Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for testing a fuel tank for an aircraft. Electrical power is sent to an optical data concentrator for the fuel tank for the aircraft from a power supply such that the optical data concentrator sends optical signals to optical sensors inside the fuel tank through optical fibers connecting the optical data concentrator to the optical sensors. The electrical power is sent during a phase of manufacturing of the aircraft. Test data is received from the optical data concentrator by a computer system. The test data is based on optical response signals received from the optical sensors. A determination of states for the optical sensors is made by the computer system using the test data. A graphical indication of the states determined for the optical sensors inside the fuel tank is displayed by the computer system in a graphical user interface on a display system.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for testing a fuel tank for an aircraft. Electrical power is sent to an optical data concentrator for the fuel tank for the aircraft from a power supply such that the optical data concentrator sends optical signals to optical sensors inside the fuel tank through optical fibers connecting the optical data concentrator to the optical sensors. The electrical power is sent during a phase of manufacturing of the aircraft. Test data is received from the optical data concentrator by a computer system. The test data is based on optical response signals received from the optical sensors. A determination of states for the optical sensors is made by the computer system using the test data. A graphical indication of the states determined for the optical sensors inside the fuel tank is displayed by the computer system in a graphical user interface on a display system.

Abstract: Compositions useful for making dosage forms capable of dissolving or disintegrating in less than 10 seconds without the need for conventional disintegrants and methods making and using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions useful for making dosage forms capable of dissolving or disintegrating in less than 10 seconds without the need for conventional disintegrants and methods making and using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A movable filter system is provided for moving one or more filters of a filter assembly between an operative position and a maintenance position. In one embodiment, a filter assembly is secured to a telescoping rod assembly so that it may be moved between operative and maintenance positions. Positioning the rod assembly vertically allows gravity to move the rod assembly to an extended position, and a winch and cable may be used to move the rod assembly to a retracted position. Keyways and channels may be used within the rods of the telescoping rod assembly so as to maintain rotational positioning of the filter assembly.

Abstract: A particle refining apparatus to be integrated into a system including a containment device and an influent conduit. The influent conduit is configured to retain the particle refining apparatus and connected to the containment device. The particle refining apparatus including a shaft, a blade set attached near the end of the shaft and attachment couplings arranged within the influent conduit. A method for refining particles includes introducing particles into an influent conduit, chopping the particles to a desired size with an initial chopping apparatus, directing the chopped particles through the influent conduit, refining the particles to a desired size with a refining apparatus, and moving the particles continuously from the influent conduit through the refining apparatus and into a containment device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chewing gum composition containing an active ingredient. The preferred chewing gum composition comprises a plurality of granules comprising a mixture of a powdered chewing gum base and a selected amount of a powdered active ingredient, said powdered chewing gum base and powdered active ingredient being mixed together within said granules. Additives may be mixed in the granules or may coat the granules. The preferred form is a tablet containing a controlled dosage form of the active ingredient.

Abstract: Topical oral dosage forms containing bismuth compounds are described, which are useful for treating H. pylori and other bacterial infections that cause gastrointestinal disorders and halitosis, as well as for treating ocular and dermal wounds. Methods of employing topical oral dosage forms for treating bacterial infections that cause gastrointestinal disorders and halitosis, and for treating ocular and dermal wounds, are also described.

Abstract: A movable filter system is provided for moving one or more filters of a filter assembly between an operative position and a maintenance position. In one embodiment, a filter assembly is secured to a telescoping rod assembly so that it may be moved between operative and maintenance positions. Positioning the rod assembly vertically allows gravity to move the rod assembly to an extended position, and a winch and cable may be used to move the rod assembly to a retracted position. Keyways and channels may be used within the rods of the telescoping rod assembly so as to maintain rotational positioning of the filter assembly.

Abstract: A particle refining apparatus to be integrated into a system including a containment device and an influent conduit. The influent conduit is configured to retain the particle refining apparatus and connected to the containment device. The particle refining apparatus including a shaft, a blade set attached near the end of the shaft and attachment couplings arranged within the influent conduit. A method for refining particles includes introducing particles into an influent conduit, chopping the particles to a desired size with an initial chopping apparatus, directing the chopped particles through the influent conduit, refining the particles to a desired size with a refining apparatus, and moving the particles continuously from the influent conduit through the refining apparatus and into a containment device.

Abstract: Topical oral dosage forms containing bismuth compounds are described, which are useful for treating H. pylori and other bacterial infections that cause gastrointestinal disorders and halitosis, as well as for treating ocular and dermal wounds. Methods of employing topical oral dosage forms for treating bacterial infections that cause gastrointestinal disorders and halitosis, and for treating ocular and dermal wounds, are also described.

