Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of performing surgery on a patient's joint. The method includes making an incision proximal to the joint. The incision exposes at least a portion of the joint. A cutting guide is provided which projects a cutting guide image on to a first bone of the joint. A cutting tool is aligned with the cutting guide image. The first bone is cut by moving the cutting tool in relation to the cutting guide image.

Abstract: A generic bone implant, or set of standardized implants, is created based on using a guide device to develop an axis normal to an articular surface of bone and collecting only one or two data points. A generic cutting tool is used to cut the bone to a point where a generic implant can be used. Several improved tools relating to the procedure for using such an implant, as well as methods for using implants consistent with the invention are further described, including: single-axis and biaxial drill guide tools and methods, generic single-axis implant methods and devices, generic biaxial implant methods and devices, tools and methods for holding or delivering an implant, removal or revision tools and methods, digital measuring systems and methods, and set of measuring gauges for determining the appropriate implant dimensions.

Abstract: Various obesity treatment tools and methods are described herein, as well as treatments for other gastric-related diseases, e.g., GERD. Treatment includes reducing the size of the stomach pouch to limit the caloric intake as well as to provide an earlier feeling of satiety. This may be done by creating a smaller gastric pouch within the stomach directly from the interior of the stomach itself. The smaller pouches may be made through the use of individual anchoring devices, rotating probes, or volume reduction devices. A pyloroplasty procedure may also be performed to render the pyloric sphincter incompetent. A gastric bypass procedure may additionally be performed using atraumatic magnetic anastomoses devices so that sugars and fats are passed directly to the bowel while bypassing the stomach. Many of these procedures may be done in a variety of combinations. Treatment may create enforced behavioral modifications by discouraging the ingestion of high-caloric foods.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a surgical anastomosis include a tubular body (102) having an onion portion (114) formed near the distal end of the tubular body. The apparatus includes a sleeve (104) having a radius sized and dimensioned to slidably receive the tubular body therein. The apparatus includes a plunger assembly sized and dimensioned to be slidably received within the central lumen of the tubular body. The plunger assembly includes a distal end configured and adapted to deploy the onion portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting a first conduit to the heart without the need for cardiopulmonary bypass. The first conduit may then be attached to a second conduit that has a prosthetic device interposed. The second conduit may be connected to the aorta prior to the first conduit being attached to the heart. The prosthetic device may be a prosthetic valve or a pump, for example. The apparatus of the present invention includes an implantable connector with first conduit component, a retractor expansion component, a coring component, and a pushing component. The retractor expansion component is slideably coupled to the coring component. The retractor expansion component serves to seat against and separate the inside apical wall of the left ventricle so that the coring component may cut cleanly through the myocardium to form a tissue plug without leaving any hanging attachments to the inside walls.

Abstract: An endoscopic apparatus for harvesting a desired blood vessel including an endoscopic barrel having at least two lumens, one of the lumens dimensioned for receiving an endoscope, a handle disposed at a proximal end of the endoscopic barrel, a cone portion disposed over a distal end of the endoscopic barrel, and at least one manipulator fork extendable from the cone portion for dissecting the desired blood vessel from connective tissue.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a cutting member with an implement for cutting tissue, and a drive coupled to the cutting member. The drive may include a drive member having a helical groove and being attached to the cutting member. Furthermore, the drive may include an inner drive hub coupled to the drive member such that the drive member rotates with the inner drive hub while being free to translate relative to the inner drive hub. The drive simultaneously rotates and translates the cutting member in response to a force applied to the drive.

Abstract: A lancing device is adapted for use in firing a lancet into the skin of a patient to acquire a blood sample and, subsequent thereto, calculating and displaying the concentration of glucose in the acquired sample. In one embodiment, the device comprises a lancet and a torsion spring coupled to the lancet through a lancet holder. The torsion spring includes inner, middle and outer rings which are concentrically configured, a plurality of activation spring arms which connect the middle and outer rings and a plurality of return spring arms which connect the inner and middle rings. In use, the plurality of activation and return spring arms can be independently transformed between energized and de-energized states using a single, button-shaped mechanism. Rotation of the mechanism is used to energize the activation and return spring arms.

