Abstract: A softgel having a texture on at least a portion of its surface and a process and apparatus for the manufacture thereof.

Abstract: A process for forming microcapsules wherein the core material in the form of substantially uniform particles is projected through at least one descending curtain of encapsulating wallforming material in the form of an atomized mist of droplets so as to coat said particles with said droplets to form a substantially uniform thickness of encapsulating material and apparatus for carrying out such process.

Abstract: A process for producing a plug with increased resistance to infiltration and oriented porosity for use in metallurgical melting crucibles, in which the matrix material of the plug is subjected to an impregnating treatment.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing seamless capsules, wherein multi-layer liquid flow is blown out of a multiple nozzle to form multi-layer droplets which are brought into contact with hardening liquid to be solidified to thereby manufacture the seamless capsules SC and an apparatus therefor. A groove having U-shaped section for supplying the hardening liquid and the multi-layer droplets is orientated in a direction tangent to a circular section of a hardening vessel in the hardening vessel and a helical flow is formed in the hardening liquid in the hardening vessel, whereby the multi-layer droplets are fallen, moving helically in the hardening vessel.

Abstract: A soft capsule composed of a plurality of cells coalesced to each other and filling substances encapsulated in the individual cells, the wall of at least one of the cells being formed of a material different from a material forming the wall of at least one of the other cells, and said capsule being seamless.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing seamless capsules having satisfactory multilayer liquid drops without deformation, wherein a multilayer liquid flow is blown out of a multiple nozzle to form multilayer liquid drops which are brought into contact with hardening liquid for manufacturing seamless capsules, and a nozzle moving device is connected to the multiple nozzle, whereby the multiple nozzle is movably adjustable by this nozzle moving device in a direction intersecting or preferably perpendicular to the flow of the hardening liquid in a flow path of the hardening liquid.

Abstract: An improved golf ball having a coefficient of restitution of at least 0.700 and comprising a hollow, spherical shell of a deformable polymeric material which is filled with either a liquid or a unitary, non-cellular core of a material which, at the time of introduction into the shell, is a liquid. The spherical shell may be solid or cellular. The core material may be added through a hole in the shell as a liquid, a gel or a melt. In the preferred embodiment, the spherical shell is formed from two half shells which are bonded to each other. The mating edges of the half shells may have surface configurations which maximize their contact area.

Abstract: Microcapsules which are prepared using coacervation processes and/or which have a complex structure in which there is a large central core of encapsulated material, preferably perfume, and the walls contain small wall inclusion particles of either the core material or some other material that can be activated to disrupt the wall are disclosed. The microcapsules that are prepared by coacervation and contain perfume are especially desirable for inclusion in fabric softener compositions that have a pH of about 7 or less and which contain cationic fabric softener. The encapsulated perfume preferably does not contain large amounts of relatively water-soluble ingredients. Such ingredients are added separately to the fabric softener compositions. Ingredients that have high and low volatilities as compared to, e.g., the desired perfume, can either be added to, or removed from, the perfume to achieve the desired volatility.

Abstract: A light-sensitive microcapsule contains silver halide, an ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable compound and pigment particles. Another light-sensitive microcapsule contains a photopolymerization initiator, an ethylenically unsaturated polymerizable compound and pigment particles. According to the present invention, the pigment particles are surface treated to be lipophilic. The pigment particles are preferably treated with a surface treating agent such as a lipophilic resin or an oil-soluble surface active agent. The light-sensitive microcapsule is advantageously employed in a light-sensitive material comprising a support and a light-sensitive layer in which the microcapsules are dispersed.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a hollow fiber membrane by mixing polypropylene, an organic filler capable of uniformly dispersing in the polypropylene in a fused state and easily dissolving in an extractant being used, and a crystal seed forming agent. The resulting mixture, in a molten state, is discharged in the shape of a hollow fiber through an annular spinning nozzle and into contact with a liquid made of said organic filler or a compound similar thereto. This results in cooling and solidifying the hollow fiber, which is then forwarded into contact with an extractant incapable of dissolving polypropylene, to remove the organic filler and form the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved reverse osmosis membrane that shows surprisingly improved solute rejection and permeation properties. The membrane includes a separating layer of a polyamideurethane formed in situ by reaction of a haloformyloxy-substituted acyl haldide with a diamine-treated substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed are aqueous aerosol droplets containing liposome or interacted liposome-drug or medication combination particles in a continuous phase of air or oxygen-enriched air advantageous for the treatment of a wide variety of diseases. The drug or medication is interacted with the liposome membrane so that on its rupture the drug or medication is not lost from the liposome. Different methods of preparation of the aerosol particles containing the liposome and interacted liposome-drug combination particles are described which can be used in small particle aerosol treatment. The majority of the aerosol droplets containing the liposome particles alone or with drugs has a diameter less than 5 microns and has an aerodynamic mass median diameter ranging from about 1 to 3 microns, and the liposome and interacted-liposome drug particles are substantially uniform in size and less than 1 micron in diameter.

