Abstract: The present invention relates to suspension formulations, especially those for delivering a pharmaceutically active agent in aerosol form using a spray or aerosol device, such as a pressurised metered dose inhaler (pMDI). The formulations may be for pulmonary, nasal, buccal or topical administration, but are preferably for pulmonary inhalation.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing resinous particles, containing: melting a mixture containing a binder resin and at least one additive having a melting point lower than T1/2 of the binder resin so as to prepare a molten material; atomizing resinous particles from the molten material in an atmosphere having a temperature higher than Tg of the binder resin and lower than 3 times of T1/2 of the binder resin; retaining the resinous particles in an atmosphere having a temperature higher than Tg of the binder resin, and lower than 1.5 times of T1/2 of the binder resin for 1 s to 15 s; and cooling and solidifying the resinous particles.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pelletizing hot asphaltenes are provided. Asphaltenic hydrocarbons can be dispersed to provide two or more asphaltenic particles. The asphaltenic hydrocarbons can be at a temperature of from about 175° C. to about 430° C. The asphaltenic particles can be contacted with a film of cooling medium. The film can have a thickness of from about 1 mm to about 500 mm. At least a portion of the asphaltenic particles can be solidified by transferring heat from the asphaltenic particles to the cooling medium to provide solid asphaltenic particles. The solid asphaltenic particles can be separated from at least a portion of the cooling medium.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is related to a method of treating a patient with Parkinson's disease, the method including administering to the respiratory tract of the patient particles that include more than about 90 weight percent (wt %) of levodopa. The particles are delivered to the patient's pulmonary system, preferably to the alveoli or the deep lung.

Abstract: A process for preparing a spray-dried detergent powder having: (i) detersive surfactant; (ii) polymer; and (iii) other detergent ingredients; wherein the process comprises the steps of: (a) forming an aqueous detergent slurry in a mixer; (b) transferring the aqueous detergent slurry from the mixer through at least one pump to a spray nozzle; (c) contacting a polymer to the aqueous detergent slurry after the mixer and before the spray nozzle to form a mixture; (d) spraying the mixture through the spray nozzle into a spray-drying tower; and (e) spray-drying the mixture to form a spray-dried powder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of plant extracts of Passiflora alata as an anti-inflammatory agent in cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions. The present invention further relates to a process for obtaining a plant extract of Passiflora alata comprising the steps of submitting the leaves of the Passiflora alata plants to an extraction with water to obtain an aqueous extract and submitting the aqueous extract thus obtained to at least one elution with an aqueous solution of ethanol in a specific column and later drying of said extract by spray-drying.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel precipitated silicic acids for use as support materials, manufacture thereof and use thereof.

Abstract: A sustained release composition comprising spray dried particles of at least one polysaccharide gum and at least one polyhydric sugar alcohol, as well as methods of making the sustained released composition are provided. A sustained release pharmaceutical solid dosage form, and a method of making the solid dosage form by compression are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enzyme composition comprising enzyme containing polymer particles, which is useful for detergent compositions, in particular for liquid detergent compositions. In these enzyme containing particles, the particles comprise i) at least one enzyme, and ii) at least one polymer P, which is selected from homo- and copolymers having a backbone, wherein the C—C-backbone carries carboxylgroups, which may be present in the acidic form or in the neutralized form, and wherein the C—C-backbone comprises hydrophobic repeating units.

Abstract: The present invention offers a method of manufacture of sustained-release formulation composition which includes a step of spray drying a composition that contains (1) an active ingredient, (2) a resin ingredient, and (3) a solvent, using a spray dryer and controlling the exit temperature of the spray dryer, wherein solvent content in the composition after spray drying is 5 mass % or less, and the composition after the aforementioned spray drying does not substantially contain decomposed matter of the aforementioned active ingredient.

