Abstract: A medical device and methods of use thereof are provided for supporting a structure (e.g., bone). A screw assembly is provided that is comprised of a base, an arm, and an interconnection means for coupling the base to the arm. The interconnection means allows the arm to be positionable in a first position that is parallel to a long axis of the base and positionable in a second position that is perpendicular to the long axis of the base. The base is configured for attachment to a structure and the arm configured for attachment to a support structure. A support structure is provided that includes one or more receivers having locking means, which can be configured as an open-ended saddle for attachment to a medical device (e.g., a screw assembly). The support structure is configured to receive one or more medical devices and lock the medical devices to the support structure after installation in a patient.

Abstract: A system for installing a cross member between first and second anchor members within a patient's body generally includes first and second docking members configured to be removably coupled to the respective first and second anchor members. Each docking member has a first end with an opening, a second end, and a body extending between the first and second ends. The body includes an outer surface with an opening, and a bore extends from the opening on the first end of the body to the opening on the outer surface. The openings on the outer surface of each docking member are configured to be aligned so that the bore in the first docking member is able to direct a wire member into the bore in the second docking member. A method for minimally invasive surgery using the system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bone fixation assembly and method of fixing bones including a fixation element having a head portion, a unitary coupling element and at least one locking element. The unitary coupling element includes a first bore adapted to slidably receive the head portion of the fixation element. A first locking element is adapted to secure the head portion in the first bore.

Abstract: A method of limiting at least one degree of movement between a superior vertebral body and an inferior vertebral body of a patient includes advancing a distal end of a stabilization device into a pedicle of the inferior vertebral body. A proximal portion of the stabilization device is positioned such that the proximal portion limits at least one degree of movement between a superior vertebral body and an inferior vertebral body by contacting a surface of the superior vertebral body.

Abstract: An anchor for fixing a ligament or tendon replacement in a bore formed in a bone has two parts. A first partially cylindrical part has a semi-circular bore therethrough extending along an axis. The bore tapers conically inwardly with respect to the axis from a larger radius at a first end to a smaller radius at second end. The outer surface of the partially cylindrical part is spaced at a constant radius from the axis between the first and second ends. The first and second parts have side walls formed between the bore and the outer surface which walls extend along a plane which forms an angle with respect to the central axis. When the two parts are engaged along their side wails and slide with respect to the axis the outer diameter of the two parts enlarges.

Abstract: There is disclosed a stent delivery system includes a first cylindrical member capable of being inserted into a forceps channel of an endoscope and including a through hole having a central axis; a second cylindrical member inserted into the through hole of the first cylindrical member and capable of advancing/retreating with respect to the first cylindrical member, the second cylindrical member including a holding mechanism which holds a relative position of the second cylindrical member with respect to the forceps channel of the endoscope, and a stent which is attached between the first and second cylindrical members in a state where a diameter of the stent is reduced by the first cylindrical member and which expands when the first cylindrical member is removed.

Abstract: The stent of the present invention is a tubular member comprising annular members 1 arranged in a longitudinal direction thereof for keeping a body lumen open, and one or more connecting elements 2 for connecting longitudinally adjoining two annular members 1, 1 with one another. Each annular member 1 comprises first annular member elements 11 and second annular member elements 12 which are alternately jointed together in the circumferential direction of the annular member 1. The annular members 1 are expandable in the radial direction thereof. The stent is flexible and excellent in trackability to lumens, thus making it possible to allow the stent to pass through the three-dimensionally meandering lumens. The stent is substantially free from shortening and makes it possible to provide the stent with a lateral hole.

Abstract: Methods of reducing retrograde fluid flow through a valve within a body vessel are provided. The methods can include the steps of identifying a valve exhibiting an undesirable amount of retrograde fluid flow within a body vessel, such as a venous valve or a heart valve, and providing a means for reducing the retrograde fluid flow. A medical device providing a desired amount of retrograde fluid flow can be modified after permitting the medical device to remain in a body cavity for a remodeling-effective time period. The implanted medical device can be modified by subsequently reducing the amount of retrograde fluid flow permitted across the implanted prosthetic valve within the body vessel.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis includes a flexible plug and an annular bearing reinforcement which is embodied such that it is radially rigid and surgically implantable in the area of a heart valve. The valve prosthesis is provided with an interchangeable prosthetic valve, is independent of the bearing reinforcement, endoluminally placeable and includes a tubular support which is radially deformable between a folded setting position and an unfolded position for implanting into a bearing structure and the flexible plug connected to a tubular support. The bearing reinforcement forms an annular support devoid of any plug capable of univocally limiting a blood flow circulation.

