Abstract: A solid ink stick supply system and related method for delivering solid ink sticks to an ink jet print head reservoir is disclosed. The supply system includes a housing with a keyed plate that guides the ink sticks into the proper loading position in a supply channel. A pusher rod in the supply channel transfers an ink stick onto an endless belt for delivery to the print head reservoir. A push device on the endless belt engages and delivers the ink stick to the print head reservoir. A second ink stick is transferred from the supply channel to the endless belt and is retained on the belt by a stop device. A method for efficiently loading ink sticks into the supply system is also provided.

Abstract: Biodegradable poly(ester-anhydrides) designed to display two-stage degradation profiles are described. The presence of the anhydride linkages allows a relatively rapid decrease in molecular weight, the extent of which is governed by the concentration of the anhydride linkages along the chain, followed by possible dissolution and a slower degradation of the remaining oligomers, the rate of which is governed by the composition of the polyester prepolymers. Methods for the preparation of the poly(ester-anhydrides) and their polyester precursors are also described.

Abstract: A composition and method for repairing damaged connective tissue is provided. The composition comprises pseudo-poly(amino acids) and/or classic poly(amino acids) that exhibit adhesiveness for connective tissues. The composition is formed into an adhesive tissue repair implant and pressed against the damaged tissue to adhere the adhesive composition to the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and method that optimizes retention of physiological activity of a biologically active compound during sterilization of said compound with gamma or electron-beam radiation. The method comprises the steps of forming a protected mixture that comprises the biologically active compound, an extraneous protein, and a free-radical scavenger, and irradiating the protected mixture with about 1 to about 3 mRad of gamma or electron-beam radiation.

Abstract: Carboxy-terminated polyester ionomers useful for bioresorbable implant construction are described. They comprise biocompatible salts or partial salts of mono- or bis-carboxy-terminated polyesters.

Abstract: Desired cells are positively separated from a mixture of cells using multiple stages of affinity surfaces. Bound cells from each surface are removed and subjected to a further surface for further enrichment.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing a second ligand from a particle surface without substantially affecting the particle surface, comprising the step of exposing the particle to a first ligand immobilized onto a support, wherein the particle is exposed under conditions and for a residence time sufficient to allow the second ligand to desorb from the particle surface, and wherein the first ligand has an affinity for the second ligand that is at least two orders of magnitude greater than the affinity of the second ligand for the particle surface, such that the second ligand is removed from the particle surface without substantially affecting the particle surface.

Abstract: Processes using affinity cell separation are used to increase the yield and purities of target cells by increasing the cell:affinity surface contact rate, limiting the shear force on the attaching cells and/or using an appropriate affinity surface area.

Abstract: A method for measuring hematocrit is provided. An electrochemically detectable marker is measured before and after the ratio of red cell volume to plasma volume is decreased. The measured concentrations are used in a mathematical formula to determine hematocrit value.

Abstract: A method for measuring hematocrit is provided. An electrochemically detectable marker is measured before and after the ratio of red cell volume to plasma volume is decreased. The measured concentrations are used in a mathematical formula to determine hematocrit value.