Abstract: Described is an implantable device configured to monitor for changes in the intensity and/or duration of a systolic murmur such as mitral regurgitation by means of an acoustic sensor. Such changes may be taken to indicate a change in a patient's heart failure status. Upon detection of a worsening in the patient's heart failure statue, the device may be programmed to alert clinical personnel over a patient management network and/or make appropriate adjustments to pacing therapy.

Abstract: Safety mechanisms for compression belt cartridges used in chest compression devices. The safety mechanisms include a breakable link, liner socks, belt guards and a rapid-release connector. The breakable link ensures that unsafe belt tension will not occur. The liner socks protect the patient from friction and contain the breakable link. The belt guards protect foreign objects from entering the belt drive platform. The rapid-release connector allows the belt to be removed safely even during compressions.

Abstract: The same orthosis can be used to sequentially move joints of different fingers of a hand. A hand cuff of the orthosis is mounted on the hand. Mechanisms operable to move the joints are connected to the hand cuff at locations aligned with the fingers. The mechanisms are connected with the fingers. The joints of the fingers are moved by operating the mechanisms. The joints and first and second portions of the fingers define on one side of the joints outer sectors which decrease in angle as the joints are extended. Force is applied to the first and second portions of the fingers to move the joints by providing relative rotation between internally and externally threaded members disposed in the outer sectors. Actuator members connected with the internally or externally threaded members are moved along paths that extend through the joints.

Abstract: The present invention relates to orthotic devices and methods of use of orthotic devices. In particular, the present invention provides a forearm orthotic device, and related methods of use. Furthermore, the present invention provides methods for treating forearm disorders.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modifying viruses and bacteria in a closed loop system that irradiates the fluid multiple times through the same channel. The apparatus consists of a cuvette, an irradiation station, two ultraviolet light sources, a peristaltic pump, and a bottle which are all systematically situated with respect to a housing and a cover. A plurality of power control switches controls the operation of the apparatus. This includes an on/off power switch, an on/off pump control, and ultraviolet light control switches. Timers are provided to regulate the time period the cuvette is exposed to the ultraviolet radiation within the irradiation station from the two ultraviolet light sources. The cover is also provided to enable the cuvette to be used and exposed to ultraviolet radiation within an enclosed environment.

Abstract: To alleviate the spillage of formula from a nasal-gastric tube, a small (5 cc size) constant diameter barrel having a side arm is inserted into the N-G tube. The equal sized open ends of the barrel are closed with a membrane that allows air to pass through but is impervious to liquids. The barrel is made of clear nylon material approved by the FDA for contact with formula for the baby.

Abstract: The invention relates to the realm of needleless syringes used for injecting liquid active substances. Said syringe comprises a reservoir that is enclosed by means of displaceable plugs which trap the liquid. The reservoir is initially isolated from an injector-receptacle (37) which is provided with at least two peripheral injection conduits (38) that are arranged outside the receptacle (37). Said receptacle (37) encompasses a pocket bore (31) which accommodates the plug located downstream such that the optimized inlets (39) of the conduits are unobstructed. The face of the receptacle (37), which is located upstream, comprises a multilobed sealing joint (34) which is disposed parallel to and as close as possible to the edges of the bore (31) and the inlets (39). The aim of the invention is to create an injector-receptacle (37) that is optimized regarding discharging and the resistance thereof to the injection pressure.

Abstract: Liquid infusion apparatus includes non-magnetic materials in a pumping structure and drive motor therefor, and in a controller that supplies drive signals to the motor to facilitate convenient operation in intense magnetic fields without distorting the magnetic fields and without radiating objectionable radio-frequency interference. A non-MRI-compatible liquid infusion apparatus is temporarily replaced with MRI-compatible, non-magnetic liquid infusion apparatus without disconnecting patient from an installed intravenous infusion set to continue infusing liquid within the MRI environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles, typically for feminine protection, comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent element positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent article also comprises edge barrier elements for intercepting fluids. The edge barrier elements comprise a liquid absorbent thermoplastic composition comprising a polymeric base material having particles of water-insoluble water-swellable absorbent material dispersed therein, and are provided with a basis weight gradient along their respective width or length in the liquid absorbing thermoplastic composition and/or in the particles of water-insoluble water-swellable absorbent material dispersed therein.

