Abstract: Low molecular weight cellulose ethers which are suitable as a coating material for solid metered units and as an additive in ceramic compositions or cosmetics formulations or as a polymerization auxiliary are obtained by irradiation of a mixture of a higher molecular weight cellulose ether and a base with electrons.

Abstract: A process for producing surface modified metal oxide and/or organo-metal oxide compositions comprising esterifying at least a portion of the metal oxide and/or organo-metal oxide composition through contact with at least one esterification agent and at least one catalyst wherein the esterification agent and the catalyst are in the liquid phase. The process may be utilized to produce hydrophobic metal oxide and/or organo-metal oxide compositions at ambient temperature and/or ambient pressure conditions.

Abstract: An assay plate for detecting the presence of a mobile reactant that binds to a immobilized reactant and the methods of making and using the same. An assay plate according to the present invention includes a substrate and at least one dried aliquot of the immobilized reactant, the immobilized reactant being bound to the surface of the substrate. The immobilized reactant binds the mobile reactant when a solution containing the mobile reactant is brought into contact with the immobilized reactant. The mobile and immobilized reactants may be any pair of biological compounds that have a specific affinity for one another. For example the reactants may be nucleic acids or antibody-antigen pairs. The preferred embodiment of an assay plate according to the present invention includes a plurality of assay spots, each spot having a different immobilized reactant or concentration thereof.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evanescent light fluoroimmunoassays are disclosed. The apparatus employs a planar waveguide with an integral semi-cylindrical lens, and has multi-analyte features and calibration features, along with improved evanescent field intensity. A preferred embodiment of the biosensor and assay method have patches of capture molecules each specific for a different analyte disposed adjacent within a single reservoir. The capture molecules are immobilized to the patches on the waveguide surface by site-specific coupling of thiol groups on the capture molecules to photo-affinity crosslinkers which in turn are coupled to the waveguide surface or to a non-specific-binding-resistant coating on the surface. The patches of different antibodies are produced by selectively irradiating a portion of the waveguide surface during the process of coupling the photo-affinity crosslinkers the selective irradiation involving a mask, a laser light source, or the like.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for customizing a thermoplastic resin in which a thermoplastic resin body is at least partially coated with a thermoplastic coating composition comprising an additive component and a polymeric component. The thermoplastic resin body is at a temperature that is above the onset temperature of the melt processing range of the coating composition. After the coating is applied, the resin body is cooled to solidify the coating composition. Customized thermoplastic resins may be produced more efficiently using the present method than by conventional methods. The customized thermoplastic resins produced according to the invention may be heated to above the onset temperature of the melt processing range of the resin body, mixed to form a substantially uniform mixture and formed into an article.

Abstract: A method for making a medical device having at least one glycoprotein and/or glycopeptide immobilized on a substrate surface is provided. The method may include oxidizing 1,2 dihydroxy moieties with a periodate to form an aldehyde-functional material; combining the aldehyde-functional material with an amino-functional material to bond the two materials together through an imine moiety; and reacting the imine moiety with a reducing agent to form a secondary amine. Another method of the present invention may be employed to crosslink glycoproteins and/or glycopeptides immobilized on medical device surfaces. Additionally, one method of the present invention may be employed to crosslink glycoproteins and/or glycopeptides, thereby forming a crosslinked biomaterial or a crosslinked medical device coating.

Abstract: A fluidized bed apparatus which produces a pyrolitic carbon coating with improved wear and porosity characteristics of the coating by producing a more uniform flat temperature profile throughout a reaction chamber in the area where coating is taking place. The apparatus has heating coils surrounding a lower end of the reaction chamber placed immediately adjacent one another at tight spacing. This contrasts to previous apparatus wherein heating coils were spaced between 2 cm and 5 cm apart. The apparatus also has a multi-jet nozzle to control a flow of gases through the reaction chamber. The jets in the nozzle comprise passages which are oriented such that the length of the passages lie on a series of cones having common axes.

Abstract: An oral administration carbamazepine medicament with a retarded active substance release is disclosed. An aqueous plasticised polymer dispersion is applied on carbamazepine crystals without causing formation of carbamazepine dihydrate. The carbamazepine crystals with their aqueous coating may be mixed with appropriate auxiliarly substances, shaped into divisible tablets or filled into capsules.

