Abstract: There is described a biodegradable composite material for tissue repair comprising a water-soluble glass, preferably as glass fibers and/or particles in the form of a matrix, impregnated with a biodegradable polymer. An especially preferred polymer is poly ?-caprolactone. The biodegradable composite is particularly useful for the repair of nerve and/or bone tissue, especially the bones of the skull. A method of producing the composite material is also described.

Abstract: A hydrogel wound dressing which is highly absorptive, contours to a wound site and maintains the wound in a moist state to promote healing thereof.

Abstract: A blood collection device including a sealed area with a soluvated, non-aqueous anticoagulant composition positioned therein. The preferred anticoagulant composition comprises heparin, polyethylene glycol and optionally, deionized water and one or more salts.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a strain relief device which assists in resisting bending and/or torsional forces while at the same time resisting axial pull forces to avoid separation of the strain relief device from the catheter tube during use. By way of example, the strain relief device of the present invention preferably includes an elongate body formed of an elastomeric material having a lumen formed therethrough along its entire length. The strain relief device lumen may be generally divided into proximal, central and distal portions which may each be of varying and/or different diameters. The strain relief device is preferably placed about a selected portion of the catheter tube, and the proximal and distal portions are bonded to the catheter tube.

Abstract: An intravenous connection clip for preventing separation of two tubular fluid flow connectors of respective intravenous (IV) tubing sets. The intravenous connection clip includes a generally tubular bracket for surrounding the fluid flow connectors and having large portions of the tube cut away to allow for easy visualization of the fluid flow connectors and the fluid path therethrough. The bracket of the IV connection clip having a generally "C" shaped port lock on a first end of the bracket having a pair of first arms for releasably gripping a conventional port of a first IV tubing set, a generally "U" shaped cannula and luer connector lock on an intermediate portion of the bracket for releasably contacting a conventional luer connector of a second IV tubing set fluidly coupled to the port of the first IV tubing set.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte ion transport membrane comprising a matrix material which conducts at least one type of ion such as oxygen ions, and at least one constituent which is physically distinct from the matrix material and which enhances the mechanical properties, the catalytic properties and/or the sintering behavior of the matrix material. The constituent is present in a manner which precludes continuous electronic conductivity through the constituent across the membrane.

Abstract: A process for separating a feed gas stream into an oxygen-enriched gas stream which is used in a combustor and an oxygen-depleted gas stream. The feed gas stream is compressed, and oxygen is separated from the compressed feed gas stream using an ion transport module including an ion transport membrane having a retentate side and a permeate side. The permeate side of the ion transport membrane is purged with at least a portion of a combustion product gas stream obtained from the combustion in the combustor of the gas stream exiting the permeate side of the ion transport module.

Abstract: A process for oxygen-enriching a first feed gas stream be fed into a furnace by utilizing an oxygen-enriched gas stream from a second feed gas stream, wherein the first feed gas stream is compressed and then heated prior to injection into the furnace. The second feed gas stream is separated using an ion transport module containing an ion transport membrane having a retentate side and a permeate side to produce an oxygen-depleted gas stream on the retentate side and the pure oxygen gas stream or the oxygen-enriched gas stream on the permeate side. The pure oxygen gas stream or the oxygen-enriched gas stream is added to the first feed gas stream at any location before the first feed gas stream enters the furnace.

Abstract: A compressed, oxygen-containing gas stream is combusted and then contacted with a solid electrolyte membrane to produce an oxygen-depleted, compressed gas stream and product oxygen. Preferably, the oxygen-depleted gas stream is further combusted, used to produce steam, and/or used to preheat the oxygen-containing gas stream prior to expansion in a gas turbine.

Abstract: A process for removing oxygen from a feed gas stream to produce an oxygen-depleted retentate gas stream by supplying the feed gas stream to a bulk oxygen separation system for removing oxygen to produce an oxygen-depleted crude product gas stream and a first oxygen-containing permeate effluent stream, and supplying the oxygen-depleted crude product gas stream to a separator having a primary ion transport membrane to produce a second permeate effluent stream and the oxygen-depleted retentate gas stream. A reactive purge gas is added to react with a portion of the oxygen permeating through the primary ion transport membrane and purge the permeate side of the primary ion transport membrane, and/or a recycle gas stream comprising at least a portion of one gas stream produced during the process is added to at least one other of the gas streams.

Abstract: A system and process for producing a high-purity product from a feed stream containing elemental oxygen by applying the feed stream to at least one separator including a feed zone and a permeate zone separated by a solid electrolyte membrane, and driving a portion of oxygen contained in the feed stream from the feed zone to the permeate zone via the membrane by applying to the permeate zone a reactive purge stream containing a reactive gas which combines with oxygen to establish a lower partial pressure of oxygen in that zone. Oxygen-depleted retentate is withdrawn as a high-purity product stream.

