Abstract: A medical apparatus flow restrictor includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, and a fluid path defined through the housing between the inlet and the outlet. At least one pair of opposed restriction devices are seated within the housing between the inlet and outlet. The restriction devices have opposed surfaces placed in contact against each other and are disposed in the flow path such that fluid delivered through the inlet passes between the opposing surfaces prior to flowing from the outlet. The opposing surfaces have a relative degree of surface roughness and opposed surface area defined as a function of a desired flow rate of fluid through the restrictor.

Abstract: A pant shaped garment having a rear portion, a front portion, and a crotch portion, a waist opening with a waist edge and two leg openings bordered by a leg edge having a front part located generally on the front portion and a rear part located generally on the rear portion and on the crotch portion. Front and rear portions are mutually connected in two side joins which run from the waist opening to each leg opening. An elongated elastic element is pre-stretched along the rear part of the leg edge of each leg opening. The front portion comprises an elastically extensible material and the elongated elastic element constricts the rear part of the leg edge, thereby stretching the elastic material along the front part of the leg edge. The side joins exhibit a curvature in a direction towards the rear portion that increases in a direction from the waist opening towards the leg opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for both the diagnostic measurement and therapeutic treatment of a body cavity. According to one form of the method of the invention, a fluid (liquid or gas) under pressure is introduced into a selected body cavity while monitoring the pressure or flow of the fluid (liquid or gas) into the cavity. Following pressurization of the body cavity, fluid (liquid or gas) inflow and outflow data is collected and analyzed. The data collected is used to draw various conclusions about the biomechanical properties of the body cavity and the organ in which it is present, and also to draw conclusions about presence or absence of disease as well as the character of disease. According to another method of the invention a fluid (liquid or gas) is controllably infused into the body cavity to controllably expand the body cavity for purposes of therapeutic treatment.

Abstract: A method for treating a lesion of an animal, the animal having at least one vessel that carries blood to the lesion, comprising locating the vessel, administering a composition comprising a photodynamic agent, applying energy to the vessel to photocoagulate the vessel and thereby reduce the rate at which the treatment composition exits said lesion and applying energy to said lesion, of a type and an amount sufficient to excite the photodynamic agent, causing the lesion to undergo photodynamic therapy. Preferably, a dye that is both a fluorescent dye and a radiation absorbing dye, such as indocyanine green dye, is added to the treatment composition to allow (a) confirmation of the presence of the treatment composition in the lesion to be detected by fluorescent angiography and (b) the rate of blow flow to be reduced in the blood vessel feeding the lesion using dye enhanced photocoagulation.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing ultraviolet laser ablation of a surface, eg. an eye surface, including a laser delivery system (7) having a laser source (1) for generating a laser beam (2) and optics for applying the laser beam to the surface to be ablated, means (20, 20?) for providing a compatible liquid (32) in contact with the surface (4a) to be ablated, in a position whereby said laser beam (2) is applied to said surface through the liquid, wherein the laser beam is of a wavelength that substantially is not absorbed by the liquid.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a method for treating pain associated with liquid nitrogen therapy and an assembly are disclosed. The method comprises comprising the steps of administering liquid nitrogen to an epidermal lesion; and applying a topical anesthetic to the epidermal lesion during or after a thaw cycle of liquid nitrogen to achieve anesthesia.

Abstract: A method for electrosurgically sealing a tissue includes steps of: (A) applying a first pulse of RF energy to the tissue; and (B) applying at least one subsequent RF energy pulse to the tissue and keeping constant or varying RF energy parameters of individual pulses of subsequent RF energy pulses in accordance with at least one characteristic of an electrical transient that occurs during the individual RF energy pulses. The method terminates the generation of the at least one subsequent RF pulse upon a determination that the electrical transient is absent.

Abstract: A system and method of making a lesion on living tissue including providing an electrosurgical system, determining a desired lesion depth, selecting a power setting, and applying electrical energy to the living tissue. The system includes an instrument having an electrode at a distal portion thereof, and a power source having multiple available power settings. The power source is electrically connected to the electrode. The step of applying electrical energy includes energizing the electrode at the selected power setting for a recommended energization time period that is determined by reference to predetermined length of time information and based upon the desired lesion depth and the selected power setting. The system preferably further includes a fluid source for irrigating the electrode at an irrigation rate. In this regard, the predetermined length of time information is generated as a function of irrigation rate.

