Abstract: Ophthalmically acceptably wettable silicone hydrogel contact lenses are described. The lenses are derived from a polymerizable composition including a first siloxane monomer represented by formula (1): wherein m of formula (1) represents one integer from 3 to 10, n of formula (1) represents one integer from 1 to 10, R1 of formula (1) is an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and each R2 of formula (1) is independently either a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, the first siloxane monomer having a number average molecular weight of from 400 daltons to 700 daltons; and a second siloxane monomer having a number average molecular weight greater than 7,000 daltons; wherein a total amount of siloxane monomers present in the polymerizable composition is from 30 unit parts to 50 unit parts; the lenses also include units derived from at least one hydrophilic amide monomer having one N-vinyl group that is present in the polymerizable composition in an amount from 30 to 60 unit parts.

Abstract: Provided is an improved method of removing lint in clothes dryers utilizing a lint capturing sheet in the lint screen. Also provided is a method of utilizing the lint capturing sheet to clean other internal surfaces of the dryer. The lint capturing sheet includes a non-woven fabric saturated in an aqueous solution of from 90 to 99.999 vol. % water and from 0.001 to 10 vol. % of water soluble ingredients that increase the electrical conductivity of the water. The non-woven fabric is negative on the Triboelectric series and the weight ratio of non-woven fabric to the aqueous solution in the lint capturing sheet ranges from 1:1 to 1:30. Also provided are methods of making the lint capturing sheet and devices including the lint capturing sheet for wiping difficult to clean internal areas of the dryer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention encompass anti-adhesion wound dressings including patches made from amnion tissue obtained from human birth tissue. Exemplary amnion patches can be fabricated by folding a section of amnion over on itself with the epithelial layer on the outside of the folded patch and the fibroblast layer on the inside of the folded patch. Optionally, individual amnion tissue pieces can be sandwiched together to provide a multi-layer patch. Sufficient pressure is applied to the layered amnion to cause adherence between opposing faces of the fibroblast layers. The pressed fibroblast layers provide mechanical strength to hold the amnion patch together with the epithelial layers on the outsides of the amnion patch.

Abstract: Packaging systems for storing ophthalmic devices such as contact lenses and to methods for packaging such ophthalmic devices with solutions to improve the comfort of the lenses during wear are disclosed.

Abstract: A protective packaging with one or more product preparation features is provided.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a belt of capsules comprising: providing a first strip of material, forming a matrix of receptacles in the first strip, depositing a quantity of at least one material in each receptacle, attaching a second strip of material over the first strip to close the receptacles and form a matrix of capsules, and cutting the matrix of capsules into rows to thereby form a plurality of belts of capsules.

Abstract: A means for restraining hardening of silicone rubber is provided. In one form, a silicone rubber composition is provided that contains an antioxidant dispersed therein. In addition, a method for preparing the silicone rubber composition is provided that includes: a step of mixing a silicone rubber precursor and the antioxidant and curing the obtained mixture; or a step of wetting the silicone rubber with a liquid antioxidant. A method of manufacturing a medical device is also provided, including: a step of incorporating into a medical device the silicone rubber composition obtained in the preparation method outlined above; a step of seal packaging the obtained medical device; and a step of irradiating the seal-packaged medical device with radiation.

Abstract: A wound dressing is disclosed. The wound dressing includes an oil emulsion and a substrate including a plurality of first yarns and a plurality of second yarns, wherein the plurality of first yarns includes a plurality of first fibers comprising a cellulosic material and the plurality of second yarns includes a plurality of second fibers comprising a non-adherent polymeric material. In other cases, the substrate can be a woven substrate, a nonwoven substrate, or a knitted substrate of nonadherent polymeric fibers or yarns.

Abstract: Methods of incorporating an antioxidant into a medical device including a polymer are described, and methods of packaging medical devices.

Abstract: A treatment for bioprosthetic tissue used in implants or for assembled bioprosthetic heart valves to reduce in vivo calcification. The method includes applying a calcification mitigant such as a capping agent or an antioxidant to the tissue to specifically inhibit oxidation in tissue. Also, the method can be used to inhibit oxidation in dehydrated tissue. The capping agent suppresses the formation of binding sites in the tissue that are exposed or generated by the oxidation and otherwise would, upon implant, attract calcium, phosphate, immunogenic factors, or other precursors to calcification. In one method, tissue leaflets in assembled bioprosthetic heart valves are pretreated with an aldehyde capping agent prior to dehydration and sterilization.

