Encapsulating Normally Liquid Material Patents (Class 264/4)
- With treatment subsequent to solid wall formation (e.g., coating, hardening, etc.) (Class 264/4.3)
- Solid-walled microcapsule formed by cooling molten materials (Class 264/4.4)
- Solid-walled microcapsule formed by physically removing a constituent (e.g., evaporation, extraction, etc.) (Class 264/4.6)
- Solid-walled microcapsule formed by in situ polymerization (Class 264/4.7)
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Publication number: 20030198682Abstract: A composition and method for protecting personal care components, advantageously labile active personal care components, from decomposition during high temperature drying, employing water-soluble hydrolyzed polysaccharide encapsulants. Also disclosed is an additive for a personal care composition comprising a personal care component that is at least partially encapsulated within a hydrolyzed polysaccharide encapsulant. Also disclosed is a method for protecting a composition containing labile biologically active particles which comprises encapsulating at least a portion of the biologically active particles within hydrolyzed polysaccharide particles, thereby protecting said portion of said biologically active particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2003Publication date: October 23, 2003Inventors: James V. Gruber, Andrew P. Banham
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Publication number: 20030194430Abstract: An encapsulation process for forming a multi-compartment capsule. The process comprising the steps of: (1) providing a primary capsule having a base and a cap; (2) providing a secondary capsule having a base and a cap; (3) introducing at least one ingredient having a first physical state (i.e., solid, liquid, gas or dispersion) into a receiving chamber within the internal periphery of the secondary capsule; (4) positioning the cap of the secondary capsule into a sealing relationship with the base of the secondary capsule; (5) introducing at least one ingredient having a second physical state (i.e., solid, liquid, gas or dispersion) into a receiving chamber within the internal periphery of the primary capsule; (6) introducing the secondary capsule into the internal periphery of the primary capsule; and positioning the cap of the primary capsule into a sealing relationship with the base of the primary capsule.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2003Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventors: Frederick H. Miller, Lance R. Ausec
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Publication number: 20030194428Abstract: An encapsulation process for forming a multi-compartment capsule. The process comprising the steps of: (1) providing a primary capsule having a base and a cap; (2) providing a secondary capsule having a base and a cap; (3) introducing at least one ingredient having a first physical state (i.e., solid, liquid, gas or dispersion) into a receiving chamber within the internal periphery of the secondary capsule; (4) positioning the cap of the secondary capsule into a sealing relationship with the base of the secondary capsule; (5) introducing at least one ingredient having a second physical state (i.e., solid, liquid, gas or dispersion) into a receiving chamber within the internal periphery of the primary capsule; (6) introducing the secondary capsule into the internal periphery of the primary capsule; and positioning the cap of the primary capsule into a sealing relationship with the base of the primary capsule.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2003Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventors: Frederick H. Miller, Lance R. Ausec
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Patent number: 6616869Abstract: A process for preparing nanoparticles and microparticles is provided. The process involves forming a mixture of a polymer and a solvent, wherein the solvent is present in a continuous phase and introducing the mixture into an effective amount of a nonsolvent to cause the spontaneous formation of microparticles.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2001Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Brown University Research FoundationInventors: Edith Mathiowitz, Donald Chickering, III, Yong S. Jong, Jules S. Jacob
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Publication number: 20030155668Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a suspension of an undecomposed meltable material having an average particle diameter of between 5 to 500 nm. The inventive method enables stable suspensions to be produced and is characterised in that it only requires a simple technical infrastructure in many production plants, it delivers high space-time yields, and can easily be scaled up.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2003Publication date: August 21, 2003Inventors: Theo Stalberg, Christine Schroeder, Hans Dolhaine
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Publication number: 20030127760Abstract: An apparatus and a process useful for producing patterned gelatin ribbons for forming patterned soft gelatin capsules are disclosed. The apparatus and process use multiple spreader boxes to form a wide variety of possible patterns.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2003Publication date: July 10, 2003Applicant: R. P. Scherer CorporationInventors: Gregory A. Schurig, Bud Bezaire, Michael Ratko, Lawrence A. Baker, Robert Mikalian
