Abstract: A bone anchor comprising a self-centering ball-joint suitable for use in a spine stabilization prosthesis which supports the spine while providing for the preservation of spinal motion. The bone anchor has a deflectable ball-rod partially received in a socket of a housing formed in the head of the bone anchor. A centering rod received partially in the ball-rod and partially within the housing operates to align the ball-rod with the longitudinal axis of the bone anchor. Deflection of the ball-rod bends the centering rod which in turn applies a restoring force upon the ball-rod.

Abstract: A constraining apparatus includes a constraining structure that captures a first and a second anatomical structure. A motion limiting member coupled with the constraining structure is adapted to provide a force resistant to relative movement of the first anatomical structure away from the second anatomical structure. A regulating member is detachably coupled with the motion limiting member or the constraining structure and is adapted to change the resistant force provided by the motion limiting member when the regulating member is in direct engagement with the motion limiting member or constraining structure.

Abstract: A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. A second dilator tube may be introduced over the first, advanced along a second longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from the first. A third dilator tube may be introduced over the second, advanced along a third longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from both the first and the second. An access cannula may be introduced over the third dilator tube. With the first, second, and third dilator tubes removed, surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.

Abstract: A fracture fixation plate system for use on a long bone having a metaphysis and a diaphysis, includes at least one end plate having a head portion for the metaphysis, and at least one diaphyseal plate having a first end and a second end with a plurality of screw holes therebetween. The end plate includes mating structure adapted to mate with and securely couple to at least one end of the at least one diaphyseal plate. The system preferably includes several end plates and diaphyseal plates to accommodate anatomy of various sizes.

Abstract: An occipital plate system comprising: (a) a plate having one or more apertures for receiving bone fasteners adapted for securing the plate to the skull; (b) two rails extending outwardly from opposing sides of the plate; and (c) two rod receptacles, each comprising a body portion and a receiver portion, the body portion defining a passageway through which one of the rails slides, the receiver portion defining a cavity to receive a rod and threads above the cavity for receiving a set screw such that at least a portion of each of a rail, the rod and the set screw are contained within the rod receptacle.

Abstract: A cannulated compression screw is used as an orthopedic implant and has a threaded distal end with an insertion tip that includes at least one and preferably two, three or four flutes to allow the screw to be self-tapping. Optionally, the screw also includes one or more reverse cutting flutes proximal to the insertion tip. The distal threads are cancellous threads having a generally constant minor diameter and a generally constant major diameter and a generally constant thread pitch. An intermediate portion of the screw is non-threaded and the proximal end includes a compression wedge or taper that has at least one, and preferably two to five flutes that terminate before the top of the screw. The proximal end further includes a radiused bevel to the terminal surface that includes a hexagonal torque driving recess. The diameter of the non-threaded shaft section is constant distal from the compression wedge to the distal tip where it defines the minor diameter of the threaded portion.

Abstract: A dynamic fixation medical implant includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having an elongate coil-like outer member and an inner cylindrical core attached to the outer member at only one end thereof. Some assemblies include a second longitudinal connecting member in the form of a rod that is fixed to the inner core and extends outwardly from the assembly. Certain assemblies include a threaded core or threaded inserts that cooperate with a helical slit of the coil-like outer member. Two or more cooperating bone screw assemblies attach to the connecting member assembly. The bone screw assemblies may include upper and lower compression members for affixing to and cradling the coil-like outer member only, allowing relative movement between the outer member and the inner cylindrical core. Press fit or snap-on features attach one end of the coil-like outer member to one end of the inner cylindrical core.

Abstract: A heat generating device includes an air-permeable first side located proximal to a wearer's body, a second side located distal to a wearer's body, and a heat generating member between the two sides. The second side includes an adhesive layer for attaching the device to a garment. The first side is formed of a nonwoven fabric having an uneven surface topography. The nonwoven fabric includes a first fiber layer, inclusive of a first surface of the fabric, and a second fiber layer, inclusive of a second surface of the fabric, partly bonded to each other and including a large number of protrusions and recesses on the side of the first fiber layer. The first surface is used as the first side.

