Abstract: A surgical method of repair and reconstruction of the spinal disc wall (annulus) after surgical invasion or pathologic rupture, incorporating suture closure, or stent insertion and fixation, designed to reduce the failure rate of conventional surgical procedures on the spinal discs. The design of the spinal disc annulus stent allows ingrowth of normal cells of healing in an enhanced fashion strengthening the normal reparative process.

Abstract: The invention concerns an equipment comprising two shoring rods, members for anchoring said two rods to the vertebrae, at least a crosspiece (1) in two parts (5, 6) and members (2) assembling said crosspiece (1) to the shoring rods. The invention is characterised in that one of the crosspiece parts (5) comprises a spherical head (7) and a thread (8) adjacent to said head (7); the other crosspiece part (6) comprises a spherical bulging end (9), defining internally a spherical cavity (10) adapted to receive said head (7), and each crosspiece (1) comprises a nut (12) designed to co-operate with said thread (8), including further a spherical seat (13) with a shape matching that of the wall (11) delimiting the cavity (10). The invention also concerns plates (30for anchoring the equipment to the sacrum.

Abstract: Bone plates configured to be deformed after the bone plates have being secured to bone, apparatus including the bone plates, and methods of using the bone plates to fix bones.

Abstract: A soft tissue anchor is provided for attaching soft tissue to bone. The anchor is useful generally throughout the body where soft tissue needs to be anchored to bone. It is particularly useful for reattaching separated tissues adjacent to an articular joint such as the hip, knee, or shoulder. For example it is well suited for reattaching labral tissue that has become separated from the glenoid rim adjacent a shoulder joint.

Abstract: A saw blade comprising a blade body having a longitudinal axis, a cutting means disposed at a first end of the blade body and a prearranged hub section having an outer periphery located at a second end of the blade body is shown. The prearranged hub section comprises an elongated slot formed in the hub section which extends from the outer periphery along a longitudinal axis to a U-shaped cut-out forming a hub center. The hub center is located along the longitudinal axis. The hub section includes a plurality of slots, each of the slots having a generally rectangular elongated blade driving enabling section having one end which terminates in an expanded bulbous blade driving disabling section in a position opposed to the hub center. The respective generally rectangular elongated blade driving enabling section are disposed in a pattern along a radius centered at the hub center.

Abstract: A method of treating spinal stenosis, in which a rasp is brought through a part of a spinal channel and then axially moved so that the rasp removes a stenosis in the spinal channel. Optionally, a shield protects a spinal cord or other sensitive tissues in the spinal channel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a femoral broaching apparatus for use in preparing a femoral cavity for implantation of a prosthetic joint in surgical orthopedic artificial hip joint replacement arthroplasty procedures. The apparatus comprises a fixing guide unit fixed in the femoral cavity by an interference fit, a cavity preparing broach coupled to the fixing guide unit in a longitudinally movable manner, and a vibration-generating unit coupled to the cavity preparing broach for allowing the cavity preparing broach to perform the preparing of the femoral cavity under operation of the fixing guide unit. According to the present invention, a femoral cavity having an intended accurate shape can be easily prepared using mechanical vibration rather than a manual operation, thereby ensuring operational convenience.

Abstract: A method and instrumentation particularly adapted for disc space preparation from an anterior approach to the spine. In one aspect, an expandable template is provided having guides to guide a cutting device for bilateral formation of openings in the disc space. In another aspect, an improved guide member is provided for guiding a cutting tool. Still further, the invention provides an improved double barrel guide sleeve with a central distraction extension and lateral non-distracting extensions. Optionally, the guide sleeve includes windows and covers to selectively cover the windows. An improved reamer with an internal chamber and optional modular coupling is also provided. A depth stop is provided to selectively engage a tool shaft and a guide sleeve to control tool penetration into the disc space. A method of using the disclosed instruments is also provided.

