An improved shock absorbing, light-weight, thermally insulative orthotic pad designed for use in a “pad and boot” assembly for hoofed livestock. The pad is comprised of a mixture of small particles incorporated and encased in elastomeric materials. The particles have a lower density than the elastomeric materials and possess better thermally insulative properties. The pad is preferably elliptically shaped when viewed from the top or bottom, may be wedge-shaped when viewed from the side, and may include a triangular projection designed to contact a horse's frog and/or a front projection designed to cushion an animal's toe. The pad may also have side clips and toe bumper.

Provided is a biodegradable ocular implant for sustained drug delivery, including a first layer comprising a first biodegradable polymer, wherein the first layer contains a drug dispersed or dissolved therein. A multi-layered biodegradable ocular implant is also disclosed.

Provided is a biodegradable ocular implant for sustained drug delivery, including a first layer comprising a first biodegradable polymer, wherein the first layer contains a drug dispersed or dissolved therein. A multi-layered biodegradable ocular implant is also disclosed.

A specially-equipped ship is configured for environmental cleanup to collect plastic waste floating in the ocean. A method of using the ship is described. The specially-equipped ship can retrieve floating plastic waste in the ocean, shred it, melt it, and cool it to form a solidified block that is usefully employed to form an artificial reef on the ocean floor to house aquatic biota. The ship is outfitted with a conveyor belt fixed to the ship; a furnace to make molten plastic; a davit to drop the solidified block into the ocean to form a reef on the ocean floor. Optionally the ship includes a mold to contain molten plastic; a shredder; a storage compartment to receive plastic particles from the shredder; a fish escape; a vertical wall; a boring machine; photovoltaic cells and/or windmills to produce electric energy.

A specially-equipped ship is configured for environmental cleanup to collect plastic waste floating in the ocean. A method of using the ship is described. The specially-equipped ship can retrieve floating plastic waste in the ocean, shred it, melt it, and cool it to form a solidified block that is usefully employed to form an artificial reef on the ocean floor to house aquatic biota. The ship is outfitted with a conveyor belt fixed to the ship; a furnace to make molten plastic; a davit to drop the solidified block into the ocean to form a reef on the ocean floor. Optionally the ship includes a mold to contain molten plastic; a shredder; a storage compartment to receive plastic particles from the shredder; a fish escape; a vertical wall; a boring machine; photovoltaic cells and/or windmills to produce electric energy.

Systems and methods for creating microneedle arrays capable of delivering a suitable drug dosages to subjects are provided. In one aspect, a method comprises creating at least one forming mold using laser ablation in a cross-over line pattern. The method further comprises casting a first material onto the at least one forming mold to create at least one microneedle mold. The method further comprises casting a second material onto the at least one microneedle mold to create at least one hollow microneedle.

Systems and methods for creating microneedle arrays capable of delivering a suitable drug dosages to subjects are provided. In one aspect, a method comprises creating at least one forming mold using laser ablation in a cross-over line pattern. The method further comprises casting a first material onto the at least one forming mold to create at least one microneedle mold. The method further comprises casting a second material onto the at least one microneedle mold to create at least one hollow microneedle.

A polymerizable composition for an optical material includes (A) one or more isocyanate compounds selected from aliphatic isocyanate compounds and alicyclic isocyanate compounds, (B) an active hydrogen compound having two or more functional groups, and (C) a photochromic compound.

A polymerizable composition for an optical material includes (A) one or more isocyanate compounds selected from aliphatic isocyanate compounds and alicyclic isocyanate compounds, (B) an active hydrogen compound having two or more functional groups, and (C) a photochromic compound.

A method of producing a brush for the cleaning of electronic components. In this method, a plastic core is prepared and submerged into a solvent to melt the outer surface of the core. While the outer surface of the plastic core is still partially melted, it is rolled through a trough of powdered polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) such that granules of PVA melt into and subsequently become embedded at the outer surface. As the solvent evaporates, the outer surface of the core re-hardens and the granules of PVA become firmly entrapped at the outer surface. The PVA covered shaft is placed in a mold, which is then filled with a PVA solution. As the solution cures, it forms a strong bond with the PVA granules that are embedded at the surface of the plastic core. Thereafter, the mold components are disassembled, leaving behind the finished cored brush.