This invention relates to novel dental compositions and methods for preventing dental plaque and carie formation and generally for inhibiting tooth decay and brightening/whitening teeth. The compositions of this invention comprise organic acids such as acetic acid and salts thereof which can be combined with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or diluents to be administered in the form of conventional dental compositions. The compositions of the present invention also preferably contain sodium hexametaphosphate.

The present invention relates generally to an oral hygiene product. More particularly, the present invention relates to a dental composition such as a tooth paste, cream, gel or dentifrice, a mouth wash or rinse, a dental pack, or dental floss. Specifically, the invention relates to multi-functional dental products containing acetic acid.
Bacterial aggregation on the teeth is known as plaque and causes dental caries, gingivitis, periodontitis and other gum diseases. A variety of microorganisms are present in the oral cavity. These range from the natural flora of the host to pathogenic species. Among these microorganisms are the gram-positive rods associated with the formation of plaque (a dense, enamel-adherent, microorganism-containing polysaccharide matrix). Specific areas, including periodontal and subgingival spaces, and interpapillary spaces of the tongue present environments that harbor bacteria. These spaces are difficult to reach by tooth brushing, and are only moderately affected by standard mouthwashes. Mechanical methods have been used for some time for the prevention of dental plaque but have not generally achieved sufficient results. Studies have shown that mechanical methods such as the use of dental floss and inter-space brushes do not efficiently eliminate plaque. The persistence of these microorganisms in such environments greatly increases the risk of calculus and plaque build up and carie formation, which in turn presents the danger of gingival inflammation and periodontal disease. Thus chemical plaque control as a substitute or supplement to mechanical methods is sought.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,636,382 describes morpholino compounds which are useful for the inhibition or removal of dental plaque. The ""382 patent also discloses that a wide variety of chemical and biological agents have been suggested for the inhibition of plaque, such as penicillin, chlorohexidine, 8-hydroxyquinoline and ethylenediamine tetraacetate. However, many of these chemical and biological agents are described as exhibiting insignificant effects and often causing serious side effects. U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,871 describes the use of monoalkyl or dialkyl ethers of dianhydrohexitols to inhibit the formation of plaque and calculus on teeth. U.S. Pat. No. 4,178,363 describes the use of n-undecylenic fatty acid or a calcium or zinc salt thereof for reducing dental plaque and infections of the teeth and gums. U.S. Pat. No. 4,119,711 describes spiro 1-(hydroxyalkyl)-piperidino derivatives which have efficacy in reducing the formation of plaque. U.S. Pat. No. 3,976,765 describes bis-biguanido hexanes in combination with nonionic surfactants and certain foam stabilizers for use in a variety of oral preparations. Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 3,887,712 discloses that alexidine dihydrofluoride is useful in the treatment of dental plaque, calculus, gingivitis and related periodontal diseases. U.S. Pat. No. 4,160,821 discloses that a glycerine solution of zinc chloride or other acceptable zinc salts provides effective therapy for gingivitis when applied to the gingivae and teeth. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,149,895; 5,240,415; 5,648,064; and 5,645,428 disclose teeth-bleaching compositions having as active ingredient hydrogen peroxide. U.S. Pat. No. 4,012,839 teaches a technique of disinfecting caries-infected or potentially caries-infected dental tissue with silver nitrate, silver thiocyanate or its complexes. U.S. Pat. No. 4,060,600 teaches a method of treating teeth in dentistry, for the prevention of calculus, removal of caries, and dissolution of plaque, comprising applying an aqueous solution containing a hypochlorite of an alkali and/or alkaline earth metal, and an amino compound capable of forming water-soluble non-mucous irritating N-chloro and/or N-dichloro derivatives thereof to the teeth. U.S. Pat. No. 4,327,079 provides a dentifrice composition containing synthetic hydroxyapatite powder which is neutral or weakly alkaline or contains 0.1 to 20% by weight of NaCl and/or KCl and 0.003 to 3% by weight of MgCl2 as useful for fortifying a surface of a tooth, promoting remineralization of the surface of the tooth and eliminating plaque from the tooth.