Abstract: A heat generating device 100 including a heat generating element 10 and an enclosing material entirely enclosing the heat generating element 10. The heat generating element 100 includes a base sheet formed of a fibrous sheet containing superabsorbent polymer particles and hydrophilic fibers and a layer of a heat generative composition containing oxidizable metal particles on a side of the base sheet. The enclosing material includes a first cover sheet 4 and a second cover sheet 5 bonded together in their peripheral portions to provide a space therebetween in which the heat generating member 10 is placed. The heat generating element 10 in the space is in a non-fixed state to the enclosing material. The first cover sheet 4 has air permeability in part and is disposed on the side of the layer of the heat generative composition. The heat generating device 100 is capable of releasing steam from the side of the first cover sheet 4 during use.

Abstract: The invention is related to a cost-effective method for making a silicone hydrogel contact lens having a crosslinked hydrophilic coating thereon. A method of the invention involves autoclaving, in a sealed lens package, a silicone hydrogel contact lens having a base coating of polyacrylic acid thereon in an aqueous solution in the presence of a water-soluble, crosslinkable hydrophilic polymeric material having epoxide groups, for a period of time sufficient to covalently attach the crosslinkable hydrophilic polymeric material onto the surface of the silicone hydrogel contact lens through covalent linkages each formed between one epoxide group and one of the carboxyl groups on and/or near the surface of the silicone hydrogel contact lens.

Abstract: A device is for treating and packaging implants. The device includes a container including a chamber therein. The chamber is closed by a removable seal. The device also includes a carrier sized and shaped to be inserted into the chamber. The carrier includes a carrying structure configured to connect an implant thereto. A portion of the carrier may be formed of an electrically conductive material.

Abstract: A method of making a packaged dressing involves coating a pattern of detachable high tack pressure sensitive adhesive on a cover material such that the cover material includes a tackless area; forming a release island on a backing material; and sandwiching a dressing between the cover material and the backing material such that the adhesive on the dressing abuts the release island, and the pattern of adhesive on the cover material adheres to and supports the dressing along its extent except for the portion overlying the tackless area and hermetically seals the dressing within the package.

Abstract: In a machine (1) for manufacturing pouches (2) filled with portions (36) of a tobacco mixture, comprising a rotating drum (8) on which a continuous stream (5) of the mixture is formed and conveyed to a station (13) where the portions (36) are divided from the stream, and where the portions (36) are transferred by a pneumatic ejection and feed system (21) to a wrapping station (7), moisturizing substances are added to the mixture by a dispensing system (22) associated with the ejection and feed system (21).

Abstract: A capsule pressure control assembly for regulating or controlling the internal pressure of filled capsules, whereby instances of capsule elongation are reduced or eliminated, thus resulting in an increased yield rate of acceptable filled capsules.

Abstract: Novel micro-encapsulated topical analgesics are provided to treat pain and may be applied via sleeves having dosed therapeutic sections, especially to joints and extremities. Sleeves may be prepared and packaged inside-out and inverted when positioned by the wearer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for wood finishing sheets is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of absorbent sheets in close proximity to each other within a container, and a wood finishing composition being evenly permeated throughout the plurality of absorbent sheets. The wood finishing composition may be one of stain, colored finish, clear coat, and/or wood sealant and may further include an extender chemical. The method includes preparing wood finishing sheets, by placing a plurality of absorbent sheets in close proximity to each other in a container, adding a wood finishing composition to the plurality of absorbent sheets, enclosing within the container the sheets and the wood finishing composition using a sealing mechanism, and allowing time for the wood finishing composition to permeate the sheets.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a hydrophilic catheter; a wetting fluid for wetting of the catheter; and a receptacle enclosing at least the insertable part of the catheter and the wetting fluid. The wetting fluid is a solution incorporating at least one osmolality-increasing compound, and the total concentration of the osmolality-increasing compound(s) preferably exceeds 600 mOsm/dm3. The wetting fluid could either be arranged in contact with the hydrophilic surface layer of the catheter in the receptacle, for preservation of the hydrophilic surface layer in a wetted state during accommodation in said receptacle and provision of a ready-to-use catheter assembly, or be arranged to keep the wetting fluid separated from the hydrophilic surface layer of the catheter during storage, but to be brought into contact with said hydrophilic surface layer upon activation before an intended use of the catheter.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing moisture and staining the web of a plurality of tobacco sachets. The apparatus includes a turret wheel assembly comprising a rotatable turret wheel having a plurality of cups for receiving containers for tobacco sachets, a sensor for verifying the presence a container within a cup of the rotatable turret wheel, a hydraulic injector for injecting water into a container having a plurality of tobacco sachets, means for tamping tobacco sachets, and means for agitating and stirring the plurality of tobacco sachets to lift and stir tobacco sachets from the bottom of the container. A method of distributing moisture and staining the web of a plurality of tobacco sachets is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a packing method for high efficiency chromatography columns starting from dry swellable particles, as well as columns packed by the method and the use of the columns in separation of biomolecules. In the packing method, an amount of dry swellable particles sufficient to give a swollen volume in a liquid of about 105-120% of the column chamber volume is transferred to the column, the column is closed and the liquid is provided to the column.

