Abstract: A plastic pressurized package comprising a hollow, plastic body comprising a blend of a first and second material, said first material comprising a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyesters, polyester copolymers, and mixtures thereof and said second material comprising a polymer selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, polycarbonate copolymers, and mixtures thereof and wherein said plastic pressurized package is able to contain and dispense a pressurized fluid of at least about 15 psi greater than atmospheric pressure at 25° C.

Abstract: A plastic pressurized package comprising a hollow, plastic, substantially non-round cross-section body, comprising a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyamides, polyesters, polyester copolymers, polycarbonates, polyacrylates, polycarbonate copolymers, and mixtures thereof wherein said plastic pressurized package is able to contain and dispense a pressurized fluid of at least about 15 psi greater than atmospheric pressure at 25° C.

Abstract: A microvalve for controlling fluid flow, including a body portion having a plurality of spaced openings formed therein, a shutter located adjacent to and substantially parallel with the body portion having a plurality of spaced openings formed therein, a drive mechanism for causing the shutter to move laterally with respect to the body portion so that the spaced openings of the shutter are brought into and out of alignment with the spaced openings of the body portion, wherein the microvalve is in an open position and a closed position, respectively, and, a latching mechanism for preventing the shutter from moving laterally with respect to the body portion.

Abstract: A microvalve for controlling fluid flow, including a body portion having a plurality of spaced openings formed therein, a shutter located adjacent to and substantially parallel with the body portion having a plurality of spaced openings formed therein, a drive mechanism for causing the shutter to move laterally with respect to the body portion so that the spaced openings of the shutter are brought into and out of alignment with the spaced openings of the body portion, wherein the microvalve is in an open position and a closed position, respectively, and, a latching mechanism for preventing the shutter from moving laterally with respect to the body portion.

Abstract: A microvalve (10) for controlling fluid flow, including a body portion (14) having a plurality of spaced openings (18) formed therein, a shutter (12) located adjacent to and substantially parallel with the body portion having a plurality of spaced openings (16) formed therein, a drive mechanism (20, 22) for causing the shutter to move laterally with respect to the body portion so that the spaced openings of the shutter are brought into and out of alignment with the spaced openings of the body portion, wherein the microvalve is in an open position and a closed position, respectively, and, a latching mechanism (36, 38, 40, 42) for preventing the shutter from moving laterally with respect to the body portion.

Abstract: A microvalve for controlling fluid flow, including a body portion having at least one opening formed therein, a shutter located adjacent to and substantially parallel with the body portion, and a drive mechanism for causing the shutter to pivot with respect to the body portion so that the shutter is brought into and out of alignment with the opening of the body portion, wherein the microvalve is in a closed position and an open position, respectively.

Abstract: A microvalve (10) for controlling fluid flow, including a body portion (14) having at least one opening (18) formed therein, a shutter (12) located adjacent to and substantially parallel with the body portion, and a drive mechanism (20, 22) for causing the shutter to pivot with resect to the body portion so that the shutter is brought into and out of alignment with the opening of the body portion, wherein the microvalve is in a closed position and an open position, respectively.

Abstract: A microvalve for controlling fluid flow, including a body portion having at least one opening formed therein, a shutter located adjacent to and substantially parallel with the body portion, and a drive mechanism for causing the shutter to pivot with respect to the body portion so that the shutter is brought into and out of alignment with the opening of the body portion, wherein the microvalve is in a closed position and an open position, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed are flushable tampon applicators which comprise a combination of thermoplastic materials and filler such as calcium carbonate and talc, and which readily disintegrate in water such as toilet water for improved disposal and reduced environmental concerns regarding the destruction of these applicators. The flushable tampon applicators comprise a combination of high molecular weight polyethylene oxides, low molecular weight polyethylene glycols, biodegradable polymers, and filler, wherein this combination of water-dispersible thermoplastic polymers, biodegradable thermoplastic polymers, and filler provide flushable tampon applicators that are readily disposed of and that are smooth, soft, flexible, and non-sticky or non-slimy to the touch before and during use.