While it is thus clear that a variety of approaches have been tried in the past, efforts continue toward finding improved means for brightening teeth and reducing and/or eliminating plaque without many of the side effects associated with the prior art, such as discoloration of teeth or tongue, desquamation and soreness of oral mucosa, objectionable taste, toxicity and imbalance of the oral flora. For example, chlorhexidine is know to stain teeth, and has been know to cause tissue necrosis of the tongue and gums which may persist in tissue. Also, while chlorhexidine has good antibacterial qualities, it has poor cleansing qualities. Hydrogen peroxide has poor antibacterial properties but works very well by using bursts of oxygen to flush out debris and cleanse.
This invention relates to the treatment of teeth and gums. An object of the invention is to provide a composition for treating teeth, for the removal of plaque and caries, and for the prevention of the build-up of calculus.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel composition which is useful in cleansing and brightening teeth and in the treatment of plaque and gingivitis without many of the adverse side effects associated with other compositions. It is another object of this invention to provide dental compositions which would cause little or no ecological imbalance of the oral flora. It is a further object of this invention to provide a composition comprising a combination of acetic acid and conventional tooth paste ingredients wherein this composition possesses improved anti-plaque, anti-gingivitis, and cleansing activity.
Another object is to provide a method for treating teeth which removes plaque and caries, without damaging the teeth.
Yet another object is to provide a method of treating teeth by dissolving away or dispersing plaque and caries, thus essentially eliminating the need for mechanical removal.
The composition of the present invention can be delivered in common dental products such as tooth pastes or dentifrices, tooth powders, mouthwashes, dental floss, toothpicks, chewing gum and the like.
The dental product of the present invention cleans and brightens/whitens teeth. It is also suitable for the treatment of gum disease. It is equally well suited for the prevention of caries, calculi and tartar formation as well as to help remove them.
By addition of a suitable carrier, e.g., a thickening agent, such as colloidal silica, to form a paste, the solution may be more readily applied with an applicator such as a toothbrush or the like. Such a paste may contain other conventional additives such as an abrading agent such as calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, etc. The dentifrice composition of the present invention can include various other additives which are commonly employed in dentifrices and are well known in the art.
The composition of the present invention need not to be in semi-solid or solid form, i.e., paste or powder, but can be equally used as a solution to be brought adequately into contact with the teeth for a sufficient period of time to enable the plaque and caries to be dissolved and the teeth to be cleansed and brightened, e.g., as a conventional mouth rinse or mouth wash.
The present invention also includes a method of treating teeth in dentistry, for the prevention of calculus, and/or the removal of caries, and/or the dissolving of plaque, and/or brightening/whitening teeth, comprising bringing into contact with the teeth a composition comprising acetic acid and preferably, a preparation containing conventional tooth paste or dentifrice ingredients. Conventional ingredients include, but are not limited to colorants, abrasives and polishing agents, flavoring agents, sweeteners, buffers, diluents, surfactants, gum, sodium fluoride, glycerol, chelating agents, and other ingredients well-known as dental additives and carriers.
The preferred dental product of the present invention contains acetic acid. Preferably the composition also contains sodium hexametaphosphate. By way of example, a suitable acetic acid solution is about 1% to 2%. In accordance with the scope of this invention, the pH of the solution should be maintained between 4 and 7 inclusive. Preferably, the pH is 5.5xc2x11, more preferably, the pH is about 5.0. In order to maintain the preferred pH range it is desirable to add a buffer system to the dental composition. Such a buffer is preferably compatible with the preferred compounds, that is, it should not have any negative effect on same, and should be non-toxic.
The dental product of the present invention is a tooth gel/dentifrice that cleans and brightens/whitens teeth. However, the instant dental product can also be a mouth wash, a paste, a gel, a dental pack, or dental floss. It may also be used to treat gum disease. It is equally well suited to prevent caries, calculi and tartar formation as well as to help remove them.
