A pigmented emulsion cosmetic composition for reducing the shiny appearance of skin and cosmetically improving the appearance of skin imperfections comprising a cosmetically effective amount of mushroom extract and a method for reducing the shiny appearance of skin and cosmetically improving the appearance of skin imperfections comprising applying to the skin an emulsion cosmetic composition containing mushroom extract.

The invention is in the field of cosmetic composition for application to skin.
Oil and sebaceous secretions protect facial skin against moisture loss by forming a superficial film on the skin surface that locks in skin moisture. In general, reduced oil secretion causes dry skin and excessive oil secretion causes oily skin. Ideally the skin should be balanced, which means that the skin should secrete exactly the correct amount of oil to keep the skin hydrated and smooth, but not enough oil to give the undesirable shiny appearance or promote blemish formation. Since facial skin is rarely perfect, cosmetic manufacturers must formulate their products to ameliorate less than perfect skin types.
One particularly undesirable feature of oily skin is the resulting shine that quickly appears on the skin surface as oil is secreted by the skin. Shiny skin looks greasy. It also tends to show more imperfections than skin that exhibits a matte surface. One standard method of treating shiny, oily skin, is to apply cosmetics that contain various types of particulate absorbent agents. One example of such a product is xe2x80x9cCornsilkxe2x80x9d a commercial loose powder. When the powder is applied to oily skin the various types of particulates absorb excess skin oil and matte the skin. One problem with Cornsilk and other products containing oil-absorbing particulates is that the particulates cake or streak in addition to providing a mask-like effect when the application is too heavy. In addition, layers of oil-laden particulates on the skin can clog skin pores and promote blemish formation.
Another approach to counteracting oily skin is found in the so-called xe2x80x9coil-freexe2x80x9d cosmetic formula. The idea behind these products is not to aggravate the oily condition by adding oils to the cosmetic the user will apply to skin that already secretes too much oil. Low viscosity silicone oils, which tend to flash off fairly soon after the cosmetic is applied to the skin, are typically used in these formulas. One problem with xe2x80x9coil-freexe2x80x9d formulas is that they do nothing to ameliorate the effects of excessive oil. Nor do such formulas do anything to minimize the undesirable shiny appearance of oily skin.
Clearly there is a need for cosmetic formulas that are capable of reducing the undesirable shiny appearance of skin having excessive oil on its surface, without overly matting the skin with absorbents that give a cakey, made-up look.
Most unexpectedly, it has been discovered that cosmetics formulated with mushroom extract are excellent for use on all skin types including oily skins. Such cosmetics are able to reduce the shiny appearance of skin and thereby aid in cosmetically improving the appearance of skin imperfections such as blemishes, wrinkles, and fine lines. At the same time these formulas do not provide the heavy made-up look that is often seen in compositions containing oil-blotting absorbent powders.
It is an object of the invention to provide a cosmetic formula for reducing the shiny appearance of skin having excess oil on its surface.
It is further object of the invention to provide a cosmetic formula for cosmetically improving the appearance of skin imperfections such as fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a pigmented emulsion foundation makeup for ameliorating the adverse effects of oily skin.
The invention comprises a pigmented emulsion cosmetic composition for reducing the shiny appearance of skin and cosmetically improving the appearance of skin imperfections, comprising a cosmetically effective amount of mushroom extract.
A method for reducing the shiny appearance of skin and cosmetically improving the appearance of skin imperfections, comprising applying to the skin a pigmented emulsion cosmetic composition comprising a cosmetically effective amount of mushroom extract.
The cosmetic composition and method of the invention is suitable for use on dry, normal, oily, or combination skin types. The resulting composition and method reduces the shiny appearance of oily skin and cosmetically improves the appearance of skin imperfections such as wrinkles, fine lines, and blemishes. The applied cosmetic provides a smooth, natural finish on skin.
All percentages mentioned herein are percentages by weight unless otherwise indicated.
I. The Composition
The composition of the invention comprises a pigmented emulsion cosmetic composition for reducing the shiny appearance of skin and cosmetically improving the appearance of skin imperfections, comprising a cosmetically effective amount of mushroom extract.
The term xe2x80x9creducing the shiny appearance of skinxe2x80x9d means that the cosmetic composition containing an effective amount of mushroom extract, when applied to skin, reduces the shiny appearance of skin.
The emulsion composition may be a water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsion comprising about 0.1-95%, preferably about 0.5-85%, more preferably about 1-75% water and about 0.5-35%, preferably about 1-25%, more preferably about 1.5-20% oil. Preferably the emulsion composition is an oil-in-water emulsion. The ingredients that may be found in this composition are further described below.
A. Mushroom Extract
The claimed composition comprises a cosmetically effective amount of mushroom extract. Generally, a cosmetically effective amount ranges from about 0.01-10%, preferably about 0.05-8%, more preferably about 0.1-7%. These percentages refer to the mushroom content only, not any liquid in which it is dispersed. The mushroom extract is preferably extracted from the pulp of a mushroom of the genus Fomes or Polyporus, e.g. Fomes officinalis or Polyporus officinalis. Particularly preferred is a mushroom extract sold under the tradename Laricyl(copyright) by Laboratoires Serobiologique. Laricyl(copyright) is an amber liquid having a pH ranging from 4.8 to 5.2 and a refractive index of 1.388 to 1.396 and is comprised of a solution of butylene glycol and mushroom extract having the INCI name Butylene Glycol (and) Mushroom (Fomes officinalis) extract.
Preferably the mushroom extract comprises mushroom pulp contact that is soluble at room temperature in butylene glycolxe2x80x94for example, sufficiently soluble as to be capable of forming a solution concentration of at least about 5% at room temperature.
B. Oil
The emulsion cosmetic composition comprises one or more types of oils that may be volatile, non-volatile or mixtures thereof. Preferably the total oil content is in the range of about 0.5-75%, preferably 1-70%, more preferably 5-65% by weight of the total composition. The term xe2x80x9cvolatilexe2x80x9d means that the oil has a vapor pressure of at least 2 mm. of mercury at 20xc2x0 C. The term xe2x80x9cnon-volatilexe2x80x9d means that the oil has a vapor pressure of less than 2 mm. of mercury at 20xc2x0 C. Either silicone or organic oils are suitable provided that the oils are compatible, i.e. soluble in each other.
1. Volatile Oils
Suitable volatile oils include silicones cyclic silicones having the general formula:
where n=3-6.
Also suitable are linear volatile silicones in accordance with the invention have the general formula:
(CH3)3Sixe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94[Si(CH3)2xe2x80x94O]nxe2x80x94Si(CH3)3
where n=0-6.
Linear and cyclic volatile silicones are available from various commercial sources including Dow Corning Corporation and General Electric. The Dow Corning volatile silicones are sold under the tradenames Dow Corning 244, 245, 344, and 200 fluids. These fluids comprise octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, decamethylcyclopentasiloxane, hexamethyldisitoxane, and mixtures thereof
Also suitable as the volatile oils are various straight or branched chain paraffinic hydrocarbons having about 5 to 40 carbon atoms, more preferably about 8-20 carbon atoms. Suitable hydrocarbons include pentane, hexane, heptane, decane, dodecane, tetradecane, tridecane, and C8-20 isoparaffins as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,439,088 and 3,818,105, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Preferred volatile paraffinic hydrocarbons have a molecular weight of about 70-225, preferably about 160 to 190 and a boiling point range of about 30 to 320, preferably 60-260 degrees C., and a viscosity of less than about 10 cs. at 25 degrees C. Such paraffinic hydrocarbons are available from EXXON under the ISOPARS trademark, and from the Permethyl Corporation. Suitable C12 isoparaffins are manufactured by Permethyl Corporation under the tradename Permethyl 99A. Another C12 isoparaffin (isododecane) is distributed by Presperse under the tradename Permethyl 99A. Various C16 isoparaffins commercially available, such as isohexadecane (having the tradename Permethyl R), are also suitable.
The preferred composition comprises about 1-45%, preferably about 2-40%, more preferably about 3-35% by weight of the total composition of volatile oil. Preferred is where the volatile oil is a linear or cyclic silicone.
2. Non-Volatile Oils
The claimed composition may contain one or more non-volatile oils such as silicone or organic oils. Preferably, the composition contains silicone oils either alone or in combination with small amounts of organic oil.
A. Silicones
Suitable nonvolatile silicones include water insoluble silicones having a viscosity of about 10 to 600,000 centistokes, preferably about 20 to 100,000 centistokes at 25xc2x0 C. Suitable water insoluble silicones include cetyl dimethicone, dimethicone, phenyl trimethicone, phenyldimethicone, diphenyl dimethicone, and mixtures thereof. Such silicones are available from Dow Corning as the 3225C formulation aid, Dow 190 and 193 fluids, or similar products marketed by Goldschmidt under the ABIL tradename.
Also suitable as the nonvolatile silicone oil are various fluorinated silicones such as trimethylsilyl endcapped fluorosilicone oil, polytrifluoropropylmethylsiloxanes, and similar silicones such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,118,496 which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Preferably, the makeup compositions comprise a mixture of volatile and non-volatile silicones, in particular, about 3-35% by weight of the total composition of volatile silicone oil, and about 0.1-25%, preferably about 0.5-20%, more preferably about about 1-15% nonvolatile silicone. The presence of the volatile silicone enables the makeup to dry on the skin in an appropriate period of time, and minimizes the heavy, greasy feel that is occasionally found with nonvolatile oils. The remaining nonvolatile oil phase acts to plasticize the film formed on the skin by the dried cosmetic composition.
