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: Methods are disclosed for producing a substrate surface supporting a continuous planar bilayer lipid membrane by covalently binding a plurality of micellar of vesicle liposomes, optionally comprising a membrane protein or other biologically active membrane-bound component, to a substrate surface supporting a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of essentially straight long chain molecules. In one embodiment, the micellar or vesicle liposomes covantly bind to hydrophilic spacer molecules attached to the functional groups of the self-assembled monolayer.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of manufacturing highly conducting composites, the method being characterized by the following steps: a) contacting a powder or fibers with an aqueous solution containing an appreciably water-soluble high-molecular substance, b) optionally washing with water, c) contacting with a dispersion containing finely particulate electrically conducting material, wetting agents (surfactants) and an ionogenic metal compound, d) optionally washing with water and e) molding to required shape.

Abstract: An electronic device in a cavity in a mold is encapsulated by a composite plastic having two materials placed, respectively, in sequential locations in a reservoir in the mold. The first material has desirable properties when in contact with the surface of the device, e.g., better adhesion. The second and different material has other desirable properties, e.g., mechanical strength, low moisture permeability, etc. The first location is first in line in a direction through the mold chambers to the cavity. The two-part encapsulant is injected into the cavity without significant turbulence so as to avoid much mixing of the two materials. This creates a boundary layer of the first material which preferentially applies a coating to the device while the second material substantially fills the bulk of the space in the mold cavity. A composite encapsulation is formed having overall superior properties.

Abstract: A centrifugal tumbling granulating-coating apparatus for spherically granulating and coating pharmaceuticals, foods and the like. The apparatus is constructed such that an annular outer portion 5b of a rotary disc 5 is formed to provide an inclined portion which is inclined downwardly toward the center, the size (P) of the outer portion 5b in the horizontal direction is within the range of P.gtoreq.0.25D to the diameter (D) and preferably 0.4D.gtoreq.P.gtoreq.0.25D, and the height (H) is within the range of 0.1D.ltoreq.H.ltoreq.0.33D and preferably 0.1D.ltoreq.H.ltoreq.0.25D.

Abstract: A nifedipine formulation for oral administration is described that provides controlled, constant release of the pharmaceutical for about twenty four hours after a short delay following oral administration. There is also provided a method for preparing a controlled release formulation of nifedipine, which method includes coating pellets with multiple nifedipine-containing layers, along with an outer controlled release coating comprised of a water permeable polymer and lubricant/glidant. The pellets are then cured at an elevated temperature over several days. A method of using the formulations of the present invention for the treatment of patients is also described.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for the production of covered tablets by melt calendering in which the melt containing active ingredient is introduced between two sheets of the covering material into the molding rolls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a particulate vector, characterized in that it comprises, from the inside to the outside, a non-liquid hydrophilic core, an external layer comprised of lipid compounds grafted on the core by covalent bonds. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing such vectors, as well as to a process for enhancing the activity of the polypeptide cellular mediator.

Abstract: A segmented ball for an electrical twisting ball color display device, the device being composed of different sets of spheroidal balls rotatably disposed in an elastomer substrate, each set being associated with a different display color. The segmented ball includes a colored interior segment surrounded on either side by transparent exterior segments, the three segments being arrayed substantially parallel to one another, with adjacent segments being adjoined to one another at substantially planar interfaces. The colored interior segment can have, for example, a transparent or opaque chromatic color, such as red, green, or blue. The ball has an anisotropy for providing an electrical dipole moment, the electrical dipole moment rendering the ball electrically responsive such that when the ball is rotatably disposed in a nonoscillating electric field while the electrical dipole moment of the ball is provided, the ball tends to rotate to an orientation in which the electrical dipole moment aligns with the field.

