Abstract: A method of playing electronic video numbers game is disclosed. The method includes the steps of a player placing a wager to participate in the game; the player selecting at least one subset of symbols to play from the original set of symbols; activating a random selection process for picking a second subset of winning symbols from the original set of symbols; and awarding the player a prize if a predefined number of symbols in the subset of symbols played matches the subset to winning symbols. The number of symbols in the subset to play is equal to the number of winning symbols. A video wagering device for playing the numbers game of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic gaming system is disclosed that allows a player to play a game of knowledge, such as a trivia game, while playing a slot machine. The player can preferably use successful trivia game results to access higher reward levels with the slot machine, with each reward level having progressively higher payouts for a given winning combination or a higher probability of a winning result or both. The trivia questions are preferably stored in a question database after being obtained from a remote source, in order to ensure an adequate supply of accurate and sufficiently challenging trivia questions.

Abstract: An object (10) having n faces, includes wireless transmitting means (12) for transmitting the value of at least the face of the object lying on a surface. In one embodiment, the face of the object (10) has n faces, includes at least n−1 sensors (S) installed therein, a controller (27, 101) coupled to each of the n−1 sensors (S) and a wireless transmitter device (12) coupled to the controller unit (27, 101) for transmitting data from each of the n−1 sensors (S).

Abstract: A video game system includes a game cartridge which is pluggably attached to a main console having a main processor, a 3D graphics generating coprocessor, expandable main memory and player controllers. A multifunctional peripheral processing subsystem external to the game microprocessor and coprocessor is described which executes commands for handling player controller input/output to thereby lessen the processing burden on the graphics processing subsystem. The video game methodology involves game level organization features, camera perspective or point of view control features, and a wide array of animation and character control features. The system changes the “camera” angle (i.e., the displayed point of view in the three-dimensional world) automatically based upon various conditions and in response to actuation of a plurality of distinct controller keys/buttons/switches, e.g., four “C” buttons in the exemplary embodiment.

Abstract: A sandbox having a removably attachable cover which optionally forms a roof. The cover has depressions which receive corresponding projections formed in the sand receptacle to lock the cover over the receptacle. The receptacle and cover resiliently deflect to enable engagement and disengagement. The receptacle has troughs molded therein for stowing a plurality of posts. The posts are erected to support the cover in a location spaced from and above the receptacle when it is desired that the cover serve as a roof for protecting children playing in the sandbox. The posts are received in sockets molded into the receptacle. The cover is preferably conical, opening downwardly, and has transparent windows formed therein. The receptacle has rounded edges for safety and hand grips for grasping and maneuvering.

Abstract: A method of application of popular casino, lottery, and sports games formatted and modified specifically for the parimutuel race industry. The invention games possess unique rules and formats to govern their play within parimutuel race wagering while reflecting existing games from casinos, lotteries and sports. Wagers are placed electronically with parimutuel race operators who retain a percentage of all bets as determined by individual state law. Outcomes of the invention games are determined by their unique rules and interpretation of current parimutuel racing results.

Abstract: A wood club head provided with a metal shell and having a head volume of 200 cc or more, wherein the ratio (H/W) of a maximum height (H) of a face (2) acting as a hitting surface to a maximum width (W) of the face is set to be in a range of 0.65≦(H/W)≦1.0, and the area of the face is set to be not smaller than 20 cm2.

Abstract: A golf ball having a surface thereon with a plurality of dimples on the surface is disclosed herein. The contour of each of the dimples is continuous from a first edge of each of the dimples to a second opposing edge of each of the dimples. The contour at the first edge may be equal to the contour of a sphere of the golf ball. The contour of each of the dimples may be convex from the first edge to a first inflection point and from the second edge to a second inflection point, and the contour may be concave between the first inflection point and the second inflection point. The contour may be defined by the following equation: P(t)=&Sgr;BiJn,i(t)0≦t≦1, wherein Jn,i(t)=(ni)ti(1−t)n−i, n is equal to at least five, and i=n+1. The radius of each point from a bottom center to the first edge may be different from any other point from the bottom center to the first edge. The radius may be greatest at the bottom center.

Abstract: A presentation football (100, 200) is disclosed which includes a lenticular panel (102) or cloth panel (202) with art work thereon. One or more lenticular panels (102) or cloth panels (202) are adhesively secured to the football panels (12, 14, 16, 18) forming the football itself. The edges of the lenticular or cloth panel and football panels are sewn together with the football turned inside out. Once the sewing is completed, the football is turned inside out to form the football.