B. Organic Oils
The claimed composition may comprise one or more organic oils, and if so, they are preferably low viscosity organic oils. Suggested ranges of organic oils are about 0.01-20%, preferably about 0.05-15%, more preferably about 0.1-10%. Preferred viscosity ranges for the organic oil are 10-1000, preferably 15-800, more preferably about 20-800 centipoise at 25xc2x0 C.
Suitable organic oils include esters, (e.g. glyceryl esters), paraffinic hydrocarbons, and the like as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,800,816, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
C. Pigments
The composition of this invention is a pigmented emulsion cosmetic composition. The term xe2x80x9cpigmentxe2x80x9d when used in accordance with the invention means the composition contains one or more inorganic or organic particulates or colorants that are water soluble or water insoluble. A pigment in accordance with the invention may provide color, whiteness, opacity, sunscreen activity, or be capable of muting color. For example, particulates that are generally deemed to provide white color, opacity, sunscreen protection, or color muting effects to a cosmetic composition are considered xe2x80x9cpigmentsxe2x80x9d in accordance with the claimed invention. Examples of such ingredients include inorganic metal oxides such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide; as well as bismuth oxychloride, titanated mica, fumed silica, spherical silica, polymethylmethacrylate, micronized teflon, boron nitride, acrylate copolymers, aluminum silicate, aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, bentonite, calcium silicate, cellulose, chalk, corn starch, diatomaceous earth, fuller""s earth, glyceryl starch, hectorite, hydrated silica, kaolin, magnesium aluminum silicate, magnesium trisilicate, maltodextrin, rice starch, silica, talc, mica, titanium dioxide, alumina, calcium carbonate, calcium silicate, dextran, nylon, silica silylate, silk powder, sericite, soy flour, tin oxide, titanium hydroxide, trimagnesium phosphate, walnut shell powder, and so on.
Suitable ingredients that provide blue, red, green, and yellow color to a cosmetic composition are inorganic metal oxides, in particular iron oxides such as black, red, green, yellow, and so on.
Also suitable are organic pigments including various aromatic types such as azo, indigoid, triphenylmethane, anthraquinone, and xanthine dyes which are designated as DandC and FDandC blues, browns, greens, oranges, reds, yellows, etc. Organic pigments also generally consist of insoluble metallic salts of certified color additives, referred to as the Lakes.
If desired, the pigments may be coated with one or more ingredients that cause the pigments to be hydrophobic. Suitable coating materials that will render the pigments more lipophilic in nature include silicones, lecithin, amino acids, phospholipids, inorganic and organic oils, polyethylene, and other polymeric materials. Particularly preferred are silicone treated pigments as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,143,722, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Preferably, the particle size of the particulates ranges from about 0.05 to 150 microns, and are present in ranges of about 0.1-20%, preferably about 0.5-15%, more preferably about 1-10% by weight of the total composition.
It is particularly preferred that the compositions of the invention comprise very fine particle zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, in addition to the other pigments and particulates which may be present. The mixture of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide causes the composition to exhibit a sun protective factor (SPF), possibly as high as 10 to 20 SPF. Preferred particle sizes of the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are about 0.005 to 10 microns. Preferably the compositions of the invention contain about 1-15% by weight of the composition of zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or mixtures thereof, having a particle size of about 0.005 to 10 microns and providing makeup having an SPF of 10 to 20, preferably about 15 to 20.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention a portion of the pigments are spherical in shape. In particular, about 0.01-5% of the pigments used are preferably spherical, preferably having a cross sectional diameter of about 10 to 80 microns. Examples of such pigments include boron nitride, nylon, spherical silica, and the like. The spherical cross section of the pigments provides a very smooth feel and blendability to the composition. Blendability means that when the composition is applied to skin it blends very easily into the skin surface with the spherical pigments exhibiting a roller ball effect. The spherical particle size also causes the film to feel very smooth on the skin surface.
D. Surfactants
The claimed emulsion compositions may exist in two separate phases that are emulsified upon shaking. Preferably the claimed compositions contain an effective amount of one or more surfactants that cause the dispersed phase to remain emulsified in the continuous phase to form an emulsion having stability which is suitable for commercial purposes. Suggested ranges of surfactants are about 0.01-20%, preferably about 0.1-15%, more preferably about 0.5-10%. Suitable surfactants include silicone surfactants or organic surfactants, which may be anionic, cationic, nonionic, zwitterionic, or amphoteric. Preferably the surfactants are nonionic organic or silicone surfactants.
1. Silicone Surfactants
Preferred are nonionic silicone surfactants having at least one hydrophilic radical and at least one lipophilic radical. These silicone surfactants may be a liquid or solid at room temperature and are water-in-oil or oil-in-water type surfactants which have an Hydrophile/Lipophile Balance (HLB) of about 2 to 18. Preferably the silicone surfactant is a nonionic surfactant having an HLB of about 2 to 12, preferably about 2 to 10, most preferably about 4 to 6. The HLB of a nonionic surfactant is the balance between the hydrophilic and lipophilic portions of the surfactant and is calculated according to the following formula:
HLB=7+11.7xc3x97log Mw/Mo
where Mw is the molecular weight of the hydrophilic group portion and Mo is the molecular weight of the lipophilic group portion.
The polymeric silicone surfactant used in the invention may have any of the following general formulas:
MxQy, or
MxTy, or
MDxDxe2x80x2yDxe2x80x3zM
wherein each M is independently a substituted or unsubstituted trimethylsiloxy endcap unit. If substituted, one or more of the hydrogens on the endcap methyl groups are substituted, or one or more methyl groups are substituted with a substituent that is a lipophilic radical, a hydrophilic radical, or mixtures thereof T is a trifunctional siloxy unit having the empirical formula Rxe2x80x2SiO1.5 or RSiO1.5 wherein R is methyl and Rxe2x80x2 is a C2-22 alkyl or phenyl. Q is a quadrifunctional siloxy unit having the empirical formula SiO4/2, and D, Dxe2x80x2, Dxe2x80x3, x, y, and z are as set forth below, with the proviso that the compound contains at least one hydrophilic radical and at least one lipophilic radical. Preferred is a linear silicone of the formula:
MDxDxe2x80x2yDxe2x80x3zM
wherein M=RRRSiO1/2
D and Dxe2x80x2=RRxe2x80x2SiO2/2
Dxe2x80x3=RRSiO2/2
x, y, and z are each independently 0-1000,
where R is methyl or hydrogen, and Rxe2x80x2 is a hydrophilic radical or a lipophilic radical,
with the proviso that the compound contains at least one hydrophilic radical and at least one lipophilic radical.
Most preferred is wherein
M=trimethylsiloxy
D=Si[(CH3)][(CH2)nCH3]O2/2 where n=0-40,
Dxe2x80x2=Si [(CH3)][(CH2)oxe2x80x94Oxe2x80x94PE)]O2/2 where PE is (xe2x80x94C2H4O)a(xe2x80x94C3H6O)bH, o=0-40,
a=1-100 and b=1-100, and
Dxe2x80x3=Si (CH3)2O2/2
More specifically, suitable silicone surfactants have the formula:
wherein p is 0-40, and
PE is (xe2x80x94C2H4O)a(xe2x80x94C3H6O)bxe2x80x94H
where x, y, z, a, and b are such that the maximum molecular weight of the polymer is approximately 50,000.
Another type of preferred organosiloxane emulsifier suitable for use in the compositions of the invention are emulsifiers sold by Union Carbide under the Silwet(trademark) trademark, which are referred to by the CTFA term xe2x80x9cdimethicone copolyolxe2x80x9d.
Also suitable as nonionic silicone surfactants are hydroxy-substituted silicones such as dimethiconol, which is defined as a dimethyl silicone substituted with terminal hydroxy groups.
Examples of suitable silicone surfactants are those sold by Dow Coming under the tradename Dow Coming 3225C Formulation Aid, Dow Coming 190 Surfactant, Dow Corning 193 Surfactant, Dow Coming Q2-5200, and the like are also suitable. In addition, surfactants sold under the tradename Silwet by Union Carbide, and surfactants sold by Troy Corporation under the Troysol tradename, those sold by Taiwan Surfactant Co. under the tradename Ablusoft, those sold by Hoechst under the tradename Arkophob, are also suitable for use in the invention.
2. Organic Surfactants
Also suitable for use are one or more organic surfactants, preferably nonionic organic surfactants. Examples of nonionic organic surfactants include alkoxylated alcohols, or ethers, formed by the reaction of an alcohol with an alkylene oxide, usually ethylene or propylene oxide. Preferably the alcohol is either a fatty alcohol having 6 to 30 carbon atoms. Examples of such ingredients include Beheneth 5-30, which is formed by the reaction of behenyl alcohol and ethylene oxide where the number of repeated ethylene oxide units is 5 to 30; Ceteareth 2-100, formed by the reaction of a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohol with ethylene oxide, where the number of repeating ethylene oxide units in the molecule is 2 to 100; Ceteth 1-45 which is formed by the reaction of cetyl alcohol and ethylene oxide, and the number of repeating ethylene oxide units is 1 to 45, laureth, 1-100 where the number of repeating ethylene oxide units is 1 to 100, and so on. Other alkoxylated alcohols are formed by the reaction of fatty acids and mono-, di- or polyhydric alcohols with an alkylene oxide. For example, the reaction products of C6-30 fatty carboxylic acids and polyhydric alcohols which are monosaccharides such as glucose, galactose, methyl glucose, and the like, with an alkoxylated alcohol.
Also suitable as the nonionic surfactant are alkyoxylated carboxylic acids, which are formed by the reaction of a carboxylic acid with an alkylene oxide or with a polymeric ether. The resulting products have the general formula:
where RCO is the carboxylic ester radical, X is hydrogen or lower alkyl, and n is the number of polymerized alkoxy groups. In the case of the diesters, the two RCO- groups do not need to be identical. Preferably, R is a C6-30 straight or branched chain, saturated or unsaturated alkyl, and n is from 1-100.
