Abstract: A method for making a bioprosthetic heart valve includes providing a non-contact cutting apparatus and a layer of tissue. The non-contact cutting apparatus may include a laser cutting system or high pressure water jet system. A leaflet is cut from the layer of tissue using a predefined template, and a plurality of alignment holes in the leaflet are created in the leaflet, e.g., along a peripheral edge. A support structure is provided having a plurality of alignment holes corresponding to alignment holes in the leaflet. The leaflet is secured to the support structure by securing one or more sutures through corresponding alignment holes in the leaflet and the support structure to provide a leaflet subassembly. A bioprosthetic heart valve is made by securing a set of leaflet subassemblies to a frame.

Abstract: An intraocular lens system adapted to be implanted within an eye includes an anterior optic movable in a forward direction within the eye. The intraocular lens system further includes at least two anterior haptic arms, each anterior haptic arm having a first end coupled to the anterior optic and a second end adapted to be coupled to the eye. The intraocular lens system further includes a posterior optic movable in the forward direction within the eye and coupled to the anterior haptic arms. The intraocular lens system further includes at least one posterior haptic member adapted to be coupled to the eye and coupled to the posterior optic. The anterior haptic arms are responsive to a first forward movement of the posterior optic by actuating a second forward movement of the anterior optic substantially larger than the first forward movement.

Abstract: An auditory ossicle prosthesis (10) which is fastened to the limb of incus (20) of the human ossicular chain and to the stapes, or is inserted directly into the inner ear, whereby the auditory ossicle prosthesis (10) is made of an elastic material or a material having at least one hinged connection, and whereby the auditory ossicle prosthesis (10), starting at its articulation on the limb of incus (20), largely traces the course of the natural limb of incus (20) to its end or past it, and, angled downward in the region of the level of the natural end of the limb of incus (20), extends to the other endpoint of the auditory ossicle prosthesis (10) on the stapes or at/in the inner ear.

Abstract: A bioactive spinal implant used in cervical fusion, Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF), Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF), and Transforaminal Interbody Fusion (TLIF), having properties and geometries that enhance bone contact, stability, and fusion between adjacent vertebral bodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intervertebral implant comprising a spacer designed to be applied between two spinous processes of two vertebrae. The spacer comprises: two elements (10, 12) made of a first material, and each presenting a first end (10a, 12a) and a second end (10b, 12b), said first end (10a, 12a) being securable to a spinous process; and a connection piece (14) made of a second material of greater elastic deformability than said first material, said connection piece interconnecting said second ends (10b, 12b) of said two elements (10, 12) so that the stresses that are exerted on said two elements (10, 12) are damped, and said connection piece enabling said intervertebral implant to limit and brake the relative movements of said vertebrae.

Abstract: A vertebral implant comprises a tubular body sized to fit between two vertebral endplates and a pair of ring-shaped cleat assemblies. Each cleat assembly comprises an outer end wall, an inner end wall, and a side wall which defines a hollow bore. One or more spikes extend from each outer end wall, and each hollow bore is sized to fit over an end of the tubular body and slidably pass from the end along at least a portion of the length of the tubular body.

Abstract: A fusion implant apparatus, in for the replacement of a vertebra or an intervertebral disc, having at least one biocompatible structure. The structure is made of a composite material having reinforcing fibers, and has a first and second face to engage adjacent bone structures to be fused, struts extending between the first and second faces, and a hollow interior space for reception of bone growth inducing substances. The fibers are long fibers and the majority of these long fibers have a direction that follows the longitudinal forces upon the first and second faces, which is the direction of trabecular structures of the adjacent bone structure, so that a majority of long fibers are essentially an extension of these trabecular structures.

Abstract: The shoulder prosthesis has a stem (10), a ball head (20) and a middle section (30) that can be attached to the proximal end (12) of the stem (10) and to which the ball head (50) can be attached. The middle section (30) can be clamped to an attachment element (20) that is adjustable in a first direction at the proximal end (12) of the stem (10), the first direction lying in the resection plane or parallel thereto. The first direction generally runs approximately medially-laterally. The attachment element (20) can be displaceable on the stem (10) by means of a dovetail guide (15) or guided displaceable in a guide bore in the stem (10). The middle section can be clamped against the attachment element (20), whereby the attachment element (20) and the middle section (30) can be fixed.

