Abstract: The invention concerns an orthopaedic device for the correction of incorrectly positioned toes, having a fastening provision (8a) in the region of the big toe, a fastening provision (8b) in the region of the central foot and a flexible splint (9), extends between the fastening provisions (8a, 8b) along the inner side of the foot, and in which the flexible splint (9) is formed as a hinged splint, articulated in the direction of flexion and extension of the toe or toes.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in extracting milk from a human breast includes a pliant receiving member having an inner receiving portion sized to receive the human breast and an adjacent inner connecting portion defining an opening extending therethrough. The receiving member has an inner surface defining a recess located in the inner receiving portion and a passageway extending from the recess to the opening to provide fluid communication between the recess and the opening during use. The passageway provides fluid communication between the recess and the opening such that negative pressure can be generated between the recess and the breast.

Abstract: A breast pump includes a milking port which can accommodate a breast, a storage for storing breast milk extracted from the breast, and a milking unit including a tongue section which can press the portion near an areola of the breast, and is configured in such a manner that the peak of the tongue section of the milking unit can be moved continuously in the direction away from the side of the milking port, and the height of the tongue section can be varied by independent movements of a plurality of sections of a deforming device from the side of the milking port to the inner side.

Abstract: A locking-stressing-mechanism with spring-actuated output drive and a counter with which an apparatus of this kind is fitted, accommodated in a two part housing the two parts of which are mounted to be rotatable relative to each other, can be blocked by means of a pre-stressed leaf spring. The leaf spring is initially accommodated in a recess in the wall of one housing part. As soon as the permitted number of actuations has been reached a push rod pushes the leaf spring out of its resting position. The leaf spring then jumps into a recess in the wall of the other housing part and the two housing parts can no longer be rotated relative to each other. The push rod may be mounted on the pointer of the counter. This blocking device can only be overcome by the application of a force which is sufficient to destroy the device. The device is suitable for blocking a high pressure atomiser or a needleless injector with which a fluid is atomised to form an aerosol or a fluid is injected into a biological tissue.

Abstract: A safety syringe for taking blood has a hollow barrel having a bottom open end, a top end, a rectangular hole defined in the top end to have two opposite long sides and two opposite short sides, a needle hub detachably connected between the two opposite short sides of the rectangular hole and having a first needle extending from an elliptical body into an interior of the hollow barrel and a second needle extending away from the hollow barrel, a cap rotatably connected to the top end of the hollow barrel and having a notch defined through a periphery of the cap to receive therein the elliptical body so that the second needle extends out of the cap after in combination with the cap and an enclosure detachably enclosing the second needle for protection.

Abstract: A device for drawing fluid from a lumen, and particularly blood from a blood vessel, is disclosed. The device may provide indication of the entry of an intravenous cannula into the lumen. The device may include a central body having an outer wall and an inner fluid passage. The device may include a luer-type adapter to permit the attachment of an I.V. infusion set of various lengths (“butterfly needle”) and or any luer-type fitting attached to an existing device. The outer wall of the central body may be transparent or translucent to permit the detection of fluid within the inner fluid passage. A front cannula may extend from one end of the central body and a rear cannula may extend from the other end of the central body. Both the front and rear cannulae may communicate with the inner fluid passage. A transparent or translucent flexible sleeve may surround at least a tip portion of the rear cannula.

Abstract: A clamp includes a clamp body having a spring arm with first and second ends and a deflection arm with first and second ends. The deflection arm is connected at its first end to the spring arm proximate the first end thereof, and the second end of the deflection arm is opposed spatially to a protrusion extending from the spring arm proximate the second end thereof. An actuating device engaged with the deflection arm and the protrusion can be manipulated to effect relative movement of the second end of the deflection arm away from the protrusion to cause a corresponding circumferential contraction of the spring arm. The actuating device includes a force-limiting mechanism, which limits the extent by which the second end of the deflection arm is moved away from the protrusion, thereby limiting the maximum circumferential contraction of the spring arm that can be achieved.

Abstract: Therapeutic devices that provide support or pressure to tissue. Devices contain a material that is capable of being contracted from its relaxed state to an evacuated state. The material applies pressure to the tissue of a patient when the material is in its relaxed state. Reduction of pressure by application of a vacuum results in a contracted state of the device, so that the device can be applied or delivered to a patient. Release of vacuum results in a return to the relaxed state, thus providing a maximum desirable pressure to tissue and avoiding the possibility of over-pressure which can result in tissue damage or necrosis.