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Publication number: 20030104068Abstract: A process is provided for making dry, micronized particles of an agent, such as a drug. The method includes (a) dissolving a macromolecular material, preferably a polymer, in an effective amount of a solvent, to form a solution; (b) dissolving or dispersing the agent in the solution to form a mixture; (c) freezing the mixture; and (d) drying by vacuum the mixture to form solid particles of the agent dispersed in solid macromolecular material. The micronization in this process occurs directly in a macromolecular matrix and hardening of the particles of agent by solvent removal takes place by lyophilization of the bulk matrix, which stabilizes the drug particles during hardening and prevents coalesence, thereby resulting in smaller final drug particles. The method is particularly preferred for protein agents. The process can be used in conjunction with a standard microencapsulation technique, typically following separation of the agent from the macromolecular matrix.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2002Publication date: June 5, 2003Applicant: Brown University Research FoundationInventors: Edith Mathiowitz, Yong S. Jong, Jules S. Jacob
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Patent number: 6569363Abstract: An apparatus and a process useful for producing patterned gelatin ribbons for forming patterned soft gelatin capsules are disclosed. The apparatus and process use multiple spreader boxes to form a wide variety of possible patterns.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1999Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: R. P. Scherer CorporationInventors: Gregory A. Schurig, Bud Bezaire, Michael Ratko, Lawrence A. Baker, Robert Mikalian
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Patent number: 6568398Abstract: This invention relates to hemostatic therapeutic compositions and, more particularly to methods for bringing about rapid, painless hemostasis intraorally, for dermatological applications or all other hemostasis applications. 100 to 300 micron microcapsules comprising a granular astringent hemostatic agent micro-encapsulated with a biocompatible polymer are applied to a wound. The microcapsules are applied to the wound until the outermost layer of microcapsules remain white, a visible indication that the hemostatic action is complete. Upon observation that the hemostatic action is complete the microcapsules are flushed from the wound, the wound blotted and dressed. The rapid clotting times achieved with the 100 to 300 micron size microcapsules together with the visual indication that hemostasis is complete gives the practitioner the ability to irrigate the wound and apply a protective dressing much more quickly than the prior art and excess microcapsules are not wasted.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Inventor: Edgar C Cohen
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Patent number: 6554202Abstract: The invention is directed to a stable capillary microjet and a monodisperse aerosol formed when the microjet dissociates. A variety of devices and methods are disclosed which allow for the formation of a stream of a first fluid (e.g. a liquid) characterized by forming a stable capillary microjet over a portion of the stream wherein the microjet portion of the stream is formed by a second fluid (e.g. a gas). The second fluid is preferably in a different state from the first fluid—liquid-gas or gas-liquid combinations. However, the first and second fluids may be two different fluids in miscible in each other.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2002Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Universidad de SevillaInventor: Alfonso Gañán-Calvo
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Publication number: 20030072794Abstract: A method is disclosed for encapsulating plasmids, oligonucleotides or negatively-charged drugs into liposomes having a different lipid composition between their inner and outer membrane bilayers and able to reach primary tumors and their metastases after intravenous injection to animals and humans. The formulation method includes complex formation between DNA with cationic lipid molecules and fusogenic/NLS peptide conjugates composed of a hydrophobic chain of about 10-20 amino acids and also containing four or more histidine residues or NLS at their one end. The encapsulated molecules display therapeutic efficacy in eradicating a variety of solid human tumors including but not limited to breast carcinoma and prostate carcinoma. Combination of the plasmids, oligonucleotides or negatively-charged drugs with other anti-neoplastic drugs (the positively-charged cis-platin, doxorubicin) encapsulated into liposomes are of therapeutic value.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2001Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventor: Teni Boulikas
