Abstract: An implantable medical device system having at least two implantable medical devices coupled together with a connector while implanted at a common anatomical region. The connector allows the implantable medical devices to anchor one another in place at respective deployment sites. Moreover, the connector may function as a safety device by causing one implantable medical device to migrate upon migration of another implantable medical device. For instance, if migration of an implantable medical device causes a structural change in the common anatomical region, such change may be generally reversible upon migration of the other implantable medical device as a result of the implantable medical devices being coupled via the connector.

Abstract: Control apparatus (1) for selectively applying a mains AC electrical supply (3) to an electrical appliance (4) in response to a remote signal received via a cellular telecommunications network comprises a housing (8) within which an electrical socket (14) for providing power to the appliance (4) is integrally formed. An electrical plug top (10) on a cable (12) extending from the housing (8) is provided for coupling to the mains supply (3). A switch circuit (15) under the control of a microcontroller (19) controls the mains supply (3) to the electrical socket (14). A communications circuit (20) which is adapted for communicating with a cellular telecommunications network receives SMS control messages, and the microcontroller (19) is responsive to the SMS control messages for in turn operating the switch circuit (15) to selectively switch the mains supply (3) to the appliance (4). A power supply circuit (28) independent of the mains supply (3) powers the control apparatus (1).

Abstract: A ceramic fiber is made by spinning a plurality of polymeric materials each including at least one ceramic precursor into a composite fiber, and then pyrolysing the composite fiber to form a composite ceramic fiber of non-homogeneous composition. A preferred ceramic material for use in this method is made by pyrolysing an organo-metallic compound dispersed in an organic polymer carrier. The principal products are tailored matrix-compatible ceramic fibers for reinforcements, and have a core-sheath structure made by coaxial spinning methods. A core of desired mechanical properties, such as silicon carbide, is given a chemically appropriate surface layer. Transition metals compounds are preferred, in a range of organo-metallic ceramic precursors that include carborane derivatives. Allowed additives include metal-silicon compounds, other ceramics, corresponding metal oxides and elementary metals.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a composite ceramic fibre which is made from a self-supporting composite polymeric fibre by the conjugate spinning of at least two dissimilar pre-ceramic polymers in shapes varying from cylindrical to ribbon-like, and pyrolysing the spun fibre to form a composite bilateral, core sheath or matrix-fibril ceramic fibre having regions with ceramic compositions derived from each of the polymers, enabling physical and chemical characteristics to be widely varied for use as matrix reinforcements and other applications. A pyrolysis furnace includes countercurrent controlled atmosphere gas flow for chemically stabilizing or modifying the fibres.