Abstract: A device for implanting marking bodies into a bone is provided in the form of forceps whereby comprising a medial forceps handle, a lateral forceps handle, a medial forceps limb, a lateral forceps limb, and a spring element. The spring element acts upon the medial forceps handle and upon the lateral forceps handle, and the medial forceps limb and the lateral forceps limb can be displaced parallel relative to one another by means of a four-bar linkage for ejecting the marking bodies. A magazine containing the marking bodies can be slid onto a magazine holding fixture situated on the lateral forceps limb.

Abstract: A compact hand held device is provided that can be safely used by those suffering from acne, blemished skin or fine wrinkles. The hand held device includes an on/off switch and a button that pulses the device when it is placed on the target site. A battery within the device powers a circuit board and drives a short pulse of current through a heating element, which heats up to approximately 300° C. in less than 0.1 sec. Thermal conduction transfers the heat to the skin and causes a biological response that accelerates acne clearing, treats blemished skin or fine wrinkles. The total heat transferred is low enough to prevent burns.

Abstract: A tattooing apparatus for marking animals includes a “U” shaped pliers and a disposable needle carrier that contains plurality of needles that are arranged in desired patterns to be pressed onto animals tissue using tattoo ink. The needle carrier is made of one-piece molded part that can quickly connect into the opening of pliers handle by means of snug fit to be used for purpose of animal tattooing.

Abstract: Featured is an apparatus that places or locates a proximal end portion of a penetrating member in a target area of a body. Such an apparatus or needle driver is particularly suited for locating a percutaneous needle in a soft tissue target area of a body particularly a body having inhomogeneous soft tissues. The apparatus includes a first arm that is configured and arranged so as to support a distal portion of the penetrating member and a first drive mechanism that is coupled to the first arm. The first drive mechanism is configured and arranged to move or translate the first arm from an initial position to any of a number of other positions that are spaced from the initial position and correspondingly translate the proximal end portion of the penetrating member.

Abstract: The invention concerns an implant for the treatment of cystocele, having a thin and supple structure, characterized in that it comprises a support body (2) from which extend at least: two anterior suspension straps (3) arranged on both sides of the sagittal plane (S), two posterior suspension straps (4), arranged on both sides of the sagittal plane (S), and two middle suspension straps (5) arranged on both sides of the sagittal plane (S) and between the anterior and posterior straps (3) and (4). Application to the treatment of cystocele.

Abstract: A device is provided which can act as one component of an anastomosis-forming assembly, i.e. as an anastomosis button. The device comprises a plurality of elongate members having a first, introduction configuration in which they are substantially aligned with one another, and a second, use configuration in which they are disposed at an angle to one another. For example, there may be two such elongate members, which, in the use configuration, form a cross. The device comprises means, for example, a tensionable thread, for bringing the elongate members into the use configuration.

Abstract: Medical devices, such as medical balloons, catheters having balloons, and stents, having one or more cutting elements are disclosed. In some embodiments, the cutting elements include diamond.

Abstract: A lancing device including a drive mechanism with a drive spring and a lancet carrier engaged and driven by the drive spring, and further including a lancet with a sharp lancing tip, wherein the lancet floats relative to the carrier and is decoupled from the drive mechanism during at least a portion of a lancing stroke. In one example embodiment the lancet is held in a sled that floats in the carrier, and in another example embodiment the lancet by itself floats in the carrier.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to an improvement in a surgical therapeutic instrument which includes an inserting part, a manipulating part, and a therapeutic part. In a link mechanism having a transmission shaft for transmitting a driving force applied to the manipulating part to the therapeutic part, the position of the transmission shaft is restricted, and a joint is provided in the transmission shaft to reduce the strain of the transmission shaft. A sheath is also provided in the inserting part to facilitate cleaning thereof. A mechanism is provided for immovably locking the movable portion. A circular arc centered about a turning shaft is introduced into the shape of the manipulating part to improve the manipulability thereof. Further, the structure of a gripping portion of the manipulating part is improved.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a pair of elongated members joined together by a box hinge. The box hinge is formed of a slot in the first member and a hinge portion in the second member. The hinge portion of the second member is generally the same width as that of the second member on either side of the box hinge. The width of the first elongated member is larger than the width of the second elongated member at either end of the box hinge portion. The first and second box hinge portions have pivot points that mate to allow the hinge to open and close. The pivot points may be corresponding protrusions and depressions of any preferred shape. The unique construction of the box hinge creates a snag-free surface that allows for the use of the instrument for tasks such as suturing without the suturing thread snagging on the instrument.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a surgical instrument comprising an elongate tube extending along an axis including a camming rod and an actuation mechanism operably connected to the camming rod, the camming rod having a camming pin and a camming projection; a first jaw spine having a first cam slot, a first interior camming surface, and a first exterior camming surface; and a second jaw spine having a second cam slot, a second interior camming surface, and a second exterior camming surface, the second jaw spine pivotally connected to the first jaw spine at a common pivot pin operably connected to the elongate tube to open and close the jaw spines in response to movement of the actuation mechanism. The camming pin rides along the first and second interior camming surfaces and operates to close the jaw spines when the camming rod is moved proximally.

