Abstract: A method of making a microparticle that contains DNA coding for a polypeptide is described in which a solvent extraction method is used and solvent extraction takes place at elevated temperature. Oral administration of the microparticle leads to its expression. DNA coding for an immunogen is for stimulating antibody formation in a recipient and DNA coding for a non-immunogenic polypeptide is for gene therapy applications. DNA is incorporated into the microparticle without destruction of its function.

Abstract: A method of coating an active material is provided. The method comprises contacting an active material with a film-forming composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of an amylose-alcohol complex, an insoluble film-forming polymer and a plasticiser at a temperature of less than 60° C. The method finds particular application in the preparation of dosage forms comprising active materials that are unstable at temperatures in excess of 60° C. The compositions prepared in accordance with the method can be used to deliver an active material to the colon.

Abstract: Methods for reducing or inhibiting the irreversible inactivation of water-soluble biologically active agents in biodegradable polymeric delivery systems which are designed to release such agents over a prolonged period of time, such as PLGA delivery systems are provided. The method comprises preparing a PLGA delivery systems whose microclimate, i.e. the pores where the active agent resides, uniformly or homogenously maintain a pH of between 3 and 9, preferably between 4 and 8, more preferably between 5 and 7.5 during biodegradation.

Abstract: The present invention concerns pulverulent mannitol characterized in that it has an average diameter of between 60 and 200 &mgr;m, preferably of between 80 and 180 &mgr;m, a packed density, determined according to a Test A, of between 0.65 and 0.85 g/ml, preferably of between 0.7 and 0.8 g/ml and a flow factor of at least 60, preferably of between 60 and 90a process for obtaining and using the said pulverulent mannitol as an excipient in preparations intended in particular for the pharmaceutical field, and especially as a powder for filling hard capsules.

Abstract: A topical testosterone formulation is disclosed. In one aspect, the formulation may include a therapeutically effective amount of micronized testosterone, an arginine ingredient, and a tocopherol ingredient admixed with a poloxamer lecithin organogel. Additional ingredients may be included, such as melatonin, oxytocin, DHEA, and progesterone.

Abstract: A non-aqueous method of extracting olive leaves, and products formed containing the olive-leaf extract. The resulting extract is used, preferably together with vitamins C, E and A or components thereof to form a skin treatment product that has efficacy as a photoprotectant and antioxidant.

Abstract: Cocoa oils containing phytosterols and tocols are prepared by extracting the cocoa hulls from dried unfermented or fermented cocoa beans, micronized cocoa beans, or roasted beans with a solvent such as petroleum ether and then removing the solvent. The cocoa oils are useful in foods, dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

Abstract: A recloseable bag for marinading food including a flexible plastic sheet having side edges, a flexible foil sheet having side edges and sealed to the flexible plastic sheet along the edges of the sheets to form a generally rectangular bag having first and second ends and opposed sides, a recloseable closure joining the flexible plastic sheet and the flexible foil sheet adjacent the first end of the bag, and an arcuate rupturable seal extending from one opposed side to another opposed side and joining the flexible plastic sheet and the flexible foil sheet. The arcuate rupturable seal, the opposed sides, and the second end form a marinade storage compartment. A top of the arcuate rupturable seal is approximately centrally located between the opposite sides, and the recloseable closure, the opposed sides, and the second end form a food storage compartment for marinating food upon opening of the arcuate rupturable seal.

Abstract: A one-dish frozen dinner product having an integral bread ring is provided. A method for making a one-dish frozen dinner product having an integral bread ring is also provided. The one-dish frozen dinner product preferably includes a receptacle containing the one-dish frozen dinner product, a baking shield upstanding above the receptacle, and a shipping carton. Even more preferably, the baking shield is placed at the bottom of the receptacle containing the one-dish frozen dinner product and is configured for a nesting fit. The baking shield may have either a frustoconical sidewall or a concave trough-like sidewall.

