Abstract: The invention concerns a method for fractionating cooking oil, in particular frying oil, using a solvent with supercritical pressure. The method is characterized in that it comprises steps which consist in: contacting, in a mixer, the cooking oil with the solvent with supercritical pressure; separating the resulting mixture into two phases in a decanter, namely a light phase and a heavy phase; decompressing the light phase and the heavy phase so as to recuperate the solvent, and the treated oil and the treatment residues respectively.

Abstract: Cosmetic and/or therapeutic film former compositions for a topical use and for optional delivery of active ingredients to the skin are provided. More particularly, film forming compositions are provided, containing 1 to 50 wt % polyurethane, preferably polyurethane-1; at least 0.01 wt %, but less than 2.0 wt %, cellulose and 0.05 to 5.0 wt % magnesium aluminum silicate; wherein the film forming composition forms a uniform mist when discharged from a spray bottle or pump sprayer. A method for applying a film forming composition to an individual's skin is also provided including spraying the film forming composition onto the skin, wherein the film forming composition contains 1 to 50 wt % polyurethane; at least 0.01 wt %, but less than 2.0 wt %, cellulose and 0.05 to 5.0 wt % magnesium aluminum silicate; and wherein the film forming composition forms a uniform mist when sprayed.

Abstract: A device for forming openings (holes) in internal bodily tissue is provided. The device includes a cutter defining a longitudinal passageway and a cutting edge. The device also includes an inner core in reciprocally sliding relationship with the cutter having a tissue engagement portion at its distal end. A syringe-like mechanism moves the cutter and the core substantially co-axially between a first position wherein the distal portion of the core extends distally of the cutting edge and a second position wherein the distal portion of the core resides within the passageway. Tissue is sheared as the core and cutter are moved from the first to the second position. The core and cutter are attached to different portions of the syringe-like mechanism such that the longitudinal axes of the cutter passageway, the core member and the activation assembly may deviate (i.e., “float”) relative to one another.

Abstract: Featured is an automatic high-negative pressure relief valve and its use in combination with an apparatus for draining fluid from a body. In broad terms the negative pressure relief valve includes a biasing mechanism, a moveable member acted upon by the biasing mechanism and a seating surface. When the pressure within a chamber, in which a portion of the relief valve is in fluid communication with, is less than a predetermined negative pressure, the moveable member is moved by the biasing mechanism to sealing engage the seating surface and when the pressure is at or above the predetermined value, the restoring force of the biasing mechanism is overcome and the moveable member moves away from the seating surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the biasing mechanism is a spring, diaphragm or wave washer.

Abstract: Bioadhesive, closed-cell foam film, sustained release, delivery devices for administering an active agent or combination of active agents to a subject are provided. Methods for making such delivery devices and to methods for using such delivery devices offering the controlled and sustained release of an active agent or combination of active agents to a subject, preferably a near zero-order release, are also provided.

Abstract: A cooled stabilizer is provided for use in coronary bypass grafting surgical procedures. The cooled stabilizer can be attached to a surgical retractor for providing localized traction, stabilization and/or hemostasis to a predetermined area of body tissue. The stabilizer includes cooling channels and/or pads forming a continuous bottom surface for providing a chilled surface to contact body tissue. In one example, the cooled stabilizer can be shaped as a horseshoe with chilled surfaces over horseshoe sections and optionally over a heel.

Abstract: Featured is a pressure control regulator including a housing, a sealing member disposed within the housing, a flexible member and a biasing mechanism. The housing includes at least one inlet aperture and at least one outlet aperture, each inlet aperture being fluidly coupled to a first pressure source and each outlet aperture being fluidly coupled to a second pressure source, the first and second pressure sources being at different pressures. The flexible member extends between the sealing member outside surface and the housing inner surface so as to form a pressure boundary therebetween and to divide the housing interior into first and second compartments. The biasing mechanism, being responsive to pressure within the second compartment, acts on the sealing member so the sealing member is in one of an open position, when the second compartment is greater than a predetermined pressure value, or a closed position, when the second compartment pressure is at or below the predetermined pressure value.

Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation conveyance device comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a light directing intermediate portion. The proximal end is configured for attachment to an electromagnetic radiation emitting device. The distal end is anatomically preformed with a profile complementary to a shape of a dental arch. The light directing intermediate portion is between the proximal end and the distal end. In addition, the light directing intermediate portion is configured to convey electromagnetic radiation from the proximal end to the distal end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical retractors and devices for stabilizing a predetermined area of the body during a surgical procedure, more particularly to surgical retractors and stabilizing devices used in connection with minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting surgical procedures, and more specifically to surgical retractors and stabilizing devices especially configured for use with each other for such surgical procedures wherein the retractor includes a plurality of recessed surfaces thereon for the mounting of a tower type of sled member thereon and wherein the sled member is readily attachable and removable from the retractor and is adjustable upon actuation of an adjustment knob which releasably controls the rotation of the connector with respect to the retractor and the movement of the stabilization arm segment with respect to the retractor upon actuation of a single knob or actuator.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for holding sterile medicaments, vitamins, nutrients, and the like to animals. The delivery device comprises a flexible sealed bag having at least two attachment points which serve as openings for tubing, at least two flexible lengths of tubing connected to the attachment points of the bag at one end, and adapters attached to an opposite end of each tube wherein said adapters are complementary of one another and detachably connect thereto. A method of filling and using the drug delivery device is also contemplated by the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved sled assembly for use with surgical retractors and devices for stabilizing a predetermined area of the body during a surgical procedure, more particularly to surgical retractors and stabilizing devices used in connection with coronary artery bypass grafting surgical procedures, and more specifically to a sled assembly having a sled member and mounting mechanism thereon for use with surgical retractors and medical or stabilizing devices especially configured for use with each other for such surgical procedures wherein the retractor includes an external rail system which enables the surgeon to position a stabilization arm system on either of the arms or the rack segment of the retractor and also includes a sled assembly which releasably controls the rotation of the stabilizing device in a three dimensional directions relative to the retractor upon actuation of a single knob or actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a predetermined area on a heart or other organ of a patient to enable a surgical procedure, the apparatus comprising a bifurcated member having two elongated prongs and an elongated handle segment pivotally and rotatably attached to the bifurcated member. The handle segment can be movably attached to a rib retractor or other surgical device so that a person is not required to hold the handle segment. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention further comprises a device to lock or frictionally hold the bifurcated member in a desired position both on the organ and relative to the handle segment during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A stable, palatable solution of Ivermectin in water is provided for the mass medication of animals. The present formulation does not require the use of benzyl alcohol and is stable indefinitely in the concentrated form and for up to 30 days when mixed with water.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a machine with a position feedback system and a method for use thereof. The machine includes at least one movable element mounted for movement on a path and at least one programmable controller. The machine further includes at least two absolute or magnetostrictive sensors or the machine includes an absolute sensor and a non-absolute sensor. The programmable controller uses positional information from the sensors to determine the position of the movable elements on the path and control the movable elements. The method includes determining a known position for the movable elements, linking at least two magnetostrictive sensors into one virtual sensor, and/or performing commutation alignment for the movable elements. Determining the position and commutation alignment can occur when the movable elements are stationary or moving.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for automatically and dynamically updating options, features, and/or services available to a client device operating in a client-server environment. The client device includes a client template database for storing templates defining a configuration of the client device. This configuration determines the options, features, and/or services available to a client device and the user of the client device. A server includes a server template database for storing the most current or latest versions of the templates used to configure the client device. When a user enters a user request at the client device, the client device transmits an associated information request to the server. The information request includes a client template identifier associated with the information request and a client template version identifier.

Abstract: A multikeyed table utilizing a number of primary and secondary keys is implementable on a personal digital assistant. The table includes one or more records with each record having a plurality of fields. A number of fields in the records are designated as primary and secondary keys, which in turn are used for sorting and ordering the records. A target position in the multikeyed table may be identified by first receiving target primary and secondary keys from, for example, an application user. Subsequently, an operating system implemented in the personal digital assistant is prompted to select and return one record stored in the table. In response, the record selected by the operating system is received. The record received from the operating system is then compared with the target's primary and secondary keys, after which the target is indicated as having keys greater than, less than, or equal to the keys of the received record.

Abstract: A partially soluble lanthanide compound and methods for use in removing phosphate from water. Preferably the compound is used in removing phosphate from water in swimming pools, spas, and similar structures. Alternatively, a combination of compounds having varying solubilities may be used to remove phosphate from water. Several water treatment techniques are disclosed, as well as a variety of different methods for delivery of the active ingredients. These delivery methods include use of a slurry of the active reagent in solution as well as a tablet, powder, or granulated structure. Additionally, the water treatment techniques may incorporate the use of a combination including both enzymatic compositions and compounds for phosphate removal.