Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable graft that includes an elongate graft tube having opposing ends defining an attachment site for attaching the graft to a stent. The graft further includes a reinforcement member attached adjacent to at least one of the ends of the graft for establishing a reinforced attachment site for the graft, thereby preventing elongation of a suture hole in the material. Furthermore, the present invention provides a graft wherein at least one end of the graft is folded over itself and glued or sutured to itself and/or the stent, thereby forming a reinforcement thereto.

Abstract: A one-piece expandable flat bearing structure formed by at least partially elastically deformable struts which are separated from each other by openings in the bearing structure. The bearing structure can assume at least one compressed condition and at least one expanded condition and has at least one expansion direction. The bearing structure has anchor regions, from which spring struts, which are elastically resilient with respect to the anchor regions, extend to a resiliently deflectable end of the spring struts, a hinge strut adjoining said end. The spring struts and the hinge struts are of such a configuration and arrangement that both the compressed condition of the bearing structure and also the expanded condition of the bearing structure is stabilized by a spring action emanating from the spring struts.

Abstract: Medical devices, such as stents, and methods of making the devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, a medical device includes an alloy having tantalum, tungsten, zirconium and niobium. For example, the alloy can include from about 20% to about 40% by weight of tantalum, from about 0.5% to about 9% by weight of tungsten, and from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of zirconium.

Abstract: A vascular prosthesis is constructed from a structure having interconnected, helically oriented channel-porosity to allow oriented ingrowth of connective tissue into a wall of the prosthesis. The prosthesis can have a small internal diameter of 6 mm or less. Several different methods can be used to produce the prosthesis, including a fiber winding and extraction technique, a melt extrusion technique, and a particle and fiber extraction technique using either a layered method or a continuous method. Furthermore, mechanical properties of the prosthesis are matched with mechanical properties of the host vessel, thereby overcoming problems of compliance mismatch.

Abstract: An intravascular stent and method for inhibiting restenosis, following vascular injury, is disclosed. The stent has an expandable, linked-filament body and a drug-release coating formed on the stent-body filaments, for contacting the vessel injury site when the stent is placed in-situ in an expanded condition. The coating releases, for a period of at least 4 weeks, a restenosis-inhibiting amount of a monocyclic triene immunosuppressive compound having an alkyl group substituent at carbon position 40 in the compound. The stent, when used to treat a vascular injury, gives good protection against clinical restenosis, even when the extent of vascular injury involves vessel overstretching by more than 30% diameter. Also disclosed is a stent having a drug-release coating composed of (i) 10 and 60 weight percent poly-di-lactide polymer substrate and (ii) 40-90 weight percent of an anti-restenosis compound, and a polymer undercoat having a thickness of between 1-5 microns.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve replacement system and method aim to reduce the time duration of the patient on the heart-lung machine during surgery. In one embodiment, the invention uses a two rings (e.g., of Titanium) comprising a first outer anchoring ring installed in a first step in the patient annulus, e.g., by stapling (e.g., using Nitinol® staples), and a second inner valve ring which has apertures and to which the sewing cuff of prosthetic heart valve (e.g., of Dacron) is sutured around the sewing cuff. The suturing is expediently completed outside of the patient's body, parallel with the stapling of the anchoring ring in the patient annulus. The inner valve ring may have circumferential resiliency. The inner valve ring along with the fastened/sutured prosthetic valve is installed snugly (in a second step) to be captively retained concentrically within the already installed outer anchoring ring, to complete the heart valve replacement.

Abstract: An artificial vision system including a sealed capsule adapted for intraocular placement upstream of a retina, an electronic display located within the sealed capsule and focusing optics located within the sealed capsule and arranged for focusing an image on the electronic display onto the retina.