Abstract: Capsules containing a hygroscopic or deliquescent component are stabilized by a) forming a mixture of the hydrogscopic or deliquescent compound with a sufficient quantity of water to achieve an equilibrium, b) adding a thickening agent and c) heating the solution or suspension; and introducing the heated composition so formed into the capsule. Preferably an equilibrium-protecting agent, such as glycerin, is also added.

Abstract: A process for the consolidation of discrete, particulate, low-melting or liquid materials, characterized in that said materials are consolidated in their particulate discrete form by application of vapors of at least one p-xylylene monomer and/or of a derivative thereof, which is polymerized under vacuum. The materials are thus given the surface characteristics of a solid, with enhanced properties of mechanical, physical and/or chemical strength, even in the presence of high temperatures. The invention is particularly useful for the metered addition of predetermined amounts of compositions or for moving mechanical parts.

Abstract: A device containing a fluid material is sealed by sealant material placed essentially completely around the periphery of the device to join spaced apart first and second members of the device; and aperture is formed through the seal and the device interior is evacuated. Then fluid material is introduced into the device interior through the aperture and only a limited region of the device, confined substantially to the aperture is exposed to electromagnetic radiation from a laser or the like, to hermetically close the aperture when a photoreactive adhesive is injected into the aperture to cause the adhesive to solidify when contacted by the electromagnetic radiation. In an alternate embodiment, the aperture is filled with a plug of thermoplastic material, which is then selectively heat treated by a laser or the like to cause the plug to bind to the aperture boundary and hermetically enclose the fluid material.

Abstract: The present invention is a single-ply immobilized liquid membrane comprising an aqueous liquid membrane immobilized within a hydrophobic microporous support, and a method of preparing such an immobilized liquid membrane. The present invention also includes a method of preparing an ultrathin single-ply immobilized liquid membrane.

Abstract: Perfectly spherical, smooth and uniform microcapsules, which may contain living cells, are produced having a diameter less than 700 .mu.m by employing an electrostatic droplet generator. A droplet is suspended from a pointed source, such as a needle, and is charged with high static voltage. A collecting vessel or ring device is charged with opposing polarity and attracts the droplet. When a voltage potential threshold is passed, the droplet moves from the source to the collecting vessel. The voltage pulse height, pulse frequency and length, and extrusion rate of the droplets are adjustable so that predetermined sizes of droplets may be repeatedly generated and collected.

Abstract: Bead producing process and an apparatus in which sol having enzymes, plant tissues, etc. dispersed therein is dropped into a solidifying liquid through a perforated plate. The sol is fed from a sol supply tank to a position near of the outer periphery of the planet gear of a planetary gear mechanism which is disposed on the perforated plate. At this moment, the sol supply tank is raised at a given rate in proportion to a decrease in the liquid level thereof so that the liquid level of the sol in the sol supply tank may be kept constant with respect to the perforated plate.

