Abstract: An anchoring element with a screw (12) comprising a threaded section (13) and a head (15) designed as a spherical segment-shaped section, and with a receiving portion (1) for connecting the screw (12) to a rod (19), is provided. The receiving portion (1) comprises a first end (2) and a second end (3) opposite the latter and a longitudinal axis (4) passing through the two ends (2, 3). The receiving portion further comprises a bore (5) coaxial with the longitudinal axis (4), a first region adjoining the first end (2) with an essentially U-shaped cross-section (18) with two free arms (8, 9) comprising a thread for receiving the rod (19) to be inserted, a region adjoining the other end (3) for receiving the head (15), and an element which exerts pressure on the rod (19) or on the head (15). In order that the screws can be used in situ for very different lengths, the threaded section (13) and the head (15) are designed as separate parts.

Abstract: A planar MRI system is disclosed. The system has an open magnet configuration that produces a magnetic field having a remote region of substantial magnetic field homogeneity. Spatial encoding gradient coils and a rf coil provide MRI data for image reconstruction. A first magnet system having a first ferromagnetic core and a first longitudinal axis with a first pair of coils around the first ferromagnetic core and spaced apart along the first longitudinal axis is located orthogonal to and in substantially the same plane as a second magnet system having a second ferromagnetic core and a second longitudinal axis with a second pair of coils around the second ferromagnetic core and spaced apart along the second longitudinal axis. The open magnet configuration preferably has a ferromagnetic core with a substantially planar core surface layer and a longitudinal axis, and a unipolar current wire pair on a side of the ferromagnetic core adjacent the planar core surface layer.

Abstract: A device and a method for generative manufacture of a three-dimensional object are provided in which a) manufacture of an object, in a construction area of the device, b) removal of the manufactured object from the construction area and c) repeating steps a) and b) are carried out, wherein steps a) to c) are carried out automatically.

Abstract: A specimen collecting and testing device has a housing containing a test membrane. An elongated handle having a foam member is slidably received in the housing. Once the foam member obtains a specimen, the specimen is expelled from the foam member and delivered to a fluid chamber positioned along the test membrane. The device is then positioned horizontally and specimen that collects in the fluid chamber passes through an aperture in the fluid chamber and onto the test membrane located beneath the aperture. The test membrane may then be observed for optical changes in the case of an instant-type test, or removed for further processing. The device is particularly useful for collecting samples of urine or oral fluid for use in drug testing, pregnancy testing and the like; for testing of specimen for any of a variety of analytes such as HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, etc.; and, for collecting samples of DNA for PCR testing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat exchange system for conducting heat away from high-power, heat-producing electronic components by conduction and convection. The heat exchange system comprises a metal tube that has been forged and drawn so as to define a flow channel for a cooling fluid, wherein the tube has an inner surface that comprises a plurality of integral fins that are structured and arranged to increase the available surface area of the inner surface of the metal tube exposed to the fluid and an outer surface that is in direct communication with the heat producing components. Coolant fluids are circulated through the flow channel, preferably, at turbulent flow conditions to minimize thermal resistance. The invention further provides a self-cooling, self-supporting electronic assembly that comprising one or more high-power electronic devices, the heat exchange systems, and an attaching system for attaching high-power electronic devices to the heat exchange system.

Abstract: An oil strainer comprises upper and lower partial bodies, made of synthetic resin, joined together to form a roughly tube-shaped strainer main body, the interior of which is provided with a filter. The oil strainer has a flange section for attachment with bolts, and the flange section is provided with at least one bolt hole which passes through the interior of the roughly tube-shaped strainer main body. With this structure, it is possible to provide an oil strainer which can be installed on a small installation surface, which is able to reduce resin fatigue, and which can prevent impairment of the seal due to loosening of installation members.

