Abstract: A lipoplasty method which includes applying laser energy to the adipose tissue externally through the skin at the same time suction is applied to the targeted tissue. The preferred method includes introducing a solution through an opening in the body to cause the solution to come into contact with adipocytes in the adipose tissue before or simultaneous with applying the laser energy. Optionally, the method can further include reducing inflammation by applying laser energy externally through the skin. Also optionally, the method can include reducing pain by applying laser energy externally through the skin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for targeting lipid-rich tissue to effect a desired, the method/apparatus involving irradiating the lipid-rich tissue with energy at a wavelength preferentially absorbed by lipid cells, such wavelength being preferably in a band between 880 nm and 935 nm, 1150 nm and 1230 nm, 1690 nm to 1780 nm, or 2250 nm to 2450 nm with a fluence and duration sufficient to achieve a desired treatment. For preferred embodiments, the irradiation wavelength is between 900-930 nm, 1190-1220 nm, 1700-1730 nm, or 2280-2350 nm. The method and apparatus may for example be used to target one or more sebaceous glands for the treatment of acne or hair removal, to target subcutaneous fat for removal thereof or for targeting fat on anatomical elements for various purposes.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for generating images of portions of the patient's eye, such as the anterior surface of the cornea. The methods and apparatus of the present invention are particularly useful for directly imaging the profile of the ablated region of the cornea during or immediately following a laser ablation procedure, such as photorefractive keratometry (PRK), phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK), laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or the like. These methods and apparatus allow the surgeon to precisely image the exterior edge of the eye to characterize the profile of ablated corneas and to determine the spatial variance of tissue ablation rates during the surgical procedures. Methods and apparatus are also provided for generating one or more images depicting the profile of the ablated region of the cornea. The profile is registered with a pre-ablation profile to provide feedback regarding the true ablation properties of the eye.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal treatment apparatus capable of irradiating targeted lesions with energy to obtain good treatment results. The invention displays the diagnostic images 2201 of the lesion overlaid upon the laser irradiation areas a, b, c, and d and is capable of setting up the laser emission angle, output and time using the graphical user interface displayed on the touch panel.

Abstract: Vascular blemishes are reduced by directing pulsed laser radiation to converge toward the blemishes in a plurality of directions, each beam of radiation being derived from a primary radiation source or from a separate radiation source, thereby to cause selective thermolysis of blood vessels in the blemishes.

Abstract: A treatment catheter (10) carries an elongated ultrasonic emitter (20) extending in the lengthwise direction of the catheter. The array is flexible in all directions transverse to the lengthwise direction. The treatment catheter is inserted into a chamber of the heart and brought to a desired configuration such as a substantially closed loop. The treatment catheter is then biased into engagement with the wall of the heart by an expansible balloon (62) or other expansible structure, which may be carried on a separate stabilizer catheter (60). While the treatment catheter is engaged with the heart wall, the array is actuated to ablate tissue along a path having a shape corresponding to the configuration of the treatment catheter.

Abstract: An RF treatment apparatus includes a catheter with a catheter lumen. A removable needle electrode is positioned in the catheter lumen in a fixed relationship to the catheter. The needle catheter includes a needle lumen and a needle electrode distal end. A removable introducer is slidably positioned in the needle lumen. The introducer includes an introducer distal end. A first sensor is positioned on a surface of the needle electrode or the insulator. An RF power source is coupled to the needle electrode and a return electrode. An insulator sleeve is slidably positioned around the electrode and includes a second sensor. Resources are associated with the electrode, sensors as well as the RF power source for maintaining a selected power at the electrode independent of changes in current or voltage.

Abstract: A catheter includes a steering mechanism for manipulating the distal end of the catheter to obtain a plurality of deflection profiles, and a torque transfer system at the distal portion to enhance torque transfer from the handle to the distal tip. The steering mechanism includes two steering tendons. The steering tendons are attached to the distal-end region of the catheter. The steering tendons may be located approximately angularly aligned, thus causing the deflection profiles to be unidirectional. Alternatively, the steering tendons may be located angularly separated from each other, thus causing the deflection profiles to be bidirectional. In other aspects, the torque transfer system includes a flat ribbon within the relatively flexible distal-end region to enhance torque transfer through the distal-end region of the catheter.