Abstract: An embolic protection device has a collapsible filter element (105) mounted on a carrier such as a guidewire (101). The filter element (105) collapses into the outer end of a catheter (118) for deployment and retrieval through a vascular system of a patient. The filter element (105) has a collapsible filter body with a proximal inlet end and a distal outlet end. The proximal inlet end has inlet openings sized to allow blood and embolic material enter the filter body. The outlet end has outlet openings which allow through passage of blood but retain embolic material within the filter body. After use, the catheter (118) is movable along the guidewire (101) to engage the proximal end of the filter element and close the inlet openings before sliding over the filter element from the proximal end to the distal end to progressively collapse the filter body on the guidewire (101) for retrieval.

Abstract: A tissue approximation device and processes for using the device are provided. The device is an implantable, biodegradable construct that has attachment points emanating from a supportive backing. The device improves the mechanical phase of wound healing and optimally distributes tension over the contact area between the device and tissue. Processes for using the device include soft tissue attachment and soft tissue to bone attachment. Several variations are particularly applicable to facilitating tissue approximation in surgical cosmetic applications, particularly chin lifts. Generally, tissue to be lifted may be set on a chin lift device via attachment points before or after the device is secured to a patient's bone. Variations of the device are described along with a method of installing the chin lift device. Also described is a tool particularly useful for installing a chin lift device.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of inserting a two piece implant into a patient. A first insertion device is connected to a first piece of the implant, and a second insertion device is connected to a second piece of the implant. Each piece of the implant is inserted with its associated insertion device. The inserted pieces are aligned relative to each other by mutual engagement of alignment structures of the insertion devices. The aligned pieces are connected to each other and the insertion devices are disengaged from the implant pieces.

Abstract: A connector assembly for catheters having closed loop flow circuits, such as some balloon catheters and heat exchange catheters. The connector assembly comprises first and second connector bodies that may be connected and disconnected from one another. When the connector bodies are disconnected, a syringe or negative pressure source may be attached to withdraw residual fluid from the catheter's closed loop circuit and to deflate any expandable portion of the closed loop circuit (e.g., balloon or expandable heat exchanger). A one way flow valve prevents make up air or other fluid from entering the catheter while the negative pressure is being applied. Also disclosed are sterility barrier assemblies for all types of catheters.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preventing myocardial infarction, or lessening the size/severity of an evolving myocardial infarction, by cooling at least the affected area of the myocardium using an intravascular heat exchange catheter. The heat exchange catheter may be inserted into the vasculature (e.g., a vein) and advanced to a position wherein a heat exchanger on the catheter is located in or near the heart (e.g., within the vena cava near the patient's heart). Thereafter, the heat exchange catheter is used to cool the myocardium (or the entire body of the patient) to a temperature that effectively lessens the metabolic rate and/or oxygen consumption of the ischemic myocardial cells or otherwise protects the ischemic myocardium from undergoing irreversible damage or infarction.

Abstract: An introducer for delivering into the vasculature a straight or bifurcated stent or prosthesis; a method for delivering into the vasculature a straight or bifurcated stent or prosthesis; a method of treating and angeological disease using a bifurcated stent; an endoluminal stent having perpendicular hoop members, each hoop member formed of wire in a sinuous configuration, at least some of juxtaposed apices in neighboring hoops being secured to one another, such stents also forming axially aligned segments in straight stents, and segments of bifurcated stents in particular embodiments. Certain embodiments of such stents also include barbs, fabric covering and radiopaque markers.