Abstract: An oil strainer comprises upper and lower partial bodies, made of synthetic resin, joined together to form a roughly tube-shaped strainer main body, the interior of which is provided with a filter. The oil strainer has a flange section for attachment with bolts, and the flange section is provided with at least one bolt hole which passes through the interior of the roughly tube-shaped strainer main body. With this structure, it is possible to provide an oil strainer which can be installed on a small installation surface, which is able to reduce resin fatigue, and which can prevent impairment of the seal due to loosening of installation members.

Abstract: There is provided a leg prosthesis, comprising a thigh portion (1) and a lower leg portion (2) both being connected by a knee joint (3), said knee joint (3) comprising a damping element (6) for controlling the knee joint movement, and means (S1) for detecting the knee angle and means (S4-S7; S8, S8′, S9, S9′) for detecting the force acting on the prosthesis; and a control unit for controlling said damping element (6) as a function of the detected values of said knee angle and said force; and an adjustment device (10) adjusting the control of said damping element according to the type of gait and as a function of detected values of said knee angle and said force.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprising: a semiconductor substrate having a light receiving or emitting element; a condenser lens provided above the element; a first transparent film provided on the condenser lens for planarization over the condenser lens; a light-transmittable optical element provided above the first transparent film; and a second transparent film interposed between the first transparent film and the optical element; wherein the first transparent film is comprised of a fluorine compound so that the first transparent film is lower in refractive index than the condenser lens and the second transparent film is lower in water- and oil-repellent properties than the first transparent film.

Abstract: Quantified differences, such as chi2 error parameters, between a mono-exponential, logarithmic best fit of a series of line scan diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance signals taken over a range of b-factors between about 100 and about 5000 sec/mm2 are obtained. The quantified differences so generated are displayed as an image wherein the brightness of each pixel depends upon the size of its associated quantified difference. The resulting image is characterized by high signal to noise ratio and distinctness between varying tissue types.

Abstract: A bone screw having a screw member (1) possessing a threaded section (2) and a head (3) and a receiving part (5) at the head end for receiving a rod to be connected to the bone screw is provided. The receiving part (5) has on open first bore (6) and a substantially U-shaped cross-section having two free legs provided with a thread. Furthermore, the receiving part has a second bore (7) on the end opposite to the first bore (6) whose diameter is greater than that of the threaded section (2) and smaller than that of the head (3). On the bottom of the first bore a seat for the head (3) is provided. In order that the screw member can be pivoted to at least one side by an enlarged angle, the edge bounding the free end of the second bore (7) viewed relative to the axis of the first bore (6) is of asymmetric construction.

Abstract: A method is described for enhancing mass and heat transport of fluids in a fine pore structure through an appropriate modulation of the fluid pressure. For example, in an air drying process for a porous material that contains liquid, the air pressure is modulated throughout the volume of the drying chamber. Alternatively, the fluid pressure is modulated in a process stream. As an example, this method can be used for rapid drying of any open porous substances ranging from small pored materials such as aerogels and xerogels, to larger pored substances or articles such as industrial articles, agricultural articles (e.g., densely stacked vegetables, coffee beans, hops and other grains), paper-based products, thin films, pharmaceuticals, cloth, and clothing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bone screw and a tool for fixing same. A bone screw has a screw element (1), comprising a screw shank (2) and a screw head (3), a cylindrical receiver part (5) with a bore coaxial to the cylindrical axis coming from one end (8) of the cylinder, an opening (6) extending cross-wise to the cylindrical axis for receiving a rod (16) to be connected to the bone screw, an inner thread (10) at one end (8) and a screw (13) cooperating with it and also an outer thread (11) at one end (8) and a nut (14) cooperating with it. Both threads (10, 11) are constructed as running in opposite directions.

Abstract: A combinatorial weighing apparatus having a dispersing device (1) for the distribution of products to be weighed and a plurality of supply troughs (15) arranged alongside one another for feeding the products from the dispersing device (1) to weighing containers (13) are provided, each supply trough (15) having a bottom (16) with a first bottom face (17) and a second bottom face (18) connected thereto along an edge (36) which point towards the dispersing device (1) and are inclined to one another along the edge (36), wherein the first bottom face (17) is of substantially rectangular construction and has a first side edge (19) and the second bottom face (18) is bounded laterally by the edge (36) and a second side edge (37) which converge in the direction of the dispersing device (1) and wherein the first side edge (19) of a supply trough (15) at least partially overlaps in each case the second side edge (37) of a neighbouring supply trough (15).

