Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides vision prosthesis systems. Exemplary vision prosthesis systems of the invention comprise a light energy generator operably connected to a wearable head piece comprising a device for directing light energy produced by the light energy generator onto a mammalian retina, wherein the light energy generator is tuned to emit light energy of sufficient power to modulate neural activity in the retina. In another aspect, the invention provides methods for irradiating neurons in the retina of the mammalian eye by directing light energy produced by a light energy generator onto a mammalian retina. The methods of the invention may be used to directly modulate the activity of retinal neurons or to introduce molecules into retinal cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the internal body temperature of a patient. According to the present invention, a catheter is inserted through an incision into a large blood vessel of a patient. By selectively heating or cooling a portion of the catheter lying within the blood vessel, heat may be transferred to or from blood flowing within the vessel and the patient's body temperature may thereby be increased or decreased as desired. The invention will find use in treating undesirable conditions of hypothermia and hyperthermia, or for inducing a condition of artificial hypothermia when desired.

Abstract: A device and method for providing body cooling. The cooling device applies cooling to blood flowing in a vena cavae that is then distributed throughout the body. The cooling can be assisted by use of thermoregulatory drugs or warming devices to prevent shivering and vasoconstriction.

Abstract: A very small diameter intravascular stent device which may be used in balloon angioplasty or in the treatment of an aneurysm in the human brain, which is comprised of a thin-walled skeletal cylindrical tube formed of undulating or sinusoidal elements which, when compressed, nest tightly with each other.

Abstract: An encased stent that discourages restenosis by having a homogenous endothelial cell lining along the inner wall of the stent. The endothelial cell lining may be coated on the stent before the stent is placed in the artery, or the endothelial cell lining may be grown after placement by several factors that encourage such growth and discourage restenosis. The endothelial cells to coat the stent may be genetically modified to enhance the growth of the endothelial cells into a homogeneous lining. The stent has a continuous lining in the form of a multi-layer polymer coating, including a conducting biocorrosion inhibiting layer and a continuous film of polyurethane coupled by a coupling agent to polyethylene glycol. Various drugs and cell factors may be incorporated into the lining, such as anti-thrombin, anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant drugs, cell cycle inhibitors, and vascular endothelial growth factors.

Abstract: A device for treatment of mitral annulus dilatation comprises an elongate body having two states. In a first of these states the elongate body is insertable into the coronary sinus and has a shape adapting to the shape of the coronary sinus. When positioned in the coronary sinus, the elongate body is transferable to the second state assuming a reduced radius of curvature, whereby the radius of curvature of the coronary sinus and the radius of curvature as well as the circumference of the mitral annulus is reduced.

Abstract: An intravascular support device includes a support or reshaper wire, a proximal anchor and a distal anchor. The support wire engages a vessel wall to change the shape of tissue adjacent the vessel in which the intravascular support is placed. The anchors and support wire are designed such that the vessel in which the support is placed remains open and can be accessed by other devices if necessary. The device provides a minimal metal surface area to blood flowing within the vessel to limit the creation of thrombosis. The anchors can be locked in place to secure the support within the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for supporting a heart valve at an annulus of an implantation site. The apparatus includes a base portion operative to maintain a circumferential dimension thereof. A plurality of fingers extend axially and radially outwardly from the first end of the support element. A heart valve can be located within the apparatus to provide a prosthesis that can be suturelessly implanted at an annulus of a patient.

Abstract: A method for direct therapeutic treatment of myocardial tissue in a localized region of a heart having a pathological condition. The method includes identifying a target region of the myocardium and applying material directly and substantially only to at least a portion of the myocardial tissue of the target region through transseptal delivery. The material applied results in a physically modification the mechanical properties, including stiffness, of said tissue. Various devices and modes of practicing the method are disclosed for stiffening, restraining and constraining myocardial tissue for the treatment of conditions including myocardial infarction or mitral valve regurgitation. The novel treatment may be combined with prior art diagnostic and therapeutic techniques employing transseptal delivery methods.

