Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis includes a valve member having an inflow end, an outflow end, and a generally cylindrical sidewall portion extending between the inflow end and the outflow end. The valve member includes at least one leaflet moveable relative to the sidewall portion to provide for substantially unidirectional flow of fluid through the valve member. A support of a substantially flexible material positioned is around the sidewall portion. A strip of pliant material is provided around valve member intermediate the inflow end and the outflow end of the valve member in a generally overlying relationship with the support. A covering is provided over a radially outer exposed surface of at least the strip.

Abstract: An accommodating intraocular lens is provided having optical parameters that are altered in-situ, wherein an optic portion of the lens includes an actuator that deflects a lens element to alter the optical power of the lens, responsive to forces applied to a haptic portion to the lens by contraction of the ciliary muscles. Forces applied to the haptic portion may result in fluid displacements from or to the haptic portion from the actuator. Displacement of fluid to the actuator may either increase or reduce the degree of deflection imposed on the lens element by the actuator.

Abstract: An assembly of a gauge block and tool for determining the size and shape of space between two adjacent vertebrae. There are a plurality of gauge blocks of different sizes and shapes for determining the vertebral space for subsequent insertion of a permanent artificial spinal disc. As such, a kit with vertebral gauge blocks is disclosed. A method of providing the assembly is also included herein.

Abstract: A prosthetic joint kit that is particularly well suited for an elbow. In each of the various embodiments, the prosthetic joint kit transmits load through the prosthetic joint through a pair of spherically shaped bearing surfaces so as to transmit load over a relatively large area rather than at a point or over a line of contact. The prosthetic joint kit may be configured in a modular manner wherein a plurality of interchangeable stem structures, being structures and/or bearing inserts of various types are available. Construction in this manner enables a surgeon to configure the prosthetic joint to best suit the needs of the patient. For example, the surgeon may employ a modular flange for compressing a bone graft, a tissue fastener for securing soft tissue to a portion of the prosthetic joint, a cam for limiting the amount by which the prosthetic joint articulates or a bearing insert for tailoring the degree of varus/valgus constraint.

Abstract: An implant for improved engagement between modular components is provided. The implant includes a body member for insertion, in use, in a natural femoral neck; and a rod for insertion, in use, in the intramedullary canal of a femur. The body member has a first engagement surface and the rod has a second engagement surface such that the first and second engagement surfaces are configured for complementary engagement with each other. One of the first or second engagement surfaces may be a protrusion while the other of the first or second engagement surfaces may be a recess for receiving the protrusion. The implant may further include a locking member, a stabilizing member and a guide means. A domed head portion is provided for attachment to a medial end of the body member and insertion, in use, in a natural or prosthetic acetabulum.

Abstract: Formaldehyde-free durable press finished textiles having cross-linked polymaleate finishes are provided. The finish comprises a cross-linked polymaleate having a crosslinked adjunct selected from the group having the formula: wherein R is independently H, OH, OM, or a unit having the formula: and mixtures thereof; X is H, OH, or OSO3M, M is H, a salt forming cation, and mixtures thereof; the indices x, y, and z are each independently from 0 to about 7; x+z is greater than or equal to 1, Q is H, OH, OM but not H when both x and z are greater than or equal to 1 and the textile has a durable press rating of at least about 3.0 and a tensile strength retention of greater than 40%.

