Abstract: Provided is an electroactive structure for growing isolated differentiable cells comprising a three dimensional matrix of fibers formed of a biocompatible synthetic piezoelectric polymeric material, wherein the matrix of fibers is seeded with the isolated differentiable cells and forms a supporting scaffold for growing the isolated differentiable cells, and wherein the matrix of fibers stimulates differentiation of the isolated differentiable cells into a mature cell phenotype on the structure.

Abstract: The embodiments and examples provided herein are put forth so as to provide those of ordinary skill in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how to make and use the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention relates to compositions and methods of preparing a hydrogel comprising a water soluble cellulose compound, as well as preparing a three-dimensional matrix of micron sized electrospun fibers, wherein the electrospun fibers are formed from a electrospun composite comprising a water soluble cellulose compound. The matrix provides a scaffold supporting and promoting cartilage regeneration and repair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrogel or scaffold compositions and methods of use for cell growth and/or regenerative medicine. The hydrogel comprises a water soluble cellulose compound and, in certain aspects, a fibrous or filamentous matrix. The hydrogels as described provide a support or scaffold that promotes, facilitates, and/or enhances progenitor or stem cell growth and/or differentiation. In addition, the hydrogel is useful for tissue, e.g., cartilage, regeneration and repair.

Abstract: A hydrogel matrix and an osmotically active material immobilized in the matrix can be combined into superabsorbent preparations that are capable of adsorbing large amounts of water. The superabsorbent preparations of the invention have advantages in the use of absorbent materials for physiological fluids, such as diapers, incontinence products, wound dressings and the like, as well as agricultural and environmental applications. In addition, biodegradable superabsorbents of the invention can be prepared.

Abstract: This invention relates to articular cartilage mimetics and processes to make them using a composite of and electrospun fiber and a hydrogel.

Abstract: Electrodes, components, apparatuses, and methods for electrochemical machining (ECM) are disclosed. ECM may be employed to provide burr-free or substantially burr-free ECM of electrically-conductive workpieces (e.g. shrouds). As one non-limiting example, the electrically-conductive workpiece may be a shroud that is used as an electrical component in electronics boards. While the ECM components, apparatuses, and methods disclosed herein reduce burrs, ECM can provide imprecise machining and cause stray erosions to occur in the machined electrically-conductive workpiece. In this regard, the electrodes, components, apparatuses, and methods for ECM disclosed herein provide features that allow for precise machining of the machined electrically-conductive workpiece and also allow avoidance of stray erosions in the machined electrically-conductive workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrogel or scaffold compositions and methods of use for cell growth and/or regenerative medicine. The hydrogel comprises a water soluble cellulose compound and, in certain aspects, a fibrous or filamentous matrix. The hydrogels as described provide a support or scaffold that promotes, facilitates, and/or enhances progenitor or stem cell growth and/or differentiation. In addition, the hydrogel is useful for tissue, e.g., cartilage, regeneration and repair.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing polyoxazolidones wherein an ether of a bisanhydrohexitol is reacted with a diisocyanate under conditions which form polyoxazolidones. Preferred bisanhydrohexitols include isoidide, isomannide and isosorbide. The polyoxazolidones are highly crosslinked, rigid, and have high solvent resistance.

Abstract: Provided is an electroactive structure for growing isolated differentiable cells comprising a three dimensional matrix of fibers formed of a biocompatible synthetic piezoelectric polymeric material, wherein the matrix of fibers is seeded with the isolated differentiable cells and forms a supporting scaffold for growing the isolated differentiable cells, and wherein the matrix of fibers stimulates differentiation of the isolated differentiable cells into a mature cell phenotype on the structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing polyoxazolidones wherein an ether of a bisanhydrohexitol is reacted with a diisocyanate under conditions which form polyoxazolidones. Preferred bisanhydrohexitols include isoidide, isomannide and isosorbide. The polyoxazolidones are highly crosslinked, rigid, and have high solvent resistance.

Abstract: The embodiments and examples provided herein are put forth so as to provide those of ordinary skill in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how to make and use the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention relates to compositions and methods of preparing a hydrogel comprising a water soluble cellulose compound, as well as preparing a three-dimensional matrix of micron sized electrospun fibers, wherein the electrospun fibers are formed from a electrospun composite comprising a water soluble cellulose compound. The matrix provides a scaffold supporting and promoting cartilage regeneration and repair.

Abstract: A spark delivery system for generating a spark using a laser beam is provided, and includes a laser light source and a laser delivery assembly. The laser delivery assembly includes a hollow fiber and a launch assembly comprising launch focusing optics to input the laser beam in the hollow fiber. The laser delivery assembly further includes exit focusing optics that demagnify an exit beam of laser light from the hollow fiber, thereby increasing the intensity of the laser beam and creating a spark. Other embodiments use a fiber laser to generate a spark. Embodiments of the present invention may be used to create a spark in an engine. Yet other embodiments include collecting light from the spark or a flame resulting from the spark and conveying the light for diagnostics. Methods of using the spark delivery systems and diagnostic systems are provided.

Abstract: An abrasive composition is provided based on the following: an abrasive, preferably feldspar ??7-59% a clay, preferably smectite clay ??3-7% water ??37-64% an organic solvent, such as kerosene ??3-20%, and additionally, preferably contains calcium carbonate ??20-30%, and a surfactant 0.01-1%. The composition may have particles of up to 100 ?m, and preferably average particle size diameter of 30-45 ?m.

Abstract: The tensile modulus of fibers made from liquid crystalline polymers comprising 6-oxy-2-naphthoate and 4-oxybenzoate monomer units that have been heat treated can be increased by applying and then releasing a stress at room temperature in the range of about 25% to about 90% of the tensile strength of the heat treated fiber to yield a "pre-stressed" fiber.

Abstract: A rod feeding and placement mechanism for use in apparatus for making hanging file folders comprises a magazine wherein a plurality of flat, elongated, metal rods are vertically stacked, one above another. A pair of laterally spaced-apart, horizontally disposed, slightly convergent, contra-rotating de-stacking screws located below the magazine engage the lowermost rod in the stack and advance or feed it laterally along a rod-path. Another pair of laterally spaced-apart, horizontally disposed contra-rotating top screws above the de-stacking screws then receive the rod from the de-stacking screws and advance or feed it further along the rod-path to an at-rest position located above a flat paperboard blank. Guide rails and magnetic strips support the rod as it advances along the rod-path. The rod is releasably maintained for a moment in the at-rest position by permanent magnets.

Abstract: A tracking arrangement for a conveyorized transport system of the type in which coded workpiece carriers are routed by a switching mechanism from a main rail to an entry end of a subsidiary loop and then returned to the switching mechanism via a discharge end of the subsidiary loop, the entry end of the subsidiary loop being located downstream of the discharge end relative to the general direction of carrier movement on the carrier rail. The tracking arrangement comprises a sensor which reads the codes on the carriers while the carriers are located on the switching mechanism so that the codes may be read shortly before a carrier enters into a subsidiary loop and shortly after the carrier exits from a subsidiary loop.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for preparing self-pigmented ultraviolet cured coating compositions, which involves preparing a dispersion of water in certain polyunsaturated ultraviolet curable monomers at a solids level of about 35 to about 85 weight percent, applying the dispersion as a coating on a substrate and curing the substrate coating by exposure to ultraviolet light. These cured compositions have utility as self-pigmented protective coatings.