Abstract: Tissue approximation devices for the minimally invasive approximation of muscle or fascia, such as approximation of the rectus muscles in the abdomen (abdominoplasty), or hernia repair and other such applications using minimally invasive methods to access and perform the procedures thereby reducing or eliminating visible scars.

Abstract: A cap for a lancing device for lancing dermal tissue is provided. The cap includes a cap body having a proximal end for connecting to the distal end of the housing of the lancing device and a contact ring attached to the distal end of the cap body. The contact ring includes an opening for a portion of the lancet of the lancing device to pass therethrough. The contact ring has a multi-contoured surface oriented generally about an axis distinct from the axis of motion of the lancet. The multi-contoured surface is designed to pressure the dermal tissue to facilitate expression of a fluid sample after lancing the dermal tissue. The fluid sample can include blood, interstitial fluid, or both.

Abstract: An apparatus for laparoscopic-endoscopic surgery is arranged to accommodate a plurality of different surgical instruments and to penetrate the abdominal wall through a single hole. The apparatus includes a piercing laparoscopic cylinder (1), equipped at its external orifice with a multi-instrument base (11, 12, 13) provided with a plurality of holes (14, 15) for receiving said surgical instruments. The piercing laparoscopic cylinder is transversely extendible, the multi-instrument base (12, 12, 13) is elongate and comprises longitudinal ducts registering with holes (14, 15). The apparatus also has a reducer (2) capable of introduction into the piercing laparoscopic cylinder and a number of dividers (3) of variable form and size adapted to be detachably introduced and fitted into the reducer.

Abstract: Bleeding is controlled on an inner surface of a body cavity, including a non-vascular body passageway, by inserting into the cavity an expandable balloon which is covered by a hemostatic shroud, expanding the balloon, and compressing the shroud against the site of bleeding. The shroud may be released from the balloon. Subsequently, the balloon may be withdrawn from the body cavity, leaving the shroud in vivo to perform its hemostatic function. Optionally, the shroud can be withdrawn at some later point by the use of an extension “tail” which is included on the shroud. An alternative method of this invention for controlling or preventing a bleeding situation within a pathological cavity is the use of filling material to plug the cavity. The invention also includes the corresponding devices and systems for such control of bleeding within a body cavity or passageway.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for dilation of tissue utilize a tissue expansion device positioned on an inner cannula with an outer overlying expansive sheath that expands upon translation of the tissue expansion device therethrough. The tissue expansion device may be an olive or wedge formed near the tip of the cannula, and the expansible sheath includes two elongated shells that are fixably attached near proximal ends, and that are resiliently connected near distal ends. Translating the tissue expansion device through the expansible sheath expands the dimension of the shells to provide even dilation of surrounding tissue. Additionally, tissue dilation is performed in one continuous motion of retracting the inner cannula through the expansible sheath or pushing the tissue expansion device through the expansible sheath. The outer expansible sheath may be removed from the inner cannula to provide a dissection instrument having minimal outer diameter.

Abstract: An embolic protection device that employs a superelastic alloy self-expanding strut assembly with a small profile delivery system for use with interventional procedures is disclosed. The expandable strut assembly is covered with a filter element and both are compressed into a restraining sheath for delivery to a deployment site downstream and distal to the interventional procedure. Once at the desired site, the restraining sheath is retracted to deploy the embolic protection device, which captures flowing emboli generated during the interventional procedure. The expandable strut assembly is made from a superelastic alloy such as nickel-titanium or nitinol, and includes a ternary element in order to minimize the stress hysteresis of the superelastic material. The stress hysteresis is defined by the difference between the loading plateau stress and the unloading plateau stress of the superelastic material. The resulting delivery system including the restraining sheath has a small profile and has a thin wall.

Abstract: A catheter-deliverable filter assembly deployable in a vessel of the body in alternatively a temporary configuration enabling the filter to be removed from the vessel or a permanent configuration, and a method for its use. The filter assembly comprises an elongated support carrying spaced along its length a filter element and a anchoring element with the filter element being spaced distally from the anchoring element. Each element comprises a core mounted to the elongated support and a plurality of flexible, resilient wires extending distally from the core, the wires having proximal portions attached at one end to the core and distal portions. The wires of the anchoring element include gripping elements for gripping the walls of a vessel. The wires are so configured as to support the apices of the filter and anchoring elements substantially in the center of the vessel.