Abstract: An improved process for continuously producing chewing gum products. A continuous extrusion machine is utilized preferably with a rotating twin-screw mixing mechanism. The timing and location of entry and the apportioned amounts of the flavor and sugar ingredients are adjusted according to preestablished data in order to provide a product with desired flavor and texture profiles. The temperature and pressure of the product are also kept within prespecified ranges.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a boned pork product includes a searing oven at a high temperature cooking station for braising and charring the boned pork product using radiant heat. The apparatus also includes a dual box, spiral steam cooker at a low temperature cooking station for cooking the boned pork product using steam to yield a fully-cooked, boned pork product. The apparatus further includes a freezer at a freezer station for freezing the fully-cooked, boned pork product. A first conveyor belt is disposed between the searing oven and the steam cooker and serves to mechanically transport the boned pork product from the high temperature cooking station to the low temperature cooking station. A second conveyor belt is disposed between the steam cooker and the freezer and serves to mechanically transport the fully-cooked, boned pork product from said low temperature cooking station to said freezer station.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-layer gel-based food product, such as pudding, in which color migration from one layer to an adjacent layer is minimized. The multi-layer food product comprises a first milk-based, gel-based layer containing a dispersed oil phase and an oil soluble color within the oil phase. The first gel-based layer has a first color. A second gel-based layer, preferably also a milk-based layer, is adjacent the first gel-based layer. The second gel-based layer has a second color different from the first color. To further minimize color migration, the second gel-based layer can also contain a dispersed oil phase and an oil soluble color within the oil phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sweetening composition comprising a) at least one low soluble compound with a solubility in water of less than 60 g per 100 g of solution at 20° C. and b) at least one anti-crystallizing agent comprising a fraction of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of pyrodextrins and polyglucoses and a mixture of pyrodextrins and polyglucoses in the range of 1000 to 8000 Daltons. The invention relates also the use of such a composition for the manufacture of boiled sugars or as a flavoring carrier.

Abstract: A method and system for the reclamation and re-use of rework dough created in the process of forming a final good. Initially, the reworks are, formed into a batter into which a catalyst is placed. Subsequently the batter is cooled and stored until it is added to a new batch of dough. Through this method and system there may be a nearly total re-use of rework dough.

Abstract: Creamy, reduced fat, low-moisture lipid-based fillings. The fillings comprise: (a) at least about 20% non-digestible lipid; and (b) from about 0.5% to about 35% crystallizing lipid. The fillings can additionally comprise other suitable optional ingredients. The filling has a water activity of less than about 0.6 and has at least about 20% less digestible fat than a comparable full-fat lipid-based filling. In one embodiment, a cheese filling comprises: (a) from about 20% to about 60% non-digestible lipid; (b) from about 0.5% to about 35% crystallizing lipid; (c) from about 20% to about 75% dehydrated cheese powder; and (d) from about 0% to about 55% bulking agent. The fillings can be used with any suitable substrate, but are especially suitable for use in random packed food products, especially sandwich biscuits. Sandwich biscuits made with the fillings adhere well to the biscuits so that the sandwich biscuits are not misaligned, smeared, or subject to splitting or decapping in production or after storage.

Abstract: The invention provides an acidic oil-in-water type emulsion composition which has an oil phase containing at least 20 % by weight of diacylglycerol and 0.5 to 5.0 % by weight of a crystallization inhibitor, and has excellent shelf stability at low temperatures though it contains diacylglycerol at a high concentration, also good in appearance and flavor and useful as a diet or food for improving lipid metabolism.

Abstract: Tomato raisins (dried grape tomatoes) and methods of producing raisin tomatoes are described. The method involves (a) removing the skin from a grape tomato to produce a skinless grape tomato; and (b) drying the skinless grape tomato to produce a tomato raisin. The dried, skinless grape tomato has from 8% to about 16% water content.

Abstract: A composition useful as a substitute for table salt is disclosed. The salt substitute contains calcium chloride, a potassium salt, citric acid, rice flour, ginger oil and one or more flavorants.

Abstract: A method of forming a coating for an implantable medical device, such as a stent, is provided which includes applying a composition to the device in an environment having a selected pressure. An apparatus is also provided for coating the devices. The apparatus comprises a chamber for housing the device wherein the pressure of the chamber can be adjusted during the coating process.

Abstract: A method for electrostatic spray-coating a medical device having a tubular wall, such as a stent, having an inner surface, an outer surface and openings therein. The tubular wall is grounded or electrically charged, and an electrically charged conductive core wire is located axially through the center of the stent. An electrical potential is applied to the conductive core wire to impart an electrical charge to the conductive core wire. The tubular wall is exposed to an electrically charged coating formulation, and the electrically charged coating formulation is deposited onto a portion of the tubular wall to form a coating. The electrical potentials of the conductive core wire and tubular wall can be repeatedly alternated.

Abstract: A method of making an electret includes condensing vapor from the atmosphere of a controlled environment onto a dielectric article and then drying the article to remove the condensate. The dielectric article may be a nonconductive polymeric material, and the condensate may include a polar liquid. The method is particularly useful for forming an electret from a porous material such as a nonwoven fibrous web. The method can enable individual fibers in the web to exhibit at least quasi-permanent electrical charge.

