Abstract: An apparatus for the delivery of laser light in a therapeutic environment including: a console; an optical waveguide wherein a first end of the waveguide is configured to expose a biological tissue to energy transmitted through the waveguide; a plurality of laser diodes housed within the console such that the light emitted by each of the diodes will illuminate a second end of the optical wave guide; and a power supply for providing electrical power to each laser diode. Preferably each laser diode is configured to produce a unique wavelength of light. The power supply provides an independently controllable output for each laser such that the exposure, both in terms of intensity and duration, to each wavelength of light may be controlled independently of the exposure to each of the other wavelengths of light.

Abstract: A system and method for the treatment of body tissue is provided that includes a radiation-emitting device and a massaging mechanism. In accordance with one embodiment, the radiation-emitting device is a laser and the massaging mechanism is an automated mechanical massaging mechanism. The radiation-emitting device can emit radiation in the visible and infrared wavelengths. The radiation-emitting device can emit radiation in a concentric combination of infrared and visible laser light. The method of using the tissue treatment system includes exposing a skin surface of a patient to radiation emitted from the radiation-emitting device at predetermined wavelengths for predetermined periods of time. The method further provides for massaging the exposed skin surface of the patient with the massaging mechanism. The tissue treatment system can be utilized to effect the reduction of excess cellulite.

Abstract: A tanning booth generally has rectangular wall panels, a floor frame, a ceiling frame and a fan that is mounted to the ceiling. The wall panels are interconnected in the shape of a figure-8 in order to form a front section or room defined by front wall panels and a back section or room defined by back wall panels. In use, the front room is a changing area that provides privacy for the user to dress and undress, and the back room is the tanning area. An inside door is provided to separate the front room from the back room. The front section and the back section are each hexagonal-shaped rooms that together form the rough figure-8 shape. Tanning lamps are provided to surround the user in the tanning room. The floor has a pattern of holes that permit air to be drawn through the tanning room by a fan mounted on the ceiling to sufficiently cool the user and lamps during tanning.

Abstract: A heat exchange fluid supply system for supplying a heat exchange fluid to an intravascular heat exchange catheter includes a disposable cassette having a bulkhead and an external heat exchanger, and which is configured to operate in combination with a reusable master control unit. The bulkhead includes a reservoir section and a pump section. The reservoir section is provided with a means to monitor the amount of heat exchange fluid that is in the system. The bulkhead provides the mechanism for priming the system with heat exchange fluid from an external source and for circulating fluid to the catheter in a closed circuit. The pump section is configured to allow for pumping of heat exchange fluid at a constant pressure.

Abstract: Methods and devices for preventing a change in the core body temperature of a mammal under cold conditions are provided. In the subject methods, a requirement for thermal energy input in said mammal is first detected. In response to the detection of this requirement for thermal energy input, a surface of a portion of the mammal is contacted with a warm temperature medium under negative pressure conditions for a period of time sufficient to introduce thermal energy into the core body of the mammal. The subject devices include at least a means for detecting a requirement for thermal energy input and a means for contacting a surface of the mammal with a warm temperature medium under negative pressure conditions. The subject methods and devices find use in a variety of applications, and are particularly suited for use in maintaining the core body temperature of a mammal substantially constant under cold conditions for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for retrieving embolic coils used for treating an aneurysm of a patient. The method comprises the steps of providing a wire device that is pushable through a microcatheter and has a flexible distal portion comprising distal collapsible arms with a latch member carried by one of the arms. The microcatheter is introduced into a patient's vessel leading to the aneurysm. The wire device, distal end first, is introduced into the microcatheter whereby the arms collapse while they are within the microcatheter. The distal end of the wire device is pushed through the microcatheter whereby the arms open when they extend out of the distal end of the microcatheter. The latch member is manipulated so that it engages an embolic coil to be retrieved. The latch-engaged embolic coil and wire device are withdrawn through the catheter, whereby the arms become collapsed as the arm is withdrawn through the catheter, securing the latch and the embolic coil.

