Abstract: An apparatus for the high-frequency treatment of body tissue comprises a head (10) which is provided with at least one HF electrode (14a, 14b, 14c) of an electrically conductive material. Optionally one electrode (14a, 14b) can be brought into contact with the tissue (24) to be treated and electrically activated. In order to avoid undesired temperature peaks provisions are made that the head supporting the HF electrode or the HF electrodes, respectively, comprises highly heat conductive portions (12) in order to dissipate heat generating at the HF electrode or the HF electrodes, respectively, in particular in the proximal direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the distribution of a chemical species within a defined space, for example a vessel such as an internal combustion engine cylinder. A plurality of radiation sources and radiation detectors are distributed around the perimeter of the vessel. The radiation sources are distributed to emit beams of radiation across the interior of the vessel, the wavelength of the radiation being selected such that an interaction such as fluorescence or absorption occurs between the radiation and the chemical species which can be detected by the detectors. A representation of the distribution of the chemical species within the vessel can then be derived from the detected interactions by conventional tomography techniques.

Abstract: A method of adjusting the stroke of a press brake having a movable beam (1) supporting a punch (2), a fixed beam (3) supporting a die (4), means of displacing (5, 5′) the movable beam with respect to the fixed beam, said displacement means resting on side frames (6, 6′) immovably attached to the fixed beam, linear encoders (9, 9′) for measuring the displacement of the movable beam with respect to the side frames, at least one sensor (8, 8′) measuring a physical parameter (p) varying with the force exerted by said punch on a metal sheet placed on said die, and an electronic device for controlling (7) the bending movement controlling the speed of said displacement movement between top dead center and bottom dead center (BDC), provided with a calculation means for correcting the value of said bottom dead center depending on the measurement of said displacement and said physical parameter.

Abstract: An engine crankcase gas blow-by sensor. In a closed crankcase ventilation system, crankcase gases are caused to flow through a venturi which includes high pressure and low pressure taps. The high and low pressure taps are coupled to a differential pressure transducer which produces an output that is proportional to the volumetric flow of crankcase gases through the venturi. The use of a venturi in conjunction with a differential pressure sensor offers a low resistance path for the flow of crankcase gases and allows continuous monitoring of blow-by without exceeding the operating pressure limitations of various oil seals. Such a sensor is particularly suited for closed crankcase ventilation (ccv) systems, as it doesn't require venting of crankcase gases to the atmosphere, but works well in open crankcase ventilation systems also.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and instruments for performing a surgical procedure in a disc space between adjacent vertebrae. A cannula is inserted to create a working channel through the skin and tissue of a patient using a transforaminal approach to the disc space. A viewing element is used to visualize working end of the cannula and the disc space. A facetectomy is performed through the working channel to access the disc space. The disc space is prepared with various instruments, such as distractors, shims, chisels and distractor-cutters that extend through the working channel. At least implant is inserted into the disc space. The procedure allows bi-lateral support of the adjacent vertebrae with the at least one implant inserted via a unitary, minimally invasive approach to disc space.

Abstract: A system for anchoring of a tanker near an offshore production unit (1) which is anchored by means of a number of anchor lines (2, 14) and associated anchors, and from which a tanker (3) in use of the system is supplied with oil or gas. The system comprises a first and a second pair of bottom-anchored buoys (13 resp. 15) located before or behind the production unit (1), as seen in the prevailing weather direction (W), and at a chosen distance from the production unit (1). The buoys (13) of the first pair are located closer to the production unit (1) than the buoys (15) of the second pair, and the buoys (13 resp. 15) of each pair has a chosen mutual distance transversely to said weather direction (W), so that a tanker (3) may be moored in the region between the buoys (13, 15) with the fore-and-aft direction essentially coinciding with said weather direction (W).

Abstract: A cover encloses a filter cartridge in an outer housing. The cover has an unfiltered fluid inlet channel and a concentric filtered fluid outlet channel. The filter cartridge includes a filter media with a central passage. An upper endplate is provided on the upper end of the filter media, and the upper endplate has oblong openings defined therein. A separate seal retainer is attached to the upper endplate. The retainer has an outer body portion and a concentric inner body portion extending from the outer body portion. The outer body portion has a lower outwardly opening channel, and the inner body portion has an upper outwardly opening channel. An outer seal is provided in the lower channel to seal the filter cartridge with the housing. An inner seal is provided in upper channel to seal the inlet channel from the outlet channel in the cover.

