Abstract: An apparatus, including a scanning probe microscope base that includes a configured to be secured to an end of an insert in a cryostat; a top configured to be connected to a base of a scanning probe microscope head that is configured to be disposed inside the insert; and a damping system disposed between the frame and the top and comprising a bellows that seals the end of the insert. This sealing separates an ultra-high vacuum (UHV) environment in the insert from a high vacuum (HV) environment surrounding the end of the insert and also positions an upper surface of the top in the UHV environment.

Abstract: A storage container for a cylindrical tube of viscous construction material includes a body dimensioned to receive a cylindrical tube of viscous construction material. A nozzle enclosure is attached to a top end of the body and is dimensioned to receive a nozzle of a cylindrical tube of viscous construction material. A plug is positioned in the nozzle enclosure and dimensioned to fit into an inner diameter of the nozzle of the cylindrical tube of viscous construction material. A gasket is positioned between the body and the nozzle that substantially prevents air in the body from entering into the nozzle enclosure. A base seals the cylindrical tube of viscous construction material in the body.

Abstract: A storage container for a cylindrical tube of viscous construction material includes a body dimensioned to receive a cylindrical tube of viscous construction material. A nozzle enclosure is attached to a top end of the body and is dimensioned to receive a nozzle of a cylindrical tube of viscous construction material. A plug is positioned in the nozzle enclosure and dimensioned to fit into an inner diameter of the nozzle of the cylindrical tube of viscous construction material. A gasket is positioned between the body and the nozzle that substantially prevents air in the body from entering into the nozzle enclosure. A base seals the cylindrical tube of viscous construction material in the body.

Abstract: A storage container for a cylindrical tube of viscous construction material includes a body dimensioned to receive a cylindrical tube of viscous construction material. A nozzle enclosure is attached to a top end of the body and is dimensioned to receive a nozzle of a cylindrical tube of viscous construction material. A plug is positioned in the nozzle enclosure and dimensioned to fit into an inner diameter of the nozzle of the cylindrical tube of viscous construction material. A gasket is positioned between the body and the nozzle that substantially prevents air in the body from entering into the nozzle enclosure. A base seals the cylindrical tube of viscous construction material in the body.

Abstract: A storage container for a cylindrical tube of viscous construction material includes a body dimensioned to receive a cylindrical tube of viscous construction material. A nozzle enclosure is attached to a top end of the body and is dimensioned to receive a nozzle of a cylindrical tube of viscous construction material. A gasket is positioned between the body and the nozzle that substantially prevents air in the body from entering into the nozzle enclosure. A base seals the cylindrical tube of viscous construction material in the body.

Abstract: A storage container for a cylindrical tube of viscous construction material includes a body dimensioned to receive a cylindrical tube of viscous construction material. A nozzle enclosure is attached to a top end of the body and is dimensioned to receive a nozzle of a cylindrical tube of viscous construction material. A plug is positioned in the nozzle enclosure and dimensioned to fit into an inner diameter of the nozzle of the cylindrical tube of viscous construction material. A gasket is positioned between the body and the nozzle that substantially prevents air in the body from entering into the nozzle enclosure. A base seals the cylindrical tube of viscous construction material in the body.

Abstract: A radiator heater cover includes a cover formed of thermoplastic in a shape that fits over at least a portion of a radiator heater. The radiator heater cover defines a plurality of apertures in at least a portion of an outer surface of the cover that are dimensioned and spaced to provide desired convective heat transfer away from predetermined areas of the radiator heater.

Abstract: A storage container for a cylindrical tube of viscous construction material includes a body dimensioned to receive a cylindrical tube of viscous construction material. A nozzle enclosure is attached to a top end of the body and is dimensioned to receive a nozzle of a cylindrical tube of viscous construction material. A gasket is positioned between the body and the nozzle that substantially prevents air in the body from entering into the nozzle enclosure. A base seals the cylindrical tube of viscous construction material in the body.

Abstract: A radiator heater cover includes a cover formed of thermoplastic in a shape that fits over at least a portion of a radiator heater. The radiator heater cover defines a plurality of apertures in at least a portion of an outer surface of the cover that are dimensioned and spaced to provide desired convective heat transfer away from predetermined areas of the radiator heater.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid aqueous alcoholic antiperspirant composition comprising, by weight, about 10% to about 60% ethanol, water, and about 8% to about 22% (USP) antiperspirant salt dissolved in the composition, wherein said antiperspirant salt comprises a calcium enhanced aluminum-zirconium chlorohydrate. The composition may optionally include a thickening agent to increase the viscosity of the solution. A more viscous solution is less prone to dripping from the skin or leaking from the dispensing container. Ideally, the composition will provide an absolute sweat reduction significantly higher than currently available antiperspirant products, typically at least 60% sweat reduction or higher.