Abstract: Methods are described for targeting the release of an active pharmacological agent in an animal by administering that agent encapsulated in proteinoid microspheres which are stable to the environment encountered from the point of introduction until they migrate to the targeted body organs, fluids or cells and are there unstable. Orally administered delivery systems for insulin, heparin and physostigmine utilize encapsulating microspheres which are predominantly of less than about 10 microns in diameter and pass readily through the gastrointestinal mucosa and which are made of an acidic proteinoid that is stable and unaffected by stomach enzymes and acid, but which releases the microencapsulated agent in pharmacologically active form in the near neutral blood stream. Basic proteinoid microspheres encapsulating a dopamine redox carrier system are administered in the weakly basic, where they are stable, and then enter the blood stream, where the encapsulated agent is similarly released.

Abstract: A method of heterogeneous reaction is described, comprising reacting a water-soluble component and an oil-soluble component dispersed in the water-soluble component or an aqueous medium containing the same. This dispersion is attained by passing the oil-soluble component through the micropores of a hydrophilic material as it is introduced into the aqueous medium. This hydrophilic material can be shaped into a desired form such as a membrane and a fabric. The flow rate, reaction rate and conversion are easy to control in the present method since the particle size of the oil-soluble component can be appropriately controlled. Furthermore, the present method does not need any stirring power nor an emulsification operation, and thus is advantageous from an economic standpoint.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly in a multi-element spherical shell generation system includes first and second side-by-side spaced apart nozzles and a web portion extending between and connecting the nozzles. The first nozzle has an inner orifice adapted to discharge a first filler material and an outer annular orifice separated from and defined in concentric relation about the inner orifice and adapted to discharge a first shell material. The second nozzle has an inner orifice adapted to discharge a second filler material and an outer annular orifice separated from and defined in concentric relation about the inner orifice and adapted to discharge a second shell material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing shaped bodies from ceramic or glass, in which a green body is formed from the starting material for the shaped body in the form of a plastic mass consisting of microdispersed solid particles and water as a dispersing liquid and, if necessary, a binder, after which said green body is dried and sintered, the still wet green body being immersed in water miscible organic liquid having a lower surface tension and a lower enthalphy of vaporization than water, until the water in the green has at least largely been replaced by the organic liquid due to diffusion.

Abstract: Liposomes are formed from compounds including a phosphonate or phosphinate group instead of a phosphate group. The liposomes bind to enzymes, such as a phospholipase, and such liposomes containing a detectable marker may be used as a substrate in an enzyme immunoassay.

Abstract: Improved microcapsules have a capsule wall which contains a polyurethane which can be obtained by reacting an isocyanate with a polyether polyol which contains amino groups.

Abstract: A method of producing small spherical polymer particles from systems containing two liquid phases, the one phase of which contains one or more dissolved substances and is dispersed in the form of small droplets in the other phase to form an emulsion, whereafter the droplets are converted to a solid form. The liquid phases used are two mutually immiscible aqueous phases.

Abstract: Vesicles having a material encapsulated therein are produced by placing an "empty" vesicle in a liguid including a material to be encapsulated and perturbing the vesicle, preferable by passage through a porous material.

Abstract: Encapsulated bodies are produced by bringing a fluid, which is to form the cores of the encapsulated bodies, and a solution, which has ability to form gel skins upon contact with the fluid, into contact and including a gelling reaction therebetween. A desired liquid, which is suitable for the utilization of the encapsulated bodies, is introduced successively into the reaction mixture in which the encapsulated bodies formed by the gelling reaction are dispersed. The liquid portion of the reaction mixture is hence substituted with the desired liquid and the resultant encapsulated bodies are therefore recovered in a form dispersed in the desired liquid. An apparatus suitable for use in the practice of the encapsulation is also disclosed.

