Abstract: A system for performing an end-to-side vascular anastomosis. including an anastomosis device, an application instrument and methods for performing a vascular anastomosis. The system is applicable for performing an anastomosis between a vascular graft and the ascending aorta in coronary artery bypass surgery, particularly in port-access CABG surgery. A first aspect of the invention includes a vascular anastomosis staple. A first configuration has two parts: an anchor member, forming the attachment with the target vessel wall and a coupling member, forming the attachment with the bypass graft vessel. The anastomosis is completed by inserting the coupling member, with the graft vessel attached, into the anchor member. A second configuration combines the functions of the anchor member and the coupling member into a one-piece anastomosis staple.

Abstract: A system for performing an end-to-side vascular anastomosis including an anastomosis device, an application instrument and methods for performing a vascular anastomosis. The system is applicable for performing an anastomosis between a vascular graft and the ascending aorta in coronary artery bypass surgery, particularly in port-access CABG surgery. A first aspect of the invention includes a vascular anastomosis staple. A first configuration has two parts: an anchor member, forming the attachment with the target vessel wall and a coupling member, forming the attachment with the bypass graft vessel. The anastomosis is completed by inserting the coupling member, with the graft vessel attached, into the anchor member. A second configuration combines the functions of the anchor member and the coupling member into a one-piece anastomosis staple.

Abstract: A system for performing an end-to-side vascular anastomosis including an anastomosis device, an application instrument and methods for performing a vascular anastomosis. The system is applicable for performing an anastomosis between a vascular graft and the ascending aorta in coronary artery bypass surgery, particularly in port-access CABG surgery. A first aspect of the invention includes a vascular anastomosis staple. A first configuration has two parts: an anchor member, forming the attachment with the target vessel wall and a coupling member, forming the attachment with the bypass graft vessel. The anastomosis is completed by inserting the coupling member, with the graft vessel attached, into the anchor member. A second configuration combines the functions of the anchor member and the coupling member into a one-piece anastomosis staple.

Abstract: A system for performing an end-to-side vascular anastomosis, including an anastomosis device, an application instrument and methods for performing a vascular anastomosis. The system is applicable for performing an anastomosis between a vascular graft and the ascending aorta in coronary artery bypass surgery, particularly in port-access CABG surgery. A first aspect of the invention includes a vascular anastomosis staple. A first configuration has two parts: an anchor member, forming the attachment with the target vessel wall and a coupling member, forming the attachment with the bypass graft vessel. The anastonosis is completed by inserting the coupling member, with the graft vessel attached, into the anchor member. A second configuration combines the functions of the anchor member and the coupling member into a one-piece anastomosis staple.

Abstract: A method and system for normalizing optical spectra using a non-uniform segment normalization. A spectrum is obtained and is represented as a function of wavelength as an amplitude at each of a plurality of wavelengths. At least one segment of the spectrum is selected, each selected segment being bounded by an upper wavelength and a lower wavelength. A normalization factor is computed as the sum of the areas for each of the selected segments. The spectrum is normalized by dividing at least one amplitude of the spectrum by the normalization factor. Segments can be selected with different wavelength ranges, that is, segments can be non-uniform. Test specimens can be categorized based on an analysis of normalized spectra. In particular, the specimen to be tested can be human cervical tissue, and the state of health of the tissue can be determined.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a laminated glass pane free of optical obstruction, caused by warping, in reflected and transmitted light. The laminated glass pane comprises a first pane of glass, a second pane of glass and a multilayer spacer layer comprising a first composite film, a biaxially-stretched, thermoplastic carrier film provided with a thin layer system, and a second composite film. A carrier film provided with the thin layer system is mounted on the first composite film and has a thickness of from 30 to 70 &mgr;m and a degree of heat shringage of from 0.3 to 0.8%, measured after a heat treatment of 20 seconds at 120° C., in both directions. The second composite film is mounted on the carrier film. The packet of films is arranged between the two panes of glass so as to be wrinkle-free, pressed using pressure and heat and made into a composite with the panes of glass. A suitable carrier film and the use thereof for producing the laminated pane of glass are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention concerns a process for producing a curved, laminated safety glass sheet from a first curved glass sheet (1), a first laminated layer (2), a thermoplastic substrate sheet (4) with a biaxially drawn thin-layer system (3), a second laminated layer (5), and a second curved glass sheet (10) conforming to the first one.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a laminated glass pane free of optical obstruction, caused by warping, in reflected and transmitted light. The laminated glass pane comprises a first pane of glass, a second pane of glass and a multilayer spacer layer comprising a first composite film, a biaxially-stretched, thermoplastic carrier film provided with a thin layer system, and a second composite film. A carrier film provided with the thin layer system is mounted on the first composite film and has a thickness of from 30 to 70 &mgr;m and a degree of heat shringage of from 0.3 to 0.8%, measured after a heat treatment of 20 seconds at 120° C., in both directions. The second composite film is mounted on the carrier film. The packet of films is arranged between the two panes of glass so as to be wrinkle-free, pressed using pressure and heat and made into a composite with the panes of glass. A suitable carrier film and the use thereof for producing the laminated pane of glass are also disclosed.

Abstract: A glass laminate comprising panes of glass held together by a bonding layer is provided with an edge seal by the drying of an ethylene polymer emulsion such that the emulsion thins out along the edge of the glass panes.

Abstract: A golf putter is formed with a hollow box open towards its striking face which is tautly covered with a layer or two of leather. The cavity in the box behind the leather is filled with a displaceable material such as sand or liquid. The leather indents on striking a golf ball to provide more "feel" and accuracy.