Abstract: A phakic refractive lens which conforms to the structure of the eye, particularly to the ciliary sulcus, is disclosed. This lens minimizes stresses of the lens on the interior structure of the eye and eliminates excessive vaulting of the lens which tends to deform the shape of the eye and/or structures in the eye. The lenses comprise an optical body and at least one haptic body. The haptic body(ies) is made up of a first portion adjacent to the optical body, a second portion which extends outwardly from the first haptic portion, and a transition zone between the first and second haptic portions (for example, a groove or score line in the lens surface) which permits the second haptic portion to conform to the shape of the ciliary sulcus of the eye.

Abstract: Orthopedic parts are manufactured using supercritical fluid processing techniques in which starting materials and a process medium are mixed in a reactor to form a supercritical fluid slurry. The starting materials include a source of calcium ions and a polymer matrix for the calcium ions. The process medium preferably is carbon dioxide which is supplied to the reactor in a supercritical state or which is heated and pressurized in the reactor to attain a supercritical state. A conduit connects the reactor to a mold that has a cavity of a desired shape for an orthopedic part. A flush valve interconnects the bottom of a reactor and the conduit. When the flush valve is opened, the slurry is directed through the conduit into the mold where solidification occurs very rapidly.

Abstract: A method of cementing a liner to the glenoid cavity of a scapula is disclosed. The method is achieved through the use of an elongated, hollow, rigid tube having an angular or arcuate portion at its distal end and having means at its proximal end for communication with a source of suction.

Abstract: A knee prosthesis including a tibial component and a meniscal component adapted to be engaged through the tibial component through an asymmetrical engagement.

Abstract: A tibial prosthesis includes a tibial platform having a medial-lateral center and an inferior surface matable with a resected proximal tibia, and a modular keel that is fixable to the inferior surface and adjustable in a medial-lateral direction with respect to the medial-lateral center of the tibial platform.

Abstract: Methods for correcting defects at bone repair sites are provided, which use a moldable, post-implantable bone conforming material. The method includes the steps of preparing a bone conforming material, shaping the moldable paste, curing the paste to form a hardened implant, disposing the implant at a repair site, allowing tissue to overlay the repair site during healing and if necessary, further molding the implant to the desired contours of the bony structure being repaired for up to eight weeks after the surgery by applying pressure to the tissue overlaying the implant.

Abstract: Laundry detergents and cleaners which, in addition to a peroxide compound, comprise a compound of the formula (R1R1)N—X—N(R1R1)  (I) or metal complexes thereof, where X and R1 have the meanings listed in the description, are claimed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article of clothing includes the steps of providing an article of clothing having a single large size, subjecting the article to a tying process, and subjecting the article of clothing to a shrinking process after the tying process to obtain a tie-shrunk article of clothing having an entirely reduced size with elasticity due to the shrinkage of tie-shrunk article of clothing, so that an entire portion of the single large size article of clothing fits a wearer of any size.

Abstract: Laundry treatment compositions, especially detergent compositions or rinse conditioners, which deposit cellulosic polymers or related polysaccharide fabric rebuild agents onto textile fabrics are described. Such agents are used for laundering cellulosic fabrics such as cotton, to compensate for gradual loss of fibrous material on repeated washing. Preferred rebuild agents are cellulose monoacetate, cellulose hemisuccinate and other cellulose esters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a purified version of a solvent-soluble dyestuff, comprising the steps of (a) mixing an aqueous presscake of the dyestuff into a water-miscible liquid; and (b) distilling off the water until a water content of 5% by weight maximum is attained; and (c) filtering the dyestuff composition comprising solvent-soluble dyestuff and water-miscible liquid, thereby removing all insoluble contaminants and (d) diluting the dyestuff composition comprising solvent-soluble dyestuff and water-miscible organic solvent in de-ionized water, thereby performing the precipitation of the solvent-soluble dyestuff which is then isolated after filtration and washing with de-ionized water This ink jet grade version has the important advantage of being virtually salt-free and solvent-free.