Abstract: A process for coating of an intraocular lens to impart tissue compatibility thereto, comprising the steps: a) priming said lens using a solution of a polyamine; b) coating the lens treated in step a) above with a solution of a periodate-oxidized polysaccharide selected from heparin, heparain sulphate, and chondroitin sulphate to stabilize said polyamine by covalent and/or ionical cross-linking; c) coating the lens treated in step b) above with a solution of a polyamine; and d) coating the lens treated according to step c) above with a solution of a periodate-oxidized polysaccharide selected from heparin, heparain sulphate, and chondroitin sulphate in the presence of a cyanoborohydride to convert formed labile Schiff's bases to stable secondary amines.

Abstract: Electrode membrane combinations for use in biosensors to detect analytes in a sample and methods for making and storing same are disclosed. In one aspect, a method is provided for producing a first layer electrode membrane comprising:(1) Forming a solution containing Linker Lipid A, the disulfide of mercaptoacetic acid (MAAD) or similar molecule, linker Gramicidin B, membrane spanning lipid C (MSL-C) and membrane spanning lipid D (MSL-D) or other suitable linker molecules and other ion channel combinations;(2) Contacting an electrode containing a clean gold surface with the solution, the disulfide containing components in the solution thus adsorbing onto the gold surface of the electrode;(3) Rinsing the electrode with a suitable organic solvent; and(4) Removing the excess organic solvent used for rinsing.

Abstract: The invention relates to the encapsulation of Geldhart class C substrate powders with a coating of metal, binder, or sintering aid. Encapsulation is achieved using chemical vapor deposition techniques in a recirculating fast-fluidized or turbulent fluidization flow bed reactor. Thin, smooth, generally uniform, fully encapsulating coatings are produced on the fine substrate particles. The coated Geldhart class C particles, and products made therefrom, exhibit excellent improved physical properties.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of enhancing the biocompatibility of a substrate by providing the substrate with a continuous bio-active surface coating. This method includes applying to the substrate a first coating which includes an aqueous dispersion or emulsion of a polymer containing an organic acid functional group and an excess of a polyfunctional cross-linking agent which is reactive with the organic acid groups of the polymer. A continuous bio-active surface coating is then formed over the dried first coating by applying thereover a bio-active agent containing an organic acid functional group or metal salt thereof. The first and second coatings are then dried to covalently bond the organic acid functional groups of the bio-active agent to the polymer through the excess unreacted polyfunctional cross-linking agent.

Abstract: A patterned multiple antibody substrate for use in biosensors or immunosensors is produced by (1) coating an antibody-adsorbent substrate with a material that resists antibody adsorption, (2) using ion beam sputtering, laser ablation, or mechanical scribing to remove the coating at specific sites on the substrate, and then (3) adsorbing specific antibodies at the sites. The substrate is capable of detecting multiple chemical species simultaneously.

Abstract: A device for assaying haptens includes a solid support linked through a nucleic acid fragment to a reagent that can compete with the hapten for binding to antibodies that bind to the hapten. A process for assaying a hapten uses this device.

Abstract: The new membrane biosensors consist of a solid A as a support, a lipid bilayer B as a membrane, spacers C incorporated between A and B and a receptor D embedded in the lipid bilayer. The new membrane biosensors are characterized in particular by their spacer C, which consists of a molecule of ethanolamine which forms an ester bond to the phosphatide group of the lipid bilayer B, an oligopeptide in helical or pleated sheet structure formed from 4-20 C.sub.2 -C.sub.10 -.alpha.-amino acids and a reactive group which enters into a chemical or physicochemical bond with the support A.

Abstract: The process for producing coated particles of the present invention is applicable to a process of producing coated particles by charging powder of core particles into the coating space and permitting a coat forming substance generated via a vapor phase or being in a vapor-phase state to contact against particles of the powder, and the process is characterized by dispersing powder of core particles having an average particle diameter of not more than 10 .mu.m and a particle size distribution of ((D.sub.M /5, 5D.sub.M), .gtoreq.90%) to adjust a dispersity .beta. to at least 70%, and contacting the dispersed powder of the core particles with the coat forming substance.