Abstract: This invention provides a magnetic optical member that can obtain a large magneto-optical effect using a rare-earth iron-garnet-based material and a method of producing the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for repairing coated substrate surfaces comprising the following successive steps: a) optionally preparing a blemished area to be repaired, b) providing a backing film coated on one side with an uncured or at least partially cured coating layer of a coating composition curable by means of high energy radiation, c) applying the backing film with its coated side onto the blemished area to be repaired, d) irradiating the coating applied in this manner onto the blemished area to be repaired with high energy radiation and e) removing the backing film, wherein the coating is irradiated through the backing film and/or after removing the backing film.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a modified gel capable of forming a hydrophobic surface on which water has a contact angle of at least 150°. Additionally, a method is provided for forming a hydrophobic coating from the modified gel. In some embodiments, the hydrophobic coating has an extremely high hydrophobicity with a contact angle in excess of 165°, and good substrate adhesion. The method involves bonding a gel with particulate matter. It is believed that the chemical hydrophobicity of the gel is enhanced by the physical roughness of the particulate matter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and a method for applying both a kinetic spray applied coating layer and a thermal spray applied layer onto a substrate using a single application nozzle. The system includes a higher heat capacity gas heater to permit oscillation between a kinetic spray mode wherein the particles being applied are not thermally softened and a thermal spray mode wherein the particles being applied are thermally softened prior to application. The system increases the versatility of the spray nozzle and addresses several problems inherent in kinetic spray applied coatings.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for making a substrate coated with an adhesive, comprising applying an electron beam modifiable adhesive layer onto a repeatably reusable transfer surface, irradiating the adhesive layer with an electron beam to chemically modify the adhesive layer, and transferring the irradiated adhesive layer to a substrate. Also disclosed is an adhesive coated web, comprising a substrate having at least one component susceptible to electron beam radiation degradation having no electron beam radiation modification and an adhesive layer having an electron beam modified composition and having no chemical, thermal, or ultraviolet crosslinking agent.

Abstract: Adhesive compositions that include self-assembling molecules, adhesives and adhesive articles produced therefrom, and methods of making and using such adhesives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to low dielectric materials essential for a semiconductor having high density and high performance of the next generation, particularly to a process for preparing a porous interlayer insulating film having low dielectric constant containing pores with a size of a few nanometers or less. The present invention provides a process for preparing a porous wiring interlayer insulating film having very low dielectric constant for a semiconductor device comprising the steps of a) preparing a mixed complex of pore-forming organic molecules and a matrix resin, b) coating the mixed complex on a substrate, and c) heating the mixed complex to remove the organic molecules therefrom, thereby forming pores inside the complex.

Abstract: Disclosed are a coating material for absorbing radiant heat, forming method thereof, a radiant heat cooling apparatus using the same, and an apparatus for growing a silicon single crystal using the same. The radiant heat absorbing coating material includes 10˜15 wt/% of silica gel, 5˜10 Wt/% of graphite powder, and 75˜85 wt/% of IPA, and is formed by agitation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and precursor for forming a metal and/or metal nitride layer on the substrate by chemical vapor deposition. The organometallic precursor has the formula of (Cp(R)n)xMHy−x, where Cp is a cyclopentadienyl functional group, R is a substituent on the cyclopentadienyl functional group comprising an organic group having at least one carbon-silicon bond, n is an integer from 0 to 5, x is an integer from 1 to 4, M is a metal, and y is the valence of the metal M. A metal, metal nitride, metal carbon nitride, or metal silicon nitride film is deposited on a heated substrate by thermal or plasma enhanced decomposition of the organometallic precursor in the presence of a processing gas, such as hydrogen, nitrogen, ammonia, silane, and combinations thereof, at a pressure of less than about 20 Torr. By controlling the reactive gas composition either metal or metal nitride films may be deposited.

Abstract: A method of forming a layer over a substrate is provided. Generally, a layer of a first reactive species is deposited over the substrate. The layer of the first reactive species is reacted with a second reactive species to create a first product. Unreacted reactive species is preferentially desorbed leaving a layer of the first product.

Abstract: A process for producing aluminum oxide thin films on a substrate by the ALD method comprises the steps of bonding a vaporizable aluminum compound to a growth substrate, and converting the bonded organoaluminum compound to aluminum oxide. The bonded aluminum compound is converted to aluminum oxide by contacting it with a reactive vapor source of oxygen other than water, and the substrate is kept at a temperature of less than 190° C. during the growth process. By means of the invention it is possible to produce films of good quality at low temperatures. The dielectric thin films having a dense structure can be used for passivating surfaces that do not endure high temperatures. Such surfaces include, for example, polymer films such as organic electroluminescent displays. Further, when a water-free oxygen source is used, surfaces that are sensitive to water can be passivated.