Abstract: A divided component separated individually beforehand is supplied in a state while stored in a storage body, taken outside by a take-out and storage unit, and a component is mounted on the divided component by a mounting unit, and thereby a divided component with the component is produced. A plurality of the produced divided components with the components mounted thereon are collected into the storage body. Since the component is mounted on the already divided component, as compared with the prior art, no trouble is given rise to at a junction part between the divided component and the component, thus contributing to an improvement in product quality.

Abstract: A fuel pellet is produced by the combination of organic waste material with a binder obtained by direct liquefaction and/or fast pyrolysis of biomass material. Direct liquefaction and fast pyrolysis are carried out according to known liquefaction processes. The liquefied bio-binder base is mixed with additives, if desired, such as petroleum asphalt and cross-linking agents, in order to modify its characteristics to meet specific needs of particular applications, and the resulting mixture is mixed with organic-waste material preheated to 100° C. or more and allowed to react at about 150-200° C. Combustible extenders and fillers, reinforcing fibers, and cross-linking agents may be mixed with the organic material or the bio-binder base to provide additional specific properties to the mixture. The resulting well mixed mass is then pelletized or otherwise molded in conventional equipment.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for upgrading a solid material is disclosed. The method comprises heating the solid material to an elevated temperature to remove water and thereafter cooling the upgraded solid material. The method includes providing a plurality of vessels containing packed beds of the solid material and one or more than one heat exchange circuit for heating and cooling the solid material in the packed beds in the vessels by heat exchange with a heat transfer fluid. The method is controlled so that the solid material in a first group of the vessels is at one or more stages of a heating cycle and the solid material in a second group of vessels is at one or more stages of a cooling cycle.

Abstract: In a steelmaking process in which, in order to desulfurize iron melts (4) using a strongly basic slag in a desulfurization vessel (7), the desulfurization slag (8) is brought to a temperature of from 1400-1800° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hard metal or cermet body with a hard material phase consisting of WC and/or at least one carbide, nitride, carbonitride and/or oxicarbonitride of at least one of the elements from group IVa, Va, or VIa of the periodic table and a binding metal phase consisting of Fe, Co and/or Ni, said binding metal phase making up 3 to 25 mass %. In particular, WC crystallites should protrude beyond the hard metal or cermet surface of the by 2 to 20 &mgr;m in order to improve the adhesion of surface layers that are applied.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the powder metallurgical production of objects from tool steel as well as to such an object.

Abstract: A method for preparing a platinum alloy electrode catalyst for DMFC using anhydrous metal chlorides. The method includes reducing platinum chloride and non-aqueous second metal chloride with boron lithium hydride (LiBH4) in a water-incompatible organic solvent in a nitrogen atmosphere to form nano-sized particles of colloidal platinum alloy, and drying the platinum alloy particles without any heat treatment. The method of preparing a platinum alloy catalyst according to the present invention makes it possible to prepare platinum alloy particles having a narrow range of size distribution and an average particle size of less than 2 nm with ease, relative to the conventional methods. The platinum alloy particles thus obtained can be used as an electrode catalyst for DMFC to enhance methanol oxidation performance.

Abstract: A continuous method for generating substantially submicron sized metal particles in a liquid dispersion of known viscosity. Metal carbonyl gas and an inert carrier gas, with an optional dilutant gas, are introduced into a heated liquid bath wherein the metal carbonyl decomposes into submicron sized pure metal particles. The particles are suspended in the liquid. The liquid is processed to form slurries and pastes.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for increasing the productivity of a direct reduction process in which iron oxide is reduced to metallized iron by contact with hot reducing gas; comprising the steps of: a) providing a first hot reducing gas consisting essentially of CO and H2; b) providing additional reducing gas by reaction of a gaseous or liquid hydrocarbon fuel with oxygen; c) mixing the first hot reducing gas with the additional reducing gas to form a reducing gas mixture; d) enriching the reducing gas mixture by the addition of a gaseous or liquid hydrocarbon; e) injecting oxygen or oxygen-enriched air into the enriched mixture; and f) introducing the enriched mixture into an associated direct reduction furnace as reducing gas.

