Abstract: Osteogenic bone implant compositions that approximate the chemical composition of natural bone are provided. The organic component of these implant compositions is osteoinductive despite the presence of the inorganic component and, further, is present in an amount sufficient to maximize the regenerative capabilities of the implant without compromising its formability and mechanical strength. The composition may be an osteoinductive powder, including demineralized bone matrix (DBM) particles, a calcium phosphate powder, and, optionally, a biocompatible cohesiveness agent. The powder may be combined with a physiologically-acceptable fluid to produce a formable, osteoinductive paste that self-hardens to form a poorly crystalline apatitic (PCA) calcium phosphate having significant compressive strength. The bone implant materials retain their cohesiveness when introduced at an implant site and are remodeled into bone in vivo.

Abstract: Demineralized bone matrix fibers and a demineralized bone matrix composition are provided. The demineralized bone matrix fibers have an average fiber length in the range from about 250 &mgr;m to about 2 mm and an aspect ratio of greater than about 4. The demineralized bone matrix composition includes demineralized bone matrix fibers and a biocompatible liquid in an amount to produce a coherent, formable mass. The formable mass retains its cohesiveness when immersed in a liquid. Methods for making the demineralized bone matrix fibers and composition are also provided.

Abstract: A device for ensuring the sealing in a rotary machine between a rotor and fixed blade stages.Blade edges are joined by rings carrying circular seals in slots. Springs force the seals in the longitudinal direction towards transverse faces of reinforcements of the rotor.A turbulence-free gas flow is obtained as a result of the total seal obtained by the seals (19). Moreover, the rotor can be constructed with a substantially rectilinear ferrule which only induces limited stress concentrations.

Abstract: A seal for a rotating shaft is disclosed which seals the shaft as it passes through a stationary partition wall. The seal has a segmented graphite sealing ring extending around the shaft located in an annular recess of a casing attached to the partition wall. A retaining ring having axial projections extending into radial grooves defined by the sealing ring is attached to the casing and a retaining washer extends circumferentially between the graphite segments and the retaining ring to prevent any relative axial movement between the elements. Relative rotation and axial movement between the retaining ring and the casing is prevented by stop pegs and a stop ring.