Abstract: A surgical instrument suitable for use in an implant procedure is disclosed. A surgical instrument of the invention can be particularly advantageous for use in grasping, holding and placement of implants in an intervertebral disc space. In a typical embodiment, the surgical instrument has a grasping region to hold the implant, and an impact head for receiving a force in order to insert the implant.

Abstract: A suture and a suture retainer are positioned relative to body tissue. Ultrasonic vibratory energy is utilized to heat the suture retainer and effect a bonding of portions of the suture retainer to each other and/or to the suture. Portions of the body tissue may be pressed into linear apposition with each other and held in place by cooperation between the suture and the suture retainer. The suture retainer may include one or more passages through which the suture extends. The suture retainer may include sections which have surface areas which are bonded together. If desired, the suture may be wrapped around one of the sections of the suture retainer. The suture retainer may be formed with a recess in which the suture is received. If desired, the suture retainer may be omitted and the sections of the suture bonded to each other.

Abstract: A private tanning enclosure for permitting a user to tan in privacy. The private tanning enclosure includes a collapsible frame enclosed by a porous material designed for permitting ultraviolet light in for tanning purposes, but does not allow the user inside to be seen.

Abstract: A device and method for providing body cooling for treating fever. The cooling device applies cooling to blood flowing in a vein or artery, e.g., the vena cavae, that is then distributed throughout the body.

Abstract: An implantable coil stent comprises at least a first curved segment and a curved segment which arc about the longitudinal axis of the stent. An expandable link extends between the second end of the first curved segment and the first end the second curved segment.

Abstract: Compositions comprising absorbable implantable vaso-occlusive members are described. Also described are methods of making and using these absorbable vaso-occlusive compositions.

Abstract: An endovascular implant, stent or other medical device formed from a polymeric material, compounded with one or more materials to render the stent visible under both magnetic resonance imaging and x-ray based fluoroscopy procedures. The stent is adaptable to be placed in any body lumen and is contemplated to be a permanent or a biodegradeable implant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable prosthesis having a membrane and a fluid channel that are inserted into a body lumen to maintain fluid flow and support the lumen wall. A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a mesh membrane or filter attached to a covered stent. The membrane can be mounted on a frame formed with a shape memory material that can be delivered through a catheter into a body lumen. The membrane and the frame can expand from a delivery state into an expanded state.

Abstract: A stent is formed from a series of radially aligned expandable rings. The rings are formed of a radio-transparent material that are linked by a radiopaque spine. A thin but very bright fluoroscopic image is thereby created, without compromising the strength of the stent. The small cross-section of the illuminated spine also serves to minimize interference with the image of the lesion when the stent is being positioned thereover. In the event galvanic corrosion causes the radiopaque spine to become detached from the radio-transparent ring elements, their expanded state precludes their shifting within the lumen. While the sandwiched position of the spine against the lumen wall prevents it from shifting as well.

Abstract: A multi-section filamentary stent comprises a braided section, which is a cylindrical mesh of a first set of filaments, connected to at least one wound section comprising a second set of one or more filaments having a repeating configuration with a bent portion. The two sections are preferably connected by at least one continuous filament extending into both sections. The two sections may be connected by a weld, a suture, a common graft, an overlapping portion of the two sections, or one or more filaments of one section looping through portions of the other section. The stent may comprise a first section, having a braided first stent architecture with a first flexibility and a first radial force, and a second section, having a non-braided second stent architecture with a second flexibility less than the first flexibility and a second radial force greater than the first radial force, in which at least one continuous filament is integral to both the first and second sections.

Abstract: Method for producing a medical support device from an object, using an electromagnetic field generator, whereby the method comprises of the steps of placing a formation mandrel against the object, close to a predetermined formation area, and applying the electromagnetic field to the formation area, thereby forming the object. The produced object can be made from a tubular segment, a folded sheet of material or a plurality of wires joined together.

