Abstract: The invention relates to the use of implantable microcapsules, or microparticles or gels produced from alginates that are crosslinked with bivalent or multivalent cations or that are uncrosslinked, for the treatment of skin defects such as e.g. wrinkles, for the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux, urinary incontinence and vesico-ureteral reflux.

Abstract: A method of making and using a monolithic alginate implant is described. The implant is formed by providing an uncrosslinked, highly pure and high molecular weight alginate solution and injecting the alginate solution into a patient at a predetermined site to form a gel body comprising the monolithic alginate implant. Spontaneous crosslinking of the monolithic alginate implant occurs at the predetermined site without the addition of an exogenous crosslinker. The implant may be used for treating medical conditions requiring support of sphincter musculature, reconstructive surgery, or cosmetic reconstruction, for the treatment of wrinkles on the hand, face, or décolleté, or for increasing volume, for example in the case of (HIV-induced) lipoatrophy of the breasts, and for the treatment of selected diseases, including gastrooesophageal reflux disease, urinary incontinence or vesicoureteral reflux disease.

Abstract: A hydraulic unit for a hydraulic regulation device, in particular for slip-controlled motor vehicle brake systems, includes several hydraulic, mechanical and/or electrically operable functional elements arranged at an accommodating member, such as accumulation elements, valve elements, pressure-generation and driving elements, and including at least one cavity associated with at least one functional element. Two connecting channels that lead into the atmosphere are provided with closing devices, which hinder the ingress of fluid into the cavity and allow ventilation of the cavity and a discharge of leakage fluid into the atmosphere. The invention permits an automatic bleeding and an automatic removal of leakage fluid independently of the spatial arrangement of the unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic unit for a hydraulic regulation device, in particular for slip-controlled motor vehicle brake systems, comprising several hydraulic, mechanical and/or electrically operable functional elements arranged at an accommodating member, such as accumulation elements, valve elements, pressure-generation and driving elements, and comprising at least one cavity associated with at least one functional element and disposing of means for bleeding. It is the core of the invention that two connecting channels that lead into the ambience are provided with closing devices, which hinder the ingress of fluid into the cavity and allow ventilation of the cavity and a discharge of leakage fluid into the ambience. The invention permits an automatic bleeding and an automatic removal of leakage fluid independently of the spatial arrangement of the unit.

Abstract: A hydraulic automotive vehicle brake system with wheel slip control includes at least one non-return valve with a closure member that is lifted from its valve seat during evacuation of the brake system. An elastomeric sealing element is arranged between the closure member and the valve seat member.