Also suitable as the nonionic surfactant are monomeric, homopolymeric and block copolymeric ethers. Such ethers are formed by the polymerization of monomeric alkylene oxides, generally ethylene or propylene oxide. Such polymeric ethers have the following general formula:
wherein R is H or lower alkyl and n is the number of repeating monomer units, and ranges from 1 to 500.
Other suitable nonionic surfactants include alkoxylated sorbitan and alkoxylated sorbitan derivatives. For example, alkoxylation, in particular, ethoxylation, of sorbitan provides polyalkoxylated sorbitan derivatives. Esterification of polyalkoxylated sorbitan provides sorbitan esters such as the polysorbates. Examples of such ingredients include Polysorbates 20-85, sorbitan oleate, sorbitan palmitate, sorbitan sesquiisostearate, sorbitan stearate, and so on.
In the preferred compositions of the invention, the nonionic surfactant is selected from an nonionic organic surfactant, in particular a nonionic silicone surfactant, more specifically dimethicone copolyol.
E. Skin Conditioning Agents
Preferably, the compositions comprise one or more skin conditioning agents in ranges from about 0.01-20%, preferably about 0.1-15%, more preferably about 0.5-10% by weight of the total composition. The skin conditioning agents are capable of moisturizing skin without promoting oil secretion or contributing to oil on the skin surface. In particular, it is well known that oily skin can still be dry due to inadequate moisture in the skin tissue. The skin conditioning agents used herein address the moisture and hydration needs of skin and have no negative impact on skin oils. Suitable skin conditioning agents include a variety of organic compounds and polymers.
1. Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
Particularly suitable for use as skin conditioning agents are quaternary ammonium compounds. These ingredients may be monomeric or polymeric and are positively charged tetra-substituted nitrogen derivatives having the following general structure:
wherein R, Rxe2x80x2, Rxe2x80x3 and Rxe2x80x2xe2x80x3 may be the same or different but may not be hydrogen, and R, Rxe2x80x2, Rxe2x80x3, and Rxe2x80x2xe2x80x3 are selected from C1-30 straight or branched alkyl, and wherein Xxe2x80x2 represents an anion such as chloride, ammonium, methosulfate, and the like.
Preferred are quaternary ammonium polymers referred to as Polyquaternium having a numerical designation from 1 to 51. Examples of such polymers are Polyquaternium-4 which is a copolymer of hydroxyethylcellulose and diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride, Polyquaternium-5 which is a copolymer of acrylamide and bet- methacrylyloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium methosulfate, Polyquaternium-6 which is a copolymer of dimethyl diallylammonium chloride, Polyquaternium-7 which is a polymeric quaternary ammonium salt consisting of acrylamide and dimethyldiallyl ammonium chloride, Polyquaternium-8 which is a polymeric quaternary ammonium salt of methyl and stearyl dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate quaternized with dimethyl sulfate, and so on. Particularly preferred is Polyquaternium-51 which is a copolymer of butyl-2-methyl-2-propenoate and an ester of orthphosphoric acid. Polyquaternium-51 has the chemical name 3,5,8-triox-4-phosphaundec-10-en-1-aminium, 4-hydroxy-N,N,N, 1-tetramethyl-9-oxo, inner salt 4-oxide polymer with butyl-2-methyl-2-propenoate. Polyquatemium 51 is available from Collaborative Laboratories under the tradename Lipidure.
2. Alcohols
Various aliphatic or aromatic mono-, di- or polyfunctional organic alcohols may be used as skin conditioning agents in the composition of the invention. Generally, such alcohols have the formula Rxe2x80x94OH wherein R is a straight or branched C2-30 alkyl or C2-30 alkyl amido alkyl, or C2-30 alkyl amido alkoxy. Preferably R has one or more substituted hydroxyl groups, making Rxe2x80x94OH polyhydric. The alcohol may also be the dispersant, e.g. the extracting liquid, for the mushroom extract. Examples of such alcohols include butylene glycol, ethylene glycol, glycerin, propylene glycol, panthenol, panthenyl ethyl ether, and phytantriol. Panthenol is a trihydric alcohol of the formula Rxe2x80x94OH wherein R is an alkyl amido alkyl having two substituted hydroxyl groups. It has the formula:
Panthenyl ethyl ether, a monohydric alcohol, is the ethyl ether of panthenol having the formula:
Phytantriol is an aliphatic polyhydric alcohol having the general formula:
Particularly preferred are composition comprising one or more skin conditioning agents selected from a quaternary ammonium compound and an alcohol. Such compositions preferably comprise about 0.01-5% of the quaternary ammonium compound and about 0.01-10% of one or more alcohols.
F. Film Forming Ingredients
The preferred compositions in accordance with the invention comprise one or more film formers that, upon drying, will aid in forming a continuous cosmetic film on the skin. The film former may be present in an amount of about 0.1-45%, preferably about 0.5-20%, more preferably about 1-15% by weight of the total composition. The film formers may advantageously be resinous plant extracts or synthetic polymers.
1. Resinous Plant Extracts
Examples of resinous plant extracts that provide film forming properties include materials such as rosin and shellac, or derivative thereof.
2. Synthetic Polymeric Film Formers
Suitable synthetic polymers may be silicone or organic based. Particularly preferred are siloxy silicate polymers having the following general formula:
wherein R, Rxe2x80x2 and Rxe2x80x3 are each independently a C1-10 straight or branched chain alkyl or phenyl, and x and y are such that the ratio of (RRxe2x80x2Rxe2x80x3)3SiO1/2 units to SiO2 units is 0.5 to 1 to 1.5 to 1.
Preferably R, Rxe2x80x2 and Rxe2x80x3 are each a C1-6 alkyl, and more preferably are methyl and x and y are such that the ratio of (CH3)3SiO1/2 units to SiO4/2 units is about 0.75 to 1. Most preferred is this trimethylsiloxy silicate containing 2.4 to 2.9 weight percent hydroxyl groups, which is formed by the reaction of the sodium salt of silicic acid, chlorotrimethylsilane, and isopropyl alcohol. The manufacture of trimethylsiloxy silicate is set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,676,182; 3,541,205; and 3,836,437, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Trimethylsiloxy silicate as described is available from Dow Corning Corporation under the tradename 2-0749 and 2-0747, which is a blend of about 40-60% volatile silicone and 40-60% trimethylsiloxy silicate. Dow Corning 2-0749 in particular, is a fluid containing about 50% trimethylsiloxy silicate and about 50% cyclomethicone. The fluid has a viscosity of 200-700 centipoise at 25xc2x0 C., a specific gravity of 1.00 to 1.10 at 25xc2x0 C., and a refractive index of 1.40-1.41.
Also suitable are synthetic polymers that are often found in the form of an aqueous dispersion where the polymer particles are dispersed in the aqueous phase of the polymer emulsion. Examples of such polymers include homo- or copolymers of monomers such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid or C1-30 esters of acrylic or methacrylic acid, vinyl pyrrolidone, vinyl acetate, urethane, C1-30 hydroxy esters of acrylic or methacrylic acid, vinyl isodecanoate, styrene, and olefins such as ethylene, propylene, butene, pentene, decene, hexadecene, and so on.
G. Finish Enhancers
Preferably, the claimed compositions contain one or more compounds that enhance the finish of the composition after it is applied to skin. Preferred finish enhancers are synthetic elastomers which may be silicone elastomers or organic polymers having elastomeric properties. The term xe2x80x9celastomerxe2x80x9d means a compound exhibits properties associated with rubber such as extensibility with applied force, retractibility upon release of the force, and lack of permanent deformation as a result of extension. Rubber like properties are generally seen in high molecular weight cross-linked polymers having weak intermolecular forces. Preferred elastomers are generally in the solid particulate form having particle size ranging from about 0.05 to 75 microns. The claimed compositions preferably comprise about 0.1-25%, preferably about 0.5-15%, more preferably about 1-10% of one or more elastomers. Elastomers provide a velvety smooth finish to the composition, improved spreadability and blendability, and a light, nongreasy feel.
1. Synthetic Organic Polymeric Elastomers
A variety of cross-linked synthetic polymeric elastomers may be used as finish enhancers, including those polymerized from various types of ethylenically unsaturated monomers such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and simple esters thereof, vinyl monomers such as vinyl acetate, vinyl isodecanoate, methyl vinyl ether; maleic anhydride. These monomers may be copolymerized with one or more organic compounds such as esters, glycols, fatty acids, and so on. Examples of such polymers include acrylates/VA crosspolymer, acrylates/vinyl isodecanoate crosspolymer, adipic acid/diethylene glcyol/glycerin crosspolymer, allyl methacrylates crosspolymer, HDI/trimethylolhexyllactone crosspolymer, lauryl acrylate/VA crosspolymer, methyl methacrylate crosspolymer, PVM/MA decadiene crosspolymer, PEG crosspolymer, PPG-35/PPG-51 glyceryl ether/IPDI crosspolymer, trimethyl pentanediol/adipic acid/glycerin crosspolymer, and so on. Particularly preferred is HDI/trimethylolhexyllactone crosspolymer which is a crosslinked condensation polymer formed from the reaction of hexyldiisocyanate with the esterification product of trimethylolpropane with 6 to 7 moles of hexyllactone. This polymer is available from Kobo Products under the tradename BPD-500 which is a combination of silicate and the polymer having the INCI name HDI/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer (and) silica. It is a fine white powder having a particle size of about 5-20 microns comprising about 95-99% polymer and 1-5% silica.
2. Silicone Elastomers
Also suitable for use as finish enhancers are silicone elastomers such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,171,581 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Examples of such elastomers include cetearyl dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, dimethicone copolyol crosspolymer, dimethicone crosspolymer, dimethicone/phenyldimethicone crosspolymer, dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, and mixtures thereof.
I. Other Ingredients
The claimed composition may contain one more additional ingredients such as fragrances, preservatives, antioxidants, alpha or beta hydroxy acids, or mixtures thereof. A suggested range for the totality of such ingredients is about 0.001 to 3% based on the total weight of the composition. Typical fragrances include parabens and phenoxyethanol. Suitable antioxidants include BHA, BHT, and the like. Suitable alpha or beta hydroxy acids include glycolic, malic, lactic, and salicylic acids.

