Abstract: The present invention provides a mucoadhesive patch for attachment to a mucosal surface in a patient, the patch comprising a fibrous polymeric mat substrate and a plurality of polymeric flock particles that are attached to the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mucoadhesive patch for attachment to a mucosal surface in a patient, the patch comprising a fibrous polymeric mat substrate and a plurality of polymeric flock particles that are attached to the substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides a nanoindentation pen in the form of a device for measurement of mechanical properties of a tissue in a subject, the device comprising a dumbbell comprising an elongated shaft, the shaft being affixed at a first end to a pen tip for contacting the tissue, the shaft being affixed at a second opposite end to a terminal member, a linear actuator, and one or more pressure sensors that are in physical communication with the terminal member, the pressure sensor(s) generating a signal that indicates a force exerted on the terminal member by the pen tip via the shaft. In some embodiments, the inventive device uses statics and mechanics to calculate the stiffness of a human vocal fold based on a known displacement and a measured force. The pen tip is able to reach most sides of the vocal fold, making it ideal for all types of examination purposes.

Abstract: A shoe cover storage apparatus to protect shoelaces includes a flexible member coupled to the upper shoe region and having a pair of openings to permit a portion of the laces to pass through, a pocket coupled to the top face of the flexible member to store the portion of the laces, a first clip coupled to the bottom face of the flexible member, and a fastener assembly coupled to the bottom face of the flexible member and having channel members and an elastic cord slidably mounted to interior openings of the channel members, the elastic cord having a second clip on an exposed portion of the cord located proximate a lower portion of the flexible member. A user pulls the second clip to extend the cord along the flexible member to intertwine the cord with the shoelaces and permit the second clip to couple to the first clip.

Abstract: A shoe cover storage apparatus to protect shoelaces includes a flexible member coupled to the upper shoe region and having a pair of openings to permit a portion of the laces to pass through, a pocket coupled to the top face of the flexible member to store the portion of the laces, a first clip coupled to the bottom face of the flexible member, and a fastener assembly coupled to the bottom face of the flexible member and having channel members and an elastic cord slidably mounted to interior openings of the channel members, the elastic cord having a second clip on an exposed portion of the cord located proximate a lower portion of the flexible member. A user pulls the second clip to extend the cord along the flexible member to intertwine the cord with the shoelaces and permit the second clip to couple to the first clip.

Abstract: A system and associated method for preventing damage to an adjacent wall surface of an electrically operated bed that utilizes a normally closed/momentarily open switch assembly attached to the bed frame at a location such that when the bed fame is maneuvered toward an adjacent wall surface, a head of the switch contacts the wall surface before any other part of the bed frame or a proximity sensor switch is activated when the switch head is in the prescribed range from the wall surface. The push button switch is in electrical communication with the bed frame operational circuitry. When the switch activated from its depression from thw all surface contact or its proximity to the wall surface, the electrical circuitry in the system circuitry is interrupted thereby stopping the operation of the bed frame from being maneuvered and preventing damage to the wall surface.

Abstract: A high pressure tank holder automatic locking mechanism comprising a casing mounted to a outside portion of a rim of a high pressure tank bottle rack, a lever brace having at its upper end a lever extending downwardly from the casing into an interior opening of the rim of the bottle rack, and the lever is configured and made from a spring formed flat material. The lever extends downwardly at an angle of 30-60 degrees from said brace.

Abstract: A system and associated method for preventing damage to an adjacent wall surface of an electrically operated bed that utilizes a normally closed/momentarily open switch assembly attached to the bed frame at a location such that when the bed fame is maneuvered toward an adjacent wall surface, a head of the switch contacts the wall surface before any other part of the bed frame or a proximity sensor switch is activated when the switch head is in the prescribed range from the wall surface. The push button switch is in electrical communication with the bed frame operational circuitry. When the switch activated from its depression from thw all surface contact or its proximity to the wall surface, the electrical circuitry in the system circuitry is interrupted thereby stopping the operation of the bed frame from being maneuvered and preventing damage to the wall surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrically conductive compositions comprising polymers derived from macrocyclic oligomers and carbon nanofibers. Also disclosed are molded articles comprising the electrically conductive compositions.

Abstract: Cyclic oligomers containing ester linkages are polymerized in the presence of a catalyst having at least one oxygen atom bonded to two metal atoms. At least one of the metal atoms is a tin atom, which is preferably tetravalent, i.e., bonded to three other groups in addition to the oxygen atom. The other metal atom may also be another tin atom, which is again preferably tetravalent, or a zinc, aluminum or titanium atom. The catalyst may contain multiple oxygen atoms that are bonded to two such metal atoms as described. These catalysts are active, efficient polymerization catalysts. They are often liquids at polymerization temperatures. The catalysts can be formed in situ in the polymerization process, which provides additional flexibility in the process and increased storage stability of starting materials.

Abstract: Composites of macrocyclic oligomers and a filler material are made in a masterbatch process. The masterbatch contains at least 15% by weight of the filler material. The filler material is preferably a submicron sized material and is especially a clay or other layered material that can become at least partially exfoliated. The masterbatch can be let down into more of the macrocyclic oligomer, another polymer, another polymerizable material and subjected to polymerization conditions to form a nanocomposite material. Alternatively, the masterbatch can be polymerized to a high or intermediate molecular weight, and then blended with additional oligomer, polymer or other polymerizable material.

Abstract: Clays useful as fillers for preparing nanocomposites are combined with a polymerization catalyst by mixing the clay and the catalyst, generally in the presence of a diluent. The catalyst at least partially intercalates the clay or becomes chemically bonded to the clay. The catalyst-containing clays are then useful for preparing composites of the clay in polymers of a macrocyclic oligomer, by dispersing the clays into the oligomers and subsequently polymerizing the oligomer.

Abstract: Dispersions of filler particles and macrocyclic oligomers are prepared in the presence of a solvent for the macrocyclic oligomer. The use of the solvent facilitates easier and more complete dispersion of the filler particles into the macrocyclic oligomer, improving the efficiency of the filler, reducing thermal degradation of the filler and oligomer, and reducing energy requirements.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymers derived from macrocyclic oligomers containing organo clay fillers. The invention also relates to processes for preparing such compositions. Furthermore, the invention relates to articles prepared from organoclay filled polymer compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a foamed thermoplastic elastomeric article,comprising the following steps: heating a mixture comprising a thermoplastic elastomer selected from the group comprising styrene based thermoplastic elastomers and thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers, and an effective amount of a water releasing chemical compound, to a temperature at which the water releasing chemical compound releases water, which is above the melting point of the thermoplastic elastomer, and releasing the resulting heated mixture to atmospheric conditions. The invention also relates to a foamable polymeric composition as well as to a foamed thermoplastic elastomeric article.