Abstract: The method of prevention and treatment of microbial infections that occur on, or just below, the skin and nails of a person consisting of applying a means to inactivate the microbes thus rendering them harmless. The treatment consists of applying a means which alters the skin or nail so that the skin or nail will either no longer serve as a food source, will be inhibitory to the organism, will be toxic to the organism, or will be altered in a manner that makes it more responsive to treatment of infections.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for treating and preventing skin disorders. More particularly, the disclosed invention is directed toward the prevention of acne and acne scarring by treating sebaceous oil glands and the surrounding tissue with an exogenous chromophore composition and then exposing the target tissue to visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light to inhibit the activity of the oil gland and eliminate acne bacteria. The method of the present invention may be further augmented by enhancing the penetration of the topical composition into the oil gland and surrounding tissue through the use of procedures including enzyme peeling, microderm abrasion, or ultrasound.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for temperature modification of selected body regions including an induced state of local hypothermia of the brain region for neuroprotection. A heat exchange catheter is provided with heat transfer fins projecting or extending outward from the catheter which may be inserted into selected blood vessels or body regions to transfer heat with blood or fluid in the selected blood vessels or body regions. Another aspect of the invention further provides methods and apparatus for controlling the internal body temperature of a patient. By selectively heating or cooling a portion of the catheter lying within a blood vessel, heat may be transferred to or from blood flowing within the vessel to increase or decrease whole body temperature or the temperature of a target region. Feed back from temperature sensors located within the patient's body allow for control of the heat transfer from the catheter to automatically control the temperature of the patient or of the target region within the patient.

Abstract: A method for charging a deformable intraocular lens into a receptacle through a slit or opening in the receptacle periphery, the lens in un-deformed state comprising a) a roughly disc shaped optic part configured to act as a lens when inserted into an eye and b) at least two elongated haptic legs, each leg having an inner end attached to the optic part, an outer end being free and intermediate points in between the inner end and the free end, each leg being curved in unstressed state and being flexible to at least a less curved configuration under stress. The method comprises the steps of i) stretching the legs to align the legs along a substantially straight line, ii) aligning or maintaining the substantially straight line over and substantially parallel with the slit or opening of the receptacle, and iii) transferring at least the two legs through the slit or opening into the receptacle.

Abstract: Method for production of a prosthetic ligament (1), for the replacement of a natural joint ligament, having a global cylindrical form and including a medial intra-articular section (3) between two intra-osseous end parts (2). The method includes a step of the rolling or folding on itself of a web of synthetic polymer fibers, followed by a step of installation of a traction thread (5) to each of the ends (4) of the ligament (1), then a step of placing a tip (6) on the ends (5), characterized in that the placing of the tip (6) includes producing a radial ligature (60) of the ligament (1) provided with the traction threads (5), by of a ligature thread (7).

Abstract: Articulating diamond-surfaced spinal implants are disclosed. Materials which may be used to make the spinal implants and manufacturing and finishing techniques for making the implants are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intervertebral disc prosthesis preferably comprising at least three pieces including an upper plate (1), a lower plate (2) and a mobile core (3) at least in relation to the lower plate (2), co-operation means (23, 33) allowing to limit or eliminate the movements of the core (3) in relation to the lower plate (2), in translation and in rotation, respectively, about an axis substantially parallel to the lower plate (2) and about an axis substantially perpendicular to the lower plate (2), at least one part of the surface of at least one plate being concave and complementary with a convex surface (30) of the core (3), with which it is in contact, wherein the tip (31) of the convex surface (30) of the core (3) is off centre, in at least one direction, in relation to the centre (32) of this convex surface (30).