Abstract: A composite multilayer implantable material having a first inner tubular layer formed of expanded polytetrafluoroethyene having a porous microstructure defined by nodes interconnected by fibrils, wherein said first layer has a plurality of pleated folds, a second tubular layer formed of textile material circumferentially disposed exteriorly to said first layer; and having an elastomeric bonding agent applied to one of said first layer or second layer and disposed within the pores of said microstructure for securing said first layer to said second layer.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis and method of implanting the prosthesis are disclosed. A valve is mounted within a support apparatus that is deformable between a first condition and a second condition. The prosthesis has a cross-sectional dimension in the second condition that is less than a cross-sectional dimension of the supported valve when in first condition. The prosthesis can be implanted into a patient's heart, such as during a direct vision procedure through a tubular implantation apparatus that maintains the prosthesis in its second condition until discharged from the tubular apparatus.

Abstract: A sizing apparatus can include a contact member having a curved contact surface, the contact surface extending in a substantially convex shape from a proximal end to a distal end along a direction that lies in a same plane as a first axis, the contact surface extending in a substantially concave shape between spaced apart first and second side edges along a direction that lies in a plane that is substantially transverse to the first axis. The sizing apparatus can also include an arm extending from the contact member substantially parallel to the first axis. A flange may also be provided to facilitate use of the sizing apparatus.

Abstract: An implantable device for use in a human and/or animal body for replacement of an organ valve. The device has an elongate main body having a first end and a second end provided with openings, and a membrane element provided with at least one opening. The device has, in a first operating state (primary form), a large ratio of length to transverse extent along an axis, and, in a second operating state (secondary form), a smaller ratio of length to transverse extent along an axis. The device is reversibly convertible from the secondary form into the primary form by application of force against elastic material forces. At least one of the two ends of the main body has an outwardly protruding anchoring portion for anchoring the device in the organ and/or a vessel.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis device is disclosed suitable for implantation in body ducts. The device comprises a support stent, comprised of a deployable construction adapted to be initially crimped in a narrow configuration suitable for catheterization through the body duct to a target location and adapted to be deployed by exerting substantially radial forces from within by means of a deployment device to a deployed state in the target location, and a valve assembly comprising a flexible conduit having an inlet end and an outlet, made of pliant material attached to the support beams providing collapsible slack portions of the conduit at the outlet. The support stent is provided with a plurality of longitudinally rigid support beams of fixed length.

Abstract: A mitral annuloplasty and left ventricle restriction device is designed to be transvenously advanced and deployed within the coronary sinus and in some embodiments other coronary veins The device places tension on adjacent structures, reducing the diameter and/or limiting expansion of the mitral annulus and/or limiting diastolic expansion of the left ventricle. These effects may be beneficial for patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

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 ferromagnetic shape memory material. The body member has a first size of a dimension in a first configuration and a second size of the dimension in a second configuration. The body member is configured to be implanted into a heart so as to reinforce a cardiac valve annulus in the first configuration.

Abstract: Intraocular lenses for implanting within the natural capsular bag of the human eye having features on the outer ends or portions of the lenses to fixate the lens within the natural capsular bag following implantation.

Abstract: An enhanced visibility composition for implantation from a remote source, so that the composition can be readily observed under fluoroscopy or other imaging techniques is disclosed. The compositions include a biocompatible matrix, such as a hard tissue implant material for example, and radiopaque particles mixed in the matrix. The radiopaque particles have a particle size between about 120? and 2200?, more preferably bout 350? and 2200?, even more preferably between about 450? and 1600?, and most preferably between about 570? and 1150?. Preferably the hard tissue implant and the radiopaque particles are formed or prepared in a slurry. Optionally, the enhanced visibility composition may further include additional radiopaque particles or contrast particles mixed in with the composition, which have a particle size between about 120? and 350?, preferably between about 120? and 250?.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus to eliminate the theft of various types of electronic equipment through the use of an existing telephonic connection. The method includes steps of determining an apparent theft, contacting a local police or security authority and providing a means of discovering the location of the stolen equipment. The method further allows the apparatus to eliminate the need for excessive hardware components by utilizing pre-existing infrastructure. In utilizing preexisting infrastructure, the invention allows operation in a plurality of locations through its stand-alone capabilities and location identification capabilities.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a polymeric secondary battery comprises the steps of: (a) forming a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator membrane each containing plasticizer; (b) combining the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator membrane to form a unitary cell; (c) placing the unitary cell into a chamber; (d) introducing a gaseous solvent into the chamber and contacting the gaseous solvent with the unitary cell so that the platicizer dissolves in the gaseous solvent and is removed from the unitary cell thus, during which the gaseous solvent condenses into liquid; (e) collecting a mixture of the solvent and the plasticizer; (f) distilling the mixture for separating the solvent and the plasticizer, which are recyclable after the separation; and (g) activating the plasticizer-free unitary cell by making it absorb an electrolyte solution.