Abstract: An indwelling catheter set is provided with a catheter, a cover connected with a proximal end of the catheter and a connector having a hemostatic valve housed therein. The connector is fixed to the cover. A hollow needle for transfusion to a patient is slidably fitted to an inside of the catheter.

Abstract: Injector device, and method for its operation, for containers of syringe type, comprising a barrel of axially roughly constant cross-section, a front opening and at least one movable wall inserted in the barrel for displacement of a container content, the injector comprising a) a housing or housing part arranged to receive the container at least axially stationary, b) an integral or composite piston rod arrangement operable to displace the container movable wall at least in the forward direction and c) a track system for controlling or sequencing the piston rod movements, the track system comprising at least one cooperating track and follower, the cooperating track and follower being arranged stationary with respect to the housing and the piston rod respectively, or vice versa, and in cooperation allowing at least one forward for the piston rod. The track system comprises arrangements initiation, dose setting and expulsion of container content.

Abstract: A medical valve has a resilient member that is forcibly expanded to an expanded volume from a normal volume. Specifically, the valve operates in a closed mode that prevents fluid flow, and an open mode that permits fluid flow. To these ends, the valve has a housing having an inlet and an outlet, and the noted resilient member within the housing. The resilient member and housing form a fluid channel between the inlet and the outlet. The fluid channel at least in part extends through the resilient member. The fluid channel has a given portion formed by a variable volume portion of the resilient member. The variable volume portion has a normal volume when in the closed mode, and an expanded volume when the open mode. The expanded volume is greater than the normal volume.

Abstract: In an absorbent structure for an absorbent article, a non-woven absorbent core extends from one longitudinal end region of the absorbent structure through a central region thereof to an opposite longitudinal end region of the absorbent structure. The absorbent core has a first face, a second face opposite the first face, and laterally opposite side edges. A liquid permeable wrapsheet is wrapped about the first face, the laterally opposite side edges and at least a portion of the second face of the absorbent core to define a wrapped configuration of the wrapsheet. Tbe wrapsheet is constructed of a non-woven material and is secured in its wrapped configuration about the absorbent core at at least one securement region having a length substantially less than the length of the absorbent structure.

Abstract: A diaper is provided on its inner side with a tufted sheet strip assembly. The assembly includes a plurality of sheet strips, a sheet-like base member to which fixed end zones of the respective sheet strips are permanently bonded, and elastically biasing element adapted to space a transversely intermediate zone of the sheet-like base member from the inner side of the diaper.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering a viscous liquid therapeutic material fluid through a lumen in a catheter that selectively narrows the lumen at a plurality of axial locations along the lumen.

Abstract: A skin care device includes a suction pump for generating a suction force, a suction nozzle detachably attached to a mounting portion of the suction pump and having a first end portion having a suction port with a smaller opening and a second end portion having a suction portion with a larger opening, and a sealing member disposed between an inner peripheral surface of the mounting portion and an outer peripheral surface of the suction nozzle, for sealing a gap between the mounting portion and the suction nozzle. Both of the first end portion and the second end portion are capable of being attached to the mounting portion.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for delivery of infusion medium a coil capable of being electrically activated to provide an electromagnetic field. The coil surrounds a piston channel extending in an axial direction. The piston channel provides a passage for communication of infusion medium to an outlet chamber located at one end of the piston channel. An armature is located adjacent the coil, on one side of the axial channel. The armature is moveable toward a forward position, in response to the electromagnetic field produced by activation of the coil. A piston is located within the piston channel and is moveable axially within the channel to a forward position, in response to movement of the armature to its forward position. The armature and piston are moved toward a retracted position, when the coil is not energized. In the retracted position of the piston, a piston chamber is formed between the piston and a valve member and is filled with infusion medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved light delivery catheters for use in therapeutic methods, such as PDT, that require illumination of target tissue within a blood vessel or other hollow body organ. An improved catheter includes an optical fiber that transmits light from a light source at the proximal end of the catheter shaft to a light treatment zone. An occlusion balloon on the distal end of the catheter shaft adjacent to the light treatment zone receives fluid via an inflation lumen in the catheter shaft. An infusion lumen connects with a plurality of infusion ports at the light treatment zone to deliver infusion fluid to the hollow body organ so that blood can be flushed from the region between the light treatment zone and target tissue.