Abstract: An ablation catheter is disclosed having proximal and distal ends and an external surface, a lumen contained within the catheter body, a plurality of openings in the surface of the catheter, wherein the openings are in communication with the lumen, one or more electrodes secured within the catheter within the lumen and a source for conductive media to be introduced into the lumen to contact the electrode. The ablation catheter also may contain a conductive media flow control system which controls the flow of the conductive media through the openings in the surface of the catheter.

Abstract: A pair of bone clamps used for open reduction and internal fixation of a fractured bone or osteotomy is interconnected by a lockable, articulating connection apparatus. Each bone clamp includes a primary clamping means for manipulating a bone fragment back into a proper position. Additionally, each bone clamp includes a secondary bone clamping means that provides adequate clamping force for maintaining the reduction so that the primary clamping means can be released. The secondary bone clamping means provides clearance for the positioning and application of a fracture fixation prosthesis to stabilize the reduction during healing. The bone clamps and lockable, articulating connection apparatus together comprise a bone setting apparatus that provides for unconstrained manual reduction and alignment of the bone fracture, locking of the reduction in a fixed position and orientation, and application of a fracture fixation prosthesis, thereby securing the reduction.

Abstract: An electrical bone growth promotion apparatus and method for the delivery of electrical current to an implant surgically implanted within the intervertebral space between two adjacent vertebrae of the spine to promote bone growth and the fusion process to areas adjacent to the implant is disclosed. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a self contained implant having a surgically implantable, renewable power supply and related control circuitry for delivering electrical current directly to the implant and thus directly to the area in which the promotion of bone growth is desired. The desired areas of bone growth promotion may be controlled by conducting negative charge only to the desired location of bone growth promotion.

Abstract: This invention relates to orthopedic implants and to methods of treating bone defects. More specifically, but not exclusively, the present invention is directed to non-metallic implants and to methods for intra-operative assembly and fixation of orthopedic implants to facilitate medical treatment. The non-metallic implant assembly can be secured to underlying tissue by a fastener, such as a bone screw, that is capable of swelling on contact with fluid in the underlying tissue. Alternatively, the non-metallic implant assembly can be assembled intra-operatively using a fastener that is adhesively bonded to a bone plate or the bone plate can be deformed using heat, force or solvents to inhibit withdrawal of the fastener. In preferred embodiments, both the fastener and the bone plate are formed of biodegradable material.

Abstract: A surgical cable assembly is provided for securing bones, or securing medical implant devices to bones. The assembly preferably comprises a multistrand metal cable and a crimpable coupling member attached to a loop in the cable adjacent one end formed by a separate crimp member. The coupling member secures the cable in a permanent loop that encircles the bone and is capable of pivoting to permit the cable to follow the outer contour of the bone and/or implant. The coupling member may comprise a flange to limit its rotation about the cable. A method of securing bones and/or implants with the cable assembly also is provided.

Abstract: A system and a method for positioning a drill, having a drill bit with a central axis, for drilling a subsequent hole in a bone at a predetermined distance from and in a predetermined orientation in respect to a reference hole, is disclosed. The system comprises a reference insert, configured to be inserted into the reference hole, and adapted to establish a reference guideline, the reference guideline being of the predetermined orientation; and, an alignment mechanism, configured to be attached to the drill, the alignment mechanism adapted to be fixed at the predetermined distance from and parallel to the central axis of the drill bit, the alignment mechanism including an optical device for colinearly aligning an alignment axis of the alignment mechanism with the reference guideline.

Abstract: This invention discloses devices for use with an ophthalmologic insertor apparatus. In one embodiment, the device is a flexible, stretchable sleeve holder adapted to fit over a deformable sleeve that houses an implant. The sleeve holder facilitates loading of an implant into the sleeve by providing a suitable gripping surface. Application of a compressive force to the sleeve holder further allows the implant to be immobilized within the sleeve. After loading of the implant into the sleeve, the holder may be used as a collar or hub to secure the sleeve to an insertor hand-piece. Methods for loading implants into delivery sleeves, methods for attaching sleeves to inserters, and methods for delivering implants to an incision are also disclosed.

