Abstract: A removal assembly and method for removing a submaster from a master is described. A curved tooling surface is arranged within a housing of the assembly. A first array of vacuum cups is attached to the housing adjacent a first end of the curved tooling surface, where the first array of vacuum cups are configured to provide a vacuum grip on a first portion of the submaster. A second array of vacuum cups is attached to the housing adjacent a second end of the curved tooling surface, where the second end opposes the first end, the second array of vacuum cups is configured to provide a vacuum grip on a second portion of the submaster. A rotation mechanism is configured to rotationally support the master as the master is rolled along the curved tooling surface to remove the submaster.

Abstract: A composition comprising a phenylthioethylacrylate, a multifunctional (meth)acrylate, a curing agent, wherein the phenylthioethylacrylate comprises less than about 400 parts per million tin and less than about 2 percent by weight of the corresponding phenylthioethanol. The composition may further comprise at least one unsaturated acid.

Abstract: A solvent exchange method is employed to provide microencapsulated compositions, such as microcapsules of pharmaceutical preparations. The method is based on an exchange of water and a hydrophilic organic solvent, whereby a decline in solvent quality for the organic solvent causes a polymer dissolved therein to be deposited onto an aqueous core. Optimal results are rationalized in terms of a balance of water solubility and surface tension for the organic solvent. In a preferred embodiment, microcapsules of selected drugs are formed by contacting microdroplets of an aqueous solution containing the drug with the organic solvent containing a polymer dissolved therein. A preferred method employs biodegradable poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) dissolved in acetic acid, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, or ethyl formate, to form a PLGA membrane around an aqueous drug core. The method is particularly attractive for encapsulating protein-based drugs without substantial denaturation.

Abstract: A solvent exchange method is employed to provide microencapsulated compositions, such as microcapsules of pharmaceutical preparations. The method is based on an exchange of water and a hydrophilic organic solvent, whereby a decline in solvent quality for the organic solvent causes a polymer dissolved therein to be deposited onto an aqueous core. Optimal results are rationalized in terms of a balance of water solubility and surface tension for the organic solvent. In a preferred embodiment, microcapsules of selected drugs are formed by contacting microdroplets of an aqueous solution containing the drug with the organic solvent containing a polymer dissolved therein. A preferred method employs biodegradable poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) dissolved in acetic acid, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, or ethyl formate, to form a PLGA membrane around an aqueous drug core. The method is particularly attractive for encapsulating protein-based drugs without substantial denaturation.