Abstract: A mesostructured material is described, which consists of at least two elementary spherical particles, each one of said particles comprising a mesostructured matrix based on aluminium oxide, said matrix having a pore diameter ranging between 1.5 and 30 nm, and an aluminium oxide content representing more than 46 wt. % of the mass of said matrix, which has amorphous walls of thickness ranging between 1 and 30 nm, said elementary spherical particles having a diameter D greater than 10 ?m and less than or equal to 100 ?m (10<D(?m)?100). Said mesostructured matrix can also contain silicon oxide. Each spherical particle of the mesostructured material can also contain zeolite nanocrystals so as to form a mixed porosity material of both mesostructured and zeolitic nature. The preparation of said material is also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to new methods for combining, processing, and modifying existing materials, resulting in novel products with enhanced mechanical, electrical and electronic properties. The present invention provides for polymer/carbon nanotube composites with increased strength and toughness; beneficial for lighter and/or stronger structural components for terrestrial and aerospace applications, electrically and thermally conductive polymer composites, and electrostatic dissipative materials. Such composites rely on a molecular interpenetration between entangled single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and cross-linked polymers to a degree not possible with previous processes.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for manipulating or formulating a solid substance which melts under pressure of a gas without degrading at a temperature lower than the melting point of the substance at atmospheric pressure including: applying to the substance a liquefied gas or dense gas to melt the substance without degrading the substance; then contacting the molten substance with a carrier fluid, which is at substantially the same pressure as the liquefied gas or dense gas, to form a solution or mixture of at least a part of the molten substance and the carrier fluid; and passing the solution or mixture into a vessel of lower pressure than the pressure of the liquefied gas or dense gas and carrier fluid to form particles of the substance; and particles formed by the method.

Abstract: Cryogranulation systems with improved dispenser assemblies are provided for use in manufacturing frozen pellets of pharmaceutical substances in a fluid medium. Methods of cryogranulating the pharmaceutical substance in the fluid medium are also provided. In particular embodiments, the dispenser assembly is used with suspensions or slurries of pharmaceutical compositions including biodegradable substances, such as proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical substance can be adsorbed to any pharmaceutically acceptable carrier particles suitable for making pharmaceutical powders. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical carrier can be, for example, diketopiperazine-based microparticles. The dispenser assembly improves the physical characteristics of the cryopellets formed and minimizes product loss during processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to glass powder, especially a biologically active glass powder, which includes a plurality of glass particles and which is characterized by the following features: the glass particles are made up by >90% of non-spherical particles; the geometry of the individual non-spherical particle is characterized by a ratio of length to diameter of 1.1 to 105.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing porous structures, particles or matrixes, which may be comprised of one or a plurality of components, an apparatus for carrying out the method and particles formed in accordance with the method. The method is particularly suitable for producing porous composite or pure particles for pharmaceutical applications. In accordance with the method, a composite comprising a material such as a pharmaceutical, a biodegradable polymers and/or a biological agent is formed. The composite must further comprise a material that is soluble in supercritical fluid. Extraction of the supercritical fluid soluble material produces porous structures, which may be in the form of particles or matrixes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing small particles of a certain substance. The device includes first inlet means (4) for a solution or a suspension containing the substance and second inlet means (3) for an atomizing agent. The device further includes mixing means (12) for the solution and the atomizing agent and outlet means (13) for the particles. First (9, 10) and second (14, 11) conduit means are provided from the first (4) and second (3) inlet means respectively to the mixing means (12). According to the invention the first (9, 10) and second (14, 11) conduit means meet each other at the mixing means (12) at an angle of at least 30°. The invention also relates to a corresponding method and to use of the device and the method as well as to particles obtained by the method.