Abstract: Novel micro-encapsulated topical analgesics are provided to treat pain and may be applied via sleeves having dosed therapeutic sections, especially to joints and extremities. Sleeves may be prepared inside-out and inverted when positioned by the wearer.

Abstract: A method for making an antimicrobial suture comprising the steps of positioning an antimicrobial agent source within a package comprising an inner surface, said antimicrobial agent being selected from the group consisting of halogenated hydroxyl ethers, acyloxydiphenyl ethers, and combinations thereof; positioning a medical device within the package; and subjecting the package, the antimicrobial agent source and the medical device to time, temperature and pressure conditions sufficient to vapor transfer an effective amount of the antimicrobial agent from the antimicrobial agent source to the medical device, thereby substantially inhibiting bacterial colonization on the medical device.

Abstract: A method for introducing at least one substance into a sealed enclosure holding at least one product. The sealed enclosure having at least one conduit through which one of gas or fluid may flow into or out of the sealed enclosure. Air is evacuated from the sealed enclosure through the at least one conduit to create a predetermined pressure within the sealed enclosure and a predetermined quantity of the at least one substance is injected into the sealed enclosure through the at least one conduit.

Abstract: A multi-layered wound dressing includes a moisture-retaining portion for enhancing the healing of a wound. The wound dressing includes an intermediate layer that has both water soluble and water insoluble fibers. An apparatus that includes a cutting tool and a reservoir of liquid to pre-moisten a portion of the dressing may be used to manufacture the dressings.

Abstract: The candle uses wax beads produced using existing equipment. The wax beads are transported to a bead hopper and the bead hopper deposits a volume of wax beads into jars prepared with a wick. Concurrently the jars are vibrated using a continuous vibratory motor to settle the wax beads for increased wax bead density. The filled jars are then transported to an in-container wax bead compression system where an automated plunging device compresses the wax beads. Jars are then transported by in-line conveyor to a wide conveyor. The jars are then filled at a liquid wax depositing station where the wax has been heated to its melting point and deposited into the jar to fill the void left by the in-container wax bead Compression system. The filled candle is then cooled to solidification. The finished candle is then ready for packing, distribution, sale, and use.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for manufacturing ophthalmic lenses are described in which lens bodies are placed in cavities of lens carriers that are fluidly connected to reservoirs, flow ducts and sub-cavity base channels that provide enhanced washing and wet processing of the lenses.

Abstract: Machine for manufacturing flexible sheet material packagings, including an area for feeding a continuous web of flexible sheet material, a preforming area including an area for folding a bottom wall of the packaging, a welding area, an area for filling the packagings, an area for outputting the packagings, a first chemical decontamination treatment area using a gas, arranged between the preforming area and the filling area, and an outside chamber that surrounds the machine at least partially and is depressed atmospherically with respect to the first area. The outside chamber acts as an additional barrier between the first area and the outside.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for applying preservative to agricultural crops during baling. More particularly, a baler has a preservative application system and a crop moisture sensor array. The crop moisture sensor array is in communication with the preservative application system so that the application of preservative to the crop can be controlled in response to a moisture content sensed by the crop moisture sensor array that exceeds both a moisture content threshold value and a threshold value relating to the percentage of crop material having a moisture content above the moisture content threshold value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pre-packaged, pre-moistened cloth wipe, which is customized. The towel is made from a woven cloth material, which can be customized by printing logos, designs or words on the towel. The cloth wipe can be either disposable or reusable. The invention also relates to a method of making, printing, and packaging the cloth wipe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular food wrapping made of an absorbent material that is imbibed with colorants and/or flavorings which can be transferred to a food item placed in the wrapping. The inventive food wrapping consists of a textile envelope, preferably comprising a longitudinal seam. Also disclosed are a method for producing said wrapping and the use thereof.

