Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for joining workpieces made of zinc-containing aluminum alloys by laser beam welding, in which process a layer consisting of vanadium is introduced into the joining gap between the workpieces to be connected to avoid the formation of pores, and the workpieces are then connected to one another by laser beam welding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a polymer membrane with an isoporous, active separation layer, particularly an ultrafiltration membrane or nanofiltration membrane and to a polymer membrane produced or producible according to the invention. The method comprises the following steps: producing a casting solution having at least one solvent in which at least one amphiphilic block copolymer with at least two different polymer blocks and at least one carbohydrate are dissolved, spreading out the casting solution to form a film, allowing a part of the at least one solvent near the surface to evaporate during a waiting time, precipitating a membrane by immersing the film in a precipitation bath comprising at least one non-solvent for the block copolymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for programming a shape memory polymer, which comprises at least one switching segment having at least one thermal phase transition and covalent and/or non-covalent cross-linking points such that the shape memory polymer after the programming thereof is in a position to transition from a programmed temporary shape into the permanent shape thereof, following a temperature increase to a temperature that at least corresponds to a switching temperature (Tswitch, T?max).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a coating on the surface of a substrate by plasma-electrolytic oxidation. Improved corrosion protection for lightweight metals, in particular for magnesium or magnesium alloys, is achieved by the process. Furthermore, biocompatible protective layers can also be produced on these materials, with the option of controlling degradation of the substrate. The layers are amorphous. They are produced by plasma-electrolytic oxidation in which the substrate is dipped as electrode together with a counterelectrode into an electrolyte liquid and a sufficient electric potential for generating spark discharges at the surface of the substrate is applied, wherein the electrolyte comprises clay particles dispersed therein. Substrates can therefore be any machine components, automobile components, railroad components, aircraft components, ships' components, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a double-multilayer monochromator. The monochromator comprises a base, a housing moveably mounted on the base and having in one side thereof at least one inlet window for the inlet of a X-ray beam and in another side thereof an outlet window for the outlet a monochromatized X-ray beam, support means mounted in the housing to support opposed mirror pairs, wherein each of the mirrors has a coated surface, each of said coated mirror surfaces being coated with a multilayer coating in alternating layers of a scatterer material (A) having a thickness dA and a spacer material (B) having a thickness dB. The present monochromator provides an enhanced purity of the synchrotron beam, where even and odd orders of higher harmonics are rejected. This is achieved in that the ratio dA:(dA+dB) on one of the facing mirrors of the mirror pairs is about 1:2 and the ratio dA:(dA+dB) on the other of the facing mirrors of the mirror pairs is about 1:3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing components consisting of magnesium or magnesium alloy by sintering. This process makes it possible, for the first time, to produce components consisting of magnesium or magnesium alloy which provide outstanding elasticity together with a sufficient strength. Materials of this type can be used as biocompatible endosseous implant materials.

Abstract: A method, for the production of profiles (16) of a light metal material, in particular a magnesium material, by means of extrusion with a hydrostatic extrusion device (10), is disclosed. A volume of material (15) is pressed through a die (14), having the form of the desired profile (16) in order to form the profile (16). A grain refiner is added to the light metal material to form the material volume (15) used in the extrusion process.

Abstract: A friction welding tool having a pin and a clamping device with a counter bearing, a holddown element and a spring element. The pin has a coupling section for releasable, rotationally fixed coupling to a rotating output device of a machine tool. The counter bearing is held on the pin between the pin's coupling and engagement ends in a manner that allows the counter bearing to be axially immovable on but freely rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the pin. The holddown element surrounds the pin and is arranged on a side of the counter bearing facing the engagement end. The holddown element has a bearing surface for bearing on the workpiece arrangement. The spring element is provided between the holddown element and the counter bearing and is mounted on the pin in such a way that it is elastically slidable along the longitudinal axis of the pin.

Abstract: A reflector for a time-of-flight mass spectrometer for reflecting ionized atoms and/or molecules, with an entry opening and with an arrangement of successively arranged ring electrodes extending away from the entry opening along a longitudinal axis of the reflector is illustrated and described, as is a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The object of providing a reflector for a time-of-flight mass spectrometer or providing such a mass spectrometer, with improved mass resolution at a high detection probability, is achieved by virtue of the fact that the ring electrode closest to the entry opening serves as a correction electrode and is at an opposite electric potential compared to the other ring electrodes, that a screening electrode is provided on the side of the entry opening facing away from the ring electrodes and that the screening electrode lies at a potential that differs from that of the ring electrodes, more preferably at earth potential.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of biocompatible, magnetic nanoparticles for the therapy of glioblastomae in a static magnetic field. The magnetic nanoparticles according to the invention have already been in use in the diagnostics of pathological processes for several years. According to the invention, the biocompatible, magnetic nanoparticles are used for the targeted displacement of migrating cancer cells in an external magnetic field (magneto axis), in order to make said cells accessible as a collective to surgical intervention or hyperthermia.