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Publication number: 20030068384Abstract: A method of forming a polymeric drug formulation in which a water-soluble drug is blended with a water-insoluble tissue-compatible polymer that is miscible in the solid phase with the drug, and with a poly(alkylene oxide), in a solvent system capable of forming a homogeneous solution of the drug, the tissue-compatible polymer and the poly(alkylene oxide), after which the solution is added to a non-solvent for the drug, the tissue-compatible polymer and the poly(alkylene oxide), so that a microdomain-separated solid co-precipitate of the drug, the tissue-compatible polymer and the poly(alkylene oxide) is formed, wherein the poly(alkylene oxide) is blended in an amount effective to form phase-separated microdomains in said co-precipitate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2002Publication date: April 10, 2003Inventors: Stephen Brocchini, Stephen R. Hanson, Joachim B. Kohn
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Patent number: 6529313Abstract: An electrophoretic display liquid composition for use in an electrophoretic display device that has a multiplicity of individual reservoirs, each containing the liquid, contains one or at least two sets of particles dispersed in a transparent and/or colored liquid system. The at least two sets of particles exhibit different, contrasting color and different charging properties from each other, while in the one particle system, the particles exhibit a different, contrasting color from the colored liquid. In all embodiments, at least one of the sets of particles are particles with adjustable morphology made from emulsion/aggregation process. The morphology of the particles is controlled to be from grape, cauliflower, raspberry, or potato up to substantially perfect spheres.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2002Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Pinyen Lin, David H. Pan, Chieh-Min Cheng, Adam Bush, James R. Combes, Pudupadi R. Sundararajan, Alison Way, Paul J. Gerroir, Naveen Chopra, Paul F. Smith, Rina Carlini
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Patent number: 6525866Abstract: An electrophoretic display liquid composition for use in an electrophoretic display device that has a multiplicity of individual reservoirs, each containing the display liquid of at least two sets of particles dispersed in a transparent liquid system, the at least two sets of particles exhibiting different, contrasting color and different charging properties from each other, and at least one of the sets of particles containing flow aid particles as additives upon an external surface of the particles. Preferred flow aid additives include silica and titania particles.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2002Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Pinyen Lin, David H. Pan, Chieh-Min Cheng, Adam Bush
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Publication number: 20030021839Abstract: Capsules, for example for the delivery of pharmaceuticals, are produced from two films (18) of a water-soluble polymeric material, by deforming the films to form a multiplicity of recesses, and filling the recesses with a flowable filling material. This is performed using two adjacent rotary dies (14, 15), with recesses (16) into which the films (18) are deformed. The dies (14, 15) also act as electrodes for welding the films together by dielectric welding to form filled capsules (30). The capsules (30) can readily be separated from the resulting web. The polymeric material may be gelatin, or a water-soluble cellulose derivative such as hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, and may also contain a plasticiser.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2002Publication date: January 30, 2003Inventor: Allan Draisey
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Publication number: 20030013783Abstract: High concentration drag reducing agents may be prepared by microencapsulating and/or macroencapsulating polymer drag reducing agent. The encapsulation may be performed prior to, during, or after the polymerization of monomer into effective drag reducing polymer. If encapsulation is done before or during polymerization, a catalyst may be present, but little or no solvent is required. The result is very small scale bulk polymerization within the capsule. The inert capsule or shell may be removed before, during or after introduction of the encapsulated drag reducer into a flowing liquid. No injection probes or other special equipment is expected to be required to introduce the drag reducing slurry into the liquid stream, nor is grinding (cryogenic or otherwise) of the polymer necessary to form a suitable drag reducing agent.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2001Publication date: January 16, 2003Inventors: Nagesh S. Kommareddi, Ryan Dinius, Niraj Vasishtha, Darren Eugene Barlow
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Publication number: 20030012819Abstract: Methods for preparing products containing moisture-sensitive materials, including biological materials such as proteins, peptides or live cells, comprising at least the steps: (i) providing a coating liquid comprising at least one active, a sugar polymer and a water soluble/miscible solvent; (ii) providing a quantity of microparticles comprising at least water soluble gel forming solid particles; (iii) fluidizing said quantity of microparticles within a processing chamber of a of a suitable apparatus to form a fluidized bed of said microparticles; (iv) spraying said coating liquid onto said fluidized bed from beneath the fluidized bed to coat said microparticles therewith under saturated moisture conditions; and (vi) allowing coated microparticles to dry, are described. Also described are compositions and uses.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2002Publication date: January 16, 2003Inventors: Thomas S.Y. Ko, Terence P.Y. Au Yeung