Abstract: A spinneret format, an electric-field reversal format and a process for post-treatment of membranes formed from electro-spinning or electro-blowing are provided, including a cleaning method and apparatus for electro-blowing or blowing-assisted electro-spinning technology.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a particulate resin, including: a fine nozzle opening configured to extrude a melted resin mixture including a resin; an extrusion output control mechanism for controlling an extrusion output of the melted resin mixture; a collision mechanism configured to collide the melted resin mixture extruded from the fine nozzle opening with a high-temperature gas stream having a temperature of not less than a T1/2 temperature of the resin, so that the melted resin mixture is granulated to provide a particulate resin; a heat retention mechanism configured to retain the particulate resin in an atmosphere having a temperature of not less than a Tg of the resin for 0.01 to 10 seconds; and a cooling mechanism configured to cool the particulate resin; and a method for manufacturing a particulate resin using the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of preparation of a solid dispersion of a polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer (PVA-PEG graft co-polymer), such as Kollicoat IR with a BCS Class II drug or a BCS Class IV drug, whereby the method comprises: a) dissolving the polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer (PVA-PEG graft co-polymer) separately in a water/first alcohol mixture; and b) dissolving the BCS Class II drug or a BCS Class IV drug, in a mixture of a second alcohol with a non alcoholic organic solvent in which the compound has an high solubility; and c) mixing the both solutions to obtain a third solution with a total amount of solved solid of 1 to 15 g per 100 ml, and optionally having an acid, including inorganic acids including hydrohalic acids, e.g.

Abstract: A Method for the recovery of the secondary metallurgy (LF) slag from a plant for the production of steel, the method comprising a cooling step of the slag, by means of the passage of air and/or other gas, a breakdown step, a step of extracting the powder, wherein the breakdown step is accelerated by means of forced convection of a cooling fluid and/or another reaction, gas and by means of moving the slag mass by overturning and vibrating support gratings. The overturning and vibrating support gratings are provided inside closed metallic boxes which are connected in series and closed with movable containment partitions to form a treatment module. The breakdown, step is accelerated by means of overturning the slag mass from the support grating of one metallic box to the support grating of an adjoining box.

Abstract: A method for producing nanoparticles which includes dissolving a solute into a solvent forming a solution, feeding the solution through a liquid entrance port of a convergent-divergent nozzle; feeding a carrier gas into a gas entrance port of the nozzle, mixing the solution and the carrier gas prior to entering the nozzle, upon exiting the nozzle the solution is atomized to micron sized droplets, and the evaporating the solvent and leaving behind solid state nanoparticles of the solute.

Abstract: In a method for producing a starting material (M, N, N?) for the production of a wear layer (420), a coating (40) with a composition which corresponds to that of the wear layer (420) which is to be produced is chemically undissolved from its substrate (30) and is detached as a solid body, and that the starting material (M, N, N?) is formed by the layer material (60) of the detached coating (40).

Abstract: A pulmonary delivery medicament comprises a plurality of particulates, the particulates comprising a structural matrix and a water insoluble and/or crystalline active agent. The particulates have a geometric diameter of 0.5 to 50 ?m. The water insoluble active agent can be a fungicide, antibiotic, budesonide. A method of making the medicament comprises forming a liquid feedstock, and forming a feedstock suspension by suspending in the liquid feedstock, the active agent and an excipient capable of forming a structural matrix, such as a phospholipid. The feedstock suspension is spray dried to produce the particulates.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for forming fine particles of a substance in a precipitation chamber, in which the apparatus has means to convey the fine particles from the precipitation chamber to at least one particle collection chamber, downstream of the precipitation chamber, the particle collection chamber having an inlet and an outlet separate from the inlet. The invention also provides a method of forming fine particles of a substance, the method comprising contacting a non-gaseous fluid containing the substance with a dense fluid to expand the non-gaseous fluid in a precipitation chamber, conveying a resulting mixture of fluid and the fine particles from the precipitation chamber to a collection chamber, the collection chamber having an inlet and an outlet separate from the inlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for producing fine particles. According to the production method, a molten material 1 which has been formed by melting a raw material to be formed into fine particles is supplied in the form of droplets 1a or a jet flow to a liquid coolant 3, and a vapor film formed so as to cover the molten material supplied to the liquid coolant 3 is forcedly broken to promote vapor explosion, thereby forming and cooling fine particles for solidification. The production method and apparatus can readily produce fine particles from a raw material having a high melting point, and can relatively readily produce submicron fine particles—such particles are difficult to produce by mean of the previously developed technique. The method and apparatus can produce amorphous fine particles, or polycrystalline fine particles having a target particle size by regulating conditions for fine particle formation and for cooling-solidification.