Abstract: A method of implanting at least a stem member of a femoral insert into an intramedullary canal of a femur. The method includes making an anterior incision for accessing the intramedullary canal, and inserting a stem member of the femoral insert into the intramedullary canal through the incision along an arcuate path defined by an arcuate profile of the stem member.

Abstract: The present invention relates in certain embodiments to components of a hip-joint prosthesis. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to a leaf-like femoral shaft for use as part of a hip-joint prosthesis, and instruments (e.g., a rasp) and methods for implanting the shaft. The shaft includes an anchoring section extending between a proximal region and a distal end of the shaft. The shaft has a cross-sectional contour that defines a lateral side, a medial side, an anterior side and a posterior side. A corresponding rasp is preferably provided for each femoral shaft. The rasp is inserted into the femur to form a cavity having generally the same configuration as the rasp. The shaft is configured to be over-dimensioned in at least one of the anterior-posterior direction and medial-lateral direction relative to the rasped femur cavity.

Abstract: A composition comprising a self-emulsifiable or self-dispersible aqueous solution or dispersion of at least one urea linkage-containing alkoxypolyoxyalkylene fluorocarbamate prepared by contacting (a) at least one polyisocyanate which contains at least three isocyanate groups per molecule, (b) at least one fluorochemical reagent of the formula F(CF2)aCH2CH2OH, wherein a is 4, 6, or 8, or mixtures thereof, provided that a is a maximum of 50% of 8, and (c) at least one hydrophilic, water-solvatable reagent which contains per molecule a single functional group which has at least one reactive Zerewitinoff hydrogen atom, and thereafter with (d) water, the equivalent weight of the polyisocyanate and the reagents (b) and (c) being such that the reagents react with 55% to 95% of the isocyanate groups, and water reacts with all of the remaining isocyanate groups, the composition imparting durable hydrophilicity and stain release properties to a substrate treated therewith is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to new compositions and methods for cleaning textile substrates, especially carpet and upholstery fabrics. More particularly, this invention relates to liquid compositions that contain absorbent particles in a flowable fluid dispersion, which dries to a soil ladened powder, that can be removed by vacuuming, brushing, and/or laundering methods. The composition includes dispersion stabilizing additives such that the composition is presented as a stable dispersion or as a composition that may be easily redispersed prior to application.

Abstract: A direct emulsion for bleaching keratin fibers, preferably human keratin fibers such as hair, having an inert phase containing of a nonoxygenated and nonperfluorinated liquid compound having a water-solubility at 25° C. of less than 1% and an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, a bleaching method using this direct emulsion, as it is or in the form of a ready-to-use composition, and the use of this direct emulsion for bleaching keratin fibers. The direct emulsion in accordance with the invention makes it possible to rapidly obtain substantial lightening of keratin fibers while limiting the degradation of the keratin fibers and skin irritation.

Abstract: An oxidative dye composition comprising one or more oxidative dyes, at least one glyceryl ester, and at least one surfactant, a method for coloring hair, and a method for coloring First Grays and hair that has been chemically processed with a mild, easy to use, hair color.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of hair care. More specifically, the present invention relates to the conditioning of hair after it has been oxidized in a coloring, bleaching or perming treatment. Superior conditioning is obtained by providing a cationic polymer to the hair while it is subjected to the oxidizing treatment, and then the oxidized hair is subjected to a conditioning treatment with a composition comprising a functionalized silicone.

Abstract: A recuperative heat exchanger (36) is provided for use in a fuel processor (20), the heat exchanger (36) transferring heat from a fluid flow (34) at one stage of a fuel processing operation to the fluid flow (32) at another stage of the fuel processing operation. The heat exchanger (36) includes a housing (56) defining first and second axially extending, concentric annular passages in heat transfer relation to each other; a first convoluted fin (70) located in the first passage to direct the fluid flow therethrough; and a second convoluted fin (72) located in the second passage to direct the fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: A device for the catalytic generation of hydrogen from hydrocarbons includes a catalytic converter having feed and distribution channels for starting materials and discharge and collection manifolds for products. The feed and distribution channels and the discharge and collection manifolds are formed from a plurality of identically structured channels. Inlet channels for supplying and distributing starting materials and outlet channels for collecting and discharging products are defined by, in each case, inversely arranged closed and open channel ends. The inlet and outlet channels extend substantially across the entire catalytic converter and are provided in an alternately intermeshing arrangement.