Abstract: System of intervertebral prostheses which comprise a prosthesis core (5) and two cover plates (4, 6) which enclose the prosthesis core (5) by way of internal engaging surfaces (7). The system includes corrective cover plates (6) whose vertebral contact surface (12) is lengthened in the AP direction dorsally beyond the extent of standard prostheses (4). In sagittal section, the corrective cover plates are dorsally thickened, in particular wedge-shaped. The inner face (11) of the part (10) constituting the dorsal lengthening is beveled or recessed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vertebral body placeholder having a cylindrical inner body (14), which can be telescopically inserted into a coaxially arranged, sleeve-shaped outer body (16). A detent device that works in one direction is arranged between the inner body (14) and the outer body (16). A number of detent projections (22) are arranged in succession in an axial direction and form a row (20) of detent projections. A number of detent notches (26) are arranged in succession in an axial direction while corresponding to the row (20) of detent projections. Said detent notches form a row (24) of detent notches that completely or partially accommodate the row (20) of detent projections. The invention also relates to a method for assembling said vertebral body placeholder. The aim of the invention is to create a vertebral body placeholder whose overall height can be easily and reliably adjusted, particularly, during implantation.

Abstract: One embodiment of a hollow spinal spacer (10) includes a curved anterior wall (11) having opposite ends (12, 13), a posterior wall (15) having opposite ends (16, 17), two lateral walls (20, 21), each integrally connected between the opposite ends (12, 13, 16, 17) of the anterior (11) and posterior (15) walls to define a chamber (30). The walls (11, 15, 20, 21) include a superior face (35) and an inferior face (40). The superior face (35) defines a first opening (36) in communication with the chamber (30) and includes a first vertebral engaging surface (37). The inferior face (40) defines a second opening (41) in communication with the chamber (30) and includes a second vertebral engaging surface (42).

Abstract: Disclosed are a femoral stem for artificial coxal articulation, in which portions of the femoral stem interfering with and contacting an insertion in the joint movement of the femoral stem are removed from the femoral stem so as to maximize the range of the joint movement thereof while maintaining the cross sectional area thereof, and a method for processing a neck portion of the femoral stem. The method includes cutting symmetrical portions of the outer circle of a circular rod to form cutting planes inwardly inclined such that the cutting planes contact a virtual inner circle having the same center as that of the outer circle; and rounding a portion between the cutting planes along the inner circle so that the inner part of the outer circle is shorter than the outer part of the outer circle.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use as direct dyeing agent of at least one tetra-azapentamethine compound, a dyeing composition comprising at least such a compound, as well as a method for dyeing keratinous fibers, in particular human keratinous fibers and more particularly hair, which consists in applying at least one composition comprising such a compound. The composition also concerns tetra-azapentamethine compounds of formula (I). The invention further concerns a method for bleaching such compounds, as well as bleaching keratinous fibers previously dyed therewith.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to novel secondary para-phenylenediamine compounds comprising N-alkylfluorine, to a process for preparing them, to a composition for dyeing keratin fibers, for example human keratin fibers such as the hair, comprising, in a medium that is suitable for dyeing, at least one secondary para-phenylenediamine compound comprising N-alkylfluorine as disclosed, to a process for dyeing keratin fibers with the disclosed compositions, and also to a dyeing “kit” comprising the dyeing compositions.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus for positioning a substrate. The positioning apparatus includes a setting system which selectively sets one of a center of the substrate and a specific portion of an edge of the substrate as a positioning reference in accordance with information inputted to the positioning apparatus, and a positioning system which positions the substrate based on a position of the positioning reference set by the setting system.

Abstract: There is described a fuel composition which is substantially free of alkoxylated compounds and is substantially free of long-chain alkyl alcohols having at least 6 C atoms, and contains at least 95% by volume of a hydrocarbon-based fuel and 0.1 to 5% by volume of an additive of the formula (I); R—CO—NR1R2 (I) in which R is a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched alkyl radical having 6 to 21 C atoms; and R1 and R2, which may be the same or different, each represent a hydroxyalkyl radical having 1 to 4 atoms.