Abstract: An electrode catheter is introduced into a hollow anatomical structure, such as a vein, and is positioned at a treatment site within the structure. Tumescent fluid is injected into the tissue surrounding the treatment site to produce tumescence of the surrounding tissue which then compresses the vein. The solution may include an anesthetic, and may further include a vasoconstrictive drug that shrinks blood vessels. The tumescent swelling in the surrounding tissue causes the hollow anatomical structure to become compressed, thereby exsanguinating the treatment site. Energy is applied by an electrode catheter in apposition with the vein wall to create a heating effect. The heating effect causes the hollow anatomical structure to become molded and durably assume the compressed dimensions caused by the tumescent technique. The electrode catheter can be moved within the structure so as to apply energy to a large section of the hollow anatomic structure.

Abstract: A medical device for simultaneously cutting tissue with a heating element, cauterizing the tissue with sealing elements, and stapling the tissue together. The heating elements comprise bipolar RF electrodes.

Abstract: An ancillary tool and method for manipulating and implanting a prosthetic acetabulum including a tool provided, adjacent a distal part, with a head for interacting with an endpiece that is used for gripping the acetabulum and, in its proximal part, with a surface for application of a force along the handle. The endpiece is preferably removably connected to the distal end of the handle. The endpiece includes an elastically deformable ring having an outer face for expanding radially outwardly to initially grip the acetabulum and an opposite face for interaction with the head of the handle, such that upon a force being applied to drive the head into a cavity of the endpiece, the ring is radially expanded to expand the acetabulum in place after which the ring elastically returns to its original shape as the head is removed from the cavity.

Abstract: A lesion treating device for converting a standard balloon catheter into a cutting balloon catheter is provided. The device includes a longitudinal housing such as a tube which is sized to be inserted into a lumen of the balloon catheter and cutting wires disposed within the longitudinal housing in an undeployed position. When the longitudinal housing is moved relative to the cutting wires, the cutting wires extend out of the longitudinal housing. The balloon of the balloon catheter is then moved under the deployed cutting wires and inflated to convert the standard balloon catheter into the cutting balloon catheter.

Abstract: This invention is a device (210) for sealing a hole (100) in a blood vessel (102), comprising a blood vessel engager (217) having at least one spike (214), for engaging a portion of a blood vessel (102) adjacent a hole in the blood vessel, and a body (216) coupled to the blood vessel engager (217). The device (210) has at least two configurations, a first configuration in which the device does not seal the hole, and a second configuration to which the device can be changed so that the second configuration of the device seals the hole.

Abstract: The present invention is a minimally invasive surgical method for fusing adjacent vertebrae. A first K-wire is inserted into the spinous process of an upper vertebrae. A second K-wire is inserted into a transverse process of a lower vertebrae. A first fixation block is secured to the first K-wire and a second fixation block is secured to the second K-wire. A rod member extends across the K-wires. A swivel block assembly is secured to achieve a desired angle for a first axis along which a first screw will be implanted into a facet joint. The swivel block assembly is secured at a desired axial position on the rod member. Percutaneous access to the upper vertebrae along the first axis is then obtained via a cannula. A removable screw having a threaded section for implantation across the facet joint and an elongated shank section that is shearable subcutaneously is inserted through the cannula. The threaded section is implanted along the first axis across the facet joint to attach the upper and lower vertebrae.

Abstract: A light treatment head which incorporates an array of light sources, a flexible power distribution panel, a plurality of heat sink bodies closely associated with the light sources, and a flexible housing enclosing the light sources, the distribution panel and the heat sink bodies.

Abstract: A stent and catheter for implanting or removing a helical-shaped stent within a body passageway; the catheter having an elongate sheath with a socket for securing one end of the stent at a distal region of the sheath and an inner member extending from the sheath, and also having a socket at a distal region of the inner member for securing the other end of the stent. The inner member is rotatable relative to the sheath to transmit torque to the stent to permit unwinding of the helical stent at its limiting strain to expand the stent. Also discussed are methods for performing procedures for implanting or removing a helical stent from a body passageway.