Abstract: A process for inhibiting the formation of carbon and/or coke from a carbon-containing reactive gas stream on the permeate side of an oxygen ion transport membrane, or for increasing the oxygen partial pressure thereon, by separating a feed gas stream to form an oxygen-depleted gas stream on the retentate side and a gas stream containing oxygen reaction products on the permeate side. The permeate side is purged with the carbon-containing reactive gas stream, and at least a portion of the exhaust gas stream formed from the reaction of the reactive gas stream with the separated oxygen is recirculated to purge the permeate side.

Abstract: A method of producing a coating on a substrate by electrolytically co-depositing a metal matrix M.sub.1 and particles of CrAlM.sub.2, where M.sub.1 is Ni, Co or Fe or two or all of these elements and M.sub.2 is Y, Si, Ti, Hf, Ga, Nb, Mn, Pt, a rare earth element or two or more of these elements. The co-deposition is carried out at a current density of less than 5mA per square centimeter. Preferably, the co-deposition forms a layer less than 50 microns thick, and occurs at a bath loading of less than 40 grams per liter of the particles. In a preferred embodiment, the particle size distribution in the plating bath is 25 percent between 15 and 12 microns, 45 percent between 12 and 10 microns and 30 percent less than 10 microns. The method is particularly useful for coating a gas turbine part.

Abstract: A method producing a coating on a substrate by aluminizing, chromizing or siliconizing the substrate, and depositing on the coated substrate by electrolytic or electroless deposition a metal matrix M.sub.1 from a bath containing particles of CrAlM.sub.2 to co-deposit the particles with the matrix as M.sub.1 CrAlM.sub.2, where M.sub.1 is Ni, Co or Fe or two or all of these elements and M.sub.2 is Y, Si, Ti, Hf, Ga, Nb, Mn, Pt, a rare earth element or two or more of these elements. Preferably, the method includes platinum aluminizing of the substrate. Heat treatments may be incorporated before and after deposition of the M.sub.1 CrAlM.sub.2. The deposition of the M.sub.1 CrAlM.sub.2 is carried out at a current density of less than 5 mA per square centimeter. Preferably, the deposition forms a M.sub.1 CrAlM.sub.2 layer less than 50 microns thick, and occurs at a bath loading of less than 40 grams per liter of the particles.

Abstract: A process for producing and oxygen gas stream, an oxygen-enriched gas stream, or a reaction product stream as a permeate stream and an oxygen-depleted retentate gas stream by first separating oxygen from a feed gas stream and thereafter cooling at least the permeate stream. The production and cooling of the permeate stream occurs within a single apparatus having at least one ion transport membrane.

Abstract: An ion transport reactor and process for using same having at least one ion transport membrane with a retentate side and a permeate side, for extracting oxygen from a feed gas stream as it flows along the retentate side. A reactant gas stream is flowed along the permeate side of the ion transport tubes to react with the oxygen transported therethrough. Heat is transferred to a fluid stream flowing through the ion transport reactor while the temperature of the membrane is maintained within its operating range.

Abstract: A process for removing oxygen from a feed stream to obtain an oxygen-depleted product stream by applying the feed stream to at least one separator including a feed zone and a permeate zone separated by a solid electrolyte mixed conductor membrane, and driving a first portion of entrained oxygen in the feed stream from the feed zone to the permeate zone via the mixed conductor membrane by applying at least one of a purge stream and a negative pressure to the permeate zone to establish a lower partial pressure of oxygen in that zone. Oxygen-depleted retentate is withdrawn as a product stream. Preferably, at least one additional solid electrolyte ionic or mixed conductor membrane is also employed in feed series with the mixed conductor membrane.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for producing abrasive tips on compressor or turbine rotor blades by electrolytic or electroless deposition in which the blades are mounted in a hollow jig with the tips of the blades extending through sealed openings in the jig and abrasive tips are formed on the tips. The parts of the blades within the hollow jig are isolated from the electrolyte without the need for wax masking. Preferably the jig is cylindrical with the blades extending radially through at least one circumferential row of apertures. The jig may comprise two end discs and at least one ring in which a circumferential row of apertures is formed. The ring is positioned between the end discs and means are provided for securing the discs and ring together.

Abstract: A method for cleaning furnace headers using a cleaning module for cleaning pipes, having a flexible body with a cleaning surface and a nose at each end, the nose being tapered to a tip. The dimensions of the cleaning module are such that the ratio of the overall length to the diameter is about 1.5 to about 1.75 and the ratio of overall length to nose length is about 5 to about 10.

Abstract: A process for removing poly(vinylbutyral) binder from multilayer alumina structures containing metal circuitry. The green structure is heated in a defined atmosphere which is reducing or neutral with respect to the metal circuitry, and at higher temperatures, oxidizing with respect to carbon. The atmosphere comprises inert gas, water vapor and up to about 20% hydrogen.