Abstract: A tissue anchor insertion system for inserting a tissue anchor into a body tissue such as bone, comprising a cutting device having a sharp leading end to create an aperture in the bone for insertion of the tissue anchor therein. The cutting device is deployed through a sleeve which is a close fit with the cutting device. The distal end of the sleeve is typically configured to penetrate the tissue in which the tissue anchor is to be inserted. A tissue anchor is also deployed through the sleeve, after the sleeve is in position, on a delivery device configured to support the tissue anchor during its insertion into the tissue. Typically the leading end of the sleeve is embedded within the tissue when the tissue anchor emerges from the distal end during the insertion process, so the tissue anchor is not damaged by insertion through the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method, apparatus and method of manufacturing an apparatus; all to produce hydrogen gas, particularly synthesis gas. Preferred embodiments of the invention include an alpha alumina membrane which has been treated with a TiO2 wash coat on one side and has an active gamma alumina layer on an opposite side. A metal catalyst, preferably rhodium, is deposited within the pores of the alumina. Oxygen travels through the membrane and is activated before contacting methane on the other side of the membrane and forming synthesis gas through partial oxidation of the methane. Embodiments of the invention have a number of benefits including the high conversion rate of oxygen (100%), the separate feed streams of methane and oxygen which allow for optimal ratios to be used without danger of explosion, and the opportunity to vary the feed rates without changing the products formed.

Abstract: A process utilising the gases carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen to produce alcohols directly, comprises the steps of bringing a fluid mixture comprising carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrogen into contact with the surfaces of a supported tubular porous catalyst membrane having a range of pore sizes including micropores, mesopores and macropores, controlling the temperature of the said catalyst membrane, maintaining a pressure over said catalyst membrane of from 88 to 600 kPa, and recovering alcohol containing product formed by contact of the fluid mixture with said catalyst membrane.

Abstract: A method of bone surgery including drilling a first bore in a near cortex of the bone with a first drill bit. Then a second drill bit is passed though the first bore towards a far cortex of the bone, the second drill bit comprising a distal shaft portion and a proximal shaft portion, the distal shaft portion having a diameter less than a diameter of the proximal shaft portion such that a shoulder is defined between the distal and proximal shaft portions. Then a second bore is drilled in the far cortex of the bone with the distal shaft portion of the second drill bit whilst the second drill bit is received in the first bore.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to separate a mixture of gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, by a ceramic membrane having a ceramic support and a silica layer. The invention can efficiently separate the gaseous mixture and can also cope with the extreme conditions found in, e.g., hydrocarbon producing wells. A method of manufacturing the apparatus is also disclosed.