Abstract: An electrodeposited composite coating comprises, as deposited, a matrix of cobalt and particles of chromium carbide, at least 50% and preferably at least 80% or 90% by weight of the particles lying within the size range of 4 .mu.m to 8 .mu.m.

Abstract: Oxygen is separated from a feed air stream to produce enriched oxygen permeate and oxygen depleted retentate gas. At least first and second process stages, arranged in series, each include a solid electrolyte membrane separating gas chambers with a retentate side in the former and a permeate side in the latter, a cathode connected to the retentate side, and an anode connected to the permeate side. Feed gas is introduced into a first gas chamber of the first process stage. The cathode and anode of the first process stage are electrically energized to drive oxygen from the feed gas in the first gas chamber through the electrolyte membrane at a first flux into a second gas chamber. Oxygen-depleted retentate gas from the first process stage is delivered to a third gas chamber of the second process stage. Similarly, the cathode and anode of the second process stage are electrically energized by a current less than that of the first process stage and at a greater voltage.

Abstract: A process and system for shielding a turbulent fluid stream, comprising emitting a laminar flow of a shielding gas transversely to the flow direction of the turbulent fluid stream preferably from a porous wall. The turbulent fluid stream may be hot and may contain a coating material. By projecting or directing the turbulent fluid stream at the surface of a substrate to be coated, the heated coating material is deposited on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A turboexpander, particularly suited for use in a cryogenic rectification system, comprises a center housing rotatably supporting an elongated shaft to opposite ends of which are mounted a turbine wheel within a turbine housing and a compressor wheel within a compressor housing or a brake within a load housing. The turbine wheel has circumferentially spaced turbine blades. Process fluid is introduced so as to flow through annular nozzles or guide vanes which encompass the turbine wheel. The guide vanes direct the process fluid through the turbine blades and each extends between a leading edge more distant from the turbine wheel and a trailing edge less distant from the turbine wheel. Each guide vane is substantially uncontoured between its leading edge and the trailing edge and is substantially thicker at the leading edge than at the trailing edge.

Abstract: A Process for combusting sulfur vapor released from a sulfur bearing material, comprising:(a) introducing a sulfur bearing material into a furnace having a combustion zone;(b) ejecting at least one fuel stream with or without a substoichiometric amount of at least one primary oxidant stream and combusting said at least one fuel stream with the substoichiometric amount of the primary oxidant stream or ambient gas in the combustion zone to produce heat sufficient to release some sulfur vapor from the sulfur bearing material and to form combustion products containing unburned fuel;(c) ejecting at least one secondary oxidant stream angled away or spaced from the fuel stream and primary oxidant stream;(d) causing a recirculating flow within the combustion zone to dilute at least a portion of the combustion products, secondary oxidant, sulfur vapor, unburned fuel and ambient gas in the furnace; and(e) combusting the sulfur vapor and the unburned fuel with said secondary oxidant.

Abstract: A system and process for recovering high purity coolant gas from at least one fiber optic heat exchanger, characterized by controlling a flow of coolant gas into and out of the heat exchanger using a pressure, impurity and/or flow rate monitoring or transmitting means in conjunction with a flow adjusting or controlling device to limit air or other gas infiltration into at least one fiber optic passageway of the heat exchanger. A sealing means may also be used at at least one end of the fiber optic passageway to further reduce air or other gas infiltration into the passageway. The resulting high purity coolant gas from the outlet of the heat exchanger is delivered to the inlet of the heat exchanger. Optionally, the resulting coolant gas from the outlet of the heat exchanger may be cooled, filtered and/or purified before being delivered to the inlet of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A bone punch for altering the cross-section of a tunnel formed in a bone, the punch having a punch body with a distal region, a proximal region, and a plurality of planar guide faces extending between the distal and proximal regions to define a polygon in cross-section. The distal region terminates in a narrowed leading end to facilitate entry into the pre-drilled tunnel. A shaft is connected to the proximal region to transmit a force to drive the punch body into the bone tunnel to alter the cross-section shape of the bone tunnel to match the polygonal cross-section of the punch body.