Cosmetic compositions for reducing shiny appearance of oily skin


The invention relates to a distance measuring device. A transmitting part (E) for electromagnetic radiation especially radar radiation, emits measuring pulses (A, B) which are controlled by a pulse generator (1), and a receiving part (8) is switched to a ready-to-receive mode after a certain, adjustable delay (TDELAY, before a next measuring pulse is emitted, for receiving a reflected pulse during a time gate (18). The aim of the invention is to provide a calibration process taking into account all practical defects. To this end, the pulse generator (1) produces pulses with a multiple of the frequency with which the measuring pulses are repeated and a calibrating cycle in which calibrating pulses (xcfx840 to xcfx849) are produced with pulses generated by the pulse generator (1), controlled by the transmitting part (5), is carried out at longer intervals in time. The calibrating pulses (xcfx840 to xcfx849) are received directly in the receiving part (8) and the delay time (TDELAY) In the receiving part is regulated in such a way that a generated calibrating pulse (xcfx840) to xcfx849) is received directly by the received directly by the receiving part (8) during a time gate (18).

The invention relates to a method for standardizing a distance measuring device in which a transmitter part for electromagnetic radiation, in particular radar radiation, emits measurement pulses which are controlled by a pulse generator, and a receiver part is switched, after a specific adjustable delay before the emission of a subsequent measurement pulse, to a ready-to-receive state for the reception of an echo pulse during a time gate.
The invention also relates to a distance measuring device having a transmitter part for electromagnetic radiation, in particular radar radiation, which has a pulse generator for generating measurement pulses and a transmission antenna, and a receiver part which has a reception antenna and an adjustable delay circuit for setting a time gate for the reception of echo pulses before the emission of a subsequent measurement pulse by the transmitter part.
Distance measuring devices which are suitable for detecting distances and relative speeds are provided in particular as close-range radar systems for automobiles. For this purpose, a number of individual sensors are arranged at suitable points all around the automobile. Instead of radar transmitters, it is also possible to use other transmitters of electromagnetic waves, for example lasers.
The individual sensors are controlled either by a central control unit, or a small number of central control units, or by a separate control and evaluation unit on each individual sensor. These units perform the functions of actuation, monitoring and evaluation of signals.
A desirable distance resolution is, for example, 10 cm. Such distance resolutions cannot normally be achieved in compliance with the legal requirements relating to the allocation of frequencies when there is a measuring range of 30 m with continuously emitting radars. For this reason, it is known, for example, from WO 98/04930 A1 to use pulse radars which emit very short pulses (for example xcfx84=333 ps), the pulse repetition rate usually being approximately 5 MHz, which corresponds to a period of 200 ns, and thus to a uniquely defined range of 30 m between two measurement pulses. The distance measurement is performed here by forming, in the receiver part, a distance gate whose time position can be adjusted by means of an electronically adjustable delay circuit. Here, according to the principle, in each case only one time gate can be sensed using measurement technology. The time gate to be measured is characterized by its width and its position on the time axis. The width of the time gate is usually selected to be equal to the pulse width of the measurement pulses. The position on the time axis can be set by the delay circuit.
For the duration of a certain time period, the control voltage which is used to set the delay circuit can be constant here or can move in a very small voltage interval so that a measurement period for a time gate is implemented on the time axis which is significantly longer than the time period between two measurement pulses. Thus, for example when sensing a range of 25.6 m and a time gate width corresponding to the distance resolution of 10 cm, if 256 gates are implemented each gate can be opened for a time period of 100 xcexcs, respectively. The measurement period for the entire sensed range is in total 25.6 ms here. In all 256 time sections, integration of the reception signal takes place successively for one time gate in each case. Here, an integrating low-pass filter can be used in the baseband. Only the signal from the time range which predefines the delay circuit is integrated in all cases. As a result of the integration of the echo signals which occur in the reception time gate (500 in the example), the signal-to-noise ratio at the output of the low-ass filter can be significantly better than at the input. In order to measure the entire distance range, the delay circuit is adjusted from the minimum to the maximum value, or vice versa.
The precision with which the delay circuit can be set, determines the distance measuring precision, as can be seen. In order to determine the angle at which an object can be detected in the vicinity of the vehicle, it is necessary to measure this object with at least two individual sensors. The angle value can then be acquired by evaluating the measured individual distances using triangulation. The measuring precision which can be achieved in the individual sensors for the distance measurement is therefore also decisive for the precision of angular measurements.
Because of the tolerances of the analog circuit elements which are always present and which occur when the electronic delay is generated, typically only an precision of approximately 1% can be achieved in the setting of the delay, and thus in the distance measurement. The cause of the tolerances are component fluctuations, temperature effects and aging effects.
During the precise measurement of the distance which is set for the delay circuit by the application of the control voltage, and the perceptible distance which is thus set, a characteristic curve is acquired which cannot be precisely reproduced from individual sensor to individual sensor. A software compensation of the respective characteristic curve errors is therefore not possible for a series production device. A higher measuring precision has therefore hitherto only been achievable by means of an individual measurement, with which however errors as a result of temperature changes or aging cannot be detected.
DE-A 2 002 681 discloses a radar distance measuring system which permits a self-calibrating mode of operation. In this mode of operation, a delayed pulse is emitted via a delay line and conducted directly to the receiver via an attenuation device. In the receiver, a measuring circuit for the time up to the reception of an echo signal is started with each pulse of a pulse generator, it being possible for said measuring circuit to be composed, for example, of a saw-tooth generator. When the echo signal is received, the instantaneous voltage is evaluated as a measure of the time which has passed since the emission of the measurement pulsexe2x80x94and thus as a measure of the distance. The pulse which is emitted with a delay during the standardization operation is fed as a simulated echo signal to the reception circuit. The measured value for the time which has passed since the triggering of the pulse is compared with a reference value. In a further embodiment of this device, both the delays and the attenuations can be switched as a function of the current measuring range in order to obtain the standardization for the current measuring range. Standardization which can compensate measuring errors as a result of temperature changes, aging, component tolerances or the like is not possible by means of the known arrangement because the delay circuits and possibly also the test signal sources themselves may be temperature-dependent, aging-dependent and tolerance-dependent.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,278,935 discloses a radar test device in which radar targets are simulated. For this purpose, a reverberation signal, which is composed of pulses at equal intervals with decreasing amplitude [lacuna] from an emitted transmission pulse. In this way, radar targets which are at a fixed, predefined distance from one another are simulated. As a result, it is possible to standardize the reproduction of radar targets, for example on a radar screen, because there must be an equal distance in each case between the simulated radar targets. The present invention is based on the problem of permitting a higher degree of measuring precision for radar distance measuring devices, it being possible to detect errors due to component tolerances, temperature changes and aging, and there being no need for a high degree of expenditure on individual measurements.
Taking this problem as a starting point, the method mentioned at the beginning for standardizing a distance measuring device is characterized according to the invention in that the pulse generator produces pulses which are a multiple of the pulse repetition rate of the measurement pulses, in that a standardization cycle is carried out at relatively long time intervals by producing standardization pulses with pulses generated by the pulse generator under the control of the transmitter part, in that the standardization pulses can be received directly in the receiver part, and in that the delay in the receiver part is set in such a way that a generated standardization pulse is received by the receiver part directly during a time gate.
Taking the abovementioned problem as a starting point, a distance measuring device of the type mentioned at the beginning is also characterized in that the pulse generator generates pulses with a repetition rate which corresponds to a multiple of the pulse repetition rate of the measurement pulses, in that standardization cycle, which is switched on at relatively long time intervals, with pulses of the pulse generator under the control of the transmitter part, in that the standardization pulses can be received directly by the receiver part by means of a short-circuit coupling, and in that an evaluation device is provided for matching the timing of the time gate and standardization pulse.
The invention is based on the idea of using the chronological precision of the formation of pulses by the generator, for example by a quartz generator, for the automatic standardization, to be continuously repeated of the delay circuit in the receiver part. For this purpose, standardization pulses which are located between the measurement pulses are generated in the standardization cycle, It is easily possible to generate such standardization pulses by multiplying the frequency of the generator which generates the measurement pulses. Therefore, by multiplying the pulse repetition rate of the generator by ten, nine intermediate pulses between two measurement pulses are produced and said intermediate pulses are at a defined chronological interval from the preceding measurement pulse. Because only the measurement pulse is active in the receiver part and the standardization pulses are used only for the transmitter part, a time gate, which can more or less coincide with a standardization pulse of the transmitter part which is fed directly into the receiver part, is formed in the receiver part by the measurement pulse and the delay circuit. By actuating the delay circuit with a control voltage it is possible to set the delay in such a way that the time gate which is formed coincides as precisely as possible with a standardization pulse. In this way, the delay time which corresponds to a certain distance can be checked and set with the precision of the quartz of the generator in the transmitter part. This setting can be carried out for chronologically different standardization pulses so that reference values for the control-voltage/delay characteristic curve are automatically acquired and can be used to standardize or correct the characteristic curve.
The standardization method according to the invention is also suitable in particular for radar systems in which high-frequency signal wave sections, whose section widths are determined by the width of the pulses of a generator, are used as measurement pulses.
It is possible here to compare the time gate with the pulse which limits the signal wave section or to compare the respective signal wave sections with one another, in which case both the pulse of the generator in the transmitter part and the time gate in the receiver part can each connect through a signal wave section of the same oscillator.
The multiplication according to the invention of the pulse repetition rate of the generator in the transmitter part would normally make it necessary to use components which can operate with the multiplied frequency. This can be avoided if in each case only one standardization pulse of the multiplied frequency is used and the other generated pulses are blocked by a masking circuit. The masking arrangement permits the various standardization pulses to be successively connected through so that the multiplicity of reference values for the characteristic curve can be acquired. Because only one standardization pulse is ever transmitted in the interval between two measurement pulses despite the multiplication of the pulse repetition rate of the generator, it is not necessary to use components which have to have an increased speed. The masking of the pulses which are not transmitted can take place in the transmitter part, but can also take place in the receiver part. It is also possible to mask both in the transmitter part and in the receiver part, if appropriate in different ways.
The short-circuit coupling between the transmitter part and receiver part can be implemented by manufacturing appropriate, possibly attenuated connecting lines between the transmitter part and receiver part. However, it is also possible to use a coupling which cannot be completely suppressed between the transmitter part and the receiver part, for example a direct coupling between the transmission antenna and reception antenna or a reflection at a radome which is usually located in very close proximity in front of the antennas, for the standardization according to the invention. In this case, additional components for the implementation of the short-circuit coupling can be dispensed with.