Abstract: A container (10) with removable end caps (12, 14) has an internal barrier (30) with holes (32) therethrough. In use, a cleaning or other fluid is poured into lower space (38) and an article to be cleaned or otherwise treated is placed into upper space (36). End cap (12) is then secured and the container is inverted so that the article is in the liquid. To remove the article, which may be a cloth or a sponge, the container (10) is restored to its original disposition, end cap (12) is removed and the article is squeezed by the user against the barrier (30) to remove excess liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dosing method as well as to a dosing device, in particular for dosing snus or the like, wherein a portion of tobacco (28, 36, 50) is filled into a dosing chamber (17, 18, 19, 59) of a dosing device (10), wherein the portion of tobacco is blown out of the dosing chamber by means of blow-out air and wherein water vapor is added to the blow-out air.

Abstract: A sterile device immersed in a sterile buffer and a method for providing same. The sterile device may be a medical device such as a biosensor having a biomolecule as a sensing element such as, for example, a glucose oxidase enzyme. The buffer may be a bicarbonate solution. Both the device and the buffer may be packaged and stored over long term while maintaining sterilization. The sterilization method may comprise a combination of gaseous, liquid and light sterilization.

Abstract: A catheter assembly (110, 210) comprising a catheter (130, 230) and a receptacle (120, 220) is disclosed. The receptacle is arranged to accommodate at least part of said catheter and having at least one opening (123) for withdrawal of said catheter. Further, the receptacle is provided with an antimicrobial compound (301) at least in the vicinity of the opening and at least on the outer surface of the receptacle, said antimicrobial compound inhibiting microbes from being transferred to said catheter while being withdrawn through said at least one opening.

Abstract: Medical device packaging, medical device packaging assemblies, and methods for preparing and packaging medical devices. An example medical device packaging assembly may include a pouch having a pocket formed therein. A carrier tube may be disposed in the pocket. The carrier tube may have a plurality of apertures formed therein. A medical device may be disposed within the carrier tube.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a contact lens includes at least partially sterilizing the contact lens with an application of electrolyzed brine. A system for at least partially sterilizing a contact lens in initial packaging includes a generator for producing electrolyzed brine with biocidal activity, and a dispenser for dispensing a quantity of electrolyzed brine from the generator into the initial packaging with the contact lens.

Abstract: Described herein is a cost-effective and time-efficient method for making UV-absorbing contact lenses. In contrast to the conventional method for making UV-absorbing contact lenses which involves copolymerizing a lens forming composition including a UV-absorbing vinylic monomer, a method of the invention involves covalent attachment of a UV-absorbing compound having a second reactive functional group to a preformed contact lens having a first reactive functional group therein and/or thereon.

Abstract: A trocar seal comprising an elastomeric membrane having an opening adapted to receive a surgical instrument. The membrane is configured with a plurality of pleats circumscribing the opening and extending laterally from opening. The pleats comprise a plurality of pleat walls increasing in height as the pleats extend laterally from the opening. In one embodiment, the pleats are conically arranged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bolus for administration to a ruminant by deposition into its rumen, wherein the bolus has a construction including: a) a casing; b) a core inside the casing wherein the core is formed from at least two tablets; and, is characterised in that a permanently amorphous substance at least partially coats one or more of the tablet or tablets. A method of forming such a bolus is also claimed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preserving a sensor in a container, said sensor comprising a sensing area of metallic or a semi-conducting material covered with molecules having a MW>100 Dalton, said molecules being bound to the material wherein at least the sensing area of the layer is kept submerged in a storage solution, said storage solution having a composition that consists for at least 80% by volume of at least one compound chosen from water, ethanol, triethylene glycol and isopropanol, with the provisios that if the concentration of ethanol is at least 80 vol. % of the storage solution ethanol is present in a concentration of no more than 93% by volume of the storage solution; if water is present, it is present in a concentration of less than 80% by volume of the storage solution. The invention also relates to a container containing a sensor and a storage solution.