Abstract: A guidewire apparatus for use during percutaneous catheter interventions such as angioplasty or stent deployment. A protection element comprising a filter or an occluder is mounted near the distal end of a steerable guidewire, which guides a therapeutic catheter. The guidewire apparatus comprises a hollow shaft movably disposed about a core wire. The shaft and core wire control relative displacement of the ends of the protection element, causing transformation of the protection element between a deployed configuration and a collapsed configuration. The protection element is freely rotatable about the guidewire apparatus. A tracking member disposed adjacent the distal end of the guidewire apparatus can be used to guide the device along another guidewire. Thrust bearings may be employed to facilitate unlimited rotation of the steerable guidewire within the protection element, especially while the protection element is retained in the collapsed configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical instrument, especially for use in surgery, comprising two parts which can be joined to each other; a coupling sleeve which is joined to one of the two parts of said instrument, and a coupling shank which is formed on the other part of the instrument and can be fixed inside the coupling sleeve, where said coupling sleeve and the coupling shank can be joined to each other in a non-positive fit by at least one coupling element arranged inside a guide cage and where the said coupling element is principally slidable in an axial direction only and the coupling is provided with only one spring element.

Abstract: A compression suture device for the surgical treatment of hemorrhoids, comprising two mutually opposite sections, each of which has a portion for mutual irreversible connection and a clamping portion for at least two flaps of organic tissue which are arranged in contact.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coating material for medical treatment, particularly a wound contact material, of resorbable, synthetic material, which is formed from a terpolymer based on lactide, trimethylene carbonate and &egr;-caprolactone with a maximum lactide content of 85 wt. %, trimethylene carbonate in the range 5 to 20 wt. % and &egr;-caprolactone in the range 5 to 20 wt. %, a method for its manufacture and its use.

Abstract: Miniature defibrillators and cardioverters detect abnormal heart rhythms and automatically apply electrical therapy to restore normal heart function. Critical to this function, aluminum-electrolytic capacitors store and deliver life-saving bursts of electric charge to the heart. This type of capacitor requires regular “reform” to preserve its charging efficiency over time. Because reform expends valuable battery energy, manufacturers developed wet-tantalum capacitors, which are generally understood not to require reform. Yet, the present inventors discovered through extensive study that wet-tantalum capacitors exhibit progressively worse charging efficiency over time. Accordingly, to address this problem, the inventors devised unique reform techniques for wet-tantalum capacitors.

Abstract: A heat exchange catheter has a catheter body with a working fluid supply lumen extending therethrough, and terminating in a helical heat exchange tube that exits the body and extends proximally back along the catheter body. Working fluid flows through the heat exchange tube to exchange heat with the central venous system of a patient when the catheter body is properly placed in the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed is an open cell stent that has adjacent sets of circumferential struts connected by means of highly flexible, undulating, connecting struts. To decrease outward flaring of the circumferential struts when the pre-deployed stent is advance through highly curved vessels, each unconnected strut of the sets of circumferential struts has a decreased longitudinal length as compared to the longitudinal length of the circumferential struts that are connected by the flexible connecting struts. To decrease the propensity for outward flaring of the end set of circumferential struts, the longitudinal length of the end set of circumferential struts is shorter than the longitudinal length of the interior set of circumferential struts. Enhanced features of the circumferential sets of strut members of the stent are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns novel stent apparatuses for use in treating lesions at or near the bifurcation point in bifurcated cardiac, coronary, renal, peripheral vascular, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, urinary and neurovascular vessels and brain vessels. More particularly, the invention concerns a stent apparatus with at least one side opening which may further comprise an extendable stent portion laterally extending from the side opening and at least partly in registry with the wall of the side opening.

Abstract: An expandable device, e.g. a stent for insertion into a passage, e.g. a blood vessel or artery, is disclosed. The device has a body (20) formed of a flexible material. The body is convertible from a collapsed condition in which it is of a size to be inserted into the passage into an expanded condition in which the body (20) is fixed relative to the passage. A passage (28) is provided within the body so as to extend over at least a region of the latter. An inlet (32) is provided in the body (20) in communication with the passage therein. The inlet (32) enables a rigidifying material to be introduced into the passage (28) in the body (20) so that at least the region of the body (20) in which the passage is provided can be rigidified whereby to maintain the body in its expanded condition.

