Abstract: The bronchial plug (1) comprises a hollow body (2), the front side (4) of which is open and the back side (5) of which comprises at least one valve (6) being closed in the normal state thereof and adapted to be voluntarily or spontaneously opened so as to form a communication orifice. It further comprises gripping means (7) especially dedicated to a guide (10) adapted to position it in a bronchus (16), said gripping means (7) being arranged on the front side of said valve (6) and accessible through said valve (6).

Abstract: A device for gripping a load structure comprises a first jaw member having a proximate end and a distal end, a second jaw member slidably mounted to the first jaw member and having a proximate end and a distal end. Each of the two jaw members is provided with a gripper. The device further comprises a fulcrum member mounted to the first jaw member near the proximate end thereof and a flexible element secured to the second jaw member near the distal end thereof operatively coupled to the fulcrum member for causing an externally applied pulling force on the flexible element to move the distal end of the first jaw member towards the distal end of the second jaw member so as to yield a first inward force between the first and second grippers.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for describing a process visually, converting the visual description to an intermediate format, and directing the process.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis may be implanted in the region of an anatomical canal that is experiencing impairment. An exterior surface wall of the endoprosthesis bears projecting studs that cooperate with the wall of the anatomical canal so as to hold the endoprosthesis in position. One of the projecting studs is hollow and acts as a reservoir for a product that is active against the impairment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure of a prosthesis intended to be implanted in a human or animal passage, particularly an artery, to provide through-passage along said passage, said structure (2) comprising at least one mesh (4) which, at least in part, is approximately cylindrical and comprises at least one corrugated filament (F) forming approximately annular units (UA) linked together, at least some of the corrugations (ON) of said corrugated filament (F) of two respective adjacent units (UA) being linked to one another by linking means (5). According to the invention, at least some of said linking means (5) comprise links (6A, 6C) which are made as a rigid piece and which are provided with at least two loops joined together and, in the case of each of said links (6A, 6C), each of the two loops of the link (6A, 6C) entraps, with some clearance, one of the two corrugations (ON) which are to be linked together.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing low cost electroluminescent (EL) illuminated membrane switches is disclosed. The method includes the steps of die cutting, embossing or chemically etching the metal foil surface of a metal foil bonded, light transmitting flexible electrical insulation to simultaneously form one or more front capacitive electrodes, membrane switch contacts and electrical shunt, electrical distribution means and electrical terminations that together form a flexible printed circuit panel. This continuous flexible printed circuit substrate is then used with a precisely positioned indexing system.

Abstract: According to the invention, said prosthesis (I) comprises projecting studs (3) at least some of which form a reservoir able to contain an active product (5) that acts against an impairment of said anatomical canal.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for describing a process visually, converting the visual description to an intermediate format, and directing the process.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing low cost electroluminescent (EL) illuminated membrane switches is disclosed. The method includes the first step of die cutting, embossing or chemically etching the metal foil surface of a metal foil bonded, light transmitting flexible electrical insulation to simultaneously form one or more front capacitive electrodes, membrane switch contacts and electrical shunt, electrical distribution means and electrical terminations that together comprise a flexible printed circuit panel. This continuous flexible printed circuit substrate is then coupled to a precisely positioned indexing system. Next, the front metal foil capacitive electrodes are coated with a light transmissive electrically conductive layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing low cost electroluminescent (EL) lamps is disclosed. The method of the present invention includes the first step of die cutting, embossing or chemically etching the metal foil surface of a metal foil bonded flexible electrical insulation to simultaneously form one or more rear capacitive electrodes, electrical terminations, optical registration fiducial indicia, and a continuous carrier means that is then coupled to a precisely positioned indexing system. Next, the rear metal foil capacitive electrodes are coated with a capacitive dielectric layer precisely isolating the rear electrode form. In the third step, a layer of electroluminescent phosphor ink is applied to the rear capacitive electrodes to precisely form areas of illumination. In step four, a layer of light transmissive and electrically conductive ink is applied to cover the EL phosphor layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing low cost electroluminescent (EL) illuminated membrane switches is disclosed. The method includes the first step of die cutting, embossing or chemically etching the metal foil surface of a metal foil bonded, light transmitting flexible electrical insulation to simultaneously form one or more front capacitive electrodes, membrane switch contacts and electrical shunt, electrical distribution means and electrical terminations that together comprise a flexible printed circuit panel. This continuous flexible printed circuit substrate is then coupled to a precisely positioned indexing system. Next, the front metal foil capacitive electrodes are coated with a light transmissive electrically conductive layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing low cost electroluminescent (EL) lamps is disclosed. The method of the present invention includes the first step of die cutting, embossing or chemically etching the metal foil surface of a metal foil bonded flexible electrical insulation to simultaneously form one or more rear capacitive electrodes, electrical terminations, optical registration fiducial indicia, and a continuous carrier means that is then coupled to a precisely positioned indexing system. Next, the rear metal foil capacitive electrodes are coated with a capacitive dielectric layer precisely isolating the rear electrode form. In the third step, a layer of electroluminescent phosphor ink is applied to the rear capacitive electrodes to precisely form areas of illumination. In step four, a layer of light transmissive and electrically conductive ink is applied to cover the EL phosphor layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bifurcated aortic prosthesis comprising a structure (2) which comprises a main trunk (3) which divides into two branches (4, 5) of equal lengths and which has shape memory, and at least one impervious envelope (6) completely enveloping said branches (4, 5) and at least partially enveloping said trunk (3). According to the invention, said envelope (6) has a length (L) such that, in the position in which it is implanted in the aorta (AO), it approximately covers that part of the aorta (AO) which lies between the renal arteries (A1, A2) and the iliac arteries (A3, A4) and the length (l2) of said branches (4, 5) is between 1/4 and 2/5 of the length (L) of said envelope (6).