Abstract: A disposable garment includes a nonwoven backsheet formed by melt-blowing. The melt-blown nonwoven web has a basis weight of from about 3 g/m2 to about 60 g/m2 and an air permeability value of at least about 15 cm3/cm2/sec.

Abstract: A disposable wearing article includes first and second engagement members attached to the outer surface of a front waist region along transversely opposite side edge portions thereof so as to be spaced from each other by a given dimension in a longitudinal direction and third engagement members attached to in the inner surface of a rear waist region along transversely opposite side edge portions thereof. The first engagement embers are laid on the respective side edge portions in longitudinally upper zones, the second engagement members are laid on the side edge portions in longitudinally lower zones, the third engagement members are laid on the side edge portions in longitudinally intermediate zones and hooks are respectively formed on the outer surface of the first and second engagement members and on the inner surface of the third engagement members.

Abstract: An undergarment includes a body panel and an crotch member. The crotch member includes first and second terminal edges and laterally opposed side edges. The crotch member has a longitudinally extending length defined between the first and second terminal edges. The crotch member is connected to the body panel at an attachment location, which is longitudinally spaced along the length of the crotch member from the first terminal edge thereof. The crotch member includes an unattached end portion that extends between the attachment location and the first terminal edge and that is unattached to the body panel. Methods of using and manufacturing the undergarment are also provided.

Abstract: An infusion vessel has a vessel body having an internal cavity to serve as an infusion medium space, a cylindrical discharge mouth continuing from a lower portion of the vessel body, a medicine chamber disposed in the discharge mouth and kept airtight against ambient air, and a separator intervening between the infusion medium space and the medicine chamber so as to keep the space in a liquid-tight state against the holder. The separator is subject to displacement, rotation or deformation such as to bring the infusion medium space into communication with the medicine chamber, so that the infusion vessel can be made ready for use by conducting a simple operation to mix the medicine with the infusion medium that have been separated from each other within the vessel during its normal state before use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for transporting a molecule through a mammalian barrier membrane of at least one layer of cells comprising the steps of: ablating said membrane with a shear device; and utilizing a driving force to move said molecule through said perforated membrane.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a device body defining a sealed fluid path having a first end and a second end, a refrigerant supply in communication with the first end of the sealed fluid path, and a vacuum source in communication with the second end of the sealed fluid path. Leak detection apparatus can be provided in communication with the sealed fluid path.

Abstract: A high-frequency incision device includes a high-frequency treating wire 9, which forms a curved portion 11 so that a wire loop 10 formed by the wire 9 may be laterally tilted in a plane parallel to the center axis 7a of an actuating wire 7 when the wire 9 extends from the forward end of a flexible sheath 2.

Abstract: A side-loading bone anchor is provided, which may be used in cervical, thoracic, lumbar or sacral areas of the spine or other orthopedic locations. In one embodiment, the anchor includes an anchoring portion, a receiving portion, and an internal piece that is rotatable with respect to the receiving portion at least to a degree. The anchoring portion is attached to a bone. A rod or other elongated support member is received in the receiving portion in contact with the internal piece. The rod and internal piece may be rotated for variability substantially in a plane, and a set screw is threaded into the receiving portion to lock the rod within the receiving portion.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis and a method of repairing an anatomical defect, such as a tissue or muscle wall defect, by promoting tissue growth thereto, while limiting the incidence of postoperative adhesions between a portion of the prosthesis and tissue or organs. The prosthesis is formed of a biologically compatible, flexible layer of repair fabric suitable for reinforcing tissue or muscle and closing anatomical defects, and a barrier layer for physically isolating at least a portion of one side of the fabric from areas likely to form adhesions. A peripheral barrier extends about at least a portion of the outer peripheral edge of the repair fabric to inhibit adhesions between the outer peripheral edge and adjacent tissue and organs. The repair fabric may include an outer margin that has been melted and resolidified to render the outer peripheral edge substantially impervious to tissue ingrowth.

