Abstract: Diclofenac sodium and tribenoside, or more generally (i) a compound that acts on the chondrocytes and (ii) a compound that reduces the water content of the chondrocyte matrix, are useful in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Abstract: A cowling assembly for a vehicle comprises a general external surface having secured to or adjacent thereto, an elongate lightning diverter element which, at least when subjected to a high electric field, is electrically conductive, wherein a portion of the diverter element is arranged to project from the general external surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to the extrusion of aluminium-lithium alloys, desirably in the form of relatively thin sections, which are particularly suitable for aerospace applications. The invention provides a method of extruding a lithium-containing aluminium alloy containing at least 0.1% by weight of copper, which method comprises: a) providing a billet of the alloy in an homogenised condition at a temperature suitable for extrusion, wherein the alloy contains at least 1.5% by weight of lithium, b) extruding the billet at a temperature and at an extrusion rate such that essentially all of the components thereof are in solid solution as the extrudate leaves the extrusion die, and c) cooling the extrudate at a rate sufficient to avoid substantially any precipitation of the components thereof taking place. Corrosion of the extruded sections after quenching and after ageing can be substantially reduced by means of the present invention.

Abstract: A liquid-absorbent article having a high absorption capacity and a short fluid penetration time. The liquid-absorbent article comprises sphagnum moss material containing an effective amount of cross-linked cellulosic fibers. The liquid-absorbent article is well-suited for use as an absorbent component of a disposable absorbent product, such as a sanitary napkin, a diaper, an incontinence pad, an adult brief, a wound dressing, a nursing pad, a tampon pledger, or as desiccant for packaging materials to keep goods dry during shipping or storage. The invention also extends to a novel method for manufacturing the liquid-absorbent article.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a peat moss board suitable for use as an absorbent core in structures for absorbing body exudate. The method is characterized by conditioning a wet laid board to a specific water content and calendering the conditioned board at a predetermined pressure. The water content and the calendering pressure determine the density of the peat moss board in final form. The invention also extends to a peat moss board manufactured by the novel method.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for screening peat moss material. The method comprises the steps of forming an aqueous slurry of peat moss material and flowing the slurry on a screen to separate fines from coarser particles in the slurry. A spray of relatively large water drops is directed at the slurry to agitate the coarser particles blocked by the screen in order to dislodge fines adhering thereto, whereby the fines freed from the coarser particles are allowed to egress the slurry through the screen. The water spray also has the effect of clearing the screen of fines which clog the screen openings. The invention also comprehends a method and apparatus for screening peat moss material, comprising the steps of flowing an aqueous slurry of peat moss material on a sieve to extract from the slurry excessively large particles, and washing the rejects remaining on the sieve to dislodge therefrom smaller particles of acceptable size which are returned to the slurry.

Abstract: A vibrating toothbrush which includes a brushhead (18) mounted for vibrating movement, a reservoir (30) for containing dentifrice which is located in the handle (14) of the toothbrush, and fluid connecting means (32) connecting the reservoir (30) to the brushhead (18). The brushhead (18) includes either hollow bristles (80) or nozzles (87) in the brushhead (18) to permit egress of the dentifrice from the brushhead (18) in the area of the bristles. The brushhead (18) is driven so as to provide a scrubbing action for the teeth and to provide acoustical energy for acoustical cleansing as well. The action of the brushhead (18) and the load thereon will result in dentifrice being released out of the brushhead (18) or bristles (80) as needed, supporting cavitation and streaming for the acoustical energy, as well as providing the cleansing/therapeutic effect of the dentifrice.

Abstract: Electrographic apparatus, that is apparatus for obtaining electrical signals related to the movement of a point, such as a pen or stylus, over a pressure sensitive surface, and a method of producing an electrode surface for such apparatus. The pressure sensitive surface is formed by the upper surface of a taut flexible membrane. Two generally parallel electrode surfaces are formed by electrically conductive coatings on the lower surface of the flexible membrane and on an upper surface of a backing member so that pressure applied to the pressure sensitive surface locally interconnects the electrode surfaces. In use, voltages are applied orthogonally to the respective electrode surfaces so that the potentials developed at points on the surfaces correspond to the X and Y coordinates of those points.