Abstract: An absorbent packet for absorbing water vapor. The absorbent packet comprises a gas permeable, multi-layered packaging material which absorbs water vapor, but does not permit liquid water within the packet from flowing back through the packaging material, wherein the packaging material preferably comprises a microporous film, a gas permeable film and a binder to bind the microporous film to the gas permeable film, and an absorbent material incorporated between the layers of the multi-layered packaging material. This absorbent packet is particularly useful for absorbing water vapor in shipping containers where changes in the atmospheric conditions result in variable relative humidity in the shipping container.

Abstract: A filtering system for filtering effluent in a septic system comprising a filter housing with sides, a top and an open bottom, a filter element holder secured within the filter housing, wherein the filter element holder contains a top and a side portion, a discharge opening in the filter housing located generally above the filter element holder for discharging filtered effluent from the filter housing, a plurality of filter elements, each secured to the filter element holder, each with a top, bottom and side, wherein the bottom of each filter element is closed to prevent flow of the effluent through the bottom of the filter element, wherein each filter element contains filtering slots for filtering solids contained in the effluent and a separation element for separating one filter element from other filter elements, which element does not significantly impede the flow of effluent through the filtering system.

Abstract: An iodine adsorption agent is described, containing silver or a silver salt on a porous, temperature-resistant and acid-resistant organic carrier with an average pore diameter in the range from 6 to 200 nm. It has a pore diameter distribution in which 80% of the pore volume is contained in pores whose diameters lie within the range of .+-.50% about the average pore diameter.

Abstract: Formed is a new desiccant film made of an uncoated microporous film secured to an uncoated laminate film wherein the inner surface of both the microporous film and the laminate material are compatible. This film is less expensive to form and produces a stronger bond than conventional coated materials used for desiccant packaging.

Abstract: A guiding introducer system for use in the left atrium comprised of an inner guiding introducer and an outer guiding introducer wherein the inner guiding introducer is comprised of a first and second section and the outer guiding introducer is comprised of a first and second sections. The guiding introducer system is for use in sensing, pacing, and ablating procedures within the left atrium of the human heart.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of ventricular tachycardia in the left ventricle using a retrograde approach by use of ablation and/or mapping catheters guided by precurved guiding introducers. Also disclosed are predetermined shapes for the guiding introducers to be used for the treatment of ventricular tachycardia in the left ventricle using a retrograde approach.

Abstract: A catheter for insertion in the ostium of the coronary sinus in the right atrium comprised of a main reinforced portion, an intermediate zone portion and a soft tip portion wherein a portion of the catheter is curved in a double curve, wherein the first curve is a first longitudinal curve, wherein the second curve is a second longitudinal curve, wherein the second longitudinal curve is curved in approximately the same direction as the first longitudinal curve and wherein the first and second longitudinal curves are generally coplanar.

Abstract: A sorbent based on smectitic clay minerals with originally low water uptake ability wherein the smectitic clay minerals are chemically reacted with at least one solid ion exchanger in alkaline form.

Abstract: A guiding introducer for use in the left atrium comprised of a first, second and third section wherein the first section is a generally elongated straight section wherein merged with the distal end of the first section is a second section which is curved in a compound curve, first curving upward in a first longitudinal curve and simultaneously curving to the right in a second longitudinal curve, wherein the second section merges with the third section wherein said third section is a third longitudinal curve wherein the plane of the third section is angled upward at an angle of approximately 25 to about 60 degrees from the plane of the first section and wherein substantially all of the third section is coplanar.

Abstract: In a catalytic assembly having an oxidation catalytic unit disposed above the broiling area of a fat-food broiler for enabling the catalytic oxidation of volatile broiling smoke organic contaminants, a low pressure drop open-pore metallic flame-arresting filter screen disposed between the broiling area and the catalytic unit and substantially completely overlying the broiling area and containing upon the screen an adherent coating comprising a high surface area inorganic oxide adsorbent and an inorganic binder therefor, the coating serving to adhere salt, phosphorous and other catalyst-poisoning compounds in the broiling emissions. Preferred methods of coating and broiler flame-arresting use are described.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of atrial arrhythmia by use of ablation and/or mapping procedures comprising ablating discrete ablation tracks within the left and right atrium of the heart by use of precurved left and right atrium guiding introducers, including preferably a guiding introducer system for use in the left atrium comprising an inner and an outer guiding introducer. Also disclosed are shapes for the guiding introducers and the guiding introducer system to be used for the ablation and/or mapping of the discrete tracks within the left and right atrium.