Abstract: An introducer assembly for introducing a stent-graft (70) or other device into a vessel of a patient includes a pre-shaped curved cannula (60) made preferably of a shape memory material. The curved cannula can pull the proximal end (74) of the stent-graft (70) against the inner side wall of the vessel thereby to ensure a good leak free connection at this point. The assembly is particularly useful in deploying stent-grafts into the aortic arch.

Abstract: A stent graft (1) with an internal tube (15) extending from the fenestration (11) within and towards an end of the tubular body (3) of the stent graft. An end of the tube remote from the fenestration is flared into a funnel or elliptical shape (17) to facilitate access into the internal tube from a main lumen of the stent graft. The flared portion is fastened (19) to the wall of the stent graft. The flared portion is held open with a resilient wire ring (21).

Abstract: A stent including a stent wire comprising a plurality of filaments twisted into a bundle having a helix, the stent wire bent into a pattern having a plurality of substantially straight wire sections separated by a plurality of bends. The pattern of the stent wire is spirally wound about a central axis in the same direction as the helix formed by the plurality of filaments. Each of the filaments in a bend have a cylindrical cross-section where at least one of the plurality of filaments is displaced and spaced from an immediately adjacent filament in the bend.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis that includes a support structure comprising a curvilinear portion having a first strut and a second strut that meet at an apex. Disposed on the support structure is an anchor with an anchor body and one or more barbs extending outwardly from the anchor body and where the anchor body fits at least partially about, and conforms to the first strut, second strut, and the apex.

Abstract: A pre-formed intrastromal corneal insert for use in treating Keratoconus and similar dystrophies and methods of using the same. An intrastromal insert of the present invention comprises a biocompatible polymer and may be used to adjust corneal curvature, thereby correcting vision abnormalities caused by disease or other surgical procedures. The insert may be comprised of a circular or semi-circular ring shape or a portion of a ring, or “arc”, encircling the anterior cornea within the frontal circumference of the cornea. The insert may be used in multiples to form complete arcs or to form constructs of varying thicknesses. The insert of the present invention possesses a cross section that results in a low scattering level of light.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition comprising a matrix suitable for implantation in humans, comprising defatted, shredded, allogeneic human muscle tissue that has been combined with an aqueous carrier and dried in a predetermined shape. Also disclosed is a tissue graft or implant comprising a matrix suitable for implantation in humans, comprising defatted, shredded, allogeneic human muscle tissue that has been combined with an aqueous carrier and dried in a predetermined shape. The composition and/or tissue graft or implant of the invention is usable in combination with seeded cells, a tissue growth factor, and/or a chemotactic gent to attract a desired cell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for customizing an intervertebral implant includes the initial step of obtaining a 3D anatomy of a series of vertebrae including an abnormal vertebra in a computer. The 3D anatomy of the series is then repositioned in the computer to eliminate the deformity caused by the abnormal vertebra. It is next determined whether a superior or inferior surface of the abnormal vertebra is an abnormal surface which causes the deformity, whereby an approximate gap between the abnormal surface and a desired normal surface is determined. Using that gap determination, a custom implant is constructed to engage the abnormal surface and fill the determined gap. Thus, when the implant is implanted between the abnormal surface and an adjacent surface of an adjacent vertebrae, the deformity is substantially compensated for. The implant may have articulation between the endplates to allow relative movement therebetween.

Abstract: A selectively expanding spine cage has a minimized diameter in its unexpanded state that is smaller than the diameter of the neuroforamen through which it passes in the distracted spine. Hydraulic extension of extendable members permit the cage to conformably engage between vertebral bodies to effectively distract the disc space and rigidly fix the spine.