Abstract: The described invention concerns a device enabling the spatial movement of bodies, especially persons, consisting of a contraption allowing a spherical movement, of at least on device capable of holding a person, one steering device, and of at least one input device.

Abstract: A portable leg exercising device including a frame having a top, bottom, and two sides. An upper roller subassembly is rotatably positioned adjacent the top of the frame, and a lower roller subassembly is rotatably positioned adjacent the bottom of the frame. A continuous belt extends around and between the two roller subassemblies. Pedal subassemblies are attached to opposite sides of the belt to permit a user to place their feet therein and to alternately push down against the pedals with their feet.

Abstract: In a pin action timing adjustment device of a folding device wherein a change-over between straight run and collect run is performed in one operation for a folding blade action and a pin action, to make it very easy to adjust a timing with which pins fall relative to the projection of folding blades, to make a mechanism very simple, to largely reduce manufacturing costs, to effectively eliminate the occurrence of faults so that maintenance is easy, and to provide an adjusting mechanism which permits ample adjustment tolerance. A control means is connected to a pin action stop cam which causes the pin action stop cam to undergo an angular displacement around its center line, and a stop means which can be connected to the pin action stop cam which has undergone an angular displacement due to the control means and stops the pin action stop cam with a phase displaced by the control means.

Abstract: A curl bow machine manufactures curl bows in accordance with a curl bow manufacturing process. Ribbon is controllably unwound from spools and prepared for stretching by a curling rod. The curling rod applies controlled tension onto the ribbon, thereby curling it. Several strands of ribbon may be curled simultaneously, with the ensuing curled ribbon stream passed on to a wire stitcher. In a specific embodiment, a wire stitcher takes hang tags from a hang tag delivery and cutting system so that individual hang tags may be attached as by staples to the curled ribbon stream. The wire stitcher forms and attaches such staples to the ribbon and hang tag. In other instances, a backing material or wire tie is used in lieu of a hang tag. In a preferred embodiment, a venturi suction and discharge system then delivers the curled ribbon stream with its attached hang tags to a cutter so that individual curl bows may be separated from the ribbon stream.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope with a picture sensor located at its distal end and with several illumination units (LEDs) integrated in the endoscope, for producing illumination light irradiated at the distal endoscope end. The illumination units are arranged as a linear and axial array of LEDs in a space, of an enveloping tube, connecting proximally to the picture sensor. To the LEDs there are allocated fiber-optics into which the light irradiated by the LEDs may be coupled. The fiber-optics run up to the distal endoscope end and here are grouped together to a bundle.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for performing surgery on a heart of a patient comprising a first arm, a second arm and an actuator, the actuator moving the first arm relative to the second arm. The apparatus further includes a first blade on the first arm and a second blade on the second arm, the first and second blades having first and second surfaces facing away from each other, the first and second surfaces being adapted to atraumatically engage tissue or bone for the retraction thereof. The apparatus also includes a stabilizer adapted to be mounted to one of the first and second arms and having a foot, the foot being configured to atraumatically engage the surface of the heart. In a various embodiments, the apparatus includes removable blades mounted to the arms, suture stays removably mounted to the arms, and multiple rails for mounting the stabilizer in various positions.

Abstract: Surgical methods and apparatus for accessing and stabilizing the heart. The methods and apparatus facilitate access to an anastomosis site, allow various instruments or devices to be maneuvered and secured in place, and provide stabilization of the heart. In particular, the apparatus involves a retractor assembly having a pair of opposing blades having a channel adapted to engage an incision in a patient. The retractor blades may have features to cooperatively engage an instrument mount. The retractor blades may have a number of suture locks for securing sutures used during surgery. The retractor system is particularly useful in accessing, positioning and stabilizing the beating heart for coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Abstract: A non-invasive device for evaluating circulatory state parameters, and specifically, a pulsewave analysis device capable of evaluation by separating blood vessel compliance and blood vessel resistance into central and peripheral components of the arterial system is provided. Microcomputer 4 detects the waveform at a test subject's radius artery via pulsewave detector 1, and uptakes the stroke volume in the test subject which is measured by a stroke-volume measurer. Next, based on the measured stroke volume, microcomputer 4 adjusts the values of each element in a lumped five parameter model made up of an electrical circuit which models the arterial system from the center to the periphery of the body, so that the response waveform obtained when an electric signal corresponding to the pressure waveform at the proximal portion of the aorta in a test subject is provided to the electric circuit coincides with the waveform at the radius artery.

