Abstract: Biodegradable polymeric microparticle compositions containing one or more active agents, especially those useful for treating or preventing or one or more diseases or disorders of the eye, and methods of making and using thereof, are described. The microsphere compositions release an effective amount of the one or more active agents for a period greater than 14 days in vivo, preferably greater than 60 days in vivo, more preferably up to 73 days in vivo, more preferably greater than 90 days in vivo, even more preferably over 100 days in vivo, and most preferably greater than 107 days in vivo. In a preferred embodiment, the microparticle compositions contain one or more active agents such as AG1478 to induce nerve regeneration, specifically regeneration of the optic nerve useful for managing elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymeric microparticle compositions containing one or more active agents, especially those useful for treating or preventing one or more diseases or disorders of the eye, and methods of making and using thereof, are described. In a preferred embodiment, the microparticle compositions contain one or more active agents useful for managing elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye. Relatively hydrophilic, and preferably carboxylated, polymeric materials such as PLGA are used for a drug such as timolol maleate, which is relatively water soluble, to increase drug loading. Higher molecular weight polymers, as well as the ratio of LA (which has a longer degradation time, up to one to two years) to GA (which has a short degradation time, as short as a few days to a week), are used to provide release over a longer period of time.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymeric microparticle compositions containing one or more active agents, especially those useful for treating or preventing or one or more diseases or disorders of the eye, and methods of making and using thereof, are described. The microsphere compositions release an effective amount of the one or more active agents for a period greater than 14 days in vivo, preferably greater than 60 days in vivo, more preferably up to 73 days in vivo, more preferably greater than 90 days in vivo, even more preferably over 100 days in vivo, and most preferably greater than 107 days in vivo. In a preferred embodiment, the microparticle compositions contain one or more active agents such as AG1478 to induce nerve regeneration, specifically regeneration of the optic nerve useful for managing elevated intraocular pressure (TOP) in the eye.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymeric microparticle compositions containing one or more active agents, especially those useful for treating or preventing or one or more diseases or disorders of the eye, and methods of making and using thereof, are described. The microsphere compositions release an effective amount of the one or more active agents for a period greater than 14 days in vivo, preferably greater than 60 days in vivo, more preferably up to 73 days in vivo, more preferably greater than 90 days in vivo, even more preferably over 100 days in vivo, and most preferably greater than 107 days in vivo. In a preferred embodiment, the microparticle compositions contain one or more active agents useful for managing elevated intraocular pressure (TOP) in the eye. In one embodiment, the microspheres are formed from polylactide-co-glycolide (“PLGA”); in another embodiment, the microspheres are formed from a blend PLGA and poly lactic acid (“PLA”).

Abstract: A glass structure, such as a mirror facet, having a glass member, a composite structure and a support structure. The composite structure includes a rigid interlayer which is bonded to the glass member and exerts a compressive force thereon to place the glass member in compression. The support structure is used to mount the glass structure and prevents the glass member from collapsing due to the compressive force exerted by the rigid interlayer. The glass structure is particularly well adapted for use in forming heliostats, parabolic dishes, trough concentrators, or other like elements for use in solar power systems, and does not suffer from the limitations or prior forms of such devices.

Abstract: A glass structure, such as a mirror facet, having a glass member, a composite structure and a support structure. The composite structure includes a rigid interlayer which is bonded to the glass member and exerts a compressive force thereon to place the glass member in compression. The support structure is used to mount the glass structure and prevents the glass member from collapsing due to the compressive force exerted by the rigid interlayer. The glass structure is particularly well adapted for use in forming heliostats, parabolic dishes, trough concentrators, or other like elements for use in solar power systems, and does not suffer from the limitations or prior forms of such devices.

Abstract: A multiple stop gas spring that has a second or stop piston assembly in addition to a metering piston assembly, connected and movable with the gas spring shaft. The stop piston assembly is preferably spaced axially from the metering piston assembly. The stop piston assembly may be utilized to stop movement of the shaft in one direction at preselected position(s) along the shaft's normal stroke, and also, or alternatively, to cause the shaft movement in the one direction to slow incrementally to a cushioned stop when the shaft approached the end of its stroke. The shaft may move in the other direction without any impediment to its movement or may stop in both directions.

Abstract: An azimuth drive unit for a solar power system has a multistage sprocket configuration. The drive unit includes an input shaft for receiving an input torque, where the multistage sprocket configuration is coupled to the input shaft. The sprocket configuration converts the input torque into an output torque, and an output shaft is coupled to the sprocket configuration for applying the output torque to a solar reflector. In a highly preferred embodiment, the sprocket configuration includes a tensioning system contacting one or more of the chains and a housing of the drive unit. The tensioning system applies a tension force to the contacted chains such that backlash in the sprocket configuration is reduced. The present invention also provides for a plurality of bearing members coupled to the output shaft for adding stiffness to the output shaft.

Abstract: A molded plastic collection bin with transparent front and rear panels receives entry blanks introduced through a slot in a covering counter. The collection bin is supported on two side frames which are formed of tubular aluminum with riveted plastic sheets. Front and rear plastic panels extend between the two side frames and are engaged on protruding fasteners. The counter, the side frames, and the collection bin each have aligned holes which receive two connecting carriage bolts. A bungee cord resiliently extends between the carriage bolts within the collection bin, retaining the assembly in a connected orientation. An information display has a metal frame with retractable threaded tubes which engage with the counter. Printed elements such as posters are clasped between plastic sheets and engaged with C-channels on the frame. A bent metal door selectively covers an access opening in the rear plastic wall of the collection bin.

Abstract: Radiant energy sensor is protected from severe environments with a radiant energy sensor assembly that off-sets the sensor from the environment. The sensor assembly includes a radiant energy sensor, a pair of reflective walls facing one another, one of the walls having a transmissive aperture for receiving radiant energy over a wide angle of incidence, an entry, the other wall having a transmissive aperture for passing energy from behind the wall to the sensor, an exit, with the walls having the reflection characteristics such that the radiant energy entering the entry aperture at any angle is always reflected to the exit aperture. The reflective walls may be paraboloids or Fresnel surfaces in geometry.

Abstract: Radiant energy sensor is protected from severe environments with a radiant energy sensor assembly that off-sets the sensor from the environment. The sensor assembly includes a radiant energy sensor, a pair of reflective walls facing one another, one of the walls having a transmissive aperture for receiving radiant energy over a wide angle of incidence, an entry, the other wall having a transmissive aperture for passing energy from behind the wall to the sensor, an exit, with the walls having the reflection characteristics such that the radiant energy entering the entry aperture at any angle is always reflected to the exit aperture. The reflective walls may be paraboloids or Fresnel surfaces in geometry.

Abstract: Radiant energy sensor is protected from severe environments with a radiant energy sensor assembly that off-sets the sensor from the environment. The sensor assembly includes a radiant energy sensor, a pair of reflective walls facing one another, one of the walls having a transmissive aperture for receiving radiant energy over a wide angle of incidence, an entry, the other wall having a transmissive aperture for passing energy from behind the wall to the sensor, an exit, with the walls having the reflection characteristics such that the radiant energy entering the entry aperture at any angle is always reflected to the exit aperture. The reflective walls may be paraboloids or Fresnel surfaces in geometry.