Abstract: An assembly for delivering a stent to an intraluminal location comprising a catheter having an inner member and an outer member, a stent positioned between the inner member and the outer member at the catheter distal end, and a cutter/slider/deployment mechanism slidable secured to the catheter proximal end. A user may vary the length of the catheter by slidably advancing the cutter/slider/deployment mechanism along the catheter, whereby excess portions of the catheter are cut away. When the desired length is achieved, the user can secure the cutter/slider/deployment mechanism to the catheter to prevent further slidable advancement. The user may also vary the configuration of the catheter handle by adding or removing a removable platform from the handle. Upon stent deployment, the stent is released from the outer member, and the stent will expand as desired.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved endovascular device particularly useful for use in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedures. The device employs a two-part stent-graft construction that provides a low permeability membrane to line the shunt and an uncovered stent portion designed to reside in the portal vein. The device provides numerous benefits over previous stents and stent-grafts used in TIPS procedures, including being more compact to deliver, being easier to accurately deploy, a controlled compacted surface with tucked apices, an improved stent winding pattern, and being more flexible in delivery and use.

Abstract: A composite stent-graft tubular prosthesis includes an inner PTFE tubular structure, an outer PTFE tubular structure positioned about the inner PTFE tubular structure and a diametrically deformable stent interposed between the inner and outer PTFE tubular structures. The interposed stent is formed from an elongate wire helically wound with a plurality of longitudinally spaced turns into an open configuration. Each of the turns includes successive aligned upper and lower wave-like peaks. Selective ones of said upper and lower peaks are exposed exteriorly of the outer PTFE structure to render the composite prosthesis longitudinally flexible.

Abstract: An implantable medical device for intra lumenal support of a body lumen wherein at least a portion of the implantable medical device comprises at least one magnetic material.

Abstract: A metal prosthesis or metallic stent having a coating of expandable polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) adhered thereto by way of an intermediate laminate containing a primer chemically bonded to the metallic surface over which FEP, a copolymer, is applied.

Abstract: A very small diameter intravascular stent device which may be used to occlude or partially occlude an aneurysm in the human brain which is comprised of a thin-walled skeletal cylindrical tube formed of S-shaped or sinusoidal elements which, when compressed, nest tightly with each other.

Abstract: A Y-shaped stent, or bifurcated stent, for stenting bifurcated vessels consists of a first generally cylindrical distal branch defining a first flow path for fluid flow, and a second generally cylindrical distal branch defining a second flow path for fluid flow. The first and second distal branches are interconnected by one or more bending elements at a carina junction, each of the bending elements being flexible such that the first and second distal branches are capable of pivoting about the bending elements at the carina junction, thus defining an angle of varying degree. A generally cylindrical proximal branch defines a third flow path for fluid flow. The proximal branch is attached to the first and second distal branches proximate the carina junction such that the first and second distal branches and the proximal branch are in communication with each other.

Abstract: A multilayer ingrowth matrix is constructed within well-defined porosity of a prosthetic material. The matrix consists of either proteinaceous or synthetic layers or gradients, or a combination of proteinaceous and synthetic layers or gradients. Each layer within the matrix is designed to achieve a specific function, such as facilitation of ingrowth of a particular cell type or release of a particular growth factor. The well-defined porosity is in the form of either helically oriented, interconnected transmural ingrowth channels, or a porous wall structure containing uniformly shaped pores (i.e. voids) in a very narrow size range, or a combination of channels and pores. This invention allows for uninterrupted ingrowth of connective tissue into walls of a synthetic graft prosthesis made from the prosthetic material. Furthermore, this invention can produce small diameter prostheses having an internal diameter of 6 mm or less.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for using tubular material to replace a semilunar heart valve (i.e., an aortic or pulmonary valve). To create such a replacement valve, the native valve cusps are removed from inside an aorta or pulmonary artery, and the inlet end of a tubular segment is sutured to the valve annulus. The outlet (distal) end of the tube is either “tacked” at three points distally, or sutured longitudinally along three lines; either method will allow the flaps of tissue between the suture lines to function as movable cusps. This approach generates flow patterns that reduce turbulence and closely duplicate the flow patterns of native semilunar valves. An article of manufacture is also disclosed, comprising a sterile biocompatible synthetic material which has been manufactured in tubular form, by methods such as extrusion or coating a cylindrical molding device, to avoid a need for a suture line or other seam to convert a flat sheet of material into a tubular shape.