Abstract: Keratinic fibers are dyed with a two-component agent for tinting and/or dyeing keratinic fibers comprising a first preparation (A) comprising at least one direct-absorbing dye and/or at least one precursor of a nature-analogous dye, and a second preparation (B) containing at least one conditioning substance, wherein the two preparations are packaged separately from one another in the chambers of a two-chamber tube. The chamber openings in the tube are oriented in such a way that the contents of each of the chambers are emitted simultaneously into a common space.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel bis-triazinylaminostilbene amphoteric fluorescent whitening agents, comprising both individual components and mixtures thereof, a process for their preparation, intermediates useful for their prepartion and use of the fluorescent whitening agents for the fluorescents whitening of paper.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of purifying a pesticide that includes: a) melting a pesticide, wherein the pesticide includes at least one active ingredient and at least one impurity capable of inhibiting crystallization; b) coating the pesticide on a substrate to form a pesticide particle; c) substantially reducing the amount of crystallization inhibiting impurity by an azeotropic method; and d) crystallizing the pesticide. In another embodiment, the present invention includes a method of purifying a pesticide as described above, such that the pesticide has a melting point of not more than about 90° C. Also included in the invention is the product produced by the above process for the pesticide, methyl N-(2-{[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]oxymethyl}phenyl)N-methoxy carbamate.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method adapted for shielding and removing fine particles for a portable camera module generated during a portable camera module fabricating process. The portable camera module includes an image sensor and an infrared ray filter. The apparatus includes a tape attaching device for attaching a surface protective tape on a surface of the infrared ray filter so as to prevent fine particles from being attached to the surface of the infrared ray filter, and a tape detaching device movably installed above the surface protective tape in order to detach the surface protective tape having fine particles shielded from the surface of the infrared ray filter. The fine particles are attached to the surface protective tape, which remains shielding the surface of the infrared ray filter during the holder attaching, primary heat treatment, secondary heat treatment, and under filling processes are subsequently carried out.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing electric double layer capacitors is disclosed. The method assumes a model in which solute is dissolved in solvent before preparing electrolyte, and estimates a withstanding voltage through a simulation. The electrolyte, of which withstanding voltage is expected to exceed a target value, is selectively prepared. The method adjusts respective surface areas of the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the capacitor for making full use of the withstanding voltage of the electrolyte. According to this method, a time for developing electrolyte can be substantially shortened, and an electric double layer capacitor having a high withstanding voltage can be efficiently developed.

Abstract: A miniature solid electrolytic capacitor is provided, which is suitable for being disposed within an electrically insulating layer, and is connected to other component using an electrically conductive adhesive with a connection resistance at an anode low and with connection reliability improved. Specifically, the electrolytic capacitor includes a valve metal element for an anode 10 having a capacitor forming part 10A and an electrode lead part 10B, a dielectric oxide film 11 formed on the valve element, a solid electrolyte layer 12 formed on the dielectric oxide film 11 and a charge collecting element for a cathode 13 formed on the solid electrolyte layer 12, wherein at least one through hole 15 is formed in the electrode lead part 10B so as to expose a core 10C of the valve metal element, and an exposed portion 10D of the core is used for connecting portion.

Abstract: A composition and associated methods for chemical mechanical planarization (or other polishing) are described. The composition may comprise an abrasive and a dispersed hybrid organic/inorganic particle. The composition may further comprise an alkyne compound. Two different methods for chemical mechanical planarization are disclosed. In one method (Method A), the CMP slurry composition employed in the method comprises comprise an abrasive and a dispersed hybrid organic/inorganic particle. In another method (Method B), the CMP slurry composition employed in the method comprises comprise an abrasive and an alkyne compound. The composition may further comprise an oxidizing agent in which case the composition is particularly useful in conjunction with the associated methods (A and B) for metal CMP applications (e.g., tungsten CMP).

Abstract: An auxiliary dust collection system can be interposed between a sander or other dust producing tool and a vacuum source, e.g., shop vacuum. A cyclonic separator is connected by a flexible hose to the tool and by another hose to the vacuum source. The cone of the separator is mounted onto the lid of a drum into which the dust precipitates. For a tool that has its own blower, the vacuum source can be omitted, and the air leaving the outlet duct of the separator can be filtered and returned to the ambient. A drop in silencer formed of a sleeve or tube of acoustic foam can be positioned into the inlet side of a filter cartridge following a cyclonic separator. The silencer absorbs a significant fraction of the process noise. The acoustic foam can have a textured surface on the sound-facing side.

Abstract: The invention relates to dirt separator module comprising a dirt-separation housing having an inlet and an outlet opening and defining a cyclonic airflow separator, and a suction source fluidly connected with the dirt-separation housing. A separator plate and a cylindrical wall of the dirt-separation housing form a toroidal cyclonic airflow chamber in the dirt-separator for aiding in the separation of dirt from a suction airstream developed by the suction source. The separator plate has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical wall of the dirt-separation housing, creating a gap between the outer edge of the separator plate and the inner wall of the dirt tank. A further embodiment includes dual cyclonic separators fluidly connected through a filter assembly. A further embodiment includes a cyclonic separator in the form of a tangential helical ramp.