Abstract: A method for making a tocopherol product is provided. The method includes providing a desired amount of tocopheryl succinate substance and mixing a binder with the tocopheryl succinate substance to produce a mixture. A solution is sprayed on the mixture while contained in a granulator. The solution is then mixed with the mixture in the granulator. The mixture is dried so that a predetermined amount of the moisture content from the mixture is removed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chewing gum composition containing an active ingredient. The preferred chewing gum composition comprises a plurality of granules comprising a mixture of a powdered chewing gum base and a selected amount of a powdered active ingredient, said powdered chewing gum base and powdered active ingredient being mixed together within said granules. Additives may be mixed in the granules or may coat the granules. The preferred form is a tablet containing a controlled dosage form of the active ingredient.

Abstract: A filter apparatus for use with a fluid bed processor includes a movable filter bundle that can be selectively moved within a fluid bed chamber. The movable filter bundle includes one or more filters attached to corresponding filter mounts on a support structure. The movable filter bundle may also include an index rod that rotationally secures the movable filter bundle when in a first position. A support assembly can be used to connect the movable filter bundle to the fluid bed chamber. In the first position air is filtered through the filters in the process operation of the filter apparatus. In a second position individual filters on the movable filter bundle can be easily inspected, serviced, and/or replaced.

Abstract: A chewing gum tablet is prepared by cooling a chewing gum composition to a temperature at which the gum composition is brittle, and grinding the cooled, brittle gum composition to form a chewing gum powder. The gum composition can be cooled by mixing it with a coolant, such as solid carbon dioxide, prior to grinding. The chewing gum powder is mixed with an active composition comprising a nutritional supplement, such as one or more vitamins, minerals, or herbs, to form a nutritional supplement-containing powder. The mixture of gum powder and the nutritional supplement, along with other optional additives, is then granulated to form nutritional supplement-containing granules. These granules are then compressed to form chewing gum tablets.

Abstract: A filter apparatus for use with a fluid bed processor includes a movable filter bundle that can be selectively moved within a fluid bed chamber. The movable filter bundle includes one or more filters attached to corresponding filter mounts on a support structure. The movable filter bundle may also include an index rod that rotationally secures the movable filter bundle when in a first position. A support assembly can be used to connect the movable filter bundle to the fluid bed chamber. In the first position air is filtered through the filters in the process operation of the filter apparatus. In a second position individual filters on the movable filter bundle can be easily inspected, serviced, and/or replaced.

Abstract: Topical oral dosage forms containing bismuth compounds are described, which are useful for treating H. pylori and other bacterial infections that cause gastrointestinal disorders and halitosis, as well as for treating ocular and dermal wounds. Methods of employing topical oral dosage forms for treating bacterial infections that cause gastrointestinal disorders and halitosis, and for treating ocular and dermal wounds, are also described.

Abstract: A process for preparing a chewing gum tablet includes cooling a chewing gum composition to a temperature at which the gum composition is brittle, and grinding the cooled, brittle gum composition to form a chewing gum powder. The gum composition can be cooled by mixing it with a coolant, such as solid carbon dioxide, prior to grinding. The chewing gum powder is mixed with an active composition comprising a nutritional supplement, such as one or more vitamins, minerals, or herbs, to form a nutritional supplement-containing powder. The mixture of gum powder and the nutritional supplement, along with other optional additives, is then granulated to form nutritional supplement-containing granules. These granules are then compressed to form chewing gum tablets.

Abstract: A process for preparing a chewing gum tablet includes cooling a chewing gum composition to a temperature at which the gum composition is brittle, and grinding the cooled, brittle gum composition to form a chewing gum powder. The gum composition can be cooled by mixing it with a coolant, such as solid carbon dioxide, prior to grinding. The chewing gum powder is mixed with an active composition comprising a nutritional supplement, such as one or more vitamins, minerals, or herbs, to form a nutritional supplement-containing powder. The mixture of gum powder and the nutritional supplement, along with other optional additives, is then granulated to form nutritional supplement-containing granules. These granules are then compressed to form chewing gum tablets.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing a chewing gum tablet, in which a chewing gum composition is cooled to a temperature at which the composition is brittle, and the composition is ground while brittle to form a fine powder. In a preferred process, the composition is cooled by mixing with a coolant, such as solid carbon dioxide, and the mixture is ground to a powder. The powder can be mixed with a pharmaceutical active ingredient capable of topical absorption in the buccal cavity or in the mucous layer of the upper or lower intestinal tract, and formed into a tablet. Preferably, the mixture of the powder, pharmaceutical active ingredient, and other additives such as coating agents, binders, additional active ingredients, and sweeteners, are granulated in a fluidized bed granulator prior to forming the mixture into a tablet. The resulting tablet provides a dosage form of the pharmaceutical active ingredient having a more accurate and uniform dose of the active ingredient.