Distance measuring device and method for calibrating a distance measuring device


Method of obtaining microparticles.

The present invention provides a method of obtaining microparticles by a spray freezing technique. More specifically the present invention relates to a method by which spherical microparticles containing one or more pharmaceutically active substances can be prepared.
The strategy for pharmaceutical formulation of a given drug depends on different factors. Ultimately, these factors emanate from 1) the therapeutic needs, 2) the physical chemical properties of the drug, and 3) the influence of the biological environment where the formulation will release its contents. Thus, both technical and biopharmaceutical considerations will contribute to a successful therapy.
However, improved drug administration may also be achieved by so called modified release of the drug, which has been discussed extensively in the literature, e g R L Langer and D L Wise (Eds) xe2x80x9cMedical Applications of Controlled Releasexe2x80x9d, vols I, II (1984), CRC Press Inc, Boca Raton.
Several approaches to achieve different types of modified release are described in the references above. Of special importance to the present invention is modified release achieved by formulating the active substance with a suitable carrier material in the form of microparticles. Such a formulation then contains multiparticulate discrete delivery units, each of which can be coated if necessary with, e g a suitable pH sensitive, semipermeable or other polymeric film. Several advantages can be obtained with this type of formulation compared with more conventional delivery means. Thus, the small size of the
The present invention provides a method of obtaining microparticles by a spray freezing technique. More specifically the present invention relates to a method by which spherical microparticles containing one or more pharmaceutically active substances can be prepared.
The strategy for pharmaceutical formulation of a given drug depends on different factors. Ultimately, these factors emanate from 1) the therapeutic needs, 2) the physical chemical properties of the drug, and 3) the influence of the biological environment where the formulation will release its contents. Thus, both technical and biopharmaceutical considerations will contribute to a successful therapy.
However, improved drug administration may also be achieved by so called modified release of the drug, which has been discussed extensively in the literature, e g R L Langer and D L Wise (Eds) xe2x80x9cMedical Applications of Controlled Releasexe2x80x9d, vols I, II (1984), CRC Press Inc, Boca Raton.
Several approaches to achieve different types of modified release are described in the references above. Of special importance to the present invention is modified release achieved by formulating the active substance with a suitable carrier material in the form of microparticles. Such a formulation then contains multiparticulate discrete delivery units, each of which can be coated if necessary with, e g a suitable pH sensitive, semipermeable or other polymeric film. Several advantages can be obtained with this type of formulation compared with more conventional delivery means. Thus, the small size of the microparticles assures a fast and predictable emptying from the stomach, which is of special importance in the presence of food. Further, the particles will spread over a larger area in the whole GI-tract compared with a conventional monolithic (single-unit) formulation. This will result in a safer therapy when the active substance has local irritating side effects. Controllable plasma levels of absorbed drug can also be obtained. The microparticle formulation will also have a longer residence time in the colon which makes 24 hrs extended release formulations possible. From a technological point of view, microparticles are more suitable for coating and handling since a technical fault during the process may be serious for single unit formulations but less so for micropellets. Also, microparticle formulations are more easily manufactured and prepared in different doses than standard tablet systems.
An ideal method for the preparation of microparticles where the drug is homogeneously distributed within a polymeric matrix, should be simple, reproducible, rapid and minimally dependent on the solubility characteristics of the drug. A high product yield and a high degree of retention of the active substance in the final microparticles should also be obtained.
Several different techniques are available for making microparticles ( less than 1 mm), e g spray-drying, extrusion-spheronization, spray-chilling, emulsion solvent evaporation/extraction and coating of nonpareil spheres, among others. A recent review was presented by Conti et al in STP Pharma Sci 7, 331 (1997) where the technical aspects of coacervation, spray-drying, emulsion solvent extraction, and emulsion solvent evaporation were discussed.
However, all existing techniques suffer from one or more drawbacks. Thus, many drugs are sensitive to heat and therefore will deteroriate which restricts the use of spray-drying or spray-chilling.
In extrusion spheronization and in coating of non-pareils particles it has been difficult to achieve acceptable microparticles in the size range of 50-400 xcexcm. Pellets made by these methods contain significant amounts of inert excipients. This may make the pelletization of high-dose drugs by these methods a difficult task.
Finally, in emulsification solvent evaporation, an emulsion has to be made and the drug to be incorporated is preferably lipophilic, which restricts the drugs which can be used. Another drawback is the toxicity of the solvent used, usually methylene chloride, which can remain in the microparticles after drying.
However, despite the many different approaches there has not been disclosed a technique that can produce both smaller microparticles but also particles of more uniform size. It is important to avoid, e g segregation and dose variation during further processing into capsules or tablets. Further, the existing techniques do not incorporate several desirable aspects such as the possibility to produce spherical microparticles of different size ranges that are homogeneous, have a high drug content and sufficient mechanical strength (to e g withstand coating processes) into one single technique.
A spray-freezing technique has been used for the processing and granulation of ceramic materials to achieve homogeneous distribution of additives within granules to be compacted. For the processing of slurries containing silicon-nitride, sintering additives and a binder, spherical free-flowing granules have been prepared by spray-freezing and subsequent freeze-drying. The homogenity of the slurry was retained in the granules and thus in the final sintered product (Nyberg et al, Euro-Ceramics II 1, 447 (1993)). Suspensions of silicon carbide and additives were processed in this way to give granules for compaction (U.S. Pat. No. 4,526,734). The increased homogenity compared with traditional granulation techniques resulted in better mechanical properties of a whisker reinforced ceramic (EP 0 584 051). The process is also feasible for making homogeneous powder blends for ceramic superconductors (Japanese unexamined patent application no. 59-102433).
Normally pharmaceutical materials are lyophilized by freeze-drying in a bulk process in which the solution/suspension to be freezed is placed in vials or on trays in a freeze-drier, where freezing and subsequent sublimation of the dry solvent take place. The dried product is a powder cake.
The rapid freezing provided by spray-freezing ensures that no concentration gradients exist in the resulting frozen particles and degradation of biological material is prevented. This approach has been used to achieve precise metering and dispensing (M J Akers and D J Schmidt, BioPharm 28, (April 1997)); where the frozen particles were in the form of large lumps of size 1-9 mm. Freezing of droplets in a moving bath of Freon 12 (xe2x88x9220xc2x0 C.), which medium conflicts with environmental demands, has been used to obtain porous, free-flowing, spherical granules with rapid dissolution (U.S. Pat. No. 3,932,943); as well as making homogenous granules for tableting with precise dosing (U.S. Pat. No. 3,721,725).
A process for preparing foamed bioabsorbable polymer particles for surgical use was presented in U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,983. Here, however, the porosity was very large, and the pore sizes in the range of 4-10 xcexcm, the dry content of the solution being sprayed being 1-20 wt %.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,019,400, disclosed the use of a mixture of a biologically active material, a polymer, and a solvent which was sprayed into a non-solvent cooling medium that freezed the droplets with subsequent extraction of the solvent in the droplets during heating. The particles were finally dried in a vacuum-drier. The microparticles formed were porous, and contained 0.01-50% of the active substance. The dry content of the solution sprayed was 6 wt %. This process is not entirely satisfactory since it is an advantage to have one single drying step after freezing and also a higher active substance content than 50 wt % in order to make high dose materials.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,616 discloses a method of forming droplets by forcing a suspension/solution/emulsion through calibrated jets. The droplets then fall into liquid nitrogen. Due to low shear forces the size of the pellets formed is large; 0.2-12 mm, which would then give a less safe dosability than if smaller particles could have been achieved. The smallest particles achieved were 0.8-1 mm. Further, to achieve low friability pellets, the drying step after freeze-drying was performed by thawing the pellets before conventional vacuum drying. To achieve these low friability pellets the matrix former is restricted to materials that during thawing will form a gel. The particles obtained contain no more than 33 wt % of the active substance.
To the skilled person particle production utilizing the technique described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,616 appears to be quite a slow process and not suitable for large scale industrial pharmaceutical production.
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for the production of microparticles. More specifically, the method is for the production of homogeneous microparticles which does not have the drawbacks of the methods discussed above, e.g. methods that rely on heat or multiple solvents for drug dissolution, but instead puts no restrictions on the drug to be incorporated. A further object is to provide a method for the production of microparticles with controllable amounts of incorporated drug in a high-yield process. Also, the invention provides a method to produce homogeneous microparticles with an incorporated drug that have low friability so that they for instance can withstand coating processes. A further object of the invention is to provide a method to produce microparticles that have easily controllable density and strength. A further object is to obtain microparticles with a high content of active substance.