Abstract: An aspiration control system includes a proportional control valve and a motor, for driving a vacuum pump, which are controlled by a system controller in accordance with input commands to provide a precise, continuously variable vacuum or negative pressure within a vacuum chamber and surgical handpiece. A pressure transducer samples the vacuum output and produces a signal which is fed to the system controller. The signal is compared with an input command, and the motor speed and valve orifice size are coordinated to control the vacuum level.

Abstract: A screw and driver combination designed so that the screw is releasably axially couplable with the driver and so that the screw is positively rotatably engageable with the driver. The screw comprises an axial bore of circular cross section and a counterbore of polygonal cross section. The driver comprises a radially-compressible front portion sized to engage the axial bore of the screw with a minor spring interference fit and an intermediate portion sized to positively rotatably engage the counterbore of the screw.

Abstract: An electronic control system for determining the resonant frequency of and driving ultrasonic transducers in a phacoemulsification probe used for ophthalmic surgery. The control system includes a voltage control led oscillator, power amplifier, power monitor, and automatic gain control circuit operating under the direction of command signals received from a microprocessor-based control console. The control system operates in a constant apparent power, direct drive mode with closed loop feedback maintaining the electrical power provided to the primary of a RLC transformer at the constant level requested by the command signals from the console. The frequency of the drive signal is held at the dominant resonant frequency of the ultrasonic transducer which is being driven by the control system. This resonant frequency is determined via a calibration procedure performed when the probe is first attached to the control system.

Abstract: A surgical interference implant including an elongated body formed of a biocompatible material and having a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end defines an element for engaging a driver, and lacks an enlarged head member. The body defines a conical region having a smooth outer surface which extends proximally along a first, distal portion of the body to enable initial linear insertion of the body into a bone tunnel. A helical thread is disposed about a second, proximal portion of the body to enable subsequent rotational insertion of the body deeper into the bone tunnel.

Abstract: A device and method for treating a patient who is experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome is provided. The invention involves a cannula which has a closed blunt end and an open end. The cannula is dimensioned so that an endoscope and a knife can be simultaneously manipulated inside the cannula. A slot is provided between the ends of the cannula for viewing and incising the carpal ligament. The cannula preferably has a handle attached near its open end. The cannula is typically employed in conjunction with an endoscope and a knife to cut the patients transverse carpal ligament through a small wrist incision, thereby minimizing trauma to surrounding tissue, and post-operative recovery time.

Abstract: A locking mechanism having a locking element carried by one or more strands of suture material. One end of the suture is attachable to an anchor having a slot extending from a trailing end of the anchor toward a leading end. A portion of the suture is at least partially disposable in the slot. A separate locking member engages the locking element to secure tissue relative to the anchor.

Abstract: A novel surgical fastener is disclosed for attaching soft tissues (e.g. ligaments, tendons and the like) to bone and bone-like structures. The surgical fastener comprises a shank and an enlarged head disposed on one end of the shank. A central bore passes completely through the fastener along its longitudinal axis, and a plurality of diametrically projecting ribs are disposed along the length of the shank. The foregoing fastener is used to attach soft tissues (e.g. ligaments, tendons and the like) to bone and bone-like structures in the following manner.

Abstract: An improved locking cap for mounting on the smooth flexible filament of a surgical fastener wherein the locking cap is of a thin flat washer-like shape with gripping elements for engaging the filament and locking the cap in position relative to the filament.

Abstract: A suture anchor and anchor driver device for securely and accurately positioning and installing the suture anchor in place. The anchor has a rounded or pointed head and one or more ridges around it to help force fit the anchor into a hole and to hold it in place. A suture is positioned through the anchor for subsequent use during the surgical procedure. The driver device has a handle and an elongated shaft and is used to position and install the anchor in place. The anchor preferably snap fits onto the end of the shaft. A depth guide can be integrally or removably positioned on the shaft to ensure correct depth of placement. Alternately, the driver shaft is hollow and the anchor is positioned inside it and is implanted with a pusher member. The ends of the suture are affixed to the driver handle. Grooves can be provided on the driver and the anchor to prevent the suture from interfering with the positioning and installation procedure.