Abstract: A scleral expansion segment consists of an arched rod designed to be placed on the sclera perpendicular to the ciliary body. The arched rod has a pair of free ends connected by a bridge. The free ends have a spatula shape wider than the diameter of the bridge, so as to constitute wide support bases.

Abstract: Prosthetic implants designed to be implanted in the cornea for modifying the cornea curvature and altering the corneal refractive power for correcting myopia, and myopia with astigmatism, such implants formed of a micro-porous hydrogel material.

Abstract: An intervertebral spacer device having a pair of opposing plates for seating against opposing vertebral bone surfaces, separated by at least one spring mechanism. The preferred spring mechanism is an arched strip spring. In a first embodiment there are multiple springs positioned independently about the area of the opposing plates. In a second embodiment there is a single arched strip spring modified to mount onto a ball-shaped head. The lower plate of this second embodiment includes a post extending upwardly from the inner surface of the plate, the post including a ball-shaped head. The spring and post members are flexibly coupled such that the upper and lower plates may rotate relative to one another.

Abstract: Methods, instrumentation and devices for humeral implant positioning, including an improved trialing system utilizing an adjustment instrument and orientation indicia.

Abstract: A glenoid component includes an oval body having a concave lateral articulating surface and an opposing medial surface with a keel extending from the medial surface. The keel extends along a line which is anteriorly offset from the center line of the concave surface and is not collinear with any radius of the concave surface. New methods and tools are provided for the implantation of the glenoid component. Sizer drill guides are provided with an alignment arm which assures that the anterior/posterior angle of the pilot hole is approximately 65 degrees. An improved reamer tool is provided which allows the practitioner to attach a reamer head of selected size to the reamer rather than choosing among several reamers of different size at the time of the procedure. A new keel drill guide is provided which locates three drill guide holes in a plane which is offset approximately 2 mm anterior of the pilot hole.

Abstract: Intramedullary guidance systems and methods introduce some and/or all surgical tools and ankle prostheses components through the tibia, using minimal invasive exposure in the tibia tubercle, or retrograde through the talus, using minimal invasive exposure in planar surface of the calcaneus. The systems and methods align the talus and tibia for the installation of one or more ankle prostheses components, and also maintain that alignment during the installation using intramedullary guidance, e.g., by use of a guide pin to form an intramedullar passage along which surgical tools and prosthetic components are guided.

Abstract: A prosthetic leg having a knee joint assembly that includes a plunger-activated, three-chamber cylinder body, a control valve, a control valve actuator, a pylon shaft and artificial foot. The knee joint assembly rotates in a single axis and provides two-stage hydraulic gait control and shock absorption relative to two spring-biased pistons. A cam linkage and actuator valve having a moveable piston and piston chamber responds to knee flexion and switches fluid flow at the control valve and cylinder between a “soft” spring and a “hard” spring to provide two levels of adjustable control to stabilize the user. Alternative microprocessor directed electronic and hydraulic controllers are also disclosed that can be adapted to a knee assembly to sense myoelectric activity and rotation, strain, and/or linear movement of the prosthesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for selection and treatment of a garment with a refreshing, deodorizing and finishing composition, in order to improve various properties of garments, in particular, reduction or removal of unwanted wrinkles, odors, and the like. Also included is an article of manufacture containing a plurality of refreshing, deodorizing and finishing compositions in a plurality of disposable containers in association with instructions for their use in an apparatus.

Abstract: A hydrolizable polymer-containing textile article and method for producing the same is provided that has been chemically modified by treating the article with certain branched chain amines to reduce the strength of the fibers contained therein, thus rendering the article less prone to the formation of objectionable pill balls, thereby increasing wearer comfort and retaining the desired appearance of the article, and thereby extending the useful life of the article.

