Abstract: Improved polymeric orthopaedic compositions are disclosed wherein sized, functional fibers are incorporated into a physiologically acceptable matrix. The compositions of the invention can be fabricated in the form of particulate powders adapted for reinforcment of bone cements, continuous media for such cements, and orthopaedic implant coatings. A complete implant attachment system is also provided, made up of a fiber reinforced implant coating, and a compatible fiber-reinforced cement. In preferred forms, the fibers have a layer of sizing thereover which is chemically joined both to the surface of the fibers and to the surrounding matrix, and the fibers are present at a level of at least about 6 volume percent. If desired, sized radiopaque particles may be incorporated into the compositions of the invention. The fibers are advantageously polymeric in nature and of intermediate stiffness, whereas the matrix fraction is preferably polymethylmethacrylate.

Abstract: Improved polymeric orthopaedic compositions are disclosed wherein sized, functional fibers are incorporated into a physiologically acceptable matrix. The compositions of the invention can be fabricated in the form of particulate powders adapted for reinforcment of bone cements, continuous media for such cements, and orthopaedic implant coatings. A complete implant attachment system is also provided, made up of a fiber reinforced implant coating, and a compatible fiber-reinforced cement. In preferred forms, the fibers have a layer of sizing thereover which is chemically joined both to the surface of the fibers and to the surrounding matrix, and the fibers are present at a level of at least about 6 volume percent. If desired, sized radiopaque particles may be incorporated into the compositions of the invention. The fibers are advantageously polymeric in nature and of intermediate stiffness, whereas the matrix fraction is preferably polymethylmethacrylate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating coal logs from crushed coal available at a mining site and for transporting coal logs through a pipeline to a combustion site for further coal processing and burning. The pipeline is operated to maintain the hydraulic carrier fluid flowing through the pipeline within a range of bulk velocities sufficient to force a layer of the hydraulic carrier fluid between contacting surfaces of each coal log and the pipeline, tending to lift and carry the coal log through the pipeline, and, thereby, significantly reduce the energy required to transfer the carrier fluid and the coal logs through the pipeline. The carrier fluid bulk velocity is also maintained sufficiently low to prevent unstable coal log flow behavior often resulting in coal log jamming and abasion. The range of optimum fluid bulk velocities is a function of various fluid and coal properties, the pipeline geometry and the coal log geometry.