Abstract: A kit for assembly of a modular joint prosthesis (10) includes at least two shank/body elements (22/20) sized for insertion into the shank of the bone and at least two head members (48) sized to replace one bearing surface of the joint. Each shank/body element (22/20) has a collar (58) that has a shallow width and a circular plan view and that is formed to overhang a resected level of the bone. The collar (58) has a male taper on its side wall (64). Each head member (48) has a first geometric axis (52) therethrough and defines a part spherical cavity (49) with a skirt (66) extending about the cavity (49). The skirt (66) provides a female taper for receiving and providing a mechanical connection with the male taper on the side wall (64) of each collar (58). A second axis extends (55) through the skirt (66). The first axis (52) and second axis (55) may be coincident or offset from one another.

Abstract: A bone replacement material for use in a treatment for repairing a vertebral body compression fracture is formed into a pellet having a roughly polyhedral shape. Each pellet having the roughly polyhedral shape has a pair of opposite surfaces, in which one of the opposite surfaces is inclined with respect to the other surface for a predetermined angle. The angle is preferably in the range of 10 to 60°. Further, the volume of each pellet of the bone replacement material 1 is in the range of 13 to 239 mm3. Furthermore, the bone replacement material is formed of calcium phosphate based compound having the Ca/P ratio of 1.0 to 2.0. By using such a bone replacement material, it is possible to carry out packing operation of the bone replacement material into a collapsed vertebral body smoothly, reliably and safely.

Abstract: A non-oxidative hair coloring composition, comprises yogurt or yogurt-derived material. The invention also provides a method of improving the coloring effects of non-oxidative hair coloring compositions, comprising application to the hair (during or after dyeing) of yogurt or a yogurt-derived material. The invention also covers use of yogurt or yogurt-derived material in a hair care composition for the purpose of improving the coloring effects of a non-oxidative hair dye. The invention can be put into effect by incorporating yogurt or yogurt-derived material into a hair care composition for use during non-oxidative dying of hair (i.e. a non-oxidative hair coloring composition) where it acts to improve dye deposition onto hair, or into a composition for use on hair after dyeing by a non-oxidative method, e.g. a shampoo or conditioner composition, to help maintain the color of dyed hair.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dye composition that is useful for dyeing keratin fibers, containing at least one oxidation base and at least one coupler of the 6-alkoxy-2,3-diaminopyridine type in which the amino radical in position 2 is a disubstituted amino radical, to the use of this composition for dyeing keratin fibers and to the dyeing process using this composition. The invention also relates to novel 6-alkoxy-2,3-diaminopyridine compounds that are useful as couplers.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to novel imidazole compounds which can be useful as couplers for the oxidation dyeing of keratinous fibers. The present disclosure also relates to a dyeing composition for dyeing keratinous fibers comprising at least one oxidation base and at least one coupler of the imidazole type as disclosed herein, and the dyeing method using this composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel compositions and methods employing cyclic nucleotide-gated channels and fluorescence dyes and other indicators in detecting changes of intracellular cAMP levels, for instance in response to the stimulation of G-protein-coupled receptors. CNG mutants comprising one or more pore mutations that enhance sensitivity to cAMP and decrease divalent cation-mediated blockage are used in a variety of assays, including detection of the G-protein-coupled receptor activity. Also disclosed are novel dye quencher formulations that are particularly suited for cell-based assays of protein interactions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a diesel fuel composition having enhanced lubricity, said composition comprising a major amount of a diesel fuel as base fuel blended with a minor amount of a nitrogen rich fraction characterised in that the nitrogen rich fraction is derived from a source material selected from (i) a solvent extract of a solid or semi-solid natural fossil, or, (ii) a refinery process stream or blend, the sulphur to nitrogen atom ratio in the nitrogen rich fraction being less than 4. The nitrogen rich fraction has an absolute nitrogen content of at least 1000 ppm by weight and this fraction is (re)blended with the base fuel is no more than 1% by weight of the total fuel composition. Methods of separating, recovering and reblending such naturally occurring nitrogen compounds can be installed or retrofitted at existing refinery and crude oil processing facilities without any substantial increase in production costs.