The dental product of the present invention contains acetic acid. Preferably the composition also contains sodium hexametaphosphate.
Examples of some acids which may be used according to the present invention instead of or in addition to acetic acid are phosphoric acid, boric acid, hydrochloric acid, maleic acid, benzoic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, glycolic acid, gentisic acid, valeric acid, gallic acid, beta-resorcylic acid, acetyl salicylic acid, salicylic acid, perchloric acid, barbituric acid, sulfanilic acid, phytic acid, p-nitro benzoic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, myristic acid, lauric acid ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), ethylene glycol-bis{beta-aminoethyl ether}-N,N,Nxe2x80x2,Nxe2x80x2-tetraacetic acid, and diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid and the like. The most preferred salts are those of acetic acid but any pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the above acids are equally suitable
In the compositions of this invention, acetic and other organic acids are present preferably in an amount ranging from about 0.001% to about 5.0% by weight of the total composition; more preferably from about 0.01% to about 3.0%; most preferably from about 0.05% to about 1.2%, even more preferably from about 0.08 to about 1.0%.
The desired pH range achieved by the content of acid in the composition is between 4 and 7 inclusive. Preferably, the pH is 5.5xc2x11, more preferably, the pH is about 5.0. In order to maintain the preferred pH range in some occasions it can be desirable to add a buffer system to the dental composition. The selection of the buffer is well known in the art and the buffer is preferably compatible with the other ingredients, that is, it should not have any negative effect on same, and should be non-toxic.
The present invention successfully cleans and brightens teeth while inhibiting and reducing the growth of plaque bacteria, which is achieved when acetic acid or other equivalent organic acid is utilized in combination with conventional dental ingredients in effective concentrations to treat the oral cavity. Small quantities of this unexpectedly simple and nevertheless active component is required to obtain effective inhibition of plaque and other bacteria. Since low quantities of active component can be used in the compositions of this invention, the side effects associated with use of the present invention is correspondingly reduced or eliminated.
Microorganisms that may be eliminated by the present composition and methods include but are not limited to Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Malassezia species, Trichophyton rubrum, Epidermophyton species, Microsporum species, Sporothrix species, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Coccidiodes immiitis, Histoplasma capsulatum, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus epidermis, Zanthomonus maltrophilia, Acinetobacter, Enterobacter cloacae, Serratia marscens, Listeria, Monocytogenes, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumonia, Viridans streptococci, Haemophilus influenzae, Proteus mirabills, Proteus vulgaris and Bacterioides fragilis among many others.
In one form of this invention, the composition may be a liquid such as a mouthwash or rinse. In such a composition the vehicle is typically a water-alcohol mixture. Generally the ratio of water to alcohol is in the range of from about 1:1 to about 20:1, preferably about 3:1 to about 20:1 and most preferably about 3:1 to about 10:1 by weight. The most preferred mouthwash or mouth rinse compositions comprise from 0 to about 30% by weight alcohol, such as ethanol. The total amount of water-alcohol composition in a mouthwash composition is typically in the range from about 70% to about 99.9% by weight of the composition. The pH value of such a mouthwash composition is generally from about 4.0 to about 7.0 and preferably from about 5 to about 6.5. A pH below 4 would be irritating to the oral cavity. A pH greater than 7 would result in an unpleasant feel.
Oral liquid compositions may also contain surface active agents in amounts up to about 5% and fluorine-providing compounds in amounts up to about 2% by weight of the composition.
The composition also comprises chelating agents, including but not limited to, ethylenediaminetatraacetic acid, edetate sodium, edetate disodium, edetate trisodium, edetate calcium disodium, deferoxamine, ditiocarb sodium, aluminum salts, citric acid-sodium salt, gluconic acid-sodium salt, tartaric acid, sodium hexametaphosphate, anthranilic acid, phosphonate, polyacrylic acid, alkyl-diamine polyacetic acids and salts, penicillamine, pentetic acid, succimer and trientine. The preferred chelator is sodium hexametaphosphate. These chelators are especially useful in preventing and dissolving calculus build-up.
