Abstract: Provided herein is a polymeric material comprising a polymer host; and a guest molecule comprising a glycosaminoglycan; wherein the guest molecule is disposed within the polymer host, and wherein the guest molecule is covalently bonded to at least one other guest molecule. In some embodiments, the polymer host comprises a silicone-based polymer. In other embodiments, the glycosaminoglycan is chosen from hyaluronic acid and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein is a polymeric material comprising a polymer host; and a guest molecule comprising a glycosaminoglycan; wherein the guest molecule is disposed within the polymer host, and wherein the guest molecule is covalently bonded to at least one other guest molecule. In some embodiments, the polymer host comprises a silicone-based polymer. In other embodiments, the glycosaminoglycan is chosen from hyaluronic acid and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein is a polymeric material comprising a polymer host; and a guest molecule comprising a glycosaminoglycan; wherein the guest molecule is disposed within the polymer host, and wherein the guest molecule is covalently bonded to at least one other guest molecule. In some embodiments, the polymer host comprises a silicone-based polymer. In other embodiments, the glycosaminoglycan is chosen from hyaluronic acid and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein is a polymeric material comprising a polymer host; and a guest molecule comprising a glycosaminoglycan; wherein the guest molecule is disposed within the polymer host, and wherein the guest molecule is covalently bonded to at least one other guest molecule. In some embodiments, the polymer host comprises a silicone-based polymer. In other embodiments, the glycosaminoglycan is chosen from hyaluronic acid and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: A lift table mechanism has a thread screw secured upright within a support tube; a driven nut threadedly mounted to the screw which is raised and lowered by rotating around the thread screw; a carriage frame attached to the nut and supporting a table surface; a drive engaging a main driver gear connected to the drive; and an idler gear coupled to the main driver gear and in turn engaging the nut. Alternatively, a cross shaft driver is rotatably coupled between the main driver gear and the idler gear; a cross shaft connects cross shaft drivers of multiple table lift mechanisms wherein the cross shaft drivers rotate concurrently.

Abstract: A remotely positionable bending apparatus includes a support platform with a mandrel mounted to a front surface thereof and a bending arm pivotally connected between the mandrel and support platform. The outer end of the bending arm rotates around the upper end of the mandrel to bend a rod into a generally inverted U-shape. A clamping apparatus is operably mounted on the platform adjacent the mandrel and includes an actuator which is operated by movement of the bending arm to clamp and release a detector rod in a retained position against the mandrel. Preferably, the actuator includes a shaft which is placed under a biasing force to urge the shaft into a clamped position, with a pivotable lever connected thereto actuatable to overcome the biasing force and release a detector rod from the clamped position. The actuator lever is located in the pivotal path of the bending arm, such that movement of the bending arm to a retracted position disengages the clamping apparatus from the detector rod.

Abstract: A slidable fifth-wheel assembly permitting the relative positions of a tractor and its associated trailer to be adjusted includes switching means which activates an alarm in the cab of the tractor when the fifth-wheel reaches a desired position. This desired position is a trade-off between rear axle weight and drive axle weight. The switching mechanism includes a switch mounted on the base plate of the fifth-wheel assembly. The actuator arm of the switch is extended by means of a coil spring which is engaged and displaced by the coupling shoe of the fifth-wheel assembly.

Abstract: An adaptor assembly for converting a pintle hook hitch to a ball-and-socket type is disclosed. The assembly comprises a cylindrical bar of sufficient length that is closely received through the eyelet of the pintle hook hitch and a base plate which is affixed along the length of the bar and extends directly therefrom. The base plate includes a first aperture centrally located to accommodate the hook and closure members of the pintle hook and a second aperture spaced near the rear of the base plate to receive the ball member of a ball-and-socket hitch. Threaded bolts are placed through each end section of the bar and are directly threaded through the rear mounting of a towing vehicle to which the pintle hook hitch is mounted.

Abstract: An escapement having a pair of retractable stops spaced apart lengthwise of a downwardly inclined track along which workpieces are conveyed. The upstream stop is supported for pivotal movement lengthwise of the track so that its leading end is adapted to engage in the cleavage space between a pair of abutting workpieces when the stop is extended regardless of whether the cleavage space is located in exactly the same position for each pair of successive workpieces.

Abstract: A storage and conveying unit having two helically shaped guideways on which workpieces are adapted to be supported in a position inclined slightly to the vertical. One of the guideways is mounted on an outer cylindrical support and the other guideway is mounted on an inner cylindrical support. The guideways are parallel and uniformly spaced apart in a direction axially of the storage unit. The inner cylindrical support is reciprocated in a helical path parallel to the helical inclination of the guideways to advance the workpieces in the direction of their inclination.

Abstract: An electrical propulsion system and control arrangements therefor, particularly advantageous for ship use, are disclosed. Power is supplied by an alternating current generator through rectifiers to two direct current motors each of which drives a propeller. The armatures of the motors and the rectifiers are connected in a series loop. The speed and direction of rotation of the motors are controlled by varying the motor fields. When the fields of the motors are reversed, for example for deceleration, regenerative energy fed through the propellers could cause excessive current to flow in the closed loop with resultant damage to the electrical apparatus. To prevent current above a predetermined maximum in this loop, a sensor responsive to current in the loop is provided and a signal from the sensor automatically controls the field of at least one of the motors to cause that motor to develop a back EMF preventing excessive flow of current in the loop.

Abstract: A marine propulsion system includes a gas turbine, a generator, a motor and a fixed pitch propeller. Means are provided to operate the motor synchronously in the normal ahead and astern directions and to operate the motor asynchronously in the slow ahead and astern directions with the gas turbine operating at its idle setting. Means are also provided to brake the propeller before astern torque is applied when the power propulsion lever is rapidly moved from the normal ahead setting to the normal astern setting by operating the motor as a generator.