Abstract: The invention is directed to a spinal fusion cage for implantation between two adjacent vertebrae, wherein the total cage has, under a load, a maximum compression that is higher than 0.05% of the original height of the spinal fusion cage and the maximum compression does not change the structural integrity of the cage.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a spinal fusion cage for implantation between two adjacent vertebrae, wherein the total cage has, under a load, a maximum compression that is higher than 0.05% of the original height of the spinal fusion cage and the maximum compression does not change the structural integrity of the cage.

Abstract: The application relates to a process for manufacturing a prosthetic joint with at least one loaded surface which consists at least partially of polyethylene, comprising compressing one or more layers of a woven fabric of drawn gel-spun polyethylene fibres into the desired shape in a hollow mould part using a plug at a pressure of at least 0.05 MPa and at a temperature of between 120 and 165° C. and below the crystalline melting point of the polyethylene at the prevailing temperature and pressure, without a matrix material being present, and at least the woven fabric in a layer situated on a loaded surface comprising at least 90 wt % of fibres with a titre of at most 1000 denier, and to a prosthetic joint with a crease-free surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elongated surgical repair product comprising an elongated member of core-sheath structure, wherein the core contains a plurality of high-strength ultra-high molar mass polyethylene (UHMWPE) filaments, and wherein the elongated member has a UHMWPE sheath that is substantially non-porous. This product combines high tensile strength, good flexibility and favourable knotting characteristics. The invention also relates to a process of making said elongated surgical repair product, comprising a step wherein an elongated precursor member containing a plurality of UHMWPE filaments is subjected to a heat treatment while keeping the filaments under tension.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making a multi-filament polyethylene yarn via a gel-spinning process, Wherein a spin finish is applied at least once in an amount of 0.1-10 mass % based on the filament, to a filament that contains less than 50 mass % of solvent; the spin finish comprising at least 95 mass % of at least one volatile compound having a boiling point at 0.1 MPa pressure of from 30 to 250° C.; and the spin finish is subsequently removed by exposing the filament to a temperature of below the melting temperature of the filament. With this process a yarn is made that has a very low amount of residues on the surface of the fibres, without the need for a washing or extraction step, showing good mechanical properties, and very suited for e.g. biomedical applications. The invention further relates to a process for converting polyolefin fibres into a semi-finished or end-use product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making a multi-filament polyethylene yarn via a gel-spinning process, wherein a spin finish is applied at least once in an amount of 0,1-10 mass % based on the filament, to a filament that contains less than 50 mass % of solvent; the spin finish comprising at least 95 mass % of at least one volatile compound having a boiling point at 0,1 MPa pressure of from 30 to 250° C.; and the spin finish is subsequently removed by exposing the filament to a temperature of below the melting temperature of the filament. With this process a yarn is made that has a very low amount of residues on the surface of the fibres, without the need for a washing or extraction step, showing good mechanical properties, and very suited for e.g. biomedical applications. The invention further relates to a process for converting polyolefin fibres into a semi-finished or end-use product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device that are suitable for the preparation of a polymer based on an olefinic monomer and optionally one or more comonomers that are copolymerisable therewith, in a horizontal reactor, divided into at least two zones and fitted with a stirring mechanism, which is operated under subfluidization conditions, the polymer formed being discharged from the reactor separately from other reactor effluent, it being possible to vary the composition of the overall feed to be supplied to a zone between two zones at least and the reactor effluent separated from polymer leaving the reactor as a single stream, at least part of this stream being returned to the reactor as feed after one or more separating steps.