Abstract: A filter bypass valve is disposed in parallel with an aircraft cabin air filtration system air filter. During normal operation, air is filtered through the air filter at an air flow that meets air flow requirements of the system. The bypass valve is designed to remain closed during normal use, and to open if the differential pressure across the air filter reaches a predetermined opening differential pressure to allow airflow to be partially or fully diverted around the air filter.

Abstract: The invention describes a device for separating dust and dirt out of flowing media. A curved flow path (1) is imposed on the flow (21), and heavy foreign bodies are separated out of the main flow by centrifugal force. The partial stream required to carry away the foreign bodies is aftertreated in a filter (11) and returned in purified form. Unlike with conventional filters, which have to process the entire flow of media, pressure losses during the separation of dust are minimized, and on the other hand no medium is lost for removing the dust load.

Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner includes an inlet port through which a suctioned air stream including dirt particles pass and a centrifugal separation member having a substantially circular space therein. The centrifugal separation member has a swirl portion to swirl the dust-laden suction air stream along an inner surface of the centrifugal separation member. By forming swirl passageway between the swirl portion and the inner surface of the centrifugal separation member, the high velocity swirling air stream can be made and consequently an efficiency of separating the dirt particles from the suction air and collecting the dirt particles can be improved.

Abstract: A biofiltration apparatus and method for reducing methyl bromide concentration in a volume of a gas are disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing and a substrate component located in the housing. The substrate component includes a population of methyl bromide degrading microorganisms. The housing receives a volume of contaminated gas, such as exhaust from a fumigation site, through a contaminated gas inlet. The contaminated gas is exposed to the methyl bromide degrading microorganisms where the methyl bromide is biodegraded. The filtered gas, or the gas with a reduced methyl bromide concentration, is then directed out of the housing. The apparatus may also include a contaminated gas load dampening device.

Abstract: A separator placed in a mist collection system prior to a final air cleaning stage, and is configured to remove a substantial portion of the mist from the air. The separator includes stationary vanes in a cylindrical housing to establish a cyclonic flow therethrough, an annular flow restriction collar to establish a liquid collection area at the downstream end of the housing, a drain for discharge of the liquid from the collection area, and a flow interrupter to direct the swirling liquid into the drain.

Abstract: A heater and/or demister device D for installing in a heater and/or demister circuit of a vehicle. The device D is provided with a fan 7 for producing a flow of warm air from a flow of ambient air and a flow of compressed hot air taken from an engine of the vehicle. The device comprises a cylindrical outer body 9 surrounding the fan 7 and an impeller 3, the impeller 3 being fed with the flow of compressed hot air and driving the fan 7.

Abstract: A highly efficient vapor/liquid separation apparatus for treating a flow of vapor/liquid mixtures of hydrocarbons and steam comprises a substantially cylindrical vertical drum having an upper cap section, a middle section comprising a circular wall, a lower cap section, a tangential inlet to introduce hydrocarbon/steam mixtures, an overhead vapor outlet, and a bottom outlet for liquid. The vessel also comprises an annular structure located in the middle section, comprising i) an annular ceiling section extending from the circular wall and ii) a concentric internal vertical side wall to which the ceiling section extends. The annular structure blocks upward passage of vapor/liquid mixtures along the circular wall beyond the ceiling section, and surrounds an open core having sufficient cross-sectional area to permit vapor velocity low enough to avoid significant entrainment of liquid.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical filter element incorporating nonsymmetrical or asymmetrical V-pleated media. The V-pleated media provides increased filter media per given filter volume, extended filter life, and a smaller filter for equivalent filter life. A smaller filter is generally beneficial for some applications such as aircraft, due to its lower weight. Various features of the filter include asymmetric variable pleat heights applied to a cylindrical or obround filter; defined pleat spacing applied to a variable pleat height element; optimal pleat density; and optimal shape of inlet and outlet.