Abstract: A lifting or jacking device for the lifting of lawn mowing equipment comprising an axle with wheels, an extended vertical element secured to the axle, a support element secured to the axle at approximately a 90.degree. angle from the extended vertical element, and a gripping piece, preferably a pair of gripping teeth secured to one end of the support bar. Preferably a foot assist bar is also secured to the extended vertical element to assist the lever element in raising the lawn mowing equipment. In addition, there is preferably secured to the device an extendable safety arm which is extendable from the support element to maintain the lifting device in a fixed position after the lawn mowing equipment has been lifted. Also preferably, the extended lever bar is divided into an upper and lower section, the upper section of which may be rotated to assist in the movement and storage of the lifting or jacking device.

Abstract: A catheter for mapping and ablating cardiac tissue comprising an elongated catheter body with proximal and distal ends and an electrode comprising an electrode conductor and a helical electrode comprising a series of turns which is secured to the catheter body near its distal end, wherein at least a portion of the circumference of the turns of the helical electrode portion is uncoated. Also disclosed is a process for ablating human tissue wherein a helical electrode secured to a catheter body near its distal end is utilized for an ablating procedure.

Abstract: A protective cover for use in the storage of an endoscope comprising a tubular member containing a passageway running lengthwise through the member from proximal to distal end, a tapered portion for holding the endoscope in place as it is inserted into the passageway, wherein the tapered portion is located at or near the proximal end of the tubular member, and a narrowed portion of the passageway located at or near the distal end of the tubular member.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of ectopic atrial tachycardia by use of ablation and/or mapping procedures comprising ablating discrete locations within the right atrium of the heart by use of an ablation catheter and a precurved guiding introducer. Also disclosed is a shape for the guiding introducer to be used for the ablation and/or mapping of the discrete locations within the right atrium for the treatment of ectopic atrial tachycardia.

Abstract: A process for producing sorbents based on smectites for absorbing liquids is described. This process is characterized in thata) a smectite with a water content of less than 6% by weight;b) a wet mass of fibrous cellulose and inorganic pigments which forms in the treatment of waste water from paper manufacture; andc) anhydrous calcium sulfate (anhydrite) or calcium sulfate hemihydrateare mixed with one another, compressed and crushed. The quantitative ratio between the smectite (a), the wet mass (b) and calcium sulfate (c) are selected such that the water content (free water) of the granular material is less than 20% by weight.

Abstract: A catheter for insertion in the ostium of the coronary sinus in the right atrium comprised of a main reinforced portion, an intermediate zone portion and a soft tip portion, wherein a portion of the catheter is curved in a compound curve formed by a first and second curve, wherein the second curve may be curved in the same direction as the first curve or out of a plane formed by the first curve.

Abstract: A process for the mapping and/or ablation of accessory pathways around the mitral valve using a retrograde approach by use of ablation and/or mapping catheters guided by precurved guiding introducers. Also disclosed are shapes for the guiding introducers to be used for the ablation and/or mapping of the accessory pathways around the mitral valve using a retrograde approach.

Abstract: A process is described for producing neutral to alkaline color developer pigments for use in carbon-free transfer papers from an acid-activated smectic phyllosilicate and basically reacting chemicals. The process is characterized in that the acid-activated phyllosilicate with a layer structure which is essentially still intact is reactive without intermediate drying with the basically-reacting chemicals up to partial or complete decomposition of the amorphous silicic acid formed on the corners and edges of the phyllosilicate crystallites without significant re-exchange of the hydronium ions inserted between the layers of the phyllosilicate by alkali or earth alkali ions.The color developer pigments can be used in suspensions with concentrations from 30 to 50% by weight, preferably from roughly 38 to 48% by weight.