Abstract: Provided herein are water-soluble polymer conjugates and polymer-based compositions of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Also provided are methods for synthesizing and administering such conjugates and compositions.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided for sealing a cartridge during a recharging or a refilling of a toner hopper of the cartridge with a toner. The cartridge is filled with the toner through a toner port of the toner hopper. The toner hopper and a shutter drum assembly are separated at a first end of the cartridge. An ultrasonic welder welds a first side at the first end of the cartridge and then welds a second side at the first end of the cartridge. The ultrasonic welder seals the first end of the cartridge by bonding the shutter drum assembly to the toner hopper at the first end of the cartridge. A welding jig maintains alignment of the shutter drum assembly and the toner hopper during reassembly and/or aligns the first side and/or the second side of the cartridge prior to welding by the ultrasonic welder.

Abstract: This invention relates to pharmaceutical formulations administered via parenteral methods, which provide a prolonged localized analgesic effect. More particularly, the present invention concerns a pharmaceutically acceptable biocompatible biodegradable carrier containing a local anesthetic and the parenteral administration of such carrier in a manner such that a localized analgesic effect is attained for a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: A formulation for inducing sustained regional local anesthesia in a patient comprising a substrate comprising a local anesthetic and an effective amount of a biocompatible, biodegradable, controlled release material prolonging the release of the local anesthetic from the substrate to obtain a reversible local anesthesia when implanted or injected in a patient, and a non-toxic augmenting agent effective to prolong the duration of the local anesthesia for a time period longer than that obtainable from the substrate without the augmenting agent. In preferred embodiments, the controlled release material is a low molecular weight, acid-terminated polymer. A further aspect of the invention is directed to such formulations which release the local anesthetic in two phases, the first a rapid “bolus” to initiate anesthesia and a second, slower release to maintain anesthesia.

Abstract: A connecting joint for connecting two tubular members together has a pin and a box, each containing conical threaded sections. The pin and the box each has a locking section for locking the pin and box together during make-up. Each locking section has at least one circumferential profile with a crest. The crests are dimensioned so that they interfere with each during make-up. A shoulder locates below each crest. This shoulder is conical and opposite to the taper of the threaded section. The decree of taper of this shoulder is high relative to the longitudinal axis of the pin and box, requiring a large breakout force.