Abstract: A method for dry-cleaning garments which comprises treating the garments with a mixture of dipropylene glycol tertiary-butyl ether (DPTB) and water for a period of time sufficient to effect dry-cleaning, wherein the weight ratio of DPTB to water is at least 9:1.

Abstract: A process of cleaning textiles, including textiles that are labeled dry clean only, without the use of large quantities of environmentally hazardous dry cleaning fluids such as those containing perchloroethylene or petroleum. The process uses hand treatment of soiled areas with a cleaning agent, with subsequent washing in water, followed by washing in ozonated water to remove the cleaning agent and the water. The textile is dried using a process that does not depend on tumbling of the textile in the presence of heat to dry the textile.

Abstract: Compositions for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibers, comprising, as oxidation base, at least one para-aminophenol, of formula (I) and/or at least one acid-addition salt thereof: in which: R1 represents a hydrogen atom, a linear or branched C1-C4 alkyl radical or a C1-C4 trifluoroalkyl radical, R2 and R3 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a C1-C4 alkyl radical or a C1-C4 monohydroxyalkyl radical, and X, Y and Z independently represent a carbon, nitrogen, oxygen or sulphur atom, wherein the bonds XY and YZ are single or double bonds; a dyeing process using these compositions, novel para-aminophenols and a process for their preparation.

Abstract: A shaped body is provided for preparing coloring compositions and for coloring keratin fibers. The shaped body contains at least one indole derivative, and/or at least one indoline derivative as a dye precursor. The shaped body is placed in a composition containing water to form a coloring composition that can be applied to keratin fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oxidation dyeing process for human keratin fibers, which comprises applying to the fibers a dye composition (A) containing, in a medium which is suitable for dyeing, at least one oxidation dye precursor and optionally one or more couplers; developing the color in alkaline, neutral or acidic medium using an oxidizing composition (B) containing an oxidizing agent, at least one of the compositions (A) and (B) also containing an effective amount of at least one cationic amphiphilic polymer chosen from quaternized celluloses modified with groups containing at least one fatty chain, chosen from alkyl, arylalkyl and alkylaryl groups containing at least 8 carbon atoms, or mixtures thereof, and quaternized hydroxyethylcelluloses modified with groups containing at least one fatty chain, chosen from alkyl, arylalkyl and alkylaryl groups containing at least 8 carbon atoms, or mixtures thereof; the compositions (A) and (B) being mixed together immediately before use or applied one after the oth

Abstract: A chemically modified nonwoven textile article and method for producing the same is provided that exhibits pilling resistance, soil release, strength, and abrasion resistance properties, thus rendering the article less prone to the formation of objectionable pill balls, staining, or loss of strength, thereby increasing wearer comfort and retaining the desired appearance of the article, and thereby extending the useful life of the article. A composition of matter for chemically modifying a nonwoven textile article to achieve pilling resistance, soil release, strength, and abrasion resistance is also provided.

Abstract: TFT fabrication equipment including a first chamber for processing under oxidizing atmosphere, a second chamber for processing under reducing atmosphere, a third chamber for performing crystallization, a fourth chamber for load-locking, and a fifth chamber. A substrate is transferred from any one chamber of the first, second, third and fourth chamber to another chamber of the first, second, third and fourth chamber. The fifth chamber is connected to the first chamber via a first shutter, being connected to the second chamber via a second shutter, being connected to the third chamber via a third shutter, and being connected to the fourth chamber via a fourth shutter.

Abstract: An ion beam-assisted deposition process for preparing a membrane-electrode structure is described wherein a layer of liquid ionomer is applied to the surface of a carbon cloth gas diffusion electrode structure. The coated structure is heated to form an ionomer film on the cloth electrode and the resulting structure is treated with a metal or metal oxide ion-beam having an energy between 500-2000 eV. The process forms a carbon cloth supported metal or a carbon metal oxide ionomer film membrane-electrode structure.