Abstract: The method of the present invention can 1) produce spherical and scaly ultrafine particles without pulverization, 2) obtain spherical ultrafine particles having a sharp spherical particle diameter distribution without requiring a sieving step, 3) produce spherical ultrafine particles extremely approximating a true circle and possessing a particle diameter of 100 nm˜50,000 nm allowing selection of a size suitable for the particular purpose of use and 4) produce spherical ultrafine particles on a commercial scale at low cost. There is also provided spherical ultrafine particles produced by the above production process. The spherical ultrafine particles of the present invention are characterized by a form having circularity of 0.9 to 1.0 and a particle diameter of 0.01 ?m to 10 ?m without pulverization. The spherical ultrafine particles can be produced by the method of the present invention using as a nozzle a base having special through holes and hole density.

Abstract: A method and system for production of powders, such as micropowders and nanopowders, utilizing an axial injection plasma torch. Liquid precursor is atomized and injected into the convergence area of the plasma torch. The hot stream of particles is subsequently quenched and the resultant powders collected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for obtaining micro- and nanodisperse systems. In particular, it relates to a method that allows said systems, such as liposomes, emulsions and suspensions, to be obtained with a size of less than 50 ?m, and preferably less than 1 ?m, and with improved stability properties over time, which includes the stages of a) Dissolving or suspending a compound C in a fluid A, to obtain a mixture AC, in the form of a solution or dispersion; b) Thermostatising said mixture AC to a temperature of between ?50° C. and 200° C.; c) Adding a fluid B to mixture AC until a pressure P is obtained; and it is characterised in that in said stage (c) formation of the solution AB occurs and because it includes, d) Reducing the pressure of solution AB to a pressure lower than or equal to 100 bars, and then e) Adding a fluid E, in which fluid A is miscible and in which compound C is partially or totally insoluble at atmospheric pressure, with said fluid E acting as a crystallisation interruption agent.

Abstract: [Summary] [Problems] To provide extremely-spherical-three-dimensional-shaped particles of crystalline mannitol containing large hollows and gaps inside. [Solution] Spherical particles of crystalline mannitol made by spray drying, extremely spherical (having an aspect ratio of 1.0 to 1.2), high oil absorption rates according to test method A, wherein powder has a mean particle diameter of 15 to 165 ?m, a loose bulk density of 0.35 to 0.60 and an angle of repose of 30 to 50 degrees, and has a hardness of 7 to 20 kgf, when directly compressed.

Abstract: Polymer compositions, for example of polyethyleneterephthalate bottles or preforms, include a reheat additive which has reducing transmission/increasing absorbance across the IR region as the wavelength increases. The reheat additive may be a titanium nitride, made by a plasma vapour deposition technique. Advantageously, the material may be used at a lower level than hitherto known materials or may be used at the same levels as hitherto but provide a greater reheat effect. Example 3a shown in the figure illustrates the absorbance of a preferred material.

Abstract: A process for preparing particles of a substance comprising contacting a first formulation including a first substance with a first solvent stream and a second solvent stream, thereby causing formation of particles of the first substance, wherein both the first and second solvent streams are in a non-supercritical state, and subjecting the resultant mixture to a separation process which causes separation of the first substance from the first and second solvent streams.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing particles with a length-width ratio of less than about 1.4 from a pharmaceutical substance, which method includes the following stages, that is: (a) provision of a melt of the pharmaceutical substance; (b) production of droplets of the melt by spraying into a processing chamber; (c) repeated guiding of solid particles past sprayed droplets in the processing chamber with the aid of a process gas jet which is guided in a defined way and whose temperature is fixed, depending on the solidification point of the melt, so that at least some of the droplets come into contact with particles and solidify thereon; (d) removal of particles from the processing chamber as a function of the particle size. The invention further relates to particles of pharmaceutical substances and the use thereof.

