Abstract: The present invention relates to a femoral prosthesis that includes a cement introduction port which may be used to facilitate delivery or introduction of bone cement into the prosthesis/bone interface after the prosthesis component has been placed on a resurfaced femur bone. The femoral prosthesis may have a keel with undercuts which are configured to assist in controlling the flow of bone cement during implantation and to improve stability of the prosthesis following implantation. The femoral prosthesis is suitable for implantation using arthroscopic, as well as open, surgical procedures. The present prostheses may be used as unicondylar implants in either compartment of the knee or in both compartments of the knee.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tibial prosthesis useful in knee replacement surgeries. The prosthesis includes one or more cement introduction ports which may be used to deliver and control delivery of bone cement to a prosthesis-bone interface after the prosthesis has been positioned on a resurfaced area of a tibia bone. The prosthesis is suitable for implantation using arthroscopic as well as open surgical procedures. The prosthesis may be used as a unicondylar implant in either compartment of the knee or in both compartments of the knee.

Abstract: A method for producing a sterile cryogenic fluid is disclosed. A warm gas stream is sterilized by filtration and fed to a heat exchanger resulting in a cryogenic sterile fluid being formed. The waste gas stream from the heat exchanger is fed to a second filtration unit and the warm sterile waste gas stream is fed to a second heat exchanger to produce more cryogenic sterile fluid, resulting in a more efficient use of gases employed in the sterilization process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extinguishing a smouldering fire in a silo by introducing inert gas into the silo. The inert gas is introduced through a venturi-type nozzle above the stored content in the silo with a slow streaming velocity in such a way that mass ratio of the entrained surrounding gas to the incoming liquid inert gas is between 0.5 and 20. Thus a closed inert gas layer is formed above the smouldering fire.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a knee joint prosthesis including femoral and tibial components. The bodies of the components possess a network of channels which may be used to deliver bone cement to the component bone interface after the components are implanted. The body of the femoral component possesses a network of channels which is in communication with a bore on the distal surface of the component which may be used to deliver bone cement into the network of channels after the component is implanted. The body of the tibial component possesses a network of channels which is in communication with a bore on the proximal surface of the component which may be used to deliver bone cement into the network of channels after the component is implanted. The components are suitable for implantation using arthroscopic as well as open surgical procedures. The components may be used as unicondylar implants in either compartment of the knee or in both compartments of the knee.

Abstract: A surgical method and implant for directing and securing a replacement ligament into the femur or tibia of the knee. A transverse tunnel may be formed in the femur approximately perpendicular to a femoral tunnel. A flexible strand passing through the transverse tunnel may be used to draw the replacement ligament into the femoral tunnel. The implant may then be placed into the transverse tunnel and through the replacement ligament to secure the replacement ligament in place. The implant may include an eyelet to receive the flexible strand and a tapered portion forming a shoulder to prevent the implant from being inserted too far into the transverse tunnel. The implant may also have a multi-angular configured portion to secure the implant within the transverse tunnel through an interference fit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a femoral prosthesis that includes a cement introduction port which may be used to facilitate delivery or introduction of bone cement into the prosthesis/bone interface after the prosthesis component has been placed on a resurfaced femur bone. The femoral prosthesis may have a keel with undercuts which are configured to assist in controlling the flow of bone cement during implantation and to improve stability of the prosthesis following implantation. The femoral prosthesis is suitable for implantation using arthroscopic, as well as open, surgical procedures. The present prostheses may be used as unicondylar implants in either compartment of the knee or in both compartments of the knee.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tibial prosthesis useful in knee replacement surgeries. The prosthesis includes one or more cement introduction ports which may be used to deliver and control delivery of bone cement to a prosthesis-bone interface after the prosthesis has been positioned on a resurfaced area of a tibia bone. The prosthesis is suitable for implantation using arthroscopic as well as open surgical procedures. The prosthesis may be used as a unicondylar implant in either compartment of the knee or in both compartments of the knee.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extinguishing a smouldering fire in a silo by introducing inert gas into the silo. The inert gas is introduced through a venturi-type nozzle above the stored content in the silo with a slow streaming velocity in such a way that mass ratio of the entrained surrounding gas to the incoming liquid inert gas is between 0.5 and 20. Thus a closed inert gas layer is formed above the smouldering fire.

Abstract: A surgical method and implant for directing and securing a replacement ligament into the femur or tibia of the knee. A transverse tunnel may be formed in the femur approximately perpendicular to a femoral tunnel. A flexible strand passing through the transverse tunnel may be used to draw the replacement ligament into the femoral tunnel. The implant may then be placed into the transverse tunnel and through the replacement ligament to secure the replacement ligament in place. The implant may include an eyelet to receive the flexible strand and a tapered portion forming a shoulder to prevent the implant from being inserted too far into the transverse tunnel. The implant may also have a multi-angular configured portion to secure the implant within the transverse tunnel through an interference fit.

Abstract: Instruments and method for the arthroscopy arthroplasty of a knee joint, including instruments and method for the use of the instruments in the resection of tibial and femoral surfaces and the implantation of tibial and femoral components. In resecting the femur, a femoral cutting mill is attached to the tibial surface with the knee in a flexed position. With the cutting mill activated, the knee is extended causing the cutting surface of the femoral cutting mill to engage the femoral surface and form a trough in the femoral surface for receipt of the femoral component. A network of channels formed within the prosthetic components is used for the delivery of bone cement to the component bone interface.