Abstract: Organic material, particularly organic material floating on a water surface, can be encapsulated by reacting, in the presence of the organic material, (A) a functionalized liquid polymer containing anhydride functional groups which groups are derived from an alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acid anhydride and (B) an alkoxylated fatty monoamine or polyamine having from 1.5 to 15 moles of alkoxylate per mole of fatty amine. The functionalized polymer (A) may be, for example, maleinized polybutadiene and the alkoxylated fatty amine may be, for example, N,N.sup.1, N.sup.1 -tris (2-hydroxypropyl)-N-oleyl-1,3-diaminopropane. Preferably, the alkoxylated fatty amine is derived from a fatty amine having an iodine value of at least 65. The method may also be used to encapsulate a solid contaminated with organic material e.g. oil drilling cuttings.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for damage-free encapsulation of a variety of core materials including viable cells. The core material is suspended in an aqueous solution of a polymeric material containing cationic groups such as an aminated glucopolysaccharide, e.g. chitosan. A temporary matrix is formed by gelling droplets of the suspension with a divalent or multivalent anion. The temporary matrix is permanently cross-linked with a polymeric material containing plural anionic groups, e.g., polyaspartic or polyglutamic acid, to form a semipermeable membrane. The interior of the microcapsule may be resolublized by subjecting the capsule to a solution of low molecular weight cations. The process produces microcapsules which are not sticky, do not clump and allow viable cell growth and proliferation.

Abstract: A process for collecting microcapsules containing a liquid fill formed by an encapsulation head comprising maintaining a rotating substantially uniform layer of a cushioning powder between a capsule forming zone and a capsule collecting zone, expelling capsules as formed from the capsule forming zone onto a uniform layer of cushioning powder, and moving the capsules radially along said layer and the capsule collecting zone. The invention also comprises the apparatus involved which comprises an encapsulation head for expelling capsules, a powder-coated platform located below the encapsulation head for receiving said expelled capsules, means for rotating said platform to cause said capsules to move radially and fall from said platform, and a moving surface located below said platform to collect said capsules falling from said platform.

Abstract: Drugs encapsulated in liposomes are provided, where the drugs are low molecular weight, negatively charged polar drugs and the liposomes are comprised of high transition temperature phospholipids and cholesterol. Relatively large liposomes are employed to enhance drug effectiveness with viable cells.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing and the product formed thereby are set forth; the product relates to an encapsulated insecticidal bait which in the preferred and illustrated embodiment has a surrounding shell about a core. The core is formed of a volatile fumigant or ingested toxicant mixed with an insect species attractant food such as soybean oil. The core is enclosed in a shell formed by a two part polycondensate system forming the shell about the core. A first part and a liquid define an interfacial contact around a bead of the first part wherein beads of the core material form droplets in the water. The polycondensate system is defined by the two-part intermediates, where the second part is added to the liquid ratably to encapsulate the droplets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming microcapsules from a fluid medium containing living culture material by the atomization of the medium and the treatment of the atomized droplets with a treatment fluid. A medium under pressure enters a chamber having a wall with a plurality of orifices formed therein. A vibrator vibrates the chamber. As the medium passes through the orifices the exit stream vibrates and forms small droplets. The droplets fall into a collection vessel on the other side of the wall, which contains treatment fluid for hardening the droplets into microcapsules. A flow of treatment fluid may be maintained through the collection vessel to prevent clumping of the droplets and to transport the hardened microcapsules for harvesting. Preferred operating pressures, orifice size and chamber configuration are shown.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for encapsulation, and particularly to the production of small or minute capsules constituted by a skin or thin wall of polymeric material e.g., polyurea, polyamide, polysulfonamide, polyester, polycarbonate, or polyurethane, which involves first providing an organic liquid (continuous phase liquid) containing an oil soluble alkylated polyvinylpyrrolidone emulsifier A discontinuous (aqueous) phase liquid containing a water-soluble material, which is the material to be encapsulated, plus a first shell wall component; is dispersed in the continuous phase liquid to form a water-in-oil emulsion. The second shell wall component is added to the water-in-oil emulsion whereupon the first shell wall component reacts with the second shell wall component to form a solid polymeric shell wall about the material to be encapsulated. The capsules formed may be directly used as in the form of an organic suspension, i.e., a suspension of microcapsules in the organic liquid.

