Abstract: A method for coating an inner surface of a metal tube comprises supplying a hot-melt resin powdery paint floating in air together with an air stream into the metal tube which has been pre-heated and rotating around it's horizontal center axis. An apparatus used for the method comprises a rotating means for supporting and rotating the metal tube, fluidizing bed tank for floating the powdery paint in air, a paint supply pipe, an air pipe and a Y-shaped mixing pipe through which the powdery paint is supplied to the inside of the metal tube in the form of a jet. The inner surface of the metal tube can be coated uniformly in a very short period of time.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an electron multiplier is provided. The method consists of depositing a random channel layer on a substrate such that the random channel layer is capable of producing a cascade secondary electron emission in response to an incident electron in the presence of an electric field.

Abstract: Devices for the controlled release of an active agent to the skin or mucosa of a host are disclosed, which devices are laminates of a backing layer and a monolithic carrier layer formed from a melt blend of an active ingredient with a thermoplastic matrix polymer without first dissolving or suspending the polymer or active ingredient in a solvent therefor, so that the carrier layer is substantially free of residual solvent, wherein the thermoplastic matrix polymer has a melt temperature between about 170.degree. C. and about 200.degree. C.

Abstract: Compounds which possess a complementary structure to a desired molecule, such as a biomolecule, in particular polymeric or oligomeric compounds, which are useful as in vivo or in vitro diagnostic and therapeutic agents are provided. Also, various methods for producing such compounds are provided. These polymeric or oligomeric compounds are useful in particular as antimicrobial agents, receptor, hormone or enzyme agonists and antagonists.

Abstract: A method for coating surgical fibers and surgical braids employing dual capillaries (10) in series. After the fiber (50) or braid is initially coated with a t-guide capillary (16), the fiber (50) or braid is dried using forced air within an enclosure (66) and then coated a second time by the second capillary (14), a v-guide capillary (52).

Abstract: The present invention provides an article comprising a curable resin and a filler associated with the resin. The incorporation of fillers into the casting materials of the present invention adds substantially to the strength of the cured casting material as well as to the handling properties of the uncured casting tape or bandage. The incorporation of fillers into the casting materials of the present invention also imparts air and vapor porosity to the cured casting materials. If desired articles of the present invention may also incorporate fibers (either individually, bundled, or in the form of a light-weight scrim) to provide increased cohesiveness to the uncured article. Extremely moldable casting tapes are also provided which comprise a highly-filled composite material coated on a light-weight scrim. The casting tapes of this embodiment handle like traditional plaster of Paris casts yet cure to a weight-bearing cast in less than one hour.

Abstract: Antimicrobial activity is imparted to the surface(s) of an apparatus or article by a method, comprising:copolymerizing tertbutylaminoethyl methacrylate with at least one other aliphatically unsaturated monomer in the presence of said apparatus or article by which adhesion of the copolymer to said surface(s) is achieved. In an embodiment of the invention, adhesion of the polymer coating on the apparatus or article occurs by graft copolymerization.

Abstract: A process for the production of a material for sealing and healing wounds comprises the even application of a suspension to a collagen carrier. An elongated container, into which the suspension is filled, is provided with a base frame (1) and a set of two perforated plates (2,3) as its bottom. The upper plate (3) is movable and is continuously moved back and forth during the process at a right angle to the transport direction of the collagen carrier, which allows the suspension to drip on the collagen carrier which is transported underneath the container.

Abstract: A method of coating a pipe comprising the steps of: rotating a pipe to be coated about its longitudinal axis, and applying a coating to the pipe from a dispensing head movable parallel to the axis of rotation of the pipe.

Abstract: An applicator barrel is disclosed that is adapted for insertion into a body cavity. The applicator barrel has a pierce-through fingergrip area and an outer surface that is coated with an epoxy layer. Also disclosed is a method for forming such an applicator barrel, and tampon assemblies constructed with same.

Abstract: A method and system of flattening resist mounds formed during a wet edgebead operation. The wet edgebead operation is used to remove edgebeads formed when a resist material is deposited on a semiconductor wafer. Solvent is introduced to the semiconductor wafer at the area containing the resist mounds to soften them, and the semiconductor wafer is spun at a high speed to flatten the mounds.

