Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in assisting a human heart are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an aortic compression means which may be fully implanatable, a fluid reservoir and a pump means adapted to pump a fluid from the reservoir to the aortic compression means so as to actuate the aortic compression means at least partly in counterpulsation with the patient's heart. In addition, the device is adapted to be wholly positioned within the right chest cavity of the patient. The aortic compression means of the device may be curved along its length so as to substantially replicate the curve of the ascending aorta.

Abstract: The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to transcutaneous energy transfer systems comprising an internal coil positioned within a cavity of a patient and an external coil inductively coupled to the internal coil. The systems can be coupled to any implantable medical devices, such as, for example, a heart assist device.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a pulsatile heart assist device (14) in a patient (10). The method consisting of utilizing sounds produced by the heart (12) to control the operation of the heart assist device (14).

Abstract: A vehicle stabilizing means comprising a cradle (23) supported from a mounting (17) to lie to one side of the mounting, a rotor (19) supported from the cradle between a pair of spaced supports (25) to be rotatably supported by the supports, a drive coupled to the rotor enabling the rotor to rotate at a substantially constant angular velocity, the rotor being rotatable about a first axis, the supports located to the side of the cradle remote from the mounting, the cradle further comprises a base (31) which is rotatably supported from the mounting to be rotatable around a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis of rotation of the rotor and which intersects the first axis of the rotor, the mounting intended in use to be fixed to the vehicle such that in operation the mean orientation of the first and second axes are substantially perpendicular to the direction of the axis of stabilization.

Abstract: A domed roof structure may include a plurality of generally rectangular roof members each including an upper surface; a lower surface; a pair of first opposed side surfaces and a pair of second opposed side surfaces, each diverging from the upper surface to the lower surface; a first passage from one to the other of the pair of the first side surfaces; and a second passage from one to the other of the pair of the second side surfaces. A first cable may pass through the first passages in adjacent said roof members; and a second cable may pass through the second passages in adjacent said roof members. Applying tension to the cables may drive the end faces of adjacent said roof members towards each other thereby increasing the angle between adjacent said roof members so as to form a domed roof structure.

Abstract: A drill and a separator apparatus and a method of prolonging bearing life are described, the separator apparatus being suitable for separating an air/water mixture into discrete air and water streams during drilling of a blast hole. The separator apparatus includes a separator body which is adapted to be installed at a distal or lower region of a drill string and when installed at the distal or lower region forms one or more separation chambers or reservoirs, each separation chamber or reservoir comprising an inlet adapted to receive the air/water mixture, a first outlet in fluid communication with a drill bit for releasing air thereto and a second outlet in fluid communication with a wall of the blast hole and disposed in the distal or lower region of the drill string to release water separated from the air/water mixture in a region adjacent the drill bit.

Abstract: A wrap (20) for securing about a blood vessel (36) by encasing a section of the vessel. The wrap (20) being of thin flexible construction having two ends (22, 24) and two sides (26, 28). The wrap (20) is more elastic or stretchable at, near, or along at least some of its sides (22, 24) compared to at, near, or along its centre, to provide strain relief from wrapped to unwrapped aorta. The wrap (20) is not inelastic, so that loss of aortic compliance is minimised or enhanced. The wrap (20) is adapted to apply, in use, less compressive force at, near, or along at least some of its sides (22, 24) compared to at, near, or along its centre.

Abstract: There is provided a floatation device for supporting at least one photovoltaic solar panel above a body of water. Preferably, the floatation device includes a base that is able to float on or in the body of water, and at least one support to position the at least one photovoltaic solar panel at an angle to the base. At least one coupling member is used to couple the floatation device to an adjacent floatation device. In various embodiments an array of floatation devices holding solar panels can be constructed that can be rotated on the body of water to relatively easily track the motion of the sun across the sky during the day. The pitch angle of solar panels can be fixed or varied. Optionally, the base includes at least one opening.

Abstract: An automated clamping assembly adapted for mounting on or adjacent to a belt conveyor. The clamping assembly includes a clamping member selectively movable between an operative position in which the clamping member is disposed on or closely adjacent to a conveyor belt to retain the belt in a rest position during adverse weather conditions, and an inoperative position in which the clamping member is disposed away from the belt so as not to impede normal operation of the conveyor. An automated drive mechanism is adapted to move the clamping member between the operative and inoperative positions. A control module is adapted to activate the drive mechanism in response to activation control signals from a remote system controller. The control module also is adapted to send feedback control signals to the system controller indicative of the clamping status of the clamping member.