Abstract: A multilayer braided luminal self-expanding stent (4) for an anatomical conduit (8) comprising a outer braided peripheral stent (10) which is permanently linked to an inner, braided, hemodynamic flow deflector (2) by at least a pair of filaments (12) that make part of a common braided structure.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for support of a body structure. The devices can be adjusted within the body of a patient in a minimally invasive or non-invasive manner such as by applying energy percutaneously or external to the patient's body. The energy may include, for example, acoustic energy, radio frequency energy, light energy and magnetic energy. Thus, as the body structure changes size and/or shape, the size and/or shape of the annuloplasty rings can be adjusted to provide continued reinforcement. In certain embodiments, the devices include a body member including a shape memory material, and an energy absorption enhancement material configured to absorb energy in response to an activation energy. The energy absorption enhancement material is in thermal communication with said shape memory material.

Abstract: An interbody spinal fusion implant for insertion across a disc space between adjacent vertebral bodies of a human spine has a body two top side and two bottom side junctions, with at least a pair of diagonally opposed junctions having a distance therebetween that does not significantly exceed the implant body height. The implant also includes one or more bone penetrating protrusions extending outwardly from at least the upper and lower walls of the implant. The implant is inserted on its side between adjacent vertebral bodies and then rotated 90 degrees into place. The protrusions penetrate the endplates upon rotation, thereby securing the implant within the spine. The implant has at least one passage therethrough from the upper wall to the lower wall to promote fusion through the implant. Because of the specialized opposed junctions overdistraction between the adjacent vertebral bodies is avoided when the implant is rotated from an initial insertion position to a final deployed position.

Abstract: A ureteral stent includes an elongate member defining an axis and having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. A first extension member and a second extension member extend from the proximal end portion and each include a first portion, a second portion, a third portion and an end portion. In an unconstrained configuration, the first portion is arcuate and extends away from the axis, the second portion extends from the first portion in a distal direction, and the third portion extends from the second portion in a direction away from the axis. In the unconstrained configuration, the end portions of the first and second extension members are spaced apart from each other sufficiently, and the first extension member and the second extension member are sufficiently rigid, to collectively help retain at least a portion of the ureteral stent within a bladder of a patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to double secondary para-phenylenediamine dye compounds. The present disclosure further relates to a dye composition comprising at least one double secondary para-phenylenediamine compound, a process for dyeing keratin fibers using the composition, and a kit for dyeing keratin fibers comprising a separate composition comprising an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are symmetrical cationic diazo compounds chosen from compounds of formula (I), their resonance forms, their acid addition salts, and their solvates: Also disclosed herein are dyeing compositions comprising such compounds as a direct dye in a medium appropriate for the dyeing of keratin fibers, a method of coloring keratin fibers comprising contacting the keratin fibers with such compositions, and a device comprising a plurality of compartments.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are para-phenylenediamine compounds of formula (I), and their salts and solvates: wherein R1 and R2 form, together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached, a 4-, 5-, 6- or 7-membered ring, wherein the ring comprises carbon atoms and, optionally, one or two atoms chosen from oxygen and nitrogen, the ring being optionally substituted, with the proviso that when the ring comprises two atoms chosen from oxygen and nitrogen, these two atoms are non-adjacent. Compositions comprising these compounds and processes of making them, as well as processes and kits for dyeing keratin fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of dyeing or printing synthetic polyamide fiber materials, wherein (a) the fiber material is dyed or printed with at least one reactive dye, and (b) the dyed or printed fiber material is subjected to after-treatment with a reducing agent, the fiber material not being treated with polycondensable or polymerizable compounds for fixing the dye on the fiber, results in dyeings and printings that are distinguished by good fastness properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cutting insert particularly for turning of stainless steel comprising a cemented carbide substrate and a post-treated coating with a substrate of cemented carbide having a composition of from about 5.0 to less than about 8.0 wt % Co, from about 3.0 to about 8.0 wt % cubic carbides of the metals Ti, Ta and Nb with a Ti/(Ti+Ta+Nb) ratio of from about 0.05 to about 0.3 and balance tungsten carbide (WC) having a grain size of from about 1.5 to about 3.5 ?m in the as-sintered state. Further, the substrate has a surface zone of from about 5 to about 30 ?m characterized by an enrichment of binder phase and a depletion of cubic carbides, and a coating having a first, innermost layer system of one or several layers of TiCxNyOz with x+y+z?1 with a total thickness of from about 0.7 to about 5.