Abstract: A chewable, filled, one-piece soft elastic gelatin (SEG) capsule. The capsule includes a shell which is formed from a formulation of gelatin, water, a plasticizer, and a masticatory substance. The masticatory substance is present in the shell in an amount of about 1-75 percent by weight and the gelatin is present in the shell in an amount of about 10-90 percent by weight. A fill material is contained within the shell. The fill may be selected from a variety of materials, including candy, various confectionaries, antacids, cough and cold preparations, sore throat remedies, antiseptics, dental preparations, such as fluorides, breath fresheners, and the like. In manufacturing the SEG capsules, a molten gel mass is prepared with a dispersion of a molten masticatory substance therein. A suitable fill material is also prepared. The gelatin formulation containing the masticatory substance dispersed therein is formed as a shell around the fill material.

Abstract: In a microencapsulation process which causes hydrophobic core material containing an oil-soluble melamine-formaldehyde precondensate to emulsified in water or in a hydrophilic medium, and to form capsule wall film under conditions for promoting polycondensation, the process which is characterized in that said oil-soluble melamine-formaldehyde precondensate is 40 to 100% in a degree of formaldehyde substitution, 80 to 100% in alkylation degree, and 4 to 11 in hydrophobic degree.

Abstract: Microencapsulated liquids are applied to substrates from an aerosol applicator. The composition requires selection of solvents, propellants and binders that are not active solvents on the material constituting the capsule shell.

Abstract: A liquid-filled polyurethane elastomer gel is fabricated from water, organic glycol and a polyisocyanate prepolymer. The prepolymer is formed from organic di-isocyanate and organic diol or triol having a molecular weight of 3,000 to 10,000 and containing at least 40 percent by weight ethylene oxide adducts. The prepolymer is mixed with 3 to 20 times its weight of aqueous reactant including 25 to 65 percent by weight water and 75 to 35 percent by weight organic polyol. The resulting stable gel contains aqueous solutions or emulsions dispersed therein as small droplets comprising 75 to 95 percent of the weight of the resulting article. The liquid-filled polyurethane elastomer gel can be cast into shapes or can be formed into globs of random shape.

Abstract: The access hole for filling the liquid crystal cavity in an LCD having plastic front and rear members is sealed by welding the two members together. Pressure is applied during the weld to insure a good joint. The welding process avoids problems of non-adhesion or poor adhesion associated with the use of epoxy, especially the type of epoxy used for sealing glass LCDs.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously producing microcapsules which comprises at least one inner pipe for extruding a material to be encapsulated, at least one outer pipe for extruding an encapsulating material, the outer pipe being coaxially arranged around the inner pipe, means for delivering the material to be encapsuled to the inner pipe, means for delivering the encapsulating material to the outer pipe, at least one capsule-forming cylinder through which a coaxial jet flow of the material to be encapsulated and encapsulating material flows downwardly and through which a coagulating agent is forced to flow downwardly, a closed chamber which contains the coagulating agent and in which the capsule-forming cylinder is arranged vertically and means for delivering the coagulating agent to the chamber, which produces up to about 50,000 microcapsules per second per a set of the inner and outer pipes and the capsule forming cylinder.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of pharmaceutical preparations in hard capsule form and a capsule filling machine equipped with a detector system and a filling head suitable for dosing a liquid.

Abstract: A process of making a hollow article from polymeric material is taught. The article is molded in two parts. The two parts are caused to remain in their respective exterior molds. If the hollow article is to be filled with a desired material, a measured amount of filler material is added to one of the formed parts. The exterior molds are brought into opposed position and sealing relationship. The space between the exterior molds is purged with a purging gas and subjected to a partial vacuum. The exterior molds are then closed and subjected to a clamping pressure to join the part halves together and remove flash from the joint. Portions at least of the exterior molds are heated and then cooled. The exterior molds are then opened, and the finished filled article is removed therefrom.

