Abstract: Coatings are provided in which biopolymers may be covalently linked to a substrate. Such biopolymers include those that impart thromboresistance and/or biocompatibility to the substrate, which may be a medical device. Coatings disclosed herein include those that permit coating of a medical device in a single layer, including coatings that permit applying the single layer without a primer. Suitable biopolymers include heparin complexes, and linkage may be provided by a silane having isocyanate functionality.

Abstract: A device for replacing a cardiac valve includes an elongated support element (2), two series of elongated blades (30) arranged around the circumference of the elongated elements (2), where the blades (30) have opposite cutting edges (30a, 30b) and can be extended corolla-shaped such that their cutting edges are set in the extension of one another thereby forming circular cutting edges. The blades (30) can be brought closer together so that their circular cutting edges are urged to cut the native valve (55, 56) so as to separate it from the corporeal duct (50).

Abstract: This invention discloses a percutaneously deliverable heart valve and methods of implantation thereof comprising a valve implantation system to be placed at a body channel of a patient comprising a flexible tissue valve with a plurality of valvular leaflets, each of the leaflets having an in-flow edge, an out-flow edge, and side edges, the plurality of leaflets being sewn together at least a potion of their side edges to form an annulus at about the in-flow edge and a plurality of commissure tissues; an annulus base support secured to the annulus, wherein the annulus base support is collapsible and expandable, and commissural fixation means for securing each of the plurality of commissure tissues onto a wall of the body channel.

Abstract: A stentless atrioventricular valve intended for attaching to a circumferential valve ring and papillary muscles of a patient comprising a singular flexible membrane of tissue or synthetic biomaterial, the valve having a sewing ring, an anterior cusp and a posterior cusp, wherein the anterior cusp and said posterior cusp are an integral part of a continuum from the singular membrane without sutured commissure between remote ends of the cusps and wherein texture elements secured at edge portions of the cusps configured to extend the texture elements for connection to papillary muscles in a ventricle cavity when the sewing ring is sutured to an atrioventricular junction of a patient's heart.

Abstract: A stirrup prosthesis for implantation in a middle ear has an elastic clamping member which is displaceable on a long anvil projection and formed as a clip which is open at one side, the clip having an opening, and at least one leg with a portion extending outwardly of the opening and formed as an arch with which the prosthesis is suspendable on the long anvil projection of a human middle ear before the displacement of the prosthesis onto the long anvil projection.

Abstract: With an object of providing an artificial sphincter for which repeated shape changes are possible, and for which the quantity of shape change is sufficient so as to be used as a substitute for a large natural sphincter, an artificial sphincter 11 that opens and closes, as required, either the anus of a living body or part of the intestine 19 led outside the body is provided, wherein this artificial sphincter 11 comprises a pair of shape memory alloy elements 13 that change reversibly between two opposite shapes upon changes in temperature and hinges 15 that link the shape memory alloy elements 1 together in a cylindrical shape.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to expandable bone fusion devices and methods of use. In general, a fusion device according to the invention includes a first member and a second member which can be deployed and locked into an expanded configuration to stabilize the adjacent bone during fusion of the bone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the size of lips. The apparatus is a clear or flesh colored polymer strip with a strong moisture activated adhesive on one side. A user inserts the apparatus on the inside of their lip with an attached applicator. Once in proper position, the user simply pulls the applicator away. When in place the lip enhancer maintains a stretch in the inner lip tissue, causing more of the lip to be exposed externally, thus making the lip appear noticeably larger. Users may talk, eat, and drink while using the lip enhancer.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of a non-finished textile component is provided. The method comprises the steps of treating a non-finished textile component in an aqueous bleaching solution of hydrogen and a hydrophobic bleach activator or hydrophobic peracid. Preferred bleach activators include the alkanoyloxybenzene sulfonates and in particular noanoyloxybenzene sulfonate. The method provides superior fiber protection and fabric strength benefits versus conventional processing as well as significant savings in both energy and time due to the lower bleaching temperatures.

