Abstract: This invention relates generally to an implantable containment apparatus made of selectively permeable material. In particular, the implantable containment apparatus is used to contain a therapeutical device, a cell encapsulation device, or a gene therapy device. A therapeutical device can be easily placed and replaced in an apparatus of the present invention without damaging tissues associated with the selectively permeable material of the apparatus.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to an implantable containment apparatus made of selectively permeable material. In particular, the implantable containment apparatus is used to contain a therapeutical device, such as a drug delivery device, a cell encapsulation device, or a gene therapy device. A therapeutical device can be easily placed and replaced in an apparatus of the present invention without damaging tissues associated with the selectively permeable material of the apparatus.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to an implantable containment apparatus made of selectively permeable material. In particular, the implantable containment apparatus is used to contain a therapeutical device, such as a drug delivery device, a cell encapsulation device, or a gene therapy device. A therapeutical device can be easily placed and replaced in an apparatus of the present invention without damaging tissues associated with the selectively permeable material of the apparatus.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to an implantable containment apparatus made of selectively permeable material. In particular, the implantable containment apparatus is used to contain a therapeutical device, such as a drug delivery device, a cell encapsulation device, or a gene therapy device. A therapeutical device can be easily placed and replaced in an apparatus of the present invention without damaging tissues associated with the selectively permeable material of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of making a mechanical cable having a steel wire core, a layer of fluoropolymer adhesive covering the steel wire core, and an outer layer of porous PTFE covering the layer of fluoropolymer adhesive. The mechanical cable may be a component of a mechanical cable system wherein the mechanical cable slides axially or rotates within a surrounding support tube. The support tube preferably has an inner surface comprised of non-porous PTFE. The support tube may optionally incorporate a contamination seal at the ends of the support tube to reduce the entrance of contaminating dirt and water into the system. The layer of porous PTFE covering the steel wire core may optionally be filled with a lubricating and abrasion resistant filler such as graphite.

Abstract: An improved mechanical control cable system of the push-pull type. Conventional push-pull cable systems typically include straight portions and curved portions. These conventional systems incorporate a push-pull cable having a metal wire housing enclosing at least the curved portion of the system and frequently both the curved and straight portions. These metal wire housings frequently incorporate a tubular polymeric liner only within the metal wire housing. The improved system has a continuous tubular polymeric liner enclosing both the curved and straight system portions while only the curved system portions are further enclosed by a metal wire housing.

Abstract: A catheter guidewire having a covering of a fluoropolymer tape. The tape may be applied either helically or longitudinally to the outer surface of the guidewire or to the surface of the wire from which the guidewire is made. Such a covering is inert, lubricious, flexible, will not flake, and can be applied as an extremely thin coating. Additionally, such a covering allows the guidewire to tolerate the application of greater force before uncoiling and wire breakage occurs.Other catheter guidewire devices having fluoropolymer tape coverings are also described.

Abstract: A method for treatment of periodontal disease is disclosed. The gingival tissue is separated from the tooth surface in an area where periodontal disease is present. A biocompatible, porous material such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene capable of supporting ingrowth of gingival connective tissue and preventing apical migration of gingival epithelium is placed in a laminar relationship to a portion of the perimenter of the tooth surface. The gingival tissue is repositioned around the tooth and in contact with the porous material, with the porous material positioned between the gingival tissue and the tooth. Articles for the treatment of periodontal disease are also disclosed. One article comprises a first portion which is capable of supporting ingrowth of gingival connective tissue and preventing apical migration of gingival epithelium and a second portion which is impermeable to oral tissues and bacteria. Articles and methods for the treatment of bone defects are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for treatment of periodontal disease is disclosed. The gingival tissue is separated from the tooth surface in an area where periodontal disease is present. A biocompatible, porous material such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene capable of supporting ingrowth of gingival connective tissue and preventing apical migration of gingival epithelium is placed in a laminar relationship to a portion of the perimeter of the tooth surface. The gingival tissue is repositioned around the tooth and in contact with the porous material, with the porous material positioned between the gingival tissue and the tooth. Articles for the treatment of periodontal disease are also disclosed. One article comprises a first portion which is capable of supporting ingrowth of gingival connective tissue and preventing apical migration of gingival epithelium and a second portion which is impermeable to oral tissues and bacteria.

Abstract: A hydraulic shock absorber of the dash pot kind for use with electrically conducting liquid such as sodium, has magnet means for electro magnetically braking a stream of liquid discharged from the cylinder. The shock absorber finds use in a liquid metal cooled nuclear reactor for arresting control rods.

Abstract: A liquid metal cooled fast breeder nuclear reactor of the pool kind has an intermediate heat exchange module comprising a tube-in-shell heat exchanger and an electromagnetic flow coupler in the base region of the module. Primary coolant is flowed through the heat exchanger being driven by electromagnetic interaction with secondary liquid metal coolant flow effected by a mechanical pump.

Abstract: An electromagnetic pump wherein a core within a tubular housing defines an annular flow path for liquid metal, the core having helical windings of metal sheathed mineral insulated conductor and each winding comprising a plurality of loops arranged in series. The windings are in direct contact with the liquid metal and thereby reduce the magnetic gap normally required in such pumps.