Abstract: Surfaced-enhanced, analytical procedures wherein a surfaced article includes a substrate surface, metal islands, a spacing/coupling agent layer, and binding partner molecules which bond with work piece molecules to be detected. A population of spaced apart metal islands are formed on the substrate and have at least some interconnections formed between them. A continuous layer coats the islands and all surfaces between the islands. The continuous layer includes a coupling agent which immobilizes first binding partner molecules. The first partner molecules bond to the coupling agent and the second binding partner molecules bind to the first binding partner molecules to allow detection of presence or concentration of the work piece binding partner molecules.

Abstract: An efficient method for the microfabrication of electronic devices which have been adapted for the analyses of biologically significant analyte species is described. The techniques of the present invention allow for close control over the dimensional features of the various components and layers established on a suitable substrate. Such control extends to those parts of the devices which incorporate the biological components which enable these devices to function as biological sensors. The materials and methods disclosed herein thus provide an effective means for the mass production of uniform wholly microfabricated biosensors. Various embodiments of the devices themselves are described herein which are especially suited for real time analyses of biological samples in a clinical setting. In particular, the present invention describes assays which can be performed using certain ligand/ligand receptor-based biosensor embodiments.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for particle precipitation and coating using near- or supercritical fluid conditions are described. A fluid dispersion having a continuous phase dispersant and at least one precipitatable substance therein is contacted with a supercritical fluid (SCF) antisolvent so as to generate focused high frequency antisolvent sonic waves, breaking up the dispersion into extremely small droplets; the enhanced mass transfer rates between the droplets and the antisolvent causes precipitation of very small particles on the order of 0.1-10 .mu.m. In coating processes, a turbulent fluidized flow of core particles is created using an SCF antisolvent in an enclosed zone. The core particles are contacted therein at near- or supercritical conditions by a fluid dispersion containing a dispersant together with a precipitatable substance. The antisolvent depletes the dispersant and the substance is precipitated onto the fluidized core particles.

Abstract: Methods for coating substrates are described. The methods comprise coating at least a portion of a substrate with particular coating materials. The coating materials can be crosslinked and coated onto a substrate. Alternatively, the coating materials may be covalently bonded to the substrates. The coating materials might themselves functionalize the substrate, or provide a biocompatible coating on the substrate. The coating materials might also include electrophilic or nucleophilic groups that allow for the subsequent reaction of the coating materials with additional reagents. The present invention also provides coated workpieces, particularly medical workpieces having a surface for contacting tissue or blood. These workpieces comprise a first layer and a second layer. The first layer comprises a molecular tether covalently bonded to the surface.

Abstract: A piezoelectric biosensor substrate useful for immobilizing biomolecules in an oriented manner on the surface of a piezoelectric sensor has a ladder polymer of polyacrylonitrile. To make the substrate, a solution of an organic polymer, preferably polyacrylonitrile, is applied to the surface of a piezoelectric sensor. The organic polymer is modifying by heating the polymer in a controlled fashion in air such that a ladder polymer is produced which, in turn, forms the attachment point for the biomolecules comprising the piezoelectric biosensor.

Abstract: Silicon beads are produced by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on seed particles generated internal to a CVD reactor. The reactor has multiple zones, including an inlet zone where beads are maintained in a submerged spouted bed and an upper zone where beads are maintained in a bubbling fluidized bed. A tapered portion of the upper zone segregates beads by size. Systems for inspecting, sorting and transporting product beads are also disclosed.

Abstract: Ferrous powder particles are coated with vaporized phosphorus in a fluid-bed reactor to obtain homogeneous coatings of phosphorus. The coated powders are useful feed for pressed structural parts, exhibiting improved green density, compressibility and sintered density thus improving magnetic and tensile properties.