Abstract: An abrasive grain including a porous particle material in which a large number of secondary particles contain gaps between primary particles bonded to each other. The secondary particles are produced by growing primary particles into secondary particles, which are formed by cohesion of a large number of primary particles, via a heat treatment at a temperature sufficient to form necks at bonding points between the primary particles.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator device (10) for separating solid and/or liquid particles which are suspended in gas media, which device comprises a rotor (12) which is provided sedimentation members (14), which is rotatably mounted in a surrounding stationary housing (20) and which has a central inlet for the gas medium which is to be cleaned. The housing (20) has, on the one hand, an outlet (32) for cleaned gas which, during its passage through the sedimentation members (14) in the rotor (12), has been freed form solid and/or liquid particles, and, on the other hand, an outlet (28 a-c) for solid and/or liquid particles which have been transferred onto the inner side of the housing.

Abstract: A grease filter (1) for domestic extractor hoods comprises at least two walls (2, 3) placed face to face and having first through openings (4) made in them arranged in such a way as to cause sudden changes of direction in the fumes flowing through them. At least one of the walls (2, 3) includes a plurality of second openings (5) whose flow section is considerably narrower than that of the first openings (4). The first openings (4) and the second openings (5) combine to divide the total flow passing through the filter (1) into two component flows which are in turn divided into a first plurality of macroscopic flows (6) following a labyrinth path through the first openings (4) and a second plurality of microscopic flows (7) passing through the second openings (5).

Abstract: An air cleaner (40) includes a housing (48) and an access cover. The internal volume of the housing (48) can be reached through an opening (70) in a side wall of the housing. A filter element (50) having fluted filter media is removable and replaceable from the air cleaner (40). The housing is constructed and arranged to cam the element (50) into sealing engagement with the housing (48). The access cover includes structure to help support and ensure proper seating of the filter element within the housing. A method of installing the filter element in the air cleaner includes sliding a portion of the filter element against a slide surface in the housing. A method of servicing an air cleaner includes tilting the filter element against a tilt surface in the housing to release a seal between the filter element and the housing. The filter element can have a handle to assist in servicing of the air cleaner.

Abstract: A filter element arrangement is provided which includes a media pack comprising Z-filter media, a preform and an overmold sealing a portion of the interface between the preform and the media pack, and also forming an air cleaner seal for the filter element. The overmold preferably comprises molded, foamed, polyurethane. A variety of media pack shapes can be used.

Abstract: A filter element comprising a spirally wound filter through which a fluid to be filtered flows axially and which is provided with a mounting ring on the circumference of the wound filter secured to the wound filter by a welded, adhesive, extruded or fused joint. The mounting ring is provided with a circumferential profiled seal which engages a housing in which the filter element is installed to provide a seal between an unfiltered fluid side of the filter element and a filtered fluid side of the filter element.

Abstract: A process for producing a high-cleanliness steel is provided which can produce, without relying upon a high-cost remelting process, steel products having cleanliness high enough to satisfy requirements for properties of mechanical parts used under severe environmental conditions. The production process comprises the steps of: transferring a molten steel produced in an arc melting furnace or a converter to a ladle furnace to refine the molten steel; subjecting the molten steel to circulation-type degassing; and casting the molten steel into an ingot, wherein, in transferring the molten steel to the ladle furnace, a deoxidizer including aluminum and silicon, is added to previously deoxidize the molten steel, that is, to perform tapping deoxidation before refining in the ladle refining furnace.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage battery with improved cycle life and a method for making the same. The battery has a negative electrode with an electrochemically active negative material and a negative electrode capacity and a positive electrode electrochemically coupled with the negative electrode, the positive electrode having a positive electrode capacity and an electrochemically active positive material with a precharge. Also described herein is a positive electrode material for a hydrogen storage battery and a method for making the same. The positive electrode material includes a preoxidized positive active material which is partially non-oxidized. The preoxidized positive material may be used to provide precharge to the positive electrode of a hydrogen storage battery to aid in cell balancing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a metal foam body, according to which a molten material containing gas is prepared and said molten material is left to solidify, thus forming a metal foam body. The aim of the invention is to produce high-quality metal foam bodies with a desired shape, without requiring complex equipment and whilst reducing the safety risk for the operating personnel. To achieve this, the material used is fused under atmospheric pressure and gas is simultaneously and/or subsequently introduced into the molten metal. The latter is then poured into a mold and is left to solidify, whereby the ambient pressure is reduced at least temporarily.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improvements in storage and delivery systems that allow for rapid fill and delivery of gases reversibly stored in a nonvolatile liquid medium, improvements in delivery and purity of the delivered gas. The low pressure storage and delivery system for gas which comprises: a container having an interior portion containing a reactive Lewis basic or Lewis acidic reactive liquid medium that is reversibly reacted with a gas having opposing Lewis acidity or basicity; a system for transferring energy into or out of the reactive liquid medium; or, a product gas purifier (e.g. a gas/liquid separator); or both.