Abstract: A system and method for providing patient status feedback via an automated patient care system with speech-based wellness monitoring are described. Device measures are collected through an implantable medical device on a substantially continuous basis from an implant recipient. The device measures are received as physiological measures for storage into a patient care record. The physiological measures include at least one of collected or derived physiological measures. Patient wellness indicators are obtained through voice feedback provided by the implant recipient substantially contemporaneous to the collection of at least one set of the device measures. The voice feedback is processed against a stored speech vocabulary into normalized quality of life measures for storage into the patient care record.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for fabricating a pressure-waveform sensor with a leveling support element. One embodiment provides a pressure-waveform sensor having a housing, a support element, and a piezoelectric element having a first end secured between the support element and the housing, and a second end in a cantilevered orientation. The support element and the piezoelectric element together form a plurality of support regions to level the piezoelectric element and relative to the housing. In some embodiments, the support element includes a ring having three slots spaced apart on one face of the ring, or one or more support regions formed with a shim having a thickness equal to a thickness of the piezoelectric device, or support regions that are integral to the support element. Another aspect provides a method for fabricating a pressure-waveform sensor.

Abstract: A pulse wave velocity measuring device generally comprises first and second photoplethysmographic transducers or probes electrically operably connected to a computer. The transducers are positioned on a patient's back to record pulse waveform information at two locations along the descending thoracic aorta. Additionally, the patient's ECG is recorded. Once the pulse waveforms and ECG waveform are recorded, noise or artifact ridden data is excluded, and the pulse waveforms are signal averaged using the ECG data points as fiducial references. Then, the signal averaged pulse waveforms are analyzed (again, with the ECG data providing fiducial points) to determine the foot of each waveform and the foot-to-foot transit time between the two transducers. Pulse wave velocity is then determined by dividing the distance between the transducers by the foot-to-foot transit time.

Abstract: A device and method for fixation of a sensor in a bodily lumen, in which a sensor support is coupled to a fixation device, which is inserted into a bodily lumen. The fixation device is then secured within the bodily lumen, for example, by expansion or by suturing to the bodily lumen. The fixation device may be a stent or a dedicated anchoring ring having a sensor support coupled thereto. The fixation device may be inserted during an intervention procedure or during a special insertion procedure. The sensor may be remotely interrogated exterior to the bodily lumen periodically or continuously. Furthermore, the sensor may be provided with permanent and/or temporary protective coatings to protect it from damage.

Abstract: A hearing test device and artifact rejection method are disclosed. The device and method may be used in, for example, distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) testing. In one embodiment, the device presents a plurality of stimuli into the ear canal of a test subject, and receives responses from the ear canal. Depending on the noise power of each response received, the response is placed in one of a plurality of buffers or is discarded. The combination of buffers that yields the lowest noise power is then selected. The selected combination of buffers may then be used to calculate a signal to noise ratio, which may be used to determine whether the test has been passed or failed.

Abstract: A biopsy instrument and method of using such are provided wherein the biopsy instrument includes a proximal actuation handle, an elongate flexible member, and a distal assembly. The flexible member, connected to and extending from the actuation handle, includes an aspiration conduit for fluid connection with a vacuum source and for permitting the flow of fluid from the distal end to the proximal end of the biopsy instrument. The flexible member may include an irrigation conduit for supplying irrigation fluid to the distal end. The actuation handle includes a stationary member and an actuation device, and may include a sample chamber, a sample collector, valves for regulating the vacuum in the aspiration conduit and the fluid flow in the irrigation conduit, and a pressure increasing device for selectively increasing the pressure of the fluid supplied to the distal end.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for precisely isolating a target lesion in a patient's body tissue, resulting in a high likelihood of “clean” margins about the lesion when it is removed for diagnosis and/or therapy. This approach advantageously will often result in the ability to both diagnose and treat a malignant lesion with only a single percutaneous procedure, with no follow-up percutaneous or surgical procedure required, while minimizing the risk of migration of possibly cancerous cells from the lesion to surrounding tissue or the bloodstream. In particular, the apparatus comprises a biopsy instrument having a distal end adapted for entry into the patient's body, a longitudinal shaft, and a cutting element disposed along the shaft. The cutting element is actuatable between a radially retracted position and a radially extended position.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for using head gear to sense the motion of the wearer's head and output a signal indicative of the motion. Sensors are used to detect head motion about two mutually perpendicular axes. The sensor signal is fed into a microprocessor to compute a feedback signal indicative of the deviation of the motion from a desired, pre-programmed path. The feedback signal is delivered to an indicator to alert the wearer of the head motion. The device is adaptable to monitor head motions for various athletic, sporting and safety applications.