Abstract: A tracking and positioning system and method to enable the precise positioning of an object or tool relative to its surgical surroundings, and in accordance with preoperative CT images of the operating site. When used for artificial spinal disc positioning, the system comprises a computing system incorporating in memory the preoperative CT data showing the two vertebrae and the predetermined disc position between them; a 3-D target having radio-opaque markers for attaching to one of the vertebrae to define the position of the vertebra in an intra-operative fluoroscope image of the spine; a tool for intra-operative insertion of the artificial disc, and a registration system for relating the intra-operative fluoroscope image to the preoperative CT data, such that the predetermined disc position is displayed in the fluoroscope image of the subject, thereby enabling the surgeon to place the artificial disc accurately in its intended position.

Abstract: An expandable intervertebral spacer has a plurality of arms. The arms can be retracted or extended. The spacer has a width that is narrower than the width between the nerve roots near the posterior approach to an intervertebral space. Once inserted into the intervertebral space, the arms can be deployed. The deployed arms expand the height and width of the spacer. Once deployed, the spacer stabilizes two adjacent vertebrae. The arms are interconnected mechanically to deploy simultaneously.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to tissue anchors and methods of delivering same to the intervertebral disc or other sites within the body. In some embodiments, the anchors provide pull-out resistance, stability and/or maximize contact with tissue involving a minimum amount of penetration. In some embodiments, delivery methods are minimally invasive and include linear, lateral, and off-angle implantation or driving of anchors along, against or within tissue surfaces.

Abstract: Knee prostheses featuring components that more faithfully replicate the structure and function of the human knee joint in order to provide, among other benefits: greater flexion of the knee in a more natural way by promoting or at least accommodating internal tibial rotation in a controlled way, replication of the natural screw home mechanism, and controlled articulation of the tibia and femur respective to each other in a more natural way. In a preferred embodiment, such prostheses include an insert component disposed between a femoral component and a tibial component, the insert component preferably featuring among other things a reversely contoured posterolateral bearing surface that helps impart internal rotation to the tibia as the knee flexes.

Abstract: Knee prostheses featuring components that more faithfully replicate the structure and function of the human knee joint in order to provide, among other benefits: greater flexion of the knee in a more natural way by promoting or at least accommodating internal tibial rotation in a controlled way, replication of the natural screw home mechanism, and controlled articulation of the tibia and femur respective to each other in a more natural way. In a preferred embodiment, such prostheses include an insert component disposed between a femoral component and a tibial component, the insert component preferably featuring among other things a reversely contoured posterolateral bearing surface that helps impart internal rotation to the tibia as the knee flexes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cap-shaped implant for implanting on a prepared stump of a femoral head. The implant is in the form of a ball section, having a flat base surface and a polar axis which is arranged in a perpendicular in relation to the base surface. According to the invention, a cavity is arranged in ball section which protrudes from the base surface, said cavity is rotationally symmetrical and comprises a hollow spatial axis which is arranged below an angle (a) which is different form zero in relation to the polar axis.

Abstract: A prosthesis suspension assembly comprising: a prosthetic socket having an open proximal end and a closed distal end and an interior surface complementally configured to a residual limb of an amputee, an interface or liner for receiving the residual limb and fittingly received in the socket, a distal outer surface of the liner comprises a porous or continuously cavitated, compressible material such as fabric and a proximal outer surface comprising an elastomeric material, a suspension sleeve which seals against the proximal outer surface of the liner and a proximal outer surface of the socket, and a locking pin connected to a distal end of the liner and lockingly retained in a hole in the distal end of the socket and including an air passage therethrough with a one-way valve therein for permitting the exit of air from an interstitial volume occupied buy said compressible material to atmosphere upon ambulation.

Abstract: There is provided a head hair dyeing method using a two-part hair dye composition which contains a first part containing an alkali agent, a second part containing hydrogen peroxide and a non-aerosol type foamer container for discharging a mixture solution of the first part and the second part as foam, the composition containing a surfactant in at least one of the first part and the second part, the method including discharging the mixture solution as foam, applying the foam to the head hair, and then re-foamed on the head hair.