Abstract: An electrocautery device is disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the electrocautery electrode/tip is provided with a hollow, conductive tube terminating at its distal end in a ball point type tip. Fluid, preferably conductive fluid, is applied to the proximal end of the hollow electode/tip, and expelled from the distal end thereof during electrocautery. The ball point distal tip allows the distal tip to be directly applied to the tissue and “rolled” or slid along the tissue. This allows the distal tip to be moved across the tissue without dragging or snagging on the tissue. In addition, the conductive fluid expelled from the distal tip further lubricates the distal tip as it moves across the tissue. If conductive fluid is used, the conductive fluid emanating from the electrode/tip conducts the RF electrocautery energy away from the distal tip so that it is primarily the fluid, rather than the distal tip that actually accomplishes the cauterizing of tissue.

Abstract: A bone-cutting apparatus and associated method and system. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a guide removably attachable to a bone, and a rotatable mill coupled to the guide. The guide has a box-cut opening and the mill is pivotable within the opening. In one embodiment, the mill is laterally adjustable relative to the opening.

Abstract: A variable angle cutting block and method for resection a bone are disclosed. The variable angle cutting block comprises a first portion, a second portion, and an angle adjustment system for positioning the first and second portions at a relative angular position upon rotation of the second portion with respect to the first portion. The present invention is useful in allowing for realignment of a cutting guide surface so that a bone cut can be made at a proper varus/valgus angle.

Abstract: An endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument includes a distal tool, a rigid or flexible elongated shaft that supports the distal tool, and a proximal handle or control member, where the tool and the handle are coupled to the respective distal and proximal ends of the elongated shaft via bendable motion members. The tool and the tool motion member are coupled to the handle and the handle motion member via cables and a push rod in such a way that the movement of the handle with respect to the elongated shaft in any direction is replicated by the tool at the distal end of the shaft. The magnitude of the tool motion with respect to the handle motion may be scaled depending on the size of the handle motion member with respect to that of the tool motion member.

Abstract: A system for exposure of eyes of a user to light is disclosed. That system comprises: a head mountable housing and at least one array of light emitting diodes disposed within the housing proximate to the eyes, and whereby light emissions are transmitted to the eyes. A controller is coupled to the light emitting diodes, and controls the intensity, duration, and sequences of the light emissions. Also provided is portable electrical charge storage cell, disposed within the housing, whereby an electrical current is supplied to the at least one array of light emitting devices.

Abstract: A warming device includes a clinical garment having an inside surface supporting a convective apparatus with interleaved, separately inflatable sections, each adapted to enable a particular mode of warming.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a plurality of capsules, and a method of administering therapeutic agent to a patient using the same. The capsules further comprise a therapeutic agent and a multilayer polyelectrolyte shell. The medical device is adapted to apply a pressure to the capsules that is greater than or equal to the critical pressure of at least a portion of the capsules, such that therapeutic agent is released from the capsules.

Abstract: This invention provides a stent for implantation in a blood vessel or other tissue, wherein the stent is coated with or contains C3 exoenzyme, a chimeric version thereof or an inhibitor of RhoA. This invention also provides a method for treating or inhibiting the onset of restenosis in a subject which comprises implanting one of the instant stents in the subject's blood vessel.

Abstract: A method for providing dilation resistance to an implantable tubular graft includes the steps of (a) providing a graft having opposed open ends and a textile wall extending in a lengthwise direction therebetween defining a graft diameter, wherein the textile wall has radially extending yarns having a radial extent which inter-engage longitudinally extending yarns having a longitudinal extent to define a textile pattern and further wherein the radially extending yarns are obliquely oriented to the lengthwise direction of the graft, thereby defining a first acute angle from the lengthwise direction of the graft; (b) providing an elongate tubular mandrel having a diameter which differs from the graft diameter by a factor of at least 1.

