Abstract: The invention relates to preparations which are suitable for repairing enchondral or osteochondral defects (4) by means of implantation, said preparations comprising a cartilage element (A) and optionally a bone element (B) which is connected to the cartilage element (A). The cartilage element (A) can already contain cells during the implantation or is populated after the implantation with cells migrating from surrounding tissue. The aim of the invention is to better equip the cartilage element (A) of one such preparation for integration into the surrounding tissue and/or for an easy-to-achieve, primary stability. To this end, said cartilage element is not homogeneously embodied but has different characteristics in a peripheral and/or basal region (2, 3) to those in a central region (3).

Abstract: A gate valve for a vacuum chamber comprises two carriers (5a) each connected to a frame structure providing an essentially plane front by two parallel links (6) and to an actuating rod (12a) by parallel levers (14). Upward motion of the actuating rods (12a) by a piston (17) causes, via the levers (14), upward motion of the carriers (5a) which is transformed into a circular motion by the links (6) where the carriers (5a) at the same time approach the front while remaining parallel to it, moving sealing plates (9) which are fixed to the carriers (5a) to an active position where they press against the front and seal openings (3) therein. Retraction of the piston (17) effects an inverse motion, whereby the sealing plates (9) are completely removed from the openings (3) and the latter made easily accessible.

Abstract: The invention relates to preparations which are suitable for repairing enchondral or osteochondral defects (4) by means of implantation, said preparations comprising a cartilage element (A) and optionally a bone element (B) which is connected to the cartilage element (A). The cartilage element (A) can already contain cells during the implantation or is populated after the implantation with cells migrating from surrounding tissue. The aim of the invention is to better equip the cartilage element (A) of one such preparation for integration into the surrounding tissue and/or for an easy-to-achieve, primary stability. To this end, said cartilage element is not homogeneously embodied but has different characteristics in a peripheral and/or basal region (2, 3) to those in a central region (3).