Abstract: The use of bis-amines to enhance the antimicrobial activity of pharmaceutical compositions is described. The bis-amines are particularly useful for enhancing the antimicrobial activity of aqueous ophthalmic compositions, such as artificial tears or ocular lubricants, and solutions for disinfecting contact lenses.

Abstract: Cleaning compositions for contact lenses are described. The compositions contain multifunctional anionic surfactants that include at least two hydrophilic dissociating head groups. The multifunctional surfactants described (e.g., LED3A) possess both surface active and chelating properties, and have been found to be particularly effective in removing protein deposits from contact lenses.

Abstract: The use of nanoparticles of inorganic materials (e.g., synthetic smectite clays) in ophthalmic compositions is described. The nanoparticles are utilized as biologically inert carriers or depots for biocides. The nanoparticles are particularly useful in preventing or reducing the uptake of biocides from ophthalmic compositions by contact lenses, when the compositions are applied to the lenses.

Abstract: Cleaning compositions for contact lenses are described. The compositions contain multifunctional anionic surfactants that include at least two hydrophilic dissociating head groups. The multifunctional surfactants described (e.g., LED3A) possess both surface active and chelating properties, and have been found to be particularly effective in removing protein deposits from contact lenses.

Abstract: The use of compositions containing chitin derivatives to treat contact lenses is described. The compositions are particularly useful for removing protein deposits from contact lenses, but also serve to lubricate the surfaces of the lenses and enhance the comfort of the lenses when worn on the eyes. The chitin derivatives are preferably nonionic (e.g., ethylene glycol chitin), and facilitate the removal of protein deposits from contact lenses by functioning as a substrate for the lysozyme contained in those deposits.

Abstract: The use of compositions containing anionic chitosan derivatives to treat contact lenses is described. The compositions are particularly useful for removing protein deposits from contact lenses, but also serve to lubricate the surfaces of the lenses and enhance the comfort of the lenses when worn on the eyes.

Abstract: A core sample test apparatus applies pressure to the core sample and measures responsive longitudinal deformation with two sensors and lateral deformation with two orthogonal pairs of diametrically disposed sensors. The apparatus holds the core sample under test in a sleeve to which no or insignificant end torsional forces are applied during installation due to rotationally blocked washers used adjacent the ends of the sleeve. Concurrent acoustic testing can also be applied.

Abstract: A dropwise liquid dispensing system is provided which includes a liquid formulation having a surface tension of less than a specific value. A tip is provided for dispensing of the liquid formulation in a dropwise fashion and an inner bottle, in communication with the tip, contains the liquid formulation, and forces the liquid formulation through the tip when compressed. The inner bottle is configured with a volume for preventing a liquid formulation from flowing out of the bottle through the tip without compression of the inner bottle. An outer bottle is provided and disposed around the inner bottle for compressing the inner bottle. The inner and outer bottles are sized for providing hydraulic advantage in compressing the inner bottle with the hydraulic advantage being manifested by the outer bottle having a greater inner surface area than an outer surface of the inner bottle.

Abstract: Nonaqueous pharmaceutical compositions for use in aqueous physiological systems are disclosed comprising drug delivery vehicles suspended in nonaqueous perfluorocarbon or fluorinated silicone liquid carriers. The suspended drug delivery vehicles may be water labile or water stable and incorporate therapeutic or diagnostic compounds which remain stable and pharmaceutically effective for extended periods. The pharmaceutical compositions have improved bioavailability, are capable of low dose volume delivery, and do not leach the incorporated therapeutic or diagnostic compounds into the liquid carriers making them well suited for multi-dose packaging and administration.

Abstract: A multiple fluid dispensing device is provided which includes a plurality of liquid formulations with at least one formulation having a surface tension of less than a specific value. A tip is provided for dispensing of the liquid formulations in a dropwise fashion and an inner bottle, in communication with the tip, contains the liquid formulations in separate compartments, and forces the liquid formulations through the tip when compressed. The inner bottle is configured with a volume for preventing the liquid formulations from flowing out of the bottle through the tip without compression of the inner bottle. An outer bottle is provided and disposed around the inner bottle for compressing the inner bottle. The inner and outer bottles are sized for providing hydraulic advantage in compressing the inner bottle with the hydraulic advantage being manifested by the outer bottle having a greater inner surface area than an outer surface of the inner bottle.