Abstract: An orthopaedic brace having a cuff formed as a single piece from bendable sheet material comprises a generally U-shaped: frame having a center segment and two extensions projecting from the ends of the center segment in a common direction. The center segment has a reduced stiffness as compared to the extensions to permit the center segment to be more readily shaped to conform to the body part of a wearer. A molded one-piece covering, such as a thermoplastic material, forms a continuous covering surrounding portions of the cuff. The cuff may be fabricated by stamping it from a sheet of metal, such as aluminum, or a composite material. By forming the sheet such that it has a variable thickness along one edge thereof, the center segment may be formed by the portion of the sheet having reduced thickness, while the extensions may be formed from the remainder of the sheet.

Abstract: A method and system for an inflatable, adjustable back support is disclosed. Preferably, the back support resembles a fanny pack. The fanny pack includes an inflatable bladder which is encased in the fanny pack pouch. A pump is provided for inflating the bladder. A deflation device (e.g., release valve) is provided for deflating the bladder. The pump may be encased in a small pouch.

Abstract: A tip for a liquefraction surgical handpiece uses at least two tubes. One tube is used for aspiration and another, smaller tube is used to inject heated surgical fluid for liquefying a cataractous lens. The distal portion of the injection tube terminates just inside of the aspiration tube so that heated fluid escaping the injection tube is reflected off of the internal wall of the aspiration tube prior to entering the eye. The internal wall is textured or roughened to further diffract the fluid stream. Such an arrangement prevents the injected fluid from directly entering the eye. The handpiece may also contain other tube, for example, for injecting relatively cool surgical fluid.

Abstract: A medical fluid applicator for dispensing a fluid onto biological tissues in tissue adhesive or sealant applications includes a dispensing pathway with an audible loudness indicator that signals the cumulative amount of fluid delivered by varying the pitch or tone of audible signals emitted at discrete volumetric increments. A suction pathway is also included for applying vacuum pressure to the applicator tip contemporaneous with the fluid application. The medical fluid applicator further includes a clearing pathway for retrogradedly withdrawing coagulated mixed fluids, such as mixed two-part tissue adhesives, from the applicator tip. A valve manifold and a shuttle valve are actuated to adjust the operation of vacuum pressure in the device between the various suctioning, clearing, and venting conduits of the device. The valve manifold is also adapted to couple a vent pathway and the suction pathway simultaneously to the vacuum conduit adapted for connection to a vacuum source.

Abstract: A multi-chamber ampoule comprises a container having at least one movable partition therein, the movable partition being adapted to sealingly isolate at least two substances to be mixed with each other, a seal or plunger movably disposed in the container, a holder connected to the container, and a screw actuator engageable with the seal or plunger for displacing the same in the container. The screw actuator has a male thread, and the holder includes a female thread engageable with the screw actuator male thread. The screw actuator is provided with a bore therethrough for slidably receiving a dispensing rod.

Abstract: Prefilled, disposable syringes for injecting preparations with a fill volume of less than 5 ml are typically made of glass. The disposable syringe in this invention avoids the use of glass as a construction material. The body of the syringe with barrel, grip and nozzle is made of transparent, glass-like plastic with a very low gas permeability and is designed to be resistant to gamma rays and/or ethylene oxide gas, whereby the hypodermic needle is directly integrated within the plastic nozzle.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for detecting and treating normal, hypoplastic, ectopic or remnant tissue, organ or cells in a mammal. The method comprises parenterally injecting a mammalian subject, at a locus and by a route providing access to above-mentioned tissue or organ, with an composition comprising antibody/fragment which specifically binds to targeted organ, tissue or cell. The antibody/fragment may be administered alone, or labeled or conjugated with an imaging, therapeutic, cytoprotective or activating agent.