Abstract: The present invention has multiple aspects relating to assembled self fixing bone-tendon-bone (BTB) grafts and BTB implants. A preferred application in which self fixing assembled bone-tendon-bone (BTB) grafts and implants of the present technology can be used is for ACL repairs in a human patient. In one embodiment, a self fixing BTB graft is characterized by the presence of threads along at least a portion of the exterior surface of one or both bone blocks. In another embodiment, a self fixing assembled bone-tendon-bone implant comprises a removable tendon tensioner which imparts a predetermined tension on the tendon of the BTB graft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to manipulate and revitalize a spinal column disc while minimizing or preventing the removal of material comprising the disc. The method allows a device to be inserted in the disc either through a pre-existing rupture or through an opening formed in the front, back, or sides of the disc. Increasing the space between the vertebra bounding the disc or removing disc material often is not necessary to insert the device in the disc. The device generates internal traction or other forces acting on the disc to alter the shape of the disc. The shape of the disc is altered to relieve pressure on nerves adjacent the disc. The shape of the disc is also altered to draw nuclear hernias back into the interior of the disc and to produce a disc shape that improves functioning of the disc.

Abstract: A bone fusion device provides stability to bones during a bone fusion period. The bones include, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable tabs attached to the bone fusion device by associated rotating means. The bone fusion device is preferably inserted by using an arthroscopic surgical procedure. During arthroscopic insertion of the device, the tabs are pre-configured for compactness. In this compact configuration, the tabs are preferably deposed along and/or within an exterior surface of the bone fusion device. After the bone fusion device has been positioned between the bones, one or more tab(s) are extended. In the preferred embodiment, the position of each tab is related to a positioning element and an extending block. Typically, the tabs advantageously position and brace the bone fusion device in the confined space between the bones until the bones have fused.

Abstract: A knee prosthesis includes a femoral component and a stem for implanting in a femur. A modular junction is provided for attaching the stem to the femoral component. The femoral component may include a boss having a slot for receiving the components of the modular junction. A portion of the modular junction may be placed within the slot and the modular junction may be tightened in place on the boss by threading the stem into engagement with a portion of the modular junction. Accordingly, the stem may be connected to the femoral component by a single threaded engagement and the position of the stem may be adjusted to any desired location along the anterior-posterior direction on the femoral component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implanting various portions of a prosthesis into an anatomy. The instruments can include portions that allow for positive and rigid engagement with a selected prosthesis member to allow for positioning it relative to the anatomy. Further, various instruments can include portions that allow it to engage or match with marking portions or alignment portions on a first prosthesis member to align a second prosthesis member with the first one. Further, methods of using the various instruments are taught and providing for a less or minimally invasive procedure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implant for stabilizing body tissue. The implant includes a core formed of a material which expands when contacted with liquid and a retainer which at least partially encloses the core.

Abstract: A prosthetic suspension device having a positioning element, a coupling element, and a friction-reducing element to facilitate movement of the positioning element towards the coupling element. The positioning element is adapted to maneuver an inner socket of a prosthesis into an outer socket of a prosthesis. The coupling element is configured to receive the positioning element and restrict movement thereof.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot includes an elongated foot member, extending between a toe section positioned at a toe location of a natural foot and a heel section positioned at a heel location of a natural foot. The elongated foot member also extends through an elevated arch section positioned between the toe section and heel section at an approximate arch location of a natural foot. An arch block is disposed below the elongated foot member under the elevated arch section. The arch block is sized and shaped to substantially fill a space or volume under the arch section. The arch block has geometric and physical properties that facilitate medial to lateral rotation to the prosthetic foot.

Abstract: Durable stretch fabrics are made and processed from one or more crosslinked, heat-resistant olefin elastic fibers, e.g., a substantially linear, homogeneously branched ethylene polymer. The fabrics can be made by any process, e.g., weaving, knitting, etc., and from any combination of crosslinked, heat-resistant olefin elastic and inelastic (“hard”) fibers, e.g., cotton and wool. These fabrics exhibit excellent chemical, e.g., chlorine, resistance and durability, e.g., they retain their shape and feel (“hand”) over repeated exposure to processing conditions, e.g., stone-washing, dye-stripping, PET-dyeing and the like, and service conditions, e.g., washing, drying, etc.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a novel dye composition for the dyeing and/or lightening of keratin materials, such dye comprising a hemicyanin styryl chromophore thiol or disulfide dye of formula (I) or (II): the organic or mineral acid salts thereof, optical isomers and geometric isomers thereof, and the solvates thereof such as hydrates. The present disclosure further relates to a dyeing process with a lightening effect on keratin materials, in particular keratin fibers, including human keratin fibers such as the hair, using said composition. This composition makes it possible to obtain a coloring with a lightening effect which is particularly resistant and visible on dark keratin fibers.

