Abstract: The present invention relates to reduction and fixation of bone fractures distal radius and wrist. The invention enables to mobilise the distal fragment in 3 planes and also to correct rotational deformity. The object of the present invention is to realize an external fixator which enables to reduce a fracture and at the desired position and fix the fracture. In case of unsuccessful reduction attempt for the second trial there is no need to dismount the fixator. Another object of the present invention is to realize an external fixator which enables to reduce a fracture in 3 dimensions and to correct the rotational deformity in a preferred degree. Another object of the present invention is to realize an external fixator which can practically be mounted to malunion zone and can be used for reducing in corrective osteotomy operations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reduction and fixation of bone fractures distal radius and wrist. The invention enables to mobilise the distal fragment in 3 planes and also to correct rotational deformity. The object of the present invention is to realize an external fixator which enables to reduce a fracture and at the desired position and fix the fracture. In case of unsuccessful reduction attempt for the second trial there is no need to dismount the fixator. Another object of the present invention is to realize an external fixator which enables to reduce a fracture in 3 dimensions and to correct the rotational deformity in a preferred degree. Another object of the present invention is to realize an external fixator which can practically be mounted to malunion zone and can be used for reducing in corrective osteotomy operations.

Abstract: A teeth whitening apparatus (10) and a method of teeth whitening is provided. The apparatus includes one or more thermoelectric device(s) (12) which may be in the form of peltier devices (12) adapted to be placed in the mouth. The or each thermoelectric device (12) has one side (12H) that heats up and another side that is cooled (12C) when an electrical current is passed through the or each device (12). The or each thermoelectric device (12) is preferably moulded into a mouth guard (22) into which a teeth whitening composition is placed such that the heat generated by the or each thermoelectric device (12) activates the teeth whitening composition. The one or more thermoelectric device(s) (12) are preferably powered by one or more batteries. Preferably, the one or more thermoelectric device(s) (12) are coupled to one or more heat sinks (16, 18) such that the heat produced by the one or more thermoelectric device(s) (12) is spread out over the teeth to be whitened.

Abstract: A speech coder includes an encoder using an analysis and synthesis approach. The encoder uses a pitch determination algorithm requiring analysis in both the frequency domain and the time domain, a voicing determination algorithm and an algorithm for determining spectral amplitudes and means for quantising the values determined. A decoder is also described.

Abstract: A process for adsorbing gold from a leach pulp by means of activated carbon is described in which the leach pulp (the leach solution together with the subdivided gold bearing ore) is diluted to a specific gravity of less than that of the activated carbon and is subsequently passed upwardly through a multistage liquid/solid contacting column. The contacting column is of the type having perforated plates or trays defining a series of vertically adjacent stages and the operation of the column has a cycle which includes a first part during which upward flow of diluted pulp fluidizes the activated carbon, a second part in which the carbon is allowed to settle on the trays and a third part during which a reverse flow of diluted pulp carries carbon downwardly through the column from one stage to another. In the third part of the cycle, loaded carbon is removed from the lowermost stage and treated to recover adsorbed gold therefrom.

Abstract: A liquid/solid contacting column and method of operating same is provided. The column is of the type in which a vertical series of stages is defined by vertically spaced perforated plates or trays which allow for forward flow up the column during which solid adsorbent in a fluidized state is contacted by liquid flowing up the column, and flow of solid adsorbent and liquid down the column during a reverse flow part of the operating cycle. The column is provided with outlet means in the form of one or more ports or ducts for a stream of liquid and solid adsorbent from the space above the lowermost plate or tray and wherein such outlet means is located at a predetermined height above said lowermost plate or tray.