Abstract: An optical waveguide has a core, wherein the core is doped with laser-active ions, and also additionally doped with Ce.

Abstract: The cylindrical fiber reinforced implant is designed to be inserted between two adjacent vertebrae. The implant having an outer wall with a general cylindrical or oval shape and preferably an open volume for bone filling. Said wall having reinforcing fibers which at least in part are oriented in a first direction. A support extending within said volume having reinforcing fibers which are at least in part oriented in a second direction, said first and said second directions are different. Preferably the fibers of the outer wall are at least partly concentrically oriented. The support is preferably a separately formed part, that is inserted into the outer wall.

Abstract: The pair of lumbar interbody implants is designed to be pushed laterally in a space between adjacent vertebrae for replacing the disc between these vertebrae. Each implant comprises a first and a second saggital wall and an anterior wall at one end and a posterior wall at the other end. The two implants are asymmetric to each other and are therefore more appropriate for the transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. Preferably a first implant has a first saggital wall with an outer surface that is curved and a second saggital wall that is essentially plane.

Abstract: The instrumentation includes a spinal stabilizing longitudinal element (1) that is adapted to be placed in a generally parallel relationship with the portion of the spine (A) to be treated, a connector (6) having an opening (7) therethrough, a mechanism (10) is adapted to affix said bone-anchoring element (2) in the opening (7); the connector (6) has a hook portion (11) adapted to cooperate with a support (32) of the bone-anchoring element (2) for clamping the longitudinal element (1); the hook portion (11) has at its bottom side a recess (12) for receiving the longitudinal element (1); the longitudinal element (1) is clamped against said support (32), so that the force of the support (32) on the longitudinal element (1) is approximately parallel to the axis (D) of the bone-anchoring element (2).

Abstract: The medical implant is constructed of a fiber reinforced plastic. That fibers (50a,50b) are generally aligned in layers (C,D,E), wherein the fibers of at least two different layers having different orientations. The fibers are long and oriented in relationship to the biomechanical requirements. The implant can oppose multi-directional forces and can be manufactured with the appropriate strength and stiffness.

Abstract: The device and method for spatially resolved photodetection and demodulation of temporally modulated electro-magnetic waves make possible to measure phase, amplitude and offset of a temporally modulated, spatially coded radiation field. At micro-optical element (41) spatially averages a portion (30) of the scene and equally distributes the averaged intensity on two photo sites (51.1, 51.2) close to each other. Adjacent to each of these photo sites (51.1) are two storage areas (54.1, 54.2) into which charge from the photo site can be moved quickly (with a speed of several MHz to several tens or even hundreds of MHz) and accumulated essentially free of noise. This is possible by employing the charge-coupled device (CCD) principle. The device combines a high optical fill factor, insensitivity to offset errors, high sensitivity even with little light, simultaneous data acquisition, small pixel size and maximum efficiency in use of available signal photons for sinusoidal as well as pulsed radiation signals.

Abstract: The present invention sets forth a method for capturing a 3-dimensional data set of an object furnished by a consumer and then producing an art object from the data set using 3-dimensional imaging technology. A consumer enters a studio with an object to replicate. The studio captures a 3-dimensional image or data set of the object. A 3-dimensional imaging machine is then used to replicate the data set as an art object. The object is then delivered to the consumer.

Abstract: The instrumentation comprises a spinal stabilizing longitudinal element (1) that is adapted to be placed in a generally parallel relationship with the portion of the spine (A) to be treated.

Abstract: An optical waveguide has a core, wherein the core is doped with laser-active ions, and also additionally doped with Cer.

Abstract: An improved support system for stabilizing the spine (A) for surgical treatment or other spinal problems which necessitates a fixation of the spinal components (B, C). The system includes a smooth spinal rod (30), at least two connectors 14 slidable along said rod (30), at least two pedicle screws (12) for fixation to a healthy pedicle bone (B, C) on either side of the vertebrae to be repaired, and a one-piece clamping member (14) connecting said pedicle screws (12) to said rod (30) and supporting said connector (14) for limited pivoting movement with respect to the screws (12) and accurate positioning of said rod (30) with respect to the pedicle screws (12).

Abstract: A transistor and integrated circuit-free remotely indicating status device for holding tanks for recreational vehicles and pleasure boats contains no moving parts, is resistant to corrosion, and is inexpensively and simply manufactured and installed. In one embodiment, common LED indicating devices may be alternatively toggled between water tank and waste tank sensor circuits.

Abstract: A rotary vane pump is disclosed which comprises a cylindrical housing, and a cylindrical rotor eccentrically mounted for rotation within the housing. The rotor includes a slot mounting a pair of oppositely oriented hook-shaped vanes, so as to define a hook space adjacent each end of the overlying vanes. A fluid, such as lubricating oil, is delivered to each hook space during that portion of its rotation shortly before its bottom dead center position, and the delivered fluid is pressurized during that portion of its rotation shortly after its bottom dead center position to assist in moving each vane outwardly from its bottom dead center position.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and agents for detaching and dispersing microbiological deposits which occur on support materials in contact with aqueous systems. The method includes adding to the aqueous medium and thereby contacting the deposits with from about 1 to 100 parts per million of an agent which possesses hydrogen-bonding characteristics. Preferred agents include but are not limited to urea, ethanolamine, water-soluble acrylamide polymers, and water-soluble reaction products of amines, and epoxy or expoxy precursor compounds and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and agents for detaching and dispersing microbiological deposits which occur on support materials in contact with aqueous systems. The method includes adding to the aqueous medium and thereby contacting the deposits with from about 1 to 100 parts per million of an agent which possesses hydrogen-bonding characteristics. Preferred agents include but are not limited to urea, ethanolamine, water-soluble acrylamide polymers, and water-soluble reaction products of amines, and epoxy or expoxy precursor compounds and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method for reducing the residual chromate level in effluent waters comprising catalytic reduction of the chromate ion by hydrogen to the trivalent chromium state and removal of the chromium by passage through a cation exchange resin column or by base precipitation in a settling pond.

Abstract: Microfine silicas that are useful as rubber reinforcing fillers and thickening agents, and are readily dispersible are prepared by modifying the surface layer of the silica. The surface modification results from including in or affixing to the surface of the silica certain inorganic polyvalent ions.

Abstract: The addition of sodium phosphate to a dilute solution of alkali metal silicate, precipitates microfine silica that is readily dispersible.