Abstract: A coiled stent graft (10) is positionable within an AV fistula (4) and optionally into one or both of the artery (9) and the vein (6) to help reduce or eliminate blockages within the blood vessel at the junction (8) between the AV fistula and the blood vessel.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve adapted to be inserted into a blood vessel and held in a desired position therein. The valve includes an annular support ring having a longitudinal axis and defining a substantially circular central opening for passage of blood. The support ring has an outer wall that may be formed with a central annular depression. A leaflet is mounted on the support ring for pivotal movement between a closed position wherein the leaflet substantially blocks the central opening and an open position wherein blood is permitted through the opening. The valve is adapted to be inserted into the blood vessel such that the support ring longitudinal axis is substantially coincident with an axis of elongation of said blood vessel and held in such position in suitable fashion, such as by suturing or by way of a tightened cord holding a proximate portion of the blood vessel against the support outer wall if it is formed with an annular depression.

Abstract: The invention provides arteriovenous grafts and methods for implanting the same. In one aspect of the invention, there are provided arteriovenous grafts that have a stepped down venous end. In another aspect, the invention provides arteriovenous grafts having cuffs for attachment to a target vein. The invention also provides methods for implanting arteriovenous grafts that include inserting the venous end of a graft into the target vein for positioning downstream of the venotomy site.

Abstract: A system includes a first coil, a signal source and a first control module. The first control module regulates coupling between the signal source and the first coil. The system also includes an implantable device having a second coil coupled to a therapeutic transducer comprising an ultrasonic transducer. When the first coil is aligned with the second coil, the signal source is able to supply electrical power to the implantable device to enable the therapeutic transducer to operate. The control module is able to activate the therapeutic transducer under the control of a physician.

Abstract: Delivery of rapamycin locally, particularly from intravascular stent, directly from micropores in the stent body or mixed or bound to a polymer coating applied on stent, to inhibit neointimal tissue proliferation and thereby prevent restenosis. This invention also facilitates the performance of the stent in inhibiting restenosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of impregnating an implantable device, such as a vascular graft or a covering adapted to be disposed over a prosthesis. The substances may be impregnated within the implantable device as a passive coating or as a delivery matrix for a therapeutic substance. Also provided is an implantable device having such substances impregnated therein.

Abstract: Improved, adaptable tissue-type heart valves and methods for their manufacture are disclosed wherein a dimensionally stable, pre-aligned tissue leaflet subassembly is formed and its peripheral edge clamped between and attached to an upper shaped wireform and a lower support stent. A variety of adaptable structural interfaces including suture rings, flanges, and conduits may be attached to the support stent with or without an outlet conduit disposed about the wireform to provide a tissue-type heart valve adaptable for use in either a natural heart or in mechanical pumping devices. The methods include forming individual leaflets with a template and using the template to attach the leaflets together to form a tissue leaflet subassembly. The template and leaflets include a straight edge terminating in oppositely directed tabs, and a curvilinear cusp edge extending opposite the straight edge.

Abstract: A suturing ring to attach the body of an implantable heart valve to heart tissue by sutures is composed of a fabric containing an inorganic antimicrobial agent. The fabric can have a material coating the fibers of the fabric in which particles of the agent are embedded. The coating material can be elastomeric and the fabric porous, to improve its flexibility, or non-porous and the fabric ring can be coated with a tissue compatible substance such as collagen. One type of ring has an annular top part to fit over one of top and bottom surfaces of the valve body and defining an opening to the heart valve, a step wall depending from the annular top part to extend along said valve body wall and an outwardly extending flange through which the sutures are to be sewn.

Abstract: A one-piece intraocular lens having an optic portion and a haptic portion, the optic portion being formed of a copolymer obtained by copolymerization of predetermined amounts of 2-[2-(perfluorooctyl)ethoxy]-1-methylethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-phenylethyl (meth)acrylate, alkyl (meth)acrylate and a crosslinking monomer, the haptic portion being formed of polymethyl methacrylate, a process for the production thereof, and a soft intraocular lens having an optic portion and a haptic portion formed of a soft material, the haptic portion having a bendable portion having specific functions, the one-piece intraocular lens being insertable into an eye through a small incision with the optic portion being bent, the soft intraocular lens permitting the prevention of the deformation of the soft optic portion caused by the shrink of a capsule when the soft intraocular lens is inserted into an eye.