Abstract: A method of ultrasound imaging, including the following steps, transmitting ultrasonic beams generated by transducers (20) into an object volume (v) such as an object body or a part thereof, receiving (20) and storing (3) signals reflected from said object volume, processing and receiving signals into image data associated to image dots or lines of a video display (8), and displaying at least a few image data on the display (8) in accordance with parameters set by a user and related to a predetermined section or projection plane of the image of said object volume. According to the invention, scanning is only performed in the region of the object body which coincides with the section plane or the image projection plane (P) of the object volume along which imaging is to be performed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a electroluminescent device with a multilayer structure comprising: i) a first electrode including a layer, consisting of a transparent or translucent conductive material selected among metal oxides and metal nitrides, said layer being deposited on a transparent support, consisting of a glass, silicon, alumina plate, or a polymer sheet; ii) a second electrode; iii) a layer, arranged between the two electrodes, comprising a semiconductor and electroluminescent solid organic substance, said layer being optionally bordered with one or several intermediate layers, consisting of electrocatalysts; and iv) a layer with monomolecular structure, arranged between the layer consisting of the conductive material and the layer consisting of the electroluminescent substance. Said device is furher characterised in that said layer consists of a dipolar organic compound whereof the structure has an electronic system &pgr;, a functional group, vicinal or not of the electronic system &pgr;.

Abstract: A preferred surgical anchor includes an elongated body with a proximal end and a distal end, a passage extending at least partially through the body from the proximal end, and at least one hole extending at least partially through the body that communicates with the passage. The passage and the at least one hole are configured so that a material is receivable in the passage, preferably, at the proximal end of the elongated body. So configured, the material may be delivered through the passage, through the at least one hole, and into the skeletal member. Additionally, a cutting member preferably is arranged at the distal end of the elongated body, with the cutting member being configured to enable penetration of the at least a portion of the elongated body into the skeletal member. Systems and methods also are provided.

Abstract: A bicycle handlebar for supporting the head, forearms and elbows of the bicyclist. Pairs of handlebars are mounted to the steering stem. The lowest pair of handlebars extends horizontally for gripping when the bicyclist is in an erect position. The upper set of bars are mounted to the stem and extend curvingly outward and then upward to receive the forearms when the bicyclist bends forward. An intermediate set of bars may be located between the upper bars and lower bars receive the elbows of the bicyclist when the bicyclist leans forward.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cot assembly that includes a frame, supporting corner pieces and bedding material. The frame is preferably of a one or two piece construction and is shaped into a perimeter defining an interior area. Corner pieces support the frame above an external support surface. The bedding material extends across the interior of the frame and into the corner pieces without any gaps between the material, the frame and corner pieces, thereby protecting against injury which could otherwise result from the presence of such gaps. The continuous frame maintains the cot's rigidity while the corner pieces lower the cot's profile for stacking. The cot includes at least a number of corner pieces corresponding to the corners of the polygonal shape. A pedestal extends downwardly from each corner piece to engage the floor or other supporting surface.

Abstract: A method for ultrasound imaging in the presence of contrast agents, particularly in the field of cardiology, including detecting physiological, especially electrocardiographic signals; transforming the signals or a part thereof into pulses for controlling an ultrasonic probe pointed to the heart region, to synchronize it with the heart cycle; performing image acquisitions at predetermined heart cycle phases for predetermined limited times, with a predetermined ultrasonic beam intensity; processing the received signals and displaying them on a display. Image acquisition takes place in the systolic phase of each heart cycle from the end of diastole to the end of systole, a certain fixed number of acquisitions per unit time and an intensity of the ultrasonic beams being determined with the help of an intermediate Mechanical Index for controlled destruction of a certain percentage of contrast agent microbubbles.

Abstract: A variable angle connection between a spinal rod and a vertebral anchor with a clevis to attach to the vertebral anchor, permitting the vertebral anchor to be longitudinally offset from the connecting point on the rod. The connection assembly has a bolt with a stop disposed near one end of the bolt and an aperture for receiving a portion of the spinal implant rod at the other end. The assembly also has a clevis. The clevis defines a bore to hold a portion of the vertebral anchor and the ears of the clevis have holes through which the bolt is located with the ears positioned between the stop and aperture of the bolt. The assembly also has a rod interface washer positioned over a portion of the bolt, between the aperture of the bolt and the inside ear of the clevis. The rod interface washer is partly movable between the aperture of the bolt and the clevis, but the washer is fixed against rotating in relation to the bolt.

Abstract: Implantable devices useful for creating bony fusion particularly in intervetebral spinal fusion. The device is formed of bone and has a body portion with an upper flange member and an opposite lower flange member extending from the body portion. The upper and lower flange members are at least partially demineralized to create a flexible ligament extending from the body portion. In one application, the body portion is inserted into a disc space and the flexible ligament is secured to vertebrae on either side of the disc space. Techniques are also disclosed for making the implantable devices and for inserting the implantable device into an intervertebral disc space to promote interbody fusion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nosebox having an interchangeable connector assembly contained in a housing, for making electrical connection between a tractor and a trailer. The nosebox housing is sized to receive electrical conduits in excess of the size and/or number (seven) proscribed by the SAE J-560 standards and is adapted to securely attach to either the tractor or the trailer. The nosebox housing includes a cover member hingedly attached to a tray member. When closed, the cover member seals against the tray member, thus preventing water from entering the interior of the box. Additionally, the interior of the nosebox is contoured for directing electrical conduits without pinching them. The interchangeable connector assembly is detachably mounted inside the nosebox housing and is easily removable for repair or replacement. The interchangeable connector assembly also meets SAE-J560b standard.