Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial tear formulations and ophthalmic formulations suitable for drug delivery. The formulations comprise galactomannans such as guar or hydroxypropyl guar and a borate source such as boric acid. The formulations further comprise a cis-diol such as sorbitol that interferes with the cross-linking of galactomannan and borate. Optionally, the formulations are substantially free of divalent cations.

Abstract: Private anonymous electronic messaging between a message originator and a message recipient within an organization encourages open communication which can provide information to the organization that might otherwise be secreted from the organization, and can allow the message originator to obtain desired help (e.g., counseling). By profiling of the message originator based on current and previous electronic messaging within the system as well as external organizational information (e.g., behavioral or financial information), the system can assess concerns yet act as a gateway to protect the message originator's true identity through escalating levels of concern unless a genuine concern about the health, well-being, and/or safety of the message originator, others, or the organization is indicated, in which case the system can reveal the true identity of the message originator as appropriate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for purifying guar comprising combining borate and guar in an aqueous solution and treating the aqueous solution with an organic solvent to induce precipitation of purified guar. Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to ophthalmic formulations comprising purified guar produced by the processes described.

Abstract: Devices and methods for vaporizing active ingredients of a selected substance for inhalation using a portable vaporization device are provided herein. In certain aspects, the device includes a portable power source, a heating portion, an inhalation sensor, a temperature sensor, a distal light source, and a grinding portion. In response to an inhalation by a user, the power source energizes a heating element of the heating portion so as to heat air flow to a desired vaporization temperature within a few seconds of detecting inhalation, using convection and radiative heating. The device may include a receptacle for receiving a cartridge containing a pre-prepared substance, such as a liquid, gel, powder, or solid brick, and a grinding portion to allow a user to grind intact portions of cellulose-based material into smaller pieces to facilitate vaporization by manually rotating portions of the device relative to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to artificial tear compositions and ophthalmic compositions suitable for drug delivery. In one embodiment of the present invention, the compositions comprise a galactomannan polymer such as guar or hydroxypropyl guar, hyaluronic acid, and a cis-diol such as sorbitol. In a preferred embodiment, the compositions also comprise a borate compound.

Abstract: A tool handle includes a cavity to receive a T-handle tool. When the tool handle is placed on the T-handle tool, the tool handle provides a better grip of the tool handle to apply greater torque. The tool handle includes a protrusion which is able to detachably couple with the T-handle tool. Once coupled with the T-handle tool, the tool handle is able to be grasped by a user to rapidly turn the T-handle tool. In some embodiments, the T-handle tool includes an added tool. A tool container is able to store T-handle tools and the tool handle. The tool container includes a locking mechanism to lock the tools in place and a tamper prevention mechanism to ensure the locking mechanism is not tampered with while the tool container is in the store.

Abstract: A light bulb changing tool comprising a holding structure configured to engage a light bulb, the holding structure configured along an axis, the motorized holding structure configured to actuate in a first direction and a second direction. The light bulb changing tool further includes a force generator configured to selectively force the light bulb against the holding structure and a control unit configured to remotely communicate with the holding structure and the force generator, wherein the electronic control unit sends control signals to drive the holding structure to selectively move in the first direction and the second direction and/or to activate the force generator. The tool further comprises an arm member for positioning the holding structure in a desired configuration to engage the light bulb, wherein the arm member is coupled to the holding structure. The holding structure further comprises a rotator mechanism configured to rotate the holding structure in the first direction about the axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to viscosity stabilized ophthalmic formulations and ophthalmic formulations suitable for drug delivery. The formulations comprise galactomannans such as guar or hydroxypropyl guar and a borate source such as boric acid. The formulations further comprise a diol alcohol such as sorbitol and, optionally, a pharmaceutically acceptable divalent cation salt such as magnesium chloride.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for purifying guar comprising combining borate and guar in an aqueous solution and treating the aqueous solution with an organic solvent to induce precipitation of purified guar. Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to ophthalmic formulations comprising purified guar produced by the processes described.

Abstract: Measurement circuit components are included in an integrated circuit fabricated on a semiconductor substrate. A method is provided for controlling the speed of a cooling fan provided to cool an integrated circuit in which includes the steps of receiving a voltage from a thermal diode, addressing a table of digital temperatures by incrementing the address of the table entries every clock cycle of a circuit clock, converting the addressed data to a second voltage representing temperature, comparing the first voltage to the second voltage, providing a resulting temperature when both the first and second voltages are equal, and adjusting the fan speed accordingly.