Abstract: A method of sealing an end of a battery container is disclosed. The method includes: (a) providing a plurality of supports in a wall of the container toward the end of the container; (b) scoring the wall of the container at a position between the end of the container and the supports; (c) inserting a top assembly into the container such that the top assembly contacts the supports; and (d) folding an edge of the container over the top assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a lithium battery having a stack of a negative electrode, a separator, and a positive electrode. A pattern of holes is produced in the negative electrode as well as in the positive electrode. A polymeric material is applied on at least one side of the stack and the stack is subjected to heat and pressure, so that the polymeric material penetrates the holes, whereby components are stuck and pressed together. The polymeric material includes bulges which are at least partially located at the ends of holes in the electrode (s). The provision of such bulges of polymeric material makes enough polymeric material available to fill the holes and stick together the electrodes and the separator, while on the outer sides of the stack, in between the holes, the polymeric material can be very thin or even be absent.

Abstract: Fuel cell stacks contain an electrolyte layer surrounded on top and bottom by an electrode layer. Porous electrodes are prepared which enable fuel and oxidant to easily flow to the respective electrode-electrolyte interface without the need for high temperatures or pressures to assist the flow. Rigid, inert microspheres in combination with thin-film metal deposition techniques are used to fabricate porous anodes, cathodes, and electrolytes. Microshperes contained in a liquid are randomly dispersed onto a host structure and dried such that the microsperes remain in position. A thin-film deposition technique is subsequently employed to deposit a metal layer onto the microsperes. After such metal layer deposition, the microspheres are removed leaving voids, i.e. pores, in the metal layer, thus forming a porous electrode. Successive repetitions of the fabrication process result in the formation of a continuous fuel cell stack. Such stacks may produce power outputs ranging from about 0.1 Watt to about 50 Watts.

Abstract: Improved fuel additives and distillate fuels containing said additives are described. The additives impart improved low temperature flow and filterability and also impart stability to distillate fuels, particularly hard-to-treat distillate fuels. The additives are a combination of an olefin/vinyl carboxylate polymer and two specific polyimides having different alkyl substituents.

Abstract: An SiO2/Al2O3 composite abrasive is disclosed, which has positive surface charges when dispersed in an alkaline water solution. This SiO2/Al2O3 composite abrasive includes an Al2O3 core and SiO2 coated thereon. The abrasive of the present invention is suitable for polishing metal, compact disks, optical lenses, and semiconductors etc in a high-pH environment. A method for producing the SiO2/Al2O3 composite abrasive is also disclosed in the present invention.

Abstract: A novel cyclone is disclosed that is effective for separating, from a contaminated gas stream, solid particulates having diameters as low as 4-5 microns. When multiple cyclones of the present invention are affixed between upper and lower tube sheets in a separator device, fine particle removal is possible to the extent required 1) by stringent regulations governing particulate emissions into the atmosphere, or 2) to prevent damage to turbine blades in downstream power recovery equipment. The cyclones are especially relevant to the problem of removing catalyst fines from refinery effluents, most notably fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) regenerator flue gas. The cyclone separation efficiency is enhanced through the use of 1) a uni-directional flow of gas from the contaminated gas inlet to the clean gas outlet and 2) discharge openings on the surface of the cyclone body that allow ejection of solid particulates.

Abstract: A fine flaky copper powder having an average major axis diameter of 4 to 10 &mgr;m and a flakiness of 2 to 20, has a bulk density of 2 to 4 g/cm3 and a BET specific surface area of 0.4 to 1.5 m2/g; A process for producing the copper powder includes introducing a copper slurry into a medium type agitation mill and flattening the powder.

Abstract: A system and a method for separating interdispersed gas and liquid components of an inlet stream includes introducing the inlet steam into a vessel having a dry gas outlet and a liquid outlet, passing the inlet stream into at least one vortex tube supported within the vessel, the vortex tube having a gas outlet and a liquid outlet, rapidly rotating the inlet stream within the vortex tube to separate entrained liquid and passing reduced moisture outlet gas from the vortex tube into the interior of the vessel and passing the outlet gas through a mist eliminator within the vessel to provide gas that is passed out the vessel dry gas outlet.