Abstract: A subcutaneous tunneling and carrying tool has a handle, a rod, and a carrier. The tool is used in connection with the implantation of electrical stimulators within the body, and more particularly facilitates the surgical procedure in the connection of an electrode lead extension to the implantable stimulator when the electrode and stimulator may not be co-located. In one embodiment, tunneling is accomplished by a tip that also serves to connect the tool to a disposable carrier in which the lead extension connector is packaged. In another embodiment the carrier comprises a carrier body and a removable cover, wherein the carrier cover covers a carrier cavity during tunneling and includes a tunneling end, and the carrier cover is removed after tunneling to expose the carrier cavity, into which carrier cavity the electrode lead extension is inserted to carry back through the tunnel.

Abstract: The present invention is an alignment system by which a needle or other similar invasive device can be positioned for insertion so as to have a real-time, predetermined trajectory to a targeted tissue region, thereby reducing the need for repetitive needle insertion and withdrawal to move the tip of the instrument accurately to the target site.

Abstract: A suturing instrument and methods for placing stitches in soft tissues combines the functions of both independently grasping the tissue and passing sutures through the tissue to form a mattress stitch therein. The endoscopic suturing instrument comprises a clamping portion having a longitudinal axis, which is adapted for percutaneous entry into an operative site. The clamping portion further comprises a plurality of jaw members that are movable relative to one another between a closed position wherein the jaw members are disposed in close proximity to one another and an open position wherein the jaw members are spaced apart. A needle portion is disposed at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis, and is adapted for percutaneous entry into said operative site. The needle portion comprises a needle, and preferably a pair of needles, for passage through a portion of soft tissue disposed between the jaw members of the clamping portion.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for introducing a support strand into the body to treat female urinary incontinence has an elongated, curved shaft with a distal end insertable into the body. The shaft has a lumen therein extending at least a portion of the length of the shaft through which the support strand may pass in an axial direction. The shaft has a slot on an exterior surface thereof communicating with the lumen allowing the support strand to be laterally passed between the lumen to a position outside the shaft. A pointed element, is removably positionable on the distal end of the shaft for facilitating the insertion of the shaft through the body and is connectable at one end to the support strand. The pointed element may either be swaged directly to the strand or be in the form of an elongated needle with an eye to which the strand is removably attached. In an associated method, the shaft sequentially delivers the pointed element through the body twice, forming a loop around the urethra to relieve incontinence.

Abstract: A surgical device including: a punch slidingly disposed in a housing for forming a hole in a first vessel; a cartridge movably disposed in the housing between a cutting and deploying positions, the cartridge having a second vessel and a coupler for coupling the first and second vessel loaded therein; a punch actuator for sliding the punch between the cutting and deploying positions; a cartridge actuator for moving the cartridge between the cutting and deploying positions, wherein while in the cutting position, the punch and cartridge are in position to permit the punch to form the hole in the first vessel and while in the deploying position, they are in position to deploy the second vessel; and a deployment mechanism for deploying the second vessel and coupler into the hole of the first vessel while the punch and cartridge are in the deploying position to create an anastomosis.

Abstract: A surgical device for cutting substantially across a cornea of an eye of a patient, the device including a positioning ring structured to be temporarily attached to a portion of the eye surrounding the cornea to be cut, and defining an aperture sized to receive and expose the cornea to be cut. The surgical device further includes a cutting head assembly structured to be guided and driven over an upper surface of the positioning ring in a generally arcuate path, and having a cutting element positioned therein and structured to oscillate laterally to facilitate smooth and effective cutting of the cornea. The cutting head assembly is structured to be detachably coupled to the positioning ring by a coupling member which permits movement of the cutting head assembly relative to the positioning ring along the generally arcuate path, but maintains sufficient engagement therebetween to ensure that smooth, steady, driven movement is maintained.