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Publication number: 20030003280Abstract: A hybrid injection molding machine that has the capability to draw an decorative or other sheet into a mold cavity prior to injection into the mold has opposing male and female mold parts. One of the mold parts has an insert formed from a porous metal so that a vacuum may be drawn through the insert in order to draw a decorative sheet into all aspects of the insert cavity. The decorative sheet is held in place with a retention mechanism that is selectively attachable to either of the two mold blocks.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventors: Vincent Masterson, Steven Matecki, Daniel Darby, Gregory Peterson
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Patent number: 6486099Abstract: A microcapsule (or microencapsulated product) having a uniform and smooth coating film and also an excellent performance of gradually liberating the content material is produced at a good particle size distribution while suppressing the occurrence of isolated or aggregated film material, aggregated microcapsules and isolated core material. The production process includes: a first coating step of mixing a water-soluble cationic amino resin and an anionic surfactant in the presence of a hydrophobic core material dispersed in an aqueous medium to coat the dispersed core material with a coacervate of the cationic amino resin and the anionic surfactant; and a second coating step of adding an amino resin prepolymer into an aqueous dispersion liquid containing the coated dispersed core material and polycondensating the amino resin prepolymer to further coat the coated dispersed core material with a polycondensate of the amino resin prepolymer.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2001Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Kureha Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yutaka Igari, Yuzi Hori, Tsuneo Okamoto
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Publication number: 20020160039Abstract: This invention provides a method of preparing large liposomes with high entrapment capacity for pharmaceutical substances. The method generally entails infusing a lipid/alcohol solution directly into an aqueous polymer solution. The resulting liposome, which may be incorporated with a pharmaceutical substance, typically consists of multilamellar vesicles that have an average size of about 1 to about 8 microns. The ratio of lipid to polymer, average molecular weight of the polymer, polymer concentration, ionic strength, and temperature of incubation are variables disclosed herein to control liposome size and incorporation of components and pharmaceutical substances.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2001Publication date: October 31, 2002Applicant: BIOMIRA U.S.A., Inc.Inventors: Lawrence Boni, Fangjun Wu, Roy Fennimore, Michael M. Batenjany
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Patent number: 6471995Abstract: Method and apparatus for preparing microparticles using liquid-liquid extraction. A first phase and a second phase are combined to form an emulsion. A portion of the second phase is separated from the emulsion (solvent rich), and the solvent is extracted from the separated second phase, which is then returned (solvent poor) to the emulsion. This process of separation of a solvent rich phase, extraction of solvent, and return of a solvent poor phase, is carried out until a selected level of solvent in the emulsion is achieved. Alternatively, the separated solvent rich phase is not returned to the emulsion, but replaced with another solution, such as an aqueous solution, that is free from solvent. The solvent is preferably extracted into an extraction liquid that functions as a “solvent sink” for the solvent.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2000Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc. IIInventor: J. Michael Ramstack
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Publication number: 20020153626Abstract: The invention provides a new method and apparatus for making multicolor gelatin ribbons and softgel capsules is provided which uses a modification of the gelatin spreader boxes by incorporating especially designed pipelines that are bifurcated with a tee.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2002Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventor: Juan Pablo Manotas Dugand