Abstract: A corpectomy device has an inner member telescopingly disposed in an outer member so that the inner member is movable in an axial direction. The inner and outer members are hollow, defining a chamber, and include apertures in communication with the chamber. A locking clip engages the inner and outer members to fix the position of the inner member with respect to the outer member. The longitudinal dimension of the device is adjustable by distracting the inner member so that the inner member extends from the outer member and moving the locking clip from an unlocked position to a locked position.

Abstract: A shoulder joint prosthesis has an at least two-pieced humeral head prosthesis, comprising a calotte, or a joint head (3) and a fixing body (5, 7). The latter comprises a fixing piece (15), for detachable connection of the calotte and a mounting section (21), for the at least cement-free anchoring of the fixing device in the bone. The fixing body is preferably of two-piece embodiment, comprising a discoid positioning body (5) with a medial hole and an anchoring body (7), provided for fixing the positioning body (5) to the bone through the medial hole (19).

Abstract: The invention relates to an inlay which is suitable for an endoprosthesis, in particular a joint prosthesis. This inlay essentially comprises a flexible pad 5, a first flexible membrane 2 resting on the pad, and a second membrane 3, extending parallel to and above said membrane, in which support elements 5 are clipped. The support elements 4 rest with their undersides 4e on the first membrane 2, and with their surfaces 4a form a sliding and bearing surface for the joint head which is to be connected to the bone. The pad 5, composed of a liquid or gel-like medium, is situated in a well 1, and the two membranes 2 and 3 are fixed to the lateral walls 1a of the well by means of screws 6 and nuts 7.

Abstract: A device positionable in an opening in a flexible membrane or in the lumen of a vessel having a flexible sidewall. The device distends or biases opposite portions defining the opening or forming the vessel sidewall outwardly in the plane of the device. The outward biasing draws opposing portions of the opening or sidewall inwardly in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the device and into apposition or contact.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive prosthetic foot is provided incorporating a cushioned ankle including an ankle block formed of a resilient material or bladder having desired compliance and energy return characteristics. The ankle block is sandwiched between a foot element and an ankle element. One or more openings extends through the ankle block with a substantially transverse orientation relative to a forward walking motion. The size and shape of these openings, as well as the insertion of different types of stiffeners therein, provide desired performance characteristics to the ankle block. When the ankle block takes the form of one or more inflatable bladders, the pressure within these bladders is individually controlled by valves to provide desired performance characteristics to different portions of the prosthetic foot. A pump system can also be used to control and generate fluid pressure into these bladders.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions useful for maintaining the clean impression of a carpet (that is, its scent and appearance) over an extended time despite occurrences that might damage the carpet surface. The composition, which includes an antimicrobial agent, an enzyme inhibitor, and an odor-reacting compound, can be used by a consumer to remove contaminants from the carpet and to prevent the odor associated with the decomposition of future contamination. Specifically, the composition has been shown effective in neutralizing odors associated with the decomposition of organic materials (such as urine or food spills) by absorbing and/or removing the odor-generating source. A manufacturing treatment composition and methods for using are also disclosed.

Abstract: The agent for coloring keratin fibers is free of chemical oxidants, is in the form of an aqueous or aqueous-alcoholic dye-containing preparation, and contains a combination of oxidation dyes and at least three direct dyes. The agent is characterized by a quantitative ratio of oxidation dyes to direct dyes equal to 5:1 to 0.5:1. A method of dyeing hair is described in which the agent is applied to hair and allowed to act on the hair for an acting time of 5 to 60 minutes without addition of chemical oxidants, so that air oxidation provides a uniform and stable coloration of the hair.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for coloring keratinous fibers comprising applying to the fibers a dyeing composition comprising at least one aminopyrazolopyridine base, said coloring method being performed without the addition of chemical oxidizing agents.