Abstract: Release of an object into a human or an animal passage is performed via a catheter formed of telescopic first and second sheaths. The catheter is at least partially inserted into the passage to release the object in response to relative sliding of the first and second sheaths. The catheter includes a first fixing device that fixes an extra-corporal part of the first sheath to a casing and a second fixing device that fixes an extra-corporal part of the second sheath to a mobile carriage mounted on the casing. A controllable motor moves the mobile carriage with respect to the casing.

Abstract: A source of fast neutral molecules comprises a gas discharge chamber (1) with an anode (5), a cathode (7) and a gas discharge power supply (8), a charge transfer chamber (2) with additional electrodes (16), an accelerating grid (3) composed of grid elements (18) isolated electrically from each other and an accelerating voltage power supply (4). The width of the accelerating grid (3) exceeds within the ion-producing gas pressure range the ion charge transfer length L=1/n&sgr;, n being gas molecule density and &sgr; being charge transfer collision cross-section. The negative pole of the accelerating voltage power supply (4) is connected through a resistor (11) to the charge transfer chamber (2), through resistors (17) to the additional electrodes (16) and through resistors (19) to the grid elements (18).

Abstract: A prosthesis (P1, P2) intended to remedy laryngeal dysfunction includes a tubular body (1) which is intended to be introduced into the larynx (8) and which, at one of its ends is shaped in a bevel (3) and which includes, on the one hand, an inclined closure face (4) and, on the other hand, lateral orifices (5) for communication between the inside of said tubular body (1) and the area outside of said tubular body (1).

Abstract: A measuring device is provided for measuring one or more properties, such as thickness and tension profiles of a thin object, especially a fabric. The measuring device includes an upper mobile member adapted to be placed on the top side of the thin object, a lower mobile member adapted to be placed on the bottom side of the thin object, directly below the upper mobile means, magnets for holding together the upper and the lower mobile members with the thin object in between without damaging the thin object, and a measuring device provided on at least one of the mobile members for measuring the properties of the thin object. The mobile members are moveable together or separately across the surface of the thin object.

Abstract: A gauge shroud for protecting a gauge of a first select equivalent outer diameter which is connected to the distal end of a gauge stem extending a first select distance from a body includes a base having a top and a bottom separated by a second select distance slightly less than the first select distance. The base defines a radially inward extending gauge stem receiving slot between the top and bottom. A cap has a side wall having a second select equivalent inner diameter, an open top and an open bottom. The second select equivalent diameter is greater than the first select equivalent diameter. The hinge pivotally connects the cap and the base, whereby the cap can be pivoted relative to the base between a closed position with the open bottom of the cap abutting the base top and an open position of the open bottom inclined from the base. A latch between the cap and the base selectively maintains the cap in the closed position.

Abstract: The effectiveness and/or hydrating ability of body care compositions, such as moisturizers, skin creams, body lotions, shampoo, hair conditioner, styling gel, styling mist, hair dye, bath additives, pedicure and manicure products, facial cleanser, facial mist, suntan lotions, and sunscreen lotions, are enhanced by the addition thereto of an aqueous suspension containing small concentrations of colloidal silica. The colloidal silica particles are charged and of a size between about 10 angstroms and 100 angstroms. An aqueous solution of colloidal silica particles is prepared by circulating the solution through a magnetic field so that the particles cut the field flux lines and build up a net negative charge thereon. It is preferred that the solution be passed through a magnetic void after passing through a magnetic field to allow the particles to configure themselves without the influence of external magnetic fields.