Abstract: A fuel processing system is provided wherein heat is transferred from a reformate flow (32) downstream from a water-gas shift (38) to both a) a combustor feed flow (40) that is supplied to a combustor (25); and b) a water flow (26) that is supplied to a reformer feed mix (34) for a steam reformer (28).

Abstract: Provided is a method of polishing comprising providing a workpiece, providing a fixed abrasive article, providing conditioning particles, and relatively moving the workpiece and the fixed abrasive article in the presence of the conditioning particles to modify the surface of the workpiece and to condition the fixed abrasive. The fixed abrasive article comprises a substrate having a first surface and a region of abrasive composites distributed on the first surface of the substrate. The abrasive composites include a composite binder and abrasive particles, which may be in abrasive agglomerates together with a matrix material. The abrasive particles are harder than the workpiece. The conditioning particles are sufficient to condition one or more of the composite binder, matrix material, and abrasive agglomerates. The hardness of the conditioning particles is less than the hardness of the workpiece and they do not substantially polish the workpiece.

Abstract: A filter device for a vacuum cleaner includes a casing having a collecting space therein, a suction opening through which air including dust is sucked, formed eccentrically at one side so that sucked air can be rotated and a discharge opening through which purified air is discharged. A filter is installed at an internal space of the casing, for filtering dust from air sucked through the suction opening. A filter cleaning unit is disposed at an outer circumferential surface of the filter, for cleaning the filter by being rotated by a rotation force of air sucked through the suction opening. A rotation restrainer is provided for restraining rotation of the filter cleaning unit when the filter cleaning unit reaches a topmost position. Accordingly, fine dust attached to the filter in cleaning is removed so that a channel of the filter can be prevented from being closed.

Abstract: A trigger mechanism for a dust filter pulse cleaning system includes a trigger frame, a trigger valve assembly including a reciprocating valve member having a valve head resiliently urged toward a valve seat and a striker head at an opposite end, a trigger arm pivotally connected to the trigger frame and including a cam follower, a twin lobed trigger cam journaled on the trigger frame and engaging the cam follower, and a pinion gear joined to the trigger cam and adapted for engagement with a fixed spur gear mounted coaxially with a rotary pulse cleaning air distribution arm extending from a rotary air tank. The trigger mechanism is mounted on the air tank and rotates therewith. An air release conduit is connected to the trigger valve and causes the opening of a main diaphragm valve to release air pulses from the air tank when pressure is released from the release line. Compressed air within the release line also acts to urge the valve head against the valve seat.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to a guard(s)/cap(s) and/or screen(s) apparatus (single and/or multiple formation) for the nacelle/air inlet for numerous jets, turbojet, turboprop and turboshaft engines—(Helicopters and other VTOL/VSTOL aircraft) such as power plants or the like. This apparatus contains the rotational system(s) as well as the engine shaft attached apparatus and/or pole that allows the mechanism to function by auto induced movement, without limiting engine th'rust. Additional security measures have been introduced to the guard(s)/cap(s) and/or screen(s) apparatus, which includes a centrifuge chamber/manifold for particle collector without limiting engine thrust.

Abstract: A multi-cyclone dust separator according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a first cyclone unit having a first cyclone chamber and a first dust receptacle enclosing a circumference of the first cyclone chamber; and a second cyclone unit disposed below the first cyclone unit and having a plurality of second cyclone chambers and a second dust receptacle disposed under the second cyclone chambers to collect dust.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a desired air pressure inside a home includes a differential pressure switch/gage having a first port and a second port. The first port is adaptable for sensing a first pressure inside the home; the second port is adaptable for sensing a second pressure outside the home. The differential pressure switch/gage is adaptable for producing a signal in response to a difference between the first pressure and the second pressure. A motorized damper is in signal communication with the differential pressure switch/gage and is operable to control entry of air into the home in response to the signal. A method of maintaining a desired air pressure inside a home comprises sensing a first pressure inside the home, sensing a second pressure outside the home, and introducing air into the home through a controlled opening if said second pressure exceeds said first pressure by a specified amount.