Abstract: The invention provides a bleaching method of natural fibers. By the invention, it is possible to bleach raw cotton fibers without dewaxing. The method of the invention is to bring the natural fibers on each of which wax adhere, into contact with water solution containing hydroxy percarboxilic acid for bleaching. The natural fibers may be raw cotton fibers. The hydroxy percarboxilic acid may be perlactic acid. The water solution may contain hydroxy carboxilic acid, hydrogen peroxide and alkali agent with hydroxy percarboxilic acid.

Abstract: There is provided a method for preventing or reducing the fading of color on fabric by means of a divalent salt. Compositions which provide care to the color of fabrics and comprising a dye fixing agent and the divalent salt are also herein provided.

Abstract: A process for producing an electric double layer capacitor, which comprises a step of preparing a positive electrode and a negative electrode, each being a carbonaceous electrode containing as the main component a carbon material having a specific surface area of from 100 to 2,500 m2/g, a step of forming an element comprising the positive electrode and the negative electrode and a separator having a thickness of at most 60 &mgr;m interposed therebetween, and a step of impregnating the element with a non-aqueous electrolyte, wherein the copper content in the positive electrode before being impregnated with the non-aqueous electrolyte is at most 1 ppm.

Abstract: Composite electrode/current collectors for capacitors, e.g., a flow-through capacitor or electric double layer capacitor are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for making a composite electrode/current collectors and capacitors having at least one composite electrode/current collector.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a heat exchanged membrane reactor for electric power generation. More specifically, the invention comprises a membrane reactor system that employs catalytic or thermal steam reforming and a water gas shift reaction on one side of the membrane, and hydrogen combustion on the other side of the membrane. Heat of combustion is exchanged through the membrane to heat the hydrocarbon fuel and provide heat for the reforming reaction. In one embodiment, the hydrogen is combusted with compressed air to power a turbine to produce electricity. A carbon dioxide product stream is produced in inherently separated form and at pressure to facilitate injection of the CO2 into a well for the purpose of sequestering carbon from the earth's atmosphere.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to unique and advantageous systems for gasifying and/or liquefying biomass. The systems of the subject invention utilize a unique design whereby heat from a combustion chamber is used to directly gasify or liquefy biomass. In a preferred embodiment, the biomass is moved through a reactor tube in which all the gasification and/or liquefaction takes place. Preferably, char exits the biomass reactor tube and enters the combustion chamber where the char serves as fuel for combustion. The combustion chamber partially surrounds the reactor tube and is in direct thermal contact with the reactor tube such that heat from the combustion chamber passes through the reactor wall and directly heats the biomass within the reactor tube.

Abstract: A superabrasive particle coated with a solidified coating of a molten braze alloy that is chemically bonded to the superabrasive particle is disclosed and described. In one aspect, the reactive metal alloy may be chemically bonded to at least about 80% of an outer surface of the superabrasive particle. Various methods for making and using such a coated superabrasive particle are additionally disclosed and described.

Abstract: A valve and trigger cyclically connect a vacuum and a blower to a filter. The valve box has three openings, the first connectable to the vacuum, the second connectable to the blower and the third connectable to the filter. A gate inside the box, biased by the blower and the vacuum toward closing the first opening, is held against the bias by a trigger outside the box to close the second opening. The external trigger intervally operates to release the interior gate to close the first opening and open the second opening. The blower operates only if the trigger is operating. The gate is released once for approximately {fraction (1/12)} of a cycle interval during each trigger operating interval. A plurality of valves can be combined in a system with one trigger for cyclically sequentially connecting a plurality of filters to the vacuum and the blower.

