Continuous processes for forming cyanoacrylate from polycyanoacrylate include stripping a solvent from a reaction mass; cracking a polymer in the reaction mass to form a cracked cyanoacrylate monomer and residue substances; and distilling the cracked cyanoacrylate monomer to produce a cyanoacrylate monomer product. These steps can be performed in short-path, wiped-film evaporators. Polycyanoacrylate used in the processes can be formed using cyanoacetate produced by processes for continuously producing cyanoacetate by forming a higher homologue cyanoacetate from a lower homologue cyanoacetate. The cyanoacetate can be formed in short-path, wiped-film evaporators.

An apparatus for practicing the inventive method includes a glass ampule having a tooth whitening solution vacuum sealed within a chamber of the ampule. The ampule is contained within a cylindrical plastic sleeve closed at one end and enclosed at its other open end by the proximal termination of a brush-type applicator. An adhesive such as glue is used to adhere the periphery of the brush to the inner surfaces of the plastic cylinder. The bristles preferably have circular cross-sections so that when they are tightly packed together and adhered to the plastic cylinder, interstices between adjacent bristles are sufficiently large enough to permit flow through of the tooth whitening composition while being sufficiently small enough to prevent shards of glass from the ampule, when broken open, to pass through the brush. A cardboard sleeve surrounds the plastic cylinder to protect the user from the glass ampule when broken. The method of using the inventive apparatus is also disclosed.

Applicators and a method of coloring a liquid. More specifically, the present invention relates to a liquid applicator having a flexible hollow body within which a liquid-filled, glass ampoule is received. The liquid applicator also has porous element containing colorant positioned such that when the ampoule is fractured, the liquid flows through the porous element containing colorant. Colorant is transferred to the liquid as it flows through the porous element. The resulting colored solution may be applied to the desired surface.

A method for forming an incision or wound dressing. First, second, and third layers 2-octyl cyanoacrylate adhesive 18, 20, and 22 are applied to a wound or incision site 14, with each layer covering the site 14 and extending to at least about five millimeters from each side of the site 14. After the first, second, and third layers 18, 20, and 22 are allowed to polymerize, a fourth layer 24 of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate adhesive is applied, the fourth layer 24 substantially covering at least one millimeter of the extending edge of the first, second, and third layers 18, 20, and 22. In the case of a high-tension wound or a wound near a joint, the fourth layer 24 extends at least about ten millimeters from each side of the site 14, and a fifth layer 26 of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate adhesive is applied. The fifth layer 26 substantially covers at least one millimeter of the extending edge of the first, second, and third layers 18, 20, and 22 and extends from each side of the site 14 a distance less than the distance the fourth layer 24 extends from each side of the site

A dispenser in which a dry powder (one component of a two-part adhesive tissue sealant and/or adhesive) is stored in a container (e.g., a carpule) having a septum at one end, an open end opposite the septum, and a movable plug. The powder is retained at the septum end of the container by the movable plug, which is displaced and pushed back as the solvent used for reconstituting the powder is introduced (e.g., through the septum). The second part of the tissue sealant is contained within a second container, also with a movable plug. After the first part is reconstituted, a manifold is fitted which pierces both septums and allows the contents to be dispensed. A dual syringe body supports the containers, and has pistons that enter the open ends to advance the movable plugs. Other embodiments of tissue adhesive and/or sealant dispensers and kits as well as methods of preparing tissue sealants are also described.