Surface active agents are organic materials which afford complete dispersion of the composition throughout the oral cavity. The organic surface active material may be non-ionic, amphoteric, or cationic.
Preferred non-ionic surface active agents include condensates of sorbitan mono-oleate with from 20 to 60 moles of ethylene oxide (e.g., xe2x80x9cTweensxe2x80x9d a trademark of ICI United States, Inc.), condensates of ethylene oxide with propylene oxide and condensates of propylene glycol (xe2x80x9cPluronicsxe2x80x9d a trademark of BASF-Wyandotte Corp.).
Other suitable non-ionic surfactants are the condensation products of an alpha-olefin oxide containing 10 to 20 carbon atoms, a polyhydric alcohol containing 2 to 10 carbons and 2 to 6 hydroxyl groups and either ethylene oxide or a heteric mixture of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. The resulting surfactants are heteric polymers having a molecular weight in the range of about 400 to about 1600 and containing 40% to 80% by weight of ethylene oxide, with a alpha-olefin oxide to polyhydric alcohol mole ratio in the range of about 1:1 to 1:3.
Amphoteric surfactants useful in the present invention are zwitterions having the capacity to act as either an acid or a base. They are generally non-irritating and non-staining. Non-limitative examples of suitable amphoteric surfactants include cocoamidopropyldimethylsultaine and cocodimethylbetaine (commercially available from Lonza Chem. Co. under the trade-names Lonzaine CS and Lonzaine 12C, respectively).
Cationic surface active agents are molecules that carry a positive charge such as the quaternary ammonium compounds and are well know to those of skill in the art.
A fluorine providing compound may be present in the oral compositions of this invention. These compounds may be slightly water soluble or may be fully water soluble and are characterized by their ability to release fluoride ions or fluoride containing ions in water. Typical fluorine providing compounds are inorganic fluoride salts such as soluble alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, and heavy metal salts, for example, sodium fluoride, potassium fluoride, ammonium fluoride, cuprous fluoride, zinc fluoride, stannic fluoride, stannous fluoride, barium fluoride, sodium fluorosilicate, ammonium fluorosilicate, sodium fluorozirconate, sodium monofluorophosphate, aluminum mono-and difluorophosphate and fluorinated sodium calcium pyrophosphate.
In an oral liquid composition such as a mouthwash, the fluorine providing compound is generally present in an amount sufficient to release up to about 0.15%, preferably about 0.001% to about 0.05%, fluoride by weight of the composition.
The compositions of this invention may be substantially solid or pasty in character such as dental cream, toothpaste, toothpowder or chewing gum. Such solid or pasty oral compositions may also contain polishing materials. Typical polishing materials are abrasive particulate materials having particle sizes of up to about 20 microns. Nonlimiting illustrative examples include water-insoluble sodium metaphosphate, potassium metaphosphate, tricalcium phosphate, dehydrated calcium phosphate, anhydrous dicalcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate, calcium pyrophosphate, magnesium orthophosphate, trimagnesium phosphate, calcium carbonate, alumina, aluminum silicate, zirconium silicates, silica, bentonite, and mixtures thereof. Polishing materials are generally present in an amount from about 20% to about 99% by weight of the composition. Preferably, such materials are present in amounts from about 20% to about 75% in toothpaste, and from about 70% to about 99% in toothpowder.
In clear gels, a polishing agent of colloidal silica and alkali metal aluminosilicate complexes are preferred since they have refractive indices close to the refractive indices of gelling agent liquid systems commonly used in such dentifrices.
The compositions of the present invention may additionally contain sweeteners, flavorants and colorants.