Abstract: The integrity of a microporous membrane within a mass transfer device such as an oxygenator is tested simultaneously with applying a biocompatible surfactant to at least the blood-contact surface of the membrane. The membrane integrity test contacts both sides of the microporous membrane with a conductive fluid to establish an electrical circuit. An electrical signal is then applied to the circuit and a measurement is taken of the test voltage across an impedance in the circuit. The value of the test voltage is used to determine the conductivity and thus the integrity of the membrane. The biocompatible surfactant is mixed with the conductive fluid used in the electrical integrity test and has an affinity for the microporous membrane material so that a durable biocompatible coating is applied to at least a portion of the microporous membrane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the manufacture of printed orthopedic casting tapes. A knit, open mesh fibrous tape having elastic filaments extending in the length direction is stretched in a predetermined amount and a pattern is printed onto the stretched fibrous tape using a low temperature drying ink. The printed tape is thereafter passed through a drying zone maintained at a temperature of less than about 100.degree. C. while the tape is maintained in the stretched condition. The printed tape is thereafter allowed to relax and is subsequently coated with a hardenable liquid resin.

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: Masks are produced which disguise or counteract strong odors that would ordinarily make the environment unpleasant. Masks are treated with a fixate carrier and at least one odor-masking or counteracting agent in a volatile solvent. In a preferred embodiment, both the inner and outer mask surfaces are essentially a continuous, homogeneous layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a radioactive patch/film and process of preparation thereof. The radioactive patch/film containing radioactive material can irradiate on skin directly. The radioactive patch/film is prepared by the process, wherein, various forms of the patch/film containing stable nuclide is prepared and irradiated with neutrons. The patch/film is very effective to treat various kinds of cancers, and dermal diseases.

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: 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: A substrate such as a woven or nonwoven fabric bound with a light-activated dye alone or in combination with additional conventional antimicrobial agents. The substrate is impregnated with a light-activated non-leachable dye having antimicrobial and/or antiviral characteristics which can be imparted to the substrate. The dye is bound by a cationic or anionic binder such as a water soluble polymer or carrageenan. Upon exposure to normal light, the dye generates singlet oxygen that kills microorganisms and viruses.

Abstract: New and improved lubrifying coatings for reducing the coefficients of friction of surfaces on medical devices include hydrophilic copolymers derived monoethylenically-unsaturated monomers including some monomers having pendant primary amine functionality and some monomers having pendant tertiary amine functionality. The lubricious hydrogel coatings are covalently bondable to epoxy functionalized surfaces on the medical equipment to provide firmly adherent hydrogel coatings that are slippery when wet. Epoxy functionalized surfaces are provided by epoxy functional or epoxy group containing silane coupling agents. The pendant tertiary amine moieties are readily convertible at alkaline pH to quaternary ammonium cations to which anionic anti-thrombogenic agents may be bonded. Three dimensional copolymer matrices may also be provided as coatings on the surfaces by crosslinking the copolymers before or after attachment to the surface being treated.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for coating a biomaterial to be placed in contact with a patient's blood flow to inhibit blood coagulation from adhering to the biomaterial that would otherwise result from such contact. A biodegradable material of liquid state compatible with the blood and tissue of the human body is prepared, and an anti-coagulant drug is incorporated into the liquid state of the biodegradable material to form a liquid coating material. The liquid coating material is adhesively applied to a surface of the biomaterial in a substantially continuous overlying layer having a formulation, pattern and thickness selected according to the period of time over which the coating material is to perform its anti-coagulant action. Thereafter the coating material is dried to a layer thickness less than about 100 microns for continuous disintegration thereof as a function of time when the layer is in contact with flowing blood.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coating mixture composed of a solvent selected from the group consisting of ethyl acetate, ethyl acetate/ethanol, n-propyl acetate/acetone, isopropyl acetate/ethanol, ethyl acetate/acetone and blends thereof; a biocompatable polymer and optionally a fatty acid salt. The present invention also provides a process for coating surgical articles comprising forming a coating mixture, contacting a surgical article with the coating mixture; and drying the coated surgical article to substantially remove the solvent.