Abstract: A method for preventing migration of lubrication molecules into adjacent process chambers while coating a thin layer of lubricant over a storage surface of a disc using a vapor lubrication process. The method includes trapping the lubrication molecules that are not deposited onto the storage surface of the discs during the vapor lubrication process by using one or more cold traps including cold trapping surfaces in a vapor lubrication station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carburetor arrangement for an internal combustion engine (1) which drives a work apparatus. The engine (1) has an intake channel (3) leading through a carburetor (2). The intake channel (3) includes an intake opening (4) on the side of the carburetor (2) facing away from the engine (1). A baffle wall (5) is provided and covers the intake opening (4) at least partially. The baffle wall (5) is mounted transversely to the longitudinal axis (6) of the intake channel (3) at a spacing to the intake opening (4). The baffle wall (5) and the intake opening (4) define a baffle enclosure (7) disposed therebetween. At least a first component part (8) of the baffle wall (5) is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis (6) of the intake channel (3) in such a manner that fuel droplets (9), which exit from the intake channel (3) and which impinge on the first component part (8) of the baffle wall (5), form a fuel film (10).

Abstract: Device for extraction of greases in aerosol form from an air flow in a ventilation system, which device includes a number of intermediate plates which define both an increased surface of deposition for the greases, and an extended flow path in the ventilation system, which flow path exhibits an alternating direction of flow and an alternating cross sectional area. According to the invention, each intermediate plate exhibits a turbulence inducing wing, along a free edge thereof which forms the highest situated point or line in each intermediate plate in the device, which wing is directly followed in the flow path by an increased cross-sectional area for the air flow.

Abstract: Volatility-inhibited fertilizers are prepared by coating granular urea with a coating that includes a binding agent having a boron anion and a hydrogen bonding group to adhere the binding agent to the granular urea. The binding agent may be an amino alcohol borate in which the amino alcohol is selected from the group consisting of ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, and mixtures thereof, or a borate of an amino alcohol complex of a divalent metal. The borates are preferably prepared as an aqueous solution of the amino alcohol and boric acid, or the amino alcohol, a divalent metal salt, and boric acid, with the aqueous solution being applied to the urea granules. Additional plant nutrients may also be coated onto the urea granules.

Abstract: A dense cemented carbide product is described. The product is manufactured from WC with a grain size between 0.1 and 0.4 &mgr;m, fine grain size cobalt and ruthenium powders. The product is used in PCB machining operations where the addition of 10-25% Ru to the binder phase offers up to 25% wear resistant increases and up to 100% increase in chipping resistance in PCB routing compared to conventional materials (6% cobalt and 0.4 &mgr;m grain size).

Abstract: Cermet material obtained from unused inert anodes, used inert anodes and cermet used in the production of inert anodes is beneficiated into a nonferrous metal concentrate composition from which metal values contained in the composition may be readily recovered by using a conventional smelting process.

Abstract: The present invention: solves the problems of hitherto disclosed technologies, such as insufficient suppression of the oxidation loss of [Cr] and the excessive erosion of refractories, in the decarburization-refining of chromium-contained molten steel under a normal or reduced pressure; and is characterized by: determining, in sequence; a molten steel temperature during the refining through actual measurement or computation from a molten steel temperature before the refining and refining conditions; [C] and [Cr] concentrations during the refining through actual measurement or computation from molten steel components before the refining and refining conditions; a CO partial pressure PCO in an atmosphere during the refining from the total pressure P of the atmosphere, an oxygen gas supply rate and an inert gas supply rate, a Hilty's equilibrium temperature TH from said [C] and [Cr] concentrations and PCO; the difference &Dgr;T between said molten steel temp

Abstract: A slurry tray and a method for removing residual vinyl chloride monomer from a polyvinylchloride resin slurry with reduced discoloration of the polyvinylchloride resin is provided. The slurry tray preferably includes partitioned channels that cause the slurry to flow at a velocity that maintains solids contained with the slurry in a liquid suspension and weirs contains holes to allow solids trapped at the bottom of the weir to flow continuously downward to a bottom of the plate tower for removal from the tower. The method preferably includes supplying the slurry towards the top of the tower and a vapor towards the bottom of the tower. The slurry descends the tower, while the steam simultaneously ascends the tower, both through directional valves. The solids trapped upon the surface of the trays travel down the tower through the holes within the weirs for removal from the tower.

