Abstract: Described herein are preservative systems that can include xylitol esters and/or ethers, caprylyl glycol, ethylhexylglycerin, and 1,3-propanediol. Also disclosed are formulations such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products that include a preservative system as described herein.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention features an identification tag as described herein. In a related aspect, the invention features packaging for a product that includes the identification tag and is useful in discouraging and/or detecting counterfeiting and product diversion.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions and methods useful in detecting counterfeit products and product diversion. The methods include packaging and indelibly marking products through an opening in their container and/or through a wall of the container that includes a hole therein. Unique identifiers are placed on the product and the container. In other methods, the product is not packaged within a container but is indelibly marked with first and second representations of a unique identifier, either or both of which can be machine-readable, human-readable, and/or at least partially randomized. An apparatus for carrying out the method of product marking is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions and methods useful in detecting counterfeit products and product diversion. The methods include packaging and indelibly marking products through an opening in their container and/or through a wall of the container that includes a hole therein. Unique identifiers are placed on the product and the container. In other methods, the product is not packaged within a container but is indelibly marked with first and second representations of a unique identifier, either or both of which can be machine-readable, human-readable, and/or at least partially randomized. An apparatus for carrying out the methods of product marking is also disclosed.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention features an identification tag as described herein. In a related aspect, the invention features packaging for a product that includes the identification tag and is useful in discouraging and/or detecting counterfeiting and product diversion.

Abstract: Described herein are preservative systems that can include xylitol esters and/or ethers, caprylyl glycol, ethylhexylglycerin, and 1,3-propanediol. Also disclosed are formulations such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products that include a preservative system as described herein.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions and methods useful in detecting counterfeit products and product diversion. The methods include packaging and indelibly marking products through an opening in their container and/or through a wall of the container that includes a hole therein. Unique identifiers are placed on the product and the container. In other methods, the product is not packaged within a container but is indelibly marked with first and second representations of a unique identifier, either or both of which can be machine-readable, human-readable, and/or at least partially randomized. An apparatus for carrying out the method of product marking is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions and methods useful in detecting counterfeit products and product diversion. The methods include packaging and indelibly marking products through an opening in their container and/or through a wall of the container that includes a hole therein. Unique identifiers are placed on the product and the container. In other methods, the product is not packaged within a container but is indelibly marked with first and second representations of a unique identifier, either or both of which can be machine-readable, human-readable, and/or at least partially randomized. An apparatus for carrying out the methods of product marking is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention features methods for applying a force, such as laser or radiofrequency (RF) energy to the wall of the small intestine, which targets and eliminates a portion of the capillary and vascular network responsible for the transportation of nutrients to the patient. This causes the patient to absorb a reduced percentage of nutrients, which results in a reduced caloric intake. Various types and shapes of applicators are used to deliver the treatment energy, and these applicator devices are within the scope of the present invention. The applicator can be deployed through either a body cavity (e.g., the oral cavity), an open surgical procedure, or a minimally invasive incision or incisions.

Abstract: A device for delivering energy to a muscle may include a housing and at least one energy conduit associated with the housing. The at least one energy conduit may be configured to facilitate transfer of energy from an energy source that may be configured to provide energy to muscle within an organ. The device may further include a plurality of needles connected to the at least one energy conduit. Each needle may be configured to pierce tissue. The plurality of needles may include at least one needle configured to deliver energy through an energy emitting portion. The at least one needle may be sized so that when inserted into a wall of the organ, the energy emitting portion may be located within a muscle layer, and such that a majority of energy delivered via the at least one needle may be substantially confined to the muscle layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for cleaning and refurbishing the adjacent planar surfaces of a pair of interchangeable surgical acoustic members. The device includes a spaced pair of outwardly biased abrasive members mounted on a rotatable housing so that the tool can be located between the adjacent planar faces and about a threaded connection between them. Rotation of the device causes the abrasive members in contact with the opposed planar surfaces to clean and refurbish those surfaces. The method of using the device is also disclosed. The device is provided as a component of a maintenance kit for the acoustic members. The kit also includes a wire brush for cleaning the threaded joint, non-shredding swabs for wiping the threads and acoustic joint, and a brush for cleaning the bores of the acoustic member.