Abstract: The present invention provides a heart valve measurement tool in the form of an obturator. The obturator is specifically configured to measure the size of the annulus of the heart to be fitted with a prosthetic heart valve. A plurality of obturators of varying sizes are utilized to determine the appropriate valve size.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel tissue cutting device for autologous tissue heart valves which accurately cuts the tissue to a predetermined configuration in a minimal amount of time. The disposable tissue cutting die of the present invention is comprised of a cover, a base member, a continuous blade enclosing a desired spatial configuration and an actuator for forcing said tissue against the entire perimeter of the blade.

Abstract: A concentric mating stent tissue heart valve which is capable of being assembled with a variety of tissue sources is provided. A plurality of prefabricated kits are also provided which enable the valve to be assembled with autogenous tissue in the limited time, i.e., 10 minutes or less, available in the operating room. The inner stent can be configured with a plurality of tissue alignment members extending outward from the inner stent to corresponding holes cut in the tissue. The outer stent can be configured with posts adapted for nesting with corresponding inner stent posts, and integrated with self-adjusting tensioning means, to exert a substantially uniform clamping force on the tissue sufficient to secure the tissue between the stents.

Abstract: A concentric mating stent tissue heart valve which is capable of being assembled with a variety of tissue sources is provided. A plurality of prefabricated kits are also provided which enable the valve to be assembled with autogenous tissue in the limited time, i.e., 10 minutes or less, available in the operating room. The inner stent can be configured with a plurality of tissue alignment members extending outward from the inner stent to corresponding holes cut in the tissue. The outer stent can be configured with posts adapted for nesting with corresponding inner stent posts, and integrated with self-adjusting tensioning means, to exert a substantially uniform clamping force on the tissue sufficient to secure the tissue between the stents.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a rapid assembly, concentric and flexible mating stent, tissue heart valve which can be assembled from prefabricated, sterile and disposable kits by a non-surgeon in the limited time available in an operating room. The kits provide the necessary tools and apparatus for harvesting the tissue and measuring the open annulus within the patient's heart. In addition, the kits contain size-specific components to be used during the rapid manufacture of the tissue heart valve.

Abstract: The process of welding at least two elements of thermoplastic materials includes the step of heating, for projection on the welding area, a flow of projection gas comprising at least 20% helium, the balance consisting of a neutral gas or a mixture of neutral gases. For welding applications with a welding strand, the projection gas is heated at a temperature between 200.degree. and 350.degree. C. For applications involving the production of filamentary windings, the projection gas is heated at a temperature higher than 1000.degree. C.

Abstract: Gun for cutting out sheet metal, of the type comprising an electrode (26) within a nozzle (19) with an outlet conduit (23) for a plasmagenic gas, mounted for free axial displacement relative to an electrode carrier (14), characterized by a drive shaft (7) for the rotation of the electrode carrier (14) and of the nozzle (19) about an external axial bearing pivot (22) of the nozzle and an outlet conduit (23) for plasmagenic gas which is eccentric relative to said axial pivot (22).This gun permits carrying out small cutouts of sheet metal by rotation of a plasma arc issuing from the conduit (25) rotating about the pivot (22).Application particularly to unbuttoning spot welded sheets.

Abstract: A projection device for depositing by projection a fused coating material onto a substrate. The projection device includes a projection nozzle having a central part defining a central passage for the coating material to be fused and projected. The central passage opening at a distal end thereof into a central orifice. The central part being fitted in a peripheral part. Ejection openings of ducts of oxycombustible mixture being distributed around the central orifice according to at least two series which are alternatingly offset from one another with respect to a main axis of the nozzle. The ducts include channels which are milled in the periphery of the central part. The carrier gas contains between 1 and 10% oxygen with the remaining portion consisting of nitrogen. The carrier gas being supplied by a unit for the separation of inert gas from air by adsorption or permeation. The projection device is particularly suited for the formation of the anti-corrosive deposits based on zinc.

Abstract: In a steel casting installation with double-acting and fast-acting mechanical burr removal machine or unit for burn burrs which are produced when the continuous casting is cut up thermochemically, travalling or stationary burr removal machines or units are provided for stationary or moving bloom blocks or billets, wherein a shearing beam arranged stationarily or displaceably beneath the bloom in the horizontal plane inclinedly relative to the burr line carries a guided shearing bar which is resiliently adjustable in respect of height at both ends, in one piece or comprising individual, spring-mounted portions, possibly with front and rear cutting edges, for pressing against the burr line horizontally or inclinedly in the vertical plane.

Abstract: A method of recovering nucleic acid-containing particles from a liquid medium by contacting the liquid medium containing the particles with a mixture of hydroxylated silica beads and a salt solution to bind the nucleic acid-containing particles, centrifuging the mixture to pellet the bound particles, and separating the pellet from the liquid.