Abstract: A filter assembly for a removable dirt separation system is disclosed. The filter assembly includes a wall support attached to a wall of the dirt separation system and a screen panel having a number of screen elements. The filter assembly further includes a filter element which is selectively releasable from the screen panel. The screen panel and filter element can be selectively secured to the wall support. A fine particle separation chamber is at least partially defined by the screen elements and the filter element. A portion of the walls of a dirt cup within the dirt separation system is formed by the filter assembly. A method of operating a filter assembly for a removable dirt separation system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A filter is provided by a panel filter element having a perimeter gasket having sealing planes axially between inlet and outlet axial ends of the panel filter element and having a merge point with the panel filter element axially between the sealing planes.

Abstract: A honeycomb filter includes an array of interconnecting porous walls which define an array of first channels and second channels. The first channels are bordered on their sides by the second channels and have a larger hydraulic diameter than the second channels. The first channels have a square cross-section, with corners of the first channels having a shape such that the thickness of the porous walls adjoining the corners of the first channels is comparable to the thickness of the porous walls adjoining edges of the first and second channels.

Abstract: Device for treatment of a gas flow having at least one body (3) that is adapted to cause a conversion in the composition of the gas. The device is characterized in that the body (3) has a modular construction comprising a plurality of sections (26, 26?, 27, 27?, 36) with different internal structures that allow gas to flow through the section, and that the sections (26, 26?, 27, 27?, 36) are arranged so that at least a portion of the gas flows through at least two sections with different internal structures during operation of the device.

Abstract: The invention includes a cermet composition represented by the formula (PQ) (RS) comprising: a ceramic phase (PQ) and a binder phase (RS) wherein, P is a metal selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Fe, Mn and mixtures thereof, Q is carbonitride, R is a metal selected from the group consisting of Fe, Ni, Co, Mn and mixtures thereof, S comprises at least one element selected from Cr, Al, Si and Y.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a metal powder composition for the powder metal industry, wherein the metal powder is selected from the group consisting of an atomized iron-based powder or a sponge iron powder, and a lubricant composition comprising glyceryl stearate.

Abstract: A particle producing apparatus includes a reaction container, an introduction portion for introducing a source gas and a reaction inhibitor generating gas into the reaction container, an inert gas introduction portion for introducing a carrier gas into the reaction container, a heater provided on the reaction container, and an exhaust portion. The growth of particles is controlled using a particle producing reaction and a reverse reaction.

Abstract: A fluidic switching device is particularly for use in chromatography is described. The device allows a rapid switching between chromatographic columns; particularly, in gas chromatography.

Abstract: An engine exhaust gas cleaning apparatus is provided to minimize torque shock as during regeneration of an exhaust gas cleaning device. The engine exhaust gas cleaning apparatus comprises a fuel delivery device that delivers fuel to an engine at a lean excess air ratio during normal operation of the engine; a NOx trapping catalytic converter that adsorbs NOx from the exhaust gas during the lean operation; a regeneration control section that adjusts the excess air ratio to a rich target value to regenerate the NOx trapping catalytic converter; a feedback control section that feedback-controls the fuel delivery quantity to hold the excess air ratio at the target value during regeneration; a feedback control restricting section that restricts the feedback control during regeneration until the difference between the target value and the actual excess air ratio is less than a prescribed value.

Abstract: A composition of and a method of making high performance hollow fiber membranes is described. The membranes have a high resistance to plasticization by use of a predetermined amount of crosslinking. The preferred polymer material for the membrane is a polyimide polymer comprising covalently bonded ester crosslinks. The resultant hollow fiber membrane exhibits a high permeability of CO2 in combination with a high CO2/CH4 selectivity. Another embodiment provides a method of making the hollow fiber membrane from a monesterified polymer followed by final crosslinking after hollow fiber formation.