Abstract: An inorganic solid electrolytic rechargeable battery capable of offering excellent battery characteristics is disclosed. The battery has positive and negative electrodes and an inorganic electrolyte interposed therebetween. The positive and negative electrodes are each made up of an active material layer and a current collector layer. The positive electrode collector layer or the negative electrode collector layer is a conductive metal oxide layer. The negative electrode active material layer is made of lithium metals or lithium alloys. This negative active layer may alternatively be made of a material which causes an operation voltage potential of the negative electrode to become more noble than 1.0 V with respect to the potential of a metallic lithium. A complexity-reduced fabrication method of the rechargeable battery is also disclosed.

Abstract: Unit cells are held in a plate frame to form a cell module. A plurality of the cell modules is laminated in a thickness direction of the frame to form a laminated structure of unit cells. The cell unit is pressurized with heat sinks from both sides in the direction of the lamination, and is integrally held to form a battery.

Abstract: The present invention is a hybrid diesel fuel and method of manufacture. The fuel composes a petroleum diesel fuel mixed into a biosynthetic waste or virgin oil and further containing a stabilizer. The hybrid fuel consists essentially of about 10% to 50% of Diesel Number 1, Diesel Number 2, or Farm Diesel petroleum fuels, and up to 90% filtered and polished biosynthetic oil, measured by volume. The biosynthetic oil can contain all levels of common commercial vegetable and animal fats in any ratio. The hybrid fuel also contains up to about 0.17% stabilizer, which further contains cetane boosters, cleaning agents to remove deposits from the fuel system, a lubricant, demulsifiers, and anti-gelling agents. The invention functions as biocide to inhibit bacterial growth. The invention is substantially equivalent to Diesel Number 2 in terms of power and engine speed, but is cleaner burning and considerably less costly.

Abstract: A system for production, storage and dispensation of hydrogen gas from encapsulated metal hydride, the system employing sealed cylinders filled with water and rotatable containers stored with encapsulated metal hydride shells, slider base members with passages and slider paths disposed at the bottom end of the cylinders to receive the encapsulated metal hydride shells from the containers, baffles disposed both inside and outside periphery of the rotatable containers to rotate the containers that regulate and direct the flow of the encapsulated metal hydride shells on to the slider paths, movable hydraulic ramming members with disintegration sites and pistons disposed at the bottom end of the slider paths, to receive the encapsulated metal hydride shells and disintegrate the encapsulated metal hydride shells and disperse the broken shells into the cylinders filled with water, and a control panel disposed to regulate the flow rate and pressure of the generated hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A method of removing sulfur from a fuel supply stream for a fuel cell (1), which method comprises: (a) hydrogenating the fuel supply stream (1) by contacting it with a hydrogenation catalyst in the presence of hydrogen to convert sulfur-containing compounds in the fuel supply stream (1) into hydrogen sulfide; (b) removing the hydrogen sulfide to produce a desulfurised fuel stream; and (c) pre-reforming the desulfurised fuel stream to produce a fuel cell feed stream, wherein a portion of the fuel cell feed stream is processed to increase its hydrogen content to produce a hydrogen-enriched fuel stream which is used in step (a) as a source of hydrogen to hydrogenate the fuel supply stream (1).

Abstract: A bag house filtration system in which the filter media includes a woven textile formed from glass yarns other high temperature resistant yarns. A first bath is applied to the textile which contains a conductive component, a first fluoropolymer and a lubricant (in some cases where the yarns are glass). A second bath containing primarily a second fluoropolymer is then applied to the textile and the first composition to seal the first composition on the textile. The textile, so treated dissipates the static electricity normally generated in the filter media thus reducing excessive buildup of contaminating particles and enhancing cleaning of the bag during use.

Abstract: An inertial gas-liquid separator and method is provided, including variable orifice jet nozzle structure having a variable orifice area dependent upon axial movement of a plunger relative to a housing sleeve, and in another embodiment having first and second flow branches, with the first flow branch being continuously open, and the second flow branch having a variable flow controller controlling flow therethrough.

