Abstract: The invention concerns a conveyor belt scraper used to scrape debris from the surface of a conveyor belt (10). The scraper incorporates a segmented scraper blade which includes individual blade segments (22) arranged side by side with one another such that in use each blade segment scrapes a portion of the width of the belt surface. For blade segment there is a blade segment support (28) on which the associated blade segment (22) is supported. Each blade segment support (28) includes pivotally interconnected links (30, 32, 34, 36) forming a closed parallelogram linkage. A support structure (42, 82) is provided to support the parallelogram linkages in side by side relationship adjacent the belt surface. Gas-inflatable biasing means (44, 58) act on the parallelogram linkages such that inflation thereof causes the linkages to deform in a manner to displace the blade segments (22) in a direction lengthwise of the belt (10) and towards the belt surface.

Abstract: Petroleum products are marked with a marker such as thymolphthalein or cresolphthalein. When the marked petroleum products are contacted with a developing reagent, a color develops.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an oral active agent delivery system and method for delivering discrete units of an active agent formulation to a patient. An active agent formulation chamber containing the active agent formulation and having a fluid passing active agent formulation retainer is placed at one end into a fluid and at a second end into a patient's mouth. The active agent is delivered when the patient sips on the end of the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an oral active agent delivery system comprising improved flow controllers. A hollow tubular member (10) containing the active agent formulation and having a fluid passing controller (14) is placed at one end (16) into a fluid and at a second end (18) into a patient's mouth. The active agent is delivered when the patient sips on the end of the chamber. The improved controllers prevent leakage of the active agent formulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a biodegradable and biocompatible microparticle composition comprising a 1,2-benzazole of the formula ##STR1## and the pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof, within a polymeric matrix.

Abstract: A method for preparing biodegradable, biocompatible microparticles. A first phase is prepared that includes a biodegradable, biocompatible polymer, an active agent, and a solvent. An immiscible second phase is prepared. The first and second phases are combined to form an emulsion in which the first phase is discontinuous and the second phase is continuous. The two phases are immersed in a quench liquid that includes a quench medium and a quantity of the solvent. The quantity of the solvent is selected to control a rate of extraction of the solvent from the first phase. The first phase is isolated in the form of microparticles. Also disclosed is a microencapsulated active agent prepared by the method for preparing biodegradable, biocompatible microparticles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an oral active agent delivery system and method for delivering discrete units of an active agent to a patient. An elongate tubular member having first and second ends comprises first and second flow paths. Either or both of said flow paths contains an active agent. Liquid is drawn up into the first end of the member, and the liquid and active agent is drawn out of the second end of the member and into the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A method for preparing biodegradable, biocompatible microparticles. A first phase is prepared that includes a biodegradable, biocompatible polymeric encapsulating binder, and an active agent having limited water solubility dissolved or dispersed in a solvent. An aqueous second phase is prepared. The first and second phases are combined to form an emulsion in which the first phase is discontinuous and the second phase is continuous. The two phases are separated. The discontinuous first phase is washed with water, or an aqueous solution of water and a solvent for residual solvent in the first phase, to reduce the level of residual solvent in the microparticles to less than about 2% by weight of the microparticles. Also disclosed are a microencapsulated drug prepared by the method for preparing biodegradable, biocompatible microparticles, and a pharmaceutical composition that includes biodegradable and biocompatible microparticles in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: The instant invention is related to a sustained-release microparticle produced by dissolving in a solvent an active agent and a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer to form an organic phase.