Abstract: An instrument and a method for gripping an orthopaedic fixation pin during a surgical procedure and extracting the pin from bone in which the pin is embedded. The pin has an embedded portion extending into the bone along a longitudinal axis, and a projecting portion projecting longitudinally from the bone adjacent a bearing surface associated with the bone. The instrument and the method enable gripping of the projecting portion of the pin between gripping elements which are moved laterally relative to one another to grip the projecting portion of the pin and then are moved longitudinally by urging a plunger against the bearing surface to pull the pin along a linear path essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis so as to withdraw the embedded portion of the pin from the bone along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A compressor tool for use in minimally invasive surgery is provided having first and second elongate elements where each elongate element is connected to the other at a pivot point within a pivot region of each element for rotating articulation in an articulation plane with respect to each other. The first and second elongate elements are configured to provide a tool pivot region including the pivot point, a tool handle proximal to the tool pivot region, and a tool working portion distal to the too pivot region so that pressure applied to the tool handle portion results in a compressive force being applied by the tool working portion. The tool has a first closed position for insertion of the tool through an incision or portal so that the pivot region is located within the incision or portal, and a second working position where the tool working portion is arranged to provide a compressive force to spaced apart elements within a patient's body.

Abstract: An implantation device having a reservoir for holding a solid or semisolid implant and a carrier fluid, wherein the reservoir includes a cannula. The cannula has a tip end and a delivery opening therein both shaped and dimensioned to suit the application. For example, an implant (such as a retinal cell graft) and suitable carrier fluid (such as an aqueous hyaluronic acid solution) can be expressed from the opening into the subretinal space of a recipient eye, provided the cannula is of sufficient length that the tip end can reach the subretinal space while the remainder of the fluid reservoir is external of the eye. Expression of the carrier fluid from the reservoir via the delivery opening expels the implant through the delivery opening. An electromechanically driven plunger apparatus with operator controls is provided in a preferred embodiment.

Abstract: A medical instrument holding device includes a grasping portion onto which a medical instrument is mounted, an acceptant arm supported by a link mechanism, and a ball joint element adapted to be fixed to and released from the acceptant arm. The grasping portion is connected to the acceptant arm by the ball joint element arranged above or below the longitudinal axis of the acceptant arm. A total weight of the grasping portion is always balanced so as to apply to the acceptant arm (ball joint element) so that an operator can move the grasping portion under the condition that no total weight is applied to the operator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ligating band dispenser that is mounted on the distal end of an endoscope. The ligator is configured to deliver multiple ligating bands to a plurality of internal sites in a patient. The ligating bands are carried on a tubular band carrier member that is retractable relative to the distal end of the endoscope in order to preserve visibility through the endoscope during navigation, then extendable to define a suction chamber for tissue aspiration during band delivery. A tubular band driver member is slidable over the band carrier member and engages bands individually to push them off the distal end of the band carrier and onto a selected treatment site. A single-hand operated control handle for selectively operating the extension of the band carrier and movement of the band driver to release a band is also provided and is slidably and removably mounted to the endoscope shaft.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for making incisions in the sclera of an eye to form a scleral pocket to receive a scleral prosthesis. The system and method comprises a surgical tool comprising a surgical blade for making incisions in the sclera of an eye. When a surgeon places the surgical blade on the sclera of the eye a pressure sensor in the surgical tool determines whether there is sufficient pressure between the surgical tool and the sclera of the eye for the surgical tool to operate properly. The surgeon activates the surgical tool to cause the surgical blade to advance through the sclera to form an incision having dimensions to receive a scleral prosthesis. When the incision is complete the surgical blade is rotated back out of the incision. The incision has the exact dimensions to receive a scleral prosthesis.

