Abstract: A terpolymer composition is described that contains a statistical amount of 50-98 wt % of a first repeating AA-BB comonomer unit; 1-25 wt % of a second repeating AA-BB comonomer unit; and 1-25 wt % of a repeating lactam comonomer unit or 1-25 wt % of a third repeating AA-BB comonomer unit, where the terpolymer composition exhibits a high melting point similar to that of PA66 while also exhibiting a significantly reduced crystallization rate and crystallization temperature.

Abstract: A terpolymer composition is described that contains a statistical amount of 50-98 wt % of a first repeating AA-BB comonomer unit; 1-25 wt % of a second repeating AA-BB comonomer unit; and 1-25 wt % of a repeating lactam comonomer unit or 1-25 wt % of a third repeating AA-BB comonomer unit, where the terpolymer composition exhibits a high melting point similar to that of PA66 while also exhibiting a significantly reduced crystallization rate and crystallization temperature.

Abstract: A terpolymer composition is described that contains a statistical amount of 50-98 wt % of a first repeating AA-BB comonomer unit; 1-25 wt % of a second repeating AA-BB comonomer unit; and 1-25 wt % of a repeating lactam comonomer unit or 1-25 wt % of a third repeating AA-BB comonomer unit, where the terpolymer composition exhibits a high melting point similar to that of PA66 while also exhibiting a significantly reduced crystallization rate and crystallization temperature.

Abstract: A terpolymer composition is described that contains a statistical amount of 50-98 wt % of a first repeating AA-BB comonomer unit; 1-25 wt % of a second repeating AA-BB comonomer unit; and 1-25 wt % of a repeating lactam comonomer unit or 1-25 wt % of a third repeating AA-BB comonomer unit, where the terpolymer composition exhibits a high melting point similar to that of PA66 while also exhibiting a significantly reduced crystallization rate and crystallization temperature.

Abstract: An antibacterial cleaning composition for hard surfaces is made from a flexible superabsorbent material and an antibacterial agent. The composition can be applied to various liquid and solid surface contaminants, including blood, vomit, fecal matter, urine, glass, food, etc. The composition may be applied to the contaminated hard surface by several methods including pouring, rolling, spraying or foaming. Once cured, the antimicrobial cleaning composition is removed from the surface, taking the contaminant along with it and leaving behind a clean surface.

Abstract: An R-glass composition including SiO2 in an amount from 59.0 to 64.5% by weight, Al2O3 in an amount from 14.5 to 20.5% by weight, CaO in an amount from 11.0 to 16.0% by weight, MgO in an amount from 5.5 to 11.5% by weight, Na2O in N an amount from 0.0 to 4.0% by weight, TiO2 in an amount from 0.0 to 2.0% by weight, Fe2O3 in an amount from 0.0 to 1.0% by weight, B2O3 in an amount from 0.0 to about 3.0% by weight, K2O, Fe2O3, ZrO2, and Fluorine, each of which is present in an amount from 0.0 to about 1.0% by weight, and SrO and ZnO, each of which is present in an amount from 0.0 to about 2.0% by weight. In exemplary embodiments, the glass composition does not contain lithium or boron.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for refilling a used ink cartridge includes determining a quantity of ink remaining in an ink holding chamber in the cartridge, determining a desired quantity of ink to refill the chamber based on a difference between a capacity of the chamber and the quantity of ink remaining in the chamber, and refilling the chamber with the desired quantity of ink. In another embodiment, a method for refilling a used ink cartridge includes introducing ink into an ink holding chamber in the cartridge, simultaneously with introducing ink into the chamber, monitoring the level of ink in the chamber, and ending the introduction of ink into the chamber when the level of ink in the chamber reaches a desired level.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for refilling a used ink cartridge includes determining a quantity of ink remaining in an ink holding chamber in the cartridge, determining a desired quantity of ink to refill the chamber based on a difference between a capacity of the chamber and the quantity of ink remaining in the chamber, and refilling the chamber with the desired quantity of ink. In another embodiment, a method for refilling a used ink cartridge includes introducing ink into an ink holding chamber in the cartridge, simultaneously with introducing ink into the chamber, monitoring the level of ink in the chamber, and ending the introduction of ink into the chamber when the level of ink in the chamber reaches a desired level.

Abstract: A surgical stapler comprising including an elongated handle portion having a longitudinal axis extending between a distal end and a proximal end. The stapler includes an end effector disposed at the distal end of the handle having a staple cartridge housing, and an anvil. The end effector has an open position wherein the staple cartridge and the anvil are spaced apart, and a closed position wherein the staple cartridge and anvil are closely adjacent to each other. The stapler also includes an elongated trigger. The distal end of the trigger being pivotably attached to the handle between the handle's distal and proximal end. The trigger has an open position wherein the proximal end of the trigger is spaced apart from the handle, and a closed position wherein the proximal end of the trigger is closely adjacent the handle. The trigger is linked to the end effector such that moving the trigger from its open to its closed position moves the end effector from its open to its closed position.

Abstract: A method for stapling tissue using the steps of providing a surgical stapling device having a handle with a longitudinal axis extending between a proximal end and a distal end having an end effector disposed thereon, which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The end effector comprising a staple cartridge housing a plurality of staples, the end effector having an open position and a closed position. The device also has an elongated trigger having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end of the trigger is pivotably attached to the handle. The trigger has an open position wherein the proximal end of the trigger is spaced apart from the handle, and a closed position wherein the proximal end of the trigger is closely adjacent the handle. Lastly, the device has an actuator for ejecting the plurality of staples from the cartridge towards the anvil, the actuator is a rotatable knob mounted onto the distal end of the handle.