Abstract: Sterilization indicators utilizing moisture-resistant, water-dispersible, pressure sensitive adhesives are provided. The sterilization indicators comprise at least one backing strip, preferably water-dispersible, which is coated on at least one side with the moisture-resistant, water-dispersible, pressure sensitive adhesive. A sterilization indicator strip is affixed to the backing strip and is easily removable from the sterilization indicator. The indicator tapes are useful to maintain a sterilization wrapper containing articles to be sterilized in a closed position during sterilization, and normal pre- and post-sterilization handling, while also providing a means to indicate if the wrapped articles have passed through a sterilization cycle. After use, the sterilization indicator strip is easily removed, and the adhesives coating the sterilization indicators, and preferably also the backing strips, disperse an aqueous alkali solution, such as are found in commercial laundries.

Abstract: A method for depositing particles coated with biological substances onto the concave inner surface of a length of tubing includes the steps of preparing a uniform suspension of coated particles, introducing the particles into the tubing, placing the tubing into a generally horizontal position, removing the evaporable liquid after the particles have settled, and drying the particles. When dry, the tubing is cut into sample cartridges of appropriate length for use in a particle acceleration instrument.An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treating a surface of a fiber, e.g. cellulosic fiber, with a finish in which the surface finish is applied as an aqueous emulsion stabilized at a first pH value and at the latest when applied to the fiber the emulsion is caused to destabilize by a change in the first pH value. The invention also relates to cellulosic fiber and threads thereof and to tampons made from cellulosic fiber.

Abstract: A method for coating a substrate with a coating solution. In a first step (31), a semiconductor wafer is placed on a turntable. In a second step (32), the substrate is spun at a high speed and a coating solution is dispensed onto the substrate. In a third step (33), the turntable is spun at a low speed and additional coating solution is dispensed onto the substrate.

Abstract: Also disclosed is an appliance for introducing sealing compound into lug caps, the appliance containing a turntable for accommodating the cap, and an injection unit, the injection unit containing a nozzle block, which has annularly arranged injection nozzles, and a delivery device for the sealing compound, the turntable and the nozzle block being arranged so as to be centered and the nozzle block being rotatable in the same direction as the turntable.The invention also relates to a process for introducing sealing compound into lug caps and to the use of the appliance for injecting sealing compound into lug caps.

Abstract: The biocompatibility of polymeric and metallic articles used in contact with blood can be substantially improved by coating the articles as described. The coating materials are triblock copolymers of the polylactone-polysiloxane-polylactone type. Optimum biocompatibility is provided by a coating of optimum surface concentration. Porous membranes can be coated as described, providing improved biocompatibility of blood oxygenators, hemodialyzers and the like.

Abstract: Particles coated with biological substances are deposited onto the concave inner surface of a length of tubing by a process which includes preparing a uniform suspension of coated particles and introducing the particles into the tubing while rotating horizontally. Then the speed of rotation is increased to drive the particles out of suspension and against the inner surface. After particle separation, the rotational speed is decreased and a gas is passed through the tubing to blow out the separated liquid. Next both the speed of rotation and the gas flow rate are increased to dry the particles that have been deposited against the inner surface of the tubing. An apparatus for performing the method also is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gradually applying a slippery agent to resin impregnated cloth for generating a gradient of slippery agent on the cloth whereby the outward most exposed portions of the cloth wound on a pipe have the highest concentration of slippery agent and the concentration of slippery agent decreases with the depth of the cloth wound around the pipe.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for internally and externally coating enclosed structures with polymeric materials are provided. In general, the process includes loading a polymeric material into the interior of an enclosed structure. The enclosed structure is then heated and rotated until a polymeric lining is formed within the structure. A second coat of polymeric material may be applied to the exterior surface of the enclosed structure while the enclosed structure is at a temperature sufficient to melt the polymeric material. The enclosed structure can include tanks, drums, barrels, pipes, and the like. In one embodiment, an apparatus having a plurality of arms is used to rotate the enclosed structures between stations corresponding to different steps in the process. The apparatus can include a cooling system for cooling the arms during operation.

