Abstract: The invention is directed to an automated materials processing furnace capable of high temperature operation. The furnace is moveable and enables sample insertion into either end and includes a stationary sample affixed to a replaceable tray. The furnace enables the processing of material samples under both terrestrial and microgravity conditions and also provides for the monitoring of process parameters.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a synthetic biomaterial compound based on stabilized calcium phosphates and more particularly to the molecular, structural and physical characterization of this compound. The compound comprises calcium, oxygen and phosphorous, wherein at least one of the elements is substituted with an element having an ionic radius of approximately 0.1 to 1.1 Å. The knowledge of the specific molecular and chemical properties of the compound allows for the development of several uses of the compound in various bone-related clinical conditions.

Abstract: The present invention describes a multi-well bone cell culture device for use in the quantitative and/or qualitative assessment of bone cell activity, the device comprising a flat base having a sintered film of calcium phosphate entities on one side and an open-ended multi chamber unit positioned on top of the film which by a sealing means is sealed to the film coated base forming individual containment wells. The device is useful in the analysis of bone cell function, for the screening and determination of bone cell disease, and the development of drugs to alter bone cell activity.

Abstract: An improved process for producing a thin film of calcium phosphate entities to support bone cell activity thereon. The material to be sintered is prepared by combining a solution of ammonium phosphate with a solution of calcium nitrate to form a sol-gel containing hydroxyapatite. A film of the sol gel is applied to at least one side of the substrate and the film coated on the substrate is sintered to form a solid film of calcium phosphate entities. The improvement in the process comprising sintering the film at temperatures selected from a range of temperatures which optimize a composition of calcium phosphate entities in the film. The sintering step converts hydroxyapatite to .alpha.-tricalcium phosphate where extent of such conversion is temperature dependent. The optimized composition comprises a ratio of hydroxyapatite to .alpha.-tricalcium phosphate in the range of 50:50 to 20:80. A sintering temperature is selected to provide these ratios. The sintering temperature is selected from a range of 920.

Abstract: An actively antimicrobial surface for a substrate and for use in a biologically dynamic environment, such as for treating and preventing microbial infections, comprises a film consisting of at least an antimicrobial element and another electrochemically nobler element and which forms multitudinous galvanic cells with electrolyte containing biological fluids, such as body fluids from wounds, etc., for releasing the antimicrobial element at the surface.

Abstract: A pulsed liquid injection device for injection of predetermined dosage volumes of medication at predetermined intervals of time over an extended period is described. A relatively large supply of medication is maintained in a bag under pressure, and metered portions thereof are released at time intervals by an electronically controlled metering device. The metering device includes a simple valve arrangement containing three flexible resilient elements arranged and controlled in such a way as to provide shut off of medication supply in the event of a malfunction, either electrical or mechanical.

Abstract: A pulsed liquid injection device for injection of predetermined doses of medication at predetermined intervals of time is described. A bag containing medication is maintained under pressure and is connectable via a three way valve, operable by means of an electronic timing device, to a second pressurized metering container which is smaller than the bag containing the medication. The pressure in the bag is higher than that of the metering device and the metering container is always at a pressure required for injection. The timing device operates the valve at intervals to (a) charge the metering container from the bag and (b) inject the charge in the metering container into the patient. The valve includes a blanking device to eliminate the possibility of injecting the patient directly from the bag.