Abstract: Medical devices for filtering fluids flowing through a lumen and a method of forming medical devices. The devices can be used in vascular channels, urinary tracts, biliary ducts and the like, and filter emboli and other debris generated at a treatment site.

Abstract: The invention is directed to instruments and procedures using such instruments for temporarily reducing or terminating blood flow through a female patient's uterine artery to treat post partum hemorrhage (PPH). The uterine artery is occluded by a clamping device which includes a pair of pivotally connected clamping members, with each of the clamping members having a handle and a clamping element at the distal end of the handle. The clamping elements are inclined with respect to the longitudinal axes of the handles at an included obtuse angle between about 120° and about 170°, preferably between about 130° and 160°. An artery locating sensor is provided on the distal end of at least one of the clamping elements. Preferably, the artery locating sensor is a Doppler ultrasound blood flow sensor.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes: grip handles (2, 3) which are articulated to each other around a fulcrum pin (4) so that the jaws can be moved from an open position to a closed position; and connecting elements (5) which can be used to: (i) lock the handles (2, 3) in a determined, constant position when a first force is exerted on the handles; and (ii) unlock the handles (2, 3) when a second force is exerted on same.

Abstract: A stent may comprise a plurality of serpentine bands, wherein adjacent serpentine bands are connected by at least one connector strut. A serpentine band may comprise alternating straight struts and s-shaped struts. Connector struts may comprise first connector struts and second connector struts, wherein the first connector struts are nonparallel to the second connector struts.

Abstract: An apparatus including a tether, and an aptation device coupled to the tether at a position corresponding to a location to contact cusps of an atrioventricular valve during systole, wherein the tether and aptation device are suitable for percutaneous delivery to a patient. An apparatus including a support annulus comprising a length corresponding to a circumference of one of an interior portion of an atrium and an atrioventricular valve annulus; and an aptation device coupled to the support annulus corresponding to a location to contact cusps of an atrioventricular valve during at least one of systole when the support annulus is seated in one of an atrium and an atrioventricular valve annulus, wherein the support annulus and aptation device are suitable for percutaneous delivery to a patient. Also, a method of introducing an aptation device to contact cusps or leaflets of an atrioventricular valve.

Abstract: An implant capable of forming a differential image in an eye is shown. The implant comprises an elongated member having a pair of spaced ends wherein one of the pair of ends includes a distal section that extends in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis. The elongated member and the distal section are formed of a dimension to be inserted into and/or passed through a punctum opening of an eye and into the canaliculus. The implant incorporates into at least one of the elongated member and the distal section an energy obstructing material responsive to the application of an energy wave, such as an energy wave in the form of sound waves vibrating at frequencies greater than 20,000 cycles per second or electromagnetic radiation, which upon everting of an eyelid of an eye and exposing the implant to an appropriate energy wave, forms a differential image pattern showing the location of the implant in the eye.

Abstract: Horny substances are removed from hides, pelts or skins of dead animals by treating the hides, pelts or skins in aqueous liquor with one or more compounds of the formula I or their corresponding alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts or ammonium or phosphonium salts, the variables being defined as follows: R1 is selected from hydrogen and C1-C12-alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted by one or more S—H or O—H groups; X1 to X4 are identical or different and are selected from hydrogen, C1-C4-alkyl, O—H, S—H and N—HR2, R2 is hydrogen or C1-C12-alkyl or a C1-C4-Alkyl-C?O group, at least one radical X1 to X4 being S—H when R1 contains at least one sulfur atom and at least two radicals X1 to X4 being S—H when R1 contains no sulfur atom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber product treating agent composition containing (a) a nonionic surfactant containing 1 to 3 polyoxyalkylene groups having the number-average addition mol number of the oxyalkylene group of 50 to 200 and 1 to 3 hydrocarbon groups having 14 to 32 carbon atoms and having an HLB of 16 or more and a melting point of 30 to 80° C., and (b) an amino-modified silicone compound in a mass ratio of the component (a)/the component (b) of 4/1 to 1/4.

