Abstract: The present invention provides a thermally insulated shipping container 1 comprising a thermally insulating layer 5 defining a first void, a main layer 9, 10, 11 containing phase change material (main PCM layer) within the first void and defining a second void within the first void, a barrier layer 12 containing phase change material (barrier PCM layer) within the second void and distinct from the main PCM layer, the barrier PCM layer 12 defining a third void within the second void, the container being arranged to receive a product for transportation inside of the third void, wherein the main PCM layer 9, 10, 11 has an average thickness greater than the average thickness of the barrier PCM layer 12, the barrier PCM layer 12 comprises of an envelope in which the phase change material of the barrier PCM layer 12 is contained and the barrier PCM layer 12 is configured to maintain the phase change material with a relatively even distribution within the envelope.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermally insulated shipping container 1 comprising a thermally insulating layer 5 defining a first void, a main layer 9, 10, 11 containing phase change material (main PCM layer) within the first void and defining a second void within the first void, a barrier layer 12 containing phase change material (barrier PCM layer) within the second void and distinct from the main PCM layer, the barrier PCM layer 12 defining a third void within the second void, the container being arranged to receive a product for transportation inside of the third void, wherein the main PCM layer 9, 10, 11 has an average thickness greater than the average thickness of the barrier PCM layer 12, the barrier PCM layer 12 comprises of an envelope in which the phase change material of the barrier PCM layer 12 is contained and the barrier PCM layer 12 is configured to maintain the phase change material with a relatively even distribution within the envelope.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermally insulated shipping container comprising a thermally insulating layer defining a first void, a main layer containing phase change material (main PCM layer) within the first void and defining a second void within the first void, a barrier layer containing phase change material (barrier PCM layer) within the second void and distinct from the main PCM layer, the barrier PCM layer defining a third void within the second void, the container being arranged to receive a product for transportation inside of the third void, wherein the main PCM layer has an average thickness greater than the average thickness of the barrier PCM layer, the barrier PCM layer comprises of an envelope in which the phase change material of the barrier PCM layer is contained and the barrier PCM layer is configured to maintain the phase change material with a relatively even distribution within the envelope.

Abstract: A fiber optic tamper switch is disclosed, wherein a moveable member is moved to actuate the switch. The switch includes a component subassembly block and a cover. The switch includes a toggle arm extending through the cover, contacting the moveable member and configured to rotate when the moveable member is moved. The switch includes a fiber capture bar configured to receive a fiber optic cable and a fiber press bar coupled to the fiber capture bar configured to actuate upon the movement of the toggle arm and translate the fiber capture bar in a first direction, effecting a bend in the fiber optic cable. The fiber optic cable is configured to attenuate a light signal when bent. The switch includes a locking mechanism preventing the unbending of the fiber optic cable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermally insulated container comprising an expanded foam layer, a further layer, internal of the expanded foam layer, formed of a plurality of cool packs or insulation panels, and a locking lid. The cool packs consist of a combination of cool packs with stepped edges and individual side wall cool packs side wall cool packs formed with a living hinge, wherein the cool packs consist of a protruding fill point on one edge and blanking protrusions on the remaining three edges, and the cool packs comprise recesses on the top and bottom edges to accommodate either the fill point or the blanking protrusion of each adjacent cool pack. The insulation panels are pre-assembled on a sheet ready for insertion into the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermally insulated shipping container comprising a thermally insulating layer defining a first void, a main layer containing phase change material (main PCM layer) within the first void and defining a second void within the first void, a barrier layer containing phase change material (barrier PCM layer) within the second void and distinct from the main PCM layer, the barrier PCM layer defining a third void within the second void, the container being arranged to receive a product for transportation inside of the third void, wherein the main PCM layer has an average thickness greater than the average thickness of the barrier PCM layer, the barrier PCM layer comprises of an envelope in which the phase change material of the barrier PCM layer is contained and the barrier PCM layer is configured to maintain the phase change material with a relatively even distribution within the envelope.

Abstract: A first aspect the present invention provides a thermally insulated container comprising a lid and a main body moulded from a single piece of expanded foam with outwardly tapering inner walls, necessitated by the moulding process. The container is arranged to be closed by the lid so that cool packs in the container extend from a base inside the main body to inside the lid, wherein the inner surface of the walls of the lid are tapered such that positioning the lid on the main body, with the cool packs arranged around the inner surfaces of the walls, causes the cool packs to be aligned so that they extend vertically, perpendicular to an inner surface of the base of the main body. This permits regular rectangular cool packs to be used to assist assembly and to provide a regular parallel sided space inside of the cool packs, in which a product to be shipped may be housed.

Abstract: A thermally insulated shipping container comprises an inner structure including an inner base, a front inner wall, a rear inner wall opposed to the front inner wall, a pair of opposed side inner walls each extending between the front and rear inner walls and an inner lid; an outer structure including an outer base, a front outer wall, a rear outer wall opposed to the front inner wall, two side outer walls each extending between the front and rear outer walls and an outer lid; and a cavity extending at least between the inner and outer walls, the cavity being arranged to receive a plurality of cool packs; wherein the container, when empty, is arranged to be transported disassembled in a flat packed state prior to being assembled for use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermally insulated container comprising an expanded foam layer, a further layer, internal of the expanded foam layer, formed of a plurality of cool packs or insulation panels, and a locking lid. The cool packs consist of a combination of cool packs with stepped edges and individual side wall cool packs side wall cool packs formed with a living hinge, wherein the cool packs consist of a protruding fill point on one edge and blanking protrusions on the remaining three edges, and the cool packs comprise recesses on the top and bottom edges to accommodate either the fill point or the blanking protrusion of each adjacent cool pack. The insulation panels are pre-assembled on a sheet ready for insertion into the container.