Abstract: A thin film battery manufacturing method comprises annealing a battery substrate to a temperature at which organic materials are burned off the battery substrate to clean the battery substrate. The battery substrate comprises a thickness of less than about 100 microns. After annealing, a plurality of thin films are formed on the annealed battery substrate, the thin films comprising at least one electrolyte between a pair of electrodes, and the thin films adapted to generate or store an electrical charge. The thin films can also be annealed to remove defects in the thin films.

Abstract: A cell electrode plate in which at least one of opposite widthwise ends of longitudinally discontinuous exposed portions with no coatings made of electrode active material on a core member made of metal foil includes pass-by transition portions for press rolls, the transition portions having a thickness substantially the same as that of the coatings. As a result, without complicating a production line, a core member is prevented from being broken and the production line is operated smoothly so as to attain improved productive efficiency and reduced equipment expenses.

Abstract: A wax composition is provided having high melt temperature, flexibility, pliability and chemical stability. The wax composition includes an acetylated wax including an acetylated glyceride and, optionally, a plant-based wax. The wax composition is useful for candle wicks, dental floss, candle bodies and other articles where these properties are advantageous.

Abstract: Amorphous materials, glass-ceramics and methods of making the same. Embodiments of the invention include abrasive particles. The abrasive particles can be incorporated into a variety of abrasive articles, including bonded abrasives, coated abrasives, nonwoven abrasives, and abrasive brushes.

Abstract: A dust separating and collecting apparatus for a suction cleaner comprising at least one cyclonic separating device (10) having a body (12) through which a stream of air with dust therein can be caused to flow by a suction unit from an air inlet (16) to an air outlet (18) of the device, said inlet and outlet being at or adjacent one end of the body and said separating device further having a lateral outlet (20) at or adjacent the other end of the body for dust separated from the airstream in the course of its passage through the separator; and a receptacle (34) for the separated dust, the receptacle being movably disposed alongside said separating device (10) and having an inlet (42) for separated dust communicating with the dust outlet (20) of the separating device. Preferably there are two cyclonic separating devices (10, 11) and the receptacle (34) lies generally between them.

Abstract: There is provided a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner includes a dust storing part; a compression passage connecting a motor generating a negative pressure to the dust storing part; a flow passage control unit that controls opening and closing of the compression passage; and a compression unit compressing dust stored in the dust storing part when the compression passage is opened.

Abstract: A ceramic filter including a ceramic block having a honeycomb structure. The ceramic block has one or more filter units which is a porous ceramic sintered body. The filter units are joined to each other by a sealing material layer. The ceramic block has different porosities, different pore size, different strengths, different lengths, different catalysts or different amounts of catalysts at different portions of the ceramic block.

Abstract: A method for producing metal fibers includes a machining production method using at least one rotating tool. A device for producing metal fibers, a filter material having such fibers, a method for producing the material, a particle filter using such material, a motor vehicle equipped with the filter, and a fiber, are also provided.

Abstract: A process to obtain a humic extract that concentrates features of liquid extracts from mineral and organic sources is provided by first elaborating a humic extract from a first organic source by using an extracting alkaline solution and by utilizing residual alkalinity to partially extract active ingredients from a second mineral source. A product useful to improve cultivation soils and to physiologically activate plants is also provided.