Abstract: A modified scalpel and blade exchanging apparatus and method whereby insertion of the scalpel blade (106) end into the apparatus and turning of the scalpel handle (111) causes the dull or spent blade to be exchanged with a new blade (130) on the scalpel (101) in a few seconds. The quick exchange is accomplished by a cam system (183, 184) that opens and closes the jaws or fingers (104, 105) that retain the blade on the scalpel and a dispenser (119) that positions the new blade in the open jaws or fingers just prior to closure. The new invention solves the problem of detaching and attaching scalpel blades in a matter of seconds without danger to the user. With a mere twist of the wrist, the user detaches the dull blade and attaches the new blade, the dull blade dropping into a sharps container (107) upon detachment.

Abstract: A vaso-occlusive device includes a microcoil formed into a minimum energy state secondary configuration comprising a plurality of curved segments, each defining a discrete axis, whereby the device, in its minimum energy state configuration, defines multiple axes. In a preferred embodiment, the minimum energy state secondary configuration comprises a plurality of tangentially-interconnected, substantially circular loops defining a plurality of discrete axes. In an alternative embodiment, the minimum energy state secondary configuration defines a wave-form like structure comprising a longitudinal array of laterally-alternating open loops defining a plurality of separate axes. In either embodiment, the device, in its minimum energy state secondary configuration, has a dimension that is substantially larger than the largest dimension of the vascular site in which the device is to be deployed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a medical device and medical devices which can be formed in accordance with the method. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of a) providing a metal fabric formed of a plurality of strands formed of a metal which can be heat treated to substantially set a desired shape; b) deforming the metal fabric to generally conform to a surface of a molding element; c) heat treating the metal fabric in contact with the surface of the molding element to substantially set the shape of the fabric in its deformed state; and d) removing the metal fabric from contact with the molding element. The resulting metal fabric will define a medical device which can be collapsed for passage through a catheter or the like for deployment in a channel of a patient's body. Medical devices made in accordance with this method can have varying structures.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling the pressure within a pressure cuff of a surgical tourniquet so as selectively to occlude blood flow within a portion of a limb of a patient, wherein a sensor determines when flow past the tourniquet is occurring so that corrective action may be taken, such as by increasing the pressure in the tourniquet or by notifying an operator of the flow past the tourniquet. The present invention may use an acoustic sensor to detect Korotkoff sounds indicating incipient blood flow past the tourniquet. When such signals are detected, the tourniquet controller may either incrementally increase the pressure in the tourniquet, or if a threshold would be exceeded by such an increase, signal an alarm indicative of the blood flow.

Abstract: A grasping forceps for an endoscope according to the present invention comprises a flexible insertion section, an operating wire passing through said insertion section and adapted to be advanced and retreated in accordance with an operation of an operating section connected to a hand side end of the operating wire, and an elastic grasping section arranged in the leading end portion of said operating wire and composed of at least four elastic grasping members different in length having a habit of so flexing that leading end grasping portions formed at the leading ends of said elastic grasping members spread outwards from a center axis of said insertion section, wherein the leading end grasping portions formed at the leading ends of the plurality of elastic grasping members different in length are spread in a spiral arrangement at the time of spreading of the elastic grasping section.

Abstract: What is described here is an instrument for medical and particularly endoscopic applications, comprising a proximally disposed operating unit, a distally disposed multi-part functional element having individual parts which are jointly and additionally independently movable, such as a multi-part forceps jaw, and an elongate connecting part which is disposed between the operating unit and said forceps jaw. The invention is characterized by the provisions that said operating unit is so configured that it can be grasped around by one hand, and that said operating unit comprises at least two pivotable and/or tiltable elements which are a component of the surface of said operating unit and which, when moving, control each one part of said multi-part functional element.

