Abstract: A biological filter for filtering a stream of falling liquid, the filter comprising a body movable between a first and a second position, and a first filter portion coupled to the body such that the first filter portion is positioned under the stream when the body is in the first position. The filter further comprises a second filter portion coupled to the body such that the second filter portion is positioned under the stream when the body is in the second position, wherein the body reciprocates between the first and the second positions when located below the stream of liquid.

Abstract: Medical devices, most particularly prosthesis, are defined having at least one porous tissue-mating surface. The tissue-mating surface of the device includes therein a pharmacologically active substance within a biodegradable carrier, such as a polymer or a biodegradable ceramic, such as calcium phosphate. A biodegradable composition of the drug and carrier is impregnated within the pores of the tissue-mating surfaces of the device. The device thereby provides for the long-term release of pharmacologically active substances upon implant. The prosthesis of the present invention provides for enhanced rigid fixation, as pores at the surface of said device provide for bony ingrowth as biodegradable material impregnated therein degrades. Pharmacologically active substances within the biodegradable composition also enhances the rate of bony in-growth where said substances are particularly osteoinductive. The structure of the present device effectively delivers pharmacologically active substances to tissue- (e.g.

Abstract: Medical devices, most particularly prosthesis, are defined having at least one porous tissue-mating surface. The tissue-mating surface of the device includes therein a biodegradable carrier, such as a biodegradable polymer. The pores or intersticial spaces of the tissue-mating surface of the device are impregnated with the biodegradable polymer. The prosthesis of the present invention provides for enhanced rigid fixation, as pores at the surface of said device provide for bony ingrowth as the biodegradable carrier, i.e., polymer, degrades. Methods for preparing said prosthesis are described. Methods for delivering a pharmacologically active substance by including a pharmacologically active substance in the biodegradable carrier (e.g., polymer) are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bone prosthesis having a porous or mesh type mating surface for attachment to bone and at least one continuous hollow internal chamber is disclosed. The prosthesis also includes at least one portal and at least one channel extending from each hollow chamber that allows communication between the chamber of the prosthesis and the mating surface of the device. Biomaterial for enhancing bone growth is injected in fluid form through a portal of the device into a hollow chamber, simultaneous with or after press fitting the prosthesis into the bone. Biomaterial thereby reaches bone mating surfaces through one or more channels. Bony growth at a mating surface of the prosthesis is enhanced, and union of the prosthesis with bone is thereby promoted.

Abstract: A filtering element for use in trapping particulates from a diesel exhaust gas, made up of a porous refractory ceramic body of predominant open-cell porosity prepared by firing an aluminosilicate hydrogel-bonded porous ceramic composition, and preferably further containing on the filter inlet and/or outlet surface thereof an integral thin porous ceramic membrane layer having pores whose average diameter is less than that of the pores in the body and at the other surfaces.

Abstract: Cross flow diesel particulate traps are disclosed in which a cylindrical canister contains a plurality of individual ceramic trap elements. The canister is provided with inlet openings along one side and outlet openings along another side which respectively communicate with inlet and outlet spaces formed between individual ceramic trap elements. The traps are provided with inlet and outlet plenums which communicate with the respective canister openings for directing exhaust gases through the canister and for collecting the exhaust gases. In one embodiment, the inlet plenum is divided by partitions into zones and a diverter valve directs regeneration gases to selected zones canister regeneration. Ceramic trap elements are disclosed adapted for use in a diesel exhaust gas particulate trap formed with a disc-shaped body of open cell ceramic material with opposite faces terminated by partially surrounding peripheral walls which define inlet and outlet gaps at the respective sides of the element.

Abstract: A process for producing a porous ceramic filter for use in the filtering of particulates from diesel exhaust gases, and the filter so produced, in which a foamable ceramic composition based upon an aluminosilicate hydrogel binder is expanded into a self-supporting, open-celled porous body of desired shape by virtue of in situ reaction between components of the composition, and thereafter treated to substantially reduce its alkali metal content and fired to produce ceramic bonds, the process further preferably providing on the intended outlet surface of the filter a thin porous ceramic membrane layer whose pores have an average diameter less than that of the pores within and at other surfaces of the ceramic filter.

Abstract: Described herein are porous ceramic articles comprised of a porous ceramic body portion (of either predominantly open- or predominantly closed-cell porosity) having, integral with pre-selected surfaces thereof, a thin porous ceramic membrane layer which itself may be of open- or closed-celled porosity. Also described are methods of bringing about such membrane layers and such articles. The invention is particularly useful for providing porous ceramic filtering elements, such as diesel particulate traps, wherein the body portion has a predominant open-celled porosity and wherein the porous ceramic membrane surfaces also are open-celled porosity but whose pores are smaller than those of the body portion, as well as for providing articles such as kiln furniture having smooth porous ceramic membrane layers or skins on pre-selected surfaces.

Abstract: Low mass kiln furniture for supporting ceramic ware during the firing thereof is provided having excellent thermal shock resistance and high temperature stability, the kiln furniture being comprised of a porous refractory ceramic body of low density prepared by the firing of a porous aluminosilicate-bound aggregate of refractory ceramic compounds, and wherein the ceramic body has on one or more of its surfaces a smooth skin in the form of an integral thin porous ceramic membrane layer.

Abstract: Sacrificial tubular anode structures having a generally centrally located connection. This design gives a uniform metal consumption pattern, thus protecting the electrical connection from premature failure, preventing anode separation due to concentrated metal consumption, and reducing the tendency for gas blocking.