Abstract: A bleed back control assembly and method for controlling blood loss during catheterization procedures includes a side arm body connected at the proximal end to a seal body. The side arm body comprises one or more branches, each having a lumen, and a finger rest on the exterior of at least one branch. The seal body comprises a cap assembly and a seal assembly. The seal assembly comprises a clamp seal and a bleed back seal, both made of elastomer and held by a seal holder. The cap assembly comprises a threaded cap and a funnel cap. The threaded cap is connected to the seal holder. Rotation of the threaded cap causes the clamp seal to open or close. The funnel cap comprises a dilator, and pressing the funnel cap causes the dilator to open an aperture in the bleed back control seal. A spring, wound around the dilator, returns the funnel cap to its original position, thus closing the bleed back seal. The bleed back seal self-sizes to devices introduced through its aperture.

Abstract: The invention improves the laser sculpting of a region of a material to a predetermined shape by improving the smoothness and accuracy of surfaces formed by the sculpting technique. The technique includes projecting plurality of partially overlapping beams toward the region. The invention includes blurring an edge of an ablation to smooth an internal portion of the ablation that is separate from the edge. The blurred edge may be formed by the partially overlapping beams. Using a computer controlled laser delivery system, the position and shape of the overlapping beams may be precisely controlled to sculpt the material to a desired shape according to a laser treatment table.

Abstract: A surgical device is provided for forming a channel through or into tissue utilizing both mechanical energy and laser energy. The device includes a needle for forming the first part of the channel. The needle has an open bore. Mounted within the bore is an optical fiber for emitting laser energy to form the balance of the channel.

Abstract: A spinal plate system and method for fixation of the human spine is provided. In an embodiment, the spinal fixation system includes a plate, a coupling member, a locking system for substantially locking the coupling member in a desired position, and an anchoring system to secure the coupling member in the locking system. The plate may have a hole that allows the coupling member to couple the plate with a bone. At least a portion of the coupling member may swivel in the hole so that a bottom end of the member may extend at a plurality of angles substantially oblique to the plate. The locking system may lock the coupling member in desired positions relative to the plate. The anchoring system may secure the coupling member in the locking system to inhibit the coupling system from detaching from the locking system when stressed. An assembly tool may be used to engage and disengage the anchoring system during the installation or removal of the spinal fixation system.

Abstract: Stereotaxic Arc Systems are common instruments in neurosurgery for accurately directing a probe into the head and brain. Among the many types of arc concepts for such instruments is the target-centered arc. This involves an arc system which provides spherical radii from a multiplicity of directions depending on the rotation angles of the arc. All of the radii converge to the target point, thus the name target-centered arc. Prior to this invention, all such systems with two trunion bearings have an axis of arc rotation which has a fixed orientation relative to the patient's head. This causes a limitation in directions of approaches to desired targets. The present invention involves a new concept of target-centered arc, in which the access of rotation of the two trunions and their connected arc itself can be varied in orientation, leading to an unprecedented wide range of approaches to any anatomical target and great versatility of the arc system in surgery.

Abstract: Robotic surgical tools, systems, and methods for preparing for and performing robotic surgery include a memory mounted on the tool. The memory can perform a number of functions when the tool is loaded on the tool manipulator: first, the memory can provide a signal verifying that the tool is compatible with that particular robotic system. Secondly, the tool memory may identify the tool-type to the robotic system so that the robotic system can reconfigure its programming. Thirdly, the memory of the tool may indicate tool-specific information, including measured calibration offsets indicating misalignment of the tool drive system, tool life data, or the like. This information may be stored in a read only memory (ROM), or in a nonvolatile memory which can be written to only a single time. The invention further provides improved engagement structures for coupling robotic surgical tools with manipulator structures.

Abstract: A procedure wherein an elongate, at least partially flexible tie member is partially wound about tissues to be closed at a surgical site. Opposite ends of the flexible tie element are entrained by a twisting instrument which has a distal end juxtaposed to the surgical site. The twisting instrument extends out of the patient so that a proximal end of the instrument is manipulable by a surgeon. The surgeon rotates the instrument about a longitudinal axis, thereby twisting the tie member multiple turns about itself. Where the tie member is a wire, the twisting effectively locks the tie member at the surgical site. The tie member may then be severed by a cutters so that the tissues are closed.