Abstract: Described herein are a group of degradable, thermoplastic polymers, which are able to change their shape after an increase in temperature. Their shape memory capability enables bulky implants to be placed in the body through small incisions or to perform complex mechanical deformations automatically. The shape memory polymers are preferably biocompatible and can be biodegradable or non-degradable polymers. Preferably, the biodegradable polymer has a linear degradation rate. In a specifically preferred embodiment, the suture is formed of biodegradable polymer capable of forming a self-tightening knot. In a most preferred embodiment, the suture is used to close a wound or body scission.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a coating on the surface of a substrate by plasma-electrolytic oxidation. Improved corrosion protection for lightweight metals, in particular for magnesium or magnesium alloys, is achieved by the process. Furthermore, biocompatible protective layers can also be produced on these materials, with the option of controlling degradation of the substrate. The layers are amorphous. They are produced by plasma-electrolytic oxidation in which the substrate is dipped as electrode together with a counterelectrode into an electrolyte liquid and a sufficient electric potential for generating spark discharges at the surface of the substrate is applied, wherein the electrolyte comprises clay particles dispersed therein. Substrates can therefore be any machine components, automobile components, railroad components, aircraft components, ships' components, etc.

Abstract: The invention provides a process by which tubular tissue supports (stents) can be removed from hollow organs of humans or of animals after heating to a temperature below the transition temperature Ttrans until softening occurs.

Abstract: The present invention relates magnesium-aluminum based alloys having a small grain size and to a method of their production. The alloys are particularly useful in casting applications. The alloys comprise a grain refiner, the grain refiner having the chemical formula: Mg100-x-y-zAlxCyRz wherein R is an element selected from the group consisting of silicon, calcium, strontium or a rare earth element, x is from 10 to 60 At. %, y is from 5 to 50 At. %, and z is from 0 to 20 At. %, provided that x+y+z is less than 100 At. %.

Abstract: A drug release system is disclosed comprising a laminate structure comprising at least one layer comprising a matrix made from a shape memory material and at least one drug dispersed in the matrix, and layers from a shape memory material not containing a drug and sandwiching the at least one layer comprising the drug(s) on both surfaces, wherein the shape memory material of the layers not containing a drug, after triggering of the shape memory effect, controls the release rate of the drug(s). Another embodiment comprises at least one drug, a reservoir for receiving the drug(s), and at least one of a coating and a membrane closing the reservoir, wherein one of a material for the reservoir and a material for the coating or membrane is made from a shape memory material and wherein the shape memory material, after triggering the shape memory effect, controls the rate of release of the drug(s).

Abstract: The invention relates to covalent polymer networks composed of macro-diacrylates and polyacrylates having shape memory properties and that can be used in medical technology.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for restoring a programmed article which contains, at least over portions, a shape memory composite material, said composite material comprising (i) at least one shape memory polymer network with thermally inducible triple shape properties which comprises at least one first phase-separated switching segment with a first transition temperature (Ttrans,1) and a second phase-separated switching segment with a second transition temperature (Ttrans,2, where Ttrans,1<Ttrans,2) and at least one type of covalent and/or non-covalent netpoints, and ii) a magnetic material embedded in the shape memory polymer, wherein, after a thermo-mechanical programming process, the article being present in a first temporary shape (TF1) and having stored a second temporary shape (TF2) and a permanent shape (PF).

Abstract: A method of connecting a plastic workpiece to a further workpiece and a device for carrying out the method are shown and described. The object of providing a method with which a positive-locking connection between a plastic workpiece and a further workpiece can be produced in a short time and without considerable outlay in terms of apparatus is achieved by a method comprising the following steps: providing a plastic workpiece and a further workpiece, placing the further workpiece against the plastic workpiece, providing a connecting element on a surface of the plastic workpiece, this surface being opposite the surface against which the further workpiece bears, producing a recess in the further workpiece, this recess being provided on the surface bearing against the plastic workpiece, heating the connecting element, so that the material of the connecting element is plasticized, and pressing plasticized material into the recess.

Abstract: A reflector for a time-of-flight mass spectrometer for reflecting ionized atoms and/or molecules, with an entry opening and with an arrangement of successively arranged ring electrodes extending away from the entry opening along a longitudinal axis of the reflector is illustrated and described, as is a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The object of providing a reflector for a time-of-flight mass spectrometer or providing such a mass spectrometer, with improved mass resolution at a high detection probability, is achieved by virtue of the fact that the ring electrode closest to the entry opening serves as a correction electrode and is at an opposite electric potential compared to the other ring electrodes, that a screening electrode is provided on the side of the entry opening facing away from the ring electrodes and that the screening electrode lies at a potential that differs from that of the ring electrodes, more preferably at earth potential.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a welded connection between a first workpiece and a second workpiece comprising the following steps: providing a first workpiece and a second workpiece, arranging the second workpiece on a surface of the first workpiece, placing a friction tool by the friction area thereof onto that surface of the second workpiece which is remote from the first workpiece, and rotating the friction tool, with the result that a welded connection is formed between the first workpiece and the second workpiece, the friction area rubbing on that surface of the second workpiece which is remote from the first workpiece, and the contact region between the friction area and the second workpiece running completely in that surface of the second workpiece which is remote from the first workpiece.