Abstract: A method of making metallic iron in which a compact, containing iron oxide such as iron ore or the like and a carbonaceous reductant such as coal or the like, is used as material, and the iron oxide is reduced through the application of heat, thereby making metallic iron. In the course of this reduction, a shell composed of metallic iron is generated and grown on the surface of the compact, and slag aggregates inside the shell. This reduction continues until substantially no iron oxide is present within the metallic iron shell. Subsequently, heating is further performed to melt the metallic iron and slag. Molten metallic iron and molten slag are separated one from the other, thereby obtaining metallic iron with a relatively high metallization ratio.

Abstract: Ionizing apparatus includes a housing that supports a plurality of ionizing electrodes disposed within fluid apertures that are connected via tubing conduits to pass fluid therethrough about the electrodes. Gas to be ionized is supplied under pressure to the apertures transporting gas ions generated at the electrodes in response to high ionizing voltage supplied thereto. To clean the ionizing apparatus, cleaning liquid is supplied under pressure in one flow direction through the tubing conduits and apertures to remove particles from within the tubing conduits and apertures and from surfaces of the electrodes.

Abstract: Desiccant tablets including solid potassium formate are used to dry gas, especially in natural gas transmission lines. Preferred tablets comprise 1-4% potassium formate (most preferably 2-3%), up to 1% of a surfactant as a lubricant, and the balance desiccant salts, preferably calcium chloride.

Abstract: A gas separation process incorporating the invention combines use of an adsorbent having high intrinsic diffusivity with a low pressure ratio PSA cycle. Further enhancements to the process are derived from the use of fast cycles, shallow beds and small particles—especially in a radial bed configuration. The combination of low pressure ratio, high rate adsorbents and fast cycles has been found to result in an unexpected simultaneous reduction in bed size factor (BSF) and power consumption. These benefits have been achieved while minimizing a decline in product recovery through use of the high rate adsorbent. The net result is a significant reduction in product cost.

Abstract: A method of cleaning flue gases from gaseous pollutants formed during combustion of oil during start-up of a boiler and/or operational disturbances in the boiler, wherein the boiler is for combustion of fuel including one of fossil fuel, coal, biomass fuel and waste. Flue gases are conducted from the boiler through a flue duct to a barrier filter for seperation of particulate pollutants. Finely-dispersed particles are introduced into and mixed with the flue gases in the flue duct in at least one of upstream of and in the barrier filter. The finely-dispersed particles are separated in the barrier filter while forming a dust cake. Condensed gaseous pollutants and droplets are taken up on the surface of the finely-dispersed particles in the flue gases and in the dust cake.

Abstract: A binderless X-type zeolite is used in a process for the reduction of the level of carbon dioxide and/or N2O in a gaseous mixture, the zeolite being obtained by converting the binder in a bound zeolite to zeolite such that the ratio of the adsorption capacity for carbon dioxide of the binderless zeolite to the adsorption capacity of the bound zeolite is greater than the weight ratio of the level of zeolite in the binderless zeolite to the level in the bound zeolite.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transmission of the pressure in the sterile area of a medical appliance, such as a hemodialysis appliance, to a non-sterile pressure gauge having two housing halves and a sterility filter positioned between the two housing halves. The housing half on the sterile side may be made of polycarbonate, and the non-sterile housing half may be made of a polymer, preferably a polyester/polyether copolymer, which provides an easily disconnectable and leak-proof connection with the pressure gauge. The two halves are ultrasonically welded together.

Abstract: An electric dust collecting unit disclosed herein includes a corona discharging portion for giving rise to corona discharge to electrically charge cigarette smoke particulates, toner, and other floating particulates in air, an electric collecting portion disposed on a leeward side of this corona discharging portion, for electrically collecting the floating particulates charged at the corona discharging portion, and a box-type frame with its opposite surfaces opened, in such a configuration that the corona discharging portion has a plurality of needle electrodes which is disposed in such a way that their respective needle tips may be directed toward the leeward side (that is, with their backs directed toward a front face opening in the box-type frame).

