Abstract: A thermonuclear fusion system having a treatment chamber in which gas isotopes are fused to initiate a thermonuclear fusion reaction is disclosed. Specifically, the treatment chamber has an elongate housing through which liquid and gas isotopes flow longitudinally from an inlet port to an outlet port thereof. An elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends within the housing and is operable at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency and a predetermined electrode potential to ultrasonically enhance the concentration of dissolved hydrogen gas isotopes within the housing or energize and electrolyze the liquid and gas isotopes within the housing. An elongate ultrasonic horn of the waveguide assembly is disposed at least in part intermediate the inlet and outlet ports, and has a plurality of discrete agitating members in contact with and extending transversely outward from the horn intermediate the inlet and outlet ports in longitudinally spaced relationship with each other.

Abstract: A disposable incontinent underwear product can comprise areas having different stretch characteristics and thereby fit persons of varying body shape in a more comfortable and/or visually appealing manner. Additionally, in some embodiments, the different areas of stretch can aid in positioning absorbent components, such as an absorbent insert or core that is included in the undergarment to absorb body exudates. For example, a garment may feature at vertical stretch in an area above the crotch and below the waist while featuring horizontal stretch at the hip areas at its front and back sides. As another example, a garment may feature horizontal stretch across the front of the garment and vertical stretch across the back of the garment in areas above the crotch and below the waist. In some embodiments, the crotch also features horizontal, vertical, or biaxial stretch.

Abstract: A system and process for packaging sheet materials is disclosed. In particular, the system and process of the present invention is configured to receive clips of a sheet material and to load the clips into a dispenser. During the process, the clips can be folded and loaded into vertical buckets that are positioned over a stream of moving dispensers. A vertical pushing device then pushes the clip from the vertical buckets down into the dispensers. In this manner, the dispensers are loaded from the top. Since the dispensers are loaded from the top, the system is capable of placing clips of a material into dispensers having a complex configuration, such as dispensers having curved side walls.

Abstract: A method for neutralizing odor contained within the headspace of product packaging includes the steps of formulating a blend of either modified and unmodified high surface area materials, differently modified high surface area materials, different unmodified high surface area materials, or a combination thereof; applying the blend of high surface area materials to the inside of the product packaging.

Abstract: A biosensor includes a substrate with areas of active receptive material disposed thereon. The receptive material is specific for an analyte of interest. A pattern of the active areas is defined on the substrate by an oxidizing photo-masking process.

Abstract: A wound suture containing a solvatochromatic indicator that undergoes a color change in the presence of bacteria often associated with surgical site infection is provided. Such a color change provides a “real time” indication of the onset of infection, which may alert medical staff to apply an appropriate antimicrobial treatment (e.g., antibiotic) to the patient (e.g., human or animal) before a more serious infection occurs. The patient may also be able to accurately monitor the condition of a wound after discharge from the hospital. Further, the lack of a color change may provide the medical staff or patient with the assurance that the area is generally free of infection and clean.

Abstract: A lateral flow device for analyzing a whole blood sample is provided. More specifically, the lateral flow device contains a porous membrane that defines a barrier zone for separating red blood cells from blood plasma (includes plasma in which clotting factors haven been removed), which may then flow to a subsequent detection zone for analysis. The barrier zone is formed from a blood cell barrier composition that includes an unsaturated aliphatic fatty acid or an ester thereof. Without intending to be limited by theory, the present inventors believe such unsaturated aliphatic fatty acid molecules undergo autoxidation in the presence of air and hemoglobin to release peroxides (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) via oxidative saturation of double bonds. In turn, the released peroxides are believed to induce the formation of echinocytes or crenated blood cells.

Abstract: Inventory replenishment that levels the flow of products from a collection of supplying distribution centers (DCs) to a receiving DC. Products are shipped in calculated, predetermined quantities at calculated, predetermined intervals to match the outflow rates at the receiving DC. Inventory levels at the receiving DC are monitored daily, and exceptions or adjustments to the shipment pattern (e.g., quantities and time intervals) are executed in a systematic manner when they stray outside of calculated minimum and maximum levels.

Abstract: There is provided herein cross-linked, phosphorescent micro- and nanoparticles and applications of those particles. The invention uses halogen-containing polymers and co-polymers (HCPs) as an encapsulation matrix for organic and organometallic phosphorescent compounds to form micro- or nanoparticles. The phosphorescence of these encapsulated phosphorescent particles is substantially unaffected by phosphorescence quenchers such as oxygen and water molecules at ambient conditions. The invention provides methods of making cross-linked phosphorescent particles. HCPs may be directly cross-linked through linking moieties that are a part of the polymer, or cross-linked through other separate bridging or cross-linking materials Cross-linked particles are more stable than the non-cross-linked counterparts and more resistant to temperature, surfactants, and organic solvents.