Abstract: A water base ink for ink-jet recording is provided, which makes it possible to secure a high recording quality with a sharp image area edge by avoiding any blurring even when recording is performed on regular paper and which has satisfactory purge restoration performance. Therefore, no bubble remains in an ink flow passage, and no discharge failure is caused. Further, the discharge operation never becomes unstable. In the water base ink for ink-jet recording, the surface tension is not less than 40 mN/m, and the amount of dissolved oxygen is not more than 4 mg/L.

Abstract: A second ink to be used in combination with a first ink for use in an ink jet recording apparatus having a first opening to which the first ink is supplied, a second opening to which the second ink is supplied, and a cover member with which the first opening and the second opening are covered to form a closed space, the first ink having a molar fraction of water of N (%) to a water soluble compound having a molecular weight of 300 or less, in which the second ink has a molar fraction of water that is different from N (%) and is N?5 (%) or more and N+5 (%) or less.

Abstract: An ink jet ink is disclosed which includes water, a water-soluble organic solvent and a coloring material and has excellent properties. The coloring material is a specific phthalocyanine derivative and is contained in a specific amount in the ink. The water-soluble organic solvent includes a specific amount of 2-pyrrolidone. In addition, a d75 value is in a specific range where the d75 value corresponds to 75% of a dispersion distance distribution, measured by a small angle X-ray scattering method, of molecular aggregates in the ink jet ink whose coloring material concentration is adjusted to 0.5 mass %.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to dye sets for formulating ink-jet inks, including ink sets having six ink-jet inks. In one embodiment, the dye set can comprise a yellow dye for formulating a yellow ink, a pair of magenta dyes for formulating a magenta ink and a pale magenta ink, a pair of cyan dyes for formulating a cyan ink and a pale cyan ink, and a black dye for formulating a black ink-jet ink. The pair of magenta dyes can be a transition metal-containing azo dye and a non-metallized dye. The pair of cyan dyes can be a first copper phthalocyanine dye and a second copper phthalocyanine dye that is different than the first copper phthalocyanine dye.

Abstract: To provide an ink jet black ink which has a favorable tint for ink jet black ink, provides high ozone fastness, a high image density, and high sticking recovery property, and is capable of suppressing the decomposition of a compound represented by the following general formula (I) or a salt thereof at the time of storage for a long time period. The ink jet black ink is an ink jet black ink comprising at least a compound represented by the following general formula (I) or a salt thereof as a coloring material, and ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol, wherein the content of ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol is 15 mass % or more and 30 mass % or less with respect to the total mass of the ink jet black ink.

Abstract: A water base ink for ink-jet recording is provided, which is excellent in time-dependent stability of ink characteristics, which can be stably jetted over a long period of time, and which makes it possible to perform the high quality recording. The water base ink for ink-jet recording contains a self-dispersing type water-insoluble particulate coloring agent, a compound represented by the following formula (1), a surfactant having a nitrogen atom in a molecule, water, and a water-soluble organic solvent, wherein a surface tension is 30 to 50 mN/m, and a ratio of change of the surface tension after storage at 60° C. for 2 weeks is less than 5%: R1—O—(CH2CH2O)x—SO3Na??(1) wherein R1 represents an alkyl group and x is 20 to 30 in the formula (1).

Abstract: A water base ink for ink-jet recording to be used for an ink-jet recording apparatus having an ink-jet head comprises a self-dispersing type coloring agent, water, and a water-soluble organic solvent. The surface tension of the ink is 30 to 50 mN/M, the advancing contact angle with respect to the jetting surface of the ink-jet head is not less than 65°, the receding contact angle is not less than 55°, and the difference between the advancing contact angle and the receding contact angle is not more than 20°. It is possible to jet the ink stably, it is possible to form a sharp recorded image with less blur, and it is possible to obtain the recorded image excellent in water resistance.