Abstract: A percutaneous gas-line (10) for a medical device (14). The gas-line including a first gas-line part (10a) and a second gas-line part (10b). The first gas-line part (10a) is adapted to be wholly implanted in a patient and has a first end (10a?) adapted for sealing connection to the medical device (14) and a second end (10a?) with a connection fitting (20). The second gas-line part (10b) is adapted to be part-implanted and part-external and has a first (external) end (10b?) adapted for sealing connection to an external driver (12) and a second (implanted) end (10b?) adapted for removable sealing connection with the connection fitting (20) on the second end (10a?) of the first gas-line part (10a).

Abstract: There is provided a process for making a composition suitable for topical application comprising the steps of a) heating at least one fruit and/or vegetable pulp to up to a temperature in the range of about 40° C. to 100° C.; b) mixing between 1 and 40% w/w of a mild base with the heated fruit and/or vegetable pulp. There is also provided a fruit and/or vegetable derived composition suitable for topical application prepared by the above process. There is further provided a fruit and/or vegetable derived composition comprising at least one fruit and/or vegetable derived pulp and a mild base, said composition having a pH in the range of about 7.5 to about 9.5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to self care and care management.

Abstract: A cargo dunnage apparatus (10) for supporting, securing and protecting cargo and packaging whilst the cargo is in transit or storage. The cargo dunnage apparatus (10) comprises an elongate support member (12) having a first end (14) and a second end (16). The support member (12) having a load bearing upper portion (20) arranged to receive cargo. Preferably the support member (12) further comprises at least one reinforcement member to increase the cargo carrying capacity of the apparatus (10) and cargo locating member for positioning and secure the cargo in use.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in assisting a human heart are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an aortic compression means which may be fully implanatable, a fluid reservoir and a pump means adapted to pump a fluid from the reservoir to the aortic compression means so as to actuate the aortic compression means at least partly in counterpulsation with the patient's heart. In addition, the device is adapted to be wholly positioned within the right chest cavity of the patient. The aortic compression means of the device may be curved along its length so as to substantially replicate the curve of the ascending aorta.

Abstract: There is provided a process for making a composition suitable for topical application comprising the steps of a) heating at least one fruit and/or vegetable pulp to up to a temperature in the range of about 40° C. to 100° C.; b) mixing between 1 and 40% w/w of a mild base with the heated fruit and/or vegetable pulp. There is also provided a fruit and/or vegetable derived composition suitable for topical application prepared by the above process. There is further provided a fruit and/or vegetable derived composition comprising at least one fruit and/or vegetable-derived pulp and a mild base, said composition having a pH in the range of about 7.5 to about 9.5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and compounds of Formula (1) and/or (2) or their pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic or organic salt thereof, and their compositions for treating respiratory conditions including post viral/bacterial infections, acute/chronic bronchitis, COPD, cystic fibrosis, and inflammatory conditions. It has been found by the applicants that the compounds of Formula (1) and/or (2) or their pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic or organic salt thereof could speed up the recovery of the viability of damaged respiratory tract cells by restoring sialylglyco-conjugates on their surface.

Abstract: A process for treating a Bayer liquor by wet oxidation to oxidise organic contaminants in the Bayer liquor in which the wet oxidation process is conducted in the presence of a mixed Ce/Mn oxide. The catalyst may have nano-sized grains, and be supported on a mesoporous oxide support. The catalyst may also contain a platinum group metal.

Abstract: A fluid pressure generating means (10) for a heart assist device having blood pumping means. The pressure generating means (10) includes a housing (11), defining an interior volume (18), and having a substantially rigid first housing portion (12), a substantially rigid second housing portion (14), a flexible third housing portion (16) extending between the first (12) and second (14) housing portions and an inlet/outlet port (15) adapted for fluid communication with the blood pumping means. The pressure generating means (10) also includes a fluid filling the housing and a motor (20) disposed within the housing (11) and connected between the first (12) and second (14) housing portions. Actuation of the motor (20) moves the first (12) and second (14) housing portions relative to one another to generate fluid pressure changes at the inlet/outlet port (15). A related heart assist device and method for the treatment of congestive heart failure, myocardial ischemia and like conditions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A percutaneous gas-line (10) for a medical device (14). The gas-line including a first gas-line part (10a) and a second gas-line part (10b). The first gas-line part (10a) is adapted to be wholly implanted in a patient and has a first end (10a?) adapted for sealing connection to the medical device (14) and a second end (10a?) with a connection fitting (20). The second gas-line part (10b) is adapted to be part-implanted and part-external and has a first (external) end (10b?) adapted for sealing connection to an external driver (12) and a second (implanted) end (10b?) adapted for removable sealing connection with the connection fitting (20) on the second end (10a?) of the first gas-line part (10a).

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Gardenia plant named ‘Platinum’, characterized by its compact, upright and rounded plant habit; moderately vigorous growth habit; freely branching and flowering plant habit; numerous large semi-double white-colored flowers; and good garden performance.