Abstract: Articles for providing sustained release of water-soluble components. The articles comprise agglomerate particles comprising an organophobic water-soluble nucleus particle surrounded by smaller, clinging organophilic particles. The agglomerate particles are bound into a coherent mass, such as a tablet, by an organic, water-insoluble binder. The release characteristics of the articles can be selectively controlled by controlling the type and relative amount of the organophilic particles employed. The articles can be made by dry-blending the solid ingredients and forming and fusing the blended mass.

Abstract: The disclosed substantially spherical capsules are particularly adapted for containing a liquid and have permeable or semi-permeable capsule walls. The capsule walls can comprise a first crystalline phase, an amorphous phase which ordinarily is intimately associated with the crystalline phase, and, preferably, a dispersed (discontinuous) second crystalline or semi-crystalline phase such as a wax. These capsules have the ability to release a solute by an effect resembling osmosis and to release a liquid by a transmission and evaporation mechanism.

Abstract: Microporosity is introduced into a membrane capable of retaining a liquid by (a) forming a single homogeneous liquid phase comprising a first material and a second material, at a temperature above the melting points of said materials, said first material being incompatible with said second material when said liquid phase is cooled to room temperature, the volume contraction ratio being at least about 1.2, and (b) permitting the liquid phase to cool to room temperature, whereby said first material separates out as a dispersed solid phase and creates micropores which extend completely through said membrane.

Abstract: The disclosed substantially spherical capsules are particularly adapted for containing a liquid and have permeable or semi-permeable capsule walls. The capsule walls can comprise a first crystalline phase, an amorphous phase which ordinarily is intimately associated with the crystalline phase, and, preferably, a dispersed (discontinuous) second crystalline or semi-crystalline phase such as a wax. These capsules have the ability to release a solute by an effect resembling osmosis and to release a liquid by a transmission and evaporation mechanism.