Abstract: A mechanical fastening system for an article having a stretchable loop fastener component mountable on the article and including an elastomeric substrate and a high bond point non-woven loop material secured to the elastomeric substrate. The bond points on the non-woven loop material are defined by discrete compression points and the non-woven loop material is substantially free from discrete compression points other than at the bond points. A hook fastener component is mountable on the article and adapted for releasable engagement with the loop fastener component. The stretchable loop fastener component is stretchable relative to the hook fastener component when the fastener components are engaged.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes attachment panels extending transversely outward from the absorbent assembly in one waist region and mechanical fastening components in an opposite waist region. The attachment panels cover the side hips of the wearer and define inner attachment surfaces that are adapted to refastenably engage the fastening components to maintain the absorbent article in a pant configuration.

Abstract: In a control system and method for operating an ultrasonic liquid delivery device a first drive signal is delivered according to a first drive signal control schedule to an ultrasonic waveguide assembly to excite the ultrasonic waveguide for a predefined time. At each of a plurality of instances of the first drive signal control schedule a phase angle associated with the current and voltage in the waveguide assembly during ultrasonic vibration thereof is determined. A second drive signal control schedule is determined, including a second ultrasonic drive signal frequency for each of the instances at which the phase angle of the first drive signal was determined. The second drive signal frequency at each of the instances is based at least in part on the phase angle determined at each instance during ultrasonic vibration of the waveguide assembly in accordance with the first drive signal control schedule.

Abstract: A unitary component having a tip portion integrally formed with an expandable sleeve portion. Other aspects of the present invention are related to a catheter incorporating a unitary component. Still other aspects of the present invention will be apparent upon reading the remainder of the disclosure.

Abstract: A surgical drape for use during surgery on a patient includes a sheet configured for covering at least a portion of the patient during the surgery. At least one pair of straps are configured on an underside of the sheet and extend in generally opposite directions laterally beyond sides of the sheet. The straps have a sufficient length so as to extend down below the support surface upon which the patient rests and engage with each other below the support surface, or with structure alongside the support surface, in order to restrain the patient in a desired position on the support surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods and compositions for reducing inflammation and/or pain, and more particularly, to compositions comprising an NSAID and oleocanthal and/or a related compound. The compositions are particularly suitable for topical delivery and may be used to relieve the effects of arthritis.

Abstract: A technique for identifying a vein in a patient is disclosed. The technique involves the application of a thermochromic ink to a venous area on the skin of a patient (e.g., human or animal). The thermochromic ink comprises thermosensitive color-changing microcapsules that contain a proton-accepting chromogen and a desensitizer. The desensitizer possesses a melting point above which the chromogen is capable of becoming protonated, thereby resulting in a color change. Thereafter, the venous area is observed for the color change.

Abstract: A single use disposable dispenser adapted to dispense sheet material therefrom is provided and includes a housing configured to provide a shipping carton and a dispenser housing for a roll of sheet material. The housing includes a base having a central area and an opening therein. The base is configured to support a roll of sheet material above at least a portion of the central area. The housing includes an exit port positioned a distance from the opening in the base. Sheet material disposed in the dispenser flows through the opening in the base and the exit port in a circuitous path.

Abstract: A method for detecting a microorganism or class of microorganisms is provided. More specifically, the method employs an array that contains a plurality of discrete regions (referred to as “addresses”) spaced apart on a solid support in a predetermined pattern. The addresses are selected so that the array provides a distinct spectral response (e.g., pattern of colors) or “fingerprint” for a particular microorganism or class of microorganisms. For example, the array may provide a certain spectral response in the presence of one microorganism or class of microorganisms (e.g., gram-negative bacteria), but provide a completely different spectral response in the presence of another microorganism or class of microorganisms (e.g., gram-positive bacteria). Detection of the spectral response provided by the array may thus allow for differentiation between microorganisms.

Abstract: A wet wipes dispenser including a top having a dispensing orifice, a bottom, and a sidewall. At least one lid for retaining moisture in the wet wipes dispenser and for access to a stack of wet wipes located inside of the wet wipes dispenser. At least one restraining member positioned inside of the wet wipes dispenser to hold the stack of wet wipes within the wet wipes dispenser elevated at a distance, H, from the dispensing orifice when the wet wipes dispenser is inverted.

Abstract: A substrate that contains a deodorizing ink is provided. The composition contains carbonaceous particles (e.g., activated carbon) for adsorbing one or more malodorous compounds to reduce odor. Because carbonaceous particles typically have a dark black color that is sometimes aesthetically displeasing to the user, the deodorizing ink of the present invention also contains voided synthetic particles that mask, at least to some extent, the darker carbonaceous particles. More specifically, the voids of the particles contain air, which can scatter or diffract light to create an opaque effect that may hide the black color of the carbonaceous particles. In this manner, the color presented to the user may be more aesthetically pleasing.