Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing improved feathers (including down feathers) by coating said feathers with coating materials via plasma deposition resulting in coated feathers and down feathers with improved properties such as moisture resistance, hydrophobicity, fill power (loft), and other improved characteristics.

Abstract: A conveyor is powered by a rotating, generally horizontal drive tube or shaft engaged by angularly disposed trolley wheels, in which trolleys support the conveyed products or materials above the drive tube and clear of any parts of the conveyor structure that would interfere with the desired path of travel. Each of the trolleys is provided with load wheels which ride on load rails above the drive tube and associated drive wheels, thereby providing a structure upon which a platform or other support may be mounted for bearing the transported products.

Abstract: A conveyor is powered by a rotating, generally horizontal drive tube or shaft engaged by angularly disposed trolley wheels, in which trolleys support the conveyed products or materials above the drive tube and clear of any parts of the conveyor structure that would interfere with the desired path of travel. Each of the trolleys is provided with load wheels which ride on load rails above the drive tube and associated drive wheels, thereby providing a structure upon which a platform or other support may be mounted for bearing the transported products.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to controlled drug delivery. More specifically, the present invention relates to novel device/system and extracorporeally-controlled method of drug delivery. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a system comprising a thermally-active metal nanoshell; and a temperature-responsive interpenetrating polymer network having at least one therapeutic agent disposed therein; wherein the thermally-active metal nanoshell is proximate to the temperature-responsive interpenetrating polymer network. In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a particle composition comprising a thermally-active metal nanoshell and a temperature-responsive interpenetrating polymer network. A method is also provided comprising: providing a plurality of the particles; and irradiating the particles so as to effect a temperature-induced swelling of the temperature-responsive interpenetrating polymer network.