Abstract: A catheter for intravascular corporeal cooling comprises an elongated tubular member having at least one lumen extending therethrough for providing cooled blood, an inflatable annular balloon positioned on the outer surface of the elongated tubular member, and a pressure reliever positioned in the external wall of the elongated tubular member and proximal to the annular inflatable balloon, wherein when the pressure of blood within a lumen reaches a predetermined value, the pressure reliever opens to permit fluid to be released from the elongated tubular member. In other embodiments of the invention the catheter may have two or more inflatable annular balloons that are separately inflatable and/or the catheter has an insulative outer annular member.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved prostheses and methods for their endolumenal placement within body lumens, particularly blood vessels. In one embodiment, the prosthesis of the present invention consists a plurality of radially expansible rings having, a plurality of beams connecting axially remote points on adjacent rings, and a plurality of expansion joints connecting axially proximate points on adjacent rings. The beams maintain the remote points at a fixed distance when the prosthesis is radially expanded and the expansion joints allow for relative movement of the proximate points during delivery of the prosthesis. The combination of the beams and expansion joints minimizes the risk of injury to the body lumen during delivery of the prosthesis to a target site and provides improved tracking capabilities.

Abstract: A monocanalicular stent includes a plug and a tubing molded with or coupled to the plug portion at an angle. The plug portion preferably includes a body portion, a neck portion, and a head portion. The tubing extends substantially longer than the plug portion. A delivery stylet is also provided and extends into a pathway of the tubing and provides a device by which the physician may handle the stent and insert it into the canaliculus. The tubing portion may be cut to length and closed. The stylet is then maneuvered to deliver the stent into a dilated punctal opening and then advanced through the canaliculus until the position of the plug portion is immediately above the punctal opening. The stylet is then removed, and the plug portion is then manipulated into the punctal opening until the head portion is flush with the surface of the punctal opening.

Abstract: A delivery system for procuring implantation of an expandable stent in a bodily lumen of interest is disclosed including a fluid-operated moving cylinder sleeve for retaining the stent in place during delivery retracting to release a stent at the implantation site.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an expandable self-expanding stent for implantation in a body lumen, such as an artery. The stent is made with a plurality of cylindrical elements which are interconnected by a plurality of interconnecting members which connect adjacent cylindrical elements, some of the interconnecting members have one or more bending points formed therein for promoting the bendability of the interconnecting member. The bending point can be formed by reducing the strut wall thickness of the interconnecting member to promote the bending of the strut or it can be formed by reducing the strut width of the interconnecting member, or a combination of both. The bending points on the interconnecting member enhances the bendability and flexibility of the composite stent device by creating mechanical hinges which help to bend the stent as it is delivered through the tortuous anatomy of the patient or conforms to a curved portion of a body vessel, where the stent may be implanted.

Abstract: Devices for excluding aneurysms and treating atherosclerotic disease, for intra-aneurysmal occlusion; and devices for preventing distal emboli. The devices are generally pliable and collapsible thin film devices which can be delivered via a microcatheter into the desired location where they are deployed and undergo either a shape memory phase transformation or in situ polymerization to assume the stable configuration of a permanent endoluminal prosthesis. Prior to being caused to assume their final shape, the devices remain soft, collapsible and pliable to ensure atraumatic delivery through the vascular system. Upon reaching the endoluminal defect in the vessel, the device is extruded from the microcatheter. Devices are also provided for retrieving clots.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis is disclosed which is implantable within a vein or other blood vessel of a patient using a minimally-invasive surgical procedure. The prosthesis includes a tubular wire frame which presses radially outward against the inner walls of the blood vessel following implantation to hold the prosthesis in position. Multiple flow-resistive pockets that open and close in response to changes in blood flow direction are attached to the frame to impede the flow of blood in the reverse direction. The prosthesis is implanted using an introducer catheter which holds the prosthesis in a radially-compressed state as the prosthesis is inserted into and positioned within the blood vessel.

Abstract: Improved methods of treatment of diseased or occluded vascular grafts in patients having undergone coronary artery bypass or other bypass surgery are disclosed. Deployment of a conduit in the myocardium at a site distal to the site of attachment of the coronary artery bypass graft allows oxygenated blood to flow from a chamber in the heart directly into the coronary artery, bypassing blockages in the coronary artery and the graft originally used to bypass the coronary artery. To ensure proper positioning, the conduit is delivered through the graft to the myocardium. A new lining for the existing vein graft and methods of delivery are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for delivering heparin, wherein an implantable stent is coated with a material that attracts heparin and with which heparin forms a bond. The stent is exposed to a heparin containing solution just prior to implantation or is first implanted and then exposed to heparinized blood. As heparin becomes detached from the stent, the implantation site is exposed to heparin to restore an effective level and thereby prevent thrombosis.

