Abstract: The present invention provides a laser drilling system for drilling holes or cavities in a solid, in particular a solid dosage form. The system includes a loading zone, firing zone, inspection zone and delivery zone. The system also includes optional components such as a process validation system, solids detector, color detector, solids rejection/repositioning means, accepted products receptacle, rejected products receptacle and/or solids inspection system. Operation of the laser device in the firing zone and of other optional equipment is synchronized with movement of a continuous solids indexer by way of an electronic synchronizer. A solids handling system includes an optional fill level detector that directly or indirectly controls solids loading means that fills a solids reservoir. The system can be run continuously, semicontinuously or batchwise.

Abstract: Delivery devices capable of delivering one or more active substances by diffusion through plural micropores in the membrane (4) or by osmotic pumping through one or more preformed passageways (5) in the membrane are provided. The device (1) has an about centrally located expandable core (2) completely surrounded by an active substance-containing layer (3), which is completely surrounded by the membrane. The device is capable of delivering insoluble, slightly soluble, sparingly soluble and very soluble active substances to an environment of use. The preferred delivery rate is zero order. The device can deliver an active substance for a period of about 12-24 hours.

Abstract: The present invention provides a time-release dosage form for delivering an acid-labile pharmaceutical, such as omeprazole, into the upper portion of the gastrointestinal tract downstream of the stomach. The dosage form includes a drug-containing core surrounded by an inert time-release coating that delays release of the drug from the core until expiration of a certain time period after administration, generally 0.5-5.0 hours or 1-3 hours. When the gastrointestinal fluid contacts the core, the drug is released rapidly into the GI tract. The dosage form does not contain an enteric coating. The dosage form can also include one or more additional coatings exterior to the time-release coating to provide delivery of an immediately released loading dose of the acid-labile drug or another drug.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition contains mosapride, pancreatin and optionally simethicone and is used for treating, preventing or alleviating the symptoms of a gastrointestinal disorder. The pharmaceutical composition is provided in an oral dosage form for administration to a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides an osmotic device containing controlled release pseudoephedrine in the core in combination with a rapid release H1 antagonist in an external coat. A wide range of H1 antagonist antihistamines, especially fexofenadine, can be used in this device. Particular embodiments of the invention provide osmotic devices having predetermined release profiles. One embodiment of the osmotic device includes an external coat that has been spray coated rather compression coated onto the device. The device with spray coated external core is smaller and easier to swallow than the similar device having a compression coated external coat. The device is useful for the treatment of respiratory congestion related disorders and allergy related disorders. The present devices provide PS and an H1 antagonist according to specific release profiles in combination with specific formulations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dual release solid dosage form containing a first composition that releases oseltamivir in a controlled manner and a second composition that releases an H1 antagonist in a rapid and/or immediate manner. A wide range of H1 antagonist antihistamines, especially fexofenadine and loratadine, can be used in this device. Particular embodiments of the invention provide osmotic devices having predetermined release profiles. The device is useful for the treatment of respiratory congestion and other viral infection associated symptoms.

Abstract: The present invention provides an osmotic device containing controlled release alprazolam in the core optionally in combination with an anti-psychotic agent, in a rapid release external coat. A wide range of anti-psychotic agents can be used in this device. Particular embodiments of the invention provide osmotic devices having predetermined release profiles. One preferred embodiment of the osmotic device includes an external coat that has been spray coated rather compression coated onto the device. The device with spray coated external core is smaller and easier to swallow than the similar device having a compression coated external coat. The device is useful for the treatment of depression, anxiety or psychosis related disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple and improved osmotic device (1) that is capable of providing a controlled release of active agent contained in the core (4) through a preformed passageway (5) into an environment of use. The preformed passageway (5) increases in size during use of the osmotic device (1) thereby increasing the release rate of the active agent, enabling the release of large particles containing active agent, and enabling the release of active agents that are substantially insoluble in the environment of use.

Abstract: The present invention provides an osmotic device containing controlled release venlafaxine in the core in combination with an anti-psychotic agent in a rapid release external coat. A wide range of anti-psychotic agents can be used in this device. Particular embodiments of the invention provide osmotic devices having predetermined release profiles. One embodiment of the osmotic device includes an external coat that has been spray-coated rather compression-coated onto the device. The device with spray-coated external core is smaller and easier to swallow than the similar device having a compression-coated external coat. The device is useful for the treatment of depression, anxiety or psychosis related disorders.

Abstract: A process to recover energy, reduce pollution potential, and add value to organic waste such as animal manure is described. The process involves the anaerobic digestion of feedstocks, such as animal manure, at low to high temperatures in batch, semi-continuous or continuous reactors. The process makes use of existing handling and storage equipment at the farm and requires minimal supervision and skill by the operator. The system is not affected by high concentrations of volatile acids and ammonia or nitrogen. The productivity of the anaerobic digester system, in terms of methane gas production and quality, is exceptionally high. The anaerobic digester employs plural pressurizable anaerobic digesters connected in parallel. Consequently, the process is scaleable, low cost and does not interfere with regular farm operations.