Abstract: Swirl tube separator for separating solids from a gas-solid containing feed comprising a tubular housing, an inlet for introducing a gas-solids mixture at one end of said housing, a solids outlet opening at the opposite end of said housing, and a co-axial positioned tubular gas outlet conduit placed at an end of said housing, wherein along the axis of the tubular housing a vortex extender pin is present.

Abstract: An axial flow filter element including alternating flat and folded media layers forming axial channels, one end of a first group of channels being sealed and the remaining channels being sealed at the other end so fluid flowing through the element passes from channels of the first group through the filter media to channels of the second group to exit the filter; channels of the second group adjoining each side of channels of the first group spaced from the edge of the filter element so fluid flows through the entire lateral area of the first channels; an annular sealing collar adjacent an axial end face of the filter element connected to the exterior of the element to seal the element in a housing; part of the collar projecting axially beyond the end face of the element, and a frame connected to the projecting part for radially supporting the collar.

Abstract: A filter is provided by pleated filter media having a plurality of pleats defined by wall segments extending axially along an axial direction along an axis and extending transversely along a transverse direction between first and second sets of pleat tips at first and second sets of axially extending bend lines. The pleated filter media spans laterally along a lateral span along a lateral direction, with the wall segments being spaced from each other by lateral gaps. The pleats have a pleat depth along the transverse direction along the wall segments between the first and second sets of pleat tips. The pleat depth varies as the pleated filter media spans laterally along the lateral direction.

Abstract: A honeycomb filter for purifying exhaust gases that is free from occurrence of cracks and coming-off of plugs and is superior in durability upon its use. The honeycomb filter includes a columnar body made of porous ceramics, which has a number of through holes placed in parallel with one another in the length direction with wall portion interposed therebetween, designed so that predetermined of the through holes are filled with plugs at one end of the columnar body, while the through holes not filled with the plugs at the one end are filled with plugs at the other end of the columnar body, and part of or the entire wall portion functions as a plug for collecting particles. A bending strength F? (MPa) of the honeycomb filter and a length L (mm) of the plug in the length direction of the through hole satisfy the relationship of F?×L?30.

Abstract: Disclosed are ceramic articles, which in one aspect are composed predominately of a cordierite having a composition close to that of Mg2Al4Si5O18. The ceramic articles possess a microstructure characterized by a unique combination of relatively high porosity and relatively narrow pore size distribution, both as measured by mercury porosimetry, that render the ceramic structure useful for ceramic filter applications requiring high thermal durability and high filtration efficiency coupled with low pressure drop along the length of the filter. Such ceramic bodies are particularly well suited for filtration applications, such as diesel exhaust filters or DPFs. Also disclosed are methods for the manufacture of the ceramic articles described herein.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for detecting defects in a honeycomb body. The system and apparatus include a fixture adapted to hold the honeycomb body, a particulate fluid source, a pipe which defines a flow path between the particulate fluid source and a first end face of the honeycomb body thereby allowing particulate fluid to flow from the particulate fluid source to the first end face of the honeycomb body. The particulate fluid emerges at a second end face of the honeycomb body through defects, if any, in the honeycomb body where the positions of such defects may be monitored. The system and apparatus includes a flow straightener disposed in the flow path to minimize boundary layer influence of the pipe on the flow of the particulate fluid. A substantially uniform velocity flow profile is provided to the first end face of the honeycomb body.

Abstract: Disclosed are ceramic honeycomb articles, which are composed predominately of a crystalline phase cordierite composition. The ceramic honeycomb articles possess a microstructure characterized by a unique combination of relatively high total porosity of less than 54%, and relatively narrow pore size distribution having a d10 pore diameter of not less than 8 ?m, a d90 pore diameter of not greater than 35 ?m, and a value of df=(d50?d10)/d50 of less than 0.50. The articles exhibit high thermal durability and high filtration efficiency coupled with low pressure drop across the filter. Such ceramic articles are particularly well suited for filtration applications, such as diesel exhaust filters or DPFs. Also disclosed are methods for manufacturing the ceramic articles of the present invention.