It has now been found that free-flowing, homogeneous microparticles having low friability can be obtained by spray-freezing a suspension, solution or emulsion of a pharmaceutically active substance with subsequent freeze-drying of the frozen microparticles. The microparticles are preferably spherical in shape. The porosity of the microparticles obtained is controlled in the process by the dry content of the suspension, solution or emulsion. Apart from the porosity, the brittleness of the microparticles is controlled by the amount of polymer binder included in the suspension, solution or emulsion. In order to obtain low friability particles the dry content of the suspension or solution or emulsion should be high.
Generally the following conditions are applicable to obtain low friability microparticles according to the method of the invention;
Low friability microparticles, that can for instance withstand coating with a polymeric film, are achieved when the suspension, solution or emulsion has a dry volume content of at least 15 vol %, preferably up to 60 vol %, and a polymer binder content of at least 5 weight %, preferably 10 weight % or more, and more preferably 15 weight % or more (based upon dry content). A high total pharmaceutically active substance content can be obtained by using the present invention, such as up to 95 weight % or preferably 90 weight % (based upon dry content). The median pore size of the microparticles obtained being preferably a maximum of 1.0 xcexcm. Dry content and dry volume content are weight % and volume %, respectively, of dry material in the suspension/solution/emulsion (dry/(dry+liquid)), wherein the dry material is pharmaceutically active substance+polymer.
According to the present invention homogenous low friability microparticles can be obtained when the dry content is from 15 to 60 vol % and the polymer binder content is 5 weight % or more giving dry microparticles with a relative density of 15 to 60% (a porosity of 85 down to 40 vol %). [Relative density: weight of freeze-dried material/volume of freeze-dried material/theoretical density of dry material].
The content of the pharmaceutically active substance calculated on the weight of the dried microparticles may be from 60 to 95 weight %, preferably from 75 to 90 weight %.
The dry content of the liquid medium is defined as the residue after drying at 110xc2x0 C. for 2 hours, divided by the total amount before drying. The dry content can be expressed either as weight percent or, preferably, as volume percent.
The success in obtaining low porous microparticles and thus low friable microparticles depends on the volume fraction of dry material and the amount of polymer binder. The dry content of a suspension/solution/emulsion should thus preferably be expressed as a volume fraction although this cannot always be calculated.
The microparticles may be obtained by spraying a homogeneous suspension, solution or emulsion of the active subtance(s) through an atomizer into a vessel with a cold medium with a temperature well below that of the freezing point of the liquid in the droplets. Frozen droplets will then form instantaneously. The structure of the suspension, solution or emulsion is retained in the droplets providing a homogeneous distribution of the substances within the droplets. The frozen liquid is then sublimated by freeze-drying of the frozen droplets where the structure of the droplets is retained due to lack of migration of substances during drying.
The following general steps of the procedure are further exemplified in the Experimental Section below:
a) Preparation of a medium for atomizing. The medium is a suspension, a solution or an emulsion of the active substance. A suspension may be prepared by dissolving or dispersing a polymer in a liquid (as defined below), and then adding fine particles of the active substance. A farther dispersing agent (typically in an amount of less than 20% (w/w) of the polymer amount) might also be included to facilitate the dispersion of the active substance. The polymer might then act as a binder between the fine active substance particles in the microparticles and can be either a water soluble or a non-water soluble polymer, according to definitions below.
b) Atomizing of the suspension/solution/emulsion into droplets. The suspension, solution or emulsion is fed by e.g. a peristaltic pump through a nozzle that could be a pneumatic nozzle, an ultrasonic nozzle, a rotary atomizer or a pressurized nozzle. A typical size distribution of spheres produced by this process can range from 1000 xcexcm down to 10 xcexcm.
c) Freezing of the formed droplets: The atomizer is situated above the cold medium in a cylindrical vessel. If the cold medium is a liquified gas the droplets in the spray formed by the nozzle hit the cold boiling gas before hitting the cold medium that is stirred to get a better wetting of the droplets. Instant freezing takes place and the structure of the homogeneous suspension is retained within the frozen microparticles.
d) Sublimation of the frozen liquid within the droplets: The frozen droplets are transferred from the cold medium to a freeze-drier to sublimate the frozen liquid. This step takes place without any shrinkage of the droplets or migration of excipients (e g polymers) and thus the structure of the suspension/solution/emulsion is retained within the dry microparticles.
The polymer or dispersing agent used for the formulation may be a dry polymer that is partly or fully soluble in the liquid. The polymer or dispersing agent used might also be a dispersion of polymer particles (e g a latex).
The polymer or dispersing agent could be but are not limited to the excipients listed below.
cellulose derivatives, like ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate phtalate, methylcellulose, etc
other polysaccharides, like alginate; xanthan; carrageenan; scleroglucan; pullulan; dextran; hyaluronic acid; chitin; chitosan; starch; etc
other natural polymers, like proteins (e g albumin, gelatin, etc); natural rubber; gum arabic; etc
synthetic polymers, like acrylates (e g polymethacrylate, poly(hydroxy ethyl methacrylate), poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(hydroxy ethyl methacrylatexe2x80x94co methyl methacrylate), Carbopol(copyright) 934, etc); polyamides (e g polyacrylamide, poly(methylene bisacrylamide), etc); polyanhydrides (e g poly(bis carboxyphenoxy)methane, etc); PEO-PPO block-co-polymers (e g poloxamers, etc); polyvinyl chloride; polyvinyl pyrrolidone; polyvinyl acetate; polyvinyl alcohol; polyethylene, polyethylene glycols and co-polymers thereof; polyethylene oxides and co-polymers thereof; polypropylene and co-polymers thereof; polystyrene; polyesters (e.g. poly(lactic acid), poly(glycolic acid), poly(caprolactone), etc, and co-polymers therof, and poly(ortho esters), and co-polymers thereof); polycarbonate; cellophane; silicones (e.g. poly (dimethylsiloxane), etc); polyurethanes; synthetic rubbers (e.g. styrene butadiene rubber, isopropene rubber, etc); etc
surfactants, e.g. anionic, like sulphated fatty alcohols (e g sodium dodecyl sulphate), sulphated polyoxyethylated alcohols or sulphated oils, etc; cationic, like quaternary ammonium and pyridinium cationic surfactants, etc; non-ionic, like polysorbates (e.g. Tween), sorbitan esters (e.g. Span), polyoxyethylated linear fatty alcohols (e.g. Brij), polyoxyethylated castor oil (e g Cremophor), polyoxyethylated stearic acid (e g Myrj), etc.
other substances, like shellacs; waxes (e.g. carnauba wax, beeswax, glycowax, castor wax, etc); nylon; stearates (e.g. glycerol palmitostearate, glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl tristearate, stearyl alcohol, etc); lipids (e g glycerides, phospholipids, etc); paraffin; lignosulphonates; etc.
Also, combinations of these excipients are possible.
The excipients mentioned above can be toughened by introducing a plasticizer. The plasticizer can be but is not limited to the plasticizers mentioned below.
glycerin, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, triethyl citrate, diethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, dibutyl sebacate, sorbitol, triacetin, etc
Also, combinations of these plasticizers are possible.
The liquid used for the preparation of the suspension/solution/emulsion, can be a solvent for the excipients listed above and encompass, e g water or organic solvents with freezing points well above the freezing point of the medium used for freezing as exemplified below. Liquids, alone or a mixture of, suitable to make a suspension/solution/emulsion of the active substance, can then be, but are not limited to:
water (melting point (mp) 0xc2x0 C.), tertiary butyl alcohol (mp 25.5xc2x0 C.), cyclohexane (mp +6xc2x0 C.), methylene chloride (mp xe2x88x9295.1xc2x0 C.), acetone (mp xe2x88x9295.3xc2x0 C.), methanol (mp xe2x88x9294xc2x0 C.), ethanol (mp xe2x88x92117xc2x0 C.), etc;
The cold medium can typically be a liquified gas, e.g. liquid nitrogen (boiling point xe2x88x92196xc2x0 C.), liquid argon (boiling point xe2x88x92186xc2x0 C.), liquid oxygen (boiling point xe2x88x92183xc2x0 C.), or a cooled solvent well below the freezing point of the liquid in the suspension.
The mechanical strength of the microparticles is important for determining whether they will withstand processing with a polymer coating in a fluid bed.
Examining the microparticles with a microscope before and after the fluidization in a fluid bed will give an indication of their mechanical strength.
To achieve a relative measurement of mechanical strength the pressure where microparticles started to deform was evaluated. Microparticles within a certain size range (sieve fraction) were placed as a monolayer onto the surface of a probe with a certain area. Different loads (forces) were applied to the layer of microparticles for one minute.
Examination of the monolayer of microparticles before and after loading was made in a Scanning Electron Microscope to see at what load the microparticles started to deform. The pressure at which the microparticles started to deform was then calculated.
Pharmaceutically active substances suitable to form microparticles of this invention can be but are not limited to peptides, proteins, low molecular organic substances, pro-drugs, antigens, hormones.
Thus, a microparticle according to the present invention comprises one (or several) pharmaceutically active substances with one or several additional non-active substances, which are dispersed within the microsphere.
Uncoated particles can be retrieved as they are easily dissolved when they are immersed into a liquid due to their porous structure.
The microparticles obtained can be coated with a polymer to achieve either a time-controlled release, a site-controlled release or a pH-dependent release. Suitable polymers for coating can be, but are not limited to, the same type of polymers as listed above.
The coated microparticles can be put into capsules or incorporated into a tablet compressed by methods known by those skilled in the art.
The formulations produced based on the microparticles, coated or uncoated, can be given by different administration routes, such as, but not limited to, the oral, the parenteral, the nasal, the pulmonary, the rectal, the tonsillar, the buccal, the intraocular, the vaginal etc, administration routes. The preferred administrations are by the oral, nasal, pulmonary and rectal routes.