Abstract: A process for styling dyed hair fibers in a manner which inhibits subsequent color loss during shampooing involving contacting the dyed hair fibers with a composition containing: (a) at least one polyamine compound having at least two amino groups; (b) at least one anionic silicone; (c) at least one film-forming polymer; and (d) optionally, at least one surfactant, and wherein (a) is present in the composition in an amount sufficient to inhibit color loss during shampooing.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, apparatuses, kits, and combinations are described for permanently or temporarily re-designing, decorating, and/or re-coloring a surface. The compositions useful in the present disclosure include a décor product that is formulated to be applied and affixed to a surface. If desired, the décor product may be substantially removed from the surface before being affixed thereto. If a user desires to remove the décor product, the décor product is formulated to be removed by a number of methods including, for example, vacuuming, wet extraction, chemical application, and the like. If the user desires to affix the décor product to the surface in a permanent or semi-permanent manner, the décor product may be affixed to the surface by applying energy thereto in the form of, for example, heat, pressure, emitted waves, an emitted electrical field, a magnetic field, and/or a chemical.

Abstract: A flat, flexible electrochemical cell is provided. The within invention describes various aspects of the flat, flexible electrochemical cell. A printed anode is provided that obviates the need for a discrete anode current collector, thereby reducing the size of the battery. An advantageous electrolyte is provided that enables the use of a metallic cathode current collector, thereby improving the performance of the battery. Printable gelled electrolytes and separators are provided, enabling the construction of both co-facial and co-planar batteries. Cell contacts are provided that reduce the potential for electrolyte creepage in the flat, flexible electrochemical cells of the within invention.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of improving the combustion efficiency of a fuel-burning device. The method includes the steps of adding a low molecular weight polymer to the fuel of the fuel-burning device and burning the fuel with the polymer in the fuel-burning device. The invention also includes fuel compositions containing such polymers.

Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine utilizing a fuel mixture containing a suspension in air at a concentration of about 200 mg of fuel per liter of air, of a solid fuel including at least one of a cereal flour, a cotton flour, a soybean flour, a potato flour, a cassava flour, a dehydrated chocolate powder and a dehydrated milk powder, the solid fuel being in the form of a powder having an average particle diameter and median particle diameter at least 150 ?m.

Abstract: A gas-generating apparatus includes a cartridge including a reservoir having a first reactant and a reaction chamber, and a receiver that can include a flow control device. The receiver is adapted to receive the cartridge and to transport the first reactant to the reaction chamber after connection with the cartridge. The flow control device is adapted to stop the transport of reactant when the pressure in the reaction chamber reaches a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thin micro reforming apparatus used in a fuel cell system with decreased back pressure in an evaporator thereof. In the reforming apparatus, a substrate has a flow path therein and a fuel inlet portion for introducing fuel into the flow path of the substrate. An evaporator includes a gas expansion part which gasifies the liquid fuel and a back pressure accommodation part which accommodates back pressure during the gasification to block the influence of the back pressure to the fuel inlet portion. A reformer has a flow path formed downstream of the evaporator, reforming fuel into hydrogen gas via heat absorption reaction. A CO remover has a flow path formed downstream of the reformer, removing CO gas contained in the hydrogen gas via heat generation reaction. A cover is attached to an upper part of the substrate to seal the substrate from the external environment.

Abstract: An oil mist collection system for a plurality of machine tools each having a coolant system directing coolant at the cutting tools and collecting coolant and returning the same to a filtration system includes an oil mist collector at each station collecting oil from mist present at each station and draining the oil back to the associated machine tool coolant return, and return air ducts from each of the oil mist collectors extending to a central air filtration apparatus. Each oil mist collector preferably includes a vertical spiral coil wall defining a spiral flow path into which the mist is directed, the oil droplets collecting onto the spiral coil wall and draining into a collection chamber below the spiral coil wall for return to the associated machine tool via a drain line. Each mist collector is comprised of an inlet housing, a spiral coil housing and a collection housing forming a unitary housing assembly.