Abstract: An air filter assembly including abutting, cylindrical housing halves, with toothed outer ends, joined via spaced, T-shaped appendages; a cylindrical air inlet of abutting semi-cylindrical housing inlet portions; a primary filter pack, for slip-fit insertion into either housing half, having an end cap integral with a cylindrical primary filter pack having sealing material on its inner end; a filter outlet end with a toothed peripheral portion, for slip-fit insertion into and angular adjustment relative to either housing end, and a plurality of ribs defining locating surfaces for an air outlet portion, and main and safety filters; the latter having a truncated cone body and an inverted conical portion; and a filter attachment base having curved bed portions, for receiving a housing periphery portion, including spaced support pads and slot portions for angularly adjustably receiving like numbers of T-shaped appendages, with a locking mechanism joining the housing and attachment base.

Abstract: A filter block for filtering particles contained in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine includes a plurality of channels for the circulation of the gas, a channel defined by a wall provided with a filtering zone and which opens out towards the outside via an opening, a group of channels including at least two channels with different respective F/P ratios between surface F of the filtering zone and surface P of the wall. One channel of the group of channels includes an opening whose surface O is larger than the surface F of the filtering zone of the channel.

Abstract: Ceramic particles, fine particles having smaller average particle diameter smaller than that of the ceramic particles and a reduction-resistant material are mixed to obtain a puddle. The reduction-resistant material is a material that is reduced by carbon at a higher temperature as compared with a temperature at which an oxide (for example, silica) of an element contained in the ceramic particles is reduced. The average particle diameter of the ceramic particles is preferably about in a range of 5 to 100 ?m and the average particle diameter of the fine particles is preferably about in a range of 0.1 to 10 ?m. The reduction-resistant material is, for example, alumina. This puddle is extrusion molded into a honeycomb filter and the molded object is sintered at about 1600 to 2200° C.

Abstract: A filter medium includes at least a first and a second layer. Both first and second layers have a layer volume VLq and a layer filtering surface SLq, where SLq is the accumulation of all mantle surfaces of the fibers present in this layer q. The first layer has a SL1/VL1-ratio of less than 32500 m2/m3, and the second layer has a SL2/VL2-ratio being more than 1.1×SL1/VL1.

Abstract: The invention is a filter for gaseous media in which nano alumina fibers and second fibers are arranged in a matrix to create asymmetrical pores. The filter is a high efficiency, high capacity particulate filter that intercepts pathogens and other particulate matter from gaseous media, including vapor-suspended particles. The new filter has an improved retention of water-aerosolized particles as compared to conventional HEPA filters and may be used as a pre-filter that extends the life of HEPA filters by about five to ten times. The invention is also a method of manufacturing and using the filter.

Abstract: A method for the production of solid particles from a liquid medium includes the steps of forming a liquid film between an impact screen and an impact mass, the screen having an opening therethrough, moving the impact mass to effect a mechanical impulse on the film, such that a part of the film is discharged through the opening in droplet form. The discharged liquid droplets are moved to a solidification medium wherein the liquid droplets are solidified to form solid particles.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing nanosize metallic powders can include providing a metallic precursor. The metallic precursor can include a metal alloy formed having a fugitive constituent and a target metal. The fugitive constituent and target metal are chosen such that the fugitive constituent can be selectively dissolved or removed by leaching with an appropriate solvent while leaving the target metal undissolved. The fugitive constituent can be leached from the metallic precursor to leave a metallic residue which is a mass of nanosize metallic particles made substantially of the target metal. The nanosize metallic particles can then be recovered from the metallic residue either merely by removing the solvent and/or breaking up the mass of nanosize metallic particles. The disclosed methods allow for a convenient avenue for production of nanosize particles from readily formed materials for use in a wide variety of potential industrial and commercial applications.