Abstract: Method of obtaining microparticles.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of homogeneous microparticles containing a pharmaceutically active substance by a spray freezing technique wherein the medium to be atomized into droplets has a high dry content and comprises besides the active substance a polymer and a liquid (in which the polymer may be soluble) in which the active substance and polymer are suspended, dissolved or emulsified.


An illuminator, in particular for a signal lamp, having at least one LED which is mounted on an LED printed circuit board is provided which permits uncomplicated and flexible production. A base housing of the illuminator is produced from plastic. The base housing is penetrated by at least two contact elements.

This application claims the priorities of German Application Nos. 100 18 222.4, filed Apr. 12, 2000 and 100 38 561.3, filed Aug. 3, 2000, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.
The invention relates to an illuminator, in particular for a signal lamp such as for a motor vehicle.
Various illuminators which use light emitting diodes (LEDs) as a source of illumination have already become known. Such an illuminator is described, for example, in the German Utility Model DE 298 06 589. The illuminator, further described herein as a xe2x80x9cluminous meansxe2x80x9d in accordance with the prior art has a T-shaped printed circuit board which extends with the narrower, lower part into the base of the luminaire, where the electric connections leading to the outside are undertaken. A plurality of light emitting diodes are mounted in the upper, wider part of the printed circuit board.
By contrast, it is the object of the invention to propose a luminous means which exhibits a lower outlay of production and can, in particular, be constructed in a cost effective manner in high volume numbers.
This object is achieved by an illuminator, in particular for a signal lamp, having at least one LED, which is mounted on an LED printed circuit board, and having a base. A base housing is produced from plastic, and the base housing is penetrated by at least two contact elements.
Advantageous designs and developments of the invention are possible by means of the features described herein.
Accordingly, a luminous means according to the invention is provided with a base housing made from plastic. In addition to the more cost-effective production in large piece numbers, a plastic housing offers the advantage of electric and thermal insulation.
In this case, contact is made with the printed circuit board by virtue of the fact that at least two contact elements are provided which penetrate the housing of the base. Despite the insulating property of the base housing, current can be applied to the luminous means with the aid of the contact elements.
The contact elements are preferably arranged such that they penetrate a bottom plate of the base housing. It is possible thereby to fashion a base which can be inserted into standard holders and closes the required contact at the conventional contact points upon being plugged into the appropriate holder. The contact elements can, for example, be constructed in this case as contact pins which not only produce the external contact, but simultaneously project into the interior of the base as far as the components with which contact is to be made.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the contact elements are simultaneously provided with cutting and/or latching elements which serve the purpose of fixation in the base. By way of example, the cutting elements can be constructed in the form of, for example, sawtooth external teeth on the contact pins which cut into the base material upon being pressed in and thus mesh at least partially with the base plate, thus fixing the contact elements after they are pressed in. Latching elements with the aid of which the contact elements are latched on the base would also be conceivable in another embodiment.
In a particular embodiment of the invention, a base plate which is essentially transverse to the LED printed circuit board is provided, being connected to contact elements of the base. Owing to this type of construction, the base can be of the same design up to the base plate in each case for luminous means of different sizes.
Depending on the shape desired, the LED printed circuit board need only be used in a fashion appropriately modified in terms of size and shape.
A base for a luminous means according to the invention can be mounted with particular ease especially when use is made of a printed circuit board, fitted with said electronic components, as a base plate in conjunction with pin-shaped contact elements. All that is required in this case to finish the base unit is for the contact pins to be plugged in from the underside and connected to the base plate, which is put on from the top side of the base.
The connection of the contact pins to the base plate can be implemented in different ways. Thus, a plug-in, compression and/or soldered connection can be provided at this point. Preference is to be given in this case to solderless connections for the purpose of simplifying the mounting of the base according to the invention. Particularly in the case of a plug-in connection, this results in an extremely simple mounting of the cap by plugging together the three named different components, that is to say the contact pins of the base housing and the base plate.
In a development of the invention, this base with the essentially transverse printed circuit board can simultaneously contain electronic components such that the base constitutes a complete sub-assembly for a modular design of the luminous means. The components can be accommodated in this case either on the base plate or else also, without difficulty, in the base housing, because of the insulating property of the base housing. It is possible with the aid of such electronic components for the base to be configured as a complete connecting module for a multiplicity of different luminaires.
Thus, for example, the circuits required for supplying low-voltage power can be integrated into the base. Other functions, for example flashing functions, color selections or the like can also be accommodated in the base design according to the invention. If appropriate, when use is made of complex controls it is also possible for one or more control lines to be led outside from the base for the purpose of making contact.
The electronic components in the base housing or on the base plate can, for example, also contain electric circuits which enhance the interference immunity of the luminous means. Thus, for example, electromagnetic pulses, so-called surge and burst pulses which, for example can be produced by a lightening stroke or by power interruptions in the network, can be absorbed and ameliorated with the aid of such an electric circuit. This yields a substantially longer service life for a luminaire with luminous means according to the invention.
Moreover, if required it is possible straight away also to construct a plurality of LED printed circuit boards, for example in a triangular arrangement, for improved all around illumination on a base having said transverse base plate.
A base according to the invention is fitted with an LED printed circuit board in order to finish the luminous means. This printed circuit board is put on essentially transverse to the base plate, and contact is made with it. Various types of connections come into consideration, in turn, for making contact, for example a plug-in, compression or soldered connection. Solderless connections offer the advantage here, in turn, of simplified mounting.
Particularly in the case of a plug-in connection, the further construction of the luminous means according to the invention requires only that the desired LED printed circuit board be selected from a corresponding assortment and plugged on.
In a particular embodiment, fastening elements for further components are additionally integrally formed into the base housing. This can be done without difficulty chiefly by producing the base housing from plastic, and simplifies the mounting, for example of the base plate or of a cover on the base housing. All conceivable designs, for example a bayonet lock or threaded stub etc. come into consideration as fastening element in this case.
In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the fastening elements, for example for fixing the base plate or a spherical cap, are constructed as a latching element, and so the appropriate component can be mounted in a particularly simple and, if appropriate, redetachable fashion.
When the base plate is pressed into such latching elements, for example in the case of a plug-in connection, it is possible at the same time for contact to be made and for the base plate to be fixed with reference to the base housing.
In a development of the invention, there is provided as a cover a transparent spherical cap which surrounds the LED printed circuit board or LED printed circuit boards and is connected to the base element. The closure with the base can be constructed variously to be detachable or nondetachable. Thus, for example, the spherical cap can be bonded or welded to the base. Depending on the intended use, detachable connections, for example a latching or bayonet lock can also be conceived straight away.
The spherical cap can have a smooth outer surface, but in a particular embodiment it is also provided with light-guiding elements, for example lens profiles. The emission characteristic of the luminous means can be influenced with the aid of such a spherical cap structure. Prismatic structures can also be provided in order to implement a desired emission characteristic.
In addition to the function regarding the emission characteristic of the luminous means, the spherical cap also fulfills a protective and insulating function. Thus, for example, the spherical cap protects the interior of the luminous means against soiling. Moreover, the spherical cap constitutes a shock-hazard protection, since it insulates both electrically and thermally.
This protective and insulation function can be further improved, if required, by a seal between the spherical cap and the base of the luminous means.
In a departure from the form of spherical cap specified above, in other designs the spherical cap can be smooth and/or grooved both outside and inside.
In a particular embodiment of the invention, guide and/or fixing elements are also provided for the LED printed circuit board. These can be provided, for example, in the base housing or also in the base plate. However, it is advantageous also to fit an appropriate fixing element in the spherical cap. Such a fixing element can be provided in the inside of the spherical cap on its top side, such that in combination with fastening on the base plate or the base there is a comparatively large guide length, and thus a stable fastening of the LED printed circuit board.
The contact pins which penetrate the base plate of the base can be constructed not only to be electrically conductive, but also to be thermally conductive, and thus to promote the dissipation of heat from the interior of the luminous means.
A complete luminaire can be produced in a particularly favorable way with the aid of a luminous means according to the invention in the embodiment with the spherical cap specified above. In this case, the production of a complete luminaire further requires only a holder for the insertion of the luminous means which has appropriate holding elements for fixing at the desired place of use for all desired types of mounting, for example for bottom mounting, angle mounting, central mounting etc. Such a holder can have, for example, an external thread for fastening in a machine housing, a stand or the like. Insertion of the luminous means into the corresponding holder, which can, for example, contain conventional cable clamps for an electric connection, therefore finishes off the complete luminaire without the need for a complicated luminaire housing for the insertion of a luminous means with an additional spherical cap.
In a particular embodiment, it is expedient to provide for such a complete luminaire a seal between the holder and the base of the luminous means, such that the electric contact points between the holder and the luminous means are protected against the intrusion of dust and/or water.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.