Abstract: To provide spherical particles made substantially from lactose and having high surface smoothness with low abrasiveness, and a process for their production.A process for producing spherical particles containing at least 95 wt % lactose, characterized by comprising a step of producing lactose spherical particles by charging crystalline lactose and/or lactose granules onto a rotary disk in the treatment vessel of a centrifugal tumbling apparatus, dispersing powdered lactose to the lactose granules and/or crystalline lactose as the rotary disk is rotated while providing slit air into the vessel, while also spraying water, an aqueous lactose solution or a dilute aqueous solution of a water-soluble polymer, and a fixation treatment step of drying the obtained spherical particles in a fluidized bed apparatus while spraying an aqueous lactose solution and/or a dilute solution of a water-soluble polymer.

Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of substances, particularly biological materials, contained in a liquid sample is formed of a series of layers of film materials. A first film has a cut-out which forms an upper reservoir for receiving the liquid sample. A first reagent is provided in the upper reservoir capable of reacting with a substance possibly contained in the liquid sample. A first membrane is situated at the base of the upper reservoir and is made of a material which is temporarily impermeable so that the liquid sample is temporarily retained in the upper reservoir in contact with the first reagent, but after awhile the membrane becomes permeable and allows the liquid to pass. A second film has a cut-out which forms a median reservoir positioned for receiving the liquid passing through the first membrane. A second reagent is provided in the median reservoir capable of reacting with a predetermined substance.

Abstract: Gelatin and aminodextran coated polymer core particles useful in immunoassays and methods of making the same are disclosed. The preparation of aminodextrans having varying amounts of amine groups is also described, as is a method of crosslinking gelatin and aminodextran without the use of a stabilizer.

Abstract: A method for forming and using an array of, e.g., bacteria, yeast or bacteriophage for the purpose of identifying particular constituents thereof. The array is formed by directing a stream of droplets, each containing on average about 1 or a few biological particles, at spaced locations in an array on a surface, e.g., a nylon membrane or agar gel.

Abstract: Goniochromatic luster pigments based on multiply coated platelet-shaped metallic substrates comprising at least one layer packet ofA) a layer consisting essentially of silicon oxide, silicon oxide hydrate, aluminum oxide and/or aluminum oxide hydrate, andB) a nonselectively absorbing, silicon-containing layer which is at least partially transparent to visible light,and also, if desired, additionallyC) an outer layer which consists essentially of colorless or selectively absorbing metal oxide,are useful for coloring paints, inks, including printing inks, plastics, glasses, ceramic products and decorative cosmetic preparations.

Abstract: A method for manufacture of a small dimension product using a dissolvable crystal. The crystal is coated with at least one layer of vacuum deposited material to form a coated crystal. The coated crystal is mixed with a liquid to dissolve the crystal and permit the layer of material to break into flakes. The flakes are separated from the liquid.

Abstract: A biological indicator is formed from two members (or a sheet with one portion folded onto another portion) which are sealed together and form a pathway having three sections. One section opens to the exterior and is preferably configured as a tortuous path. A middle pathway portion downstream of the tortuous path houses a frangible ampule. The frangible ampule contains growth medium for microorganisms. An interior pathway portion (most downstream from the exterior) houses a carrier inoculated with spores of a microorganism. The biological indicator preferably is prepared by a process in which a thermoplastic sheet has the pathway formed by thermoforming and the sealing is by heat sealing.

Abstract: An encapsulated bleach particle is provided, comprising(a) 1-30% by weight of a coating including a gelled polymer material (as herein defined);(b) 99-70% by weight of a core material selected from the group consisting of a peroxygen bleach compound, a bleach catalyst, and a bleach precursor.This particle was found to have both favourable storage stability and good solubility characteristics. Furthermore, a process for producing encapsulated particles having said composition is provided.

Abstract: Composition and method of making bicaroate and bicaroate/dipersulfate mixtures which are stabilized, in dry form, with a coherent coating of sodium borosilicate. The borosilicate is formed in situ by the reaction of a sodium silicate and a sodium metaborate.

Abstract: A backing sheet (101) is provided with a pattern of pathways (131,132,133) of (e.g.) silica or cellulose by a printing process (e.g., screen printing). There may be multiple pathways leading from an eluant application region (117) to a detection zone (116) and thence to a waste reservoir (118). Different pathways may have different fluid traversal times because they differ in length and/or material (e.g., nitrocellulose for slow traversal and fibrous cellulose for rapid traversal by an aqueous liquid). Thus analyte and reagents deposited at depots (112,113) on different pathways are sequentially delivered to the detection zone. Reagents may be applied by printing. The detection zone may have an electrode assembly (105), also applied by printing, for detecting the effects of analyte.