Abstract: The trocar system includes a cannula insertable through a body wall using an obturator having a distal tip. A traction tread disposed interiorly of the obturator inverts at the distal tip and extends proximally along the outer surface of the obturator or cannula. At the distal tip the tread can facilitate parting rather than cutting the tissue. Along the outer surface, the tread can engage the tissue to pull it proximally along the advancing obturator. This produces counter forces which can result in a net proximal force facilitating distention of the abdominal wall and separation of the abdominal wall from internal organs. The traction tread can be axially and/or radially continuous. An associated method of operation includes the steps of contacting the body wall with the traction tread at the distal tip, and engaging the body wall with the traction tread along wall portions facing the outer surface.

Abstract: Devices and methods for extracting core material contained in plaque deposits inside a blood vessel are presented. A device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a catheter having an elongate shaft, a collection array of a plurality of collection lumens disposed about the distal portion of the elongate shaft, a means for radially extending and/or collapsing the collection array, and a suction means for extracting material from the lumen of the blood vessel. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of inserting the distal portion of the catheter into a lumen of the blood vessel, positioning the distal end of the collection array proximate plaque deposits, extending the collection array to rupture the plaque deposits and urging core material therefrom, and extracting the material using a suction means fluidly coupled to the proximal end of the collection array.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tissue anchor which is an open helix of biocompatible material having a slope of from 0.5 to 10 turns per centimeter, a length from 3 to 75 millimeters, a diameter of from 1.5 to 11 millimeters, and an aspect ratio of from about 3 to about 5 to 1. The anchor can have a head which is capable of securing or clamping tissue together, such as holding a suture to secure a ligament or tendon to bone. The anchor can also have a head which causes an inward, compressive loading for use in fastening bone to bone, orthopedic plates to bone, or cartilage to bone. The head may be an integral member and may include a self-reinforcing wedge which joins the helix to the head. Further, the elongate member, or filament that forms the helix may have a tapering diameter along its length.

Abstract: A warming/chilling apparatus, in particular for a pain treatment unit, includes a heating device and a cooling device for alternately heating and cooling a heating/cooling element to a high and a low tempemture respectively. The heating device and the cooling device are designed and arranged relative to each other in such a way that the change between the high and the low temperature is possible within three minutes and the temperature difference between the high and the low temperatures is at least 40° C.

Abstract: A system (10) for cerebral temperature control of a living being, comprising a double lumen catheter means (30) configured to be introduced through a nostril of a living being and to be placed with its tip at the level of the back of the tongue. The double lumen catheter means (30) comprises a first lumen (32) and a second lumen (38), said first and second lumens are in fluid communication by means of a set of end openings (34), said second lumen being configured as an expandable balloon. Further comprising a temperature regulator (24) connected to a reservoir (20) comprising a fluid (22), said temperature regulator being configured to regulate the temperature of said fluid, and means (12, 14, 16) for circulating said temperature regulated fluid from said reservoir into said first lumen, from said first lumen into said second lumen, and from said second lumen back to said reservoir.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system for temperature control of the human body. The system includes an indwelling catheter with a tip-mounted heat transfer element. The catheter is fluidically coupled to a console that provides a heated or cooled heat transfer working fluid to exchange heat with the heat transfer element, thereby heating or cooling blood. The heated or cooled blood then heats or cools the patient's body or a selected portion thereof. In particular, strategies for optimizing the rewarming of patients for various medical procedures are provided, including stroke, neurosurgery, and myocardial infarction.

Abstract: A prosthesis defining a fluid flow path includes a cover and a support assembly supporting the cover. The support assembly includes one or more support structures and each support structure includes an outer portion matingly connected to an inner portion, such that the cover is sandwiched between the outer and inner portions.

Abstract: An endoluminal device for deployment in a body lumen includes a radially expandable stent, a graft attached to the stent, and a plurality of indicator members affixed to the graft and adapted to form a normal pattern in response to a normal pressure differential and an abnormal pattern in response to an abnormal pressure differential across the graft. By forming different patterns at different pressure differentials, the indicator members enable the detection of a change in pressure which could be evidence of a leak. A system for detecting a change in pressure differential includes the endoluminal device and an imaging system for displaying the indicator members. A method for detecting a change in pressure includes the steps of identifying the normal pattern, implanting the device, imaging the indicator members, and comparing the imaged pattern with the normal pattern to determine whether the normal pressure or an abnormal pressure differential exists.