Abstract: A vibrating body is so provided as to surround a jet stream composed of a capsule film material and a capsule filler material extruded from the orifice of two coaxial conduits positioned in a cooling liquid medium. The vibrating body can be controlled in reciprocating vibration in the upward and downward directions whereby it is possible to produce waves in the cooling liquid medium which are most suitable for obtaining the required diameter of capsules and the required speed of manufacture. The jet stream is formed into spherical capsule drops at markedly increased speed of manufacture owing to the control of vibration of the vibrating body and interfacial tension.The method for obtaining seamless capsules can ensure the possibility of manufacture of very small capsules, i.e. miniature capsules by mass production which has never been accomplished satisfactorily by the conventional methods and apparatus in the industry.

Abstract: Method for in situ release into a matrix of modifying reagent by exposure of selectively responsive means to electromagnetic radiation using a composition comprising a modifiable matrix and means selectively releasing aliquot portions of modifier distributively through the matrix, the means comprising microcapsules containing a matrix-modifying effective amount of the modifier portions out of matrix contact and releasably in electromagnetic radiation-responsive relation, whereby the matrix is modified by contact with the modifier upon composition exposure to electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: Most conventional animal litters develop malodors fairly quickly. An animal litter in accordance with the present invention selectively releases an odor masking component in response to agitation of the litter by an animal. The animal litter comprises absorbant particles having microcapsules affixed to exterior surfaces of at least some of the absorbant particles. The microcapsules encapsulate the odor masking component, which is released when the microcapsules are ruptured.

Abstract: A method of making a mandrel for a breast prosthesis in which a negative cast is formed of the wearer's remaining breast and the area of the missing breast. A positive cast is formed of the negative cast and a model is made of the missing breast. A flexible mold is formed over the modeled breast and a portion of the positive cast. The flexible mold together with the molded breast are removed from the positive cast. An additional flexible mold is formed over the rear of the modeled breast to form a rear wall. The rear wall is removed and the modeled breast is discarded. The forward and rear walls are secured together to form a cavity. Fiberglass resin fill is inserted into the cavity and the resin is cured until it hardens to form the mandrel.

Abstract: Tissue cells such as islet of Langerhans cells or liver cells are encapsulated within a spheroidal semipermeable membrane comprising a polysaccharide having acidic groups cross-linked with a polymer having a molecular weight greater than 3,000. The cells within the microcapsules are viable, healthy, physiologically active and capable of ongoing metabolism. The encapsulated cells are useful for implantation in a mammalian body to produce substances and effect chemical changes characteristic of the cells in vivo tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for producing capsules of the type which are formed by immersing liquid droplets in a gelling agent. The apparatus comprises a rotor disposed about a central axis of rotation which houses a reservoir for holding the liquid to be formed into capsules, and conduits which lead to ports spaced uniformly on the circumference of a circle. When the rotor is actuated, spheroidal droplets of the capsule-forming material take shape at the ports and are propelled radially outwardly into a gelling agent contained in a reservoir which comprises an annular surface spaced radially apart from the ports.

Abstract: Process for the production of microcapsules, characterized in that a reaction product of a diol or polyol which has a molecular weight of 400 to 10,000 with phosgene or a di- or polyisocyanate which contains at least two chloroformic acid ester or isocyanate groups per molecule is mixed with the substance with is required to be enveloped (core material) and this mixture, an at least bifunctional chain lengthening agent for the reaction product and an aqueous phase are introduced into a zone of high turbulence where the reaction product and chain lengthening agent react to form a high molecular weight polymer which encloses the substance which is to be enveloped to form microcapsules which are then separated.

Abstract: A liquid-filled polyurethane elastomer gel is fabricated from water, organic glycol and a polyisocyanate prepolymer. The prepolymer is formed from organic diisocyanate and organic diol or triol having a molecular weight of 3,000 to 10,000 and containing at least 40 percent by weight ethylene oxide adducts. The prepolymer is mixed with 3 to 20 times its weight of aqueous reactant including 25 to 65 percent by weight water and 75 to 35 percent by weight organic polyol. The resulting stable gel contains aqueous solutions of emulsions dispersed therein as small droplets comprising 75 to 95 percent of the weight of the resulting article. The liquid-filled polyurethane elastomer gel can be cast into shapes or can be formed into globs of random shape.