Abstract: A simple and flexible artificial ligament which easily conforms to a patient's anatomy and can be used independently or in combination with an intervertebral graft, implant or prosthesis to return stability to the spine subsequent to a surgical spinal procedure is disclosed. In one preferred embodiment, the artificial ligament is in the form of a flexible conformable plate dimensioned to span adjacent vertebrae and having openings for reception of bone screws, fasteners, etc. to mount the plate to the vertebrae. The biomechanical supporting characteristics of the plate approximate the characteristics of the ligament (e.g., anterior spinal) which it replaces thereby providing appropriate support to the spine in extension which also permitting normal spine mobility. A method of supporting adjacent vertebrae with the artificial ligament is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for supporting weak bony structures includes a body having first and second ends configured for contacting adjacent bony structures. The body has a wall that with a number of opening, and the wall defines a hollow chamber for receiving bone growth inducing material. The device includes an end cap for placement in the hollow chamber adjacent one of the ends of the body. The end cap has opposite upper and lower surfaces, and includes a plurality of arms extending from a central ring. Each of the arms having a first end connected with the ring and an opposite second end including an outer surface. Each of the outer surfaces are positionable adjacent the inner surface of the wall of the body when the end cap is inserted into the hollow chamber. Each arm can also include a projection that extends at least partially into a wall opening.

Abstract: A protective cap for prosthetic joints having one element in the form of a ball head, especially in the case of hip end-prosthetic joints, protects the ball head when it is positioned and fixed on the cone of the shank by the surgeon by hand. A crown is arranged on the pole of the protective cap. The crown is in the form of a plate for, the shape of the plate and its extent relative to the protective cap being such that it is possible to grip behind the plate on the side that faces the protective cap.

Abstract: A coating of blue-black or black oxidized zirconium of uniform and controlled thickness on a zirconium or zirconium alloy material is accomplished through the use of a single phase crystalline material substrate having an altered surface roughness. An oxidized zirconium coating of uniform and controlled thickness is especially useful on orthopedic implants of zirconium or zirconium-based alloys to provide low friction, highly wear resistant surfaces on artificial joints, such as, but not limited to, hip joints, knee joints, shoulders, elbows, and spinal implants. The uniformly thick oxidized zirconium surface of controlled depth on prostheses provide a barrier against implant corrosion caused by ionization of the metal prostheses. The invention is also useful in non-articulating implant devices such as bone plates, bone screws, etc.

Abstract: An insertable stent is provided for joining together and facilitating healing of adjacent tissues. Typically, the tissues are mammalian tissues. The insertable stent is made from completely non-toxic, bio- and blood-compatible materials. Each of the tissues employed herein defines an internal cavity. The insertable stent body defines a bore. The bore permits fluid to pass through the insertable stent body. In use, the insertable stent body is introduced into the internal cavities of the tissues. The insertable stent body fits within the confines of, and in contact with, each of the adjacent tissues. Typically, at least a portion of the insertable stent body is fusible to the adjacent tissues for facilitating healing of these tissues.

Abstract: A dynamic variable geometry fitting system with fluid-filled bladders and automatically regulating their volumes to provide a continuously secure fit. This system can vary volume continuously to accommodate natural variation in an amputee's residuum. It makes reliable suction retention of a prosthesis easier for the prosthetist to achieve while reducing the potential for tissue lesions. By maintaining a continuous, secure fit, the amputee's sense of confidence and willingness to use the prosthesis increases.

Abstract: A financial document processing system for processing financial documents is operated to assist an operator during exception recovery. During exception recovery, an original codeline, an encoded data string, and a recovery codeline associated with a financial document are obtained. Any blank spaces from the original codeline, the encoded data string, and the recovery codeline are stripped to provide a stripped original codeline, a stripped encoded data string, and a stripped recovery codeline, respectively. A number of characters of the stripped recovery codeline and a number of characters of the stripped original codeline are compared to determine if there is a match between the original codeline and the recovery codeline.