Abstract: Food grade ink jet inks which include food grade pigments, food grade lower alcohols, 1,2-propanediol, and shellacs are provided. Also provided are methods for making the ink jet inks and edible substrates having the food grade ink jet inks applied to a surface thereof. In some embodiments, the food grade ink jet inks contain at least about 20 wt. % propanediol.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to process for producing titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigments, comprising the following steps: a) oxidizing a mixture of titanium tetrahalide and a rutile forming agent, such as aluminum halide, present in the vapor phase and in the presence of a nucleant to form a gaseous suspension comprising titanium dioxide particles; b) passing the gaseous suspension to a cooling conduit; c) introducing scouring material into the cooling conduit; wherein the particles of the scouring material have a diameter in the range of about 0.25 mm to about 12.7 mm; d) separating the vapor phase to form a powder comprising the titanium dioxide particles and the scouring material; and e) simultaneously subjecting the powder to substantially uniform heating at a temperature of about 300° C. to about 600° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pre-blend cement for general-purpose concrete construction containing Class-F fly ash, Class-C fly ash or slag, and less than about 5 percent (w/w) of sodium thiocyanate (NaSCN) and/or calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2), as a substantial replacement for cement. The sodium thiocyanate and/or calcium nitrate are additives for improved high early strength and accelerated setting times, thereby allowing the concrete structure to be put into service sooner, reducing labor cost, and allowing precast concrete and concrete masonry manufacturers to achieve rapid form and mold turnover.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of a substantially fluid phase substrate by heterogeneous contact of the substrate or a fragment or derivative thereof with a substantially solid phase agent wherein the solid phase agent is comprised as a surface of a support element or part thereof and the support element is adapted to rotate around an axis such that the solid phase agent provides a rotating surface or part thereof and the substrate provides a film flowing substantially radially outward from the axis in dynamic contact with the agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing high-quality crystals of protein or organic substances easily and efficiently. A solution of protein or an organic substance is prepared and then is cooled slowly to be supersaturated to a low degree. This supersaturated solution is irradiated with a femtosecond laser 10. A local explosion phenomenon occurs at the focal point of the laser and thereby a crystalline nucleus is generated. A high-quality crystal is obtained when a crystal is grown on the crystalline nucleus over a long period of time. The femtosecond laser to be used herein can be a titanium:sapphire laser having a wavelength of 800 nm, a duration of 120 fs, a frequency of 1 kHz, and an output of 400 mW.

Abstract: A device for the metered distribution of glue on an end edge of a log, a log or a core for log comprising a feed (26) for logs (19) or cores (25) towards a wire (12) wound in a closed circuit on at least two end pulleys (13), at least one of which is continuously rotated by a gearmotor (14), a means for the delivery of glue under pressure (30, 40) located above said wire (12) in a position upstream of a wire branch designed to release a strip (21) of glue on an end edge (18) of a log (19), a log (19) or a core (25) for log, in addition to an element (15) for recovery of the glue (20) arranged below a return branch of the wire.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying powder coating material onto large objects such as automotive, truck or other vehicle bodies includes a powder spray booth defining a controlled area within which to apply powder coating material onto the vehicle bodies, a powder kitchen located at a remote position from the powder spray booth, and, a number of feed hoppers located proximate the booth which receive powder coating material from the powder kitchen and supply it to automatically or manually manipulated powder spray guns associated with the booth. Oversprayed powder coating material is removed from the booth interior by a powder collection and recovery system which transmits the oversprayed powder back to the powder kitchen for recirculation to the powder spray guns.

Abstract: A device (10) for the direct or indirect application of liquid or pasty application medium (16) to one or both sides of a material web (20), in particular of paper or board, comprises an applicator unit (12) which discharges the application medium (16) onto the material web (20) in the form of a free application medium jet (18). In this case, in the region of the applicator unit (12) there is provided a device (30) for producing an electric field, which exerts on the application medium jet (18) moving from the applicator unit (12) to the material web (20) a force which assists its movement. Additionally or alternatively, edge guiding elements can be provided, which guide the lateral edges of the application medium curtain (18) at least on part of its movement under the force of gravity.

Abstract: A vacuum processing apparatus includes a vacuum processing chamber having a processing table for supporting an object to be processed and carrying out processing using a gas. The vacuum processing chamber has an axisymmetric structure, including a double wall structure, and a gate valve for sealing an opening through which the object enters the processing chamber.