Abstract: An indium tin oxide (ITO) film is formed at room temperature in a moistened (water added) atmosphere, and the formed film is thermally treated at 180° C. or more for about one hour or longer. The water added atmosphere is determined to have a total partial pressure of water of about 8.2×10−3 pascals or less in a film forming chamber, so that an effect of improving film quality by annealing in a later step can be produced. When a total partial pressure of water in the film forming chamber is set to 3.20×10−3 pascals or more, an amorphous ITO film can be formed, and an etching treatment can be performed quickly after forming the film. A heat treatment after forming the film (patterning) is appropriately performed under conditions of a temperature of about 180° C. or more (e.g., about 220° C.) for one hour or more (e.g., about one hour to about three hours). Thus, the film is polycrystallized, and an ITO film having low resistance and high transmittance can be produced.

Abstract: A base of synthetic resins or other materials is partially plated. The base includes not only a single base but an assembly with a number of chip bases for producing electronic and electric parts such as printed circuit board, lead frame insert molded circuit parts, etc. A method for partially plating a base by the use of a plating catalyst includes a coating process to coat a surface to be plated or not to be plated by means of a coating material selected from a water soluble polymer or hydrolyzable polymer either before or after a catalyst applying process to soak a container containing the base in a plating catalyst bath.

Abstract: A curtain coater and a curtain-coating method for coating a moving web of paper or board are described. The curtain coater has an applicator nozzle for applying a coating mix to the surface of the web in the form of a continuous curtain extending uniformly over the cross-machine width of the web. In one aspect, a doctoring means located upstream (in terms of the direction of travel of the web) from the applicator nozzle substantially removes the air boundary layer traveling on the surface of the web. In another aspect, the doctoring means comprises a suction nozzle for removing the air boundary layer. In yet another aspect, a gas nozzle located downstream from the applicator nozzle sprays gas on the coating curtain in order to help apply the coating mix to the surface of the web.

Abstract: An electroless copper plating solution which can ensure superior adhesion of a copper plating film to a flat ceramic surface having low roughness and which can form a high-frequency electronic component having superior high-frequency conductivity and a high Q value is provided. Also provided is a high frequency electronic component formed by using this electroless copper plating solution. The electroless copper plating solution of contains copper ions, nickel ions, formaldehyde or a derivative thereof, and tartaric acid or a salt thereof. The ratio of the content of the nickel ions to that of the copper ions on a molar basis is in the range of about 0.0001 to 0.015.

Abstract: A method for preparing a plastic surface for printing with a toner comprising: forming a layer of an aqueous mixture comprising a first material and a second material on the surface, wherein the first material has an affinity for the plastic and the second material has an affinity for the first material and the toner, and drying the layer.

Abstract: A multilayer coating of fullerene molecules is deposited on a substrate, and layers of the multilayer coating are removed leaving an approximate monolayer coating of fullerene molecules on the substrate. In some embodiments, a beam generator, such as an ion beam, electron beam or laser generator, produces a beam arranged to break the weaker fullerene-to-fullerene intermolecular bond of the multilayer coating and inadequate to break the stronger fullerene-to-substrate association/bond of the coating. The beam is directed at the multilayer coating to break the fullerene-to-fullerene intermolecular bond. In other embodiments, the monolayer of fullerene molecules is formed by applying a solvent to the multilayer coating to break the fullerene-to-fullerene intermolecular bond of the multilayer coating.

Abstract: The invention relates to an impregnating agent for a convoluted boot consisting of a thermplastic or elastomer material and used for covering the chamber of a joint, especially a rotating joint subjected to large articulation angles, which joint chamber is filled with a lubricant, said convoluted boot comprising a plurality of folds and two end collars, with the surfaces of the convoluted boot wall contacting one another when the joint is subjected to large articulation angles. It is the object of the invention to reduce the wear and eliminate squeaking symptoms of convoluted boots treated with the inventive impregnating agent. In accordance with the invention, the objective is achieved in that the impregnating agent contains a carrier fluid, an oil dissolved in the carrier fluid and having a molecular weight of >200, and a wetting agent which is soluble in oil and which reduces the surface tension of the oil.