Abstract: A collecting unit is disposed on an exhaust passage of a semiconductor processing apparatus to collect by-products contained in an exhaust gas. The collecting unit includes a trap body detachably disposed inside a casing and configured to collect a part of the by-products. The trap body includes fins arrayed in a flow direction of the exhaust gas and having a surface on which a part of the by-products is deposited and trapped. The collecting unit further includes a receiving mechanism disposed inside the casing and configured to receive a part of the by-products that peels off from the trap body or an inner surface of the casing to prevent this part from being deposited on a bottom of the casing. The receiving mechanism is configured to allow a part of the by-products held thereon to be in contact with a cleaning gas from above and from below.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for filtering contaminants, such as particulates and vapor phase contaminants, from a confined environment such as electronic or optical devices susceptible to contamination (e.g. computer disk drives) by providing an improved reduced fiber filter.

Abstract: A dust filter has adjustable sub-blades between blades. By adjusting the blades distanced and the sub-blades' positions and angles, stagnation area of filtration material on the blades are removed. Furthermore, space in the dust filter is fully used. Thus, a filtering efficiency is improved.

Abstract: A high efficiency air filter for use in a standard return air grille is provided. Standard return air grilles possess filter receptacles for accepting air filters, a closeable cover with a cover flange for engaging air filters and a duct interface that leads away from the air grille to the remainder of the return air ducts. The air filter has a filter flange with a gasket that is sized to fit within the filter receptacle of the air grille, such that when the cover is closed, the cover flange seals against the cover and the filter receptacle. The gasket is affixed to a housing that is sized to extend beyond the filter receptacle into the duct extending beyond the return air grille. An extended pleat air filter is contained within and sealed to the walls of the housing such that air passing through the return air grille substantially passes through the air filter prior to entering the remainder of the return air duct.

Abstract: Disclosed are polymeric constructs that can advantageously be utilized in a wide variety of fluid contact devices. The constructs include two or more polymeric materials, at least one of which includes reactive functionality so as to preferentially interact with an analyte of interest. The polymeric constructs include the reactive materials in discrete areas of the devices, so as to provide the reactive functionality in a patterned array across a fluid contacting surface of the device. The reactive functionality can be provided in a macro-, a micro-, or a nano-patterned array, depending upon the specific parameters of the formation process. The devices can be utilized in separation protocols as well as other applications involving controlled fluid flow across a reactive surface.

Abstract: A method and an assembly for treating minerals using microwave energy are disclosed. The method includes exposing a moving bed, preferably a mixed moving bed, of mineral particles to pulsed high energy microwave energy so that at least substantially all particles receive at least some exposure to microwave energy.

Abstract: A method of operating a channel induction furnace to process a feed material and obtain therefrom at least one of a molten metal product, a vapor phase metal product and a slag product. The method involves maintaining a slag layer on the molten bath that has a thickness that is sufficient to support the feed material while minimizing heat transfer through the slag layer and minimizing the resistance of vapor phase components from transferring through the slag layer. The fluidity of the slag layer is controlled by heating the slag layer and adjusting the chemistry of the slag layer.

Abstract: Provided are non-magnetic nickel powders and a method for preparing the same. The nickel powders are non-magnetic and have a HCP crystal structure. An exemplary method includes (a) dispersing nickel powders with a FCC crystal structure in an organic solvent to prepare a starting material dispersion, and (b) heating the starting material dispersion to transform the nickel powders with the FCC crystal structure to the nickel powders with the HCP crystal structure. The nickel powders do not exhibit magnetic agglomeration or aggregation phenomenon. Therefore, exemplary pastes for inner electrode formation in various electronic devices, which contain the nickel powders of the present disclosure, can be provided in a relatively uniform, well-dispersed state because of the reduced aggregation and agglomeration of the nickel powder. Also, inner electrodes made of the nickel powders can have a low impedance value even at high frequency band.