Abstract: A base for a plastic container defining a central longitudinal axis. The base includes an annular standing ring portion defining a standing surface. The base includes a substantially cylindrical ring portion extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the standing surface. The base further includes a substantially concave dome portion extending inwardly from the substantially cylindrical ring portion to the longitudinal axis. The concave dome portion of the base includes a first plurality of substantially triangular panels circumferentially spaced around the longitudinal axis, and a second plurality of substantially triangular panels circumferentially spaced around the longitudinal axis. At least a portion of each of the second plurality of substantially triangular panels is circumferentially and longitudinally offset from the first plurality of substantially triangular panels. A container preform and method of hot filling a plastic container are also disclosed.

Abstract: A package including an intermittent urinary catheter and a protective sleeve is provided. The protective sleeve is adapted to cover the surface of the catheter prior to use, thereby preventing contamination of the surface. The protective sleeve is compressed in a storage-position, and in a use-position it is extended to cover most of the insertable length of the catheter. In the compressed state, the urinary catheter may be wetted if the catheter is provided with a hydrophilic coating. The protective sleeve may be made of flexible material, which may be folded or pre-folded into a concertina-like configuration. A package which includes an intermittent urinary catheter with a protective sleeve is provided. An assembly, which includes a package with an intermittent urinary catheter, and a compartment containing a fluid medium, is provided. Finally, a method for wetting an intermittent urinary catheter including a protective sleeve is provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a cost-effective method for applying a hydrophilic coating onto a silicone hydrogel contact lens based on Fenton chemistry. The hydrophilic coating is covalently attached onto the contact lens at room temperature without UV irradiation. The invention also provides silicone hydrogel contact lenses having a hydrophilic coating obtained according to the method of the invention.

Abstract: In an automated method for handling and packaging agriculturally grown food items, at least a portion of the exterior of the food item is removed to expose its interior region. From the exposed interior region, a number of food segments are extruded. For example, cylinders of pineapple or watermelon may be extruded. The extruded food segments are then inserted into a number of packaging units, such as single-serving tubes. The extrusion process for forming the food segments may be continuous with the insertion process, such as when the packaging units are located in alignment with movement of a corresponding number of extrusion members. Thus, an automated system may include a mechanized trimmer, a mechanized extrusion unit, and a mechanized packager that provides hands-free insertion of the food segments into the packaging units.

Abstract: Novel micro-encapsulated topical analgesics are provided to treat pain and may be applied via sleeves having dosed therapeutic sections, especially to joints and extremities. Sleeves may be prepared and packaged inside-out and inverted when positioned by the wearer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of making a teeth treatment device, the method including the steps of passing a substrate through a container having melted wax therein to form a wax saturated substrate; applying a quantity of bleaching solution to one side of the wax saturated substrate; joining a thin plastic sheet to the one side of the wax saturated substrate to form a plastic coated wax saturated substrate having a quantity of bleach; cutting the plastic coated wax saturated substrate having a quantity of bleach into individual strips having a predetermined configuration; and packaging the individual strips.

Abstract: A sterile device immersed in a sterile buffer and a method for providing same. The sterile device may be a medical device such as a biosensor having a biomolecule as a sensing element such as, for example, a glucose oxidase enzyme. The buffer may be a bicarbonate solution. Both the device and the buffer may be packaged and stored over long term while maintaining sterilization. The sterilization method may comprise a combination of gaseous, liquid and light sterilization.

Abstract: Biomedical devices, such as ophthalmic lenses, and methods of making such devices having a surface coating including at least one polyionic layer. A preferred method involves spray coating a polycationic material onto a core lens, rinsing and drying the lens, followed by spray coating a polyanionic material, rinsing and drying. The coating process may be applied a plurality of times to achieve a multi-layer coating on the lens surface. A particularly preferred embodiment is a contact lens comprising a highly oxygen permeable hydrophobic core coated with a 5 to 20 bilayers of hydrophilic polyionic materials.

Abstract: A process and system reprocesses soiled animal bedding material commingled with animal manure. The material is to remove a preponderance of the manure. The remaining soiled bedding is washed in water and a cleaning agent, rinsed and, optionally, bleached to restore color and appearance. The resulting material is dewatered and dried to reduce its moisture content and kill any remaining pathogens. After being cleaned and sanitized, the material may be reused as bedding or further processed into pellets or other products, such as manufactured fire logs.