Abstract: A vacuum molding-compatible mat including about 10 weight percent to about 99 weight percent glass monofilaments having a mean average length ranging from about 5 to about 150 millimeters and coated with a filament coating composition which is compatible with a thermosetting matrix material for forming a vacuum molded composite; and glass fiber strands having a mean average length ranging from about 5 to about 150 millimeters and coated with a strand coating composition which is compatible with the thermosetting matrix material for forming the vacuum molded composite; wherein the mat has a mat surface weight greater than about 200 grams per square meter, the glass monofilaments and glass fiber strands are essentially uniformly distributed throughout the mat and at least a portion of the glass monofilaments are entangled with at least a portion of the glass fiber strands.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for atomizing a dispersible liquid material or a mixture of dispersible liquid materials, characterized in that the dispersible liquid material (3) or the mixture is dispersed in the form of particles (7) by spraying at least one stream of solid particles (6) which are reactive as a result of their partial or total coating onto the material and the particles (7) are collected in a receiving medium.

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: A method and resultant article are provided which optimize the adhesion of resin to the glass fibers in fiberglass cloth impregnated with a resin and also optimize the adhesion of the impregnated resin to metal sheets laminated to the resin-impregnated cloth. The fiberglass is treated in two or more passes. On the first pass, the fiberglass is impregnated with a first resin which is optimized for adherence to glass fibers and the coated resin is partially cured. In a last pass, the fiberglass is impregnated with a second resin, which is different from said first resin, and is optimized for bonding to metal. The second resin is then partially cured. The first and second resins are selected such that they form a bond with each other when cured.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of microcapsulated flakes or powders by drying aqueous mixtures containing (a) one or more water-emulsifiable, non-thermoplastic compounds which have a higher boiling point than waterand (b) at least one water-soluble, film-forming polymer, in which the content of component (a) is up to about 95% by weight, based on the dry weight of components (a) and (b), with the proviso that the water-soluble, film-forming polymer has a flocculation point of from 20.degree. to 98.degree. C. or the flocculation point is adjusted to from 20.degree. to 98.degree. C. with the aid of additives, and drying is carried out by thin-layer drying in a temperature range above the flocculation point.

Abstract: The present invention relates to piperazine based amphilic cationic lipids useful for gene therapy, transfection, and introducing immunogenic compounds for the purpose of vaccination. The disclosed compounds have lipophilic moieties linked to the ring nitrogens. In addition, at least one of the ring nitrogens is quatranized and linked to a hydrocarbon having at least one heteroatom.

Abstract: Disclosed are decorative surface coverings of the "inlaid" type having embossed patterns in register with inlaid patterns. Disclosed methods include the steps of: applying in a pattern on a first surface of a foamable layer an agent for modifying the foaming of said foamable layer to produce a foamable layer having a pattern of relatively nonfoamable areas and relatively foamable areas; applying a first collection of particulate resinous material substantially only to said areas containing said foaming modifier or only to said areas not containing said foaming modifier; and foaming said foamable layer in said relatively foamable areas.

Abstract: A method for coating cloth especially fiberglass sheets with a resin and resulting structure is provided. The coating is performed in two steps. In the first step, essentially all of the strands of the fiberglass are coated with the resin solvent mixture as well as most of the interstices or openings, although some of the interstices or openings have holes where the coating does not completely fill in. This first coating is then partially cured to the extent that it will not redissolve in a second coating of the same resin solution. The coated fiberglass with partially cured resin thereon is then given a second coating of the same resin mixture which coats the first coating and fills in any holes in the first coating. This second coating is then partially cured, which advances the cure of the first coating and results in an impregnated fiberglass cloth structure for use as sticker sheets. This substantially reduces pinholing.

Abstract: Multi-functional materials are classified into those which have a photocatalytic layer 2 with a photocatalytic function directly disposed on the surface of a base 1 and those which have a photocatalytic layer 2 with a photocatalytic function disposed on the surface of a base 1 through a binder layer 6 interposed therebetween. Photocatalytic particles of the photocatalytic layer 2 are joined together by a surface energy or solid-state sintering. The photocatalytic layer 2 may have a structure in which fine particles fill interstices defined between photocatalytic particles or a structure in which no fine particles fill interstices defined between photocatalytic particles. A metal such as Ag, Pt, or the like may be fixed or not fixed to surfaces of the photocatalytic particles.