Abstract: Use of urease-inhibiting amounts of calcium polysulfide, potassium polysulfide, calcium thiosulfate, magnesium thiosulfate, and blends thereof, in combination with urea-containing fertilizer to significantly reduce potential losses of nitrogen due to ammonia volatilization.

Abstract: A technique is provided for delivering plant supportive materials to plants. The technique utilizes encapsulation of a plant growth facilitator, such as a plant nutrient, water or pesticide, in small structures that may be taken in through the stomata of plants. This enables a more efficient treatment, watering and/or feeding of plants by foliar application.

Abstract: The process for the synthesis of rhenium powders comprises the injection of ammonium perrhenate powder through a carrier gas in a plasma torch of a plasma reactor operated using a mixture including hydrogen as the plasma gas, yielding metallic rhenium under the following chemical reaction: 2 NH4ReO4+4 H2?2 Re+N2?+8 H2O?. The reactor is provided with a quench zone for cooling the metallic rhenium so as to yield rhenium nano and micro powders.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for smelting sulfidic copper concentrates, in which method copper sulfide bearing material is smelted in a smelting furnace (1) for creating blister copper and slag. According to the method, at least part (3) of the feed of the smelting furnace (1) is copper sulfide bearing (3) material obtained by means of sulfide bearing material (2) that is fed into the hydrometallurgic further processing (12,19) of slag (11) created in the smelting process.

Abstract: A method for optimizing a bioleaching process, at least in respect of heat generation and primary copper sulphide leaching, by actively monitoring and controlling inorganic and organic compounds in a raffinate solution, produced in the process, to levels below that which could be inhibitory to microbial activity of bioleaching strains used in the process.

Abstract: A fluid storage and dispensing apparatus, including a cylindrical fluid storage and dispensing vessel having an interior volume, in which the interior volume contains a physical adsorbent for sorptively retaining a fluid thereon and from which the fluid is desorbable for dispensing from the vessel, and a valve head coupled to the vessel for dispensing desorbed fluid from the vessel. The physical adsorbent includes a monolithic carbon physical adsorbent that is characterized by at least one of the following characteristics: (a) a fill density measured for arsine gas at 25° C. and pressure of 650 torr that is greater than 400 grams arsine per liter of adsorbent; (b) at least 30% of overall porosity of the adsorbent including slit-shaped pores having a size in a range of from about 0.3 to about 0.72 nanometer, and at least 20% of the overall porosity including micropores of diameter <2 nanometers; and (c) having a bulk density of from about 0.80 to about 2.0 grams per cubic centimeter.

Abstract: Defoaming equipment, and more particularly, removing, defoaming, and storing large amounts of foam after a Blast Mitigation or Decontamination Foam has been used in either an open area or in an contained area is described. An apparatus is provided for defoaming, comprising: a vacuum system, including a vacuum head for drawing the foam through a suction hose terminating in a nozzle, that feeds the foam into a holding tank that initially stores a quantity of defoaming agent, and a pump drawing the defoaming agent from the holding tank to at least one injector that is fitted on the vacuum-side of the vacuum system, whereby the defoaming agent is actively mixed with the collected foam, reducing the collected foam. The reduced foam and defoaming agent are recirculated through the pump and the nozzle, the suction hose, the vacuum system, the injector and holding tank are of chemical-resistant construction.

Abstract: A carrier is used to carry a liquid, and a high voltage is applied between a discharge end of the carrier and an opposed electrode to emit ionized liquid particles. The carrier has a liquid collecting end opposite to the discharge end to feed the steam of the liquid from a steam generator, condensing the liquid therearound, and feeding the condensed liquid to the discharge end. Accordingly, even when the liquid contains cations such as those of Ca and Mg, the steam of the liquid can extremely reduce the content of these impurities, avoiding the precipitation of the impurities at the discharge end of the carrier to assure stable electrostatic atomization.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for purifying gases having organic impurities, including the use of granulated porous glass. A system for purifying an impure gas includes a source of an impure gas, a purification element operatively associated with the source of impure gas for purifying the impure gas, and a conduit operatively associated with the purification element for receiving a flow of purified impure gas from the purification element and directing the purified impure gas to a container or point of use. The impure gas includes a first gas and an organic compound. The purification element includes a vessel containing a packed bed of granulated porous glass.

