Abstract: The present invention provides methods for purifying polymers. In each embodiment of the invention disclosed herein, a supercritical fluid is contacted with an organic solution that includes a polymer to be purified dissolved in an organic solvent. The supercritical fluid extracts the organic solvent from the organic solution. Impurities such as residual monomers and process solvents are removed with the organic solvent and supercritical fluid, thereby purifying the polymer. The methods of the invention are particularly suitable for use in the purification of biodegradable polymers for use in pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: A method includes executing first processes to generate graphical displays. At least one graphical display includes a user interface associated with a process system. The method also includes executing a separate second process to generate a window for presentation to an operator. The method further includes inserting the graphical displays into the window and presenting the window with the graphical displays to the operator. The method could also include executing a separate third process to control the first and second processes. The third process could represent a watchdog that terminates and restarts processes in response to detecting a fault or that prioritizes the processes. The method could further include executing a separate fourth process to provide a service, which includes a function invoked on behalf of at least one of the first and second processes.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to an adhesive laminate label for a communications device. The adhesive laminate label includes an upper label including visible indicia and at least one lower label. Each of the lower labels includes corresponding visible indicia that are different than the visible indicia of the upper label and of the other lower labels. At least the visible indicia of each lower label are covered by either the upper label or one of the other lower labels and the upper and lower labels are removably adhered to one another.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to an adhesive laminate label for use on a communication connector jack. The adhesive laminate label includes an upper label including a first termination diagram. The adhesive laminate label includes a lower label having a second termination diagram that is different than that of the first termination diagram. At least the second termination diagram of the lower label is covered by the upper label, and the lower label is removably adhered to the upper label. Other embodiments are directed to a communication connector jack including such an adhesive laminate label, and a method of terminating signal lines at signal-line terminals of a communication connector jack.

Abstract: A modular electrical bus system for a valve manifold has a main communication module with a plurality of modular I/O units each having a plurality of I/O fittings being both electrically and mechanically connectable together via a bridge member connecting adjacent units and the main communication module. At least one of the modular I/O units is also mechanically separable from and maintains communication connection to the main communication module. One or both of the modular IO units and main communication module may have an alpha-numeric display.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for purifying polymers. In each embodiment of the invention disclosed herein, a supercritical fluid is contacted with an organic solution that includes a polymer to be purified dissolved in an organic solvent. The supercritical fluid extracts the organic solvent from the organic solution. Impurities such as residual monomers and process solvents are removed with the organic solvent and supercritical fluid, thereby purifying the polymer. The methods of the invention are particularly suitable for use in the purification of biodegradable polymers for use in pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: A method for producing micro and/or nanoparticles by contacting an emulsion with a supercritical fluid. The method can be used to produce an aqueous suspension of particles that include a drug encapsulated in a polymer. The drug and polymer are dissolved in an organic solvent to form an organic solution. The organic solution is pumped into contact with an aqueous solution in an in-line homogenization device to form an emulsion. Immediately after the emulsion in the in-line homogenization device, the emulsion contacts the supercritical fluid. The supercritical fluid extracts the organic solvent from the oil droplets of the emulsion, causing the drug and polymer to precipitate into the aqueous phase of the emulsion and thereby form an aqueous suspension of particles that include a drug encapsulated in a polymer.