Abstract: The present invention provides an iron-type golf club head having a bridge member across a cavity on its rear surface, which member influences the trajectory of a golf ball struck by the club head. By altering the bridge member orientation across the cavity on the rear surface, the club head can be made to propel a ball in various directions. Thus, the trajectory of golf balls struck by the club head can be high, low, rightward, leftward, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Sulfoalkyl ether cyclodextrin (SAE-CD) based controlled release pharmaceutical formulations are provided by the present invention. The present solid pharmaceutical formulations consist of a core comprising a physical mixture of one or more SAE-CD derivatives, an optional release rate modifier, a therapeutic agent, a major portion of which is not complexed to the SAE-CD, and an optional release rate modifying coating surrounding the core. The present formulations are advantageously easier to prepare than other SAE-CD based formulations in the art yet provide similar or improved effectiveness. The SAE-CD derivative is used to modify the bioavailability and/or rate of bioabsorption of therapeutic agents. Multi-layered, osmotic pump, coated, and uncoated tablet, minitablet, pellet, micropellet, particle, powder, and granule dosage forms are disclosed herein.

Abstract: The artificial spinal disc of the invention is intended to articulate in a manner resembling a human knee articulation. The artificial spinal disc includes two plates each having a planar outer surface and an articulating inner surface. The planar outer surfaces contact adjacent inferior and superior surfaces of two adjacent vertebrae having the spinal disc implanted therebetween. The planar surfaces of the plates are affixed to the adjacent vertebrae. The articulating surfaces of the artificial spinal disc will be generally bimodal-shaped such that a first articulating surface will have two convex shaped articulating portions and the second articulating surface will have two concave shaped articulating portions. The concave and convex shaped portions of the respective plates will be generally complementary. The articulation of the artificial spinal disc will generally resemble that of a human knee.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cartilage extracts and to a method of producing the same. Shark cartilage extracts having anti-angiogenic, anti-tumoral, anti-inflammatory and anti-collagenolytic activities have been obtained by an improved process. The process comprises the steps of obtaining a homogenate of cartilage in an aqueous solution, this homogenate being separated in a solid fraction (SOLID EXTRACT) and a liquid fraction which was further fractionated to obtain a LIQUID EXTRACT having molecules of a molecular weight comprised between 0 to 500 kDa. The composition of the liquid extract has then been investigated by different ways. Further fractionation of this extract led to the preliminary characterization of some of its active components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cartilage extracts and to a method of producing the same. Shark cartilage extracts having anti-angiogenic, direct anti-tumor proliferating, anti-inflammatory and anti-collagenolytic activities have been obtained by an improved process. The process comprises the steps of obtaining a homogenate of cartilage in an aqueous solution, this homogenate being centrifuged and further fractionated to obtain a total extract having molecules of a molecular weight comprised between 0 to 500 KDa. The composition of the liquid extract has then been investigated by different ways. Further fractionation of this extract led to the preliminary characterization of some of its active components. Due to the multiplicity of biological activities of the total liquid extract, it can be used for treating numerous diseases or conditions such as those having components selected from the group consisting of tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, inflammation and collagenolysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple and improved multi-layered osmotic device (1) that is capable of delivering a first active agent in an outer lamina (2) to one environment of use and a second active agent in the core (5) to another environment of use. Particular embodiments of the invention provide osmotic devices in which the first and second active agents are similar or dissimilar. An erodible polymer coat (3) between an internal semipermeable membrane (4) and a second active agent-containing external coat (2) comprises poly(vinylpyrrolidone)-(vinyl acetate) copolymer. This particular erodible polymer results in an improved multi-layered osmotic device possessing advantages over related devices known in the art. The active agent in the core (5) is delivered through a pore (6) containing an erodible plug (7). The osmotic device (1) can be coated by a final finish coat (8).

