, which may preferably be iron to form a hot fuel gas. The hot fuel gas is then used to produce useful energy, generally via a stepwise procedure.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with novel apparatus and process for converting crude carbon such as coal, carbonaceous wastes and the like into valuable chemical products and/or energy. A mass of solid crude carbonaceous fuel is fed into a high temperature liquid which acts as a solvent for carbon at a temperature sufficient to carbonize the mass and by which the carbon is separated from impurities. Volatile fractions are removed from the mass which acts as a distillation column. Air, or another oxygen source, is introduced into the reactor wherein it reacts with the carbon dissolved in the liquid therein, which may preferably be iron to form a hot fuel gas. The hot fuel gas is then used to produce useful energy, generally via a stepwise procedure.

Abstract: A stimulator device for insertion in a living body, having particular advantage for intracardiac use comprising a housing having a body formed for transvenous or transarterial insertion, electrode means at the outer surface of said body, means included in said housing defining a pulsing circuit electrically connected with said electrode means and ;means for activating said pulsing circuit embodied in said housing, said activating means being free of physical connection with an outside power source and dependent for its function on the living body in which it is inserted.

Abstract: A stimulator device for insertion in a living body and having particular advantage for intra-cardiac use comprising a structure having a body form of a size and configuration to enable its transvenous or transarterial insertion, the surface of said body form providing electrode means for contact with a portion of the living body to be stimulated by said electrode means, and means mounted to project outwardly of and peripherally of said body form including anchor portions locating in a position displaced from said electrode means and providing means for engaging in portions of said living body to establish said electrode means in a required position of use, said electrode means having in connection therewith means to energize the same once said body form is located in its required position of use.