Abstract: Topical skin compositions include a complex containing components to provide a defense against the various pathway mechanisms of free radicals, reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, and other oxidizing species on the human body including the skin. The compositions may be administered by topically applying them in an amount to inhibit those mechanisms. The compositions and methods are directed to the prevention of the adverse or detrimental effects of free radicals, reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, and other oxidizing species on the human body including the skin. Thus, the compositions according to the invention improve barrier function, inhibit elastase and collagenase, and/or promote synthesis of collagen and elastin.

Abstract: Topical skin compositions include a complex containing components to provide a defense against the various pathway mechanisms of free radicals, reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, and other oxidizing species on the human body including the skin. The compositions may be administered by topically applying them in an amount to inhibit those mechanisms. The compositions and methods are directed to the prevention of the adverse or detrimental effects of free radicals, reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, and other oxidizing species on the human body including the skin. Thus, the compositions according to the invention improve barrier function, inhibit elastase and collagenase, and/or promote synthesis of collagen and elastin.

Abstract: Apparatus for enabling the use of a computer mouse at a sterile surgical site comprises a pouch for the accommodation of the mouse and an inlet sleeve forming an inlet passage into the pouch. The pouch and sleeve are formed of pliable, preferably transparent sterilizable material. When the mouse has been admitted to the pouch via the passage, the sleeve may be separated from the pouch and the open mouth of the latter rolled to form a seal, thereby retaining the mouse within the pouch.

Abstract: A toy water gun is provided which includes a main housing having a handle as well as a water ejection nozzle located thereon. A water supply tank is connected to the main housing which can be filled with water. A pump is located on the housing for pumping water from the supply tank to a pressure chamber located on the main housing. The pressure chamber includes a piston which defines one wall of a water containment space and can be displaced from its neutral position in the pressure chamber housing against a biasing force so that a steady stream of water is discharged from water gun through a nozzle connected to the pressure chamber.

Abstract: An implantable biodegradable device is disclosed containing a fibrous matrix, the fibrous matrix being constructed from fibers A and fibers B, wherein fibers A biodegrade faster than fibers B, fibers A and fibers B are present in relative amounts and are organized such that the fibrous matrix is provided with properties useful in repair and/or regeneration of mammalian tissue.

Abstract: A toy gun includes a barrel having a bay for receiving a soft projectile loaded within a cartridge. A stock is connected pivotally to the barrel and encases a pneumatic cylinder and piston that is primed upon pivotally opening the stock and barrel. The pneumatic cylinder and piston communicate with the bay when the stock and barrel are closed. A trigger releases the piston to force air into the bay for dispatching the projectile from the cartridge—leaving the cartridge within the bay for ejection upon opening of the stock and barrel.

Abstract: The present invention provides tools and methods of processing microelectronic substrates in which the tools maintain high throughput yet have dramatically lower footprint than conventional tools. In preferred aspects, the present invention provides novel tool designs in which multiple tool functions are overlapped in the x, y, and/or z axes of the tool in novel ways.

Abstract: A toy water gun having a water supply tank which can be filled with water, and a water pump located on the housing for pumping water from the supply tank to at least one water pressure chamber. The water pressure chamber includes a fixed wall, and a moveable wall which substantially sealingly engages the fixed wall and is slidable away from a first end wall as water is pumped into the water pressure chamber and toward it as water is discharged. An air pressure chamber is located on an opposite side of the moveable wall from the water pressure chamber and is pressurizable with compressed air to bias the moveable wall toward the first end wall. A pump is connected to a selector valve assembly which, in a first state, allows air to be pumped into the air pressure chamber for pressurizing it with compressed air and, in a second state, places the pump in communication between the water supply tank and the water pressure chamber to allow water to be pumped from the supply tank to the water pressure chamber.

Abstract: A vacuum bag media and associated method of production, which includes a first layer that includes an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane and at least one second layer that includes a first component having a first melting point and a second component having a second melting point that is higher than the first melting point, wherein the first layer is attached to the at least one second layer. The second layer can include cellulose material, spunbond, nonwoven fabric, and a thermal bond, nonwoven fabric. Attachment of the first layer of material to the at least one second layer of material can occur through thermobonding, e.g., heated gas, infrared heat and heated calender rolls. The application of adhesives and the use of ultrasonic energy can also bond the layers together. Approximately five percent (5%) to fifty percent (50%) of the first component can be selectively melted for superior airflow.

Abstract: The present patent describes a biocompatible composite made of a first fibrous layer attached to a three-dimensional inter-connected open cell porous foams that have a gradient in composition and/or microstructure through one or more directions. These composites can be made from blends of absorbable and biocompatible polymers. These biocompatible composites are particularly well suited to tissue engineering applications and can be designed to mimic tissue transition or interface zones.