Abstract: The present invention, in certain embodiments, discloses a method for treating cellulose fibers comprising treating cellulose fibers with an acidic medium, and applying an adhesive composition to the cellulose fibers, the adhesive composition including polyvinyl alcohol cooked without addition of an acidic substance. The present invention, in certain embodiments, discloses a method for spraying with a spray nozzle an insulation composition onto a substrate, the method including introducing cellulose fibers under pressure through a first hose into the spray nozzle, the cellulose fibers treated with an acidic medium, introducing an adhesive composition under pressure through a second hose into the spray nozzle, the adhesive composition comprising polyvinyl alcohol cooked without an acidic medium, and spraying from the spray nozzle the treated cellulose fibers and adhesive composition onto the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing coated bismuth vanadate yellow pigments comprising the following steps:(a) subjecting a reaction mixture comprising a suspension in nitric acid of bismuthyl nitrate and vanadium (V) oxide, or a suspension in nitric acid of bismuth (III) oxide and vanadium (V) oxide, to stirring to form bismuth vanadate particles;(b) terminating the stirring and holding the reaction mixture for a period of time;(c) filtering off the bismuth vanadate particles;(d) washing the bismuth vanadate particles;(e) dispersing the washed bismuth vanadate particles in a hot, phosphate-containing, aqueous solution to activate the surface of the particles;(f) filtering off the activated bismuth vanadate particles;(g) washing the activated bismuth vanadate particles;(h) dispersing the activated bismuth vanadate particles in water to form a suspension;(i) precipitating at least one material selected from the group consisting of hydrated aluminum phosphate, aluminum/zinc phosphate or sil

Abstract: Recognizing substances, including epidermal growth factor, gelatin, collagen and hyaluronic acid, have been covalently bound to liposomal surfaces and utilized to attach liposomes onto a cellular or an extracellular matrix (ECM) target site. These "bioadhesive" liposomes offer several advantages including the mutual protection of both the drug and biological environment; an increase in drug bioavailability and retention at the target site; and improved adherence or adhesion to the designated target site.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to electrostatic chucks, methods for their use, the electrostatic deposition of particles on an objects, and the objects themselves that have been subjected to electrostatic deposition. In one aspect, the present invention provides an electrostatic chuck for electrostatically attracting an object or objects wherein the object is used in chemical or pharmaceutical assaying or manufacturing, and optionally wherein the object is less than or equal to one millimeter in average width or diameter. The objects can be pharmaceutical substrates, for example, such as a pharmaceutical tablet. Additional embodiments of the invention provide chucks and their use to electrostatically attract particles, such as a pharmaceutically active ingredient, to a substrate, such as a tablet.

Abstract: By treating metal oxide fine particles having a specific surface area of 5 to 500 m.sup.2 /g with a silane coupling agent and then further treating the fine particles with a reactive group-terminated organopolysiloxane, the organopolysiloxane is stably bonded to the surface of the powder particles, to thereby improve stability of the modifying effect against the elapse of time and durability.

Abstract: An improved resin coated particle comprises a particulate substrate, an inner coating of a curable resin and an outer coating of a substantially cured resin. These improved resin coated particles are produced by first coating the substrate with a reactive resin. A second or outer coating of a resin is then coated over the inner curable resin coating and subjected to conditions of time and temperature sufficient to substantially cure said outer coating while the inner coating remains curable. The particles can be used in a method for treating subterranean formations, which comprises placing in or adjacent to the formation a quantity of the resin coated particle and allowing them to cure into a high strength permeable mass in the formation.

Abstract: A method of making a pharmaceutical composition is disclosed. The method includes the steps of contacting at least one pharmaceutical ingredient with a mixture consisting essentially of gelatin and lecithin to increase the dissolution rate of water-insoluble pharmaceutical ingredients. A pharmaceutical excipient coating for increasing the dissolution rate of water-insoluble pharmaceutical ingredients is also disclosed. The coating consists essentially of gelatin and lecithin.