Abstract: A method of preparing particles of a substance, for example selected from a flavor, fragrance, pigment, dye, biologically active compound or a plastics material, comprises contacting the substance of a formulation (which may include the substance in conjunction with a second solvent) with a first solvent which comprises a C1-C4 hydrofluorocarbon, especially tetrafluoroethane, and subjecting the resultant mixture to a separation process, for example, by allowing the mixture to be sprayed as a mist (14) from a high pressure environment in a first vessel (2) to a low pressure environment in a second vessel (8), thereby to cause separation of a least some of the substance from the first solvent and the formation of fine particles (20) of the substance.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods for assembling multiple anode stacked capacitor configurations with a temporary adhesive to aide in the alignment of separator materials and electrodes without sacrificing energy density, and electrolytic capacitors comprising such configurations. The temporary adhesive for use in the electrode assemblies will preferably comprise a polymer that is substantially soluble in a solvent-based electrolyte for use in an electrolytic capacitor.

Abstract: An artificial firelog and firestarter chip producing apparatus comprising a cutting assembly, a compression conveyor auger assembly and a die. The apparatus converts standard waxed corrugated cardboard boxes into artificial firelogs by first slicing cardboard sheets into cardboard strips, then chopping the cardboard strips into cardboard segments in the cutting assembly. The cardboard segments are compressed and in the compression conveyor auger assembly and extruded in the die to form generally circular, longitudinally-shaped sections of a firelog. Firestarter chips are fabricated by the cutting assembly, which slices cardboard sheets in conjunction with paper sheets into cardboard and paper strips, then chopping the cardboard strips into cardboard segments and the paper strips into paper mix.

Abstract: An abrasive composite, a method for making the abrasive composite, and a polishing apparatus using the abrasive composite are disclosed. The abrasive composite includes a matrix and a plurality of nano-particles distributed therein. The nano-particles are made of at least nano carbon sphere particles and fullerene particles. A ratio by weight of the nano carbon sphere particles to the fullerene particles is advantageously in the range from about 1:2 to about 1:1. The fullerenes are preferably C60 fullerenes. The abrasive composite further includes an amount of diamond particles admixed in the matrix, for improving hardness of the abrasive composite so as to accelerate polishing rate. The abrasive composite is preferably in a form of pellets. The pellets have an average grain size in the range from about 10 nanometers to about 200 nanometers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing cubic boron nitride abrasive grains used for producing a grinding wheel, etc., and to cubic boron nitride abrasive grains. The method comprises maintaining a mixture containing hexagonal boron nitride and seed crystals of cubic boron nitride under pressure and temperature conditions where cubic boron nitride remains thermodynamically stable, characterized in that the seed crystals contain cubic boron nitride twin crystals.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a rotary pulse type filter dust collector, which can maintain excellent de-dusting efficiency of a low pressure pulse type filter dust collector, reduce the number of required components in order to reduce manufacturing costs, maintenance fees, and lower defect factors to provide higher reliability. The dust collector includes: a dust collector body, a number of filter bags, a moving compressed air tank, nozzles, diaphragm valves, mechanical 3-way valves, protrusions, a reduction motor and a mechanical device for driving the compressed air tank, and an inverter controller.

Abstract: In an ethylene oxide process, the stripping and reabsorption operations, normally carried out in separate vessels, are carried out in a single vessel which is divided by a baffle into separate sections where reabsorption and stripping are carried out.