Abstract: Ammonia-free, HF-free cleaning compositions for cleaning photoresist and plasma ash residues from microelectronic substrates, and particularly to such cleaning compositions useful with and having improved compatibility with microelectronic substrates characterized by sensitive porous and low-k to high-k dielectrics and copper metallization. The cleaning composition contain one or more non-ammonium producing, non-HF producing fluoride salt (non ammonium, quaternary ammonium fluoride salt) in a suitable solvent matrix.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the improved combined edge bead removal and backside wash of spin coated semiconductor wafers is disclosed. This is preferably accomplished by providing a nozzle having a plurality of outlets adapted for the ejection of a cleaning fluid onto the backside of a semiconductor wafer. This cleaning fluid can be EEP or a similar EBR type of solvent. This dual outlet nozzle can be mounted to a stationary EBR arm, and preferably comprises two outlets located on a beveled top surface that are separated at a predetermined angle. The angle of this beveled top surface with respect to a horizontal plane of the processed wafer is preferably about 45 degrees, while the angle of each nozzle outlet with respect to a primary axis of the stationary EBR arm is also preferably about 45 degrees. Other angles are also possible in order to maximize solvent jet efficiency.

Abstract: A method for treating CIP equipment is provided according to the present invention. The CIP equipment includes process equipment. The method includes steps of treating the CIP equipment with a multiple phase treating composition comprising a treating liquid phase and a treating gaseous phase and rinsing the CIP equipment with a multiple phase rinsing composition comprising a rinsing liquid phase and a rinsing gaseous phase.

Abstract: A steel sheet with a thickness of at least 0.30 mm is made of an ultra-low carbon steel with a chemical composition including C: at most 0.010%, Si: at most 0.5%, Mn: at most 1.5%, P: at most 0.12%, S: at most 0.030%, Ti: at most 0.10%, Al: at most 0.08%, and N: at most 0.0080%. The total number of non-metallic inclusions observed under a microscope in sixty fields in a sample prepared in accordance with JIS G0555 is at most 20. During manufacture of the steel, the amount of FeO+MnO in slag in a ladle at the time of continuous casting is controlled to at most 15%, and the throughput at the time of casting is made at most 5 tons per minute. The steel sheet does not develop pin hole defects or press cracks caused by inclusions when used for applications such as motor housings or oil filter housings requiring severe press forming.

Abstract: An orthogonal stitch-weave method and fiber architecture. The architecture allows near-net-shape composite preforms to be fabricated, thereby reducing costs associated with complex preform shapes and increasing desired strengths of the composite.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a connection for composite tubing is disclosed. The method includes maintaining tension on the composite fibers while “winding in” the connector to the composite tubing. The tension on the fibers results in the fibers bridging across traps of the connector as they are being wound. The bridging results in improved load bearing characteristics of the connection.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fabric label, a method of making a label, a method of marking a garment, and a tool for inserting a marker. The label preferably has a closed or essentially closed pocket, into which a marker, such as an electronic article surveillance (EAS) or radio frequency identification device (RFID) marker is inserted after the pocket has been formed. In one embodiment the marker is inserted through a slit in the pocket and in other embodiment the marker is inserted into a closed pocket by a hollow needle which has penetrated through a wall of the pocket.

Abstract: A method of making stretchable absorbent articles includes the steps of providing a continuous substrate layer, providing one or more streams of adhesive fibers and superabsorbent particles, shaping the one or more streams of adhesive fibers and superabsorbent particles, depositing the adhesive fibers and superabsorbent particles on the substrate layer to form a plurality of shaped absorbent cores bound to the substrate layer, and separating the absorbent cores from each other. The absorbent cores thus formed do not prevent stretching of the substrate layer. The combination of absorbent core and substrate layer can be used in a wide variety of personal care absorbent articles and medical absorbent articles.

Abstract: A method for encapsulating a cellulose based substrate with polymeric films involves heating the respective films using a non-electrogmagnetic radiation heating source and providing a pressure differential between an environment defined between the films and an environment external to the films so that conformance of the film to the cellulose based substrate is promoted. The cellulose based substrate is entirely encapsulated by the films and the films are sealed around the peripheral edges of the container as well as edges that are defined adjacent slots and cutouts.