Abstract: A device is disclosed for insertion in the human or animal body in order to increase the spacing between adjacent spinous processes of the spinal column. The device comprises a plurality of shaped members which are pivotally joined to each other and arranged around a central screwed rod which is supported by a collar at one end and a threaded collar at the opposite end said collar and collar being located within the pivoting axis of the adjacent members forming each end of the device. Following insertion in the body and positioning between adjacent spinous processes the device may be deployed by rotation of the central screwed rod in order to achieve the desired separation of adjacent spinous processes while at the same time providing a secure location of the device in the deployed condition.

Abstract: A device for insertion between the spinous processes of adjacent vertebrae of the human spine includes a first tapered screw-like component dismountably assembled to a second component by means of a centrally located shaped rod. The second component includes a self-locating spacer member which remains in position between adjacent spinous processes after removal of the tapered screw-like portion.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for insertion in the human or animal body in order to increase the spacing between adjacent spinous processes of the spinal column. The device comprises a plurality of shaped members which are pivotally joined to each other and arranged around a central screwed rod which is supported by a collar at one end and a threaded collar at the opposite end said collar and collar being located within the pivoting axis of the adjacent members forming each end of the device. Following insertion in the body and positioning between adjacent spinous processes the device may be deployed by rotation of the central screwed rod in order to achieve the desired separation of adjacent spinous processes while at the same time providing a secure location of the device in the deployed condition.

Abstract: A device for insertion into a space between adjacent processes of vertebrae comprising a flexible enclosure which can be placed in a collapsed form prior to insertion between adjacent processes of vertebrae and subsequently placed in an expanded form by injection of a settable resin under pressure, wherein surfaces of the device facing the adjacent processes of vertebrae are closer together in said collapsed form and further apart in said expanded form.

Abstract: Aircraft systems having thrust reversers with locking assemblies are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an aircraft system includes a fan casing and a thrust reverser attached to the fan casing. The fan casing includes a first member. The thrust reverser includes a nozzle inner wall, a second member proximate to the nozzle inner wall for engaging with the first member, and a locking member positioned proximate to the first member. The locking member is movable between (a) a first position in which the first member is positioned between the locking member and the second member such that the locking member inhibits disengagement of the first and second members, and (b) a second position in which the locking member does not inhibit disengagement of the first and second members. The first member can be a V-groove, and the second member can be a V-blade.

Abstract: An aircraft engine assembly is provided that is adapted to reduce noise produced by an engine included in the engine assembly. The engine assembly includes a nacelle having an inlet section and a main section that is houses the engine and fan assembly associated with the engine. The inlet section is coupled to the main section at a main bulkhead junction between the inlet section and the main section. A one piece annular acoustic panel is located within a recess in an internal wall of the nacelle. The annular acoustic panel extends from a forward portion of the inlet section to a forward portion of the main section such that the bulkhead is covered by the annular acoustic panel.

Abstract: A photodegradable polymer composition comprising 50 to 99 weight percent based on the total weight of photodegradable polymer composition of a thermoplastic addition polymer and 1 to 50 weight percent based on the total weight of the photodegradable polymer composition of a photodegrading agent, said photodegrading agent being a polyketone which is a linear copolymer consisting of units of --CO(C.sub.2 H.sub.4)-- and units --CO(B')-- where B' is derived from olefinically unsaturated hydrocarbon selected from the group consisting of CHR.sub.4 .dbd.CHR.sub.5 (I) and CH.sub.2 .dbd.C(R.sub.6)(CHR.sub.7 R.sub.8) (II), wherein R.sub.4 is a hydrocarbyl group, R.sub.5 is hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group, R.sub.6 is a hydrocarbyl group, and R.sub.7 and R.sub.8 are individually hydrogen or hydrocarbyl groups.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a contact lens by machining a lens blank in a suitable machinable condition. The concave lens surface is machined first and the circumferential edge surface is then machined with the blank mounted in the same position. The partly formed blank is repositioned and the convex lens surface machined.

Abstract: The specification discloses a coupling sleeve for coupling together lengths of pipe in substantially sealed relationship. The coupling sleeve has a socket portion for a pipe, and a resilient annular seal is mounted at the outer end of the socket portion for engagement by the leading end of the pipe when the latter enters the socket portion. The seal is retained in position by means of a locking ring snap-fitted over an outwardly extending abutment provided on the socket portion. To provide a seal against liquid leakage along interfaces between the seal and the end surface of the socket portion, and also between the seal and the adjacent surface of the locking ring, a narrow land portion of the seal undergoes substantial axial compression by the locking ring.