Abstract: In an improved polymer melt cutter a gas is added to the cooling liquid before the cooling liquid enters the cutting chamber, or is added directly through the cutting chamber wall. This forms a cooling liquid/gas mixture in the cutting chamber, which has the advantage of providing easier startups, lower operating costs, and other advantages. Processes associated with the improved polymer melt cutter are also disclosed.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of urea granules in a fluid bed granulator comprising at least one inlet for fluidization air, a distribution plate above which the fluid bed is present and sprayers that are mounted in the distribution plate, from which the urea melt is sprayed on or over the urea particles present in the fluid bed, which particles are kept in motion by the fluidization air, characterized in that the fluidization air contains very finely atomized water and in that the urea concentration of the urea melt is higher than 97 wt. %.

Abstract: A spraying device for melt granulation in a fluidized bed including a nozzle (2) with a feed channel for a liquid to be atomized, where the liquid is led through an emulsifying device and into an internal mixing chamber for gas and liquid, before it is fed to the fluidized bed. The nozzle has a separate channel for the atomizing gas fitted concentrically around the central liquid supply channel for the liquid to be atomized or nebulized. The mixing chamber surrounds the outlet zone of the liquid spray from the emulsifying device and the gas, allowing efficient mixing of high speed atomization gas and liquid, and having an external gas cap (1) where fluidization gas is channelled into a spout above the spraying device.

Abstract: Crystalline alumina particles are intimately mixed with a gaseous fuel, air and oxygen. The mixture is then ignited in a torch. Such blending of the powder with the combustible gas allows the alumina particles to be immediately heated to above their melting temperature and allows the particles to form into spheres. The spheres are then rapidly cooled to ambient temperature, providing high purity micron-sized polymorphic alumina spheres without the use of additives or special treatment.

Abstract: A process for forming mineral fibers, in which at least one stream of vitrifiable material in the molten state is subjected to action of an attenuating gas flow in an attenuation zone. The gas flow in the attenuation zone is in the form of a vortex. Such a process may find application to the manufacture of fibrous products.

Abstract: According to the invention, powders of low hygroscopicity are prepared by granulation of an aqueous solution (1) in a fluidized bed (140). A compound formed from crystalline grains whose moisture content is defined and stable is obtained. The invention applies especially to organometallic complexes of glycine with a metal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming nanoparticles employs an inkjet dispenser and a nanoparticle formation device. The inkjet dispenser includes at least one orifice. A liquid solution with a substance to be transformed into nanoscale is received in the inkjet dispenser, and is dispensed from the at least one orifice to generate a plurality of microdroplets. The nanoparticle formation device is disposed to receive the microdroplets dispensed by the inkjet dispenser and form the nanoparticles therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a corrosion resistant reactor tube, method for providing a passivating or corrosion resistant coating to the inside of the reactor tube, and a method of making high bismuth glass powders using the corrosion resistant reactor tube.

Abstract: Abrasive disk sheet articles having raised islands coated with spherical abrasive agglomerates that can provide both precision flat and smooth workpiece surfaces by high speed lapping are described. These disks also provide high material removal rates and low surface pick-out of soft metallic or non-metallic materials embedded in hard workpieces. A method of producing equal-sized spherical shaped composite abrasive agglomerate beads containing small diamond abrasive particles is described. These beads can be bonded directly on the flat surface of a flexible backing or bonded onto raised island surfaces. Simple and inexpensive apparatus devices and process techniques are described that allow efficient low-volume batch or continuous web manufacturing of precision thickness, large diameter abrasive disk or rectangular sheet abrasive articles.

