Abstract: Inventions are disclosed that generate osmotic pressure that can be used to remove fluids from a patient. One embodiment involves implanting a reservoir that has a semipermeable membrane sidewall. The reservoir contains trapped osmotic solutes that can not pass out through the membrane. But fluid from the patient can flow in. The osmotic pressure from the trapped solutes in the reservoir draws fluid from the patient across the semipermeable membrane and into the device. The reservoir may optionally be recharged from time to time and/or replaced by a new reservoir.

Abstract: There are many medical situations that require removal of fluid from a patient. There are many ways to remove the fluid but many of these situations have not been solved. Herein, inventions are disclosed that generate osmotic pressure that can be used to remove these fluids very effectively, a technique which requires no harsh suction or pumping. One embodiment involves implanting a reservoir that has a semipermeable membrane sidewall. The reservoir contains trapped osmotic solutes that can not pass out through the membrane. But fluid from the patient can flow in. The osmotic pressure from the trapped solutes in the reservoir draws fluid from the patient across the semipermeable membrane and into the device. In some versions, the membrane can be changed as desired during the lifetime of the device by pulling the membrane out through the implanted device and putting a new one back in.

Abstract: There are many medical situations that require removal of fluid from a patient. There are many ways to remove the fluid but many of these situations have not been solved. Herein, inventions are disclosed that generate osmotic pressure that can be used to remove these fluids very effectively, a technique which requires no harsh suction or pumping. One embodiment involves implanting a reservoir that has a semipermeable membrane sidewall. The reservoir contains trapped osmotic solutes that can not pass out through the membrane. But fluid from the patient can flow in. The osmotic pressure from the trapped solutes in the reservoir draws fluid from the patient across the semipermeable membrane and into the device. In some versions, the membrane can be changed as desired during the lifetime of the device by pulling the membrane out through the implanted device and putting a new one back in.

Abstract: Compositions for coating biological and non-biological surfaces, which minimize or prevent cell-cell contact and tissue adhesion, and methods of preparation and use thereof are disclosed. Embodiments include polyethylene glycol/polylysine (PEG/PLL) block or comb-type copolymers with high molecular weight PLL (greater than 1000, more preferably greater than 100,000); PEG/PLL copolymers in which the PLL is a dendrimer which is attached to one end of the PEG; and multilayer compositions including alternating layers of polycationic and polyanionic materials. The multi-layer polymeric material is formed by the ionic interactions of a polycation and a polyanion. The molecular weights of the individual materials are selected such that the PEG portion of the copolymer inhibits cellular interactions, and the PLL portion adheres well to tissues.

Abstract: Embodiments include sets of nestable containers with each container having a cover comprises a fold. The covers are disposable between two of the nestable containers when the containers are nested with each other. Uses of the containers include, for example, food, craft, and home storage.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention are temperature probes that have an outer sheathing that contains a plurality of electronic temperature sensors disposed to measure temperature at distinct portions of the probe. Uses of such probes include measuring temperature profiles of objects during cooking or grilling.

Abstract: Compositions for coating biological and non-biological surfaces, which minimize or prevent cell-cell contact and tissue adhesion, and methods of preparation and use thereof, are disclosed. Embodiments include polyethylene glycol/polylysine (PEG/PLL) block or comb-type copolymers with high molecular weight PLL (greater than 1000, more preferably greater than 100,000); PEG/PLL copolymers in which the PLL is a dendrimer which is attached to one end of the PEG; and multilayer compositions including alternating layers of polycationic and polyanionic materials. The multi-layer polymeric material is formed by the ionic interactions of a polycation and a polyanion. The molecular weights of the individual materials are selected such that the PEG portion of the copolymer inhibits cellular interactions, and the PLL portion adheres well to tissues.

Abstract: Embodiments include nestable containers and reversibly deformable closures for the containers that are disposable in the nested arrangement. For example, materials and methods are described for making and using a storage apparatus having storage containers and closures for the containers, the storage apparatus including a plurality of nested storage containers each having an opening, and a plurality of reversibly deformable closures for covering the openings, with the containers being nestable with each other with one of the closures disposed between each nested container.

Abstract: Embodiments include nestable containers and reversibly deformable closures for the containers that are disposable in the nested arrangement. For example, materials and methods are described for making and using a food storage apparatus having food storage containers and closures for the containers, the food storage apparatus including a plurality of nested food storage containers each having an opening, and a plurality of reversibly deformable closures for covering the openings, with the containers being nestable with each other with one of the closures disposed between each nested container.

Abstract: Compositions for coating biological and non-biological surfaces, which minimize or prevent cell-cell contact and tissue adhesion, and methods of preparation and use thereof, are disclosed. Embodiments include polyethylene glycol/polylysine (PEG/PLL) block or comb-type copolymers with high molecular weight PLL (greater than 1000, more preferably greater than 100,000); PEG/PLL copolymers in which the PLL is a dendrimer which is attached to one end of the PEG; and multilayer compositions including alternating layers of polycationic and polyanionic materials. The multi-layer polymeric material is formed by the ionic interactions of a polycation and a polyanion. The molecular weights of the individual materials are selected such that the PEG portion of the copolymer inhibits cellular interactions, and the PLL portion adheres well to tissues.

Abstract: Compositions for coating biological and non-biological surfaces, which minimize or prevent cell-cell contact and tissue adhesion, and methods of preparation and use thereof, are disclosed. Embodiments include polyethylene glycol/polylysine (PEG/PLL) block or comb-type copolymers with high molecular weight PLL (greater than 1000, more preferably greater than 100,000); PEG/PLL copolymers in which the PLL is a dendrimer which is attached to one end of the PEG; and multilayer compositions including alternating layers of polycationic and polyanionic materials. The multi-layer polymeric material is formed by the ionic interactions of a polycation and a polyanion. The molecular weights of the individual materials are selected such that the PEG portion of the copolymer inhibits cellular interactions, and the PLL portion adheres well to tissues.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for eliminating monochromatic interfering frequency components of seismic signals detected during the course of seismic exploration comprising an electrical circuit for producing a monochromatic nulling signal that has the same frequency as the interfering signal. The monochromatic nulling signal is produced by generating a truncated triangular wave having the same period as the interfering signal and filtering the truncated triangular wave to remove all components thereof except those having the period of the interfering signal. Circuit means are provided for controlling the amount of truncation of the truncated triangular wave, and for controlling the time phase thereof. The filtered signal is combined with the geophone signal in such a manner that the filtered signal at least partially cancels out the interfering component of the seismic signal.