Abstract: Method and plant for pre-heating, transforming and melting a metal charge comprising metal scrap, in an electric arc furnace associated with a tunnel to transport, pre-heat and discharge the scrap. The furnace comprises a hearth and a roof through which the electrodes pass. The method provides that the furnace is weighed at least periodically in order to detect the quantity of discharged scrap present inside the furnace itself, that the temperature of the liquid bath inside the furnace is detected at least periodically and that at least the discharge delivery of the scrap inside the furnace is detected by weighing and is regulated in order to maintain the temperature of the liquid bath around a pre-determined value.

Abstract: A low-cost filled skutterudite for advanced thermoelectric applications is disclosed. The filled skutterudite uses the relatively low-cost mischmetal, either alone or in addition to rare earth elements, as a starting material for guest or filler atoms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a niobium alloy for capacitors comprising as an alloy component from 0.01 to 10 atom % of at least one element selected from the group consisting of the elements belonging to Groups 2 to 16 of the periodic table and further comprising diniobium mononitride crystals of from 0.1 to 70 mass %, wherein a powder of the niobium alloy has an average particle size of 0.05 to 5 ?m and a BET specific surface area of 0.5 to 40 m2/g, a granulated product of the niobium alloy having an average particle size of 10 to 500 ?m, a sintered body of the powder of the niobium alloy or granulated product thereof, a capacitor and a producing method thereof using the sintered body. A niobium capacitor using the powder of the niobium alloy of the present invention or a granulated product thereof has high capacitance and small leakage current value and is excellent in high-temperature property and heat resistance property.

Abstract: The main object of the present invention is to manufacture, on an industrial scale, metal nanoparticles with excellent dispersion stability, and therefore provides metal nanoparticles containing a metal component, further containing at least one of phosphorus, nitrogen, and oxygen, and the average particle size being from 1 to 100 nm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for carrying out a reaction in a microreaction chamber. Nanoparticles which have been advantageously subjected to specific reactions in the microreaction chamber are used for carrying out the reaction. The obtained reaction product, which is preferably also provided in the form of nanoparticles. can then be removed from the microreaction chamber. Advantageously, the ongoing reaction can be specifically influenced by using the microreaction chamber. Both endothermic and exothermic reactions can be carried out with an accurately predictable result by feeding energy in a dosed manner into/out of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing nickel nanoparticles and nickel nanoparticles thus produced, having superior dispersion stability and smooth surface, by reducing after forming nickel-hydrazine complex in a reverse microemulsion, where the method includes forming an aqueous solution including nickel precursor, surfactant, and hydrophobic solvent, forming nickel-hydrazine complex by adding a reducing agent that includes hydrazine to the mixture, and producing nickel nanoparticles by adding a reducing agent to the mixture that includes the nickel-hydrazine complex.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for making highly dispersible, spherical silver particles. In particular, the invention is directed to a process for making silver particles, which are very high solids and highly ordered. The silver particles formed are particularly useful in electronic applications.

Abstract: Methods for treating aluminum in a furnace. An aluminum charge is introduced into a furnace and melted with heat from at least one burner. The burner is supplied with at least one oxidizer and at least one fuel. The oxidizer is made up of at least 10% oxygen by volume. The concentration of a first gas is measured in the furnace atmosphere or in a flue gas exiting the furnace. The oxidation of the molten aluminum is then reduced by holding the flow rate of the oxidizer steady while varying the flow rate of the fuel, according to the concentration of a second gas in the furnace or in the flue gas exiting the furnace. The concentration of the second gas is determined by comparing the measured species concentration and the intrinsic concentration which would be present absent the aluminum charge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fractional crystallization of an at most partially solidified molten metal, in which a layer of at most partially solidified molten metal having an upper surface and a lower surface is divided into a series of compartments communicating with each other, in which the metal is stirred in at least some of the compartments, and in which crystals formed and/or existing in the layer of metal are selectively transported in a predetermined direction and molten metal is selectively transported in the opposite direction.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for producing Ti or a Ti alloy through reduction of TiCl4 by Ca, which can produce the high-purity metallic Ti or high-purity Ti alloy. A molten salt containing CaCl2 and having Ca dissolved therein is held in a reactor vessel, and a metallic chloride containing TiCl4 is reacted with Ca in the molten salt to generate Ti particles or Ti alloy particles in a molten CaCl2 solution, which allows enhancement of a feed rate of TiCl4 which is of a raw material of Ti, and also allows a continuous operation. Therefore, the high-purity metallic Ti or the high-purity Ti alloy can economically be produced with high efficiency. Further, the method by the present invention eliminates the need of replenishment of expensive metallic Ca and of the operation for separately handling Ca which is highly reactive and difficult to handle.