Abstract: In the case of the method for the production of polyester granulate or moulded articles from a melt which is discharged from a polycondensation (1), the melt in the discharge region (2) of the polycondensation is kept at a temperature between 270-285° C. in communication with a gas chamber at a reduced pressure in order according to the invention to achieve a low acetaldehyde content. With respect to the granulate, within the scope of the method according to the invention, a standard crystallisation (5) and drying (6) with air as drying gas suffices. The moulded articles can be produced directly from the melt, e.g. with an injection moulding machine (9). The device according to the invention comprises a polycondensation, at least the last stage of which is configured as a disc reactor in which, with extensive avoidance of a sump, the melt is transported directly from disc to disc by a combination of rotating disc and static strippers fitted on the circumference of the reactor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for making nanofiber webs, wherein a source of process air is utilized to affect the spray pattern and quality of fibrillated material expressed from a die assembly including a multi-fluid opening. Appropriately, the aforementioned process air is defined herein as an alternate or ancillary air source apart from primary process air, which primary air is simultaneously supplied with the molten polymeric material to the fiber forming multi-fluid opening. The ancillary air source of the invention is further distinct from secondary air, which is also known in the art as quenching air. The ancillary air can be described as a continuous fluid curtain of shielding or shaping air.

Abstract: Single source precursors are subjected to carbon dioxide to form particles of material. The carbon dioxide may be in a supercritical state. Single source precursors also may be subjected to supercritical fluids other than supercritical carbon dioxide to form particles of material. The methods may be used to form nanoparticles. In some embodiments, the methods are used to form chalcopyrite materials. Devices such as, for example, semiconductor devices may be fabricated that include such particles. Methods of forming semiconductor devices include subjecting single source precursors to carbon dioxide to form particles of semiconductor material, and establishing electrical contact between the particles and an electrode.

Abstract: An organic/inorganic hybrid material (OIHM) that consists of elementary spherical particles is described, whereby each of said spherical particles consists of a mesostructured matrix that is based on silicon oxide and organic groups with reactive terminal groups that are linked covalently to the inorganic structure, whereby said mesostructured matrix has a pore size of between 1.5 and 30 nm and has amorphous walls with a thickness of between 1 and 20 nm. Said elementary spherical particles have a maximum diameter of 10 ?m. The matrix that is based on silicon oxide can contain aluminum, titanium, zirconium and cerium. Two methods for preparation of said material are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a spinning nozzle, a fiber drawing device and a water spray device. The spinning nozzle has spinnerets and a spinning solution is filled therein. The spinning solution includes a solvent and a fiber material. The solvent includes N-Methylmorpholine N-Oxide, and the fiber material includes cellulose. The fiber drawing device is disposed under the spinning nozzle and has a gas flow generating device therein for generating a gas flow which is ejected from the top of the fiber drawing device and toward the bottom thereof. The fiber drawing device also has a slit on the top thereof, and the spinning solution from the spinning nozzle would enter the fiber drawing device through the slit. The water spray device is disposed at the slit of the fiber drawing device, and the spinning solution would pass through the water spray device before entering the fiber drawing device.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing spherical corundum grains having a bulk density between 1.5 kg/L and 2.5 kg/L, with aluminum oxide being melted in an electric arc furnace with the addition of 0.1 to 1% quartz sand, the melt being poured in a pouring quantity of less than 100 kg/min, and the pouring stream being blown using compressed air at a pressure between 3 to 10 bar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for pelletizing polymer melts comprising blowing agent in a pelletizing chamber through which a liquid flows, its pressure being above the ambient pressure. In a first step, the polymer melt is injected into the pelletizing chamber, in a second step the polymer melt is cut via a cutting apparatus into individual pellets and, in a third step, the pellets produced in the pelletizing process are discharged with the liquid from the pelletizing chamber and are then isolated from the liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an agglomeration apparatus comprising a fluid bed, a source of descending particles, one or more nozzles for atomizing an agglomeration fluid and an outlet for discharging the agglomerated particles. In the fluid bed, the particles are guided towards the outlet and pass an outer and an inner zone. The apparatus provides for the production of an improved agglomerated particulate product with a low content of fine particles.