Abstract: A process for preparing and isolating pharmaceutical active ingredient particles having a particle size of between about 0.1 and 30 microns, wherein a slurry comprising the active ingredient and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients is fed into a thin film evaporator under suitable conditions for less than 10 minutes sufficient to generate solid matrix particles comprising active ingredient and one or more excipients, wherein the particles have less than 5% residual solvent.

Abstract: An umbilical and follower assembly for preventing unwanted movements of a frame from being transmitted by an umbilical cord to a microgravity platform as may be utilized on an orbiting space vehicle. The follower assembly includes a plurality of actuators capable of moving an umbilical attachment in directions which are opposite to the unwanted movements of the frame. The attachment engages a portion of the umbilical and thus maintains the umbilical in a predetermined position relative to the platform, preventing the unwanted frame movements from being transmitted past the attachment and to the platform. The umbilical preferably includes a portion having three separate loop portions, with each loop extending in a different orthogonal plane and capable of absorbing rotational motion in that plane by deformation of the loop portion.

Abstract: Microgravity sensitive payloads placed on a platform are isolated from external acceleration forces over extended periods of time in the weightless environment inside an orbiting space vehicle by canceling acceleration on the platform. Wide gap dual axis magnetic actuators and accelerometer pairs are spaced about the platform with the magnetic actuators providing a non-contacting magnetic position control, wherein physical contact with the platform is avoided. Position sensors sense platform positioning and the control system, containing both digital and analog computers, controls the magnetic actuators to ensure proper positioning and neutralize any transient acceleration forces applied to the platform.