Abstract: A method for making a medical device having a glycoprotein immobilized on a substrate surface is provided. The method includes oxidizing 1,2 dihydroxy moieties with a periodate to form an aldehyde-functional material; combining the aldehyde-functional material with an amino-functional material to bond the two materials together through an imine moiety; and reacting the imine moiety with a reducing agent to form a secondary amine.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a fiber optic sensor for detecting or measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide in a sample fluid. The method involves incorporation of a fluorescent indicator composition in a silicone capsule slidably arranged over the tip of a fiber optic, sealed with a suitable adhesive. To amplify the detectable signal obtained, the capsule is preferably fabricated so as to contain reflective particles, and tapers to a narrow tip. Novel optical sensors, manufactured using the aforementioned method, are provided as well.

Abstract: A process for reducing dissolution time in the production of sodium percarbonate particles containing an alkali metal silicate as stabilizer by fluidized bed spray granulation and/or by coating sodium percarbonate particles with a coating containing an alkali metal silicate, wherein a solution containing alkali metal silicate is sprayed during production and/or coating which contains alkali metal silicate having a modulus in the range from less than 3 to greater than 1. Sodium percarbonate produced by fluidized bed spray granulation is distinguished by elevated Oa stability and short dissolution times and may thus readily be used in detergents and cleaning products containing silicate builders.

Abstract: A coated bleach composition for laundering which contains from 1-97 weight percent of an amidoperoxyacid, and 0-98 weight percent of a hydratable amidoperoxyacid compatible material, less than 2.0 weight percent of water, and a coating of 2-30 weight percent of a water-soluble salt applied by spray coating on a fluidized bed, is disclosed.Also disclosed is a process for the coating of an amidoperoxyacid-containing bleach composition characterized by the steps of spraying, at a temperature below the decomposition temperature of the amidoperoxyacid, a sufficient amount of an atomized spray of an aqueous solution of a water-soluble salt onto a fluidized bed of bleach composition containing an amidoperoxyacid to provide 2-30 weight percent of the water-soluble salt to the composition, and drying the coated composition to a water content of less than 2.0 weight percent. The coating of the composition eliminates caking problems encountered with the uncoated composition.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a nickel active material, nickel hydroxide particles coated with cobalt hydroxide are put on the mesh disk 4 of the fluidized granulator 1. Then, hot air is continuously supplied from outside through the hot air inlet 5, while air inside the fluidized granulator 5 is continuously emitted through the air outlet 8. At the same time, the nickel hydroxide particles are stirred with the stirring fan 3 and further dispersed by a hot air current. In this condition, an alkali aqueous solution is sprayed on the nickel hydroxide particles through the spray nozzle 7 by the pump 9. After the spray, the nickel hydroxide particles are further stirred in hot air so as to complete an alkali heat treatment.

Abstract: A biocidal powder for sustained release of chlorine dioxide includes particles containing chlorite anions, and a hydrophobic core having the particles on a surface thereof, the hydrophobic core containing an acid releasing agent. The particles and the hydrophobic core are substantially free of water, and the particles are capable of releasing chlorine dioxide upon hydrolysis of the acid releasing agent.

Abstract: The apparatus has a container which contains a first filter. During operation, this separates the first interior region containing particulate material from a second interior region. The latter is connected to a downstream dust separator. This has a housing which contains a second filter. The apparatus furthermore has a fan, at least one dust concentration sensor and a control device connected to this and to the fan. During fluidization and treatment of the particulate material in the first interior region of the container, the dust concentration in the oxygen-containing gas flowing from the first filter to the second filter and usually consisting of air is measured. If the dust concentration is at least equal to a predetermined limit below the lower explosion limit, the control device switches off the fan. This makes it possible to keep the pressures generated by any dust explosion relatively small.