Abstract: A left ventricle restriction device is designed to be transvenously advanced and deployed within the coronary sinus and in some embodiments other coronary veins. The device places tension on adjacent structures, reducing the diameter and/or limiting diastolic expansion of the left ventricle. This may be beneficial for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Abstract: Phakic refractive lens (PRL) for correcting myopia or hyperopia are disclosed. The lens is implanted in the posterior chamber of the eye, with no permanent point of fixation, such that it floats between the patient's iris and natural lens. The lens corrects refractive errors in the eye, while maintaining the fluid dynamics of the eye and not causing stress or damage to eye structures. The lenses are made from a flexible material (such as those having a hardness of from about 20 to about 50 Shore A), having a specific gravity of from about 0.9 to about 1.2 g/cm3, and have a mass per unit area of from about 0.03 to about 0.30 mg/mm2. The method for using those lenses and surgical kits including those lenses are also disclosed.

Abstract: A C-shaped or ring shaped implant formed of cortical bone has its C-shaped or inner channel filled with a bone promoting material which is preferably demineralized bone fibers formed as a flexible wet sheet or may be cancellous bone, pressed bone fibers formed from demineralized cortical bone chips soaked in acid, or a flex material formed of demineralized bone growth promoting bone fibers. The discrete bone filler element may be secured by a bonding agent, pins or screws, metal, polymer or bone material. The bone filler material is preferably bonded by filling a section of a long bone medullary cavity with wet bone fibers and then drying the fibers to bond them to the outer bone. A filled bone ring may be sliced to form annular filled sections which are then divided into mirror image C-shaped halves each forming an implant. Flex material of compressed bone fibers may be formed with an opening shaped to receive a cortical bone implant element having a C-shaped channel.

Abstract: This invention improves upon prior art total disc replacements (TDRS) by more closely replicating the kinematics of a natural disc. The preferred embodiments feature two or more fixed centers of rotation (CORs) and an optional variable COR (VCOR) as the artificial disc replacements (ADRs) translates from a fixed posterior COR to a more anterior COR. The multiple CORs permit a TDR with a posterior COR that lies posterior to the COR of the TDR to facilitate normal disc motion. The use of two or more CORs allow more flexion and more extension than permitted by the facet joints and the annulus fibrosis. Artificial facet joint-like components may also be incorporated into the design to restrict excessive translation, rotation, and/or lateral bending.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a grooved director with a built in balloon which is inflated by a pump to a predetermined pressure to expand the walls of a collapsed vertebra. The device is inserted into the body of the compressed vertebra and the grooved director is positioned and aimed in a direction under the compressed superior end plate of the vertebral body. The balloon inside of the grooved director is inflated and the force and direction of balloon inflation restores the height of the fractured vertebrae. The balloon is deflated and the grooved director is circumferentially rotated while intermittently inflating and deflating the balloon to creates a symmetrical space within the center of the vertebral body. The balloon is deflated and the grooved director device with balloon is removed leaving a rebuilt vertebra which may be filled with a biocompatible material.

Abstract: Alignment devices for promoting spinal fusion between neighboring vertebrae are disclosed. The alignment device may be use to alter the vertical height between the engaging plates to customize the apparatus to fit a given patient. In one embodiment, the alignment device includes two turnbuckles and two pairs of cam blocks for adjusting the height between a pair of engaging plates. The alignment device may be adapted to vary the height between the engaging plates such that the height of the apparatus proximate a first side edge is substantially different from a height of the apparatus proximate a second side edge.

Abstract: An artificial hip joint assembly comprising a femoral component with a stem for being anchored in the medullary space of a femur and a head on the distal end of the stem, an acetabular component for being anchored in the pelvic bone with an acetabular cup which pivotedly supports the head of the femoral component, and an articular capsule made of a flexible material, which is located at the femoral component at one end and at the acetabular component at the other end so as to allow the head to move in the acetabular cup and to prevent wear debris from the bearing zone of the head in the acetabular cup from migrating to the outside.

Abstract: A modular femoral prosthesis includes a stem member adapted to be implanted into a medullary canal of a femur. The stem member has a continuously tapered elongated bore and a threaded aperture defined therein. A first end of the elongated bore defines a post-receiving opening. The post-receiving opening is defined in a proximal end surface of the stem member. The elongated bore extends between the post-receiving opening and a threaded aperture. The femoral prosthesis also includes a neck member having a neck body, a head-receiving support member secured to the neck body so as to extend outwardly therefrom, and a tapered post secured to the neck body so as to extend outwardly therefrom. The tapered post is adapted to be received into the elongated bore of the stem member. A method of performing a joint replacement procedure by use of a modular prosthesis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hip prosthesis constructed to transfer forces to the femur without relative movements that cause failures. The prosthesis stem has an open sided central bore. The proximal end of the prosthesis is configured to seat against interior surfaces of the femoral canal and support a femur head on a prosthesis shoulder that seats on the stem proximal end while maintaining the neck of the femur intact.