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Patent number: 6458296Abstract: The invention relates to a method for capsulating microbial, plant and animal cells or biological and chemical substances, using a nozzle to obtain small, especially spherical particles by vibrating an immobilisation mixture. According to said method, the immobilisation mixture, especially a laminar fluid jet taking the form of an immobilisation mixture, is divided into equal parts by superimposition of an external vibration. In a device especially well suited to carry out this method a metallic counter-element (18) which is mounted down-stream from the nozzle (16) at a distance (a) to, and on the outside of, the nozzle axis (A) is connected to a high-voltage source (30). The counter-element is to be embodied by a metal ring (18) through whose through hole (20) the nozzle axis (A) extends. The metal ring (18) is radially connected to an insulated support (22, 24).Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2000Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: Inotech AGInventors: Christoph Heinzen, Raphael Plüss-Wenzinger, Fritz Widmer, Harry Brandenberger
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Publication number: 20020117767Abstract: A method of reducing the surface area of an encapsulated phosphor includes the steps of preparing a homogeneous mixture of an encapsulated phosphor and a surface area reducing agent selected from the group consisting essentially of boric acid and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate and firing the mixture for a time and at a temperature to reduce the surface area of the encapsulated phosphor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2001Publication date: August 29, 2002Inventors: Richard G. W. Gingerich, Clarence D. Vanderpool
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Publication number: 20020106412Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the migration of binder liquid in a bulk powder. The bulk powder may be deposited in a powder bed and contains at least two different substances, each in powder form. One substance gives the printed part its bulk properties, forms most of the powder, and preferably is either insoluble or not significantly soluble in the binder liquid. The other powder substance is a migration control substance. Upon interaction with the binder liquid, this substance may absorb the binder liquid and form a gel or dissolve into the binder liquid increasing viscosity thereby inhibiting binder migration. No chemical reactions occur between the binder liquid and any of the substances in the powder bed. In another embodiment of the instant invention, binder migration may be further controlled by first printing a barrier region in the powder bed containing the migration control substance.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2001Publication date: August 8, 2002Applicant: Therics, IncInventors: Charles William Rowe, Michael J. Cima, Wendy E. Pryce Lewis
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Publication number: 20020098559Abstract: Methods of treating and forming biocompatible microcapsules that contain living cells are provided, to improve the function of the microcapsules. In particular, methods of treating islet cells or microcapsules containing islet cells are provided. Culture of isolated islet cells prior to encapsulation, culture of encapsulated cells, and cryopreservation of islet cells prior to encapsulation, are described. Methods for harvesting viable islets that incorporates an anti-oxidant in the digestion medium are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2002Publication date: July 25, 2002Inventor: Emmanuel C. Opara
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Publication number: 20020096794Abstract: Non-flying plastic microballoons are produced by bringing unexpanded, expandable plastic microballoons, which have been heated to a temperature lower than an expansion starting temperature thereof, and a mixture of a wetting agent and gas, the mixture having been heated to a temperature at least equal to the expansion starting temperature of the expandable plastic microballoons, into contact with each other to cause expansion of the expandable plastic balloons, and then cooling the resulting expanded plastic balloons.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2001Publication date: July 25, 2002Applicant: Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg., Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshihiro Shigemori, Osamu Saito, Yoshihiro Usui
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Publication number: 20020086971Abstract: Copolymers of lactide and glycolide with high glycolide content. The average glycolate block length is less then about 3, which allows the copolymer to be soluble in slightly polar solvents such as methylene chloride.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2002Publication date: July 4, 2002Inventor: Chiem V. Pham
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Publication number: 20020084539Abstract: A method for making microencapsulated gyricon beads comprising the steps of converging a first, second, third and fourth materials in a liquid state; forming a bead from the first and second materials, the bead having two hemispheric surfaces with one surface differing from the other in optical and electrical characteristics; surrounding the bead with the third material; encapsulating the third material with the fourth material; and solidifying the fourth material.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2000Publication date: July 4, 2002Inventors: Nicholas K. Sheridon, Nassim Khonsari, Naveen Chopra