In the instance where auxiliary sweeteners are utilized, the present invention contemplates the inclusion of those sweeteners well known in the art, including both natural and artificial sweeteners. Water-soluble sweetening agents such as monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides such as xylose, ribose, glucose, mannose, galactose, fructose, dextrose, sucrose, maltose, partially hydrolyzed starch, or corn syrup solids and sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol and mixtures thereof. Without limiting to these examples, water-soluble artificial sweeteners such as the soluble saccharin salts, i.e., sodium, or calcium saccharin salts, cyclamate salts, acesulfame-K and the like, and the free acid form of saccharin are equally suitable. Other sweeteners such as dipeptide based sweeteners such as L-phenylalanine methyl ester and materials described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,492,131 (herein incorporated by reference) and the like are equally suitable.
In general, the amount of sweetener will vary with the desired amount of sweetness selected for a particular composition. This amount will normally be 0.01% to about 40% by weight. The water-soluble sweeteners are preferably used in amounts of about 5% to about 40% by weight, and most preferably from about 10% to about 20% by weight of the final composition. In contrast, the artificial sweeteners described are preferably used in amounts of about 0.005% to about 5.0% and most preferably about 0.05% to about 2.5% by weight of the final composition. These amounts are ordinarily necessary to achieve a desired level of sweetness independent from the flavor level achieved from flavorants.
Suitable flavorings include both natural and artificial flavors, and mints such as peppermint, citrus flavors such as orange and lemon, artificial vanilla, cinnamon, various fruit flavors and the like. In one embodiment the flavoring agent comprises cinnamon-clove beads. Such beads can be additionally filled with fillers consisting of inert materials or medicinal agents such as vitamins or antibacterial agents. Both individual and mixed flavors are contemplated. The flavorings are generally utilized in amounts that will vary depending upon the individual flavor, and may, for example, range in amounts of about 0.1% to about 6% by weight of the final composition.
The colorants useful in the present invention, include the pigments which may be incorporated in amounts of up to about 2% by weight of the composition. Also, the colorants may include other dyes suitable for food, drug and cosmetic applications, and known as FD and C dyes and the like. The materials acceptable for the foregoing uses are preferably water-soluble. Illustrative examples include the indigo dye, known as FD and C Blue No. 2, which is the disodium salt of 5,5-indigotindisulfonic acid. Similarly, the dye known as FD and C Green No. 1, comprises a triphenylmethane dye and is the monosodium salt of 4-[4-N-ethyl-p-sulfobenzyl amino)diphenylmethylene]-[1-(N-ethyl-N-p-sulfoniumbenzyl)-2,5-cyclohexadie nimine]. A full recitation of all FD and C and D and C colorants useful in the present invention and their corresponding chemical structures may be found in the Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, 3rd Edition, in Volume 6, at pages 561-595, which text is accordingly incorporated herein by reference.
A medicated dental floss for controlling the bacterial activity associated with gingivitis is also contemplated. The floss incorporates acetic acid which, as a result of the flossing action, is deposited to the inter-dental area of the teeth. The slow dissolution of the antimicrobial agent ensures that effective levels of medication are attained for sustained periods, thereby reducing bacterial activity. Examples of making such floss are well known and are disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,921 herein incorporated by reference.
The present invention also involves a method for treating teeth or gums to reduce plaque or gingivitis comprising applying to the surface of the teeth and/or gums the compositions of this invention as described above. The compositions can be applied to the teeth and gums by any conventional means such as brushing, spraying, painting or rinsing of the oral cavity and the like. The compositions not only cleans and brightens the teeth and retards plaque accumulation, but has been demonstrated to remove pre-existing plaque as well. Additionally, the compositions show a prolonged effect on plaque accumulation following cessation of treatment for at least about one week after use. This property is especially useful in veterinary applications where animals are not necessarily treated on a daily basis, but where longer intervals of time occur between treatments.
The compositions of this invention are also useful as a topical antiseptic, disinfectant or antibacterial which is applied externally to the skin around the mouth or oral cavity. The composition can be delivered in form of a cream, lotion, lip balm, lipstick, or other art-known forms of carriers.