Abstract: An implantable textile prosthesis includes a first woven section having a tubular branch wall defining a fluid passageway therethrough. The tubular branch wall includes an elongate tubular extent and an asymptotically flared tubular extent, which is asymptotic with respect to the tubular branch wall. The asymptotically flared tubular extent includes a weaving pattern having a plurality of warp yarns and fill yarns and incorporating a gradual change in the number of warp yarns with respect to the fill yarns to provide a seamless and substantially fluid-tight transition region along said flared tubular extent. The tubular branch wall may be sutured to an elongate tubular main wall to provide an implantable tubular textile prosthesis particularly useful in branched end-to-side anastomoses. The tubular main wall may be heat-settably arched to resemble the natural arch of the aorta.

Abstract: A valve system including an aortic valve and a holder. The holder includes a holder body, which has a central portion, engagable with a holder handle, and downwardly extending leg portions that engage the valve in the areas between the commissure posts. The central portion of the holder further includes a spool located between the commissure posts, rotatable by an attached handle. Rotation of the spool draws in a tensile member passing through the commissure posts, drawing the commissure posts inward toward the spool. The tensile member passes through guides formed in the holder, configured such that they define the maximum available inward deflection of the commissure posts at the point at which the portions of the tensile member between the commissure posts assume straight configurations.

Abstract: A biomaterial useful for bioprostheses such as bioprosthetic heart valves is provided in which the fixed tissue has improved elastic properties. The high elastin-containing biomaterial is further characterized by having anisotropic properties wherein the biological material has a greater stiffness in one direction and a greater elasticity in a cross direction. For instance, the biological material has an elastin content of about 30% by weight. In one embodiment, the biological material is vena cava tissue.

Abstract: In a centrifugal flow blood pump, usable in left ventricular assist applications, blood is pumped from an inlet (16) to an outlet (22) by a primary impeller (18). A portion of the blood that enters the pump follows a secondary channel (24) where a secondary impeller (70) routes the blood to lubricate a bearing between an impeller assembly (14) and a post formed by a component of the pump housing. The unique shape of the secondary impeller (70) prevents blood stagnation and provides for a well-washed fluid bearing.

Abstract: A modular humeral prosthesis for replacement of the humeral head of a humerus. The prosthesis generally comprises a stem to be fitted to a resected humerus; a head sized and configured to approximate the humeral head; and an intermediate connecting member for connecting the stem to the head. The intermediate connecting member provides a desired angle of inclination or offset between stem and head. The head may be a traditional humeral head, or it may be an eccentric humeral head, with its mating portion being offset. The head may also comprise a groove or milled trench at least partially surrounding or otherwise defining mating portion. Also disclosed is a modular humeral prosthesis kit comprising a variety of different intermediate connecting members that may be selected to tit the prosthesis to the patient, and a method of replacing a humeral head in a patient.

Abstract: A prosthetic tibial component for a prosthetic total knee joint includes two constructs, one being a metal base that engages a bone and the other being a polyethylene bearing that attaches to the metal base and articulates with a femoral prosthetic component on a opposing side of the joint. The metal base is composed of two metals, one of which engages the bone surface and the other of which engages the polyethylene bearing. Each of the metals is selected for its function. The first metal is selected to provide a superior bone-engaging face, while the second metal is selected to provide a superior polyethylene-engaging face. By combining the different material characteristics of two different metals there is formed a superior bone-engaging face and a superior polyethylene-engaging face.

