Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method, apparatus, and composition of matter for producing near-infrared (near-IR) radiation. The subject invention can incorporate a polymer and a metal-containing compound, wherein the metal-containing compound can incorporate a metal-ligand complex, wherein when the metal-ligand complex becomes excited, energy is transferred from the ligand to the metal, wherein, the energy transferred to the metal by sensitization is emitted as near-infrared radiation. In a specific embodiment, the subject invention relates to a composition of matter having a luminescent polymer and a metal containing compound where the metal containing compound incorporates a metal-ligand complex such that the absorption spectrum of the metal-ligand complex at least partially overlaps with the emission spectrum of the luminescent polymer.

Abstract: An electrically addressable release pad for use in a burst electrode drug release (delivery) system. The pad useable in this system comprises a polymer, preferably polypyrrole, which surrounds medicine. Once a section of the polymer receives an electrochemical potential sent from an electrode contained within the pad, a defined dose of medicine contained therein is released. The pad is designed to be worn by a patient, so that when the medication is released, its administered to the patient, without the patient having to do anything. The electrode typically can be a burst electrode, one with a unique electrical signature. The electrode can be triggered from a remote source.

Abstract: A burst electrode system is provided that comprises an electroactive polymer having thereon either a polyanionic or polycationic dopant, and a biologically active ingredient that is releasable from said electroactive polymer, whereby said burst electrode system exhibits a release profile greater in quantity and faster than a standard Faradaic profile. The biologically active ingredient preferably is a drug. The electroactive polymer preferably is a polypyrrole or a polypyrrole polyelectrolyte complex such as polypyrrole poly(styrene sulfonate), heparin or polyacrylic acid.

Abstract: The invention herein comprises a polymer bilayer which eliminates the spontaneous release of an active molecule by ion exchange. The spontaneous release is slowed by the application of a second polymer layer to the top of the electroactive polymer. The electroactive bilayer is preferably polypyrrole. The second polymer layer is preferably poly(vinyl butyral), poly(vinyl acetate) or nafion. This second layer stops the spontaneous release of the active molecule. The active molecule will usually be a pharmaceutical agent or drug. This bilayer allows a more effective controlled drug delivery system wherein the quantities and timing of the drugs can be given to the human being/animal patient with a high degree of certainty and predictability.

Abstract: A self-tapping fastener is provided. The fastener is formed from a blank having an odd number of lobes along a cross section taken perpendicular to its axis of rotation. The lobes define a relatively high out-of-round cross section along a tapered thread-forming zone, and a relatively low out-of-round cross section along the main body taken in a direction toward the drive head. Between the main body and tapered thread-forming zone is located an additional thread forming zone having an axial length of approximately one thread pitch and a cross section that conforms to the high out-of-round of the tapered zone. The maximum diameter (at the lobes) of the additional thread-forming section approximately matches that of the full-diameter main body section. A lower-diameter stabilizing section can be provided ahead of the tapered zone, adjacent the tip of the fastener.

Abstract: A blank for a self tapping fastener, and corresponding fastener is provided. The blank defines an odd number of lobes along a cross section taken perpendicular to its axis of rotation. The lobes define a relatively high out-of-round cross section along a tapered thread-forming zone, and a relatively low out-of-round cross section along the main body taken in a direction toward the drive head. Between the main body and tapered thread-forming zone is located an additional thread forming zone having an axial length of approximately one thread pitch and a cross section that conforms to the high out-of-round of the tapered zone. The maximum diameter (at the lobes) of the additional thread-forming section approximately matches that of the full-diameter main body section. A lower-diameter stabilizing section can be provided ahead of the tapered zone, adjacent the tip of the fastener.

Abstract: A header die for forming a self-tapping fastener blank provides die forming zones within which the blank is formed, the blank therby defining an odd number of lobes along a cross section taken perpendicular to its axis of rotation. The lobes define a relatively high out-of-round cross section along a tapered thread-forming zone, and a relatively low out-of-round cross section along the main body taken in a direction toward the drive head. Between the main body and tapered thread-forming zone is located an additional thread forming zone having an axial length of approximately one thread pitch and a cross section that conforms to the high out-of-round of the tapered zone. The maximum diameter (at the lobes) of the additional thread-forming section approximately matches that of the full-diameter main body section. A lower-diameter stabilizing section can be provided ahead of the tapered zone, adjacent the tip of the fastener.

Abstract: A new class of transition metal bis(dithiolene) complex polymers having improved physical characteristics. These polymers are generally prepared by first preparing a bifunctionalized transition metal bis(dithiolene) complex, then reacting the bifunctionalized complex with one or more other bifunctional compounds. A wide variety of flexible linkage can be incorporated into the polymer chain via the bifunctional reactant to vary the physical properties of the resulting polymer. The polymers can be used as near infrared filters, both as supported and freestanding films.