Other uses and applications for compositions prepared according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Preferred uses include, but are not limited to, formulations for oral use such as a mouthwash or dentifrice, mouth rinses (including swish and swallow preparations). Other preferred formulations for topical use are contemplated which include, but are not limited to, skin sanitizers, surgical scrubs and preparations, handwashs and towlettes; formulations for treatment of infections of the skin or mouth area in a human; veterinary medicament for animal skin, hooves, claws, fur, or teeth; nail paints and polishes; skin preparations; and footwear inserts.
The following examples are presented to further illustrate this invention. The examples are intended in an illustrative sense and not in a limitative sense. The present invention includes the embodiments described and shown and any equivalents thereof. All parts and percentages are on a weight basis unless otherwise indicated.


A data reading system includes a dual ended cable for connecting an electronic article surveillance (EAS) antenna located on a data reader with a separate radio frequency identification (RFID) reading device. The dual ended cable has different termination impedances at either end, and has an impedance matching network at one end. The impedance matching network matches the impedance of the EAS antenna to the RFID reading device, thereby eliminating signal reflection and enabling the data reader to be used with the RFID reading equipment.

The field of the present invention generally relates to optical systems for data reading and radio frequency identification (RFID) systems for remote identification of physical objects. More particularly, the field of the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for enabling a data reader with an electronic article surveillance (EAS) antenna to read RFID data.
Optical reading systems are widely used to read data in the form of bar codes or other encoded symbols printed on various objects. These systems may be used in a wide variety of applications, such as inventory control and point-of-sale transactions in retail stores.
Optical reading systems may employ an optical reader that illuminates a bar code and detects light reflected from the bars and spaces of the code, although such systems may be configured to operate in ambient light conditions. In one type of optical reading system, an optical beam of light produced by a laser diode is used to scan the bar code symbol. The bars of the code absorb light, while the spaces of the code reflect light. The resulting pattern of reflected light is detected by circuitry within the optical reader. The reflected light can be detected by a sensor such as a photocell, photodiode, CCD array, or CMOS array sensor.
After the bar code data is received by the optical reader, the sensor signal may be subject to filtering, amplification, digitization and decoding. The detected signal may be transmitted to a processor or decoder located within the optical reader, or to a separate device such as a personal computer. In systems where the signal is conveyed to a separate device, the optical reader may be connected to the external data processor by means of cables or via a wireless communication link. The wireless communication link can be implemented using radio frequency (RF) equipment or infrared (IR) transmitters and receivers, for example.
In retail stores, stationary optical reading systems may be set up at check-out stands and may be built into a horizontal check-out counter, so that items to be purchased can be placed on a counter, deck or conveyor, and then moved through an optical reading area. An example of a stationary optical reading system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,837,988, hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth fully herein. Alternatively, the optical reader may be a handheld device, in the shape of a wand or gun. An example of a handheld data reader is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,475,206, hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth fully herein. Typically, in operation these handheld devices are pointed or aimed at the retail item, so that a wide range of information, including price, may be read from the object.
Some optical readers are equipped with EAS antennas, enabling them to be used with EAS systems. EAS systems are typically used to prevent theft, by detecting tags or hidden labels located on any unpurchased items, as they pass through the exit of a retail store. In a common system, a transmitter sends a radio frequency (RF) signal to a tag, and the tag sends back a response signal, which is detected by a receiver. In some systems, the transmitter and receiver may be combined into one single antenna.
If a tag is detected by the EAS system, an alarm will be triggered indicating that a item that has not yet been purchased, is being taken from the premises. To prevent the alarm from being triggered by a purchased item, the tag must be removed or deactivated at time of purchase. In some systems the tag must be physically removed from the item, while in others, the tag may be disabled electronically. Once the tag is removed or disabled, the purchased item will no longer be detectable by the EAS system. Thus, in a common EAS system a retail item is either detected or not detected.
RFID systems can be used to identify retail items by reading information stored on tags or hidden labels on the items. Such systems do not merely detect the presence or non-presence of a tag. Instead, these systems can be used to remotely identify physical objects by the response signal sent back by the tag.