Abstract: A first aspect the present invention provides a thermally insulated container comprising a lid and a main body moulded from a single piece of expanded foam with outwardly tapering inner walls, necessitated by the moulding process. The container is arranged to be closed by the lid so that cool packs in the container extend from a base inside the main body to inside the lid, wherein the inner surface of the walls of the lid are tapered such that positioning the lid on the main body, with the cool packs arranged around the inner surfaces of the walls, causes the cool packs to be aligned so that they extend vertically, perpendicular to an inner surface of the base of the main body. This permits regular rectangular cool packs to be used to assist assembly and to provide a regular parallel sided space inside of the cool packs, in which a product to be shipped may be housed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device, particularly a vascular graft or an arteriovenous (AV) graft for haemodialysis. The medical device comprises a layer of porous silk fibroin matrix and a layer of knitted silk fibers. The invention further relates to processes of manufacture of such medical devices and methods of use of such devices.

Abstract: A cartilaginous tissue repair device with a biocompatible, bioresorbable three-dimensional silk or other fibre lay and a biocompatible, bioresorbable substantially porous silk-based or other hydrogel partially or substantially filling the interstices of the fibre lay; with or without an integral means of firmly anchoring the device to a patient's hone.

Abstract: An enclosed security system includes a metal cage with security panel affixed thereto, forming a vault in which an item of value is enclosed. The security panels include a series of fiber optic security cables, preferably arranged in a sinusoidal pattern with nested fiber loops for added security. The cage preferably includes the security panels on the sides, front, top and door to form the vault enclosure. Fiber optical sensor cables are routed through the tubular frame members to a control box. An optical security tether may optionally be connected between the control box and a protected asset. The tether preferably comprises a jacketed fiber optic cable with internal strength member, surrounded by a metallic armored flex sheath. Any breakage or disconnection of the fiber optic cables within the panels or tether from the control box is detected by the monitor, causing an alert signal.

Abstract: A cartilaginous tissue repair device with a biocompatible, bioresorbable three-dimensional silk or other fiber lay and a biocompatible, bioresorbable substantially porous silk-based or other hydrogel partially or substantially filling the interstices of the fiber lay; with or without an integral means of firmly anchoring the device to a patient's bone.

Abstract: A thermally insulated shipping container comprises an inner structure including an inner base, a front inner wall, a rear inner wall opposed to the front inner wall, a pair of opposed side inner walls each extending between the front and rear inner walls and an inner lid; an outer structure including an outer base, a front outer wall, a rear outer wall opposed to the front inner wall, two side outer walls each extending between the front and rear outer walls and an outer lid; and a cavity extending at least between the inner and outer walls, the cavity being arranged to receive a plurality of cool packs; wherein the container, when empty, is arranged to be transported disassembled in a flat packed state prior to being assembled for use.

Abstract: An enclosed security system includes a metal cage with security panel affixed thereto, forming a vault in which an item of value is enclosed. The security panels include a series of fiber optic security cables, preferably arranged in a sinusoidal pattern with nested fiber loops for added security. The cage preferably includes the security panels on the sides, front, top and door to form the vault enclosure. Fiber optical sensor cables are routed through the tubular frame members to a control box. An optical security tether may optionally be connected between the control box and a protected asset. The tether preferably comprises a jacketed fiber optic cable with internal strength member, surrounded by a metallic armored flex sheath. Any breakage or disconnection of the fiber optic cables within the panels or tether from the control box is detected by the monitor, causing an alert signal.

Abstract: This application discloses a composite material comprising one or more silk elements in an acrylic or cross-linked protein matrix. The silk elements are made from the group of silk elements consisting of domestic silkworm silk, wild silkworm silk, spider dragline silk, and filaments spun from recombinant silk protein or protein analogs. The composite material is particularly useful for use in-surgical-implants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device, particularly a vascular graft or an arteriovenous (AV) graft for haemodialysis. The medical device comprises a layer of porous silk fibroin matrix and a layer of knitted silk fibres. The invention further relates to processes of manufacture of such medical devices and methods of use of such devices.

Abstract: This invention relates to electrolyte formulations and methods of use thereof to treat or prevent dehydration and taste fatigue. The electrolyte formulation of the invention addresses the needs of a broad population, particularly the needs of an older population. The electrolyte formulation of this invention comprises a dietary fiber source, such as Acacia Gum, a sodium ion source, a potassium ion source, a calcium ion source, a chloride ion source, and a citrate ion source.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a regenerated silk fibroin solution comprises the steps of: treating silk or silk cocoons with an ionic reagent comprising an aqueous solution of monovalent cations and monovalent anions, the cations and anions having ionic radii of at least 1.05 Angstroms and a Jones-Dole B coefficient of between ?0.001 and ?0.05 at 25° C.; and subsequently degumming the treated silk or silk cocoons; or alternatively, degumming silk or silk cocoons; and subsequently treating the degummed silk or silk cocoons with an ionic reagent comprising an aqueous solution of monovalent cations and monovalent anions, the cations and anions having ionic radii of at least 1.05 Angstroms and a Jones-Dole B coefficient of between ?0.001 and ?0.05 at 25° C. The invention also extends to fibroin solution, a fibroin material and an implant useful for cartilage repair.