Abstract: (a) The present invention is drawn to a composition and method for permanently coloring keratinous substrates containing: (a) at least one fatty monoamine compound; (b) at least one nonionic surfactant; (c) at least one compound chosen from an alkyl ether carboxylic acid, an alkyl ether carboxylate, a fatty acid having from about 6 to about 40 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof; (d) at least one dye chosen from oxidation dye precursors and direct dyes; (e) optionally, at least one thickening agent; (f) optionally, at least one alkaline agent; (g) optionally, at least one fatty substance other than a fatty acid present in the ready-to-use composition; (h) optionally, at least one salt; and (i) optionally, at least one oxidizing agent.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing nitrate granules includes a first fluidized bed which is supplied with air that has been conditioned to a relative humidity of less than 30% at 40° C. and heated to a temperature of 40° C. to 100° C. One or more spray nozzles are provided for spraying a nitrate melt into the first fluidized bed to form nitrate granules. The apparatus also includes a second fluidized bed which is in direct communication with the first fluidized bed. Nitrate granules formed in the first fluidized bed flow directly to the second fluidized bed where they are cooled to a temperature of less than 60° C. The nitrate granules produced by the apparatus and process of the invention are spherical in shape, hard and dry and do not break down easily during handling. The apparatus according to the invention is compact, capable of very high product rates, and can be operated by one operator.

Abstract: A process for preparation of synthesis gas and/or hydrogen by counter-currently providing an oxidation reactant stream through an oxidation chamber and a reforming reactant stream through a steam reforming chamber is described. Also provided is a reactor for conducting the reaction.

Abstract: A bag filter having a support structure clothed in a filter bag. The cloth of the filter bag is a composite of at least one substrate layer and at least one nanoweb bonded thereto in a face-to-face relationship. The nanoweb is positioned at the surface of the filter bag first exposed to the hot particle laden gas stream and can have a basis weight of greater than about 0.1 gsm.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an air filtration system includes a first ventilation path connected between at least one external air supply and a clean room. The first ventilation path is configured to direct air from the at least one external air supply to the clean room. A second ventilation path is connected to the clean room. The second ventilation path is configured to recirculate air in the clean room. A third ventilation path, separate from the first path, is connected between the at least one external air supply and a tool environment disposed within the clean room. The third ventilation path includes an ultra-pure air filtration unit disposed between the outdoor air supply and the tool environment. The ultra-pure air filtration unit includes a compressor and a dryer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a filter for a gas generator, by which a filter having a good shape retaining property can be obtained, is provided. A method of manufacturing a filter for a gas generator in which a tubular material is formed by knitting copper-plated iron wires, molten plated copper is adhered to an intersecting portion of the iron wire to fix the intersecting portion, wherein the method comprises a molding step for producing a tubular material by knitting the copper-plated iron wires, and a heat processing step in which the above tubular material is kept at a temperature not less than a melting point of copper but less than the temperature of sintering of the iron, and is then cooled.

Abstract: An air cleaner is provided with: a case in which a filter element is housed and which has an opening; a cover that covers the opening of the case to be opened or closed; a hinge structure having a hinge formed to the cover and a hinge receiver formed to the case to be engaged with the hinge in a detachable manner such that the cover is pivotal around the hinge with respect to the case; and an engagement maintaining mechanism provided to side surfaces of the case and the cover so as to maintain the engagement between the case and the cover in a range in which the cover closes the case and in a range in which the cover is opened by a predetermined angle.

Abstract: An air cleaner housing for a vehicle air cleaner element includes a first housing member secured within a vehicle and defining at least one tongue aperture, and a second housing member having a main housing portion and at least one tongue. The first and second housing members together enclosing the air cleaner element. The at least one tongue is pivotally mounted to the main housing portion and removably received in the at least one tongue aperture of the first housing member to pivotally secure the second housing member to the first housing member.