Abstract: Filter arrangements include a barrier media in the form of fluted media treated with a deposit of fine fibers. The media is particularly advantageous in high temperature (greater than 140 to 240° F.) systems. Such systems may include engine systems, gas turbine systems, and fuel cell systems. Filter arrangements may take the form of media packs having a circular cross-section or a racetrack shaped cross-section, or media packs formed in a panel configuration.

Abstract: An air purifier includes a housing having a purification chamber with an inlet to the housing for drawing in contaminated air and an outlet from the housing for releasing purified air. The air purifier also includes an inlet for introducing a fluid containing a source of antimicrobial ions into the purification chamber. The air purifier also includes at least one microwave radiation source and at least one ultraviolet radiation source which work in combination to increase the effectiveness of the antimicrobial ions. Also included are filters for removing airborne particulates and adsorbing antimicrobial ions from treated air.

Abstract: A multi-color crayon or oil pastel which features excellent drawing property, vividness of color and intimate adhesion of multi-color picture in combination, and a method of preparing the same. The multi-color crayon or oil pastel comprises a continuous matrix of a crayon or oil pastel material and a plurality of kinds of granular coloring phases dispersed in the matrix, the granular coloring phases being formed of a collapsible granular material which includes a coloring matter of a hue different from that of the continuous matrix, a body, and a water-soluble or solvent-soluble high molecular material or a water-swelling clay mineral (e.g., bentonite).

Abstract: Disclosed is a phase change ink composition comprising a phase change ink carrier and a colorant compound of the formula

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to ink-jet inks that can be used with cyan, magenta, and yellow ink set systems for improved image gamut and lightfastness while maintaining good chroma in the case of color ink and lightness in the case of black ink. More specifically, in an embodiment of the invention, ink sets can comprise specific ink-jet inks having low dye load dyes for use in six-ink systems, for example.

Abstract: Coating foundry sand with a thin layer of an oxidation-promoting catalyst. Preferred catalysts comprise ferric and cupric oxides. The catalysts promote the oxidation of any polymeric binder or residues admixed with the sand. The sand is coated by wetting the grains with a solution of a catalyst precursor, drying the sand and baking the sand in air to convert the precursor to the catalyst.

Abstract: A transparent conductive layered structure which has the functions of preventing electrostatic charging or shielding an electric field, and preventing reflection, the two-layered film of which has an excellent scratch strength, and with which a reduction in production cost is expected and a method of producing the same, and a transparent coat layer forming coating liquid used in the method of producing the same, and a display device to which the transparent conductive layered structure is applied, are provided.

Abstract: An aqueous slurry of rare earth hydroxide particles which is particularly suitable for use as a sintering aid of a ceramic powder such as silicon nitride. The aqueous slurry, which is characterized by the very small average diameter of the primary particles and a low electric conductivity as well as outstandingly high stability against settling of the particles, can be prepared by a process comprising the steps of: (a) precipitating rare earth hydroxide particles by mixing aqueous solutions of a rare earth compound, e.g., nitrate, and a basic compound, e.g., ammonia, preferably, in the presence of a surface active agent; (b) collecting the precipitates to give a cake; (c) washing the cake with deionized water until the electric conductivity of the washing has decreased to 3 mS/cm or lower; and (d) re-dispersing the thus washed cake in deionized water.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low dusting joint compound comprising a filler, a binder, a thickener and one or more synthetic polymeric waxes that are at least slightly soluble in water and are solid at room temperature. Preferably the wax includes a high molecular weight polyethylene glycol or methoxy polyethylene glycol having an average melting point of from about 80° F. (27° F.) to about 150° F. (80° C.). These additives impart low dusting properties without a sticky or oily feel. High molecular weight synthetic waxes also act as an internal binder to hold the joint compound together and improves paint gloss retention. The invention results in a joint compound with improved properties for drywall finishing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing a soil treatment composition, to soil treatment compositions and to the use of such compositions. The process according to the invention comprises a step of selecting one or more slags having a predetermined free lime content of greater than or equal to a first threshold value, a step (B1) of adding free lime to the slag or slags and a step of grinding the slag or slags in order to obtain a soil treatment composition having a predetermined free lime content of greater than or equal to a second value.