Abstract: An artificial knee joint assembly includes a knee seat connected fixedly to a residual thigh, a support frame connected to the knee seat by means of a linkage unit, a prosthetic lower leg connected pivotally to a lower end of the support frame, a hydraulic cylinder unit disposed within the support frame so as to dampen the movement of the support frame relative to the knee seat, and a valve assembly disposed within the support frame. When the lower leg stands on a horizontal or inclined surface, the valve assembly is actuated by the lower leg to stop the operation of the hydraulic cylinder unit, thereby preventing rotation of the lower leg relative to the thigh.

Abstract: A dynamic prosthetic foot having multiple load points includes a sole only. A longitudinally-extending slot divides the heel end of the sole into a lateral heel member and a medial heel member. A heel end of the lateral heel member is formed by a return bend that terminates in an upwardly turned straight pylon support that is normal to the sole. The medial pylon support has the same construction but has less thickness and strength and therefore more flexibility than the lateral pylon support. In a second embodiment, an elongate pylon supplants each pylon support. The split heel structure provides a prosthetic foot having enhanced heel elasticity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for electrically coalescing emulsions especially those containing lipophilic fluid. The present invention is also directed to a method to treat fabrics wherein such an emulsion is created during the treatment process and requires electric coalescence prior to reuse of the lipophilic fluid.

Abstract: A coloring system for hair and/or skin comprises at least three separately packaged components: a) a thio compound capable of breaking the S—S bond between cysteine residues, and an alkaline reagent; b) a material and/or extract obtainable from the mucuna plant; and c) an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: A solid electrolytic capacitor is obtained by mounting a plurality of single plate capacitor elements within a chip by employing a stacking structure such as parallel stacking, opposing stacking, each layer-opposing stacking or closest stacking. As a result, a compact and high-capacitance element can be easily manufactured. The single plate capacitor element is preferably an element having an unfolded fan-like shape.

Abstract: A method of formation and charge of a negative polarizable electrode of an electric double layer capacitor. The method can be used for manufacturing of high capacitance capacitors utilizing the energy of the electric double layer. The methods achieve hydrogen evolution on carbonaceous materials using very negative potentials. The methods provide an EDL capacitor, employing an aqueous electrolyte, with improved specific energy. The methods may also ensure the hermeticity of the capacitor. The methods include pretreating the electric double layer capacitor by keeping the negative polarizable electrode at a desired minimum potential prior to use. Desirably, the minimum potential ranges from about −0.25 to about −1.2 V vs. a reference hydrogen electrode.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte cell in which the cell capacity is improved and positioning accuracy of external terminals is assured. A unit cell is housed in an exterior packaging material of a laminated film and encapsulated on heat sealing. To elongated positive and negative electrodes of the unit cell are electrically connected electrode terminal leads which are exposed to outside of the exterior packaging material as the leads are surrounded by heat fused portions. The unit cell is a wound assembly of the positive and negative electrodes each of which is includes a current collector carrying a layer of an active material. The electrode terminal leads are mounted on the current collectors of the positive and negative electrodes in the vicinity of the innermost turn of the wound assembly. In manufacturing the unit cell, the positions of the electrode terminal leads are detected and positioned with respect to the flat winding arbor. The positive and negative electrodes then are wound on the winding arbor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a decorative candle containing a glitter material and a suitable candle matrix. The glitter material is selected so as to minimize safety, regulatory or toxicity concerns, such as may exist with the use in candles of conventional glitter materials. The glitter material is further selected such that conventional candle matrices and conventional processing techniques can be utilized for preparation of the decorative candle.