Abstract: In an integrated process for the production of synthesis gas, a partial oxidation unit and a steam methane reformer are used to convert natural gas or another fuel to first and second mixtures of at least carbon monoxide and hydrogen, only the first process consuming oxygen. Carbon dioxide derived from the second mixture is sent to the inlet of the first process to reduce the oxygen consumption. The first and optionally second mixtures may be used as synthesis gas for a process such as a Fischer Tropsch process.

Abstract: An inertial gas-liquid impactor separator has a variable flow actuator for varying cumulative gas-liquid flow through acceleration nozzle structure in response to a given parameter.

Abstract: Diesel engine exhaust filtration systems, and ceramic honeycomb wall flow exhaust filters for such systems, wherein the filters comprise axially centralized filter sections having a higher heat capacity and/or a higher gas flow resistance than peripheral filter sections disposed radially outwardly thereof, the filters thereby exhibiting increased resistance to thermal damage from filter regeneration over-heating.

Abstract: Prefetching data and instructions from a hierarchical memory based upon trajectories and patterns of prior memory fetches. Portions of the data are stored in a slower main memory and are transferred to faster intermediate memory between a requester and the slower main memory. The selected data items are retrieved from the slower main memory into a prefetch read buffer as an intermediate memory prior to any request from the requester for the particular selected and prefetched data. The address and size of the prefetched data is derived from the history, pattern, or trajectory of prior memory reads.

Abstract: A superfine material made by incorporation of an inorganic polymer precursor of a grain growth inhibitor into intermediates useful for the production of superfine materials. The precursor/nanostructured material composite is optionally heat treated at a temperature below the grain growth temperature of the superfine material in order to more effectively disperse the precursor. The composites are then heat treated at a temperature effective to decompose the precursor and to form superfine materials having grain growth inhibitors uniformly distributed at the grain boundaries. Synthesis of the inorganic polymer solution comprises forming an inorganic polymer from a solution of metal salts, filtering the polymer, and drying. Alloying additives as well as grain growth inhibitors may be incorporated into the superfine materials.

Abstract: The invention concerns a powder composition including an iron or iron based powder and a lubricating amount of an alkylalkoxy or polyetheralkoxy silane, wherein the alkyl or polyether group has between 8 and 30 carbon atoms and the alkoxi group includes 1-3 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Provided are a method for preparing metallic nickel powders capable of decreasing the content of an alkaline metal in the metallic nickel powders, metallic nickel powders with the low content of an alkaline metal, a conductive paste including metallic nickel powders with the low content of an alkaline metal, and a multi-layer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) including a nickel inner electrode with the low content of an alkaline metal. The method for preparing the metallic nickel powders includes heating a mixture including an organic base, a nickel precursor compound, and a polyol. Wherein, the nickel precursor compound is converted to the metallic nickel powders through reduction by the organic base and the polyol. In the method, the organic base is used instead of the hydroxide of an alkaline metal such as NaOH and KOH. Therefore, the content of an alkaline metal such as sodium and potassium that can be incorporated as an impurity into the metallic nickel powders can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: A process for producing liquid steel is disclosed. Carbon monoxide and oxygen may be combusted in a high temperature reactor. Iron and iron oxide materials, along with scrap steel if desired, may be placed in the high temperature reactor. Carbon dioxide produced in the high temperature reactor may be circulated through a back reactor vessel. Coke masses may be placed in the back reactor vessel. The coke may be formed by circulating heated carbon monoxide counter current to crushed coal in a rotary kiln. The carbon dioxide circulated through the back reactor vessel reacts with the coke to form carbon monoxide. The carbon monoxide may be conveyed to the high temperature reactor to be combusted with oxygen to produce the heat for forming the liquid steel.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing constituents from a fluid stream is provided. The apparatus includes a duct, a collection device, a sorbent injector, and an acoustic generator. The duct has a fluid passageway to receive a fluid stream having constituents. The collection device filters the fluid stream. The sorbent injector injects a sorbent in the fluid passageway of the duct. The acoustic generator generates an acoustic field in the fluid passageway of the duct to promote sorption of the constituents for collection by the collection device. Additionally, a method is provided for removing constituents from a fluid stream.