Abstract: Backup refrigeration is provided to a cryogenic refrigeration system comprising multiple cooling loops using a single backup coolant storage vessel. The backup coolant storage vessel is in fluid communication with at least one of the cooling loops, and the cooling loops are in fluid communication with each other. Each cooling loop, in turn, is in fluid communication with a refrigeration unit. In the event of lost coolant from one of the loops, coolant, e.g., liquid nitrogen, is transferred from the other loops to the loop that lost coolant, and the backup coolant storage vessel releases backup coolant into the system.

Abstract: Novel storage area networks (SANs) and methods of operation thereof utilize a plurality of hosts coupled via an interconnect with one or more storage units. A manager device, process or other functionality in communication with a plurality of agent processes, devices or other functionality, each of which is associated with a host. The agents identify attributes of (i) their associated hosts, (ii) interconnect to which that host is coupled, and/or (iii) storage units to which that host is coupled via the interconnect. The manager responds to these attributes identified by the agents to manage the SAN. The manager can be implemented on a first digital data processor and the hosts on further digital data processors. These digital data processors can be coupled via a first network, e.g., an IP or other network, to support communications between the manager and the agents. A second network, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a knee joint prosthesis including femoral and tibial components. The bodies of the components possess a network of channels which may be used to deliver bone cement to the component bone interface after the components are implanted. The body of the femoral component possesses a network of channels which is in communication with a bore on the distal surface of the component which may be used to deliver bone cement into the network of channels after the component is implanted. The body of the tibial component possesses a network of channels which is in communication with a bore on the proximal surface of the component which may be used to deliver bone cement into the network of channels after the component is implanted. The components are suitable for implantation using arthroscopic as well as open surgical procedures. The components may be used as unicondylar implants in either compartment of the knee or in both compartments of the knee.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing liquid or solid xenon comprises a duct 12 having an inlet 14 for receiving gaseous xenon and an outlet 16 for outputting gaseous xenon at a reduced temperature to a nozzle located in a vacuum chamber 60. A housing 18 extends about the duct and contains a halocarbon coolant in thermal contact with the duct, and a second duct 24 in thermal contact with the halocarbon coolant for conveying a flow of liquid nitrogen through the housing 18 to control the temperature of the halocarbon. In view of the difference in the pressure of the xenon gas output from the duct and the pressure in the chamber, the thus-cooled gas is caused to liquefy or solidify in the vicinity of the nozzle.

Abstract: A vacuum pumping system comprises a first gas supply for supplying a first gas, such as xenon, to a vacuum chamber. A pump receives the gas output from the chamber. A second gas supply supplies a purge gas, such as nitrogen or helium, for pumping with the first gas. A gas separator receives the pumped gases exhausted by the pump, and recovers the first gas and the purge gas from the stream. The recovered first gas is recirculated through the vacuum chamber, and the recovered second gas is recirculated through at least the pump.

Abstract: A method for a retail establishment to provide health care products and services to health care consumers by employing a trained medical professional, such as a physician's assistant, nurse, nurse practitioner, physical therapist or a certified athletic trainer, as a customer assistant. The goods and services provided by the customer assistant may include interviewing each health care consumer about bodily ailments and disabilities, providing diagnostic services, assessments and evaluations to the health care consumer, discussing the management and rehabilitation of such ailments and disabilities with the health care consumer, providing personalized information to the health care consumer regarding possible modes of treatment, and offering goods and services for the treatment of such bodily ailments and disabilities to the health care consumer.

Abstract: A surgical method and implant for directing and securing a replacement ligament into the femur or tibia of the knee. A transverse tunnel may be formed in the femur approximately perpendicular to a femoral tunnel. A flexible strand passing through the transverse tunnel may be used to draw the replacement ligament into the femoral tunnel. The implant may then be placed into the transverse tunnel and through the replacement ligament to secure the replacement ligament in place. The implant may include an eyelet to receive the flexible strand and a tapered portion forming a shoulder to prevent the implant from being inserted too far into the transverse tunnel. The implant may also have a multi-angular configured portion to secure the implant within the transverse tunnel through an interference fit.

Abstract: A method of soft tissue graft fixation to bone. A tunnel may be formed in a bone and a bio-compatible material may be placed in the tunnel in a liquid state using an insertion device. The soft tissue grafts may also be placed in the tunnel using the insertion device. The insertion device may serve as an internal mold to form a chamber for receiving a fastener. The liquid bio-compatible material may solidify around the insertion device, and the insertion device may be removed. Final fixation may be accomplished by inserting a fastener in the hardened bio-compatible material to apply a compressive force to compress the graft against the bone.

Abstract: A surgical method and implant for directing and securing a replacement ligament into the femur or tibia of the knee. A transverse tunnel may be formed in the femur approximately perpendicular to a femoral tunnel. A flexible strand passing through the transverse tunnel may be used to draw the replacement ligament into the femoral tunnel. The implant may then be placed into the transverse tunnel and through the replacement ligament to secure the replacement ligament in place. The implant may include an eyelet to receive the flexible strand and a tapered portion forming a shoulder to prevent the implant from being inserted too far into the transverse tunnel. The implant may also have a multi-angular configured portion to secure the implant within the transverse tunnel through an interference fit.