Abstract: A prosthetic foot (124) incorporates a foot keel (165) and a calf shank (126) connected to the foot keel to form an ankle joint area of the prosthetic foot. A device (125) connected between the upper end of the calf shank and the lower portion of the prosthesis can be used to assist posterior movement of the upper end of a calf shank and control anterior movement of the upper end of the calf shank during use of the prosthesis. The device (125) has springs which store energy during force loading with anterior motion of the upper end of the calf shank in gait and which, during force unloading, return the stored energy as kinetic power for adding to the propulsive force on the user's body generated by the prosthesis in gait.

Abstract: A continuous process for the production of dried superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) the polymerization reaction is carried out either in an initially homogenous aqueous monomer solution (bulk aqueous solution polymerization) or in a heterogeneous water-in-oil reactant mixture (reverse phase suspension or emulsion polymerization) within a continuous closed polymerization reactor, then the resulting polymer gel is dried within a continuous moved bed in a closed dryer, avoiding the needs of standard intermediate maturity tank(s).

Abstract: A method for the continuous phase conversion of a product in a kneader mixer, into which the product is introduced, said mixer comprising kneading elements that are mounted on at least one shaft. The product is back-mixed until a predefined viscosity of the product is determined by measurement of the torque of the shaft, or a product with a predetermined viscosity that has already been achieved is back-mixed, the kneader mixer is then switched to a continuous mode, in which optionally and additional component is added and the product is subsequently transported to the discharge point.

Abstract: A method for carrying out a mass polymerization of monomers and/or pre-polymers, which are at least partially soluble in their polymers, in particular methyl methacrylate (MMA) is provided. The method involves the addition of at least one monomer or pre-polymer in a reactor. Mass polymerization for amorphous polymers is carried out without solvents below the glass transition temperature and for crystalline polymers below the melting point, achieving a high degree of conversion of the monomers.

Abstract: A method for carrying out homogenous polymerization reactions in a reactor, wherein monomers and/or prepolymers are fed (apportioned). In a first step, an initiator is optionally admixed with the monomer and/or prepolymer. In a second step, once viscosity is substantially higher, a solvent is added thereto and/or the monomer itself is partially evaporated, it is condensed externally and/or internally and fed back into the reactor.

Abstract: A method for carrying out homogenous polymerization reactions in a reactor, wherein monomers and/or prepolymers are fed (apportioned). In a first step, an initiator is optionally admixed with the monomer and/or prepolymer. In a second step, once viscosity is substantially higher, a solvent is added thereto and/or the monomer itself is partially evaporated, it is condensed externally and/or internally and fed back into the reactor.