Abstract: The present invention relates to shark cartilage extracts and to a method of producing the same, these extracts having anti-angiogenic properties (reduction of the area of blood vessels observed in vivo on experimentally induced tumors), tumor regressive activity in vivo as well as demonstrating a direct inhibitory effect on tumor cell lines. This process does not involve any denaturing solvent or product and does not involve the use of any enzymes. It consists of obtaining a blend of whole cartilage in an aqueous solution of neutral pH, preferably pure water, this blend being centrifuged and the pellet and supernatant kept for further processing. The pellet is lyophilized and tested for anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic activities in vivo and in vitro, with or without supernatant. The supernatant has been shown to have anti-angiogenic and tumor regressive activities in vivo. The composition of the supernatant has then been investigated by different ways.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the field of foam compositions for application to the skin of a user. More specifically, the invention relates to foam compositions that act as a barrier to water, allergens, poisons, toxins and other skin irritants when applied to the skin of a user.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the direction of ambient airflow and a method for the use thereof. The apparatus includes man-made or natural fibers that float when released into the air by a user. The direction of ambient airflow is determined by observing the direction of movement of the fibers from the point of release from the user's hand.

Abstract: A method for biological control of pest grasses such as crabgrass using the fungus Cochliobolus intermedius R. R. Nelson (anamorph Curvularia intermedia Boedijn). The fungus is applied to the grass in amounts effective to produce typical disease symptoms which kill or suppress, and thus control the grass. The fungus may be administered as a foliar application or as granules, either of which may include additives such as surfactants, glucose or starch to enhance the pathogenic action of the fungus. Four isolates of the fungus are on deposit with the Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, La. and with the patent collection of the International Mycological Institute in Surrey, UK and have been assigned the numbers 361688 (MT-5), 361689 (CG-L), 375263 (MT-6) and 375264 (MT-7).

Abstract: A driver type, hollow-bodied golf club head in which multiple parameters are controlled to be within defined ranges of values to enhance the performance and playability of the club. The parameters which are controlled include the club head's maximum dimensions, the position of the center-of-gravity, the size of striking face, and the position of the shaft attachment point.

Abstract: Sulfoalkyl ether-cyclodextrin (SAE-CD) based pharmaceutical formulations are provided by the present invention. These formulations comprise SAE-CD derivatives and a therapeutic agent, a major portion of which is not complexed to the SAE-CD. The present formulations are advantageously easier to prepare than other SAE-CD based formulations in the art yet provide similar or improved effectiveness. The SAE-CD derivative can be used to modify the bioavailability and/or rate of bioabsorption of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A ball pitching and throwing apparatus that is readily adaptable to propelling a variety of balls, including softballs and baseballs. The apparatus provides a self-contained portable power source, portability and ease of maintenance. The ball pitching apparatus, which includes a portable body, has a stand alone power source that is engaged to a propelling wheel by way of an axle. A ball is loaded into a feeder chute which directs the ball toward a space between the outer periphery of the propelling wheel and an, optionally adjustable, propulsion alignment. Upon contact with the both the outer periphery of the propelling wheel and the propulsion alignment, the ball is propelled from the apparatus. The initial trajectory of the ball can be changed by altering the disposition of an axle mounted pivot arm upon which is mounted the propulsion alignment.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing nondestructive magnetically testing and inspection of elongate objects. The apparatus concentrically surrounds the elongate object to be tested and includes means for inducing a magnetic field in the elongate object and a partial ferrous return path for the magnetic flux emanating from a pair of magnet arrays. The partial ferrous return path is engaged with a sensor for detecting variations or flaws in the elongate object.

Abstract: The invention provides laces, such as shoelaces, having affixed to them repeatedly collapsible and expandable aglets which can form 2- or 3-dimensional objects. The aglets can advantageously be passed through an eyelet thereby making it possible for them to be permanently affixed to laces during their manufacture. Thus, a user need not purchase a lace and aglets separately and attach them to each other after lacing an article such as a shoe.