Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus for reduction of harshness from a fresh spirit, by controlling physico-chemical conditions. The method requires operation at a specific temperature, pressure and for required time to achieve desirable improvements n taste. To perform the method, spirit is filled into a reaction vessel, where oxygen-containing gas is introduced to maintain a pressure in a range between 0.3 to 2.0 kg/cm2. The spirit is heated slowly with continuous stirring to elevate the temperature to between 30° C. and 50° C. The same gas pressure and temperature are maintained for an extended period, e.g. one to four weeks. Analysis showed reduction in harshness and improvement in sensory attributes without affecting the levels of esters, acids and aldehydes except acetaldehyde.

Abstract: An assembly for the stabilisation of vertebral bodies (12, 14) of the spine is described. It comprises a pair of pedicle screws (20) each having a threaded shaft (20a) with a tapering first end (20b) for introduction into a vertebral body and a head portion (20c) with a second end (20d), and is characterised in that it further comprises a spring member (18, 22, 24, 40, 42, 44) of the following form. The spring member has first and second ends, substantially straight portions (18b) adjacent each end and a substantially curvilinear central portion (18a) therebetween, the straight portions and the substantially curvilinear central portion being substantially coplanar. The assembly also includes a pair of fixation mechanisms (26) for securing the first and second ends of the spring member to the pair of pedicle screws. Typically the assembly will be for stabilisation of two adjacent vertebral bodies of the spine, that is one motion segment.