Abstract: Biocompatible bone graft material having a biocompatible, resorbable polymer and a biocompatible, resorbable inorganic material exhibiting macro, meso, and microporosities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system with modular components for forming a prosthetic limb, wherein the effective length of the limb is adjustable to accommodate changing needs of a particular person. Several modular components are provided, including sleeve and spacer modules. Each sleeve module has a body with a selected length and has two opposed ends that are internally threaded. Each spacer module has a body of a selected length and has two opposed ends that are externally threaded. The modules are usable with existing prosthetic components have respective mating ends. The modules are twistable with respect to each other, which enables the effective length of the prosthetic limb to be adjusted. Further, the modules can be interchanged with modules having a different length, which enables large adjustment capabilities. A fully custom fitted prosthetic limb is therefore achievable without the need to custom make a single component.

Abstract: A composition of certain dyes with a category-2 hair bleach can simultaneously lighten hair up to seven levels and deposit various shades of color in a single step. The dyes are bleach-stable derivatives of azo, triarylmethane, thiazine, or nitro dyes. When linked at the ortho- and/or para-positions relative to the chromophoric centers and auxochrome groups located on or attached to the aromatic rings of these dyes, deactivating or weakly activating chemical groups enhance the dye stability in the alkaline bleach. The absence of ortho and/or para positioned deactivating or weakly-activating substituents, or the presence of strongly activating groups in these positions render the dye molecule susceptible to attack by the bleach and the eventual destruction of these dyes. These deactivating and protective chemical groups may be nitro, halogen, cyano, carboxyl, sulfonic, alkyl or aromatic groups, but not amino, hydroxy, alkoxy or alkylamide groups.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composition for dyeing human keratin fibers, such as the hair, comprising, in a medium suitable for dyeing, at least one direct dye and at least on dicationic compound. Also disclosed herein is a process for dyeing and lightening human keratin fibers, such as the hair, with the compositions disclosed, as well as a the corresponding dyeing kits.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a hair pre-treatment anti-penetration composition comprising an efficient amount of at least one oxyethylenated copolymer. The invention also relates to a method for limiting the penetration into the skin and/or the keratin fibres of at least one dye, contained in a hair dyeing composition, involving the pre-treatment application on the hair of such an anti-penetration composition, before the hair dye process.

Abstract: A method of dyeing keratin-containing fibres, which comprises using a dye of formula wherein R1 and R2 are each independently of the other hydrogen, C1–C4alkyl, halogen or nitro, R3 and R4 are each independently of the other unsubstituted C1–C4alkyl or C1–C4alkyl substituted by OH, C1–C4alkoxy, halogen, CN or by phenyl, X1 and X2 are each independently of the other hydrogen, C1–C4alkyl, C1–C4alkoxy or halogen, R5 is hydrogen or C1–C4alkyl, R6 is C5–C12alkyl or C5–C8cycloalkyl each unsubstituted or substituted by OH, C1–C4alkoxy, halogen, CN or phenyl, or R6 is C1–C4alkyl substituted by phenyl or by C5–C8cycloalkyl, or wherein R5 and R6 together with the nitrogen atom linking them form a piperazine ring, which is substituted, at the nitrogen atom that is not bonded to the phenyl group, by C1–C8-alkyl or phenyl, or which is quaternised at that nitrogen atom by two such groups, the C1–C8-alkyl radicals and phenyl mentioned as substituents of the nitrogen atom of the piperazine ring being unsubstituted or su

Abstract: A fuel composition is provided containing (i) a base fuel, (ii) a Fischer-Tropsch derived gas oil and (iii) an oxygenate. The components (ii) and (iii) can be used in a tertiary fuel blend with a base fuel (i) for the purpose of achieving for the composition (a) a neutral or close to neutral effect on elastomeric components compared to that of the base fuel, and/or (b) a neutral or better emissions performance (in particular with respect to NOx and/or particulate emissions) compared to that of the base fuel, preferably in addition to a neutral or close to neutral density for the composition with respect to that of the base fuel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conversion of solid and liquid fuels to a synthesis gas, steam and/or electricity in which about 10% to about 40% of a solid fuel and/or a liquid fuel is introduced into a gasifier and gasified, resulting in formation of a synthesis gas. The remaining portion of the solid fuel and/or liquid fuel is introduced into a first stage of a multi-stage combustor, resulting in formation of products of combustion and ash and/or char. The synthesis gas is introduced into a second stage of the multi-stage combustor disposed downstream of the first stage and overfire oxidant is introduced into a third stage of the multi-stage combustor disposed downstream of the second stage. The ash and/or char from the multi-stage combustor is then recycled into the gasifier.