Abstract: A carrier comprised of a core with a coating thereover comprised of at least one polymer resin and wherein the outer surface of the coated carrier is fibrillated.

Abstract: A process of making a polydiorganosiloxane-silica foundation mixture from a free-flowing, powdered, surface-modified, reinforcing silica-polydiorganosiloxane concentrate used to make, for example, RTV silicone sealant compositions which have non-sag properties. The foundation mixtures are made by combining, mixing, and heating a reinforcing silica filler and a surface modifying agent to a temperature of >90.degree. C. to <180.degree. C. using 0.1 to 0.5 parts by weight of the surface modifying agent per one part by weight of the silica. Polydiorganosiloxane is added gradually to the resulting fluidized filler over a time period of less than 10 minutes to obtain the free flowing powdered reinforcing silica-polydiorganosiloxane concentrate. The foundation mixture is obtained by massing the concentrate and adding more polydiorganosiloxane to obtain a mixture which has from 8 to 20 weight percent silica filler.

Abstract: A process of making a polydiorganosiloxane-silica foundation mixture from a free-flowing, powdered, surface-modified, reinforcing silica-polydiorganosiloxane concentrate used to make, for example, RTV silicone sealant compositions which have non-sag properties. The foundation mixtures are made by combining, mixing, and heating a reinforcing silica filler and a diol surface modifying agent to a temperature of 20.degree. C. to <180.degree. C. using 0.05 to 0.5 parts by weight of the diol per one part by weight of the silica. Polydiorganosiloxane is added gradually to the resulting fluidized filler over a time period of less than 10 minutes to obtain the free flowing powdered reinforcing silica-polydiorganosiloxane concentrate. The foundation mixture is obtained by massing the concentrate and adding more polydiorganosiloxane to obtain a mixture which has from 5 to 20 weight percent silica filler. The foundation mixtures have a plateau stress of >700 dynes/cm.sup.

Abstract: A mass of ferromagnetic particles encapsulated in a polymeric shell having a plurality of denuded organic lubricant particles adhering to the surface of the shell so as to stand in relief from said surface unimpaired by the polymer or any other binder.

Abstract: A composite powder particle, consisting of a core and a coating, and consisting either completely or partly of a superhard matter different from that of the core, and being prepared by means of a special method, at which the superhard matter is at least partly formed from a gaseous phase at sub-pressure and at temperatures below 1200.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for stabilising percarbonate by coating with a coating agent. The percarbonate particles are treated with a concentrated aqueous solution containing at least one boron compound selected from the metal and ortho boric acids and at least one phosphate. Water is removed to provide the coated percarbonate particles which are useful in bleaching and washing compositions.

Abstract: A process of making a pumpable, stable, polydiorganosiloxane-silica foundation mixture by mixing and heating a polydiorganosiloxane, a reinforcing silica filler, and a diol surface modifying agent at >50.degree. C. to <180.degree. C. using 0.05 to 0.5 parts by weight of the diol per one part by weight of the silica. The foundation mixture can be used to make RTV silicone sealant compositions which are non-sag.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for stabilizing particulate alkali metal percarbonate by coating by coating it with an aqueous solution, preferably concentrated, of a complex formed from a boric acid or borate and an organic diol, polyol or hydroxycarboxylic acid, to the resulting coated product, and to compositions including the product. The coating can additionally contain an alkali metal neutral salt such as sodium chloride or sodium sulphate.

Abstract: Arrays of electro-mechanical dispensers are used to form extremely small drops of fluid and locate them precisely on substrate surfaces in miniature arrays. The printed arrays may consist of DNA, immunoassay reagents or the like. A positioning support such as an X-Y table moves the dispensing devices and substrate surfaces relative to each other to locate the drops on the substrates in predetermined patterns. Arrays of probes as dense as one thousand per square centimeter with center-to-center spacing as small as twenty-five micrometers are formed.

Abstract: Inorganic powder, preferably fumed silica, is rendered hydrophobic by treatment with a silylating agent in the presence of a third reagent selected from the group consisting of protonic acids, especially those having a boiling point at atmospheric pressure up to 120.degree. C., preferably formic acid, and linear phosphonitrilic halides, preferably linear phosphonitrilic chlorides.