Abstract: Substantially monodisperse crystalline ceric oxide sols and processes for producing such sols are provided. Sols include crystalline ceric oxide particles having a particle size I (particle size converted from specific surface area by gas absorption method) ranging from 10 nm to 200 nm and a ratio of particle size II (particle size measured by dynamic light scattering method) to particle size I ranging from 2 to 6. Sols can be prepared by reacting a cerium (III) salt with an alkaline substance in an aqueous medium under an inert gas atmosphere to obtain a suspension of cerium (III) hydroxide, immediately blowing oxygen or a gas containing oxygen into the suspension to obtain a sol comprising crystalline ceric oxide particles, and wet grinding the resulting sol. Sols are also prepared by calcining cerium carbonate at a temperature of 300 to 1100° C. to give cerium oxide particles, and wet-grinding the resulting particles.

Abstract: Fused abrasive particles comprising eutectic material comprising Al2O3—MgO—Y2O3 eutectic. The fused abrasive particles can be incorporated into abrasive products such as coated abrasives, bonded abrasives, non-woven abrasives, and abrasive brushes.

Abstract: A deflector is provided for deflecting foreign matter from the inlet screen of a rotary lawn motor. The rotary lawn motor has an engine that draws air through the inlet screen. The deflector includes an inner element positionable over a center portion of the inlet screen. A first outer element is positioned over a radially outer portion of the inlet screen. A deflection arm extends between the inner element and the first outer element to deflect the foreign matter away from the inlet screen during operation of the lawnmower.

Abstract: A filter assembly for filtering particulates out of a stream of gas, which includes an elongated filter bag made out of fabric with a plurality of pleats intermediate its ends with a support cage made from a plurality of wires on the outside of the bag having portions thereof disposed in the pleats.

Abstract: A dust filter bag having a highly porous backing material ply and a method for producing the dust filter bag. The dust filter bag includes at least one filter material ply and at least one backing material ply, the backing material ply possessing an air permeability of at least 900 l/m2 x s, a burst strength of at least 70 kPa, a rupture strength longitudinally better than 10 and transversely better than 3 N, a flexural rigidity longitudinally better than 0.5 cN cm2 and transversely better than 0.25 cN cm2, a basis weight of 30-80 g/m2 and a droplet sink-in time of less than 10 minimum. The dust filter bag can be produced by the following steps: mixing fibers including cellulose fibers and fusible fibers into a homogenous fiber mix, processing the fiber mix into a fiber web by wet laying, drying the fiber web, curing the dried fiber web by thermofusion into a backing material ply, processing the backing material ply with a filter material ply into a raw bag, and finishing the raw bag into a dust filter bag.

Abstract: A filter body of an air filter, comprising a cylindrical filter member with an end disk on at least one axial end. This end disk comprises a radially effective seal which is arranged radially in relation to the arrangement on a sealing surface when the filter body is mounted in a filter housing. This end disk also comprises a supporting section which extends, relative to the filter member, in a ring shaped manner on the axially outer side of the end disk. This supporting section is designed to be axially elastic. When the filter body is mounted in a filter housing, this supporting section is supported by a support contour formed on the filter housing and extending parallel to the end disk. In this case, the filter body can be axially positioned in the filter housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a permeability of a gas to be separated through an organic separation membrane in a separation process of gasses by an organic separation membrane, wherein the method comprises irradiating the organic separation membrane with a microwave to cause vibration/rotation of a molecule or a domain thereof constituting the organic separation membrane and alter the molecular structure and/or polarity of the organic separation membrane, and thus altering a permeability of the gas to be separated; and also a method for producing an organic separation membrane, comprising irradiating with a microwave in a process of producing the organic separation membrane to alter the permeability thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for separating toxic compounds from gaseous mixtures, and more particularly to a method and a portable apparatus for the continuous removal of fluorine and compounds thereof from gaseous mixtures.

Abstract: A method for the recovery or separation of sulfur oxyfluorides from gas mixtures, in which the gas mixture passes through at least one adsorption stage or membrane stage containing or consisting of zeolites with a modulus >10. The sulfur oxyfluorides fixed to the adsorbent may be made available for use after desorption. The sulfur oxyfluorides enriched through the membrane can be re-used directly.

Abstract: A sub- to super-ambient temperature programmable microfabricated gas chromatography column enables more efficient chemical separation of chemical analytes in a gas mixture by combining a thermoelectric cooler and temperature sensing on the microfabricated column. Sub-ambient temperature programming enables the efficient separation of volatile organic compounds and super-ambient temperature programming enables the elution of less volatile analytes within a reasonable time. The small heat capacity and thermal isolation of the microfabricated column improves the thermal time response and power consumption, both important factors for portable microanalytical systems.

