Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of nanostructured metal species-based films in a flame aerosol reactor is provided. The present invention also further provides improved nanostructured photo-watersplitting cells, improved dye sensitized solar cells and improved nanostructured p/n junction solar cells.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of nanostructured metal species-based films in a flame aerosol reactor is provided. The present invention also further provides improved nanostructured photo-watersplitting cells, improved dye sensitized solar cells and improved nanostructured p/n junction solar cells.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of nanostructured metal species-based films in a flame aerosol reactor is provided. The process comprises combusting vaporized metal precursor, vaporized fuel and vaporized oxidizer streams to form metal species-based nanoparticles in a flame that are deposited onto a temperature controlled support surface and sintered to form the metal species-based nanostructured film. Improved nanostructured photo-watersplitting cells having a sunlight to hydrogen conversion efficiency of from about 10% to about 15%, dye sensitized solar cells having a sunlight to electricity conversion efficiency of from about 10% to about 20%, and nanostructured p/n junction solar cells having a sunlight to electricity conversion of from about 10% to about 20% are provided. Each cell type comprises a nanostructured metal oxide film having continuous individual columnar structures having an average width (w) and grain size criterion (X3) wherein w/10 is greater than X3.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument comprising an outer tube having a peripheral wall and a longitudinal axis. The outer tube has a plurality of openings arranged generally longitudinally along the outer tube. Each of the openings has first and second cutting edges defining portions of the periphery of such openings. An inner cutting member is rotatable within the outer tube. The inner cutting member has at least one cutting edge cooperable with the first and second cutting edges of the openings of the outer tube for cutting material from within the patient with a shearing action.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument comprising:an outer tube sized for insertion through an opening in a patient, the outer tube having a distal end wall, a peripheral wall and a longitudinal axis, the outer tube having a first and second opening, the first opening being located at least primarily in the distal end wall and the second opening being located at least primarily in the peripheral wall, each of the openings having first and second cutting edges defining portions of the periphery of such openings; andan inner cutting member rotatable within the outer tube, the inner cutting member having at least one cutting edge cooperable with the first and second cutting edges of the openings of the outer tube for cutting material from within the patient with a shearing action that progresses along the first and second cutting edges as the inner cutting member rotates.

Abstract: A hand held surgical instrument for use in removing body tissue from a human body. It is particularly useful in arthroscopic surgery of joints such as of the knee or shoulder, but may also be used to remove tissue from the stomach, abdomen, jaw or other portions of the body. An auger-like helical cutter is motor driven at speeds in excess of 1,000 rpm within a stationary outer cylindrical sheath member. The helical cutter is ground to provide a generally concave distal end which gives it a generally fish-tailed appearance and the ability to cut endwise, i.e., to effect an axial boring cut. In addition, the cylindrical sheath member is provided with a pair of longitudinally extending, diametrically opposed tab members at its distal end. Each of the tabs has at least one longitudinally extending edge thereof ground to provide a cutting edge which co-acts with the auger-like cutter blade to sever body tissue insertable between the tabs.

Abstract: A shoulder traction applying apparatus which clamps to an operating table. The forearm of a patient is gripped by a tapering sleeve-like member and a cord therefrom is entrained over a pair of pulleys at opposite ends of a boom member. The remote end of the cord is selectively weighted to apply tension to the cord and achieve a desired traction. The boom is secured to the top member of a pair of separable members of which the lower member is clamped to the operating table. The top member is rotatable by a hand crank which turns a worm gear that meshes with a spur gear fixedly secured to the top member. The lower member may be raised or lowered by cranking a pinion of a rack and pinion assembly wherein the rack is mounted on the lower member. Hand controlled spring pressure locks the lower member in the position selected by the rack and pinion assembly. A caster-mounted stand stores the top and lower members when the apparatus is not in use.

Abstract: A thigh restraining apparatus especially useful in connection with arthroscopic knee surgery wherein the surgeon may perform the operation while viewing the knee on a television screen. A bar member extends across the operating table supported by horizontally extending rail members customarily provided on operating tables. A specially designed sphygmomanometer constitutes a tourniquet member and applies a known pressure to the thigh of the patient. A strap member envelops the thigh of the patient and is reeled out or in by a screw feed as required to accommodate the patient's thigh. One end of the strap is secured and an intermediate portion is removably attached to the sphygmomanometer. If necessary, both knees may be operated upon sequentially without disturbing a required sterile field by positioning a pair of strap feeding devices on opposite sides of the bar member and securing each strap to an adjacent sphygmomanometer applied to each of the patient's thighs.

Abstract: A leg immobilizing apparatus especially useful in connection with arthroscopic knee surgery wherein the surgeon views the knee on a television screen. A flat bar member is extended across an operating table and is secured to horizontally extending rail members customarily provided on operating tables. Depending clamps from the bar member are releasably secured to the rail members. The patient's leg which is to be operated upon is cradled by a pair of plates carried by the bar member and angularly disposed thereto. A specially designed sphygmomanometer constitutes a tourniquet member and applies a known pressure to the thigh of the patient. The design permits the tourniquet member to be secured to the leg cradling apparatus. A strap resembling an automobile safety belt is anchored to the leg cradling apparatus and provides a supplementary leg holder. The patient is customarily electrically grounded and the apparatus is provided with an electrically insulating coating.