Abstract: A computer system and method display internal and external hypertext link definitions in different representations to simplify a user's recognition of the external/internal status of each hypertext link definition in a document. Additional information, such as the direction from an internal hypertext link definition to the location in the document pointed to by that definition, and/or the absolute or relative position of the location pointed to by an internal hypertext link definition, may also be displayed. Moreover, a computer system and method may also display the position of the location pointed to by an internal hypertext link definition on a scroll bar such that location information about a particular document is centralized within a common user interface component.

Abstract: A computer-implemented process for simulating, in an HTML-formatted primary file, certain user-expected characteristics of an electronic document containing an embedded file. In response to initiating a save operation for a primary file to be saved as an HTML document, a file embedded within the primary file is detected. In turn, a support file is created for storage, in a separate storage location and physically removed from the primary file, to logically represent the embedded file. In addition, a current file list, which is associated with the primary file, is created and saved to the storage mechanism, typically the hard disk drive for the computer. When the HTML-formatted primary file is opened in a work session, the editor can open a link to each support file identified by the file list. In response to conducting a save operation for a primary file, an inquiry can be conducted to determine if a prior file list is associated with the primary document.

Abstract: Enforcing data policy using style sheet processing. A Document Type Definition (DTD) associated with an Extensible Markup Language document is modified to specify a reference to stored data policy to be applied to document elements. Each data element may specify a different data policy. This technique uses minimal network transmission overhead, as the policy itself is not transmitted through the network until the DTD reaches the node where the data policy will be applied. Programming code implementing the data policy is then retrieved, using the references, by an Extensible Stylesheet Language (XSL) processor instrumented according to the present invention. Data policy is preferably enforced by overriding the existing XSL “value-of” method. DTD information describing a document element may be suppressed from a DTD being generated for the output document of the data policy enforcement process, providing privacy protection for the details of the associated policy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the names of Java Beans and for categorizing Java Bean sub-elements files. A two stage process is utilized for Java files having one or more .class files and .ser (serialized) files. The first stage attempts to determine the name of a Java Bean based upon the file names forming the Bean based upon suffixes and strings within the file names. The second stage is then applied to determine the category of the Bean sub-elements using the names of the Java Bean derived in the first stage. The first stage names are again examined based upon unique suffixes and word strings and the proper category determined for each file name.

Abstract: Phosphinato-substituted propane- and butanepolycarboxylic acids and derivatives thereof are useful as crosslinking agents for cellulosic materials to render them wrinkle resistant and/or iron free in a durable press process.

Abstract: A combined machine for washing and drying textiles comprises a wash liquor tub, which contains an inner drum rotatably provided and supporting the textiles during the washing and drying processes and having a volume adapted to requirements relating to the wash process, water supply means for supplying water into the tub, means for the supply of detergents, water draining means for draining washing and rinsing liquid from the tub, and means for driving a moisture absorbing gaseous medium in a closed loop past the textiles in the inner drum. The moisture absorbing gaseous medium, which consists of dry superheated steam, and compressor means are provided to compress part of the steam diverted from the closed loop and lead it to heat exchanger means provided to condense the compressed steam and return the heat released during the condensing process to the steam in the closed loop.

Abstract: Reactive dye mixtures comprising a black or navy reactive dye and a reactive disazo dye. The reactive dye mixtures of the present invention are suitable for exhaust dyeing, printing, continuous dyeing or discharge printing of a blended or interwoven fabric of cellulose fibres or cellulose nylon blends. The compounds of the present invention display good level dyeing properties, good build up and excellent low nylon cross-dyeing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a candle base material having components that allow the candle to change from opaque to transparent at a desired temperature.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of fueling gas turbines from natural gas reserves with relatively low methane concentrations. The invention permits the use of such reserves to be used to fuel gas turbines to generate electric power. The method of the invention includes providing a natural gas comprising not more than about 40 percent methane on a volume basis and mixing the methane of the natural gas with hydrogen gas to provide a hydrogen enhanced methane/hydrogen gas blend which has sufficient hydrogen to provide flame stability during burning. Thereafter, if required, the hydrogen enhanced methane/hydrogen gas blend is dehydrated to remove a sufficient amount of water to provide a flame stable hydrogen enhanced dehydrated methane/hydrogen gas blend. The hydrogen enhanced natural gas blend is used to fuel gas turbine generators.

