Abstract: A system and method for communicating information among members of a distributed discussion group having peripheral communication devices involves communication between the peripheral communication devices and a central agent. The central agent receives and stores messages intended for at least one other group member. It creates a notice informing the at least one other group member that such a message exists and containing a channel (e.g., a hyperlink) directly to the memory location of the message. The at least one other group member may then elect to retrieve the message and may also elect to reply to the message. Such replies are transmitted from the peripheral device of the at least one other group member to the central agent, where it is stored and associated with the original message. Messages are retained in memory, thereby causing discussions to be maintained.

Abstract: The adherent coating of the invention comprises a stabilizing polymer together with an active agent (a hydrophilic polymer and/or a bioactive agent) in a layer bonded to the surface of a medical device. This invention encompasses the coating liquids used for coating medical devices, methods of coating the devices, and the coated devices. The stabilizing polymer is selected to entrap the active agent in a coating that has a high degree of flexibility and has improved bonding to a wide variety of substrates. Preferred stabilizing polymers are cross-linkable acrylic and methacrylic polymers, ethylene acrylic acid copolymers, styrene acrylic copolymers, vinyl acetate polymers and copolymers, vinyl acetal polymers and copolymers, epoxy, melamine, other amino resins, phenolic polymers, copolymers thereof, and combinations.

Abstract: Coatings to enhance the echogenicity of materials are especially useful for medical devices wherein the practitioner desires to locate or visualize a device by ultrasonic imaging when the device is inserted into a body cavity. These coatings can be applied to any device of virtually any composition. To accomplish this, a polymer matrix is formed containing an entrapped gas in enclosed bubbles or open surface channels or cavities. Coated needles are visible in ultrasound when inserted in animals. A pre-coat or base coat may be applied to condition the surface to enhance adhesion. A finish coat or top coat may be applied to improve durability, smoothness, and biocompatibility, lubricity, antibiotic, antimicrobial, antithrombogenic activity, and other desirable properties for the finished product. Coating liquids and methods for preparing and applying such coatings are disclosed, including forming bubbles by chemical reaction during the coating process.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical delivery system for oral administration of a pharmaceutical agent comprises: (a) a squeezable container having an outlet defining a flow channel, (b) a channel closure device adapted to selectively close or open the flow channel; and (c) within the container, at least one dose of a pharmaceutical composition, the composition being a semisolid material that is storage stable, and consists of mutually compatible components, the components comprising (i) an effective amount of an orally active pharmaceutical agent useful for systemic treatment, and (ii) a palatable pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, comprising a liquid base selected from the group consisting of water, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, glycerin, and mixtures thereof, a thickening agent selected from the group consisting of starch, modified starch, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, other cellulose derivatives, acacia, tragacanth, pectin, gelat

Abstract: A spill-resistant pharmaceutical formulation for oral administration from a squeezable container comprises a pharmaceutical agent in a suitable vehicle comprising a liquid base and a thickening agent, the formulation consisting of mutually compatible components and having the following properties: a viscosity within the range of about 7500 to about 12,500 cps using a Brookfield Viscometer with a `C` spindle with Helipath movement at a spindle speed of 20 rpm and 20-25.degree. C., a viscometric yield value of a semi-solid, a spill-resistant consistency permitting the composition to be squeezed by light manual pressure through a channel, to spread in a spoon bowl sufficiently quickly for accurate measurement, and to remain in the spoon bowl without spilling on spoon inversion, tilting at 90 degrees, and vibration, homogeneity such that the components do not separate under conditions of use, and a storage stability such that the foregoing properties are retained for at least two years shelf life.

Abstract: A method of producing hybrid plants involves inducing cross-pollination of self-pollinating species by selecting a female plant and a male plant having different genotypes, the female plant having a phenotype of sensitivity to a micronutrient deficiency, and the male plant having a phenotype of male fertility, growing the female plant to sexual maturity in a fertility-selective growth medium deficient for the micronutrient, to produce a plant having female fertility and male sterility, growing the male plant to sexual maturity to produce a plant having high male fertility, cross-pollinating the female plant with pollen from the male plant to produce cross-fertilization with essentially no self-fertilization, raising the female plant to produce hybrid seeds having genetic material from both parents, and harvesting the hybrid seeds.

Abstract: A medical device is coated with a thin coherent bond coat of acrylics, epoxies, acetals, ethylene copolymers, vinyl polymers, polymers containing hydroxyl, amine, carboxyl, amide, or other reactive groups, and copolymers thereof. Outer layers may be applied and remain adherent to the substrate in water for an extended period. The bond coat may comprise cross linkers such as urea resins, melamines, isocyanates, and phenolics. Preferred polymers include vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate, styrene acrylic polymer, ethylene acrylic acid copolymer, carboxyl function acrylic polymer, hydroxyl function acrylic polymer, and acrylic dispersion polymer. The coatings may be applied to inert metal or plastic surfaces of medical devices such as needles, guide wires, catheters, surgical instruments, equipment for endoscopy, wires, stents, angioplasty balloons, wound drains, arteriovenous shunts, gastroenteric tubes, urethral inserts, laparoscopic equipment, pellets, and implants.

Abstract: A device for collecting board game pieces into a piece bag comprises a flexible board cover with a perimeter defining a first opening that may be secured to the game board, and a collar defining a passageway that may be secured to the piece bag. The board cover is preferably made out of mesh fabric and the perimeter is defined by elastic which when stretched is bigger than the board and when contracted is smaller than the game board. The collar may be secured to the piece bag by VELCRO or snaps. Alternatively, the collar is secured to the bag by an exterior bag formed integrally with the board cover section. The invention contemplates a board game packaged with such a device.