Abstract: The present invention is directed to a materials extrusion device including a screw extruder with a plunger feeder. It includes a screw extruder having a main housing, a materials advancing screw, a screw drive mechanism, a feed port for inputting materials to be extruded and an extrusion outlet port. It also includes a plunger feeder having an elongated, upwardly biased (non-horizontal) plunger housing, e.g., a cylinder, with a plunger. A plunger drive mechanism is connected to the plunger to move the plunger upwardly and downwardly within the plunger housing, and there is a feed outlet at an upper end of the plunger housing, the feed outlet being connected to the screw extruder feed port.

Abstract: An ampoule opener having a receiving body sized to accommodate a cap portion of an ampoule and a shield extending from the receiving body and being configured to lie adjacent a medicament storing portion of the ampoule when the cap portion of the ampoule is accommodated within the receiving body. The shield is rigidly related to the receiving body so as to be more resistive to bending relative to the receiving body in a direction away from a longitudinal axis of the receiving body than toward the longitudinal axis of the receiving body.

Abstract: A controlled release dosage form of venlafaxine that comprises an immediate release pellet and an extended release pellet.

Abstract: A peelable pouch comprises a substantially flat enclosure formed by first and second opposing flexible plies. A seal extends along at least a portion of a perimeter of the opposing plies. A flat, flexible transdermal patch is disposed in the enclosure and includes a bioactive agent dissolved in a layer of adhesive. A release liner is removably attached over the layer of adhesive, with the patch and the release liner together being sufficiently resilient so as to generate a spring force when displaced out of the flat configuration. The first and the second plies each being separable along the seal and displaceable out of the flat configuration. The spring force generated by the patch and the release liner being sufficient to overcome an adhesive force created by the adhesive between the patch and one of the plies.

Abstract: Sustained release pharmaceutical formulations comprising an antihyperglycemic drug or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof are disclosed. The formulations provide therapeutic plasma levels of the antihyperglycemic drug to a human patient over a 24 hour period after administration.

Abstract: A non-effervescent, solid dosage form containing mirtazapine, which is used to form mirtazapine pharmaceutical tablets. The dosage form contains mirtazapine, a hydrophilic component, and at least one lubricant. In some embodiments, the dosage forms contain a salivating agent. Processes for producing mirtazapine orally disintegrating tablets are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting small particulate matter and contaminants on hard surfaces.

Abstract: A container for storing a medicament comprises a deformable shell including at least one blister associated therewith. A unit of medicament is stored in the at least one blister. A rupturable material is coupled over an opening of the blister, the rupturable material being configured to rupture upon dispensing of the unit of medicament from the blister. An aroma discharge system is coupled to, or over the opening of, the blister, the aroma discharge system containing an aroma generating substance. The aroma discharge system is positioned such that dispensing of the unit of medicament from the blister results in discharge of the aroma from the aroma generating substance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal spray feedstock composition that employs free flowing agglomerates formed from (a) a ceramic component that sublimes,(b) a metallic or semi-conductor material that does not sublime and (c) a binder. The invention also relates to a method for preparing the agglomerates and a method for preparing ceramic containing composite structures from the agglomerates.

Abstract: A mechanical seal structure and a method for manufacture that employs at least one ceramic seal face prepared by a thermal spray process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a controlled release pellet of metoprolol and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts that uses a water soluble or a water swellable inert starting seed or core.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical dosage form comprising a controlled release component comprising an antihyperglycemic drug in combination with a second component comprising a thiazolidinedione derivative is herein disclosed and described.

Abstract: A drumhead assembly comprising a drumhead membrane fixed within an annular ring and a tensioning ring for tensioning the membrane, located within the annular ring and against the drumhead membrane, comprising a cylindrical rod formed in a circular, flat configuration and a tensioning member for maintaining the tensioning ring in a pre-tensioned configuration. The tensioning member can be adjustable, as in the form of a turnbuckle, so as to vary the diameter of the tensioning ring, or fixed, as in the form of a spacer, so as to maintain the tensioning ring at a predetermined diameter.

Abstract: A once a day bupropion hydrochloride formulation is disclosed.

Abstract: A protective ear appliance including two ear protectors with a band and a slidable coupling between the band and the ear protectors. The band encircles a portion of a wearer's head, has a curved shape with two ends and inner and outer curved surfaces. There is a slidable coupling between each of the ear protectors and the band so that each ear protector can slide independently with respect to the band to adjust the distance between the two ear protectors along the band so that the ear protectors can seat in the wearer's ears. The band can be formed with a central band hingedly coupled to the two end band portions. The ear protectors are coupled to the end band portions and slide relative to the end band portions. The protective ear appliance is designed to be worn with the central band around the back of the wearer's head.