Abstract: A fuel processor apparatus comprising a catalytic tubular reactor is heated using an infrared radiant burner to provide the endothermic heat of reaction needed to reform a mixture of hydrocarbon and steam for the production of a hydrogen-rich gas stream. The hydrogen-rich gas stream is further purified using a sequence of catalytic steps that is fed to a fuel cell whereupon a portion of the hydrogen contained in the gas stream is consumed for the production of electricity by electrochemical reaction with oxygen. An unused portion of the purified hydrogen-rich gas stream exits the fuel cell stack and is combusted in the infrared radiant burner. A fuel cell control system rapidly responds to a variable fuel cell electric demand by adjusting the feed of hydrocarbon to the catalytic tubular reactor to maintain the surface temperature of the infrared radiant burner within defined limits.

Abstract: By using a polishing slurry which contains, at least, a polishing grain, an oxidizing agent and a basic amino acid compound, it is possible to suppress dishing and erosion liable to be produced in chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) for a copper-based metal film when forming a buried interconnection of a copper-based metal on a barrier metal film of a tantalum-based metal.

Abstract: There is provided a cerium-based abrasive which enables formation of a highly accurate polished surface and has improved grindability. There is also provided a method of evaluating cerium-based abrasives in a relatively easy manner. In order to achieve the above objects, the cerium-based abrasive of this invention is a cerium-based abrasive containing 40% by weight or more of cerium oxide (on the basis of the total weight of rare earth oxides) which is characterized by further containing 0.5 to 10% by weight of fluorine per 100% by weight of the cerium-based abrasive, in terms of atomic weight, and polishing particles consisting of crystals with a lattice constant measured by an X-ray powder diffraction method ranging from 0.544 to 0.560 nm.

Abstract: The width of at least one felt out of a plurality of felts (22 to 24) is formed of ceramic fibers superposed between two wire nets (26, 27) for a heater is made to be narrower than the width w of the wire nets for heater (26, 27), and the width of other felts (22, 24) is made to be the same as the width w of the wire nets (26, 27) for the heater. A superposed body (28) of the wire nets (26, 27) for a heater and the felts (22 to 24) is bent lengthwise to form a tube (21) having a petal shape in section, and a metal frame (31) is connected to both ends of the tube (21).

Abstract: In a dry air filter for internal combustion engines of utility vehicles having an outlet for the dust separated in a preliminary separator stage, compressed air is delivered to the outlet, at least intermittently, and in order to produce an ejector action to keep the outlet and optionally the dust discharge valve closing off the outlet free of dust, is blown in the direction of the dust discharge valve. Preferably, surplus compressed air already to hand from an on-board compressed air generating system is used for this purpose. In order to improve the cleaning action, the compressed air is delivered into the outlet via a nozzle.

Abstract: A liquid reservoir tank assembly includes a gas-liquid separator, such as an air-oil separator. A tank body has an open end, a portion of the tank body forming a liquid separation chamber, another portion of the tank body forming a liquid reservoir. A tank cover covers the open end of the tank body, the tank body and the tank cover providing a gas inlet and a gas outlet with a gas flow through the separation chamber from the gas inlet to the gas outlet. The gas-liquid separator is mounted in the separation chamber in the gas flow between the gas inlet and the gas outlet. The separator has a coalescing stage layer and a drain stage layer arranged radially symmetrically about an axis extending through the interior of the separator, the coalescing stage layer being upstream of the drain stage layer. Each of the layers is generally frustoconical in shape.