Abstract: Cardiovascular cell proliferation in a blood vessel subjected to trauma, such as angioplasty, vascular graft, anastomosis, or organ transplant, can be inhibited by contacting the vessel with a polymer consisting of from 6 to about 30 amino acid subunits, where at least 50% of the subunits are arginine, and the polymer contains at least six contiguous arginine subunits. Exemplary polymers for this purpose include arginine homopolymers 7 to 15 subunits in length.

Abstract: The prosthesis of the invention are configured such that the average thickness of the shell in the region where the posterior and anterior faces meet is greater, e.g., at least twice, the average thickness of the shell in the region of the anterior face. This reinforcement can reduce or eliminate undesirable scalloping effects along the upper perimeter of the prosthesis that can otherwise occur when gravity pulls downward on a filled prosthesis. Moreover, because the reinforcement is preferably confined to a radius/posterior region extending at least part of the way around the perimeter of the prosthesis, it is possible for the shell of the prosthesis in nearly the entire anterior face of the prosthesis to be formed of relatively thin material. This preserves a natural appearance of the prosthesis when it is implanted.

Abstract: Disclosed is an osteogenic device capable of inducing the formation of endochondral bone in a shape conforming substantially to the shape of the device when implanted in a mammalian host. The device includes an osteogenic protein dispersed within a porous matrix comprising a polymer of collagen and glycosaminoglycan cross-linked to an MC value of about 800 to about 60,000. Also disclosed are a method of inducing mammalian bone growth, and a method of inducing conductive bone growth from viable mammalian bone.

Abstract: A prosthetic attachment locking assembly includes a distal adaptor fittable in the bottom of a socket for a residual limb stump and has an upper surface configured to accept an end of a stump liner. The internal surface of the socket merges smoothly with the upper surface of the distal adaptor. The distal adaptor has a pin bore through which a lock pin of the stump liner may extend, and a lower surface having a plurality of projections. A lock body of a prosthetic attachment lock has a pinion gear engagable with the lock pin to lock the lock pin, and an upper surface matably engagable with the projections such that the lock body and the distal adaptor may be connected via the projections and the upper surface of the lock body. The pinion gear is mounted to a centering axle. A one-way clutch for the pinion gear incorporates a sleeve non-rotatably mounting the centering axle such that the centering axle does not bind when it is pressed to move longitudinally.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making vascular prostheses from ePTFE said prostheses having a diameter which is larger, and a wall thickness which is smaller than previously achievable using ram extrusion techniques. The method consists of extruding a PTFE tube, finish processing the tube into an ePTFE tube, laterally dilating it by expansion in incremental steps, calendering the tube after each dilating step, while the tube is being maintained at an elevated temperature. Once the tube is dilated it can be sintered with another tube to form a laminate. Alternatively, a wire stent may be joined with one or more tubes, thereby biasing the laminate to a cylindrical configuration.

Abstract: An automated means for defining a filter used to extract web content for a web page is disclosed wherein the extracted content is used in a recast web page. The recast web page may be produced by a hosting site, or may be part of an effort to revise a web site at a web content provider. First, a set of pages, possibly a single page, is retrieved from a content provider web server. Next, the web page is parsed to identify a set of selectable content elements. Next, a representation of the original web page is presented in a user interface, wherein the selectable content elements are demarcated. The user will select some of the elements for inclusion in the filter through the user interface, whereby the tool will indicate the selected content elements for inclusion in the filter. The tool constructs the filter so that when the filter is used, the selected content elements are extracted from a retrieved web page from the content provider web server and reused in the recast web page.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a storage medium and a communicatively coupled processor are presented. The storage medium has stored therein a plurality of executable instructions which, when executed, implement an information server which, upon receiving a request including a resource identifier for an information page that may or may not exist, constructs and issues commands to retrieve the requested information and dynamically generates instructions to create the requested information page for provision to a requesting client if the information page does not exist.