Abstract: A concentric mating stent tissue heart valve which is capable of being assembled with a variety of tissue sources is provided. A plurality of prefabricated kits are also provided which enable the valve to be assembled with autogenous tissue in the limited time, i.e., 10 minutes or less, available in the operating room. The inner stent can be configured with a plurality of tissue alignment members extending outward from the inner stent to corresponding holes cut in the tissue. The outer stent can be configured with posts adapted for nesting with corresponding inner stent posts, and integrated with self-adjusting tensioning means, to exert a substantially uniform clamping force on the tissue sufficient to secure the tissue between the stents.

Abstract: An improved method for isolating and purifying nucleic acid from cell culture media contemplating adding to resuspended cell solutions a lysing solution and neutralizing/deproteinating agent without mechanical mixing, followed by centrifugation to partially pellet cellular debris, mixing the solution to complete the reaction, and additional centrifugation to fully pellet the debris.

Abstract: With a band casting-setting-burn-cutting machine in a line-like layout, to thermochemically separate from raw material of great width and thickness to roll out sheets of steel, in particular with high finishing speeds, is presented an attachment system; that without touching or with just the smallest stress through a measuring roller (2) or through an in- or on-attaching system regulates the simultaneous speeds between the band-like material (1) and the band casting-setting-burn-cutting machine (3) for the burn-cutting to be effected.

Abstract: A continuous casting apparatus providing high precision in the weight of workpieces cut from a continuous casting, includes a track disposed parallel to the casting, and a flame cutting machine movably mounted on the track by a machine carriage and a traveller clampable to the continuous casting. A multiple measuring device is provided at or near the cutting machine to detect data relating to the gross physical characteristics of the continuous casting, which is then used to control operation of the appartaus.

Abstract: In a torch cutting machine for thermally cutting hot elongate members which are conveyed horizontally at a varying speed or with a varying direction of movement, a torch-carrying carriage is movable parallel to and with the elongate member during the cutting operation, by virtue of a clamping means engaging the elongate member. A protective hood is disposed in the direct vicinity of the elongate member, beneath the machine, for the purposes of protecting it from heat and radiation. The hood moves synchronously with the machine or elongate member in the cutting operation, and the hood has apertures through which the torch and the clamping means extend.

Abstract: A nozzle for the cutting beard removal where by means of additional heat supply the beard is liquified and blown away by the kinetic energy of a gas jet are formed by an upper and a lower nozzle plate with fuel gas discharge openings and an oxygen slot formed between them which is feeding an ever increasing quantity of oxygen at its longitudinal ends. This is reached by the oxygen slot forming the discharge end of a cone emerging from a distribution chamber enlarged in its longitudinal direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to the alignment of the edge of an element in the form of a sheet or plate of small thickness for the purpose of edge-to-edge assembling of the same with others on a work bench. Each positioning member comprises a translatorily and rotatorily displaceable finger, and a member for control of its linear and angular positioning, the finger being arranged to assume an active position for which it is in contact with the edge of one element and a retracted position for which it allows of laying along-side the edge of a second element. The invention applies in particular to edge-to-edge alignment of steel plates which are plane or shell-shaped for the purpose of butt welding the same on a longitudinal bench.

Abstract: A flame-cutter for separating a moving billet produced by a continuous caster wherein the billet is supported by at least one billet supporting roller. The flame-cutter includes a burner having a nozzle supported for synchronous movement with the billet, means for supplying oxygen to the billet and means for interrupting the supply of oxygen to the burner when the burner passes over each of the billet supporting rollers. Means are also provided for reducing the amount of oxygen escaping from the nozzle after interruption of the supply of cutting oxygen thereby minimizing damage to the supporting rollers and permitting a narrow optimized groove to be cut in the billet.

Abstract: A flame cutting machine for cutting a workpiece comprises at least one cutting torch which is movable transversely with respect to the workpiece feed direction and which is adjustable in respect of operating height. Operatively associated with the torch is a length measuring means for measuring the relative movement as between the machine and the workpiece, to measure a given length of workpiece to be severed. The measuring means includes a measuring wheel which runs against the surface of the workpiece. The machine has a vertically movable support plate which on its front or upstream side, carries a sound and heating insulating hood, within which the tip of the torch is disposed. The measuring wheel is arranged on the rearward or downstream side of the support plate. Cooling systems are provided in various forms, together with a simplified system for feeding gas to the torch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plasma cutting plant comprising a principal generator feeding a plasma arc between a workpiece and an electrode of a torch comprising a tube, with initial ignition by means of an ignition or striking arc between the electrode and the tube, via the resistor and the contactor. A circuit comprising a resistor and an excitation coil of a relay is installed across the terminals of the contactor. When the torch has been brought to the correct distance from the workpiece, the circuit detects this correct spacing and acts on the feed motor to stop the latter immediately.