An RFID system typically employs at least two components, a xe2x80x9ctransponderxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9ctag,xe2x80x9d which is attached to the physical item to be identified, and a xe2x80x9creader,xe2x80x9d which sends an electromagnetic signal to the transponder and then detects a response. Typically, the reader emits a RF signal, which is received by the transponder, after the transponder comes within an appropriate range. In response, the transponder then sends its information via a modulated RF signal back to the reader. The reader detects this modulated signal, and can identify the transponder by decoding the modulated signal. After identifying the transponder, the reader can either store the decoded information or transmit the decoded signal to a computer.
In a conventional RFID system the transponder may be either xe2x80x9cpassivexe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cactive.xe2x80x9d A passive transponder is usually a simple resonant circuit, consisting of an inductive coil and a capacitor. Passive transponders are generally powered by the carrier signal transmitted from the reader. Active transponders, on the other hand, require their own battery source.
An optical reader equipped with EAS antennas will not work with RFID reading systems. EAS systems typically operate at frequencies in the range of 8 to 9 MHz. However, typical operating frequencies for RFID systems are 13.56 MHz, 915 MHz and 2450 MHz. Thus, attempting to connect an optical reader equipped with an EASA antenna would lead to unacceptable distortion of the signal, including signal reflection and possible loss of data. The inventor has therefore recognized that it would be advantageous to provide a mechanism and method for allowing an RFID reader to operate with an optical reader equipped with an EAS antenna.
The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for enabling a data reader with an EAS antenna to read RFID data. In one embodiment, a dual ended cable connects an EAS antenna located on a data reader with a separate RFID reading device. The dual ended cable, has different termination impedances at either end, and includes an impedance matching network on one end. The dual ended cable preferably has a characteristic impedance of a standard value, such as 50 ohms or 75 ohms, throughout the dual ended cable, except at the end having the impedance matching network. In an exemplary embodiment, the impedance matching network has a characteristic impedance equal to that of an EAS antenna located on a data reader. The end of the dual ended cable having the impedance matching network may be connected to the EAS antenna on the data reader, and the coaxial cable may be connected to a RFID reader, thereby minimizing distortion in the signal transmission and maximizing the power transfer between the data reader and the RFID reader.

Dual ended cable for connecting electronic article surveillance antenna with RFID equipment


A suture winding device is provided that includes a holder and a base having a needle holder for receiving a needle with a quantity of attached suture attached thereto. A plurality of rods is disposed on the base that may be arranged in one or more arrays. The plurality of rods at contribute to the alignment of a retainer disposed on the base that includes first and second members that may be joined together using pressure and/or heat. Prior to joining the first and second members of the retainer, the base may be rotated to form loops of suture around the arrays of rods.

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for packaging sutures and, more particularly, to a suture winding device and methods for use thereof.
2. Background of Related Art
Packages for surgical sutures having needles attached at one or both ends are typically constructed according to the nature of the suture material and to how the sutures will be used. Generally, the package holds the suture and attached needles in place, protects them during handling and storage, and allows ready access to the suture for removal with minimum handling at the time the suture is to be used.
The packages are loaded with one or more needles that have a desired quantity of suture attached. After positioning the needle or needles in the package, the attached suture is generally looped within the package using tracks, rods, posts, or other suitable positioning structures located within the package.
An example of one such package is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,123,528 to Brown et al., currently owned and assigned to United States Surgical, that discloses a package having a number of tracks and a needle receiving park. Each track has a suture receiving port and an opposed vacuum port. By applying vacuum to the vacuum receiving ports, a quantity of suture is drawn through the suture receiving port and received in the track. After a predetermined quantity of suture is received by the track, a needle attached to the suture is positioned in the needle receiving park.
A device for winding a quantity of suture attached to a needle is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,473,854 to Demarest et al. that discloses an apparatus having a number of workstations for packaging needles with an attached suture. As a turntable of the apparatus rotates, a tool nest attached to the turntable is rotated from one workstation to the next workstation. Each workstation performs a specific task with respect to packaging the needle with attached suture.

Suture winding device and methods of use thereof