Abstract: An effervescent composition comprising a core-shell powder consisting of a fine granular core spray-coated with a liquid mixture containing a water-soluble polymer such as hydroxypropylcellulose or hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, and at least one physiologically active substance, especially an acid-sensitive drugs, and enteric coating film, an effervescing component and an auxiliary effervescing agent which provides for controlled release of the physiologically active substance and in useful for preparing uniform solution or suspension having a refreshing sensation on ingestion.

Abstract: Thin multilayer signature control films having a large differential between the indices of refraction of adjoining layers are characterized by the use as the low index layer or layers of a material having a high coefficient of extinction and a very low index of refraction. The enhanced differential between the indices of refraction results in signature control materials which, in one embodiment, may be comprised of just a substrate and a coating and, in another embodiment, may be a supported or unsupported multilayer film comprised of as few as three layers that have performance characteristics equal to or exceeding prior art films comprised of 15-30 layers. Both continuous films and pigmented liquid coating compositions for signature control are provided. Improved pigments for liquid coating compositions are comprised of appropriately coated microspheres and microballoons.

Abstract: A gyricon or twisting-ball display having superior reflectance characteristics comparing favorably with those of white paper. The display is based on a material made up of optically anisotropic particles, such as bichromal balls, disposed in a substrate having a surface. The particles situated closest to the substrate surface form substantially a single layer. Each particle in the layer has a center point, no particle in the layer being disposed entirely behind the center point of any nearest neighboring particle in the layer with respect to the substrate surface. Each particle in the layer has a projected area with respect to the substrate surface. Particles of the set are sufficiently closely packed with respect to one another in the layer that the union of their projected areas exceeds two-thirds of the area of the substrate surface.

Abstract: Porous cellulose matrices with a defined particle size and a significantly higher porosity (i.e. pore volume) than conventional formulations, such as pellet formulations containing cellulose and binders are prepared. The cellulose is mechanically treated with low adhesion to the process equipment during a controlled gradual addition of an aqueous based fluid, optionally containing a surface-active ingredient, into regular particles, which are finally dried to obtain dry porous cellulose matrices. The so obtained matrices can be used as carriers for bioactive substances in multiple-unit preparations or tablets.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for making an insulation layer for use in microelectronic devices, whereby capacitive coupling and propagation delay in the microelectronic devices are reduced. This invention can include the formation of a stable solution of spherical particles consisting of a ceramic core 10 and a non-polar coating 20. This solution can be applied to an microelectronic substrate, and dried to form a continuous, porous layer. Novel methods are disclosed for bonding these particles together into an integral layer. Porous layers formed by the process of this invention possess a very low dielectric constant, and can be produced using equipment and techniques common and available to those skilled in the art of microelectronic fabrication.

Abstract: A method of preparing a dispersion of small particles in a polymeric precursor, which method involves providing a mixture of a particulate material and a surfactant in a nonaqueous solvent, forming a dispersion of the particulate material in the nonaqueous solvent, combining the resulting dispersion of particulate material in the nonaqueous solvent with a precursor material, and heating the combination of the dispersion of particulate material and the precursor material, with mixing, to a temperature sufficient to volatilize the nonaqueous solvent. The surfactant is soluble in the nonaqueous solvent and is adapted to stabilize the particulate material against agglomeration. The nonaqueous solvent swells the polymeric precursor near the boiling point of the nonaqueous solvent. The boiling point of the nonaqueous solvent is greater than a temperature at which the polymeric precursor may be mixed and below a temperature at which the polymeric precursor polymerizes or decomposes.

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: Suspensions of either echogenic or magnetic particles in aqueous bioadhesive carriers effectively improve imaging by echography, respectively NMRI, of the digestive tract. Affinity of the compositions for the gastric mucosa can be adapted to the needs by appropriately selecting the carrier in function to inherent bioadhesive capacity: this technique leads to improved visualization of selected portions of the lumen.