Abstract: An ink set capable of reducing the influence of recording media on image quality and stably forming high-quality images is provided. The ink set includes a liquid composition containing at least one salt selected from the group consisting of (M1)2SO4, CH3COO(M1), Ph—COO(M1), (M1)NO3, (M1)Cl, (M1)Br, (M1)I, (M1)2SO3 and (M1)2CO3, wherein M1 denotes an alkali metal, ammonium or organic ammonium, and Ph denotes a phenyl group, and at least one ink selected from the group consisting of yellow, magenta, cyan, black, red, blue and green inks.

Abstract: There is provided an ink composition which can realize good images, especially an ink composition which, when used in an ink jet recording method, can be stably ejected and can realize good image quality. The ink composition comprises: a colorant; water; a water soluble organic solvent; and a mixture of saccharides, wherein the mixture of saccharides comprises a monosaccharide and/or a derivative thereof, a disaccharide and/or a derivative thereof, and a tri or higher polysaccharide and/or a derivative thereof.

Abstract: Compounds of the Formula (1) and salts thereof: wherein: each A independently is N, C—Cl, C—CN or C—NO2; each Ar independently is a substituted aryl group carrying a —COOH group ortho to the azo (—N═N—) group; L is an aliphatic group carrying a —COOH, —SO3H or —PO3H2 group; each Z independently is —SR2, —OR3, —NR4R5 or a labile atom or group; each X independently is —S—, —O— or —NR1—; each R1 independently is H or optionally substituted alkyl; and R2, R3, R4 and R5 are independently H, optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted aralkyl; or R4 and R5 together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form an optionally substituted five or six membered ring, and their use in compositions and inks for ink jet printing processes and ink jet printer cartridges.

Abstract: An adhesive varnish, adapted to retain powdered pigments, contains colophony and pre-treated linseed oil in a solvent system including primarily naphtha of the boiling range ˜80° through ˜160° C. and technical ethanol. A two-component system comprising the adhesive varnish and powdered pigment serves for temporary coloring and/or lettering of substrates made of glass, polished stone, glazed ceramic, surfaces of baked lacquer and synthetic or natural materials, in particular display windows.

Abstract: The invention concerns fluids that have a low reactivity with respect to ozone formation, blends thereof, and the replacement of conventional industrial solvents with said fluid or fluid blends in order to reduce tropospheric ozone formation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new polymorphic pigmentary form of phthalocyanines, the preparation therof by salt-milling a phthalocyanine crude in the presence of a water-soluble neutral organic liquid, and some uses thereof. These phthalocyanines are stable &bgr;-like mixed-phase (the &agr; phase being totally absent) and have excellent pigmentary properties, which makes them suitable for example as pigments for electrophotographic toners. wherein M is two hydrogens or monovalent metals, a bivalent metal, or a bivalent oxometal, hydroxymetal or halogenometal moiety, with the proviso that the metal is not copper, and each X independently from all others is hydrogen or halogen.

Abstract: Colored pigments having one or more desired parameters and/or properties are described. These parameters and/or properties include: a) a particles size of from about 10 nm to about 300 nm; b) an accusizer number of less than 1010 particles/ml of dispersion at 15% solids which are greater than 0.5 micron; c) a filterability such that when in a liquid medium, 100 ml having 10% solids of the colored pigment filters through a 3 micron nylon absolute filter; d) a colored pigment purity of greater than about 80%, based on extractable material; and/or e) a stability such that the above-described properties do not change by more than 50% at 25 degrees C for at least one week. Colored pigments having at least one organic group and having one or more of the above-described characteristics is also described as well as a process for preparing surface-modified colored pigments.

Abstract: A substantially water-free hardener composition suitable for admixture with a cement to give a product capable of reaction with a silicate to form a hardened mass, comprises: (a) from 5 to 99.9%, preferably 75 to 99.8%, of an organic carbonate hardener for the silicate; (b) from 0.01 to 20%, preferably 0.02 to 10% of an organic retarder, preferably an organic acid retarder such as citric acid for the cement, the % being by weight based on the total weight of (a) and (b). The organic carbonate hardener is preferably a mixture of ethylene and propylene carbonates in proportions of from 3:1 to 1:3 by weight. The hardener may include a cement such as Portland cement. Suitable amounts are (a) organic carbonate hardener from 10 to 60%, (b) organic retarder is from 0.05 to 10% and (c) cement from 20 to 85%.

