Abstract: The present invention relates to epoxy curing agents which are obtained from the reaction of a polyalkylene polyether modified polyepoxide resin and a polyamine component. They polyamine component is a reaction product of a polyethylene polyamine having 3 to 10 nitrogen atoms, for example, diethylenetriamine (DETA), and at least one aldehyde having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, for example, formaldehyde. The epoxy curing agent may be used as part of a two component coating system in the curing of liquid or pre-dispersed curable epoxy resins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to epoxy curing agents which are obtained from the reaction of a polyalkylene polyether modified polyepoxide resin and a polyamine component. They polyamine component is a reaction product of a polyethylene polyamine having 3 to 10 nitrogen atoms, for example, diethylenetriamine (DETA), and at least one aldehyde having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, for example, formaldehyde. The epoxy curing agent may be used as part of a two component coating system in the curing of liquid or pre-dispersed curable epoxy resins.

Abstract: New solid detergent compositions and methods of forming and using those compositions are provided. The compositions for forming the solid detergents comprise a copolymer, scale inhibiting agent, and non-phosphate builder dispersed or dissolved in a solvent system. Advantageously, the inventive solid detergents provide dramatically improved cleaning performance and drying time without the use of a separate rinse additive. The detergents are especially suited to commercial dishmachine processes. The solid detergents are also in the form of a solid, homogeneous, self-sustaining body for improved handling and use.

Abstract: New solid detergent compositions and methods of forming and using those compositions are provided. The compositions for forming the solid detergents comprise a copolymer, scale inhibiting agent, and non-phosphate builder dispersed or dissolved in a solvent system. Advantageously, the inventive solid detergents provide dramatically improved cleaning performance and drying time without the use of a separate rinse additive. The detergents are especially suited to commercial dishmachine processes. The solid detergents are also in the form of a solid, homogeneous, self-sustaining body for improved handling and use.

Abstract: New solid detergent compositions and methods of forming and using those compositions are provided. The compositions for forming the solid detergents comprise a copolymer, scale inhibiting agent, and non-phosphate builder dispersed or dissolved in a solvent system. Advantageously, the inventive solid detergents provide dramatically improved cleaning performance and drying time without the use of a separate rinse additive. The detergents are especially suited to commercial dishmachine processes. The solid detergents are also in the form of a solid, homogeneous, self-sustaining body for improved handling and use.

Abstract: A liquid, two-phase bleaching and detergent formulation including a first component having an activator capable of forming a per-acid in the presence of oxygen, and a second component comprising a peroxide compound. Generally, the activator compound is substantially insoluble in water, and a rheology modifier is used to suspend the activator in the first component. When mixed together, the activator and peroxide react to form a per-acid. The second component may also include a peroxide stabilizing system to prevent the degradation of the peroxide prior to mixing the first and second components.

Abstract: A multi-anchor suture is provided which comprises at least two anchors and at least one suture attached to each anchor. The multiple anchors are inserted into a patient's bone and the suture connecting the anchors facilitates reattachment of soft tissue to the bone. Also provided is a method of attaching soft tissue to bone using the inventive multi-anchor suture.

Abstract: A multi-anchor suture is provided which comprises at least two anchors and at least one suture attached to each anchor. The multiple anchors are inserted into a patient's bone and the suture connecting the anchors facilitates reattachment of soft tissue to the bone. Also provided is a method of attaching soft tissue to bone using the inventive multi-anchor suture.

Abstract: A meniscal fastener applying device for repairing tears in the meniscus of the knee. The device includes a handle assembly and an elongated body portion attached thereto. The handle assembly is operatively attached to a firing mechanism to remotely actuate a firing bar. The firing bar is movably positioned within the elongated body portion to engage and eject a fastener from within the elongated body portion. The elongated body portion includes a support casing which is preferably constructed from stainless steel. The support casing has a cylindrical proximal cross-section that tapers into a distal cross-section having planar top and bottom surfaces. The distal end of the elongated body portion further includes a pair of locator barbs and a tapered distal face.