Abstract: A process for hydrogenating an organic compound which has at least one carbonyl group, in which the organic compound is brought into contact in the presence of hydrogen with a shaped article which can be produced in a process in which (i) an oxidic material comprising copper oxide, aluminum oxide and at least one of the oxides of lanthanum, tungsten, molybdenum, titanium or zirconium is prepared, (ii) powdered metallic copper, copper flakes, powdered cement, graphite or a mixture thereof is added to the oxidic material, and (iii) the mixture resulting from (ii) is shaped to a shaped article.

Abstract: A method of producing metal powder by reducing ions of a metal for precipitation by performance of a reducing agent in a liquid-phase reaction system, wherein the metal is precipitated as metal powder particles by being reduced under conditions in which the exchange-current density of an oxidation-reduction reaction between the metal ions and the reducing agent is 100 ?A/cm2 or less, the exchange-current density being determined by the mixed potential theory.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing concentrates, particularly concentrates produced from copper sulfide-based ores. According to the method, the concentrate (4) to be processed, obtained from ore concentration, is divided into two parts, to a concentrate (7) mainly containing poorly soluble components, and to a concentrate (8) mainly containing well soluble components. The concentrate (8) containing well soluble components is conducted to a leaching step (9), and the solution (13) obtained from said leaching step is conducted to at least one conversion step (11, 16), and to the conversion step (11) that is located first in the flowing direction, there is fed the concentrate (7) containing poorly soluble components.

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 a tube sheet that divides the space within the housing into two gas-tight spaces. A permeate collection system within the housing gathers permeate gas from the tubes for discharge from the housing.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method, composition and apparatus for forming a nanoparticle filled polymer having similar gas selectivity and greater gas permeability than the native polymer. The nanoparticle filled polymer includes one or more polymeric materials and one or more nanoparticles dispersed within the one or more polymeric materials that increasing the permeability of the nanoparticle filled polymers relative to the permeability of the native polymer membrane.

Abstract: A thermal processor includes an oven for thermally developing an imaging media which produces gaseous contaminants during development. The gaseous contaminants includes odorous portions and condensable portions which have a condensation temperature. A contaminant removal cartridge has a housing configured to couple to the oven, a heat exchanger, and a filter module. The heat exchanger receives from the oven at least a first air flow at a first temperature, wherein the first temperature is above the condensation temperature, and including gaseous contaminants. The heat exchanger cools the first air flow to a desired filtering temperature, which is below the condensation temperature, to condense and collect the condensable portion of the gaseous contaminants and form a filtering air flow. The filter module receives the filtering air flow, to collect the remaining condensed contaminants, and to absorb the odorous portion of the gaseous contaminants to form an exhaust air flow.

Abstract: A method for cyclonic separation of gaseous and liquid fractions from a multiphase fluid mixture comprises: providing a cyclonic separation vessel (1) having a bottom section (4), a top section (3) and a tubular midsection (2), which is co-axial to a central axis (5); injecting the multiphase fluid mixture into the vessel via an inlet conduit (6) which has a substantially tangential orientation relative to said central axis (5); inducing the fluid mixture to swirl within said tubular mid-section (2) of the vessel at such a speed that liquid and gaseous fractions are separated by cyclonic separation and gravity forces induce the liquid fraction to drop to the bottom section (4) of the vessel; —removing the gaseous fraction from the interior of the top section of the vessel via a gas outlet conduit (8) which has an entrance opening which is located at or near the central axis (5); removing the liquid fraction from the interior of the bottom section (4) of the vessel via a plurality of liquid outlet openings (11

Abstract: A gas separator is provided, including a porous substrate made of a first ceramic and a gas-separating layer containing zeolite disposed on the surface of the porous substrate. The gas-separating layer further contains, in addition to zeolite, a thermal expansion coefficient-adjusting material made of a second ceramic having a linear thermal expansion coefficient satisfying a predetermined relationship, so that the difference between the thermal expansion coefficient of the porous substrate and the gas-separating layer can be reduced.