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Patent number: 6405936Abstract: The invention is directed to a stable capillary microjet and a monodisperse aerosol formed when the microjet dissociates. A variety of devices and methods are disclosed which allow for the formation of a stream of a first fluid (e.g. a liquid) characterized by forming a stable capillary microjet over a portion of the stream wherein the microjet portion of the stream is formed by a second fluid (e.g. a gas). The second fluid is preferably in a different state from the first fluid—liquid-gas or gas-liquid combinations. However, the first and second fluids may be two different fluids in miscible in each other.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2001Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Universidad de SevillaInventor: Alfonso Gañán-Calvo
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Patent number: 6392785Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel electrophoretic displays and materials useful in fabricating such displays. In particular, novel encapsulated displays are disclosed. Particles encapsulated therein are dispersed within a suspending, or electrophoretic, fluid. This fluid may be a mixture of two or more fluids or may be a single fluid. The displays may further comprise particles dispersed in a suspending fluid, wherein the particles contain a liquid. In either case, the suspending fluid may have a density or refractive index substantially matched to that of the particles dispersed therein. Finally, also disclosed herein are electro-osmotic displays. These displays comprise at least one capsule containing either a cellulosic or gel-like internal phase and a liquid phase, or containing two or more immiscible fluids. Application of electric fields to any of the electrophoretic displays described herein affects an optical property of the display.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: E Ink CorporationInventors: Jonathan D. Albert, Barrett Comiskey
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Patent number: 6387301Abstract: A method to efficiently and continuously produce microspheres of natural oils and fats having a high melting point, the average particle diameter of which is in dozens of &mgr;m and is uniform, comprising the steps of heating oils and fats having a high melting point to a temperature greater than the melting point thereof to liquify same holding the oils and fats in a liquid state, forming a dispersed phase of the liquid oils and fats, pressurizing the dispersed phase and forming emulsions by dispersing the dispersed phase into a continuous phase via a plurality of microchannels, and isolating microspheres of the oils and fats having a high melting point by removing the continuous phase from the emulsions.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1999Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignees: Japan as represented by Director of National Food Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Bio Oriented Technology Research Advancement InstitutionInventors: Mitsutoshi Nakajima, Yuji Kikuchi, Hiroshi Nabetani, Jihong Tong, Minoru Seki, Shinji Sugiura
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Patent number: 6377387Abstract: Methods are provided for forming a dispersion of substantially uniform droplets. An internal phase that includes a plurality of particles suspended in a first fluid is provided and an external phase including a second fluid is provided. The internal phase is vibrated and the internal phase is applied to the external phase. Either the internal phase or a combination of the internal and external phases form a series of droplets or complex droplets of substantially uniform size.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2000Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: E Ink CorporationInventors: Gregg M. Duthaler, Andrew L. Loxley
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Patent number: 6362915Abstract: A display media with an encapsulant medium, and bichromal beads having a crystalline material, wherein the bichromal beads are dispersed or contained in the encapsulant medium is set forth.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1999Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Nicholas K. Sheridon, Edward A. Richley, James Mikkelsen
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Patent number: 6357670Abstract: The invention is directed to a stable capillary microjet and a monodisperse aerosol formed when the microjet dissociates. A variety of devices and methods are disclosed which allow for the formation of a stream of a first fluid (e.g. a liquid) characterized by forming a stable capillary microjet over a portion of the stream wherein the microjet portion of the stream is formed by a second fluid (e.g. a gas). The second fluid is preferably in a different state from the first fluid—liquid-gas or gas-liquid combinations. However, the first and second fluids may be two different fluids in miscible in each other.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2001Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Universidad de SevillaInventor: Alfonso Gañán-Calvo