Abstract: Smoke evacuation apparatus designed to provide safe and efficient filtration and evacuation of smoke plume generated by laser-surgical, electrosurgical, radiosurgical, and electrocautery devices. To ensure capture and removal of the smoke plume, several stages of filtration processes, including a first micro-pre-filter to filter out the most particles and harmful elements at this stage followed by passage of the smoke plume through a main vacuum suction unit and filter to filter out the remaining particles and any odors, are employed. Preferably, the main filter comprises fine charcoal through which the air flows radially which helps remove the odors. In a preferred embodiment, means are provided to monitor the degree of pollution of the main filter to warn users when it is desirable or necessary to replace the main filter.

Abstract: An air filter assembly for removing particulate contaminants, chemical contaminants, biological contaminants, or any combination thereof, from airplane cabin air. The filter assembly is lightweight and compact in size. Minimal clearance is needed in order to remove and replace the filter element.

Abstract: The invention provides a filter apparatus for removing air entrained particles comprising a pleated filter media. A first media member has a plurality of alternating upstream and downstream folds and a wall connecting the folds. A pair of slits forms an aperture and a hinged pleat. A second media member matingly attaches to the first media member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nonwoven metal fabric for various uses, such as a filter used for purification of exhaust gas from automobiles or semiconductor manufacturing gas, a catalyst carrier of fuel cell, and so forth, in which the corrosion resistance is improved without compromising the property in terms of pressure loss. The nonwoven metal fabric of the present invention is formed with the metal fibers wherein the relation of the fiber diameter Da at the surface part of the gas inlet side and the fiber diameter Db at the central part of the thickness direction is expressed as the equation Da≧1.5×Db and the fiber diameter Da at the surface part of the gas inlet side is not less than 15 &mgr;m and not more than 60 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The method of compacting agglomerated powder comprises the steps of receiving a mass of agglomerated powder of random sizes; separating the mass into at least three distinct range of sizes including a fine range, a medium range and a coarse range; and thereafter compacting the agglomerated powder of each of the ranges into green briquettes, each of which is characterized in having a self-supporting structure to permit handling for a subsequent sintering operation to form a bonded compacted mass.

Abstract: A metal powder is formed by the steps of preparing a reducing agent solution, preparing a mixed metallic salt solution by dissolving a nickel salt and a copper salt in a solvent, and mixing the reducing agent solution and the mixed metallic salt solution so that the copper salt is reduced to precipitate copper particle nuclei and then the nickel salt is reduced to precipitate nickel around the copper particle nuclei. A metal power produced by this production method, a conductive paste containing the metal powder and a monolithic ceramic electronic component in which internal electrodes are formed using the conductive paste are also disclosed.

Abstract: The melter furnace includes a heating chamber (16), a pump chamber (18), a degassing chamber (20), and a filter chamber (22). The pump chamber (18) is located adjacent the heating chamber (16) and houses a molten metal pump (30). The degassing chamber (20) is located adjacent and in fluid communication with the pump chamber (18), and houses a degassing mechanism (36). The filter chamber (22) is located adjacent and in fluid communication with the degassing chamber (20). The filter chamber (22) includes a molten metal filter (38). The melter furnace (12) is used to supply molten metal to an externally located holder furnace (14), which then recirculates molten metal back to the melter furnace (12).

Abstract: A smelting reduction apparatus which separates exhaust gas, which is exhausted from a melter-gasifier or a fluidized bed reactor, into dusts and reducing gas to supply them to each fluidized bed reactor respectively is disclosed, in which the smelting reduction apparatus includes a three-stage type fluidized bed reactor, a melter-gasifier for manufacturing molten pig iron by finally reducing the fine iron ores of which reaction is finished in a final fluidized bed reactor, and a dust separating device, which performs separation of exhausted gas from the melter-gasifier into dusts and reducing gas, so as to supply the separated reducing gas to a lower part of the final fluidized bed reactor, dusts having a larger particle sizes in the separated dusts to the melter-gasifier again, and fine dusts having a smaller particle sizes in the separated dusts to an upper part of a gas distributor of the final fluidized bed reactor.