Abstract: A system for viewing and manipulating information of various data types within a single document in an integrated computer system environment is disclosed. Each data type is maintained within a dataset. Datasets comprise logical information of a common data type along with the functions or processing logic to view and manipulate that data type. The logical types of information managed by datasets in the preferred embodiment include graphical objects, blocks of text, spreadsheet cells, and database records. Datasets also manage frames. Frames provide a means by which datasets are viewed and manipulated. Each dataset is responsible for managing the display of information inside one of its frames. Significantly, the present invention provides a logical independence between the information contained in a dataset and the manner in which the information is viewed and manipulated (i.e. frames). This independence provides a significant improvement in the ability to manipulate various types of information.

Abstract: A composition for finishing an article comprising a non-volatile siloxane, and a method for finishing an article with a composition comprising a non-volatile siloxane.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is novel compounds derived from naphth-1-ol comprising at least one cationic group, their use as coupler for the oxidation dyeing of keratinous fibres, compositions for the oxidation dyeing of keratinous fibres, and in particular human keratinous fibres such as hair, containing them in combination with at least one oxidation base, as well as methods of oxidation dyeing using them.

Abstract: Provided is a hair dye composition comprising as a direct dye a compound represented by the following formula (1), (2), (3) or (4): [wherein, R1 and R1′ each independently represents a (substituted) C1-6 alkyl or a (substituted) aryl group; W and W′ each independently represents a group —A—NR2R3 or a (substituted) heterocyclic aromatic group; A and A′ each independently represents a divalent (substituted) aryl group; R2, R2′ and R3 each independently represents H, a (substituted) alkyl or a (substituted) aryl group, or R2, R2′ or R3 may be bonded to A or A′, thereby forming a heterocycle, R2 and R3, or R2 and R2′ are coupled to form a heterocycle, together with the adjacent atom; R4 to R6 each independently represents H, (substituted) alkyl or (substituted) alkenyl group; Q represents a divalent organic group; X represents a modified carboxy group, an —SO2—T— group (in which, T represents an alkyl, alkenyl or aryl)

Abstract: New and useful low viscosity polymeric colorant formulations are provided comprising extremely low amounts of viscosity modifiers that drastically reduce the overall viscosity of the resultant colorant formulation as compared with the viscosity of the colorants themselves. In such a manner, the resultant formulation facilitates the utilization of such polymeric colorants within certain coloring processes and methods requiring low viscosity formulations while simultaneously permitting substantial retention of the same high color strength characteristics of the unmodified colorants. Such an unexpected result thus permits production and utilization of a low viscosity formulation that does not sacrifice colorability to an appreciable degree for target substrates or media. The inventive formulations thus comprise any number of polymeric colorants, (i.e.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing an aluminum solid electrolyte capacitor, mass-production of aluminum solid electrolyte capacitors with high reliability and excellent quality is made possible by adopting a sequence of steps whereby it is ensured that no stress is applied to the capacitor body (for example coiled element), and by providing means that make possible implementation of these steps. A capacitor body 1 is inserted into a case 3 having a first aperture 3A that is open at the bottom and a second constricted aperture 3B at the top, via the first aperture 3A, and sealing and fixing are performed by a sealant 5 consisting of an epoxy resin, then the capacitor body 1 is coated or impregnated by introducing 3,4-ethylenedioxy-thiophene through the second aperture 3B, then solid electrolyte constituted by poly(3,4-ethylenedioxy-thiophene) is generated by an oxidative polymerization reaction, after which the second aperture 3B is sealed.

Abstract: The present invention provides abrasive articles having projections attached to a major surface thereof, and methods of making such articles. The articles include (1) a reaction product of components that include (a) an epoxy-functional material, (b) at least one of a cyclic anhydride or a diacid derived therefrom; and/or (2) a polymeric material preparable by combining at least (a) an epoxy-functional material, and (b) at least one of a cyclic anhydride or a diacid derived therefrom.