Abstract: A refractory furnace cement is provided, that can be formulated to be air setting and substantially free of silica. The composition can be formed with a refractory agent, a rheology modifier, a corrosion inhibitor, a binder, such as a sodium silicate type binder, a flocculating agent and various inorganic fillers, to promote thermal stability, shelf stability, appropriate setting times and cold mortar strength.

Abstract: A formulation for preparing a cementitious product comprising a cementitious material, a siliceous material, and a low bulk density material being substantially calcium silicate hydrate and including unreacted siliceous reactant. A method of forming a cementitious product comprises adding a cementitious material, a siliceous material and a low bulk density material to water to form a slurry, forming a green shaped article from the slurry and curing the article in an autoclave, wherein the low bulk density material is substantially calcium silicate hydrate and includes unreacted siliceous reactant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a delayed-setting concrete based on blast furnace slag. The invention further relates to a method of initiating the setting of said concrete.

Abstract: A method for producing a multi-crystalline semiconductor material by crystallization from a melt of a base material in which vibration energy in the sonic or ultrasonic range is acoustically coupled by a gaseous transmission medium into the solidifying or cooling material during solidification of the melt and/or during subsequent further cooling. The parameters of this vibration energy are harmonized with the parameters of the melt and the cooling time in such a manner that the dislocation energy in the cooled multi-crystalline material is considerably lower than where there is no vibration energy coupling during the cooling time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a silicon single crystal by the CZ method, in which a seed crystal having a pointed tip end or truncated pointed tip end shape as a shape of its tip end portion to be brought into contact with a silicon melt is used, the tip end of the seed crystal is carefully brought into contact with the silicon melt, then the seed crystal is descended at a low speed or a surface of the silicon melt is ascended at a low speed to melt the tip end portion of the seed crystal to a desired diameter, and subsequently the seed crystal is slowly ascended or the surface of the silicon melt is slowly descended to grow a silicon single crystal ingot without performing necking, wherein after the tip end of the seed crystal is carefully brought into contact with the silicon melt, the seed crystal is maintained at that state for 5 minutes or more to reserve heat in the seed crystal.

Abstract: The invention describes a CVD reactor on solid substrates and a related method of deposition of epitaxial layers on the wafers. In the reactor of the invention, the wafer carrier is transported between a loading position and a deposition position. In the deposition position, the wafer carrier is detachably mounted on an upper end of a rotatable spindle without an intermediate susceptor. The reactor of the invention may process a single wafer at the same time. The invention also describes several embodiments and variants of the invention. One of the variants of the invention provides a decrease in a heat drain from the wafer-supporting assembly through the spindle and a novel heating arrangement therefore. The advantages of the invention include lower reactor cycle, the lower cost and longer lifetime of the component parts, and better temperature control, among others.

Abstract: A CVD apparatus includes a process chamber connected to a process chamber through a connection path. A window made of a light transmission material is disposed in a wall that defines the excitation chamber. A light source is disposed outside the excitation chamber to face the window. The light source irradiates a flow of a process gas with light through the window, thereby exciting the process gas. A surface purge system is arranged to supply a purge gas along the inner surface of the window. The surface purge system has a purge gas port open to the excitation chamber.