Abstract: The present invention is a myocardial lead attachment system for securing a lead within the myocardium. The attachment system includes an anchor configured to engage the heart, a tether coupled to the anchor and a lead body. The lead body has a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen for accepting the tether and a lock housing in the lumen. A lock structure is on the tether and mates with the lock housing and restrains motion of the lead with respect to the tether in either of a proximal or a distal direction.

Abstract: The present invention is a lead for use in connection with a myocardial lead attachment system of the type having an anchor for engaging the heart and a tether extending from the anchor. The lead includes a lead body having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen for accepting the tether. A tapered tip is separate from the lead and positioned adjacent the distal end of the lead. The tip has a longitudinal through-hole for accepting the tether.

Abstract: The present invention is a myocardial lead attachment system and method for securing a distal end of a lead within the myocardium of a patient's heart. The system includes an anchor, a tether coupled at a distal end to the anchor and a lead body. The lead body has a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therethrough for receiving the tether. A fixation mechanism is at the distal end of the lead body, and is adapted to collapse to a first configuration during implantation and deploy to a second configuration after implantation.

Abstract: A method of sizing liposomes by passing a suspension of liposomes through an aluminum oxide porous film by entering the film via the smaller pores and extruded via the larger pores, under pressure, is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the porous film is a branched-pore type anodic aluminum oxide porous film. The process produces a population of liposomes substantially free of liposomes above a predetermined maximum size. Also disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out the invention.

Abstract: A method of sizing liposomes by passing a suspension of liposomes through an aluminum oxide porous film under pressure is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the porous film is a branched-pore type anodic aluminum oxide porous film. The process produces a population of liposomes substantially free of liposomes above a predetermined maximum size. Also disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out the invention.

Abstract: A dispenser for fluid material comprising a cylindrical container with a metering device disposed therein. The container comprises a dispensing end and a closed end, while the metering device forms a dispensing cavity separated from a storage cavity at the dispensing end of the container and a metering cavity formed at the closed end of the container. Movement of the container to a position with the closed end disposed downwardly and then to a position with the dispensing end disposed downwardly is effective to cause fluid to flow from the storage cavity into the metering cavity and be metered in a desired quantity into the dispensing cavity.

Abstract: Soap-based clear cosmetic sticks are disclosed which include an alkali metal salt of a chelating agent into the stick composition to increase the set temperature and the stick hardness and to prevent the formation of precipitates in the composition during aging. A typical composition of the present invention comprises about 40 to 90%, preferably about 50 to 80%, of a polyhydric alcohol, about 5 to 35%, preferably 15 to 30%, water, about 3 to 12%, preferably 4 to 8%, of an alkali metal salt of a C.sub.12-22, preferably C.sub.14-18, fatty acid, and about 0.3 to 1.6%, preferably about 0.5 to 1.3% of an alkali metal salt of a chelating agent, preferably a sodium or potassium salt of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA). The composition will also typically contain a cosmetic active ingredient such as a deodorant active. Preferably the composition will contain less than 0.3%, most preferably less than 0.2%, of C.sub.20-22 soap in order to achieve maximum clarity.

Abstract: Soap-based clear cosmetic sticks are disclosed which include 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol in the composition to increase the set temperature, and also the stick hardness. A typical composition of the present invention comprises about 20 to 50%, preferably 28 to 46%, of 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, about 3 to 12%, preferably 4 to 8%, of an alkali metal salt of a C.sub.12-22, preferably C.sub.14-18, fatty acid, about 10 to 42%, preferably 18 to 30%, of a polyhydric alcohol other than 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, and about 5 to 35%, preferably 15 to 30%, water. To achieve the highest set temperature the composition should also contain an alkali metal salt, preferably a sodium or potassium salt, particularly an alkali metal halide such as sodium chloride or an alkali metal chelate such as di-, tri- or tetra-sodium EDTA. The composition will also typically contain a cosmetic active ingredient such as a deodorant active. Preferably the composition will contain less than 0.3%, most preferably less than 0.2%, of C.sub.

Abstract: A formulation preparation device is provided herein which contains a valve assembly, transfer spikes, syringe port and tube, these components being interconnected so as to provide for controlled fluid flow between the spikes and port, through the assembly, in specific directions only. The device has an enclosed, sterilizable, gripable housing and can be used to mix combine fluids in reproducible and predetermined proportions. Combination is accomplished aseptically, avoiding contact between the device's operator and the fluids and the substances combined. Biologically active compounds can be combined with one or more fluids, including such aqueous liposome suspensions, using the device. A formulation preparation kit containing, in addition to the device, the fluids and compounds to be formulated is thus also provided herein; methods of using the device to prepare such formulations are further provided herein.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the production of liposomes by combining an organic phase and an aqueous at a volume ratio of less than 3:1; the process can be conducted under conditions which obtain a single-modal population distribution of liposomes encompassing a pre-selected mean particle size. A novel intermediate product obtained during the process, which can itself be used for the topical delivery of a bioactive agent, is also provided.