Abstract: Thermally sprayed coatings made from carbides of metals having greater carbon affinity than Cr in the presence of free carbon, or thermally sprayed coatings made from carbides of metals having smaller carbon affinity than Cr are heat treated in a chromium halide containing atmosphere which also contains hydrogen gas, whereby activated metallic Cr is precipitated in a fine particulate form, which is allowed to act on the thermally sprayed coatings, whereupon a Cr.sub.23 C.sub.6 -form carbide is created not only on the coating surface but also in its interior, particularly within pores, to form a modified layer, thereby compositing the thermally sprayed coatings.

Abstract: A binder is applied to fibers to bind particles to the fibers. The fibers have hydrogen bonding functional groups. The particles have functional groups capable of forming a hydrogen bond or a coordinate covalent bond. The binder comprises binder molecules, the binder molecules having at least one functional group that is capable of forming a hydrogen bond or a coordinate covalent bond with the particles, and at least one functional group that is capable of forming a hydrogen bond with the fibers. A substantial portion of the particles that are adhered to the fibers are adhered in particulate form by hydrogen bonds or coordinate covalent bonds to the binder, and the binder is in turn adhered to the fibers by hydrogen bonds. Fibers containing particles bound by this method are easily densified.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solid preparation coated with a non-solvent coating which is prepared by feeding a polymeric powder directly as coating agent while continuously spraying a solid medicine with an atomized mixture of a liquid substance, which has a contact angle against the polymer coating agent of 10 degrees or less, and a plasticizer. A method of manufacturing a dry-coated solid preparation in which a solid preparation, coated with a non-solvent coating, is treated by adding or spraying an atomized water or an aqueous solution of a water soluble substance in the amount of 1-10 wt % of the solid preparation to wet said "coating layer" followed by drying.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for making a selenium-carrier conjugate by covalently attaching (i) an organic selenium compound selected from the group consisting of RSeH, RSeR, RSeR', RSeSeR and RSeSeR', wherein R and R' are each an aliphatic residue containing at least one reactive group selected from the group consisting of aldehyde, amino, alcoholic, phosphate, sulfate, halogen or phenolic reactive groups and combinations thereof, to (ii) a carrier having a constituent capable of forming a covalent bond with said reactive groups of said selenium compound to produce a selenium-carrier conjugate which is capable of specific attachment to a target site. The carrier may be a protein, such as an antibody specific to a bacteria, virus, protozoa, or cell antigen, including without limitation, cell surface antigens, a peptide, carbohydrate, lipid, vitamin, drug, lectin, plasmid, liposome, nucleic acid or a non-metallic implantable device, such as an intraocular implant or a vascular shunt.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition consisting, of nontoxic components wherein the nontoxic components comprise a core element comprising an antibody which binds to an antigen wherein the core element is a compressed tablet wherein compression forces used to prepare the tablet range from about 0.1 tonnes/cm.sup.2 to about 42.1 tonnes/cm.sup.2 and the process for preparing the composition.

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 gyricon or rotating-particle display having an auxiliary optical structure. The display includes a substrate with an optically transmissive window, a plurality of particles disposed in the substrate, and an optical focusing element optically coupled to the window. Each particle has an anisotropy for providing an electrical dipole moment, the electrical dipole moment rendering the particle electrically responsive such that when the particle is rotatably disposed in an electric field while the electrical dipole moment of the particle is provided, the particle tends to rotate to an orientation in which the electrical dipole moment aligns with the field. A rotatable disposition of each particle is achievable while the particle is thus disposed in the substrate; when the particle is in this rotatable disposition, it is not attached to the substrate. Each particle, when rotatably disposed in the substrate, is disposable in first and second rotational orientations with respect to the optically transmissive window.

Abstract: A composite storage tank is built which has double wall characteristics. A method of building the tank comprises the steps of applying a viscous resinous core material to a support surface and then winding onto, into or along with the viscous resinous core material discrete filament bundles. The resinous core material encapsulates the filament bundles, but does not significantly penetrate into an interior of the bundles. The substantially resin-free interiors provide flow paths for the ready detection of wall leakage. The resultant composite storage tank has double wall characteristics. A crack or hole in either an inside or outside surface which extends at least to the encapsulated filament bundle interiors will alert the tank's operator/owner to a leakage problem.