Abstract: A solid, essentially anhydrous peroxygen bleaching and sanitizing composition which includes a peroxygen bleaching agent, an activator capable of forming a per-acid in the presence of oxygen, and an essentially anhydrous, non-reactive binding agent. The composition of this invention is stable in high humidity and cleans and sanitizes effectively in warm water as well as in hot water. The binding agent utilized in this invention is essentially anhydrous and non-reactive with oxygen. The melting point of the binding agent is preferably from about 35-85.degree. C., more preferably from about 45-70.degree. C., and most preferably from about 50-60.degree. C. The binding agent is present in the composition at a level of from about 25-65%, preferably from about 30-55%, and more preferably from about 35-45% by weight. In addition to these ingredients, optional functional ingredients can be utilized as necessary for specific cleaning purposes.

Abstract: Solid activator bodies for activating oxygen-based bleach at relatively low temperatures are provided which preferably include respective quantities of tetra acetyl ethylene diamine (TAED), phosphate sequestering agent, non-phosphate solidifying agent, surfactant and water. The activator bodies are readily dispersable in hot water to form dilute dispersions which can be added directly to cleaning equipment along with oxygen-based bleach. The activator enhances bleaching effectiveness and generates peracetic acid, a potential antimicrobial.

Abstract: A solid oxygen-based bleach includes components such as aqueous hydrogen peroxide combined with a quantity of an alkali metal phosphate capable of combining with the hydrogen peroxide to form a peroxyhydrate salt. A sufficient amount of a solidifying agent for the peroxyhydrate salt is added to the mixture while still in its exothermically heated form, to effect solidification of the emulsion upon cooling of the product. The pH of the composition is controlled by addition of sequestering acid salts to maintain the pH within 4 to 9, and preferably 7 to 8. Anionic and/or nonionic surfactants may be added to the composition. The heated molten composition resulting from the exothermic reaction of the constituents is poured into tablet or cake forming molds and allowed to cool thus effecting solidification of the mass in each mold.The bleaching/detergent composition is useful in hot water warewashing, laundry, and hard surface cleaning applications.

Abstract: A method for repairing a torn meniscus includes inserting at least two anchoring members into the meniscus. Each anchoring member includes a dart and at least one suture. The darts are embedded in the meniscal tissue distal to the plane of the meniscal tear, the anchoring member being inserted transversely through and across the plane of the tear. The sutures of the two anchoring members extend from the anchoring members through and across the plane of the tear and out of the meniscus. The sutures are tied together and the knot formed is drawn into contact with the surface of the meniscus with sufficient tension to approximate the tear.

Abstract: A method for repairing tears in fibrocartilage and soft tissue. The clip has a pair of opposed legs formed of rigid biodegradable material. Each leg has at least one barb for easily penetrating the cartilage and soft tissue, and for opposing withdrawal from it. The legs are interconnected by a flexible section that is also biodegradable. The instrument for applying these clips has a pair of opposed jaws, each with at least one notch for holding the barbs of the clip. The jaws are biased apart in a normally open position and are interconnected to an actuating handle. The instrument further includes a device which closes the jaws when the handles are moved a first way relative to one another and opens them when the handles are moved the other way.

Abstract: A surgical clip for repairing tears in fibrocartilage and soft tissue. The clip has a pair of opposed legs formed of rigid biodegradable material. Each leg has at least one barb for easily penetrating the cartilage and soft tissue, and for opposing withdrawal from it. The legs are interconnected by a flexible section that is also biodegradable. The instrument for applying these clips has a pair of opposed jaws, each with at least one notch for holding the barbs of the clip. The jaws are biased apart in a normally open position and are interconnected to an actuating handle.

Abstract: An arthroscopic clip and insertion tool for same for repairing tears in fibrocartilage and soft tissue. The instrument for applying these clips has a pair of opposed jaws, each with at least one notch for holding the barbs of the clip. The jaws are biased apart in a normally open position and are interconnected to an actuating handle. The instrument further includes a device which closes the jaws when the handles are moved a first way relative to one another and opens them when the handles are moved the other way.

Abstract: New and improved germicidal iodine compositions are provided in which iodine levels, in the presence of organic adjuvants containing at least carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms, are maintained for extended periods of time in the presence of iodide, through the addition of iodate and control of pH within the range of pH 5-7.