Abstract: An apparatus for contacting large volumes of gas and liquid together on a microscope scale for mass transfer or transport processes wherein the contact between liquid and gas occurs at the interfaces of a multitude of gas bubbles. Multiple porous tubes assembled in a bundle inside a pressure vessel terminate at each end in a tube sheet. A thin film helical liquid flow is introduced into the inside of each porous tube around and along its inside wall. Gas is sparged into the porous media and the liquid film so that an annular two phase flow with a uniform distribution of tiny gas bubbles results. The gas flow is segregated from the liquid flow without first passing through the porous media and through the liquid film. Nozzles at the lower end of the tubes divert liquid flow to a vessel and redirect the gas flow in a countercurrent direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a furniture polish comprising a paraffin wax and a microcrystalline wax, preferably in combination wit beeswax and a silicon oil. An organic solvent and water are present, and there may additionally be a surfactant and, in aerosol can applications, a propellant. The polish gives good gloss without tendency to smearing and good resistance to water damage.

Abstract: A method for increasing the tensile, breaking and flexural strength of coloured leads. The method is characterized in that 1 to 50 percent by weight alkyl and/or hydroxyalkyl cellulose which are soluble in organic solvents and whose alkyl radicals can be straight-chained or branched are added to the lead substance. The invention also relates to coloured pencils containing said coloured leads.

Abstract: An ink composition comprising at least one triarylmethane-based dye as a coloring material, an alcohol having 2 or more carbon atoms, a polyhydric alcohol or a glycol ether as a solvent, and a resin which can dissolve in the solvent, the triarylmethane-based dye comprising a compound represented by the following formula: [C(—Ar—Y)3]A wherein each Ar is independently an aryl group substituted, or not substituted, by a halogen or an alkyl group, each Y is independently a diethylamino group or hydrogen, provided that at least two Y are a diethylamino group, A is a halogen or an organic acid group, and A is charge-balanced to the residue.

Abstract: An ink is provided which can realize good images on various recording media, especially plain papers. The ink comprises at least a water-soluble colorant, a water-soluble organic solvent, water, and a mixture of two or more compounds represented by formula (I): R—[(EO)n-(PO)m]k-T wherein EO represents an ethyleneoxy group; PO represents a propyleneoxy group; T represents an OH group or SO3M wherein M represents a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal, an inorganic base, or an organic amine; m and n are each an integer; k is a natural number of not less than 1; and R represents an alkyl or cyclic group.

Abstract: A biodegradable sugar-inorganic hybrid composite comprising a sugar or a sugar derivative uniformly dispersed in a matrix of an inorganic oxide, of which degradation products are suitable for recycling use.

Abstract: Wax compositions suitable for use in making construction boards are prepared by blending a wax or oil having a low n-paraffin content with a wax having a higher n-paraffin content to provide a wax composition having at least 21 wt % of n-paraffins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high surface area product and its production from solid-containing material, such as waste effluent from a paper-treating plant. The high surface area product comprises calcium carbonate, and is useful as a coefficient of friction control filler for newsprint.

Abstract: The nickel element is provided selectively, i.e., adjacent to part of the surface of an amorphous silicon film in a long and narrow opening. The amorphous silicon film is irradiated with linear infrared light beams emitted from respective linear infrared lamps while scanned with the linear beams perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the opening. The longitudinal direction of the linear beams are set coincident with that of the opening. The infrared light beams are absorbed by the silicon film mainly as thermal energy, whereby a negative temperature gradient is formed in the silicon film. The temperature gradient moves as the lamps are moved for the scanning. The direction of the negative temperature gradient is set coincident with the lamp movement direction and an intended crystal growth direction, which enables crystal growth to proceed parallel with a substrate uniformly over a long distance.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a crystalline silicon film by utilizing a metal element that promotes the crystallization of silicon, an influence of this metal element can be suppressed. A nickel element 104 is retained in contact with a surface of an amorphous silicon film 103 patterned to form a predetermined pattern in such a manner that the metal element is brought into contact with the amorphous silicon film 103 patterned to form a predetermined pattern. Next, the crystalline silicon film 105 is formed by a heat treatment. At this time, the nickel element is segregated in the edge region of the pattern. Further, a crystalline silicon film 100 having no region to which the metal element concentrated by patterning using a mask 107. By using this crystalline silicon film 100 as an active layer, the thin film transistor is fabricated.