Abstract: A device is made available for producing monocrystals, for example large-diameter gallium arsenide monocrystals, that has a cylindrical heating appliance with a floor heater (2) and a cover heater (3). The heating surfaces of the floor and the cover heater are considerably larger than the cross-sectional area of the monocrystal to be produced. In addition, an insulator (6) is planned for the reaction space that is designed to prevent a radial heat flow and the guarantee a strictly axial heat flow over the complete height of the reaction space between the cover heater (3) and the floor heater (2).

Abstract: Screening of the autoantibodies and autoantigens which are specific to Sjögren's syndrome, particularly primary Sjögren's syndrome, and provision of a prophylactic and therapeutic drug for Sjögren's syndrome, particularly primary Sjögren's syndrome, and a highly sensitive diagnostic agent for Sjögren's syndrome. The &agr;-fodrin or &agr;-fodrin fragment of the invention is an antigen to the autoantibodies specifically found in Sjögren's syndrome and this autoantigen finds application as a prophylactic and therapeutic drug for autoimmune diseases, particularly Sjögren's syndrome, or a diagnostic agent for such diseases.

Abstract: A packaging machine is described. A plurality of working stations is arranged between the input side and output side of the machine. A conveyor moves packages carrying a product along a path from the input side to the output side through the working stations. A device feeds a cover film onto the packages. The cover film has two layers bonded together with a limited bonding strength. A first layer has a portion protruding beyond said second layer. Another device separates the first layer from the second layer in a defined region extending across the cover film transversely to the conveyor path. The separator seals the defined region of the cover film and supplies a pressurized fluid to said defined region. The defined region includes at least part of the protruding portion of the first layer. A method of using the packaging machine to package product also is described along with the package that is made.

Abstract: A temperature regulation and flow control device is described. A web of material, e.g., for a wet suit, has a layer of gel particles embedded in a flow control layer, preferably a foam matrix. A water permeable neoprene layer covers the flow control layer and allows water to enter the suit. The flow of water in the suit is regulated by the expansion and contraction of the gel as it undergoes a volume phase transition in response to a change in temperature. When the diver is in cold water, the cold water enters the foam substrate and the gel expands, causing permeability (i.e., flow) to decrease. Flow is restricted in response to cooling, and the foam substrate expands and tightens the fit of the wet suit. In warmer water, an opposite effect occurs, whereby the gel contracts and flow increases. The gel contracts relaxing the fit of the suit. A gel having a particular volume phase transition critical temperature is selected in order to maintain body temperature in a particular environment.

Abstract: A bone screw, known per se, with a thread section (2) and a receiving part (5) for receiving a rod (29) to be connected to the bone screw is created. The connection and locking of the connection between bone screw and rod takes place via an outer nut (13). So that the connection has the necessary strength and durability, the outer nut (13) has on the inside a sleeve-shaped element (17), having a predetermined inner measurement, the outer diameter of which is almost identical to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the bore (8), and a pressure element (23) arranged therein. The pressure element (22) (sic) has at its end facing the floor of the bore (8) a first section (26), the outer measurement of which is larger than the predetermined inner measurement and which effects a widening of the element (17) when pressure is exerted on the rod (29) to be received.

Abstract: A device and a method for remote maintenance of an electronically controllable prosthesis (1) are provided. The prosthesis comprises a controller in which operating and/or movement data characterizing the prosthesis are detected and are then transmitted to a remote maintenance device (20) with a storage and evaluation unit (20). Remote maintenance of the prosthesis using the detected data is possible via a remotely located remote control unit (23) that can access the storage and evaluation unit via the telephone network. Corrected operational data are transmitted from the storage and evaluation unit (20) back to the controller of the prosthesis.