Abstract: Disclosed are environmentally benign crop protection compounds that interfere with the attachment of a broad range of plant pathogens to plant cells surfaces.

Abstract: A toy water gun having a water supply tank which can be filled with water, and a water pump located on the housing for pumping water from the supply tank to at least one water pressure chamber. The water pressure chamber includes at least one fixed wall, and a moveable wall which substantially sealingly engages the at least one fixed wall and is slidable away from a first end wall as water is pumped into the water pressure chamber and toward the first end wall as water is discharged. An air pressure chamber located on an opposite side of the moveable wall from the water pressure chamber and is pressurizable with compressed air to bias the moveable wall toward the first end wall. An air pump is connected to the air pressure chamber for pressurizing the air pressure chamber with a user desired air pressure. Upon actuation of the release valve, the air pressure acts on the moveable wall to force water under pressure from the water pressure chamber so that a stream of water is ejected from the nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds and materials that reduce the accumulation of microorganisms a surface, by interfering with the attachment of the organisms to the surface. The compounds and materials are thus useful in preventing the formation of biofilms on surfaces in health-related environments. By preventing the formation of biofilms, the compounds formulated according to the present invention can be used in the fabrication of grafts, implants, medical devices in order to prevent infection thereof. The compounds formulated according to the present invention display an additional anticoagulant property, permitting their use in settings where decrease in blood coagulability is desirable.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to bone replacement devices and compositions containing a synthetic, bioabsorbable, biocompatible liquid polymer that is the reaction product of a polybasic acid or derivative thereof, a polyol and a fatty acid, the liquid polymer having a melting point less than about 40° C., as determined by differential scanning calorimetry.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing or limiting the rotation of cementing plugs in a casing string during drillout. The apparatus includes an outer housing with a sleeve disposed therein. The sleeve has an inner surface configured to engage cementing plugs received therein to cause an interference fit. The sleeve will hold the cementing plugs when rotational forces, such as drilling forces, are applied so that during drillout, rotation of the cementing plug is prevented or is at least limited.

Abstract: A production packer comprising a packer body, a flat plate, a sealing element, production tubing, water overflow tubing, gas vent tubing, pump cable pack-off tubing, and an optional pressure transducer port. The flat plate is welded onto the top of the packer body. The sealing element is bonded to the outside of the packer body. In the preferred embodiment, the packer body is a steel pipe, and the flat plate is made of steel. The packer is placed inside a production casing, and the diameter of the sealing element is greater than the diameter of the production casing. The sealing element is made out of a material that is durable enough to withstand the pressures associated with a production packer, flexible enough to fit inside the production casing, and elastic enough to create a seal between the packer body and the production casing.

Abstract: The present invention provides tools and methods of processing microelectronic substrates in which the tools maintain high throughput yet have dramatically lower footprint than conventional tools. In preferred aspects, the present invention provides novel tool designs in which multiple tool functions are overlapped in the x, y, and/or z axes of the tool in novel ways.

Abstract: A storage unit for a refrigerator includes a flexible support made of nylon, wire, or any other similar flexible material. The storage unit includes a load support zone which varies in shape depending upon items placed thereon. Most preferably, at least the load support zone is constituted by a mesh which permits the flow of cooling air through the storage unit. The storage unit includes at least one attachment element for securing the flexible support directly to a refrigerator shelf and/or a liner of the refrigerator. The storage unit can be releasably attached or can be a permanent, but collapsible, fixture within the refrigerator.

Abstract: A vacuum bag media and associated method of production, which includes a first layer that includes an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane and at least one second layer that includes a first component having a first melting point and a second component having a second melting point that is higher than the first melting point, wherein the first layer is attached to the at least one second layer. The second layer can include cellulose material, spunbond, nonwoven fabric, and a thermal bond, nonwoven fabric. Attachment of the first layer of material to the at least one second layer of material can occur through thermobonding, e.g., heated gas, infrared heat and heated calender rolls. The application of adhesives and the use of ultrasonic energy can also bond the layers together. Approximately five percent (5%) to fifty percent (50%) of the first component can be selectively melted for superior airflow.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing or limiting the rotation of cementing plugs in a casing string during drillout. The apparatus includes an outer housing with a sleeve disposed therein. The sleeve has an inner surface configured to engage cementing plugs received therein to cause an interference fit. The sleeve will hold the cementing plugs when rotational forces, such as drilling forces, are applied so that during drillout, rotation of the cementing plug is prevented or is at least limited.