Abstract: Method of operating an oxygen-permeable mixed conducting membrane having an oxidant feed side and a permeate side, which method comprises controlling the differential strain between the oxidant feed side and the permeate side by varying either or both of the oxygen partial pressure and the total gas pressure on either or both of the oxidant feed side and the permeate side of the membrane while changing the temperature of the membrane from a first temperature to a second temperature.

Abstract: An indoor air quality system for a structure is provided. The indoor air quality system includes a ventilation system and a corona discharge apparatus. The ventilation system directs air through the structure. The corona discharge apparatus is positioned within the ventilation system and is operable to filter the air and to move the air through the ventilation system.

Abstract: An analyte pre-concentrator for gas chromatography is disclosed generally comprising a tube having a restricted outlet and packed with an adsorbent, wherein the tube serves as the liner of a chromatographic injector, as an adsorbent trap coupled to a chromatographic column, and/or as an adsorbent trap coupled to a headspace sampler. Preferably, a heating device allows the tube to be heated. In a preferred embodiment, the analyte pre-concentrator further comprises a column isolating accessory so that a chromatographic column can be temporarily isolated from substances flowing through the tube.

Abstract: The raw natural gas is deacidized and dehydrated in units DA and DH. The treated gas is then purified by adsorption of the mercaptans in first enclosure A1. Part of the purified gas is heated in E1, then fed into second enclosure A2 so as to discharge the water adsorbed by the adsorbent material contained in this second enclosure. A water-laden purge gas is fed into third enclosure A3 containing a mercaptan-laden adsorbent material. In A3, the mercaptans are desorbed and replaced by the water. The gas from the third enclosure is washed in unit L, then recycled.

Abstract: A two-stage process is provided for purifying off-gases from a high-pressure melamine plant. In the first stage, the off-gases are contacted with a recirculated urea melt containing melamine precursors and NH3. In the second stage, the off-gases are contacted with a fresh urea melt.

Abstract: Provided is an inexpensive temperature-humidity exchanger having reliably gas-sealed gas manifolds and delivering a gas at high pressure and high dew-point temperature. Upper and lower seal portions surrounding gas manifolds to which the gas is supplied or from which the gas is discharged are provided. The upper and lower seal portions, which partially extend across an aggregate communication groove, are respectively constituted by upper and lower seal formation plates that are arranged in a two-stage manner in a laminating direction. The upper and lower seal portions have flat faces extending in the laminating direction. Furthermore, the upper and lower seal formation plates are disposed such that their projections in the laminating direction are offset from each other.

Abstract: The present invention is a gas absorption device arranged in a liquid container storing a liquid fed to a liquid consumption apparatus. The device includes a decompressed container having an opening and a flexible film sealing the opening in the state that the decompressed container is internally decompressed. At least a part of a portion having an inner surface which receives the decompressed pressure in the decompressed container and an outer surface which is in contact with the liquid in the liquid container is formed by a gas permeable material through which gas dissolved in the liquid in the liquid container can permeate. According to the present invention, gas dissolved in the liquid stored in the liquid container can be absorbed using a decompressed space and the existence of a decompressed status necessary to absorb gas can be easily examined.

Abstract: An air-conditioning device including a housing having at least one grill, an electrode assembly and a driver electrode. Both the electrode assembly and the driver electrode are supported by the housing. The electrode assembly includes a portion that is removable from the housing, and the driver electrode is removable from the housing independent from the removable portion of the electrode assembly.

Abstract: An improved gas separation vessel apparatus is provided. The gas separation vessel apparatus is adapted to separate oxygen and other process gases, and it employs both vertically-, or alternatively, horizontally-positioned vessels. The gas separation vessels disclosed contain removable radial-flow bed cartridge-type adsorbent subassemblies, which may be replaced, substituted, or serviced with minimal system down time.