Abstract: Modification, neutralization and/or decontamination of airborne biological and/or chemical contaminants from a breathable atmosphere by subjecting the breathable atmosphere to a filter which is formed from a plurality of polymeric multilobal fibers. These fibers include a central core with T-shaped lobes projecting therefrom, wherein each T-shaped lobe has a leg and a cap. The lobes define a longitudinally extending internal cavity between two adjacent legs that extends the entire length of the fiber. The filter is impregnated with a biological and/or chemical decontamination reagent for chemically modifying, neutralizing and/or decontaminating airborne biological and/or chemical contaminants from a breathable atmosphere. A filter projection preferably extends into an external reservoir containing a supply of biological and/or chemical decontamination reagent. This configuration increases the capacity and efficiency of the filter, and causes a lower pressure differential across the filter.

Abstract: A method which reduces iron contamination of a system which receives ammonia from an ammonia recovery process by one or more of the following techniques: a) Physically separating iron oxide, iron containing colloidal particles, and liquid droplets from the gas stream; b) Preventing AC from depositing on piping via elimination of condensation, thereby preventing corrosion of the piping; or c) Installing piping and equipment that is not susceptible to corrosive attack by AC, thereby eliminating the source of iron contamination.

Abstract: A system for rapid collection of large volumes of dissolved gases from groundwater pumps the water from a large-diameter passage through a small-diameter restrictor passage, and then into a flow-through collection chamber. The small-diameter passage causes a drop in the hydrostatic pressure of the groundwater traveling therein, causing spontaneous ebullition of gas bubbles which are then collected in the collection chamber. Testing reveals that the gases are collected in proportion to their presence in the groundwater, and thus the system allows accurate quantification of concentrations of dissolved gas in groundwater. The system may beneficially be made easily portable, thereby allowing its use in the field as well as in laboratory settings.

Abstract: Cyclonic separating apparatus (10) comprises a cyclone body (12) having an inlet (16) for introducing dirt-laden air into the cyclone body (12) in a tangential manner. A central outlet (18) is provided for conducting cleaned air out of the cyclone body (12). The apparatus (10) further comprises a dirt-collecting chamber (14) having an entry portion (30) communicating with the interior of the cyclone body (12) and a collecting portion (32). The apparatus (10) further comprises an air return duct (42) having a first end communicating with the collecting portion (32) of the dirt-collecting chamber (14) and a second end communicating with the interior of the cyclone body (12). This arrangement allows a proportion of the main airflow to be bled into the dirt-collecting chamber (14) and returned to the cyclone body (12) without passing back along the entry portion (30).

Abstract: Subterranean gases are removed from a building site by drawing air from ambience and passing the air through an air permeable bed of materials (10) located at the site as a diffused air stream. The subterranean gases become entrained in the diffused air stream which is then exhausted from the bed and removed from the site. A system for practicing the method has slotted air injection conduits (12) interspersed between slotted air extraction conduits (15) embedded in an air permeable bed of materials beneath the building. The system has a blower (18) for drawing air from the extraction conduits and removing it from the site.

Abstract: A molecular sieve apparatus and magnetic/adsorbent material composition facilitate molecular adsorption and separation using a magnetic field to hold, move, cool, and/or heat an adsorbent 1 that is bonded to magnetic materials 3 that are moveable by a magnetic field. An adsorbent 1 is bonded to a soft magnetic material 3 with a binder 2 into a powder composite material adsorbent attractable by a magnetic field (magnetoadsorbent 4). Magnetoadsorbent 4 functions to adsorb and desorb working substances, causing a molecular separation; thereby increasing the efficiency of the adsorption cycle by moving the adsorbent 1 to a location that optimally processes the adsorbent 1. Magnetic field manipulation of adsorbents 1 enables delivery of molecules to locations within systems. Magnetoadsorbents 4 of the present invention further increase the efficiency of the adsorption cycle by combining materials with functions including: catalyst, buoyancy, suspension, magnetic heating, and sinking in liquid.

Abstract: A fragrant ink-jet ink including: a fragrant agent, a surfactant, wherein a boiling point of the surfactant is above 78° C. and a Hydrophilic Lipophilic Balance (HLB) of the surfactant is in a range of about 5 to 16, a colorant, and a solvent. The fragrant agent can be a natural fragrant agent, a synthetic fragrant agent or a mixture thereof. The amount of the fragrant agent is about 0.01 wt % to 10.0 wt %.