Abstract: A thrombus filter element for placement within a blood vessel lumen defined by a blood vessel wall is disclosed. A thrombus filter element in accordance with the present invention includes a hub having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therethrough, a plurality of wires extending from the hub, at least one end of each wire being fixed to the hub proximate the proximal end thereof, a plurality of struts radiating away from the hub, the fixed end of each strut being fixed to the hub proximate the distal end thereof, and a slider rod slidingly disposed within the lumen of the hub.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis cover may be attached to the distal end of a delivery device. The cover may be generally cylindrical in shape and may have a lumen through it. An endoprosthesis may then be covered as it is delivered to a treatment site.

Abstract: Implants and associated delivery systems for promoting angiogenesis in ischemic tissue are provided. The implants may be delivered percutaneously, thoracically or surgically and are particularly well suited for implantation into the myocardium of the heart. The implants are configured to be flexible so that they compress and expand with corresponding movement of the surrounding tissue into which they are implanted. The flow of blood into the implant and pooling of the blood in and around the implant leads to thrombosis and fibrin growth, a healing process that leads to angiogenesis in the tissue surrounding the implant. Additionally, the implants may contain an angiogenic substance or a thrombus of blood, preloaded or injected after implantation to aid in initiating angiogenesis.

Abstract: A stent delivery system which utilizes a stent delivery catheter to deliver a stent into a body lumen. The stent delivery catheter being equipped with at least one stent retaining sleeve. The at least one stent retaining sleeve having an inside diameter and an outside diameter. The inside diameter having a surface which is lubricious.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stent-graft where the stent is formed from a self-expanding material and is coaxially and slidably coupled to the graft component which contains collagen. At least one flexible linkage is provided for coupling the stent and graft together in the slidable manner.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a radially expandable medical stent having a chevron or “maple leaf” design geometry characterized by improved scaffolding, hoop strength and longitudinal flexibility. Also described are methods of making and deploying the stents.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tubular endoluminal vascular prosthesis, useful in treating, for example, an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The prosthesis comprises a self expandable wire support structure surrounded by a flexible tubular membrane. A delivery catheter and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A endovascular graft having at least two thin wall graft members, with at least one of the thin wall graft members configured to be deployed within a lumen of another thin wall graft member. The thin wall graft members may be coupled or connected to each other so as to allow relative axial displacement of the sections, or they may be separate members that have dimensions and a configuration to allow coaxial deployment within inner lumens of each other. By having multiple thin wall graft member, the graft may be built up within a patient's vasculature in steps through a delivery catheter system that is smaller in profile and more flexible than a delivery catheter system configured to deliver a single component graft. The graft of the invention may be delivered percutaneously or intraoperatively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the bleaching of chemical pulp, wherein the pulp is delignified and/or bleached with chlorine dioxide or with a combination of chlorine dioxide and a per-compound, and additionally the pulp is chelated in order to bind heavy metals, such as Fe, Mn and/or Cu, to a chelate complex. The chelate complex is selected from the group made up of N-bis-[(1,2-dicarboxylethoxy)-ethyl]-amine, N-bis[(1,2-dicarboxylethoxy)-ethyl]-aspartic acid and N-tris-[(1,2-dicarboxylethoxy)-ethyl]-amine, and the alkali metal and earth-alkali metal salts of these, and the chelating treatments are carried out simultaneously by combining the chelating chemical with the pulp in the same bleaching stage as chlorine dioxide.

Abstract: A method of wet granulation of fertilizer and other materials into granules. The method involves formation of the granule directly on the pan from the feedstock without intermediate steps or the use of seed materials. The result is a product having a completely uniform cross section. The feedstock is initially in the size distribution of −150 mesh with 90% or greater in the size range of 200 mesh. Moisture is maintained to facilitate a steady process without cycling. The method has the advantage of allowing granulation of materials either known to be hazardous or inherently difficult to granulate in a safe and expedient manner.

Abstract: A method for building hollow insulator cylinders that can have each end closed off with a high voltage electrode to contain a vacuum. A series of fused-silica round flat plates are fabricated with a large central hole and equal inside and outside diameters. The thickness of each is related to the electron orbit diameter of electrons that escape the material surface, loop, and return back. Electrons in such electron orbits can support avalanche mechanisms that result in surface flashover. For example, the thickness of each of the fused-silica round flat plates is about 0.5 millimeter. In general, the thinner the better. Metal, such as gold, is deposited onto each top and bottom surface of the fused-silica round flat plates using chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Eutectic metals can also be used with one alloy constituent on the top and the other on the bottom. The CVD, or a separate diffusion step, can be used to defuse the deposited metal deep into each fused-silica round flat plate.