Abstract: Composite fine particles of metal oxides containing titanium dioxide which produce a remarkable ultraviolet screening effect over the entire region of spectrum. Each particle is composed of a core and a surface layer, said core being composed of a nucleus formed from (a) titanium dioxide or (b) iron oxide or (c) a mixture of iron oxide and titanium dioxide and an outer layer of titanium dioxide, said surface layer being formed from metal oxides of magnesium and calcium.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for microencapsulating a core material comprising the steps of a) mixing a core material with an encapsulating polymer, b) supplying a supercritical fluid capable of swelling the polymer to the mixture under a temperature and a pressure sufficient to maintain the fluid in a supercritical state, c) allowing the supercritical fluid to penetrate and liquefy the polymer while maintaining temperature and pressure sufficient to maintain the fluid in a supercritical state, and d) rapidly releasing the pressure to solidify the polymer around the core material to form a microcapsule. This method requires neither that the polymer nor core materials to be soluble in the supercritical fluid and can be used to rapidly and efficiently microencapsulate a variety of materials for a variety of applications.

Abstract: A pearlescent pigment consists essentially of C glass flakes having a layer comprising rutile titanium dioxide or iron oxide thereon. A hydrous layer of the rutile forming titanium dioxide or iron oxide is formed on the glass flakes and the resulting coated flakes are calcined.

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 base TiO.sub.2 pigment particles bearing coatings of a boria-modified silica and alumina is disclosed.

Abstract: A cellulosic enteric base is dissolved in an organic solvent capable of being admixed with water in any rate or a mixed solvent of the organic solvent and water to give a polymer solution, followed by mixing the polymer solution with water, then removing the organic solvent to give a concentrate; adding an anionic surfactant to the concentrate and then drying to give polymer powder. The polymer powder is introduced into water to give an emulsion containing polymer particles having an average particle size of not more than 1 .mu.m and the emulsion is dispersed in water containing a plasticizer to give a coating liquid. A drug is coated with the coating liquid to give a solid enteric pharmaceutical preparation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for increasing the alertness of an individual through the administration of a stimulant such as xanthine or an xanthine derivative and preferably caffeine. A particular composition has one or more layers containing the stimulant arranged about the cores of microparticles. This allows the composition to release a significant portion of the stimulant within about two hours after administration so that a level of alertness can be readily achieved. Thereafter, the balance of the composition is released within about 6 to 10 hours, so that the stimulant can provide alertness during that time, but then can dissipate to levels which would not affect the individual's ability to sleep. Also, the formulation is carefully designed so that the stimulant does not accumulate in the individual's system.

Abstract: A tristate light valve ball for an electrical twisting ball device composed of spheroidal balls rotatably disposed in an elastomer substrate. The ball is composed of segments arrayed substantially parallel to one another, each segment being adjacent to at least one other segment and to no more than two other segments. Adjacent segments are adjoined to one another at substantially planar interfaces. The segments include: a first, interior, nontransparent segment having a first optical modulation characteristic; a second exterior, transparent segment, adjacent to the first segment and having a second optical modulation characteristic; a third, interior, nontransparent segment having a third optical modulation characteristic; and a fourth, exterior, transparent segment adjacent to the third segment. For example, the ball can be made with a black first segment adjacent to a white third segment, surrounded on either side by clear second and fourth exterior segments.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical preparation for oral administration which is controlled to release a medicinal active ingredient at a targeted site in the intestinal tract comprising (a) a core containing a medicinal active ingredient and (b) a press-coated layer comprising an enteric polymer, said layer being provided around the core. In the pharmaceutical preparation of the present invention, the medicinal active ingredient is not released during residence in the stomach and, after discharged from the stomach, until reaching a targeted site in the intestine, and thereafter is quickly released, so that the medicinal active ingredient is efficiently delivered to the targeted site in the intestinal tract.