Abstract: An insulated foam board is manufactured by leading a first facing from a reel and laying down liquid foam reactants. A second facing from a supply reel is laid over the reactants forming a sandwich. The foam is expanded in an oven and the board is cut to a desired length. One or both facings are removed and re-wound onto a reel for re-use. A coating in the form of a metallized paint is applied in-line to one or both faces of the foam core, after removal of the facings. The painted boards have enhanced heat insulation properties.

Abstract: Reactive compositions which consist of or comprise (A) at least one polyisocyanate whose isocyanate groups have been partly or fully blocked with propargyl alcohol, (B) at least one constituent which contains on average at least two isocyanate-reactive functional groups in the molecule, and (C) at least one catalyst which catalyzes the addition reaction of the isocyanate-reactive functional groups of (B) with the acetylenically unsaturated triple bond of the propargyl groups, and their use as coating materials, adhesives, and sealing compounds.

Abstract: A method for treating a silicon substrate is described. The silicon substrate is placed into a sputtering equipment. A sputtering step is performed to simultaneously dry clean and amorphize the silicon substrate surface by using the sputtering equipment. A titanium film is deposited on the silicon substrate by the sputtering equipment.

Abstract: Production information such as an edging mark 31 indicating a region of a lens remaining after edging and reference position marks 32 are depicted in a region, to be cut off by the edging, of a surface of a lens 10 for spectacles. Any production information does not remain on the finished lens 10 after the edging. A lens processing system 100 includes a reference position detecting apparatus (120 and 130) for detecting a reference position of a spectacle lens, and a marking apparatus (170, 160, 150 and 110) for depicting production information of the lens on a specific surface of the spectacle lens on the basis of the reference position information obtained by the reference position detecting apparatus (120 and 130).

Abstract: The invention relates primarily to a retardation film and a process for producing the retardation film, wherein a layer formed of a mixture of a photosensitive polymer and a low molecular weight compound is irradiated with linear polarized ultraviolet ray, ultraviolet ray including a perfectly polarized light component and a non-polarized light component, or a non-polarized ultraviolet ray to orient molecules thereby developing a retardation and the direction of the optical axis arbitrarily in the layer formed of a mixure.

Abstract: A transparent electrically conductive device which includes an indium tin oxide film is improved by providing an indium tin oxide film which contains a graded stack of individual indium tin oxide layers wherein the atomic percent of tin in the layers can be individually selected. Each indium tin oxide layer of the film contains 1-99 atomic percent tin. Each layer is made by a physical vapor deposition process or by sputter coating. Preferably the film which contains a plurality of indium tin oxide layers is applied to a transparent flexible substrate such as a polymeric sheet. Optional primer layers, hardcoat layers and topcoat layers may be included in the device.

Abstract: An insulated glass assembly including two glass panels each have a plastic frame molded about its perimeter, with the plastic frames welded or otherwise joined together. The molded plastic frames form an airtight seal with each other and with the glass panels.

Abstract: A packaging box, for a golf ball, is formed by folding a packaging sheet comprising a decomposable laminate material consisting of a polylactic acid-containing polymer film and a sheet of paper laminated with the polylactic acid-containing polymer film. A portion corresponding to a window is cut out from the paper, and the window is covered with the polylactic acid-containing polymer film laminated on the paper. The window is formed straddlingly on two or three planes such that the polylactic acid-containing polymer film covering the window is bent perpendicularly at a boundary between the planes adjacent to each other. A raised portion is formed on the packaging sheet.

Abstract: A laminated glass container has an inner layer of amber glass surrounded by an outer layer of flint glass. The container is manufactured by forming a cased glass stream, having an amber glass core and a flint glass casing layer, cutting the stream into individual gobs and molding the gobs into containers, all sufficiently rapidly that the amber glass does not have an opportunity chemically to react with the flint glass.

Abstract: A laminate for coffee packaging is defined. The laminate includes an inorganic gas barrier layer, a strength layer, and an energy cured coating. The laminate provides as good or better barrier properties as a conventional laminate for coffee packaging. However, the laminate of the present invention has non-migratory, “reacted-in” slip agents. Further, the new laminate is more economical to produce than is the conventional laminate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite form and a method of printing the form. The composite form has a paper component and a flexible magnetic sheet component that are adhered to one another. The magnetic component is able to adhere to a ferromagnetic surface but does not adhere to other composite forms having a magnetic component through use of a shielding layer when the forms are provided in a stacked configuration for feeding into a printer. The composite form may be fed through a printer without jamming or magnetic attraction to components within the printer. The composite form is constructed to facilitate printing by having a single thickness entering the printer with a small area of overlap between the paper component and magnetic sheet component or the magnetic component may be inlaid into an opening in the paper component.