Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogel composition comprising at least one polymer with functional groups including alcohol groups, acid groups, and amide groups and where the ratio of the functional alcohol groups to functional acid groups in the hydrogel composition ranges from about 16:1 to about 3:2. The present invention also provides a method of repairing an articulating surface in a body using the inventive composition. The inventive hydrogel composition is created by blending two or more polymers to achieve the desired ratio of functional groups, reacting at least one polymer with a reagent that results in the formation of alcohol, acid, and/or amide functional groups of the desired ratio, and/or polymerizing at least one monomer to achieve the desired ratio of functional groups.

Abstract: The bone cement matrix consists of three base component parts, which when mixed form a radiopaque rapidly setting bone cement, namely, a powdered or granular low viscosity polymer component; a liquid reactive or polymerizable monomer component; and a reinforcement component consisting of porous ceramic fibers. The ceramic fibers are porous and have a rough outer surface created by the pores and cavity permeating the fibers. The pores, cavities and rough surface of the fibers themselves, provide the mechanical interface for securely bonding the fibers to the polymer component. During polymerization, the polymer component saturates into the pores and cavities of the ceramic fibers creating a positive interdigitation of the polymer and fibers within the cement matrix.

Abstract: A bone fracture fixation system comprising a metallic bone plate having a first composition comprising titanium or a titanium alloy and an opening for receiving a metallic fastener that has a second composition comprising titanium, a titanium alloy, or a stainless steel, and is sized to be received in the opening, and a cold-sprayed metallic coating either within the opening or on the metallic fastener is provided. The cold-sprayed metallic coating comprises a biocompatible metallic material having a third composition different than the first and second compositions. When the metallic fastener is inserted into the opening to stabilize a bone fracture, the cold-sprayed metallic coating may substantially prevent bonding or one or more types of corrosion between the metallic fastener and the metallic bone plate. In another embodiment, the cold-sprayed metallic coating comprises at least one of a cobalt-chrome alloy, gold, a gold alloy, silver or a silver alloy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogel composition comprising at least one polymer with functional groups including alcohol groups, acid groups, and amide groups and where the ratio of the functional alcohol groups to functional acid groups in the hydrogel composition ranges from about 16:1 to about 3:2. The present invention also provides a method of repairing an articulating surface in a body using the inventive composition. The inventive hydrogel composition is created by blending two or more polymers to achieve the desired ratio of functional groups, reacting at least one polymer with a reagent that results in the formation of alcohol, acid, and/or amide functional groups of the desired ratio, and/or polymerizing at least one monomer to achieve the desired ratio of functional groups.

Abstract: Adapter bracket mechanisms for securing various roll-up signs to a sign stand. The bracket mechanisms are positioned vertically upright from the base of a sign stand. The adapter bracket mechanisms hold the lower end of the vertical cross brace of the roll-up sign. The mechanisms include a U-shaped channel and either a slide bar or pivoting lever arm member for enclosing the cross brace within the channel. A threaded turn-lock member securely holds the sign in the adapter bracket mechanism. If desired, a protector member can be used to help hold the vertical cross brace in the bracket mechanism and protect the cross brace from possible damage. Another embodiment utilizes a threaded knob to wedge the vertical cross brace in the channel.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for covering the open end of a sign stand upright extrusion and for releasably locking a roll-up sign in place in the upright. A cap member covers the end of the extrusion. The cap member has a slanted surface for ease of entry of the sign into the upright extrusion, and a locking pin member for releasably locking said sign in place. The locking pin is adapted to be manually manipulated and has a pointed leading end for mating with an opening or recess in the sign cross brace member. A stop is also provided in the upright extrusion for holding the sign at the required height.

Abstract: A release mechanism for a locking, pivotable leg for an assembly to allow an individual to use his foot to disengage the locking element which locks the pivotable leg into its operative position in which a plurality of such legs engage a supporting surface. The release mechanism includes a release pin having an enlarged head and transmission means to transmit movement of the release pin to the locking element moving it from its operative locking position. Where the locking element is of a type including a locking pin which is biased into a locking pin hole in a base bracket by biasing means such as a leaf spring, the transmission means of the present invention includes a release pin spring shoulder, a locking pin spring groove and a pin slot in the leaf spring disposed to engage these two components.

Abstract: An improved extension shield for a manhole is disclosed. The shield seals around an open manhole frame protecting the instruments and men working inside from rain, snow, surface water and other elements. The shield is adapted to be installed in four differently sized openings and is constructed to preferably seal inside the lip of the manhole frame rather than on top of the lip. The shield is made of a durable molded plastic material and is stackable to create higher shields or for storage.

Abstract: A shipping carton formed from corrugated paperboard or other suitable sheet material which can be erected from a foldable, unitary blank. The blank includes side wall panels and end flaps hingedly connected along opposing edges of side panels, which can be folded to form the top and bottom walls of the completed carton. At least one end flap in a top and bottom wall which are in registry have integrally formed anchoring flap means for securing in the carton an article, such as a conventional lamp shade, having a washer fitter through which an elongate rod or pole can be received with the opposite extremities of the rod or pole engaged in said anchoring flap means to prevent shifting of the lamp shade within the carton during shipment.