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 polymer concrete pipe liner is formed from a fluidized, but substantially waterless cement containing mixture applied to the pipe interior. The mixture contains inorganic cement particles, a liquid styrene mixture and one or more poly-olefinically unsaturated co-monomers in a greater amount than the styrene. The mixture substantially excludes acrylonitrile and acrylamide. The co-monomers are preferably selected from a group including trimethylolpropane-trimethacrylate, trimethylolpropane-methacrylate, divinyl benzene, and hexadiene. Mixing liquid and solid aggregate components forms a slurry which is transferred to a pipe interior and centrifugally cast to form the liner. The composition avoids the need for high temperature curing the toxic reactive unsaturates to co-polymerize and cross-link polystyrene.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article including a curable resin and a filler associated with the resin. The incorporation of fillers into the casting materials of the present invention adds substantially to the strength of the cured casting material as well as to the handling properties of the uncured casting tape or bandage. The incorporation of fillers into the casting materials of the present invention also imparts air and vapor porosity to the cured casting materials. If desired articles of the present invention may also incorporate fibers (either individually, bundled, or in the form of a light-weight scrim) to provide increased cohesiveness to the uncured article. Extremely moldable casting tapes are also provided which comprise a highly-filled composite material coated on a light-weight scrim. The casting tapes of this embodiment handle like traditional plaster of Paris casts yet cure to a weight-bearing cast in less than one hour.

Abstract: A method of application of finning preventive agent in an apparatus for casting anodes for electrolyzing copper by pouring molten copper into the molds, in which the inner planes of the molds can be coated with the finning preventive agent in a reliable and efficient manner, is provided. Before pouring molten copper into the molds, silicon oil is automatically applied to the inner planes 2a.sub.1 to 2a.sub.10 of the molds M dividedly in three applications by industrial robots 24, 25 of a vertical multi-articulate type having brushes 30. An amount of silicon oil consumed is 4 to 10 cc for one mold.

Abstract: A transdermal therapeutic system exhibiting layered structure consists of a backing layer which is impermeable to active substances, a matrix having water-insoluble basic material and islands (inclusions) divided therein, and a layer controlling the access of cutaneous liquid by means of which the matrix is activatable. Process for the production are described.

Abstract: Methods for coating a prosthetic surface with anti-thrombogenic, or anti-coagulant, proteins are disclosed. The methods involve contacting a surface of a prosthetic material with a composition containing multimers of fibrin degradation products. These multimers, preferably D-dimers, have cross-linked D-domains. The methods of the invention are useful for providing an anti-thrombogenic coating on prosthetic implants which are exposed to a patient's blood after implantation, for example vascular grafts and artificial heart valves.

Abstract: A process and device are disclosed for coating with a suspension the inside of meandrous one-tube glass vessels with U-bends. After the introduction of a measured amount of a suspension, the vessel is axially rotated moving horizontally and is tilted, so that the legs of the one-tube glass vessel take a horizontal position between the reversal points of the tilting movement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for coating the interior surface of a cylinder with a uniform, relatively thick layer of a polymeric material. The method includes the steps of dispersing a particulate polymeric material into the interior cavity of a cylinder. Any openings in the cylinder are then closed. The cylinder is then subjected to rotational movement while at the same time subjecting the cylinder to oscillation in a vertical plane. The polymeric material is then heated to a temperature above the melting point of the polymeric material, and maintained at that temperature for a time sufficient to coat the polymeric material onto the interior surface of the cylinder. The rotation and oscillation of the cylinder is then halted and the polymeric material is cooled.

Abstract: A planar sensor for determining a chemical parameter of a sample, includes a substrate whose surface is at least partly plane and is provided with at least one potentiometric or amperometric and, possibly, an optical transducer, and one or more biochemical components. The transducer and the biochemical component are provided on the surface of the substrate, or at least part of the surface, as a sensor spot, and a cover membrane surrounding this sensor spot, is heat welded to the surface of the substrate. Those sensor spots that include a potentiometric or amperometric transducer are in contact with a strip conductor attached to the plane surface of the substrate and the thermal seal of the cover membrane is interrupted where the conducting strips lead away from the sensor spots.

Abstract: There is disclosed a coating method for a substrate having an end region comprising: (a) rubbing a nonwetting material across the end region to adhere the nonwetting material to the end region; and (b) contacting a portion of the substrate including the end region with a coating composition, whereby the coating composition adheres to the substrate surface free of the nonwetting material and the nonwetting material minimizes adherence of the coating composition to the end region.