Abstract: Crystalline form of the p38 kinase inhibitor 2-{4-[3-(4-chloro-2-fluorophenyl)-4-pyrimidin-4-yl-1H-pyra-zol-5-yl]piperidin-1-yl}-2-oxoethanol can be used, is provided. The crystalline form is a hydrated crystalline form. Also provided are combinations and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the crystalline form, process for preparing the crystalline form and for preparing compositions comprising the crystalline form, in methods for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of a p38 kinase-mediated condition comprising administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of the crystalline form of 1.

Abstract: A germicidal surface-covering assembly that includes at least two different donnable or drapable garments. Each garment defines at least one treated surface that is susceptible to pathogen contamination in a physical contamination event when used as intended in an environment subject to contamination (e.g., a clinical environment, a laboratory or a workplace). Each treated surface is adapted to provide a time-dependent reduction in the number of pathogens available at that treated surface after a physical contamination event, such that at least a predetermined time after a physical contamination event at a first location on a first treated surface of a first garment, a first physical contact between the first location on the first treated surface and a second location on a second treated surface of a second garment results fewer viable pathogens on the second treated surface as compared to an untreated control.

Abstract: An antimicrobial composition that involves a synergistic mixture in terms of active agents, of a primary antimicrobial agent, such as polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), a secondary antimicrobial agent, and optionally an organic acid against various kinds of microbes is described. Various additional processing aids, such as alcohols and surfactants, may also be incorporated within the mixture. The composition allows one to use a significantly less concentration of individual constituent antimicrobial agents to achieve the same or a better degree of antimicrobial efficacy. The antimicrobial composition can be applied to the surface of almost any kind of substrate material, and can achieve a killing-efficacy of about 3 Log10 reduction in microbes within 30 minutes under ambient conditions.

Abstract: A material substrate having at least part of a surface treated with an antimicrobial composition is described. The antimicrobial composition exhibits at least a 3 log10 CFU reduction within a period of about 30 minutes after contact with various species of a broad spectrum of microorganisms. The substrate can be a nonwoven material that has good fluid barrier properties, which can be used in protective garments and sheets. Methods for manufacturing and imparting the antimicrobial treatment to the substrate are also provided.

Abstract: A face mask for reducing the amount of microbes to which a wearer is exposed is provided. The face mask includes a body portion that has an outer layer that has been treated with a germicidal agent in an effective amount. The layer may be a nonwoven fabric like a spunbond, meltblown or coform layer and may be a laminate of such layers. The face mask having such a germicidal treatment can result in a reduction in microbial activity as compared to another face mask, identical but for the germicidal agent.

Abstract: A synergistic antimicrobial composition containing at least two kinds of antimicrobial agents, including poly-hexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), stably associated to a material substrate is described. The substrate can take the forms of an anti-infection face mask, medical devices, or surgical instruments.

Abstract: New compositions for forming films for use in optical devices are provided. The compositions comprise a cellulose and a crosslinking agent dissolved or dispersed in a solvent system. Preferred celluloses are cellulose esters such as cellulose acetates, cellulose triacetates, cellulose acetate phthalates, and cellulose acetate butyrates. Preferred crosslinking agents are triazines such as those derived from melamine and benzoguanamine. The inventive compositions can be used to form, for example, protective and/or compensation films for use in polarizing plates.

Abstract: A surgical stapling and severing instrument particularly suited to endoscopic procedures incorporates a handle that produces separate closing and firing motions to actuate an end effector. In particular, the handle produces multiple firing strokes in order to reduce the required amount of force required to fire (i.e., staple and sever) the end effector. A linked transmission reduces the required handle longitudinal length, yet achieves a rigid, strong configuration when straightened for firing. A traction biased firing mechanism avoids binding in driving this straightened linked rack in cooperation with an anti-backup mechanism, with a lockout mechanism that prevents releasing the closure trigger during firing. Furthermore, an external indicator gives feedback to the surgeon as to how far firing has progressed, as well as providing a manual retraction capability.

Abstract: Cleansing systems and methods are disclosed for improving the cleaning of skin. The cleansing systems comprise a first product comprising an anti-adherent formulation and a second product comprising a cationic compound capable of binding contaminants located on the skin. The first product is wiped across the skin of a user to introduce a film of the anti-adherent formulation onto the surface of the skin. This film reduces the amount of contaminant that is retained on the skin. The second product is wiped across the skin of a user to further dislodge and remove contaminants from the skin. The cleansing systems result in cleaner, healthier skin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a topical composition for application to the perianal and/or labial areas of the skin which helps prevent viscoelastic fluids, such as menses and feces, from attaching to the skin and aids in the reducing the viscoelastic properties of the fluid so that the fluid can flow into absorbent articles. The composition contains at least one viscoelastant material and at least one an anti-adherent material. the composition may be applied with a wipe, including mitts and gloves, a solid stick composition, an aerosol dispenser, a pump spray, a trigger spray, a squeeze bottle, as a foam, as a cream, as an ointment, as a salve, as a gel, as a wash or as a lotion. In addition, absorbent articles, such as pads or pants, diapers and the like may also be used as a means to transfer the composition to the skin.