Abstract: A mitral valve therapy device effects the condition of a mitral valve annulus of a heart. The device includes an elongated member dimensioned to be placed in the coronary sinus of the heart adjacent the mitral valve annulus. The elongated member is flexible when placed in the heart in a first orientation to position the device in the coronary sinus adjacent the mitral valve annulus and relatively inflexible when rotated into a second orientation after the device is positioned in the coronary sinus adjacent to the mitral valve annulus to substantially straighten and increase the radius of curvature of the mitral valve annulus.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for insertion into an intervertebral space is provided. The prosthetic device includes a first component having a first recess formed therein, the first recess defining a substantially concave recess surface of the first component, a second component having a second recess formed therein, the second recess defining a substantially planar recess surface, and a projection member adapted to engage the second recess surface wherein the projection member is also adapted to engage the first recess surface to permit articulating motion between the first and second components.

Abstract: An anatomical knee prosthesis configured to be oriented on an anatomical line of an interarticular space of the knee and not oriented on a mechanical axis as far as the interarticular space of the knee is concerned.

Abstract: A method for treating morbid obesity in a body of a mammal having a gastrointestinal tract extending through a stomach and a pyloric sphincter and a wall forming the stomach and pyloric sphincter. At least one implant is formed in the wall in the vicinity of the pyloric sphincter to inhibit emptying of the stomach.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are biointerface membranes including a macro-architecture and a micro-architecture co-continuous with and bonded to and/or located within at least a portion of the macro-architecture. The macro- and micro-architectures work together to manage and manipulate the high-level tissue organization and the low-level cellular organization of the foreign body response in vivo, thereby increasing neovascularization close to a device-tissue interface, interfering with barrier cell layer formation, and providing good tissue anchoring, while reducing the effects of motion artifact, and disrupting the organization and/or contracture of the FBC. The biointerface membranes of the preferred embodiments can be utilized with implantable devices such as devices for the detection of analyte concentrations in a biological sample (for example, from a body), cell transplantation devices, drug delivery devices, electrical signal delivering or measuring devices, and/or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot incorporate a foot keel and a calf shank connected to the foot keel to form an ankle joint area of the prosthetic foot. The foot keel has forefoot and hindfoot portions and a relatively long midfoot portion extending between and upwardly arched from the forefoot and midfoot portions. The calf shank includes a downward convexly curved lower end which is attached at a portion thereof to the keel midfoot portion by way of an adjustable fastener arrangement. The foot has biplanar motion capability and, in a preferred form, also has high low dynamic response characteristics. The adjustable fastener arrangement permits adjustment of the alignment of the calf shank and the foot keel with respect to one another in the longitudinal direction of the foot keel for tuning the performance of the prosthetic foot.

Abstract: The invention concerns a composition for dyeing and in particular oxidation dyeing of keratinous fibers, in particular human keratinous fibers and more particularly hair, comprising, in a medium suitable for dyeing, at least an oxidation dye and/or a direct dye and at least an associative polymer, characterised in that it further comprises a polymer with acrylamide units (i), (ii) dialkyldiallylammonium halide, and (iii) vinylic carboxylic acid. The invention also concerns dyeing methods and devices using said dyeing composition.

Abstract: Provided is a hair bleach or dye composition containing an amino-modified silicone, a highly polymerized silicone having a number-average degree of polymerization of 1000 or greater, a cationic polymer and an oxidizing agent. The hair bleach or dye composition of the present invention does not give a discomfort upon washing or shampooing of the treated hair, can bleach or dye the hair uniformly from root to tip without damaging the hair by this treatment, add to the hair a good color and luster, and a good feel of the hair, manageability and hair retention after drying, and is also good in durability of these effects and stability.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides dye compositions comprising at least one hydrophobic direct dye with a logP of greater than 2, at least one organic or mineral acid with a pKa of less than 4.5, in an aqueous-alcoholic dyeing medium comprising at least 60% by weight of water relative to the total weight of the composition, the pH of the composition being less than 7. The compositions allow shades ranging from pastel to strong colorations to be obtained on keratin fibers. Furthermore, the coloration obtained makes it possible to achieve or even exceed the fastness of oxidation dyeing.