Abstract: A filter device (10), especially an air filter for an internal combustion engine, includes a main filter element (22) arranged in a filter housing (12). The main filter element is flown through by a fluid to be filtered. The main filter element (22) is a multi-bellows filter having radially nested filter bellows (32, 34). Between the filter bellows (32, 34) a flow space (44) for the fluid is formed communicating with an end face of the main filter element (22), wherein each one of the filter bellows (32, 34) is embodied as a star-shaped filter with filter folds arranged in a star shape. On at least one end face of the main filter element (22) there is a seal (36) between one of the filter bellows (32, 34) and the filter housing (12).

Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides systems and methods for easily replaceable, high efficiency particulate air or HEPA-quality filtration for vacuum systems in an effective, efficient, and cost-sensitive manner. As an example, the HEPA filter cartridge could include a minimizer and connecting structures associated with an exhaust of such a HEPA filter cartridge. The surface area of the minimizer or the connecting structures could be increased or decreased to control, restrict, or otherwise maintain a predetermined, preferable, or allowable amount of backpressure subjected to the HEPA filter cartridge or other suitable performance characteristic.

Abstract: A dust collector of the present invention includes a main body, a first dust container, and two lifting apparatuses. The main body includes a shell, an expandable pipe, and a lid. The expandable pipe, which is vertically expandable, is connected between the shell and the lid. The first dust container is detachably disposed on the main body and is used to be selectively covered by the lid. The two lifting apparatuses respectively include a base, a linking up mechanism, and an operating rod. The two bases are respectively fixed on two sides of an outer wall surface of the shell. The operating rod is movably disposed on the base. One end of the linking up mechanism is disposed on the operating rod, and the other end is fixed on the lid. Thereby, the lifting apparatus can horizontally lift the lid.

Abstract: A conduit piece for the absorption of foreign bodies in an air distribution conduit of an air-conditioning installation, with a bent portion, the inner wall (I) of which has a large bend radius (Rg) and a small bend radius (Rk). To avoid flow noises according to the invention, an interception device (1, 10, 11, 13, 14) be provided in the region of the large bend radius (Rg) for the purpose of intercepting foreign bodies carried through the conduit piece together with the air.

Abstract: A serviceable gas/liquid separator is provided. The gas/liquid separator has a cross-section with one long axis and one short axis, with an aspect ratio of at least 1.3. A preferred cross-section, is an elliptical cross-section. Assemblies in which the separator unit can be used, are provided. In addition methods of use and construction are provided.

Abstract: A diaphragm carburettor is connected via a suction port with the clean air side of an air filter. A regulating chamber with a fuel chamber is connected with the suction port, in which the fuel chamber is acted upon with underpressure from the suction port and is separated from a compensation chamber by a regulating diaphragm formed to control the fuel supply to the fuel chamber. The compensation chamber is connected via a compensation path with the clean air side of the air filter and/or with the suction port so that pressure vibrations are reduced in the compensation chamber. A control and/or regulating element associated with the compensation path alters the length and/or the diameter of the compensation path.

Abstract: The disclosure concern air cleaners. Preferred air cleaners are shown which include a housing and a removable and replacement primary filter cartridge. Optional and advantageous features are shown. The preferred primary filter cartridge is conical in shape. A preferred optional safety or secondary filter cartridge is shown. Preferred methods of assembly and use are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are ceramic bodies comprised of composite cordierite aluminum magnesium titanate ceramic compositions and methods for the manufacture of the same.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing Ti alloy structures using a SFFF manufacturing process with a welding torch as a high energy source, which comprises using as a feed a feed wire made from Ti sponge and alloying powders, or forming a Ti alloy in-situ in the melt.

Abstract: A sintered cemented carbide body (e.g., a cutting tool) and a method of making the same. The sintered cemented carbide body includes tungsten carbide, a binder phase of at least one metal of the iron group or an alloy thereof, and one or more solid solution phases. Each one of the solid solution phases has at least one of the carbides and carbonitrides of a combination of zirconium, niobium, and tungsten. The method includes the steps of providing a powder mixture that contains tungsten carbide, a binder metal powder comprising at least one metal of the iron group or an alloy thereof, and at least one of the carbides and carbonitrides of both zirconium and niobium including a powder of the carbides or carbonitrides of zirconium and niobium, forming a green compact of said powder mixture, and vacuum sintering or sinter-HIP said green compact at a temperature of from 1400 to 1560° C.

