Abstract: A processing system for processing a flexible substrate is described. The processing system includes a vacuum chamber having a wall with an opening for the flexible substrate, a substrate support for supporting the flexible substrate during transportation of the flexible substrate through the opening, and a measurement assembly for measuring at least one of a property of the flexible substrate and a property of one or more coatings on the flexible substrate. The measurement assembly and the substrate support are attached to the wall.

Abstract: A method of coating a flexible substrate in a roll-to-roll deposition system is described. The method includes unwinding the flexible substrate from an unwinding roll, the flexible substrate having a first coating on a first main side thereof; measuring a lateral positioning of the first coating while guiding the flexible substrate to a coating drum; adjusting a lateral position of the flexible substrate on the coating drum depending on the measured lateral positioning of the first coating; and depositing a second coating on the flexible substrate, particularly on a second main side of the flexible substrate opposite the first main side. Further described is a vacuum deposition apparatus for conducting the methods described herein.

Abstract: A device for sealing a vacuum chamber is described, the vacuum chamber providing a first volume. The device includes an intermediate volume providing a fluid communication between the first volume and a second volume, a first seal for sealing a first conduit associated with the first volume and sealing the first volume from the intermediate volume, a second seal for sealing a second conduit associated with the second volume and sealing the second volume from the intermediate volume, and a third conduit providing a first fluid path to the intermediate volume.

Abstract: A processing system for processing a flexible substrate is described. The processing system includes a vacuum chamber having a wall with an opening for the flexible substrate, a substrate support for supporting the flexible substrate during transportation of the flexible substrate through the opening, and a measurement assembly for measuring at least one of a property of the flexible substrate and a property of one or more coatings on the flexible substrate. The measurement assembly and the substrate support are attached to the wall.

Abstract: A method of coating a flexible substrate in a roll-to-roll deposition system is described. The method includes unwinding the flexible substrate from an unwinding roll, the flexible substrate having a first coating on a first main side thereof; measuring a lateral positioning of the first coating while guiding the flexible substrate to a coating drum; adjusting a lateral position of the flexible substrate on the coating drum depending on the measured lateral positioning of the first coating; and depositing a second coating on the flexible substrate, particularly on a second main side of the flexible substrate opposite the first main side. Further described is a vacuum deposition apparatus for conducting the methods described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides sustained release formulations of estradiol metabolites whereby the in vivo pharmacokinetics are manipulated by a method selected from the group consisting of chemical modification, crystal packing formation, particle size or a combination thereof. Such compositions are useful in the long-term treatment of a wide variety of diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved sustained release formulations of estradiol metabolites, including 2-hydroxyestradiol, 2-methoxyestradiol, 4-hydroxyestradiol and 4-methoxyestradiol, useful for therapeutic treatments. The invention also provides methods of producing sustained release forms of estradiol metabolites. The compositions of the present invention include microparticles, nanoparticles, patches, crystals, gels, rods, stints, pallets, discs, lozenges, wafers, capsules, films, microcapsules nanocapsules, hydrogels, liposomes, implants and vaginal rings. Compositions also include formulations for transdermal and intravenous delivery of estradiol metabolites. The present invention provides numerous improvements over previous forms of estradiol metabolites, such advantages including the sustained release of normally short half-life compounds to maintain therapeutic blood levels.

Abstract: A method and composition for the encapsulation of hydrophilic molecules in submicron particles is disclosed. The particles are composed of a water-in-oil microemulsion surrounded by one or more biocompatible polymers.

Abstract: A method and composition for the encapsulation of hydrophilic molecules in submicron particles is disclosed. The particles are composed of a water-in-oil microemulsion surrounded by one or more biocompatible polymers.