Abstract: A process for producing iron metal and slag by smelting iron-containing source material, having iron present as oxide and/or a partially metalized state, in a reactor containing a molten bath comprising or having a slag phase, utilises injection of fuel/reductant and oxygen-containing gas into the slag, by at least one top-submerged lance, to generate heating and reducing conditions in at least one reducing region in the bath. The source material is fed to the reactor, together with additional reductant and with flux, at or adjacent to the at least one reducing region, to subject the source material to smelting reduction which generates combustion gases comprising CO and H2. The rates of injection of the oxygen-containing gas and fuel/reductant by said at least one lance are controlled to achieve required, sufficient reducing conditions; and, in the reactor above the bath, the combustion gases generated by the smelting are post-combusted.

Abstract: A system for recycling vented atmosphere gas discharged from a heat treatment chamber utilizing a protective atmosphere gas therein. The system includes an atmosphere recycling apparatus configured to receive the vented atmosphere gas. The atmosphere recycling apparatus includes a gas separator configured to separate the vented atmosphere gas into a purified atmosphere gas stream and an impure stream. The atmosphere recycling apparatus is configured to feed the purified atmosphere gas stream to the heat treatment chamber. A storage vessel can be provided to receive the purified atmosphere gas stream from the atmosphere recycling apparatus, and configured to supplement an atmosphere gas supply to the heat treatment chamber with the purified atmosphere gas stream.

Abstract: A system for use in the treatment of contaminated fluid is provided. The system includes a source from which contaminated fluid may be introduced into the system, and a reservoir for an adsorbent material designed to remove contaminants from the fluid. The system also includes a reactor within which the adsorbent material and the contaminated fluid may be accommodated for treatment. A separation device may further be included for removing spent adsorbent materials from the system. A method for treating contaminated fluid is also provided.

Abstract: A method of removing mercury from flue gases from combustion plants, such as for example power plants or waste incineration plants, is achieved in which mercury-containing flue gases are brought into contact with an adsorption reagent either directly or indirectly by being contained in an absorption reagent, whereby mercury is substantially adsorbed by the adsorption reagent during this contact. After adsorption has occurred the adsorption reagent is separated from the flue gases and subsequently from the absorption reagent and added to an aqueous solution containing an oxidizing agent, whereby the adsorbed mercury dissolves as Hg2+. The Hg2+-containing solution is subsequently separated from the adsorption agent and the Hg2+ then is removed from the solution. This method enables the mercury to be removed from flue gas in a simple and economical manner.

Abstract: Non-evaporable getter alloys are provided which can be activated at relatively low temperatures and are capable of efficiently sorbing hydrogen.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide absorbent suitable for use in anesthesiology during low flow or closed circuit made of from 70 to 90% hydrated lime, from 0.1 to 17% of lithium hydroxide or its precursor, or a combination thereof, and from 5 to 25% water, wherein the absorbent provides low Compound A by-product, and high absorbency.

Abstract: A system is configured to remove volatile organic compounds from a container. The system includes a vapor capture medium that is provided in a containment, and a particulatizer. The particulatizer is positioned to (i) receive volatile organic compounds that are removed from the container in a vapor flow, and (ii) introduce the volatile organic compounds into the vapor capture medium as micro-sized particles. The vapor capture medium is in liquid form and has a composition that is inherently attracted to bond with at least some of the volatile organic compounds that are removed from the container in the vapor flow, so that the vapor capture medium captures at least some of the micro-sized particles of volatile organic compounds that are introduced through the particulatizer.

Abstract: Installation for gas treatment by a liquid phase comprising a) a column (C) that comprises means (1) for introducing gas at one end of said column, means (9) for drawing off gas from the other end of column (C) and, from upstream to downstream in the direction of circulation of the liquid phase: a first internal (2) that comprises means for distribution of a liquid phase, a first bed (6) that comprises a packing or catalytic particles, a second internal (3) that comprises means for separating liquid/gas mixture (19, 20) that is obtained from first bed (6), first means (32, 4) for collecting and evacuating the separated liquid phase, means (100) for passing through internal (3) of the treated gas, and distribution means (31, 101) of a liquid phase with said gas, a second bed (8), second means (10) for collecting and evacuating the liquid phase at the lower outlet of column (C), b) Means for recycling the collected liquid phase.