Abstract: Devices for the controlled release of an active agent to the skin or mucosa of a host are disclosed, which devices are laminates of a backing layer, a monolithic carrier layer of an active ingredient selected from active agent, active agent enhancers and mixtures thereof, melt-blended with a thermoplastic matrix polymer capable of controllably releasing the active ingredient, wherein the active ingredient is heat stable at the melt temperature of the matrix polymer, together with means for affixing the laminate to the skin or mucosa of the host so that the active ingredient is continuously released from the carrier layer thereto.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tipping, cutting, and sorting sutures includes a suture supply, a tipping station wherein delimited portions of the suture are tipped, preferably with a cyanoacrylate tipping agent, a diameter measuring station, a cutting station wherein a knife is operated to cut the suture at a tipped portion to form cut suture lengths having tipped suture ends for insertion into the barrel end aperture of a surgical needle, and a pair of graspers for alternatively grasping and drawing the suture from the suture supply through the tipping apparatus, the diameter measuring station and the cutting station. Optionally, a drying station can be interposed to hasten the curing of the tipping agent. Preferably, a controller is provided for controlling the sequence of operation of the apparatus and for controlling sorting of cut suture lengths deposited by the graspers onto a tilting sorting table.

Abstract: A solid substrate, the surface of which has been modified to introduce reactive groups of a hydrophilic nature thereon, the modification being provided by a primer comprising a first polysaccharide containing as reactive groups amino and hydroxyl groups; and a process for the preparation of such solid substrate.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming fibrin coatings on a substrate, such as device for implantation in a body. The fibrin coatings are dried to provide a fibrin coating having the ability to be stored for extended periods before use. To provide coatings having high shear force resistance, the substrate is contacted first with thrombin and second with fibrinogen.

Abstract: Combinations of IPN type molecular or intramolecular materials, which are thermoadhesive at temperatures not exceeding 90.degree. C. and which can be molded and shaped at said temperature, are characterized in that they contain a first rubber-like elastoviscous constituent having a softening point not exceeding 90.degree. C. and a second, semi-cristalline constituent essentially of the polyester type having a fusion temperature of 35.degree. to 80.degree. C. These combinations have controlled adhesiveness and adequate fluidity for application by hand particularly in do it yourself applications, orthopedics, sport and physiotherapy, and as an adhesive material on rough or porous bodies.

Abstract: Several poly(ethylene glycol) mixed carbonates and their preparation are closed. These carbonates are synthesized by conversion of polyethylene glycol first to the chloroformate then by reaction with the hydroxyl group of N-hydroxybenzotriazole or 2-hydroxypyrimidine or N-hydroxy-2-pyrrolidinone. These mixed carbonate analogs smoothly react with amino groups in aminoglycans and protein and amino containing surfaces to form stable, hydrolysis resistant carbamate linkages.

Abstract: A process for tipping surgical sutures includes dispensing tipping agent one drop at a time and contacting the suture portion to be tipped with the drop of tipping agent. A transversely oriented lifting/wiping string may be used to lift the suture into contact with the drop and may wipe away excess tipping agent. Alternatively, a transversely oriented string may be used to catch a drop and then place the drop onto the suture. The tipping agent absorbed into the tipped portion can then be cured and cut to provide a tipped suture. The tipping process and apparatus can be used in conjunction with a needle-suture assembly process. The process advantageously controls application of a droplet of tipping agent to minimize the amount of tipping agent used, thereby providing an aesthetic needle-suture attachment. Apparatus are disclosed for performing the process.

Abstract: A rotary suture cutting apparatus includes a base having an upper resilient layer, and a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly includes a frame and a rotary cutting tool having a disk shaped circular blade. The cutting tool is slidably mounted to the frame and when moved from one end to the other of the frame, cleanly slices suture material clamped between the base and the cutting assembly without brooming, fraying or otherwise disporting the cut suture tip. A method of preparing cut suture lengths is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a wound dressing, and a wound dressing produced thereby. The upper surface of a perforated carrier material (2) is coated with a curable silicone mixture (3) and cold air is blown onto the underside of the coated carrier material. Heat is then applied to the silicone mixture until it has cured to a silicone gel.