Abstract: A metal complex colorant represented by formula 1 may embody various colors and has improved fastness, such as light resistance, water resistance and the like: wherein each of A1 and A2 is independently a moiety which includes a substituted or unsubstituted C2-C30 alkenylene group having at least one double bond and is conjugated with an azo group; each of X1 and X2 is selected from the group consisting of a hydroxy group, a C1-C4 alkoxy group, a carboxyl group, and a substituted or unsubstituted amino group; M is a polyvalent transition metal; L is a neutral or anionic ligand; n is an integer from 1 to 3; and J is a linker. The metal complex colorant may be used in various fields employing colors, such as fibers, foods, drugs, cosmetics, coatings, inks or ceramics.

Abstract: A method of making an orientation-insensitive ultra-wideband coupling capacitor, including the steps of securing an unterminated multi-layer capacitor of a low frequency portion of the orientation-insensitive ultra-wideband coupling capacitor, coating completely the unterminated multi-layer capacitor of the low frequency portion with an adhesion layer having opposing ends, creating a circumferential slot around the adhesion layer and thereby electrically separating the opposing ends of the adhesion layer from each other thereby restoring capacitance and forming a slotted body, applying a solder dam coating to all surfaces defining the circumferential slot to protect the circumferential slot, and plating the opposing ends of the adhesion layer so as to form solderable connections and thereby form the orientation-insensitive ultra-wideband coupling capacitor.

Abstract: A method for increasing removal of drag reducer additive (DRA) from liquid hydrocarbon fuel. The method comprises producing contaminated liquid hydrocarbon fuel comprising a concentration of removable DRA comprising a quantity of one or more polar groups, and contacting the contaminated liquid hydrocarbon fuel with an amount of one or more removal agents under removal conditions effective to produce a reduced concentration of the removable DRA.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polishing slurry and a method of producing the same. The polishing slurry has high selectivity in terms of a polishing speed of an oxide layer to that of a nitride layer used in CMP of an STI process which is essential to produce ultra highly integrated semiconductors having a design rule of 256 mega D-RAM or more, for example, a design rule of 0.13 ?m or less. A method and a device for pre-treating polishing particles, a dispersing device and a method of operating the dispersing device, a method of adding a chemical additive and an amount added, and a device for transferring samples are properly employed to produce a high performance nano ceria slurry essential to CMP for a process of producing ultra highly integrated semiconductors of 0.13 ?m or less, particularly, the STI process.

Abstract: A precleaner arrangement for use in separating a portion of entrained material in air from air entering an air cleaner, is provided. The precleaner arrangement includes a vane structure positioned to direct air into a circular or cyclonic pattern, to facilitate material separation. The vane structure includes one or more adjustable air deflection vanes. Each adjustable air deflection vane is constructed: to have a first position under no air flow or low air flow rate conditions; and, to deflect to import a more open, lower restriction, orientation under increased air flow rates. Preferred precleaner arrangement constructions, assemblies utilizing in the precleaner arrangement and methods are described.

Abstract: An air cleaner assembly for use with a conventional household air conditioning system with a duct having an opening sized to receive a standard panel filter comprises a peripheral frame sized to be received within the opening in the return duct and sized to receive a standard panel filter. The air cleaner assembly is adapted to move a filter element inserted into the recess to a position exterior of the recess so that multiple filter elements can be mounted inside the duct.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for abating at least one acid or hydride gas component or by-product thereof, from an effluent stream deriving from a semiconductor manufacturing process, comprising, a first sorbent bed material having a high capacity sorbent affinity for the acid or hydride gas component, a second and discreet sorbent bed material having a high capture rate sorbent affinity for the same gas component, and a flow path joining the process in gas flow communication with the sorbent bed materials such that effluent is flowed through the sorbent beds, to reduce the acid or hydride gas component. The first sorbent bed material preferably comprises basic copper carbonate and the second sorbent bed preferably comprises at least one of, CuO, AgO, CoO, CO3O4, ZnO, MnO2 and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for gas/liquid separation on an array of jets or streams of liquid is provided. Layers of substantially spherical aggregates of meshed material are provided to “quiet” high-velocity liquid flow with entrained gas to provide a uniform flow at moderate or low velocity from which the gas has been substantially separated from the liquid.