Abstract: A tool handle includes a cavity to receive a T-handle tool. When the tool handle is placed on the T-handle tool, the tool handle provides a better grip of the tool handle to apply greater torque. The tool handle includes a protrusion which is able to detachably couple with the T-handle tool. Once coupled with the T-handle tool, the tool handle is able to be grasped by a user to rapidly turn the T-handle tool. In some embodiments, the T-handle tool includes an added tool. A tool container is able to store T-handle tools and the tool handle. The tool container includes a locking mechanism to lock the tools in place and a tamper prevention mechanism to ensure the locking mechanism is not tampered with while the tool container is in the store.

Abstract: A light bulb changing tool comprising a holding structure configured to engage a light bulb, the holding structure configured along an axis, the motorized holding structure configured to actuate in a first direction and a second direction. The light bulb changing tool further includes a force generator configured to selectively force the light bulb against the holding structure and a control unit configured to remotely communicate with the holding structure and the force generator, wherein the electronic control unit sends control signals to drive the holding structure to selectively move in the first direction and the second direction and/or to activate the force generator. The tool further comprises an arm member for positioning the holding structure in a desired configuration to engage the light bulb, wherein the arm member is coupled to the holding structure. The holding structure further comprises a rotator mechanism configured to rotate the holding structure in the first direction about the axis.

Abstract: An umbrella deployment mechanism includes: a housing contained within a backpack; a frame associated with the housing and deployable between a first position in which the frame is located within the backpack and a second position in which the frame is elevated above the first position; and a canopy associated with the frame and deployable between a first position in which the canopy is located within the backpack and a second position in which the canopy is elevated above the frame.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a conductive frame, a silicon die coupled to the conductive frame, the silicon die including a vibratory diaphragm, the die having a silicon die top opposite a silicon die bottom, with a silicon die port extending through the silicon die to the vibratory diaphragm, with a silicon die terminal in electrical communication with the conductive frame and an insulator affixed to the conductive frame and the silicon die, with the insulator extending through interstices in the conductive frame to a conductive frame bottom of the conductive frame, and around an exterior of the silicon die to the silicon die top, with the insulator physically affixed to the silicon die and to the conductive frame, with the silicon die port exposed and with a conductive frame terminal disposed at the conductive frame bottom in electrical communication with the silicon die terminal.

Abstract: A universal ratcheting tool provides improved handling of tools that are difficult to use on their own, specifically, hexagonal wrenches. The universal ratcheting tool includes a handle and a body with a ratcheting mechanism within the handle. The body includes a first aperture for receiving a tool, and the first aperture includes slots to accept a plurality of sizes of tools. The body also includes a second aperture where the tool extends out of the body. A retaining component is coupled with the body to retain the tool and a retaining tab is able to be used to open and close the retaining component. Once the tool is positioned and retained within the universal ratcheting tool, a user is able to easily install or remove an object such as a screw with the benefit of a comfortable handle and the ease of use of the ratcheting mechanism.

Abstract: The use of poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxybutylene) block copolymers in pharmaceutical compositions useful for modifying the surfaces of contact lenses and other medical devices is disclosed. The present invention is based in-part on a discovery that this class of compounds is particularly efficient in wetting hydrophobic surfaces, such as the surfaces of silicone hydrogel contact lenses and other types of ophthalmic lenses. Such compounds are also useful for cleaning purposes. The use of the compounds as surfactants in various types of compositions for treating contact lenses therefore represents a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Abstract: The use of nanoparticles of inorganic materials (e.g., synthetic smectite clays) in ophthalmic and otic pharmaceutical compositions is described. The nanoparticles are utilized as biologically inert carriers or depots for ophthalmic and otic drugs. The nanoparticles may also be utilized to modify the rheological properties of the compositions, so as to enhance the viscosity or flow characteristics of the compositions and/or increase the retention time of the compositions in the eye or ear.

Abstract: Measurement circuit components are included in an integrated circuit fabricated on a semiconductor substrate. A method is provided for controlling the speed of a cooling fan provided to cool an integrated circuit in which includes the steps of receiving a voltage from a thermal diode, addressing a table of digital temperatures by incrementing the address of the table entries every clock cycle of a circuit clock, converting the addressed data to a second voltage representing temperature, comparing the first voltage to the second voltage, providing a resulting temperature when both the first and second voltages are equal, and adjusting the fan speed accordingly.

Abstract: Measurement circuit components are included in an integrated circuit fabricated on a semiconductor substrate. A method is provided for controlling the speed of a cooling fan provided to cool an integrated circuit in which includes the steps of receiving a voltage from a thermal diode, addressing a table of digital temperatures by incrementing the address of the table entries every clock cycle of a circuit clock, converting the addressed data to a second voltage representing temperature, comparing the first voltage to the second voltage, providing a resulting temperature when both the first and second voltages are equal, and adjusting the fan speed accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for purifying guar comprising combining borate and guar in an aqueous solution and treating the aqueous solution with an organic solvent to induce precipitation of purified guar. Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to ophthalmic formulations comprising purified guar produced by the processes described.