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Patent number: 6347930Abstract: A device for manufacturing tubular fibre includes an extrusion head through which a polymer and a biologically active material flow. The biologically active material is encapsulated within compartments formed in the fibre. Partial solidification is caused by structure, such as a coagulation bath, adjacent the extrusion head. This prevents breakage of the fibre as it leaves the head.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2000Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Assignee: Hospal R & D Int.Inventors: Eric Muscat, Claude Brun
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Patent number: 6262833Abstract: An encapsulated electrophoretic display is made of at least one display element. Each display element includes at least one capsule. The capsule contains at least two substantially immiscible fluids. The first fluid includes an additive, and the second fluid contains a plurality of particles.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1999Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: E Ink CorporationInventors: Andrew Loxley, Barrett Comiskey
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Publication number: 20010006689Abstract: A gelatin capsule is manufactured from a capsule sheath. The sheath is made of a pair of confronting gelatin sheets as starting material. The sheath is then formed integrally like a folder, and the contents of the capsule is enveloped by the capsule sheath. The contents of the capsule is a fine or granular powder. However, time release pellets could also be used. The capsule sheath has a pocket formed for receiving the contents in the gelatin sheets preliminarily before completion of filling with the contents.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2001Publication date: July 5, 2001Inventors: Toshimitsu Ishikawa, Nobuyuki Wada, Stephen Richard Lukas
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Publication number: 20010006679Abstract: Microcapsules prepared by encapsulating an aqueous solution of a protein, drug or other bioactive substance inside a semi-permeable membrane by are disclosed. The microcapsules are formed by interfacial coacervation under conditions where the shear forces are limited to 0-100 dynes/cm2 at the interface. By placing the microcapsules in a high osmotic dewatering solution, the protein solution is gradually made saturated and then supersaturated, and the controlled nucleation and crystallization of the protein is achieved. The crystal-filled microcapsules prepared by this method can be conveniently harvested and stored while keeping the encapsulated crystals in essentially pristine condition due to the rugged, protective membrane. Because the membrane components themselves are x-ray transparent, large crystal-containing microcapsules can be individually selected, mounted in x-ray capillary tubes and subjected to high energy x-ray diffraction studies to determine the 3-D structure of the protein molecules.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2001Publication date: July 5, 2001Applicant: National Aeronautics & Space AdministrationInventors: Dennis R. Morrison, Benjamin Mosier
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Patent number: 6234402Abstract: The invention is directed to a stable capillary microjet and a monodisperse aerosol formed when the microjet dissociates. A variety of devices and methods are disclosed which allow for the formation of a stream of a first fluid (e.g. a liquid) characterized by forming a stable capillary microjet over a portion of the stream wherein the microjet portion of the stream is formed by a second fluid (e.g. a gas). The second fluid is preferably in a different state from the first fluid—liquid-gas or gas-liquid combinations. However, the first and second fluids may be two different fluids in miscible in each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2000Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: Universidad de SevillaInventor: Alfonso Gañán-Calvo
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Patent number: 6235224Abstract: A process for preparing nanoparticles and microparticles is provided. The process involves forming a mixture of a polymer and a solvent, wherein the solvent is present in a continuous phase and introducing the mixture into an effective amount of a nonsolvent to cause the spontaneous formation of microparticles.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1999Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Assignee: Brown University Research FoundationInventors: Edith Mathiowitz, Donald Chickering, III, Yong S. Jong, Jules S. Jacob
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Patent number: 6172798Abstract: An electrophoretic display element includes a capsule having a first, larger surface and a second, smaller surface. The capsule contains a suspending fluid and at least one particle dispersed within said suspending fluid. Application of a first electrical field causes the particle or particles to migrate towards the first, larger surface of the capsule, causing it to take on the visual appearance of the particles. Application of a second electrical field causes the particle or particles to migrate towards the second, smaller surface, allowing the capsule to take on the visual appearance of the dispersing fluid or of a substrate or electrode positioned behind the display element. Displays may be fabricated from multiple display elements arranged on a substrate.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2000Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: E Ink CorporationInventors: Jonathan D. Albert, Barrett Comiskey