Abstract: A fluid-gas separator includes a gas-permeable membrane arranged sufficiently adjacent to a fluid-permeable membrane to allow the separation of fluid and gas flowing therein independent of the orientation of the fluid-gas separator itself.

Abstract: In a plasma air dust collector, the plasma air dust collector includes a first electrode fixing unit and a second electrode fixing unit respectively having a power terminal; at least two dust collecting electrodes; a discharge electrode arranged between the dust collecting electrodes; a terminal protrusion formed at the bottom end of each dust collecting electrode in the length direction; a terminal protrusion insertion hole formed at a side of the first electrode fixing unit; a combining protrusion formed at a side of the first electrode fixing unit and the second electrode fixing unit; and a combining groove formed at the both ends of each dust collecting electrode.

Abstract: A defoaming apparatus comprises, in juxtaposition, a defoaming treatment chamber internally provided with a defoaming unit for defoaming, as a result of a rotation of a impeller in a casing having a suction port and discharge ports, by suctioning foam of a foaming liquid via the suction port of the casing and colliding the suctioned foam against an inner circumferential surface of the casing by centrifugal force of the impeller and a substantially closed-type tank for housing a foaming liquid, wherein the suction port of the defoaming unit is located in a foam phase region of the tank.

Abstract: A metal chelate compound of Formula: (1) or a salt thereof: [A—N?N—B] M (1) wherein: A is a 5- or 6-membered heterocyclic ring other than a triazole ring, optionally carrying one or more substituents; B is of the Formula (2a) or (2b). Formula (2a) (2b) wherein: X, Y and W are substituents other than H; M is a metal chelated to A—N?N—B; and n is 0 to 4.

Abstract: A metal chelate of Formula (1) or salt thereof. Formula (1) wherein: R1 and R2 are each independently H or an organic group; M is a metal; p is 1 to 4; Y is an optionally substituted heterocyclic ring with a nitrogen ortho to the azo bridge; G is a substituent; and n is 0 to 5.

Abstract: Methods of cementing in well bores using cement compositions having elasticity or high compressive strength and low permeability are provided. The cement compositions basically include particulate acid-degradable glass, water, at least one water-soluble polymerizable alkenoic acid monomer, and a water-soluble free-radical initiator.

Abstract: Asphalt-based coating compositions and surfactants. The asphalt-based coating compositions have improved performance and comprise asphalt, clay, and a propoxylated alcohol-based ether amine salt surfactant.

Abstract: An improved process is described for manufacturing zirconia-treated titanium dioxide pigments, wherein the zirconia treatment is accomplished in the process of fluidizing a titanium dioxide filter or press cake and then drying the same, through the addition to the filter or press cake of one or more alkaline water-soluble zirconium reagents selected from ammonium zirconyl carbonate, the water-soluble ammonium zirconyl carboxylates and mixtures of these. Aqueous solutions of such zirconium reagents, in addition to being effective for imparting a zirconia surface treatment to the titanium dioxide materials, also prove to be effective fluidizing agents for forming high solids dispersions of the zirconia-treated titanium dioxide pigment materials which can be spray dried without substantial dilution and excessive energy requirements.

Abstract: A synthesis route to grow textured thin film of gallium nitride on amorphous quartz substrates and on single crystalline substrates such as c-sapphire and polycrystalline substrates such as pyrolytic boron nitride (PBN), alumina and quartz using the dissolution of atomic nitrogen rather than molecular nitrogen to allow for growth at subatmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A cleaning device and method is provided for a glue-spreading element, which spreads glue in a working position onto a material web, in particular a paper web, and which can be moved to a cleaning position inside the cleaning device. At least one scraper element is provided for cleaning the glue-spreading element.

Abstract: Device and method for fabricating a display panel having ink-jet printing applied thereto, the device including a stage for supporting a substrate, a base having one or more than one rail for transporting the stage, and one or more than one ink-jet head rotatable by an angel for spraying a pattern forming solution to the substrate, thereby reducing a fabrication cost and simplifying a fabrication process.

