Abstract: A multi-layered web is disclosed that is resilient and/or elastic in the Z-direction. Thus, when the web is compressed, the web assumes a compacted state and then expands to an expanded state when the compressive forces are removed. In one embodiment, the multi-layered web includes a middle layer made from a resilient blend of fibers positioned inbetween two outer layers. The middle layer, for instance, can contain elastomeric fibers, three-dimensional fibers, and/or debonded fibers.

Abstract: A method for the design, manufacturing, and use of a high-Z particle to enhance the effects of ionizing radiation. In particular, the use of a targeting molecule to enable cellular uptake by the target cells (tumor cells or endothelial cells proximate to the tumor) will enhance the dose effect.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for the extracorporeal ablation of target cells circulating in blood of an organism. Exogenous material introduced into the blood preferentially associates with target cells (e.g. cancer cells, bacteria, viruses) in the blood. An extracorporeal continuous flow pathway accesses the patient's blood to apply an external energy source to the blood at an ex vivo ablation device in a portion of the extracorporeal continuous flow pathway. The exogenous material interact with the applied energy so as to result in the damage or death of the target cells. The blood is then returned to the body in a continuous-flow pattern. By applying the energy while the blood is in the ex vivo ablation device, shielding of the target cells by the body is reduced and detrimental effects on the organs and tissues of the body are avoided or mitigated.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for image identification of contrast agents comprising nanopartiles. The imaging devices and methods may also be configured to identify target tissues from surrounding tissues such as disease conditions (e.g. cancer tumors) through narrow-band imaging of tissue. Contrast agents such as near-infrared absorbing nanoparticles may be introduced to an organism to distinguish target cells, tissues, or structures from normal tissue. The contrast agent is allowed to preferentially accumulate in the target cells, tissues or structures. As the contrast agents are adapted to preferentially absorb one or more wavelengths of light, the reflection of one wavelength or band of wavelengths by the contrast agents is compared to a separate wavelength or band of wavelengths to identify the target cells, tissues, or structures. In this way, the comparisons identify the presence of the preferential accumulation of the contrast agent in the target cells, tissues or structures.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for the extracorporeal ablation of target cells circulating in blood of an organism. Exogenous material introduced into the blood preferentially associates with target cells (e.g. cancer cells, bacteria, viruses) in the blood. An extracorporeal continuous flow pathway accesses the patient's blood to apply an external energy source to the blood at an ex vivo ablation device in a portion of the extracorporeal continuous flow pathway. The exogenous material interact with the applied energy so as to result in the damage or death of the target cells. The blood is then returned to the body in a continuous-flow pattern. By applying the energy while the blood is in the ex vivo ablation device, shielding of the target cells by the body is reduced and detrimental effects on the organs and tissues of the body are avoided or mitigated.

Abstract: A contact lens is provided in which tunable nanoparticles are embedded or otherwise coated on the lens to extinguish near-infrared energy. In one preferred embodiment, the tunable nanoparticles are nanoshells consisting of a dielectric core and a metal shell, wherein the plasmon resonance frequency is determined by the relative size of the core and the metal shell. With the capability to alter the relative size of the core and the metal shell, nanoshells are uniquely tunable nanoparticles, allowing a range of optical extinctions. In another embodiment, the nanoshells are tuned to extinguish energy from other parts of the energy spectrum. In one desired embodiment of the invention, these plasmon resonant structures are introduced into the lens polymer prior to formation or manufacturing of a lens. In another embodiment of the invention, these nanoshells are coated on a contact lens after formation of the lens.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for reducing excessive or inappropriate neovasculature, including nevasculature in the eye which interferes with or has potential to interfere with vision, for example, that associated with diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration. The regions of the neovasculature are targeted with nanoparticles, including metal nanoshells, which are then irradiated, preferably with a laser, to heat them and ablate the undesired blood vessels. The nanoparticles are targeted to the neovasculature by linking them with a targeting agent, including, for example, antibodies, antibody fragments, receptor binding proteins or other proteins or molecules including growth factors.

Abstract: A barbecue grill assembly is disclosed including a bowl and domed, free-standing lid mating with each other to form a three-dimensional oval in combination a support assembly being provided for the bowl in the form of a integral shelf lid holder or brackets mounted on a portion of the barbecue grill assembly in spaced apart relation less than a corresponding dimension of the lid with extended surfaces and stops for causing the lid to move horizontally along the extended bracket surfaces and then rotate into a generally vertical position in cradled engagement with the brackets or integral shelf lid holders, an ash collector unit including vent means being suspended beneath a central portion of the bowl, and an ash sweep assembly to for cleanup of the ashes.

Abstract: A system and method for ocean transport of prefabricated offshore structures includes a self-propelled sea-going vessel having a submergible mid deck and one or more raised decks. Ballasting equipment is provided in the vessel for submerging the mid deck to a level at least deep enough to permit the floating of a shallow draft barge over the mid deck. The shallow draft barge carries a prefabricated offshore structure such as a drill jacket. The barge with the offshore structure loaded thereon is floated over the submerged mid deck, and the vessel is then deballasted to raise the mid deck. With the barge lifted out of the water, the barge is fixed to the vessel which may then transport the barge and its cargo over an ocean to any offshore drilling site.

Abstract: A pile splice is disclosed which completely satisfies the need for such a device which will enable structural analysis of the loads and stresses induced therein, which is simple and economical; which may be readily completed in the field with a minimum of construction equipment and comprises a pair of mating plates having machined abutting surfaces, one each carried by the pile section and embodying an outwardly projecting flange circumscribing the joint area. A tension band is applied to the flanges being comprised of two halves which are joined together at diametrically opposed points by upper and lower fillet welds so that the only stress in the bands is hoop stress induced by tension or bending and shear and the mating plates act in compression as a solid joint whereby all of the loads and resulting stresses in the joint section may be calculated by accepted stress-strain calculations.