Abstract: A debris collection device with a self cleaning retention system that is designed for powered tools such as a sander. One embodiment of the system has an inflatable collection bag and a bag retention system, which further includes an integral bag adapter nozzle for retaining the collection bag to the debris exhaust of a tool such as a sander. For one embodiment of the debris collection device, the retention system can also has a tube, pipe or bracket which connects the adapter to powered tool such as a sander.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use in a disk drive assembly is disclosed. The filter assembly is configured to remove contaminants within the drive assembly and to prevent entry of contaminants into the drive assembly. In one implementation the filter assembly includes a housing configured for placement in a disk drive assembly containing a rotating disk, the housing including an air scoop having an entrance configured for placement beneath the rotating disk in the drive assembly; and a major surface having a wall and an opening in the wall, the opening configured for receiving a filter material and being in fluid communication with the entrance to the air scoop. A filter element is positioned within the housing and configured so that a first portion of the element filters air directed from the air scoop, while a second portion of the element filters air from the exterior of the drive assembly, the first and second portions sealed by a common filter material placed over the opening in the major surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for completing a natural solar distillation cycle (comprised of maritime trade winds being elevated over mountain formations to form orographic clouds) includes enabling the low cost harvesting of freshwater during time periods when weather conditions permit, despite the absence of rain. The cloud-catching wind management structures preferably incorporate minimal pressure drop gas cyclones to centrifuge condensate particles out of the air stream, and jet pump-like flow guide structures to help overcome pressure drop, for efficient, energy-passive production of freshwater utilizing only the stagnation pressure of natural wind velocity. The permanence (design and anchoring against natural disasters) of the structures provides for incorporation of water treatment means, and connection with permanent collection reservoirs and distribution systems, for large volume supply of potable freshwater for public and industrial use.

Abstract: An internal support for an air filter includes a helical member which is shaped and dimensioned to fit against the inside surface of the air filter to provide structural support which prevents the air filter from inwardly collapsing. In another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of support rings are installed in spaced apart parallel relationship inside the air filter.

Abstract: A device for adapting a cover for an existing air filter assembly to seal an end portion of a replacement cylindrical air filter having a round cross-sectional shape is disclosed. The cover has a plate with a radially inner convex guide separated from a radially outer convex guide by a concave receiver, a tightening member connected to the plate, and a catch having a first end movably connected to the tightening member, and the catch having a second end configured to engage a keeper, the tightening member adjustable to vary a distance between the catch and the plate. An adaptor is attachable to the plate of the cover. The adaptor has a first side for engagement with the plate and an opposing second side for engagement with an end portion of a cylindrical filter. The first side has a sealing surface extending radially inwardly from a peripheral edge.

Abstract: A method for rigidifying a fiber-based paper substrate for use in the exhaust system of a combustion device. In the method, a green ceramic fiber-based paper substrate is impregnated with an impregnating dispersion. The impregnated substrate is then dried, calcined and fired to form a rigidified substrate that is suitable for use in the exhaust system of a combustion device. This rigidification process is performed at least once and, preferably, two or more times. The green paper substrate comprises two or more sheets of green ceramic fiber-based paper, with at least one creased sheet and another sheet being a laminated together to form a plurality of tubular channels. The rigidified substrate comprises refractory ceramic fibers in the form of a ceramic fiber-based paper and agglomerates of ceramic particles.

Abstract: A composite powder includes an FeMo based first powder including between about 20% and about 55% by weight Fe and between about 45% and about 80% by weight of Mo. The composite powder also includes an aluminum bronze based second powder blended with the FeMo based first powder.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage system is described that can fabricated under ambient atmospheric conditions and humidity. The hydrogen storage system includes hydrogen-absorbing alloy particles, such as ABx-type alloys, for example LaNi4.7Al0.3, AB/A2B-type alloys, for example Mg2Ni, and AB2-type alloys, and group VIII transition metal particles, such as Pd, Pt, Ni, Ru, and/or Re, that are mechanically alloyed. The mechanically alloyed particles are stable and retain their hydrogen-absorbing efficiency even after prolonged exposure to air and water. Binders and solvent can be added to produce low-viscosity inks. The hydrogen storage system can be used with fuel cells that can be microfabricated and optionally be integrated with electronic devices.

