Abstract: A new class of biodegradable pharmaceutical compositions useful as sustained release medicamentous compositions, including methods of making and methods of using these compositions, are described and claimed. The method of making these compositions include the steps of: a) dry mixing of a pharmaceutically active molecule with a biodegradable polymer; b) melt extruding the mixture to form a solid solution of the active molecule in the polymer; and c) pulverizing the solid solution to form microparticles such that they can be formed into injectable formulations. Preferred embodiments include pharmaceutical compositions of polylactide-co-glycolide and (+)-&agr;-(2,3-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-piperidinemethanol (active ingredient) and a method for its formation. These compositions release the active ingredient at a steady rate over a period of days to weeks.

Abstract: A polypropylene or polyethylene film or fiber coated with a maleic-acid grafted polypropylene or polyethylene copolymer layer over which is coated a layer of selective polymer. The copolymer securely bonds the selective polymer to the film or fiber. These fibers and films can be used in fluid separation membranes.

Abstract: A novel method for making a composite separation membrane, and the product of that method. This novel method includes applying one or more perfluoroethers to the surface of a microporous fiber or film made of a polymer such as PAN, and subsequently coating that fiber or film surface with a layer of selective material. This method provides a more permeable composite membrane than would be obtained by coating a fiber or film that had not been pre-wetted with perfluoroether.

Abstract: This invention provides a superior process for optical information storage by providing a mixture of azaannulene compounds in the recording layer. The recording layer exhibits large positive contrast in the recorded areas upon recording with laser radiation. The positive contrast is surprisingly larger than the positive contrasts exhibited by recording layers made from the individual azaannulenes included in the mixture, and because of this large positive contrast the sensitivity of the medium is high and consequently low laser powers are sufficient to effect the recording.

Abstract: An improved method of gas separation and novel polyimide membranes are disclosed and claimed. Membranes in accordance with the present invention include the condensation product of fluorinated diamines such as 2,2'-bis(3-aminophenyl)hexafluoropropane, 2,2'-bis(4-aminophenyl)hexafluoropropane and 2-(3-aminophenyl)-2'-(4-aminophenyl)hexafluoropropane with aromatic dianhydrides such as 3,3', 4,4' benzophenone tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride.

Abstract: The present invention provides for gas separation membranes which are engineered to have specific gas transport properties based on the blending of certain polymers. In preferred embodiments, the blended polymers are polyimides which have different molecular structures and different gas transport properties. Despite these differences, however, the polymers are completely miscible and can be effectively utilized to prepare gas separation membranes having specifically tailored properties.

Abstract: Provided is a method for stabilizing an optical information medium by incorporating an effective amount of a specific nitrogen containing compound into the medium. The specific nitrogen containing compounds are poly(2-vinyl pyridine), poly(4-vinyl pyridine), pentaethylene hexamine and acridine orange base. Incorporation of one of the nitrogen compounds into the optical information medium prolongs the useful life of the medium.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are free-standing, pinhole-free, ultrathin polyimide films having thickness of about 400 angstroms or less and a process to prepare them. The films find particular utility in separatory applications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are free-standing, pinhole-free, ultrathin polymide films having thicknesses of about 400 angstroms or less and a process to prepare them. The films find particular utility in separatory applications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are free-standing, pinhole-free, ultrathin, polyarylate films having thicknesses of about 400 angstroms or less and a process to prepare them. The films find particular utility in separatory applications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are free-standing, pinhole-free, ultrathin, polyphenylene oxide films having thicknesses of about 400 angstroms or less and a process for preparing them. The films find particular utility in separatory applications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are pinhole-free, ultrathin, free-standing cellulose ester films having thicknesses of 400 angstroms or less and a process to prepare them. The films find particular utility in separatory applications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are free-standing, pinhole-free, ultrathin polyether sulfone films having thicknesses of about 400 angstroms or less and a process for preparing them. The films find particular utility in separatory applications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are free-standing, pinhole-free, ultrathin, blended, cellulose nitrate films having thicknesses of about 400 angstroms or less and a process to prepare them. The films find particular utility in separatory applications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are pinhole-free, ultrathin, polymethylmethacrylate films having thicknesses of about 400 angstroms or less and a process to prepare them. The films find particular utility in separatory applications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are free-standing, pinhole-free, ultrathin polyimide films having thicknesses of about 400 angstroms or less and a process to prepare them. The films find particular utility in separatory applications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are free-standing, pinhole-free, ultrathin polyether sulfone films having thicknesses of about 400 angstroms or less and a process for preparing them. The films find particular utility in separatory applications.

Abstract: A process to prepare pinhole-free, ultrathin, polymethylmethacrylate films having thicknesses of about 400 angstroms or less. The films are prepared by dissolving a polymethylmethacrylate polymer in a mixture of solvents to form a casting solution and then casting the solution upon water to form a free-standing film. The films find particular utility in separatory applications.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for preparing a viscoelastic aqueous solution which contains divinylsulfone-crosslinked polygalactomannan gum that is formed in situ.An invention thixotropic aqueous medium is characterized by excellent heat/shear stability and high tolerance to the presence of inorganic salts.A unique property of an invention thixotropic aqueous medium is a time-dependent gradual restoration of high viscosity after cessation of high shear deformation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are free-standing, pinhole-free, ultrathin, polyarylate films having thicknesses of about 400 angstroms or less and a process to prepare them. The films find particular utility in separatory applications.