Abstract: A dosage form comprises a porous extrudate. The extrudate is obtained by extruding, at elevated temperature, a composition comprising a starch, water, a thermostable enzyme, and a pharmaceutically active agent. The porous extrudate is capable of disintegration when exposed to an aqueous environment.

Abstract: This invention relates to a biomaterial useful in bone repair and replacement, and to implants for cranofacial, orthopaedic, and especially dental applications. The implants have a unique geometric configuration, their surfaces defining concavities having a shape and dimensions which induce or enhance the rate and/or amount of bone growth at the implant site. The biomaterial preferably has a specific porous configuration and the implant may be at least coated with such a biomaterial of hydroxyapatite, for example.

Abstract: A three-dimensional lattice structure for use as a bone implant where bone growth is required. The lattice structure has a plurality of laths or bars of bioactive material. The laths or bars cross each other in a plurality of zones, and are interconnected in these zones forming interstices between the adjacent laths or bars. The interstices define a plurality of interconnected pored or channels in the lattice structure.

Abstract: A decorative artifact made of a precious metal composition containing 3-9% by weight aluminum, 1-6% by weight titanium, and the balance being platinum, in which the hardness of the composition is at least 600 on the Vickers scale.

Abstract: This invention relates to a biomaterial useful in bone repair and replacement, and to implants for cranofacial, orthopaedic, and especially dental applications. The implants have a unique geometric configuration, their surfaces defining concavities having a shape and dimensions which induce or enhance the rate and/or amount of bone growth at the implant site. The biomaterial preferably has a specific porous configuration and the implant may be at least coated with such a biomaterial of hydroxyapatite, for example.

Abstract: A process and installation are provided for making an extruded sintered ceramic product. The method involves extruding a moist profile and simultaneously drying it with microwave radiation as it is extruded. As the profile is extruded and dried, it is supported at a position where it has been at least partially dried. The installation comprises extrusion means for extruding a moist profile, support means for supporting the extruded profile at an at least partially dried part thereof, and a microwave radiation source for directing microwaves at the profile.

Abstract: The invention provides for the treatment of raw water having a pH of 2.5 to 9, an alkalinity of at most 50 mg/l expressed as calcium carbonate, a calcium content of at most 100 mg/l expressed as calcium carbonate, and a positive calcium carbonate dissolution potential. The process comprises separating part of the water from the remainder thereof and acidifying the part to increase its calcium carbonate dissolution potential. The acidified water is then fed through a bed of particles comprising calcium carbonate where the water consumes part of the calcium carbonate thereby increasing the calcium content and the alkalinity of the water which issues from the bed. The water issuing from the bed is then mixed with the remainder of the raw water to obtain an at least partially treated product water having a positive calcium carbonate dissolution potential which is at least 2 mg/l calcium carbonate less than that of the raw water.

Abstract: A method of making a dried porous ceramic body having interconnected surface pores and interior channels. The body is formed by extrusion from a paste and is irradiated with microwave radiation to heat it for an initial period at a rate of at least 15.degree. C./minute, after which the irradiation is reduced so that the body is heated at a rate of at most 1.degree. C./minute. Heat loss from the external surface of the body, during heating, is resisted.

Abstract: A surgical guidance device for the precise positioning of a surgical object comprises a base having three feet which define a first plane and which are adapted for location on markers secured to a patient's body. The device includes a swivel head which is constrained for movement in a second plane, and a guide for the surgical object. The guide is mounted on the swivel head so that it can swivel with respect to the swivel head in all directions about a pivot point. The device also includes a locking member for locking the swivel head in a selected translational position in the second plane and the guide in a selected angular position with respect to the swivel head. The surgical guidance device forms part of a kit including three markers securable to a patient's body and on which the feet of the device are respectively locatable.