Abstract: A gas-separation membrane module assembly and a gas-separation process using the assembly. The assembly includes a set of tubes, each containing gas-separation membranes, arranged within a housing. The housing contains tube sheets that divide the space within the housing into three separate, gas-tight spaces, with the tubes mounted in the central space. Within this space, each tube has an aperture or hole in its wall that enables gas that has been retained on the feed side of the membranes to flow out of the tubes and into the space. The assembly can be used in various ways to carry out gas separation processes.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of making a high performance carbon membranes from polymer membranes. The method comprising the steps of exposing polymer precursor compounds to a polar organic liquid before pyrolysis of the exposed polymer precursor compounds.

Abstract: A mixture and method for the storage and delivery of at least one gas are disclosed herein. In one aspect, there is provided a mixture for the storage and delivery of at least one gas comprising: an ionic liquid comprising an anion and a cation; and at least one gas that is disposed within and is reversibly chemically reacted with the ionic liquid. In another aspect, there is provided a method for delivering at least one gas from a mixture comprising an ionic liquid and at least one gas comprising: reacting the at least one gas and the ionic liquid to provide the mixture and separating the at least one gas from the mixture wherein the at least one gas after the separating step is substantially the same as the at least one gas prior to the reacting step.

Abstract: Method for the separation of a gas mixture comprising providing a PSA system with at least one adsorber vessel containing adsorbent material that is selective for the adsorption of carbon monoxide and nitrogen, passing a feed gas mixture containing at least hydrogen and carbon monoxide and optionally containing nitrogen through the adsorbent material in a feed step and withdrawing a purified hydrogen product from the adsorber vessel, wherein the feed step has a duration or feed time period of about 30 seconds or less. The adsorbent material is characterized by any of (1) a Henry's law constant for carbon monoxide between about 2.5 and about 5.5 (mmole/g)/atm; (2) a carbon monoxide heat of adsorption between about 6.0 and about 7.5 kcal/gmole; (3) a Henry's law constant for nitrogen greater than about 1.5 (mmole/g)/atm; and (4) a selectivity of carbon monoxide to nitrogen between about 5.0 and about 8.0.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filtration enhancement apparatus and an associated method. The apparatus includes a number of electromagnetic grids that are placed in series. The first grid conditions ambient particles to generate particles with both a positive and a negative charge. These charged particles are then delivered to a second and third grid wherein a low, medium, and/or high frequency alternating current is employed to force the positive and negative charged particles to collide and conglomerate with one another. The conglomerated particles are then sent into the ambient environment for subsequent filtration.

Abstract: A humidifier and a method for producing it can reduce gas leakage through inside the surfaces of humidifying membranes or through interfaces between the humidifying membranes and separators. The humidifier includes water permeable humidifying membranes and gas separators each having one or two channels opened at least one side in a direction of lamination, through which at least one of a dry gas and a wet gas is caused to flow. A humidifying membrane, a gas separator, a humidifying membrane and a gas separator are repeatedly laminated one over another in this order, or a gas separator, a humidifying membrane and a gas separator are repeatedly laminated one over another in this order. Each gas separator has a frame-shaped portion surrounding the one or two channels, and that portion of each humidifying membrane which, when laminated, faces the frame-shaped portion of a corresponding gas separator is filled with a resin.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a dye-based inkjet ink set and, more particularly, to an ink set with at least six differently colored inks. The ink set includes at least a cyan, magenta, yellow, red, blue and green ink.

Abstract: An ink stock solution contains at least a dye and a colorless planar compound having more than ten delocalization ? electrons in one molecule, and an ink composition is manufactured with the same ink stock solution.

Abstract: An ink composition which comprises a compound represented by formula (1), which is described in the specification; and a plurality of water-soluble organic solvents, wherein the water-soluble organic solvents contains at least a water-soluble organic solvent having a thioether or sulfoxide moiety in an amount of 10 mass % to 80 mass %, and a recording method which uses the ink composition.