A media manager provides data flow management and other services for client applications on devices coupled together within a network. Preferably, these devices are coupled together within an IEEE 1394-1995 serial bus network. A device control module is generated for each available device for providing an abstraction for all of the capabilities and requirements of the device including the appropriate control protocol, physical connections and connection capabilities for the device. The media manager also manages the flow and format of data transfers between the devices on the network. Through an interface, a user accesses the media manager and enters functions which are to be completed using the devices coupled together on the network. If the appropriate devices are available, the media manager controls and manages the completion of the requested task. If the appropriate devices are not available, but the required subdevices are available in multiple devices, the media manager forms a virtual device from subdevices in multiple devices in order to complete the requested task. Once the appropriate devices and subdevices are assigned to a task, the media manager determines if the data to be transmitted needs to be converted from one format into another format. If necessary, the media manager will also control the format conversion during the data transfer operation. The media manager also provides network enumeration and registry searching capabilities for client applications to find available services, physical devices and virtual devices.

The present invention relates to the field of managing applications and devices within a network environment. More particularly, the present invention relates to the field of managing the operation of and the communication between devices within a network environment.
The IEEE 1394-1995 standard, xe2x80x9c1394-1995 Standard For A High Performance Serial Bus,xe2x80x9d is an international standard for implementing an inexpensive high-speed serial bus architecture which supports both asynchronous and isochronous format data transfers. Isochronous data transfers are real-time transfers which take place such that the time intervals between significant instances have the same duration at both the transmitting and receiving applications. Each packet of data transferred isochronously is transferred in its own time period. An example of an ideal application for the transfer of data isochronously would be from a video recorder to a television set. The video recorder records images and sounds and saves the data in discrete chunks or packets. The video recorder then transfers each packet, representing the image and sound recorded over a limited time period, during that time period, for display by the television set. The IEEE 1394-1995 standard bus architecture provides multiple channels for isochronous data transfer between applications. A six bit channel number is broadcast with the data to ensure reception by the appropriate application. This allows multiple applications to simultaneously transmit isochronous data across the bus structure. Asynchronous transfers are traditional data transfer operations which take place as soon as possible and transfer an amount of data from a source to a destination.
The IEEE 1394-1995 standard provides a high-speed serial bus for interconnecting digital devices thereby providing a universal I/O connection. The IEEE 1394-1995 standard defines a digital interface for the applications thereby eliminating the need for an application to convert digital data to analog data before it is transmitted across the bus. Correspondingly, a receiving application will receive digital data from the bus, not analog data, and will therefore not be required to convert analog data to digital data. The cable required by the IEEE 1394-1995 standard is very thin in size compared to other bulkier cables used to connect such devices. Devices can be added and removed from an IEEE 1394-1995 bus while the bus is active. If a device is so added or removed the bus will then automatically reconfigure itself for transmitting data between the then existing nodes. A node is considered a logical entity with a unique address on the bus structure. Each node provides an identification ROM, a standardized set of control registers and its own address space.
Media devices are being equipped with network interfaces allowing them to become part of a network such as the IEEE 1394-1995 serial bus network. In a home audio/video network incorporating such autonomous media devices it is possible that one or more such devices will be coupled together in a network with a personal computer, settop box or other device including a microprocessor. Currently, there is a lack of available interfaces and control applications which will efficiently manage the interaction and operation of the autonomous devices within such a network configuration. What is needed is an interface which allows a controlling device within a network configuration to efficiently control communications between the devices and the operation of the devices within the network. What is further needed is an interface which allows a controlling device within a network configuration to maximize the availability of devices within a network for completion of tasks and operations.
A media manager provides data flow management and other services for client applications on devices coupled together within a network. Preferably, these devices are coupled together within an IEEE 1394-1995 serial bus network. A device control module is generated for each available device for providing an abstraction for all of the capabilities and requirements of the device including the appropriate control protocol, physical connections and connection capabilities for the device. The media manager also manages the flow and format of data transfers between the devices on the network. Through an interface, a user accesses the media manager and enters functions which are to be completed using the devices coupled together on the network. If the appropriate devices are available, the media manager controls and manages the completion of the requested task. If the appropriate devices are not available, but the required subdevices are available in multiple devices, the media manager forms a virtual device from subdevices in multiple devices in order to complete the requested task. Once the appropriate devices and subdevices are assigned to a task, the media manager determines if the data to be transmitted needs to be converted from one format into another format. If necessary, the media manager will also control the format conversion during the data transfer operation. The media manager also provides network enumeration and registry searching capabilities for client applications to find available services, physical devices and virtual devices.

Media manager for controlling autonomous media devices within a network environment and managing the flow and format of data between the devices


A lock mechanism is disclosed, the lock mechanism having a rotary latch configured for rotation between a locked position and an unlocked position, the rotary latch rotating in a first plane and the rotary latch is retained in the locked position after it has been rotated into the locked position from the unlocked position, the rotary latch being spring biased into the unlocked position by a biasing member; and a first lock mechanism for retaining the rotary latch in the locked position after rotation of the rotary latch into the locked position, the rotary latch being capable of being manipulated back into the unlocked position from the locked position after actuation of the first locking mechanism into a release position, wherein actuation of the first lock mechanism is in a second plane that is not parallel to the first plane.

This application relates to methods for vending retail products to consumers, and more specifically to a method for vending sensitive retail products that must be stored in a secure location to consumers.
Because propane gas is extremely flammable and explosive, the storage and transportation of propane using propane tanks requires a great deal of precaution and is regulated by both federal and state law. As a result, the propane tanks used to store and transport propane gas can be expensive. To avoid the cost of paying for a new tank each time more propane gas is needed, many consumers, particularly those using propane for gas grills, use refillable propane tanks that can be taken to a propane distributor or a retail distributor for a refill whenever more propane is needed.
In recent years, to provide a safer and more convenient method for refill centers to supply propane, propane tank exchange programs have been introduced. A typical propane tank exchange program operates by having a consumer bring an old tank to the refill center, drop the tank off at an exchange display outside the store entrance, inform a cashier that he or she would like to exchange the empty tank and purchase a full tank, follow a store representative to a tank display unit, and take a full propane tank after the store representative unlocks the tank display unit.
While refill and exchange programs have been utilized for propane tanks and other products, both program types are inherently inefficient for retail centers. For example, consumers must wait while an attendant refills or walks to a display unit to exchange a propane tank (which increases the likelihood of lines forming), more staffing time is required, and staff must be trained to handle, and do handle, hazardous propane.
Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a system, apparatus and a method for vending a sensitive product that must be stored in a secure location, such as a propane tank, to a consumer in a manner that is safe, convenient, and secure; reduces labor cost; and can be implemented in a cost efficient manner.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

Apparatus and method for vending securely stored products to consumers