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Patent number: 6143211Abstract: A process for preparing nanoparticles and microparticles is provided. The process involves forming a mixture of a polymer and a solvent, wherein the solvent is present in a continuous phase and introducing the mixture into an effective amount of a nonsolvent to cause the spontaneous formation of microparticles.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 1996Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: Brown University FoundationInventors: Edith Mathiowitz, Donald Chickering, III, Yong S. Jong, Jules S. Jacob
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Patent number: 6120751Abstract: The present invention is directed to charged lipids, compositions comprising charged lipids, and the use of these compositions in drug delivery, targeted drug delivery, therapeutic imaging and diagnostic imaging, as well as their use as contrast agents.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1997Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: ImaRx Pharmaceutical Corp.Inventor: Evan C. Unger
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Patent number: 6083393Abstract: A hydrophilic porous membrane is provided which comprises a network of a non-crystalline hydrophobic polymer and an in situ crosslinked hydrophilic acrylate polymer. A method of preparing such a hydrophilic porous membrane also is provided, wherein a reaction solution of a non-crystalline hydrophobic polymer, a crosslinkable polyfunctional acrylate, a polymerization initiator, and, optionally, a monofunctional monomer, is polymerized in situ and cast to provide a hydrophilic porous membrane.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1997Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: Pall CorporationInventors: Xiaosong Wu, Joel Shertok, Peter Konstantin
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Patent number: 6060084Abstract: A method for preparing a core material containment system which prevents or controls leaching of the core material from the containment system, said method comprising the steps of: (1) providing a shell material having a softening temperature above about 70.degree. F.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1998Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignee: Cannon Chemical CompanyInventors: Radmila Sullivan, Marvin L. Kidd, Patrick Alan Lafferty
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Patent number: 6033646Abstract: Lyophilized lipid compositions, as well as methods for their preparation, are embodied by the present invention. Gas-filled microspheres prepared using the lyophilized lipid composition are particularly useful, for example, in ultrasonic imaging applications and in therapeutic drug delivery systems.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1998Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Assignee: ImaRx Pharmaceutical Corp.Inventors: Evan C. Unger, Thomas A. Fritz, Terry Matsunaga, VaradaRajan Ramaswami, David Yellowhair, Guanli Wu
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Patent number: 6022499Abstract: An apparatus and a process useful for producing patterned gelatin ribbons for forming patterned soft gelatin capsules are disclosed. The apparatus and process use multiple spreader boxes to form a wide variety of possible patterns.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1997Date of Patent: February 8, 2000Assignee: R.P. Scherer CorporationInventors: Gregory A. Schurig, Bud Bezaire, Michael Ratko, Lawrence A. Baker, Robert Mikalian
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Patent number: 6001335Abstract: Liposomes suitable as ultrasound contrast agents which contain media of various types including gases, gaseous precursors activated by pH, temperature or pressure, as well as other solid or liquid contrast enhancing agents, are described. Methods of using the same as ultrasound contrast agents are also disclosed. The present invention also comprises novel methods for synthesizing liposomes having encapsulated therein gases.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1996Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: Imarx Pharmaceutical Corp.Inventor: Evan C. Unger
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Patent number: RE37085Abstract: Bichromal balls have two hemispheres, typically one black and one white, each having different electrical properties. Each ball is enclosed within a spherical shell and then a space between the ball and shell is filled with a liquid to form a microsphere so that the ball is free to rotate in response to an electrical field. The microspheres can then be mixed into a substrate which can be formed into sheets or can be applied to any kind of surface. The result is a film which can form an image from an applied electrical field.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventor: Nicholas K. Sheridon