Abstract: A catalytic reactor comprises a plurality of thin tray-like metal sheets each with a peripheral rim and arranged as a stack to define first gas flow channels between adjacent sheets, alternating with second gas flow channels between adjacent sheets, so as to ensure good thermal contact between gases in the first and the second gas flow channels. Each sheet also defines at least four apertures for flow of gases, and tubes and seal apertures in one sheet to corresponding apertures in the adjacent sheet. The gas flows through the channels may be guided by corrugations, and are preferably in countercurrent in adjacent channels. Appropriate catalysts are coated onto the sheets and in the two gas flow channels.

Abstract: A movable spray-painting stand includes a worktable provided with four casters and having a wind-exhausting device and a filtering device assembled thereon. The wind-exhausting device has an air inlet communicating with the wind outlet of the filtering device. A separating device is provided in front of the wind inlet of the filtering device to form a spray painting space. A collapsible work frame is pivotally assembled with the work table and positioned under the separating device, able to be positioned in the spray painting space after articles to be spray painted are placed on its upper plate. The spray painting stand can be moved around freely, and the exhaust and the odor of paint produced during spray painting can be filtered by the filtering device, conforming to environmental protection and ensuring workers' health.

Abstract: A mechanism configured to interact with air, which has been sucked through a device that imparts turbulence to the air, causes a redistribution of components (e.g., oxygen and nitrogen) in the air so that when the air arrives at a location where the oxygen is to be consumed there is an enriched supply of oxygen available. The effects of a first stage of turbulence of the induced air is reduced, resulting in a higher density supply to the atomization point and to the combustion chamber, in the case of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An exhaust gas filter for cleaning an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine includes at least one strip-shaped filter layer made of a material through which a fluid can at least partly flow. The filter layer has a length in a longitudinal direction and a width in a transverse direction. The filter layer has a metallic reinforcing region at least in a partial region. The metallic reinforcing region has a width and a length. The width of the reinforcing region is less than the width of the filter layer and/or the length of the reinforcing region is less than the length of the filter layer. A method for producing a filter layer for an exhaust gas filter is also provided.

Abstract: A permeable composition, a controlled release product, and methods for producing the permeable composition and controlled release product. The permeable composition includes a matrix material, a particulate filler material, and interfacial passageways between the matrix material and the particles of filler material. The matrix material may include a substrate material and a carrier material. The controlled release product is formed by coating a substrate material with at least one layer of the permeable composition. The methods include the steps of applying a degradable surface treatment material to the particles of filler material and then dispersing the surface treated filler material throughout the matrix material so that degradable interfaces are provided between the matrix material and the particles of filler material.

Abstract: A foamed/porous metal having fine bubbles in a matrix of aluminum or magnesium has shells of aluminum oxide or magnesium oxide formed between the matrix and the bubbles of carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Molding compositions and forming processes for normally rust-prone iron-based powders, and articles produced therefrom. Metal alloy systems that can be successfully formed using the processes of the invention, include elemental iron and iron alloys including low and medium alloy steels, tool steels and a number of specialty iron-base alloys.