Abstract: A system and method for applying a material for improving the adhesion between the surface of thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) elements and a coating applied thereto is disclosed. The system comprises the mixing of an adhesion promoter with de-ionized water and applying it to the surface of the TPO elements to be coated. Preferably, the application occurs in an atmospherically controlled enclosure. The application of the adhesion promoter is preferably accomplished by flowing the mixture over the TPO elements through an application device that minimizes agitation and splashing of the mixture. Multiple parameters of the application system may be monitored and regulated. Upon completion of the application process, the treated TPO elements are preferably dried in an oven, leaving a thin layer of adhesion promoter over the surface thereof. Use of the application device ensures that minimal defects are present in the dried adhesion promoter layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a wet roll including a body of a roll of wet wound sheet material, where the body of the roll is connected to a tail of the roll, means for applying an adhesion promoter between the body and the tail and means for contacting the body and the tail. The body and tail of the roll contain a wetting solution.

Abstract: The mounting is formed by grinding an integrally molded material with accuracy of the ?m order. An upper portion of the mounting is an L-shaped holding portion on which a slot die is positioned. An upper face of the holding portion contacts a lower face of the slot die, and a side face of the holding portion contacts a rear face of the slot die. The lower and rear faces of the slot die and the upper and side faces of the holding portion are formed to have such a straightness for the total length that the unevenness thereof may be in 5 ?m. Thus the slot die can be held with high accuracy, and the clearance accuracy between the lips and a web can be increased.

Abstract: A deposition apparatus supplies a reactive gas obtained by vaporizing a liquid material at a vaporizer 30 into a chamber 10 via a processing-gas pipe 40 and forms a thin film on a semiconductor wafer W due to a thermal decomposition of the reactive gas. The deposition apparatus is provided, in the processing-gas pipe 40, with a crystal gauge 51 detecting a pressure Pq under the influence of mist in the reactive gas and a capacitance manometer 52 detecting a pressure Pg under no influence of the mist. The apparatus further includes a gasification monitor 50 detecting a quantity of mist in the reactive gas on the basis of a difference ?P between the pressure Pq and the pressure Pg measured by the crystal gauge 51 and the capacitance manometer 52 in order to prevent deposition defects due to the mist in the reactive gas.

Abstract: A liquid coating device and method for coating a coatable composition on a workpiece to form a coating, wherein a parameter indicative of barometric pressure is measured and at least one thickness-affecting process parameter is adjusted in order to compensate for the effects of variations in barometric pressure on coating thickness uniformity.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a method of applying the hydrocarbon barrier inside plastic fuel tanks. The plastic fuel tanks are supported on a carrier in an upright position for movement in a loop through inverted positions. While upright, hot and dry air treats the inside of the plastic fuel tanks followed by injecting SO3 inside the plastic fuel tanks through the nozzles. The SO3 is extracted from the plastic fuel tanks followed by injecting ammonia into the tanks through a second nozzle. After extracting ammonia from the plastic fuel tanks, the tanks are inverted and drained followed by a rinsing with a high pressured water and drying with hot air.

Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacture of chemical vapor deposited domes. The apparatus has a vapor deposition chamber with a plurality of sides, a base and a top where the base has a reactant port for receiving a flow of chemical reactants. A male mandrel is joined to one of a plurality of sides of the deposition chamber such that the flow of chemical reactants in the vapor deposition chamber does not impinge on the mandrel.

Abstract: A process wherein biomass is compacted at 300 kg/m3 by a helical feeder, degassed, flooded, heated, stirred, and pre-hydrolyzed. The sugar being recovered at a first washing within the reactor with values higher than 90%. The control of the process enables one to produce cellulignin with a high specific surface, 2 m2/g (measured by BET), compared with the value of 0.4 m2/g of non-hydrolyzed biomass, maintain crystallinity of the cellulose fibers, aiming at grinding it into fine particles (f<250 mm), globulizing the lignin, exposing the cellulose to attacks by micro-organisms from cud of ruminants, fungi, bacteria or enzymes in microbiological or enzymatic fermentation.