Abstract: A filter for a gas mask has an elliptical or circular, convex shape to conform to the curvature of the wearer's face, or a planar shape. The filter comprises a double particulate filter element and a double adsorption filter element configured for axial airflow therethrough with a bifurcated flow pattern. The adsorption filter element comprises a granulated charcoal, a composite material having carbon particles combined with binder particles, or an immobilized bed of charcoal granules and EVA-coated fibers.

Abstract: A liquid separator configured to separate liquid from a fluid stream. The separator includes a housing, a separation chamber disposed within the housing, a drain having a drain passageway for draining liquid from the separation chamber, an inlet chamber configured to receive the fluid stream, an inlet channel configured to communicate the fluid stream from the inlet chamber to the separation chamber, a swirler disposed within the inlet channel, and an outlet channel configured to communicate the fluid stream from a first outlet end positioned proximate the second inlet end, to a second outlet end remote from the separation chamber. Preferably, the separator also includes a separator mounting face proximate the inlet chamber, the mounting face configured for mounting the separator to a humidifier. The housing preferably includes a base and a cap which is removably mountable to the base.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of a combination of selected substances in paint to prevent the settlement and growth of different biofouling organisms with a reduced negative effect on the ecosystems compared to present methods.

Abstract: Processes for preparing phase change inks comprising admixing (a) a phase change ink carrier; (b) a colorant of the formula or mixtures thereof, wherein M1, z, A1, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, a, b, c, d, Y, Q, Q?, A1, and CA are as defined herein; and (c) a metal salt of the formula (M2v+)w(A2w?)v of which the metal portion M2 is either a metal ion having positive charge +v, a metal-containing moiety, or a mixture thereof, and A2 is an anion having negative charge ?w, wherein M1 and M2 can be the same as or different from each other, wherein A1 and A2 can be the same as or different from each other, said admixing occurring at a temperature at which the ink carrier is a liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a phase change ink comprising (a) a colorant and (b) a phase change ink carrier, said carrier comprising (i) an amide and (ii) a Fischer-Tropsch wax having an average peak molecular weight of from about 300 to about 800 and a polydispersity of from about 1.001 to about 3. Also disclosed is a process which comprises (1) incorporating into an ink jet printing apparatus a phase change ink comprising (a) a colorant and (b) a phase change ink carrier, said carrier comprising (i) an amide and (ii) a Fischer-Tropsch wax having an average peak molecular weight of from about 300 to about 800 and a polydispersity of from about 1.001 to about 3; (2) melting the ink; and (3) causing droplets of the melted ink to be ejected in an imagewise pattern onto a substrate.

Abstract: A pigment composition containing a disazo pigment of formula (I) and at least one pigment from the group of organic orange, red and violet pigments

Abstract: A hydrophobic gypsum composition is provided which contains gypsum, a granulated hydrophobing additive and a pH effecting additive in an amount sufficient to maintain the pH of the composition in the range of 8 and 12.5, in the presence of water. The granule contains an organopolysiloxane having silicon bonded hydrogen, a water soluble or water dispersible binder, and a carrier, preferably gypsum or a stearate salt, in an amount sufficient to hydrophobe the gypsum. The pH effecting additive is preferably lime but may be any appropriate additive.

Abstract: A crystallization apparatus according to the present invention includes a first irradiation system which irradiates a predetermined area on a glass substrate having an irradiation target, i.e., an a-Si thin film with light beams having a substantially homogeneous light intensity distribution, and a second irradiation system which irradiates the predetermined area with light beams having a light intensity distribution with an inverse peak pattern that a light intensity is increased toward the periphery from an area in which the light intensity is minimum.

Abstract: Means for supplying raw material in additional charging or recharging of solid granular raw material into molten material in the crucible, comprises a raw material supply tube to be filled with said material, a metallic support member which runs through the inside of the tube, connects with the bottom lid, and serves for descending the lid and for ascending the tube and the lid, and a configuration avoiding metallic contamination, whereby the lower-end aperture of the tube is opened for charging said material therein into the crucible in uniform circumferential distribution and in large quantity, thus achieving efficient supply operation to be widely applied for growing silicon single crystals.