Abstract: Device for drying a compressed gas in a non-dissipative manner, which mainly consists of a compressed gas supply (2), at least two pressure vessels (31, 32) with an input (33, 34) and an output (35, 36), and a take-off point (26), whereby the device (1) is additionally provided with a first distribution device (3) and a second distribution device (13) which is provided with one or several coolers (30) and whereby the device (1) can be controlled by means of nine or ten cut-off valves (7-12, 21, 22, 29, 38 and 40).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air dryer (10) for a vehicle air system. The air dryer (10) includes a body (12) and a desiccant canister (14), the body (12) having an inlet (16) to receive air from an air source, an outlet (18) to supply air to a vehicle air system, a purge outlet and a regeneration inlet (24) to receive regenerative airflow from the vehicle air system. The body (12) is further provided with a chamber (28) containing a coalescer (38)positioned between the inlet (16) and the desiccant canister (14), and a bypass valve (34) positioned between the chamber (28) and the purge outlet. The coalescer (38) and bypass valve (34) are arranged such that during normal operation air entering through the inlet (16) passes through the coalescer (38) before reaching the desiccant canister (14) and during regeneration of the desiccant a portion of the regeneration flow passes through the coalescer (38) and the remainder of the regeneration flow bypasses the coalescer (38) through the bypass valve (34).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to chemical analysis (e.g. by gas chromatography), and in particular to a compact chemical preconcentrator formed on a substrate with a heatable sorptive membrane that can be used to accumulate and concentrate one or more chemical species of interest over time and then rapidly release the concentrated chemical species upon demand for chemical analysis.

Abstract: A condensed water discharging apparatus for a fuel cell system is disclosed. The condensed water discharging apparatus includes: a drain tank installed around a hydrogen discharging line comprising an inlet portion, an outlet portion formed on both distal ends of the drain tank, and a intermediate portion having at least a drain hole installed wherein the intermediate portion is disposed inside the drain tank so that condensed water is separated from hydrogen flowing in through the intermediate portion by gravity and is drained downwardly; and a drain pump connected to the drain tank to discharge condensed water drained through the drain holes of the intermediate portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for treating a process fluid. The system includes a modular arrangement that includes ten modules for; reducing the amount of dissolved and entrained hydrogen sulfide gas in the process fluid; monitoring the pH of the process fluid; storing the process fluid; reducing an amount of oil from the process fluid; and flocculating the process fluid; measuring the amount of oil in the process fluid; providing ventilation supply air to at least one of the modules; removing hydrogen sulfide gas from a sour gas; delivering gases to a burner system; and controlling the processes of the system.

Abstract: A scrubber removes dust from an exhaust gas. The scrubber includes a casing having an exhaust gas inlet and an exhaust gas outlet, an impeller housed in the casing and supported by a shaft, and a cleaning liquid supply tube for ejecting a cleaning liquid by which the dust contained in the exhaust gas is captured. The scrubber further includes a plurality of protrusions provided around the impeller such that the exhaust gas and the cleaning liquid which are discharged from the impeller impinge upon the protrusions.

Abstract: Improved compositions are described for the protection of gas turbine parts at elevated temperatures. The compositions are of the MCrAlY type, wherein M is selected from nickel, or a combination of nickel with cobalt, iron, or combinations thereof. The compositions further comprise palladium, platinum, rhodium, or combinations thereof, hafnium, titanium, zirconium, or combinations thereof; and can further include silicon, germanium, or combinations thereof, wherein the composition results in improved Al retention properties. Also disclosed herein are articles comprising the coatings.

Abstract: A no-mess water-based ink including a composition including water, an organic solvent, a coloring agent dissolved in the organic solvent and an emulsifier for use in conjunction with a specially treated substrate containing a color developer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anthrapyridone compound represented by the following Formula (1) wherein, R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, a hydroxy lower alkyl group, a cyclohexyl group, a mono- or dialkylaminoalkyl group or a cyano lower alkyl group, X represents a cross linking group, Y represents a phenoxy group having 1 or 2 carboxyl groups in free acid form and a magenta ink composition comprising the same, and provides magenta coloring matter and a magenta ink composition which have hue with high vividness suitable for inkjet recording, gives good fastness to a recorded article and are excellent in storage stability.