Abstract: A method and an apparatus for mechanically removing the meat from a crustacean is provided, which include the steps of loading the tail of the crustacean onto guide means, extending the tail so that it assumes a substantially horizontal position, piercing the tail with the tip of a nozzle connected to a source of pressurized fluid, separating the head and abdominal portions of the crustacean from the tail, and expelling the meat from the tail by means of the pressurized fluid from the nozzle tip impinging on the meat.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for decontaminating military nerve agents and blister agents. The process involves contacting the nerve agent and blister agent, particularly clothing and other items contaminated therewith, with gaseous ozone or chlorine dioxide, whereby the agents are oxidized to non-toxic products and thereby decontaminated rapidly, e.g. within a few minutes. The treatment with ozone or chlorine dioxide does not seriously affect the mechanical properties of the contaminated materials, such as fabrics.

Abstract: Antibody or antigen containing microparticles for the active or passive immunization of the internal female reproductive organs, comprising: microparticles of an antigen or antibody incorporated in a matrix material which is biocompatible and biologically degradable, said microparticles capable of being transported after deposition in the vagina by the natural transport mechanism of the internal female reproductive organs across the cervix into the uterus.

Abstract: Antibody or antigen containing microparticles for the active or passive immunization of the internal female reproductive organs, comprising: microparticles of an antigen or antibody incorporated in a matrix material which is biocompatible and biologically degradable, said microparticles capable of being transported after deposition in the vagina by the natural transport mechanism of the internal female reproductive organs across the cervix into the uterus.

Abstract: A disposable, spermicide-releasing intravaginal contraceptive barrier formed from a homogeneous blend mixture of a thermoplastic polymer, a water-soluble polymer and a spermicide which is released at a controlled rate sufficient to provide contraceptive action for a period of up to 48 hours and methods of making the same.

Abstract: Antibody or antigen containing microparticles for the active or passive immunization of the internal female reproductive organs, comprising: microparticles of an antigen or antibody incorporated in a matrix material which is biocompatible and biologically degradable, said microparticles capable of being transported after deposition in the vagina by the natural transport mechanism of the internal female reproductive organs across the cervix into the uterus.

Abstract: An anti-inflammatory agent containing microparticle composition prepared by a process, comprising (a) dissolving or dispersing an anti-inflammatory agent in a solvent and dissolving a biocompatible and biodegradable wall forming material in said solvent; (b) dispersing said solvent containing said anti-inflammatory agent and wall forming material in a continuous phase processing medium; (c) evaporating a portion of said solvent from said dispersion of step (b), thereby forming microparticles containing said anti-inflammatory agent in the suspension; and (d) extracting the remainder of the solvent from said microcapsules.

Abstract: An anti-inflammatory agent containing microparticle composition prepared by a process, comprising (a) dissolving or dispersing an anti-inflammatory agent in a solvent and dissolving a biocompatible and biodegradable wall forming material in said solvent; (b) dispersing said solvent containing said anti-inflammatory agent and wall forming material in a continuous phase processing medium; (c) evaporating a portion of said solvent from said dispersion of step (b), thereby forming microparticles containing said anti-inflammatory agent in the suspension; and (d) extracting the remainder of the solvent from said microcapsules.

Abstract: A rigid, shaped, mass support system, such as support or seating appliances for disabled or handicapped persons, is provided by charging a flexible container (2) made of elastic polymeric film with a uniform mixture of rigid particles of a mesh size relatively small compared to the size of the system and a curable adhesive polymeric binder material. The charged container (2) and its contents are molded to adapt to or fit the shape of the mass, such as the contour of that portion of the body to be supported, and evacuated to remove volatiles and fix the shape of the contents of the container. The adhesive binder is then cured to solidify the molded contents of the container to form a composite, from which the polymeric film can be stripped away, after which an adhesive paint is applied to seal and protect the surface.

Abstract: A rigid, shaped, mass support system, such as support or seating appliances for disabled or handicapped persons, is provided by charging a flexible container (2) made of elastic polymeric film with a uniform mixture of rigid particles of a mesh size relatively small compared to the size of the system and a curable adhesive polymeric binder material. The charged container (2) and its contents are molded to adapt to or fit the shape of the mass, such as the contour of that portion of the body to be supported, and evacuated to remove volatiles and fix the shape of the contents of the container. The adhesive binder is then cured to solidify the molded contents of the container to form a composite, from which the polymeric film can be stripped away, after which an adhesive paint is applied to seal and protect the surface.

Abstract: A method and composition for curling hair and for straightening hair is disclosed, wherein the method involves the application of guanidine hydroxide to the hair. The guanidine hydroxide is prepared by mixing together in an aqueous medium at least one water-soluble guanidine salt and at least one particulate, strong-base, quaternary ammonium, hydroxide-form ion-exchange resin. After the mixed components have had a chance to undergo ion exchange, to form an aqueous solution of guanidine hydroxide, the guanidine hydroxide composition is separated from the ion-exchange resin, and applied to the hair withinin 48 hours. The treatment with guanidine hydroxide causes the hair to maintain a desired configuration by conducting the treatment with the hair in the desired configuration during at least a portion of the time that the hair is in contact with the guanidine hydroxide solution.

Abstract: Systems and methods for curling hair and for straightening hair are disclosed, wherein the systems contain, as a principal active ingredients thereof, guanidine hydroxide, together with an ion exchange resin. The guanidine hydroxide is prepared by mixing together in an aqueous medium at least one water-soluble guanidine salt and at least one particulate, strong-base, quaternary ammonium, hydroxide-form ion-exchange resin. After the mixed components have had a chance to undergo ion exchange, the composition is applied to hair which is maintained in a desired configuration, and after the composition has been in contact with the hair for an effective time the composition is removed from the hair, thereby causing the hair to maintain such desired configuration.

Abstract: Novel clothing fabrics containing microcapsules in a resin finish compris reactive chemical decontamination agents encapsulated within a semipermeable polymer which is selectively permeable to toxic chemical agents but impermeable to the decontamination agents, thereby allowing the toxic chemicals to diffuse into the microcapsules where they undergo irreversible detoxifying chemical reactions.

Abstract: A test system and method is described for determining if a material (e.g. uric acid) oxidizable by iodine is present in an aqueous fluid in an amount equal to or greater than a predetermined amount and which includes a dry solid iodine indicator and a dry solid means for rapidly generating iodine in situ upon activation thereof to color said indicator, said system preferably being in test strip form.As another feature of this invention there is provided a solid source of basic anions capable upon activation of neutralizing excess protons remaining after generating iodine in situ to permit rapid oxidation of the material oxidizable by said iodine without substantially interfering with the rapid generation of said iodine.