Abstract: A device for purification of a gas flow containing condensable vapors including a shell (7) defining a sealed volume, a cooler to quench the gas flow, a rotating assembly (42) having a rotor (44) and a cylindrical separation and filtration skirt (54) composed of serrated circular rings (56) mounted on the rotor and rotating with it; a support tube (48) mounted on the rotor (44) and carrying a turbulator-scraper device (50) a cylindrical electrode (94) surrounding the separation and filtration skirt (54) and a central counter-electrode (78) to create an electrostatic field in the shell (7), a purified gas outlet tube, a condensates outlet pipe (40) and impact separation plates (64) fixed on the rings of the skirt.

Abstract: A gas purifying apparatus includes an adsorption member (e.g., a honeycomb structural body) that adsorbs particulate matter contained in the gas by the action of an electric field. The apparatus also includes a supply device (e.g., an ozone generator including a discharger, a pulsed power supply, a pump, and a discharge port) that supplies a pro-oxidant to the adsorption member.

Abstract: Portable medical oxygen concentrator comprising an air separation system adapted to recover oxygen from air; a bottom platform and a shell having an outer wall, wherein the shell is detachably connected to the bottom platform, wherein the shell and bottom platform define an enclosed volume when the shell is connected to the bottom platform, and wherein the air separation system is disposed in the enclosed volume; and one or more rechargeable batteries detachably connected to the outer wall of the shell and adapted to provide power to drive the air separation system. The air separation system may comprises a pressure swing adsorption system having two or more adsorbent columns and a rotary valve for directing gas flow sequentially to, from, and among the columns. A base assembly attached to the bottom platform may be adapted to support the two or more adsorbent columns and the rotary valve.

Abstract: An environmental control for use in air handling systems that are required to provide highly effective filtration of noxious gases is provided. In one embodiment, a filtration system utilizes a novel combination of at least one metal-doped silica-based gel and zeolite materials to trap and/or modify, and remove such undesirable gases (such as ammonia, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, and nitrous oxide, as examples) from an enclosed environment. The gel component exhibits specific porosity requirements and density measurements; the zeolite component is generally acidic and is preferably not reacted with any salts or like substances. The novel combination of such gels and zeolites permits highly effective noxious gas filtration over a wide range of known toxic industrial chemicals such that excellent breakthrough results are attained, particularly in comparison with prior media filtration products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tattooing ink containing water, colored pigments, and a binding agent for binding the colored pigments with the water. Said tattooing ink also contains another constituent in the form of bioactive glass.

Abstract: There is provided a cyan ink for ink jet and an ink jet recording method using the same, which can reduce both reciprocating color uneven and beading without impairing fastness property even when a yellow ink or a magenta ink containing a specific coloring material with excellent fastness property is used. In the ink jet recording method using a yellow ink and a cyan ink, or a magenta ink and a cyan ink, the yellow ink and the magenta ink contain a specific coloring material and have a surface tension of 33.0 mN/m or more and 36.0 mN/m or less, and the cyan ink contains a specific phthalocyanine compound, contains 1,5-pentanediol as an organic solvent, and has a surface tension of 32.9 mN/m or more and 35.4 mN/m or less.

Abstract: To provide a dye which has a good hue, which can form an image showing a high fastness under various using conditions and environmental conditions, and which is particularly suited for an ink, the dye is represents by formula (1): wherein R1 and R2 each independently represents a monovalent group, Z represents a nitrogen atom or a carbon atom to which a hydrogen atom or a monovalent group is bonded, and M represents a hydrogen atom or a cation, provided that the dye has two azo groups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bitumen emulsions that can be used in roadmaking applications for the production of cold mixes, emulsion-stabilized gravel and road pavements obtained at ambient temperature, the cohesion of which at young age is substantially improved over the cold mixes, emulsion-stabilized gravel and road pavements of the prior art. These bituminous emulsions are characterized by a median diameter of 0.6 ?m or less, and preferably 0.5 ?m or less.