Abstract: A device for controlling a dissolved amount of gas. The device is formed of: a pressure reducing part constructed by connecting a hole provided at an upper part of a closed tank to a vacuum pump through a pipe; an injection supply part for injecting fluid to be treated pressurized by a pressurizing pump from the upper part of the tank; a liquid foam generating container where the injected fluid to be treated is received, then gas of the reduced pressure space is involved in, and an air bubble group rises along an inner peripheral wall and is separated from the liquid, and then changes into liquid bubbles in an upper region; a recovery pump part for allowing the liquid bubbles having overflowed from the container; and a tank water level sensor part for maintaining a water level of the treated fluid.

Abstract: A cyclonic fluid separator for separating condensable, liquid and/or solid components from a fluid mixture includes an upstream fluid inlet section in which the fluid mixture is accelerated to a supersonic velocity to expand and cool the fluid mixture such that one or more condensable fluid components are liquefied and/or solidified; a downstream separation section in which condensables depleted and condensables enriched fluid fractions are separated and fed into separate outlets; and a midstream vortex generation section which includes a plurality of tilted wings of which the wing tips are located at relatively large mutual spacings and at a small spacing from the inner wall of the midstream vortex generation section such that during normal operation of the separator adjacent to the various wing tips widely spaced vortices of swirling fluid are generated in the fluid stream flowing through the housing, which vortices are still separated from each other at the entrance of the downstream separation section.

Abstract: A bypass factor of an evaporator is used to indicate when an air filter of an HVAC is clogged. The bypass factor represents the amount of air that is bypassed without direct contact with the evaporator. As the air filter clogs, the bypass factor decreases. The bypass factor can also be used for early detection of clogging of the air filter. A first bypass factor is calculated by using the temperature measurements, and a second bypass factor is calculated by using the airflow rate of the air. The difference between the two bypass factors determines the error. An increase in the error indicates that the air filter is clogged. A coefficient of performance of the evaporator can also be calculated to detect if the air filter is clogged. A decrease in the coefficient of performance indicates that the air filter is clogged.

Abstract: A thermochromic coloring color-memory composition comprising a homogeneous solubilized mixture of (A) an electron donative coloring organic compound, (B) an electron accepting compound and (C) a compound represented by the specific formula as a reaction medium which controls color reactions of the components (A) and (B).

Abstract: An ink set, provided with at least a magenta ink composition, a yellow ink composition and a cyan ink composition, wherein the magenta ink composition has an L* value of 60 or more and a b* value of ?17 or less when the CIE standard a* value as calculated from the visible absorption spectrum in an aqueous solution diluted 10,000-fold or less is 80.

Abstract: To make a color tone similar to that of dentin of a tooth at a low cost without discoloration when baking, a dental ceramics material is produced by: mixing a pink coloring agent and a yellow coloring agent with zirconium oxide containing a stabilizer while having a mixing ratio of 0.001 to 5 wt. % respectively; and baking it, where the pink coloring agent is obtained by dissolving manganese oxide in aluminum oxide as a solid solution, the yellow coloring agent is obtained by dissolving vanadium oxide in zirconium oxide as a solid solution, the zirconium oxide contains 0.1 to 30 wt. % aluminum oxide if necessary, the stabilizer is one or more kinds selected from a group including yttrium oxide, magnesium oxide, calcium oxide, and cerium oxide, and the content thereof is preferably 3 to 7 wt. %.

Abstract: The invention is a composition comprising a) one or more organotitanates or zirconates having four ligands wherein the ligands are hydrocarbyl, optionally containing one or more functional groups having one or more heteroatoms selected from the group comprising oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur wherein two or more of the ligands may form a cyclic structure with the proviso that one of the ligands has an acidic moiety; one or more strong organic acids or a mixture thereof; b) one or more alkoxysilanes; c) optionally one or more high molecular weight resins; and d) a solvent which dissolves the components of the composition. This composition is referred to as a clear primer hereinafter. Preferably, the composition comprises both an organotitanate or zirconate and a strong acid.