Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system, device and method for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a fluid or matrix. A thermodynamically stabilized analyte binding ligand for use in the system, device and method is disclosed. The thermodynamically stabilized analyte binding ligand is resistant to degradation at physiological temperatures and its use within the device provides a minimally invasive sensor for monitoring the concentration of an analyte in a fluid or matrix as are present in the body of an animal.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for molecular detection, particularly to methods utilizing target-specific molecular probes. In exemplary embodiments, target-specific molecular probes include single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or ribonucleic acid (RNA) aptamers. In general, the molecular probe may bind with relatively high specificity to a given target. In one aspect, a method for molecular detection comprises a molecular probe paired to a reporter molecule wherein the molecular probe impairs the amplification of the reporter molecule in the absence of the target molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a curing light suitable for curing light curable dental composite materials. The curing light device has a light module housing having at least one heat sink located therein. The heat sink has at least two mounting platforms arranged in different geometric arrangements. More than two light sources may be used, emitting at least two different wavelengths. The curing light includes at least one heat sink having various geometric shapes, which facilitate the arrangement of the light sources in the curing light and minimizing the concentration.

Abstract: In an endodontic procedure, after the working of a root canal by instruments to remove material and shape the walls of the canal, irrigant is supplied via a microcannula. A vacuum is applied via a tube which is inserted partway down the root canal. The tube and microcannula pass through a material created by a standard dental filling material of a composite nature Which provides a seal at a position near the top of the coronal opening. The irrigant is supplied in a manner sufficient to ensure delivery to a side vent of the microcannula. The vacuum at the end of tube draws the irrigant and debris up from the apex of the root canal into the tube. The side vent may have a plurality of more round holes, a diagonal slit or a U shaped slit, or any other shape. The vent opening should not extend more than approximately 0.75 mm from the closed spherical tip of the microcannula, it must be burr free any the opening must be smaller than the internal diameter of the microcannula.

Abstract: A method for whitening teeth which utilizes laser light to activate bleaching agents applied to the teeth. The mouth is first prepared so that the soft tissues of the gums are protected and only the teeth are exposed. The teeth are cleaned to remove any materials which will reduce or nullify the effects of the bleaching agents. A first bleaching composition comprising a peroxide compound is prepared and applied to the teeth. The teeth are exposed to laser light from an argon laser which light activates the peroxide to accelerate the bleaching process without heat. If further whitening is desired, a second bleaching composition comprising a peroxide compound is prepared and applied to the teeth. The teeth are briefly exposed to laser light from a carbon dioxide laser which heat activates the peroxide to accelerate the bleaching process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved dental compositions and methods for bleaching teeth. More specifically, this invention is directed towards hydrogen peroxide-containing compounds that are maintained at a substantially constant pH range of 6.0–10.0 during the tooth-bleaching procedure in the presence of a calcium chelating agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to water responsive thermoplastic compositions and articles constructed thereof. This invention particularly relates to thermoplastic copolyester compositions useful for the manufacture of disposable-articles such as disposable diapers and feminine napkins. More particularly, this invention relates to thermoplastic copolyester compositions that are useful as a raw material in the manufacture of nonwovens, barrier films or coatings and as well as for various improved hot melt adhesives compositions useful for incorporating hydrophilic features into disposable articles.

Abstract: Disclosed are packages, cartons, cases, and trays comprising a hot melt adhesive, in turn comprising at least one first homogenous linear or substantially linear ethylene polymer having a particular density and melt viscosity at 350° F. (177° C.), up to 60 weight percent wax and up to 40 weight percent tackifier. In particular, disclosed are packages, cartons, cases, and trays comprising a hot melt adhesive characterized by: a) at least one homogeneous linear or substantially linear interpolymer of ethylene with at least one C3-C20 &agr;-olefin interpolymer having a density from 0.850 g/cm3 to 0.895 g/cm3; and b) up to 60 weight percent of at least one tackifying resin; and c) up to 40 weight percent of at least one wax, wherein the hot melt adhesive has a viscosity of less than about 5000 cPs (50 grams/(cm.second)) at 150° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water based laminating adhesive composition and a method of using thereof. More particularly, the invention relates to a water-based laminating adhesive comprising: a first component comprising at least one aqueous vinyl polymer dispersion (A) comprising the reaction product of i) at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer; ii) at least one free radical initiator; and iii) optionally, at least one ethylenically unsaturated oligomer; and b) a second component comprising at least one water dispersible polyfunctional aziridine crosslinking agent (B). The adhesive optionally comprises at least one aqueous polyurethane polymer dispersion (C). Improved bonded properties of dry laminated flexible film substrates such as polyolefin, polyester and polyamide, as well as cellophane, metals or paper are obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flame retardant hot melt composition comprising from about 10% to about 60% by weight of the adhesive of at least one copolymer of ethylene, from about 10% to about 70% by weight of the adhesive of a flame retarding hydrated inorganic compound and from about 5% to about 35% by weight of at least one wax component.

Abstract: Printing rollers and sleeves for printing rollers can be provided with a high quality top coat composition which can improve various properties such as solvent resistance, cut resistance, and thermal stability (with respect to dimensional stability and hardness stability), and reduce manufacturing time and costs. A polyurethane top coat composition is used with filler present in an amount of from about 15-70% by weight of the coating. The coatings may also include a low density, high hardness foam underlayer which can be applied without a molding operation.

Abstract: The present invention is a cold seal composition having certain rheological properties. The composition comprises from about 10 wt-% to 100 wt-% of at least one homogeneous ethylene/&agr;-olefin interpolymers. The novel adhesive compositions of the present invention may be coated onto a variety of substrates, resist blocking upon being supplied as a roll-good, and exhibit a wide range of bond strengths, amenable to a variety of cold seal bonding applications.

Abstract: A free turning chilling wheel assembly for use with a hot melt dispenser affording quick disassembly for cleaning, inspection, repair or replacement, and having an outer ring with an inner bronze bearing to rotate about a stationary inner cooling chamber, which is sealed to avoid wear and leaks. The outer ring is chilled by fluid flowing through the chamber and the sides of the outer ring are shielded by shielding washers to avoid adhesive building up on the bearing surfaces and ends.

Abstract: Reactive hot melt polyurethane adhesives are useful in the graphic arts area, and in particular, for bookbinding applications such as casemaking, casing-in, gluing-off or thread-securing, facing, slip cases, lining-up, tightbacking, and bonding sides and joints; and for puzzle and gameboard lamination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hot melt adhesive composition useful for articles such as plasters, bandages and tapes which are adhesively adhered to skin. The adhesive may be coated continuously and preferably, discontinuously onto a substrate. More preferably, the hot melt adhesive composition is pattern-coated. The adhesive is permanently adhered to at least one substrate of the article and removably or releasably attachable to skin. The adhesive advantageously does not cause skin irritation nor transfers adhesive to the skin upon removal.