Abstract: A ceramic part having a surface exposed to the interior space, the surface having been shaped and treated to reduce particles thereon by formation of an oxide layer on the surface in which particles produced by shaping are incorporated in the oxide layer optionally followed by stripping the oxide layer. The ceramic part can be made by machining a surface of the ceramic part and oxidizing the surface such that particles produced by the machining are incorporated in an oxide layer on the surface. The oxide layer can be chemically stripped to remove the oxide layer with the particles incorporated therein. During processing of semiconductor substrates, particle contamination can be minimized by the ceramic part as a result of incorporating the particles in the oxide layer or as a result of removing the oxide layer. The ceramic part can be made of various materials such as carbon, silicon, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, boron nitride, boron carbide, aluminum nitride or titanium carbide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for uniformly supplying a gas into a chamber through a dispersion head. The gas is introduced through an inlet of the dispersion head, and flows in a flow direction toward a first diffuser arranged in the dispersion head. The gas is diffused a first time within the dispersion head by dispersing the gas along side directions different than the flow direction by contacting the gas and the first diffuser. A portion of the first diffused gas is guided through an outlet of the dispersion head and toward a work piece arranged in a chamber. A remaining portion of the first diffused gas is diffused a second time by contacting the gas and a second diffuser disposed between the first diffuser and the work piece, by dispersing the gas along side directions different than the flow direction. A portion of the twice diffused gas is guided through the outlet of the dispersion head and toward the work piece arranged in the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for diffusing an impurity into a semiconductor wafer comprising: a diffusion furnace tubs which has a longitudinal center axis extending along a vertical direction and the diffusion tube having at least a gas injector vertically extending in a vicinity of an inner wall of the diffusion furnace tube and the gas injector having a single vertical alignment of a plurality of gas injection nozzles for blowing an impurity gas toward the longitudinal center axis in a first horizontal direction; and a wafer holder for holding at least one semiconductor wafer, the wafer holder being provided in the diffusion furnace tube so that the wafer holder rotates around a rotational axis extending along the vertical axis, whereby the at least one semiconductor wafer rotates around the rotational axis so as to keep a normal of the at least one semiconductor wafer directed in a diametrically outward direction from the rotational center axis.

Abstract: A single-substrate-processing apparatus includes an airtight process chamber in which a worktable is supported by a pedestal. The worktable has a mount face on which a plurality of ventilation grooves are formed. A plurality of ventilation holes and three lifter holes for lifter pins are formed vertically through the worktable. The gap space between the wafer and the mount face communicates with the inner space of the process chamber around the worktable and the wafer, through the ventilation grooves, the ventilation holes, and the lifter holes.

Abstract: The deposition of calcium salts, including calcium carbonate and calcium oxalate and the formation of foam, during the evaporation of sugar streams can be prevented or restricted by ding 0.1-200 ppm of a carboxyalkylfructan that contains 0.5-3 carboxyl groups per monosaccharide unit, 0.4-2.5 of which carboxyl groups are in the form of carboxyalkyl groups, to the sugar streams. The carboxyalkyl groups are, in particular, carboxymethyl groups. The other carboxyl groups can be carboxyl groups obtained by oxidation.

Abstract: A separation method includes (a) providing a heterogeneous separation system, the heterogeneous cleaning system comprising CO2 in a first phase and an oil in a separate second phase; (b) entraining a material to be separated in the second phase; (c) wholly or partially solubilizing the second phase in the first phase to produce a separation system in which said material to be separated is insoluble; and then (d) separating the material from the system. The separating step is preferably followed by the step of (e) recovering at least a portion of the oil. The system is useful in a variety of applications, including cleaning (particularly metal cleaning), polymerization, extraction, coating, and particle formation and treatment.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a photovoltaic module, the photovoltaic module having a first electrode layer formed on an insulating substrate, a photovoltaic layer, and a second electrode layer. The laminate is electrically divided between a power generating region and peripheral regions by means of grooves. The power generating region is divided into a plurality of photovoltaic cells by means of laser-scribed grooves. At least some of the photovoltaic cells are connected electrically in series with one another. The cleaning method includes a process for transporting the photovoltaic module immersed in a cleaning fluid, while being kept in a horizontal position with the laminate upward as it is transported, and applying ultrasonic vibration to the cleaning fluid, thereby removing particles in the scribed grooves.

Abstract: Organic compositions, used neat or in concentrate, are effective in removing complex organic soils from wood, metal and other hard surfaces. The compositions comprise nonionic surfactants, silicone surfactants, anionic surfactants, hydrotropes and other optional functional materials including sequestrants. Substrates such as laundry and heavily soiled hard surfaces containing a substantial proportion of organic/inorganic soils such as greases, oils and other hard to remove soil materials are readily cleaned by the cleaner compositions of the invention.