Abstract: A method for producing semiconductor or metal particles comprises the steps of: storing a semiconductor or metal melt in a crucible having a nozzle; supplying a gas comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of He, Ne, Ar, Kr and Xe into the crucible such that the pressure of the supplied gas in a space over the melt in the crucible is higher than the pressure of a gaseous phase into which the melt is dropped; dropping the melt from the nozzle into the gaseous phase by the pressure of the gas to form liquid particles; and solidifying the liquid particles in the gaseous phase to obtain semiconductor or metal particles. The crucible comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of hexagonal BN, cubic BN, Si3N4, TiB2, ZrB2, zirconia and stabilized zirconia at least near the nozzle.

Abstract: There are provided internally cross-linked, stable polymeric materials, in the form of substantially spherical particles, each particle consisting essentially of a single macromolecule. They have the unusual property of being soluble or dispersible in a liquid medium without significantly increasing the viscosity of the medium, rendering them potentially useful in imaging applications such as ink jet printers. They can be prepared by dissolving polymeric material in a solvent system to form a solution of the polymeric material at a concentration therein of less than the critical concentration for the polymer, causing the polymeric material to contract into an approximately spheroidal conformation in solution, cross-linking the polymeric material in solution in said spheroidal conformation so assumed, and recovering stable, cross-linked approximately spheroidal polymeric particles from the solution.

Abstract: A method and system for adsorptive separation of a feed gas mixture provides for increased system efficiency and product recovery. The requirement for purge gas streams consuming desired product gas to regenerate adsorption beds is reduced through an inventive method for adsorbent selection and adsorption bed and process design.

Abstract: A second-generation rotating biofilter employing microorganisms in a microbiological film (biofilm) “mineralizes” contaminants, such as VOCs and odoriferous contaminants. Contaminated fluid, such as air from manufacturing processes, is directed radially outward from a perforated pipe through porous foam attached to the pipe. The pipe serves as the axis upon which layers of foam suitable for supporting formation of biofilms are placed. In one embodiment, an octagonal-shaped drum incorporates eight baskets. In each basket, foam is layered outwardly from the pipe in trapezoidal-shaped layers each of approximately 3.8 cm thickness, each layer separated by air gaps of approximately 1.3 cm to prevent clogging. Seven layers in each of eight baskets comprise the octagonal drum. When the drum is sprayed on one side, water soaks the media and it is heavier on that side, thus facilitating rotation of the drum. Further, the biofilms are supplied with moisture and supplemental nutrients as needed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for cleaning gas, in particular hydrocarbonaceous gas such as e.g. natural gas, which is contaminated with sulfur in the form of H2S and mercaptans as well as CO2. To remove the undesired sulfur-containing substances in the form of H2S and mercaptan from crude gas, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that the crude gas is introduced into an absorption and regeneration column and washed therein, three gas streams being withdrawn from this absorption and regeneration column, a first exhaust gas stream being introduced into a Claus plant, a second sour gas stream with a low H2S concentration being introduced into another absorption plant, and a third gas stream, the valuable gas with the mercaptans, being cooled and supplied to an adsorption plant, that from this adsorption plant a cleaned valuable gas is withdrawn, and a mercaptan-containing gas stream is subjected to washing, that this concentrated mercaptan-containing gas is supplied to the Claus plant.

Abstract: A composition comprising: (a) a major dye component which is a mixture of phthalocyanine dyes of Formula (1) and salts thereof: wherein: M is Cu or Ni; Pc represents a phthalocyanine nucleus of formula R1, R2 and R3 independently are H or optionally substituted C1-4alkyl; R4 is optionally substituted C1-4-hydroxyalkyl; x is 0.1 to 3.8; y is 0.1 to 3.8; z is 0.1 to 3.8; the sum of (x+y+z) is 4; and the substituents, represented by x, y and z, are attached to a ? position on the phthalocyanine ring; and (b) a liquid medium which comprises water, water and an organic solvent or an organic solvent free from water. Also novel dyes, ink-jet printing processes, printed images, printers and cartridges.

Abstract: A colored ink composition comprises a carrier and one or more reflectors entrained in the carrier. Each reflector comprises a core and a first dielectric mirror formed over at least a portion of the core to reflect light having a selected color.