Abstract: One aspect is a method for producing an alloy, whereby the alloy consists of a first metal, a second metal, a third metal, and a fourth metal, and the first metal, the second metal, the third metal, and the fourth metal are selected from the group consisting of the metals, niobium, zirconium, tantalum tungsten. The method includes the steps of grinding the first metal to form a first metal powder and grinding the second metal to form a second metal powder; mixing the first metal powder and the second metal powder to form a first blended powder; generating a first blended body from the blended powder by a powder metallurgical route; and generating the alloy by melting the first blended body and the remaining metals by a melt metallurgical route.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods for controlling impurity buildup on adsorbent for a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process are provided. The method comprises the steps of operating the PSA process including performing (a) a first depressurizing equalization step, and (b) a providing purge step. Impurities are sensed in an effluent from the PSA process. If the impurities sensed in the effluent have reached a predetermined upper impurity level, then the PSA process is operated including performing (b) and not (a).

Abstract: A method for rapidly emptying an activated carbon filter while using an HC sensor (concentration change). A device for a tank system, for a motor vehicle having the device for a tank system and to a method for emptying an activated carbon filter for a tank system. The concentration of volatile components which are flushed from the activated carbon filter is detected by a concentration sensor. The concentration sensor is used as an early warning sensor to prevent any disturbances of mixture production of an engine.

Abstract: There is described a method for the removal of gaseous contaminants from the housings of devices sensitive to the presence of such contaminants by means of nanostructured sorbers, wherein the sorber is in the form of a fiber containing an active material at its inside. Nanostructured sorbers and their manufacturing method are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides for various processes for recovering high purity gaseous hydrogen and high purity gaseous carbon dioxide from the gas stream produced using steam hydrocarbon reforming, especially steam methane reforming, utilizing a H2 pressure swing adsorption unit in combination with either a CO2 pressure swing adsorption unit in combination with a membrane separation unit or a CO2 pressure vacuum swing adsorption unit in combination with a membrane separation unit. The present invention further relates to a process for optimizing the recovery of carbon dioxide from waste gas streams produced during the hydrogen purification step of a steam hydrocarbon reforming/water gas shift reactor/H2 pressure swing adsorption unit utilizing either a CO2 pressure swing adsorption unit in combination with a membrane separation unit or a CO2 pressure vacuum swing adsorption unit in combination with a membrane separation unit.

Abstract: A process for the production of a carbon hollow fiber membrane comprising: (i) dissolving at least one cellulose ester in a solvent to form a solution; (ii) dry/wet spinning the solution to form hollow fibers; (iii) deesterifying said hollow fibers with a base or an acid in the presence of an alcohol; (iv) if necessary, drying said fibers; (v) carbonizing the fibers; (vi) assembling the carbonized fibers to form a carbon hollow fiber membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed are a gas separation membrane and a gas separation method in which at least one species of organic vapor is separated and recovered from an organic vapor mixture using the gas separation membrane. The gas separation membrane is made of an aromatic polyimide composed of a tetracarboxylic acid component consisting of an aromatic ring-containing tetracarboxylic acid and a diamine component comprising 10 to 90 mol % of a combination of (B1) 3,4?-diaminodiphenyl ether and (B2) 4,4?-diaminodiphenyl ether at a B1 to B2 molar ratio, B1/B2, ranging from 10/1 to 1/10, and 10 to 90 mol % of other aromatic diamine.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for separating gas components from a gas stream. The methods are particularly advantageous in that an environmentally friendly biomass absorbent is used to assist in the separation process. The invention is particularly suited to separate water soluble gas components from a gas stream. The water soluble gas components can be used to condition the biomass for additional use, such as a conditioned feed for a biofuel. In general, the conditioned biomass will have increased enzyme digestibility, making the conditioned biomass highly suitable as feedstock for biofuel production.