Abstract: A crucible, which has first member and second cylindrical body, is disposed in a lower chamber. A pedestal is disposed inside the first member, and a seed crystal is fixed to the pedestal. A second heat insulator is provided between an inlet conduit and a crucible. A first heat insulator is provided at a halfway portion of the inlet conduit. With these heat insulators, a temperature gradient occurs in the inlet conduit at a portion thereof that is closer to the crucible. A mixture gas is introduced into the crucible. The mixture gas is heated up gradually when passing through the inlet conduit and is introduced into the crucible to form SiC single crystals in high quality.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a temperature of a microelectronic substrate. In one embodiment, the apparatus can include a substrate support configured to engage and support the microelectronic substrate. The apparatus can further include a temperature controller having one or more thermal links coupled directly with the substrate when the substrate is supported by the substrate support. The thermal links can maintain thermal contact with the substrate when the substrate is either stationary or mobile relative to the temperature controller. The temperature controller can heat or cool different portions of the substrate at different rates with one or more of several heat transfer devices, including liquid jets, gas jets, resistive electrical elements and/or thermoelectric elements.

Abstract: A powder coating booth containment structure including first and second canopy halves, each of which is a substantially nonconductive, seamless, structural composite to substantially reduce oversprayed powder particle adhesion to the booth inner surfaces. The composite canopy halves, when assembled into a spray booth additionally including either a floor or a utility base and one or a pair of end units in the form of aperture bulkheads, vestibules, or a combination of both, are structurally sufficiently strong that no external support frame is required. The composite canopy halves can each include sidewall and ceiling portions, in an embodiment, that can be connected to a floor. In another embodiment, the canopy halves each additionally include a floor portion such that they may be connected together at a floor edge and placed atop a utility base. They may be connected to the utility base.

Abstract: A liquid discharge apparatus for producing a probe carrier, having a configuration capable of supplying a discharge unit with plural probe solutions without increasing the dimensions of the apparatus, as well as a method and apparatus for producing the probe carrier utilizing such liquid discharge apparatus. The arrangement pitch of the supply openings to liquid holding portions from plural liquid discharging portions (which are provided in the liquid discharge apparatus and respectively correspond to the plural probes) is set to be larger than the arrangement pitch of nozzle openings, thereby increasing the freedom in designing the position and capacity of the liquid holding portions for holding the probe solutions.

Abstract: A corrosion resistant component of semiconductor processing equipment such as a plasma chamber comprises a cerium oxide containing ceramic material as an outermost surface of the component. The cerium oxide containing ceramic material comprises one or more cerium oxides as the single largest constituent thereof. The component can be made entirely of the cerium oxide containing ceramic material or, alternatively, the cerium oxide containing ceramic can be provided as a layer on a substrate such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, a ceramic material, stainless steel, or a refractory metal. The cerium oxide containing ceramic layer can be provided as a coating by a technique such as plasma spraying. One or more intermediate layers may be provided between the component and the cerium oxide containing ceramic coating.

Abstract: A plurality of liquids, the flow of each controlled by a volumetric flowrate controller, are mixed in a mixer to form a final precursor that is misted and then deposited on a substrate. A physical property of precursor liquid is adjusted by adjusting the volumetric flowrate controllers, so that when precursor is applied to substrate and treated, the resulting thin film of solid material has a smooth and planar surface. Typically the physical property is the viscosity of the precursor, which is selected to be relatively low, in the range of 1-2 centipoise.