Abstract: The present invention provides an osmotic device containing controlled release diltiazem in the core in combination with a rapid release ACE inhibitor, or diuretic, in an external coat. The delivery device of the invention can also be a chronotherapeutic osmotic device that provides a delayed and controlled release of diltiazem and a delay and rapid release of an ACE inhibitor or diuretic. A wide range of ACE inhibitors or diuretics can be used in this device. Particular embodiments of the invention provide osmotic devices having predetermined release profiles. One specific embodiment of the osmotic device includes an external coat that has been spray coated rather than compression coated onto the device. The device with spray coated external core is smaller and easier to swallow than the similar device having a compression coated external coat. The device is useful for the treatment of blood pressure or hypertension related disorders.

Abstract: The present invention is a picture puzzle comprising one or more combination decoding lens/encoded image portions which can form one or more assembled decoded images. The picture puzzle can also include one or more image portions that are not encoded. A wide range of puzzle constructions can be made according to the invention. Assembled decoded images can be formed from a first combination decoding lens/encoded image portion paired with either a second combination decoding lens/encoded image portion or an image portion that is not encoded.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved Winged Fastener in which a large threaded nut is movably engaged with the threaded sleeve of the Winged Fastener wherein the nut is movable set in a washer such that the washer is placed against a surface, while the sleeve of the winged bolt is placed in a bore in a first matrix and a second matrix is set around the sleeve of the Winged Bolt. As the nut is turned on the threaded sleeve, the second matrix which is placed around the threaded sleeve is caused to be compressed and radially moved outward toward an inner surface of the first matrix. If the second matrix is of a rigid material, the cylinder of matrix is split longitudinally and the pieces are driven radially outward. The invention also provides a second improved Winged Fastener in which a hole is placed in a wing and a cable or tendon is attached to the wing through the hole.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disc player comprising one or more light sources that project a pulsing light onto the upper portion of a disc being played by the disc player. The pulse frequency, pulse length, pulse period, pulse interval, pulse color, pulse intensity or a combination thereof of the light source can be synchronized with the rotation of the spindle in the disc player, with the optical data stored, or with the rotation of an image precursor on the disc. When the disc is viewed through a viewing port while the disc is being played, a two-dimensional or three-dimensional discrete image is formed by the persistence of vision.

Abstract: The present invention is a picture puzzle comprising one or more combination decoding lens/encoded image portions which can form one or more assembled decoded images. The picture puzzle can also include one or more image portions that are not encoded. By proper placement and sizing of one or more apertures in the puzzle, it can be made into a fold-through picture puzzle, fold-through picture puzzle book or a fold-through 3-dimensional puzzle or object. A wide range of puzzle constructions can be made according to the invention. Assembled decoded images can be formed from a first combination decoding lens/encoded image portion paired with either a second combination decoding lens/encoded image portion or an image portion that is not encoded.

Abstract: The present invention provides an osmotic device containing controlled release ranitidine in the core in combination with a prokinetic agent in a rapid release external coat. A wide range of prokinetic agents can be used in this device. Particular embodiments of the invention provide osmotic devices having predetermined release profiles. One embodiment of the osmotic device includes an external coat that has been spray coated rather compression coated onto the device. The device with spray-coated external core is smaller and easier to swallow than the similar device having a compression-coated external coat. The device is useful for the treatment of gastric acid related disorders. The device can be tailored for once or twice daily administration. The amounts of ranitidine and prokinetic agent can be varied. One embodiment provides two different charges of ranitidine (one rapid release and the other controlled release) and a rapid release charge of prokinetic agent.

Abstract: Illuminated tweezers with flexible extension and magnifying mirror (10) utilized for the extraction of unwanted facial hair. The present hair removal device includes a housing (12) encasing a battery or other electrical source and being adapted to accommodate a folding, hinged mirror (26). The housing is coupled to an elongated flexible extension (14) having illuminated tweezers (40) at the distal end (18). A light source (38) is included in the base of the tweezers (40) such that it emits light toward the prongs of the tweezers (40). The housing (12) and the distal end (18) of the flexible extension (14) containing the illuminated tweezers (40) can each be positioned and oriented independently of one another allowing a single user to operate the device.

Abstract: A method for obtaining substantially pure fixed oil(s), oleoresin and dietary fiber from Fenugreek seeds is provided. The method employs two different solvent extraction stages, wherein the first extraction isolates fixed oils and the second extraction isolates oleoresin. The dietary fiber remaining after extraction is clean, approximately light yellow to light brown, substantially tasteless and substantially odorless. An extraction system (23) for conducting the extractions is also provided. The extraction system (23) includes a condenser (24), a seed holding extraction vessel (25), a reboiler ((26), solvent and extract reservoir) and a feedback loop (28). The extraction solvent is obtained from the reboiler and it is contacted with the Fenugreek seeds while hot shortly after condensation in the condenser. The extraction system employs minimal amounts of solvent compared to conventional processes.

Abstract: The delivery devices described herein are capable of delivering one or more active substances by osmotic pumping through preformed passageways. An osmotic device according to the invention includes a first osmotic device enclosed within a second osmotic device. In some embodiments, the semipermeable membrane of one or both of the osmotic devices completely dissolves or degrades during use. This delivery device can include an immediate release outer coat.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprising idebenone in synergistic combination with nimodipine for the treatment of cognitive disorders of cerebrovascular origin.