Abstract: A towable sweeping apparatus includes a housing supported by a plurality of surface-engaging wheels and an impeller mounted to the housing and adjustable relative to the surface. The impeller includes a plurality of blades rotatable about an axis. A space permitting air flow is present between a portion closest to the axis of at least one of the plurality of blades and the axis. The towable sweeping apparatus also includes a drive motor inter-operably connected to the impeller and a bin arranged to receive debris collected by the impeller. The bin includes an angulated surface adapted to facilitate removal of debris from the towable sweeping apparatus.

Abstract: A new nitriding process by using a salt bath to produce iron and steel parts having excellent abrasion resistance and corrosion resistance includes forming an iron lithium complex oxide layer at the outermost surface of the iron part by immersing the iron and steel parts in a salt bath containing cationic component of Li, Na and K and anionic components of CNO?and CO32?, where hydroxide compound selected from lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide are added to the salt bath. Materials being in a hydrated state or in a free water containing state can be used for preparation or replenishing of the salt bath. Moistened air of (1×10?2 kg·H2O)/(1 kg dry air) can be used for mixing the salt bath. Containing ratio of Li, Na, K is preferable where a solidifying temperature of the mixture of carbonates of Li, Na, K in that ratio is lower than 500° C.

Abstract: In the swell-welding according to the invention of two bodies, of which at least one body consists of plastic, the connection surface of the plastic body is firstly exposed to a gas which contains the vapor of a swelling agent for the plastic. The plastic body reversibly swollen at the surface is welded to the other body by pressing onto one another, and the pressed-together bodies are conditioned. In all process steps, the temperature of the bodies to be connected is below the glass transition temperature of the plastic. No auxiliary substance remains in the welded body. The flush connection produced by swell welding is durable and strong.

Abstract: A fiber preform for constituting the fiber reinforcement of composite material is prepared and then consolidated by depositing sufficient matrix phase therein to bond the fibers together while not completely densifying the preform. Pins of rigid material are put into place through the consolidated preform and densification of the consolidated preform containing the pins is continued by depositing at least a ceramic matrix phase. Thereafter, at least a portion of each pin is eliminated so as to leave a calibrated perforation passing through the resulting part, the pins being made at least in part out of a material that can be eliminated by applying treatment that does not affect the ceramic material of the matrix.

Abstract: A method of building a tyre includes forming a carcass structure comprising at least one carcass ply, applying a belt structure at a radially external position with respect to the at feast one carcass ply, applying a pair of sidewalls at an axially external position with respect to side surfaces of the at least one carcass ply, applying a tread band to the belt structure at a radially external position of the belt structure, and applying annular stiffening inserts against the side surfaces of the at least one carcass ply before applying the sidewalls. Ends of the at least one carcass ply engage respective circumferentially inextensible annular anchoring structures. Each sidewall extends radially away from one of the annular anchoring structures. Each annular insert extends between one of the annular anchoring structures and a corresponding edge of the belt structure. A tyre for a two-wheeled vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to reduce a high speed FV n-order component of a completed tire by specifying a mounting phase of a raw tire with respect to a vulcanization mold. A variation amount of a total gage of a tread portion of each of non-vulcanized raw tires Pi (i=1 to m) each having a plurality of (k) tire constituent members including a joint portion whose one end and the other end in its circumferential direction are connected to each other, and a high speed FV of each of completed tires Qi (i=1 to m) obtained by vulcanizing and forming the raw tire Pi (i=1 to m) using a vulcanization mold are measured to obtain an estimation equation. Based on the equation, the mounting phase of the raw tire after the m-th can be specified.

Abstract: An energy absorbing system is provided. The system comprises a fitting having a crack inducing surface extending radially outward in relation to an axis. An energy absorbing structural element formed by a hollow body extends along the axis and has a first end adapted to interact with the crack inducing surface of the fitting so as to radially spread the hollow body. Cracks are formed in the hollow body in response to forces applied in a direction substantially parallel to the axis which forces push the crack inducing surface against the first end. The hollow body may have layers of reinforcing flat material embedded in a matrix material and may comprise a single winding of the flat material about the axis. A number of layers of the flat material in the hollow body may be different in different areas.