Abstract: A porous membrane for separation of carbon dioxide from a fluid stream at a temperature higher than about 200° C. with selectivity higher than Knudsen diffusion selectivity. The porous membrane comprises a porous support layer comprising alumina, silica, zirconia or stabilized zirconia; a porous separation layer comprising alumina, silica, zirconia or stabilized zirconia, and a functional layer comprising a ceramic oxide contactable with the fluid stream to preferentially transport carbon dioxide. In particular, the functional layer may be MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO, La2O3, CeO2, ATiO3, AZrO3, AAl2O4, A1FeO3, A1MnO3, A1CoO3, A1NiO3, A2HfO3, A3CeO3, Li2ZrO3, Li2SiO3, Li2TiO3 or a mixture thereof; wherein A is Mg, Ca, Sr or Ba; A1 is La, Ca, Sr or Ba; A2 is Ca, Sr or Ba; and A3 is Sr or Ba.

Abstract: A device and method for preventing ingression of contaminants and moisture and for removing moisture from a fluid reservoir, the device comprising a fluid reservoir for supporting a fluid therein, a fluid reservoir opening for allowing an exchanging of air between an interior of the fluid reservoir and the ambient surrounding, and a membrane-based reservoir dryer located in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, the membrane-based reservoir dryer comprising a source of compressed gas and a membrane dryer for drying the compressed gas to increase the capacity of the compressed gas for absorbing moisture from the fluid in the reservoir.

Abstract: A fuel cell gas separator (14) between two planar solid oxide fuel cells (12) comprises a first layer (22) which is formed of a material that is impermeable to gases, a second layer (24) which is formed of a material that is impermeable to gases. The first and second layers have perforations (28) through their thickness which are closed by electrically conductive plug material (30). A third intermediate layer (26) between the first and second layers is electrically conductive and is in electrical contact with the plug material in the perforations through the first and second layers. The perforations in the first layer may be offset relative to the perforations in the second layer. The electrically conductive plug material in the perforations of the first and second layers may be the same, and may also be the same as the material of the third intermediate layer. The electrically conductive material may be silver or a silver-based material such as a silver-glass composite.

Abstract: A hydrogen purification system that is used to separate hydrogen gas from a source gas. The hydrogen purification system has a hydrogen separator into which the source gas is permitted to flow. Within the hydrogen separator is at least one hydrogen permeable tube that is made of a hydrogen permeable material. A support tube is provided for each hydrogen permeable tube. A support tube is coaxially aligned with the hydrogen permeable tube, wherein a gap space exists between the hydrogen permeable tube and the support tube in an area of overlap. The source gas is introduced into the gap space. The source gas spreads thinly over the hydrogen permeable tube in the gap space. Hydrogen from the source gas passes through the hydrogen permeable tube in a highly efficient manner and is collected.

Abstract: A method for obtaining reproducibility of the retention times of the components of a mixture to be analysed in an apparatus for gaschromatographic analysis provided with a capillary column, when there occurs one of the following variations: variation in the length of the column, or alternatively its replacement with a column having identical real specifications with the exception of the length, and/or variation in the pressure of the carrier gas at output from said column. The method envisages that the pneumatic resistance of the column is known and preferably measured before and after the aforesaid variations, and that a new input pressure or a new mass flow of the carrier gas will be entered into said apparatus for gaschromatographic analysis in relation to said values of pneumatic resistance.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to large capacity (e.g., greater than 350 tons/day O2) vacuum pressure adsorption (VPSA) systems and processes that employ a single train including four beds, at least one feed compressor feeding two beds simultaneously at any given instant in time, and a single vacuum pump. The compressor(s) and the vacuum pump can be utilized 100% of the time. Use of product quality gas for purging is avoided, with about 10-20% improvement in O2 productivity and 5-10% reduction in capital cost expected.