Abstract:
Disclosed prosthetic valves can comprise a sewing ring configured to secure the valve to an implantation site. Some disclosed valves comprise a resiliently collapsible frame having a neutral configuration and a collapsed deployment configuration. Some disclosed frames can self-expand to the neutral configuration when released from the collapsed deployment configuration. Collapsing a disclosed valve can provide convenient access to the sewing ring, such as for securing the valve to the implantation site, as well as for the insertion of the valve through relatively small surgical incisions.
Abstract:
In a dispensing system for dispensing wet wipes, a wet wipe has an aqueous solution and microencapsulated delivery vehicles including a temperature agent, and is disposed in a wet wipe container. A cartridge is held in assembly with the wet wipe container and has an activating device that facilitates rupturing of the microencapsulated delivery vehicles as the wet wipe is removed from the dispensing system to allow contact between the temperature change agent and the aqueous solution of the wet wipe to thereby dispense a warm or cooled wet wipe. In another embodiment, the wet wipe has an aqueous solution and a lotion having the microencapsulated heat delivery vehicles disposed in the cartridge free from contact with the wet wipe. The cartridge also has an applicator that is operable to apply the lotion to the wet wipe as the wet wipe is removed from the wet wipe container.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to wet wipe dispensing systems for dispensing wet wipes capable of changing temperature upon use. In one embodiment, the dispensing system includes a wet wipe container and a lotion container that is held in assembly with the wet wipe container that contains a lotion that is kept separate from the wet wipes until the wet wipe is dispensed from the wet wipe container. The lotion includes a microencapsulated delivery vehicle that contains a temperature change agent that is capable of generating a temperature change upon contact with an aqueous solution. Once the wet wipe is dispensed from the system, an applicating device can apply the lotion to the wet wipe to facilitate contact between the temperature change agent in the microencapsulated delivery vehicle and the aqueous solution of the wet wipe.
Abstract:
A method for communicating data is provided that includes receiving a plurality of bits associated with a communications flow and determining whether one or more samples included in the flow should be suppressed. The method also includes suppressing a selected one or more of the samples if the selected samples are similar to previously received samples. In a more particular embodiment, the method also includes positioning unique samples that are included in the flow in a super-frame to be communicated to a next destination. Additionally, the method may include receiving the unique samples and evaluating the unique samples in order to restore a plurality of bits associated with the communications flow.
Abstract:
The invention is directed to a single-step method for rapidly and efficiently preparing protein-polymer conjugates, including an insulin-polymer conjugate. According to the method of the present invention, a protein and hydrophilic polymer are contacted in the presence of at least one organic solvent and at least one metal chelator, under conditions that promote the formation of a conjugate of the protein and polymer. Thus, the invention is directed to the site-specific modification of selected proteins, such as insulin, with poly(ethylene glycol) at residue PheB 1. The invention also provides a pharmaceutical formulation for encapsulating the conjugate in a biodegradable polymer.
Abstract:
An oil filtration system includes three separate tanks. A first of these tanks is to receive oil from a wheel motor of the mining or construction vehicle. A second of these tanks is to receive the oil from the first tank after the oil in the first tank has been suffficiently heated so as to remove moisture therefrom. And, a third of these tanks is to receive the oil from the second tank after the oil has been sufficiently filtered so as to remove particles and debris therefrom. The third tank can hold the filtered oil therein until it is ready to be supplied back to the wheel motor.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a package that includes an enclosure (11) having a first substance (14) and a second substance (15) within the enclosure. The package further includes a plastic zipper (18) which segregates the first substance from the second substance within the enclosure such that opening the plastic zipper (18) allows the first substance and the second substance to be mixed together inside the enclosure. In another aspect, the package includes a gas-permeable enclosure and first and second solid substances stored within the enclosure. A mechanism, such as a plastic zipper, segregates the first and second solid substances. Opening the mechanism allows a user to mix the first and second solid substances inside the enclosure to produce a gas. The package permits the gas that is produced to permeate through the gas-permeable enclosure for distribution throughout an area.
Abstract:
The present invention provides improved sustained release formulations of estradiol metabolites, including 2-hydroxyestradiol, 2-methoxyestradiol, 4-hydroxyestradiol and 4-methoxyestradiol, useful for therapeutic treatments. The invention also provides methods of producing sustained release forms of estradiol metabolites. The compositions of the present invention include microparticles, nanoparticles, patches, crystals, gels, rods, stints, pellets, discs, lozenges, wafers, capsules, films, microcapsules, nanocapsules, hydrogels, liposomes, implants and vaginal rings. Compositions also include formulations for transdermal and intravenous delivery of estradiol metabolites. The present invention provides numerous improvements over previous forms of estradiol metabolites, such advantages including the sustained release of normally short half-life compounds to maintain therapeutic blood levels.
Abstract:
A method of tracking and controlling the passage of samples through test procedures, which comprising the follwing steps. Introducing a sample (10) into a sample carrier (12) provided with a memory chip (14) that can store and provide tat that can be retrieved wirelessly. Programming sample specific data, such as the origin of the sample and the tests to be done, onto the chip (14). Introdicing the sample carrier and sample to testing appratus with chip reading means, and then elelctronically reading data on the chip (14). Performing appropriate processing and sorting on the sample. Loading at least partial details concerning the tests onto the memory chip (14) and finally using the sample specific data to return the test results and other data to a person who requested the test. The invention also includes sample carriers for use with such a method.
Abstract:
This invention discloses a method for preparing a complex comprised of a VEGF Nucleic Acid Ligand and a Non-Immunogenic, High Molecular Weight Compound or Lipophilic Compound by identifying a VEGF Nucleic Acid Ligand by SELEX methodology and associating the VEGF Nucleic Acid Ligand with a Non-Immunogenic, High Molecular Weight Compound or Lipophilic Compound. The invention further discloses Complexes comprising one or more VEGF Nucleic Acid Ligands in association with a Non-Immunogenic, High Molecular Weight Compound or Lipophilic Compound. The invention further includes a Lipid construct comprising a VEGF Nucleic Acid Ligand or Complex and methods for making the same.