Abstract: A process for recycling composite materials includes the steps of feeding a quantity of composite material composed of at least one polymer and aluminum into at least one first reactor; heating the composite material in a non-oxidizing environment at a temperature sufficient to volatilize the at least one polymer and form a hydrocarbon by-product and aluminum in the at least one first reactor; feeding the aluminum free of the at least one polymer into a second reactor; and heating the aluminum in a non-oxidizing environment at a temperature sufficient to melt the aluminum in the second reactor.

Abstract: In a PSA separation method with compression (C1, C2) of at least one offgas (3), in case of temporary shutdown of one of the compressors (C1, C2), the operating parameters of the PSA unit (S) are changed to increase the outlet pressure of the offgas (3), in order to maintain a production level above 50% with a single compressor (C1).

Abstract: A method of assembling a baghouse bag filter tensioning assembly is provided. The assembly includes a compressible spring having a progressively increasing spring rate. The spring rate facilitates induction of a substantially constant spring tension over a range of pre-determined operating conditions. The method includes coupling the spring to a bag filter support frame and a bag filter. The method also includes compressing the spring into a pretensioned condition. The method further includes coupling a bag filter to a baghouse floor. The method also includes decompressing the spring such that a tension induced in the bag filter is substantially similar to the spring tension induced over a range of pre-determined operating conditions.

Abstract: An air bypass system for a gas turbine inlet filter house having a power augmentation system. The air bypass system may include a duct positioned on the inlet filter house about the power augmentation system and a damper positioned within the duct so as to open and close the duct.

Abstract: A filter element (102) comprising a filter media (106) and a membrane (114). The filter media (106) filters impurities (e.g., water and/or contaminants) from a liquid (e.g., a liquid fuel initially containing impurities) as the liquid passes from the inlet side (110) to the outlet side (112) of the filter element (102). The membrane (114) is permeable to air and impermeable to the liquid and the impurities. The membrane (114) is positioned to provide a bypass from the inlet side (110) to the outlet side (112) of the filter element whereby air intermixed with the fluid will not accumulate on the inlet side (110) of the filter element (102).

Abstract: An apparatus for producing hydrogen gas wherein the apparatus includes a reactor. In one embodiment, the reactor includes at least two conversion-removal portions. Each conversion-removal portion comprises a catalyst section configured to convert CO in the stream to CO2 and a membrane section located downstream of and in flow communication with the catalyst section. The membrane section is configured to selectively remove the CO2 from the stream and to be in flow communication with a sweep gas.

Abstract: A hydrogen accumulation and storage material and a method of forming thereof are provided. The material comprises a plurality of various-sized and at least partially permeable to hydrogen microspheres bound together to form a rigid structure in which a diameter of the microspheres is reduced from a center of the structure towards edges of the structure. An outer surface of the rigid structure can be enveloped by a sealing layer, thereby closing interspherical spaces.

Abstract: A gas storage system that stores a gas by cryo-adsorption on high surface materials. The gas storage system includes an outer container having insulated walls and a plurality of pressure vessels disposed therein. Each of the pressure vessels includes a high surface material. A manifold assembly distributes the gas under pressure to the pressure vessels where the gas is adsorbed by cryo-adsorption using the high surface materials. A cooling fluid is provided within voids between the pressure vessels to remove heat as the pressure vessels are being filled with the gas.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for injecting two-phase (gas+solid) carbon dioxide into a gas stream. Liquid carbon dioxide is cryogenically expanded into two-phase carbon dioxide, which is then injected into the center of the stream. An inerting gas is also injected into the stream along with the two-phase carbon dioxide.