Abstract: A photo-electronic air purifying disinfector firstly filters out airborne impurities using a washable filter screen. It then utilizes an activated carbon filter to filter out airborne bacteria and germs. The bacteria and germs which are capable of passing through the activated carbon filter are then eliminated by extreme-UV light emitted by extreme-UV light tubes. It also utilizes a negative ion generator to boost the level of anions in the air before being discharged. These two modes operate in the following manner: the first mode involves cathodic high-voltage output that is discharged via a carbonized fibre. The ionized air is then expelled by a fan. The second mode eliminates bacteria, germs and mould from air as it passes extreme-UV light tubes by exposure to extreme-UV light emitted by these extreme-UV light tubes.

Abstract: Provided are a hollow inner electrode constituted by an electrically conductive filter capable of capturing particulates, a cylindrical outer electrode circumferentially surrounding the electrode, a housing incorporated in a flow passage of exhaust and accommodating the electrodes and, a temperature sensor for detecting temperature of the exhaust and an electric discharge controller for controlling electric power to be distributed to the electrodes and on the basis of a detected value of the temperature sensor. When the temperature of the exhaust obtained by the temperature sensor is lowered, electric power necessary for generation of discharge plasma is distributed by the discharge controller to the electrodes and, thereby oxidizing the particulates captured by the electrode to reduce electricity consumption.

Abstract: A wrought fiber sheet or air cleaning filter unit that exhibits high performance and is biodegradable so as to enable reducing load upon environment. The wrought fiber sheet is produced by coupling biodegradable fiber sheets having electret properties by means of a configuration reinforcing member of a biodegradable material. Further, the frame for accommodating the wrought fiber sheet is also constituted of a biodegradable member so as to obtain an air cleaning filter unit that exerts biodegradability as a whole.

Abstract: The chemical filter supporting an ion-exchange resin comprising a fiber supporting body containing ion-exchange fiber and ion-exchange resin powder which is supported on the fiber supporting body is provided. The chemical filter possesses a large ion-exchange capacity per unit volume and exhibits high initial performance of eliminating ionized gaseous pollutants and excellent durability of the elimination performance.

Abstract: A kit for constructing a de-aerator for a fluid distribution system includes a gas concentrator adapted to be received in chamber of a T-coupling provided with the kit. A cap is provided that closes a cap connector integrally formed with the T-coupling. The cap supports a valve that opens and closes in response to fluctuations of a level of the fluid in the cavity as air is accumulated in the cavity and discharged by an opening of the valve.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a sensor including, inter alia, a body having first and second spaced-apart apertures, the first aperture having a shape producing an audible noise upon a fluid passing therethrough; a piston positioned within the body; and a chamber having an additional fluid disposed therein, with a volume of the additional fluid placing the piston between first and second positions, the first position impeding the first volume of fluid and the second position allowing the first volume of fluid to pass through the first aperture.

Abstract: Novel, rapidly drying, low volatile organic compound (VOC), minimal dot gain coatings, (including lithographic ink and varnish systems) are herein described. These systems dry sufficiently rapidly, that their usage eliminates ink drying speed as the rate limiting factor in most lithographic printing applications. In addition to providing enhanced drying rates as compared with their conventional counterparts, the rapid drying, low/no VOC lithographic coating systems of the instant invention can provide the user with significant improvement in dried film rub resistance.

Abstract: The invention provides a printing ink for printing on a decorated sheet for application to integral molding of synthetic resin, which is less capable of curling the decorated sheet and less susceptible to run during molding.

Abstract: A fluorescent water base ink for ink-jet recording includes water, a first fluorescent dye, and a second fluorescent dye. The first fluorescent dye absorbs light in a first absorption wavelength region in an ultraviolet region to emit fluorescence, and the first fluorescent dye absorbs light in a second absorption wavelength region to emit no fluorescence. The second fluorescent dye absorbs light in an absorption wavelength region in the ultraviolet region, which is different from the first absorption wavelength region of the first fluorescent dye, to emit fluorescence. A wavelength region of the fluorescence of the second fluorescent dye is not overlapped with the first absorption wavelength region of the first fluorescent dye, but at least a part of the wavelength region of the fluorescence of the second fluorescent dye is overlapped with the second absorption wavelength region. The fluorescence intensity of the ink is increased.

