Abstract: A ceramic composition including a first ceramic material and a second ceramic material that is in the form of nano-, submicron-, or micron-sized particles, in which the first ceramic material has a lower melting point than the second ceramic material, and, when the first ceramic material melts into a liquid and the second ceramic material remains particulate, the second ceramic material floats at the top of the liquid. Also disclosed is a variant of this composition including a first ceramic material and a second ceramic material, in which the second ceramic material has a melting point higher than the first ceramic material, and, when the first ceramic material melts into a liquid, the second ceramic material partially or completely dissolves in the liquid.

Abstract: An instrument for injecting an ophthalmic device such an intraocular lens into an eye includes an elongated tubular member, a plunger arranged movably along a length of and within the elongated member, a housing which accommodates an ophthalmic device, and a light emitting member integrated within the instrument. The plunger is configured to move an ophthalmic device to a distal end of the elongated member. The light emitting member illuminates a distal end of the instrument, the operative field immediately adjacent a distal end of the instrument, or both.

Abstract: A ceramic composition including a first ceramic material and a second ceramic material that is in the form of nano-, submicron-, or micron-sized particles, in which the first ceramic material has a lower melting point than the second ceramic material, and, when the first ceramic material melts into a liquid and the second ceramic material remains particulate, the second ceramic material floats at the top of the liquid. Also disclosed is a variant of this composition including a first ceramic material and a second ceramic material, in which the second ceramic material has a melting point higher than the first ceramic material, and, when the first ceramic material melts into a liquid, the second ceramic material partially or completely dissolves in the liquid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ceramic composite having a ceramic substrate and a ceramic layer disposed on the top surface of the substrate. The layer contains a multiplicity of nano-sized or micron-sized stalagmites, a multiplicity of nano-sized or micron-sized stalactites, a multiplicity of nano-sized or micron-sized columns, or a combination thereof. The invention also relates to a composition for and a method of making the ceramic composite.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ceramic composite having a ceramic substrate and a ceramic layer disposed on the top surface of the substrate. The layer contains a multiplicity of nano-sized or micron-sized stalagmites, a multiplicity of nano-sized or micron-sized stalactites, a multiplicity of nano-sized or micron-sized columns, or a combination thereof. The invention also relates to a composition for and a method of making the ceramic composite.

Abstract: A device containing a support member, a cross-linked polymer, and a pH buffer agent. A surface of the support member is coated with the cross-linked polymer in which the pH buffer agent is embedded.

Abstract: A hydrophilic article for use in aqueous environments, including a substrate, an ionic polymeric layer on said substrate, and a disordered polyelectrolyte coating ionically bonded to said polymeric layer.

Abstract: A hydrophilic article for use in aqueous environments, including a substrate, an ionic polymeric layer on said substrate, and a disordered polyelectrolyte coating ionically bonded to said polymeric layer.

Abstract: A hydrophilic article for use in aqueous environments, including a substrate, an ionic polymeric layer on said substrate, and a disordered polyelectrolyte coating ionically bonded to said polymeric layer.

Abstract: A process of depositing polymeric materials on the surface of a substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for depositing one or more polymeric materials on the surface of a substrate, which apparatus includes a polymerization chamber; an inlet for admitting a glow discharge polymerization precursor into the polymerization chamber; a first conductive member extending into the polymerization chamber; a first conductive support attached to the first conductive member for holding a substrate; a power generator arranged for transmitting electrical energy to the first conductive member; a second conductive member on or within the polymerization chamber, the second conductive member being spaced and insulated from the first conductive member; and a pump arranged for applying a vacuum to the polymerization chamber; whereby a glow discharge zone is established within the polymerization chamber when a vacuum is applied thereto and electrical energy from the first conductive member is received by the second conductive member.

Abstract: Thermal storage energy powders are formed from polyolefin particles having their surfaces crosslinked in a cold plasma. The crosslinked surfaces have a heat of fusion substantially identical to the uncrosslinked portion of the particles.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage composition is provided comprising a slurry of polyolefin particles in a liquid. The particles have their surfaces crosslinked in a cold plasma so that the crosslinked surfaces have a heat of fusion substantially identical to the uncrosslinked portion of the particles.