Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising an effective amount of a pyrithione or a polyvalent metal salt of a pyrithione, an effective amount of furametpyr and an effective amount of a surfactant including a surfactant with an anionic functional group.

Abstract: Disclosed are oral care compositions and their use, comprising in an orally acceptable carrier: (a) from about 0.01 to about 10% by weight of an essentially water-insoluble zinc compound, and (b) from about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of a compound having C—O—P bonds selected from polyphosphorylated inositol compounds such as phytic acid, myo-inositol pentakis(dihydrogen phosphate); myo-inositol tetrakis(dihydrogen phosphate), myo-inositol trikis(dihydrogen phosphate), and an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or ammonium salt thereof. The compositions are effective in preventing and controlling oral cavity conditions including plaque, calculus, caries, periodontal disease, mouth malodor and dental erosion and have acceptable aesthetics without the unpleasant astringent and metallic taste associated with the use of zinc.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising an effective amount of a zinc containing material having an aqueous solubility within the composition of less than about 25% by weight at 25° C.; from about 5% to about 50% of a surfactant; and from about 40% to about 95% water; wherein the pH of the composition is greater than about 7. Further disclosed are compositions comprising an effective amount of a zinc containing material having an aqueous solubility within the composition of less than about 25% by weight at 25° C.; from about 5% to about 50% of a surfactant; and from about 0.1% to about 5% of a zinc ionophoric material; from about 40% to about 95% water; and wherein the pH of the composition is greater than about 7.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising an effective amount of zinc-containing layered material, an effective amount of a surfactant including a surfactant with an anionic functional group, wherein the zinc-containing layered material has a relative zinc lability of greater than about 15%.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for transseptal access into the left atrium of a heart. In one embodiment an apparatus for transseptal left atrial access comprised of a catheter adapted for insertion into a vessel and one or more RF devices adapted to be extendable from the distal end of said catheter and configured for the penetration or sealing of septal tissue.

Abstract: In a postage payment system, a secure integrated circuit (IC) card is used to manage postage funds, and created encrypted postage indicia. Among other things, the system is capable of performing charge-back accounting of postage expenses and generating mail contents. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the postage indicia are applied onto selected locations of the mail contents while they are being generated. In the preferred embodiment, each mail content is placed in a window envelope such that the postage indicium on the mail content exposes through a window of the envelope to facilitate inspection of the indicium. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, by including transactional data in addition to the traditional postal data in a postage indicium, the indicium can be used to pay bills, purchase products and services, including any courier service different than the postal service.

Abstract: A catheter delivery system for delivering a treatment substance to an occlusion in a lumen of a tubular vessel includes a tubular catheter and a treatment substance. The tubular catheter includes a central lumen passing between a proximal end and a distal end adjacent to an inflatable balloon. The treatment substance is in a form that is configured to be deliverable through the central lumen of the catheter into the lumen of the tubular vessel and to solidify in the vessel.

Abstract: In a mailing system for franking a postage indicium serving as a proof of postage, postal data including the postage needs to be communicated through such an indicium. Illustratively, the postal data is categorized into (a) invariable postal data, e.g, a device ID identifying the mailing system, which is unaffected by a franking transaction, and (b) variable postal data, e.g., the postage, which may change from one franking transaction to another. To avoid latency of the franking operation, the invariable postal data is preset for initial printing of the postage indicium, and the variable postal data is determined and set for printing in real time. In printing the postage indicium, the invariable postal data and the variable postal data are presented in that order in one or more symbols.

Abstract: Through-the-wash automatic dishwashing detergent compositions, especially detergent compositions comprising zinc-containing materials, are provided for protecting glassware from surface corrosion during automatic dishwashing.

Abstract: The present invention provides for therapeutic treatment methods, devices, and systems for the partial or complete closure or occlusion of a patent foramen ovale (“PFO”). In particular, various methods, devices, and systems for joining or welding tissues, in order to therapeutically close a PFO are described. In yet another aspect of the invention, various methods, devices, and systems for the penetration of the interatrial septum enabling left atrial access are also provided.

Abstract: Complete-cycle methods are provided for protecting glassware from corrosion in automatic dishwashing appliances using a through-the-wash detergent composition, especially detergent compositions comprising zinc-containing materials, in combination with a rinse aid composition, especially rinse aid compositions comprising at least one water-soluble metal salt.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanical injury device having cutting elements for injuring tissue and thereby creating electrical block that can prevent atrial fibrillation. These cutting elements may preferably be removable, breakaway, or simply integral to the injury device and may be delivered, for example, by catheter or hand tool.

Abstract: A method for providing a financial instrument includes determining an initial account balance associated with a financial instrument based upon an initial deposit amount, wherein the financial instrument includes an account with an account balance that changes over time. The method further includes establishing a first guarantee of a protected value, the protected value including at least an amount based upon the initial account balance growing at a minimum growth rate for a defined period of time or until one or more defined events occur, whichever is sooner; and establishing a second guarantee that a beneficiary may periodically receive a transfer of an amount of money for the life of a designated party, wherein the amount comprises a percentage of the protected value at the time of a particular event, provided that the amount may vary based upon withdrawals from the account in excess of a first particular limit.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for transseptal access into the left atrium of a heart. In one embodiement an apparatus for transseptal left atrial access comprised of a catheter adapted for insertion into a vessel and one or more RF devices adapted to be extendable from the distal end of said catheter and configured for the penetration or sealing of septal tissue.

Abstract: Use of pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A as a marker for inflammatory conditions, and in particular, for acute coronary syndromes is described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use are disclosed for treating, preventing and terminating arrhythmias. In particular, the apparatus is implantable within or on various tissues and structures and is used to prevent or block conduction of aberrant impulses. A variety of methods of the present invention may be used to attack arrhythmias by short-circuiting impulses, inducing fibrosis, ablating tissue or inducing inflammation. In addition, the device and methods may also be used to treat aneurysms. The device may also be used to treat hypertension, and to function as a blood pressure regulator.

Abstract: The present invention includes a prosthesis device composed of a plurality of filaments engaged together to self expand against the inner surface of a vessel. In this respect a pocket is created between the prosthesis and the vessel walls which prevent plaque and other debris from escaping downstream to potentially cause complications.

Abstract: The present invention is a paper cover having a curl, for placement on an elongated handle of a shopping cart so that the user of the cart does not have to touch the handle of the cart that may have come in contact with germs or dirt of a prior user, the cover is designed to have a curl such that the paper material will tend to conform to the handle of the cart, the cover may include an antimicrobial material.

Abstract: Methods for treating glassware surfaces, for example dishes and glasses, using corrosion protection agents, especially corrosion protection agents comprising zinc-containing materials. Methods using corrosion protection agents that form a part of a treatment system and/or are incorporated in a composition of matter are also provided.

Abstract: Corrosion protection agents for treating glassware surfaces, for example dishes and glasses, especially corrosion protection agents comprising zinc-containing materials are provided. Treatment systems and composition of matter, which incorporate these corrosion protection agents, are also provided.