Abstract: The disclosure is generally related to writing instruments capable of making markings containing large diameter glitter pigment particles, and glitter ink compositions for the same. In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a capillary-action marker comprising a glitter ink composition comprising glitter pigment particles having a particle size greater than about 12.1 microns in at least one dimension and at least one solvent, a low density ink reservoir for storing the glitter ink composition, and a porous nib in fluid communication with the low density ink reservoir.

Abstract: A method for forming pavers includes mixing cement, water and sand to form a cement composition, and mixing waste glass particles with the cement composition to form a cement-glass particle composition. Thereafter the cement glass particle composition is poured into a mold and the composition is allowed to harden to form a molded cement glass particle block. Next the cement glass particle block is removed from the mold and sliced by cutting the cement glass particle block into a series of sections or component parts where each section or component part forms a paver. Thereafter at least one surface of the paver is ground to form a smooth surface that exposes the waste glass particles.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a wafer release method capable of releasing a wafer safely, simply and certainly and improving a wafer releasing rate, a wafer release apparatus and a wafer release transfer machine using the wafer release apparatus. A wafer release method of the present invention comprises the steps of: pressing the uppermost wafer along an axis direction (L-L?) shifted by an angle in the range of from 15 to 75 degrees from a crystal habit line axis (A-A?) or (B-B?) of the uppermost wafer clockwise or counterclockwise; bending upwardly the peripheral portion of the uppermost wafer so as to cause a bending stress in the uppermost wafer in the axis direction (L-L?) shifted by the angle; blowing a fluid into a clearance between the lower surface of the uppermost wafer and the upper surface of the lower wafer adjacent thereto; and raising the uppermost wafer for releasing.

Abstract: A silicon carbide seeded sublimation method is disclosed. The method includes the steps of nucleating growth on a seed crystal growth face that is between about 1° and 10° off-axis from the (0001) plane of the seed crystal while establishing a thermal gradient between the seed crystal and a source composition that is substantially perpendicular to the basal plane of the off-axis crystal.

Abstract: This silicon wafer is obtained from a silicon single crystal grown by the CZ method in a hydrogen-containing inert gas atmosphere, and is a completely grown-in defect-free wafer containing no COPs or dislocation clusters throughout the wafer in the thickness and radial directions thereof, and all the portions consist essentially of an interstitial rich region. This method for growing silicon single crystals includes pulling a silicon single crystal in a hydrogen-containing inert gas atmosphere so as to expand the range of the pull rate for the PI region, wherein the pulling of the silicon single crystal is conducted at a pull rate within this expanded range of the pull rate for the PI region so as to grow a body portion that is an interstitial rich region.

Abstract: The invention relates to new improvements in a process for crystal growth in the environment of supercritical ammonia-containing solution, which are based on use of specific azide mineralizers and result in the improved bulk Group XIII element nitride monocrystals, in particular balk monocrystalline gallium-containing nitride, intended mainly for variety of nitride-based semiconductor products such as various opto-electronic devices. The invention further relates to a mineralizer used for supercritical ammonia-containing solution which comprises at least one compound selected from the group consisting of LiN3, NaN3, KN3, and CsN3.

Abstract: An improved technique that reduces the potential for trapped impurities and/or ensuring desired stoichiometry of a grown crystal. Improved contaminant removal is obtained by bubbling a scavenger gas, such as fluorine gas or hydrogen fluoride gas, through a melt of alkaline- or alkali-earth halides, to improve the purity of the melt by removing more volatile metal halides and oxygen contained within the melt. By reacting after the raw material has melted, any oxygen or metal impurities trapped in the raw material is free to react with the scavenger. A desired stoichiometry is achieved as the alkaline- or alkali-earth metals react with the halide in the scavenger gas. Decreasing the amount of impurities in the melt, and using a desired stoichiometeric melt, improves the radiation hardness and transmission properties of resulting ingot grown from the purified raw material. Additionally, this method may decrease the amount of time needed for outgassing.