Abstract: Nonaqueous pharmaceutical compositions for use in aqueous physiological systems are disclosed comprising drug delivery vehicles suspended in nonaqueous perfluorocarbon or fluorinated silicone liquid carriers. The suspended drug delivery vehicles may be water labile or water stable and incorporate therapeutic or diagnostic compounds which remain stable and pharmaceutically effective for extended periods. The pharmaceutical compositions have improved bioavailability, are capable of low dose volume delivery, and do not leach the incorporated therapeutic or diagnostic compounds into the liquid carriers making them well suited for multi-dose packaging and administration.

Abstract: A dropwise liquid dispensing system is provided which includes a liquid formulation having a surface tension of less than a specific value. A tip is provided for dispensing of the liquid formulation in a dropwise fashion and an inner bottle, in communication with the tip, contains the liquid formulation, and forces the liquid formulation through the tip when compressed. The inner bottle is configured with a volume for preventing a liquid formulation from flowing out of the bottle through the tip without compression of the inner bottle. An outer bottle is provided and disposed around the inner bottle for compressing the inner bottle. The inner and outer bottles are sized for providing hydraulic advantage in compressing the inner bottle with the hydraulic advantage being manifested by the outer bottle having a greater inner surface area than an outer surface of the inner bottle.

Abstract: Nonaqueous thixotropic drug delivery vehicles for use in aqueous physiological systems are disclosed comprising a substantially homogeneous dispersion of at least one suspending aid in a nonaqueous perfluorocarbon or fluorinated silicone liquid carrier. Pharmaceutical compounds may be incorporated to provide thixotropic pharmaceutical compositions having improved delivery profiles and high drug localization. The thixotropic compositions act as free-flowing, drop-instillable liquids upon the application of stress yet behave as a visco-elastic material when at rest. Due to these thixotropic properties the pharmaceutical compositions have improved bioavailability, are capable of low dose volume delivery, and do not degrade the incorporated therapeutic or diagnostic compounds making them well suited for multidose packaging and administration.

Abstract: Reversibly gelling aqueous and oil emulsions are disclosed which can be modified to incorporate oil soluble pharmaceutical compounds for delivery to physiological systems in a soluble form and which undergo significant changes in viscosity in response to substantially simultaneous changes in both temperature and pH. The compositions are formed of relatively low concentrations of a stable combination of at least one pH-sensitive reversibly gelling polymer, at least one temperature-sensitive reversibly gelling polymer and at least one organic oil. The compositions can be formulated to exhibit a sol-gel transition over a wide range of conditions and viscosities and may be modified to incorporate a pharmaceutical compound for utilization as droppable or injectable drug delivery systems which will gel following administration to a physiological system for the sustained delivery of such pharmaceutical compounds.

Abstract: Methods of completing poorly consolidated subterranean formations bounded by one or more consolidated formations to prevent sand production from the poorly consolidated formations are provided. The methods basically comprise the steps of drilling a well bore into the consolidated boundary formation adjacent to the poorly consolidated formation, creating a propped fracture communicating with the well bore in the consolidated boundary formation which extends into the poorly consolidated formation and producing fluids from the poorly consolidated formation into the well bore by way of the propped fracture.

Abstract: A core sample from an oil or gas well can be quickly and easily inserted and removed relative to a reusable sealing sleeve fixed within a test housing wherein the core sample is tested for both longitudinal and lateral strain in response to applied stress. Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio can be determined from the strain and stress information. Pressures and temperature can be set to simulate downhole conditions inside the apparatus.

Abstract: Nonaqueous pharmaceutical compositions for use in aqueous physiological systems are disclosed comprising drug delivery vehicles suspended in nonaqueous perfluorocarbon or fluorinated silicone liquid carriers. The suspended drug delivery vehicles may be water labile or water stable and incorporate therapeutic or diagnostic compounds which remain stable and pharmaceutically effective for extended periods. The pharmaceutical compositions possess extended shelf-lives and do not leach the incorporated therapeutic or diagnostic compounds into the liquid carriers making them well suited for multi-dose packaging and administration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of hydraulically fracturing a first zone with a first fluid and an adjacent second zone with a second fluid which preferably is chemically reactive with the first fluid to produce a precipitate or gel upon contact therewith. Preferably the fluids are separated from one another in the wellbore and are pumped into their respective zones at approximately the same rate so that they spread radially outward from the wellbore into the formation. Upon contact, the two fluids react with one another to form a precipitate or gel at the interface between the two zones thereby arresting further fracture propagation between the zones.