Abstract: A flow of a remotely-generated plasma to a processing chamber by-passes a blocker plate and thereby avoids unwanted recombination of active species. By-passing the blocker plate according to embodiments of the present invention avoids the high pressures arising upstream of the blocker plate, inhibiting ion recombination and elevating the concentration of reactive ions available in the processing chamber for cleaning and other reactions. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the flowed ions may be distributed beyond the edge of an underlying blocker plate through channels of a separate by-pass plate positioned between the gas box and the blocker plate. In accordance with an alternative embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the flow of remotely generated active ion species may be distributed beyond the edge of an underlying blocker plate through channels of the gas box itself.

Abstract: One embodiment is a method for fabricating the base of a bipolar transistor where the method comprises placing a first wafer in an undoped epi chamber. Next a first undoped base layer is grown over the first wafer. After growing the first undoped base layer, the first wafer is transferred from the undoped epi chamber into a separate doped epi chamber. A first doped base layer is then grown over the first undoped based layer in the doped epi chamber. While the first wafer is being processed in the doped epi chamber, a second wafer can be processed in the undoped epi chamber. Another embodiment is a structure produced by the disclosed method and yet another embodiment comprises a transfer chamber, a transfer arm, a bake chamber, and a separate undoped epi chamber and a doped epi chamber for practicing the disclosed method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating a substrate with a deposition material in a vacuum wherein a material source having a substantially longitudinal deposition emission component is used to create a substantially longitudinal material deposition emission plume which coats the surface of the substrate without increasing the throw distance between the substrate and the material source.

Abstract: The present invention is a persulfate microetchant composition especially useful for removing impurities from copper surfaces during fabrication of microelectronic packages. The microetchant formulation is characterized by its ability to selectively clean copper in the presence of nickel, nickel-phosphorous and noble metal alloys therefrom. Furthermore, no deleterious galvanic etching occurs in this microetchant-substrate system so that substantially no undercutting of the copper occurs. The combination of high selectivity and no undercutting allows for a simplification of the microelectronic fabrication process and significant improvements in the design features of the microelectronic package, in particular higher density circuits. The persulfate microetchant composition is stabilized with acid and phosphate salts to provide a process that is stable, fast acting, environmentally acceptable, has high capacity, and can be performed at room temperature.

Abstract: The invention encompasses methods for cleaning surfaces of wafers or other semiconductor articles. Oxidizing is performed using an oxidation solution which is wetted onto the surface. The oxidation solution can include one or more of: water, ozone, hydrogen chloride, sulfuric acid, or hydrogen peroxide. A rinsing step removes the oxidation solution and inhibits further activity. The rinsed surface is thereafter preferably subjected to a drying step. The surface is exposed to an oxide removal vapor to remove semiconductor oxide therefrom. The oxide removal vapor can include one or more of: acids, such as a hydrogen halide, for example hydrogen fluoride or hydrogen chloride; water; isopropyl alcohol; or ozone. The processes can use centrifugal processing and spraying actions.

Abstract: Brass articles having leachable lead are contacted with an aqueous caustic solution that contains a chelating agent. A brass article can optionally be post-treated by contacting it with an aqueous solution containing anazole.

Abstract: This invention provides fluid-dispensing devices attachable to an air-intake system of an internal combustion engine for introducing an engine cleaner composition into the air intake system. The invention also provides methods of cleaning internal combustion engines using the fluid-dispensing devices.

Abstract: A method of removing first molecules adsorbed on the surfaces of a chamber and/or at least one object found in the chamber is provided. Second, polar molecules that have a desorptive effect on the first molecules are introduced into the chamber. The second molecules comprise nitrogen and hydrogen, and especially NH3 molecules.

Abstract: A wire preform suitable for use in brazing components to one another. The preform is made from a length of wire having a core of flux material, and a longitudinal seam or gap that extends over the length of the wire. The seam is formed so that when heated, the flux material flows from the core and out of the seam. The length of wire is in the form of a loop having a certain circumference so that when the preform is heated, the flux material disperses uniformly from the circumference of the preform for evenly treating the surface of a component on which the preform is placed. The length of wire may include a silver alloy.