Abstract: The invention relates to multi-amine functional oligomers and multi-oxime functional oligomers in addition to a method for producing the same by means of the co-polymerisation of carbonyl carriers such as olefins or dienes, reaction with hydroxylamine and a subsequent selective catalytic hydrogenation.

Abstract: A process for preparing alkylated p-phenylenediamine having the steps of reacting aniline and nitrobenzene in presence of a complex base catalyst to obtain 4-aminodiphenylamine intermediates, hydrogenating the 4-aminodiphenylamine intermediates to 4-aminodiphenylamine in presence of a hydrogenation catalyst, and reductively alkylating the 4-aminodiphenylamine to alkylated p-phenylenediamine.

Abstract: Aniline derivatives represented by formula (8): The aniline derivatives can be used as insecticides and/or intermediates in production of insecticides.

Abstract: Methods for forming boronic acids, and intermediates thereof, are disclosed. The method may include mixing a 1-chloro-2-substituted-3-fluorobenzene starting material with an alkyllithium in a first reactor to form a reaction mixture. The 1-chloro-2-substituted-3-fluorobenzene starting material may react with the alkyllithium to form a lithiated intermediate. The reaction mixture may be continuously transferred to a second reactor and a borate may be continuously introduced to form a boronate. The boronic acids may be formed by treating the boronate with aqueous potassium hydroxide followed by acidification. Such methods may provide continuous formation of the boronic acids and may reduce an amount of a reactive intermediate present during processing as well as cycle times. Systems for forming the boronic acids are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the depolymerization of lignin or of derivatives thereof, including a step of heating the lignin or the derivatives thereof in the presence of a hydroxide of general formula M(OH)n or of a mixture of M(OH)n hydroxides, where M is a metal of the alkali or alkaline-earth family and n is equal to 1 or 2, and where the mass ratio between said hydroxide or mixture of hydroxides and the lignin or the derivatives thereof is comprised between around 0.5 and around 20.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel saponification process for the isolation and purification of highly pure carotenoids from different carotenoid rich oleoresin derived from plants and microorganisms without the use of toxic chemicals and hazardous solvents. The hydrolysis is carried out by treating the carotenoid rich oleoresin with a novel mixture of a Fatty alcohol, alkali and a fatty acid without the use of any other solvents. Further the invention explains a process of stabilising the carotenoids from getting degraded due to high temperature and exposure time during the saponification process. Further the invention discloses an economically viable process of isolating high pure carotenoids with higher yield.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the synthesis of alcohol are described herein. The methods and systems include a method of hydrating an olefin that may include emulsifying an olefin gas in a water stream in a high shear device under high shear conditions to produce a dispersion; and contacting the dispersion with a catalyst to hydrate the olefin gas and form an alcohol.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating a liquid reaction product from a gaseous stream in a catalytic reactor by means of a metallic sheet being indirectly cooled by a cooling surface and having a plurality of percolations in form of geometric-shaped protrusions on both sides of the sheet each with an open base, the open base is on the side of the sheet facing a catalyst bed are arranged upwards and on the side facing the cooling surface the open base faces downwards.

Abstract: A process is disclosed that permits the manufacture of renewable diesel while simultaneously manufacturing petroleum based jet fuel and/or diesel fuel. The process provides for the sulfiding of hydroprocessing catalyst used to hydroprocess sulfur deficient biomass derived feedstocks and permits the use of petroleum derived feedstock deactivated hydoprocessing catalyst in biomass derived feedstock service.

Abstract: A process for producing alkylate comprising contacting a first hydrocarbon stream comprising at least one olefin having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms which contains 1,3-butadiene and 1-butene with a hydroisomerization catalyst in the presence of hydrogen under conditions favoring the simultaneous selective hydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene to butenes and the isomerization of 1-butene to 2-butene and contacting the resulting stream and a second hydrocarbon stream comprising at least one isoparaffin having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms with an acidic ionic liquid catalyst under alkylation conditions to produce an alkylate is disclosed.

Abstract: Conditions selected for lubricant base oil production can be used to also produce a high quality diesel product. The diesel product can have a cetane index or cetane number of at least 55, corresponding to a high value diesel fuel. The diesel product can also have good cold flow properties, such as a pour point of ?40° C. or less and/or a cloud point of 25° C. or less. Additionally, the sulfur content of the diesel product can be low, such as less than 1 wppm. This can allow the diesel product to be blended with other potential diesel boiling range products that have a higher sulfur content while still meeting an overall diesel fuel specification. The aromatics content can also be low, allowing the premium diesel to comply with various regulatory requirements.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for transalkylating aromatic hydrocarbon compounds, the process comprising introducing an aromatic hydrocarbon feed stream into a transalkylation zone to yield high-purity benzene as a byproduct while meeting transalkylation objectives. The feed stream contacts a catalyst in the transalkylation zone under conditions adjusted to control benzene purity as well as transalkylation performance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simple and economic method of extracting a crystalline Carotenoid compound, such as Beta-carotene, Lycopene, with a purity of at least 99%. The present invention further describes a process to prepare such a highly pure crystalline Carotenoid compound from microbial biomass, using an Anti-purity compound removal process followed by a mono-solvent extraction method. Further the process describes value addition of the co-products recovered during the extraction process thus resulting in a highly economical industrial method for the production of such high purity crystalline Carotenoids compound.

Abstract: A method of extending the life of an aromatization catalyst comprising identifying a rapid deactivation threshold (RDT) of the catalyst, and oxidizing the catalyst prior to reaching the RDT. A method of aromatizing a hydrocarbon comprising identifying a rapid deactivation threshold (RDT) for an aromatization catalyst, and operating an aromatization reactor comprising the catalyst to extend the Time on Stream of the reactor prior to reaching the RDT. A method of extending the life of an aromatization catalyst comprising predicting a rapid deactivation threshold (RDT) for an aromatization reactor by employing the catalyst in a reactor system under an accelerated fouling condition to identify a test rapid deactivation threshold (t-RDT), predicting the RDT for the aromatization reactor based upon the t-RDT, and oxidizing the catalyst prior to the predicted RDT to extend the Time on Stream of the aromatization catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a zeolite catalyst useful for aromatization of a lower alkane, a zeolite catalyst useful for aromatization of a lower alkane obtainable by said method and a process for aromatization of a lower alkane using the zeolite catalyst of the present invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for producing cycloheptatriene from at least 7,7-dichloronorcarane and a liquid component comprising a C8 to C30 succinic anhydride, a carboxylic acid, or a C8 to C30 alkyldimethylamine at about 205 deg. C. to about 230 deg. C.

Abstract: The present invention describes a novel catalytic composition comprising at least one nickel complex, said complex being obtained from a mixture comprising at least one nickel precursor A with at least one imino-imidazole ligand B and a method of oligomerization of olefins using said catalytic composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a propylene production catalyst for producing propylene from one or more selected from a group consisting of methanol, dimethyl ether and olefins having from 4 to 8 carbon atoms. The catalyst comprises a binderless crystalline aluminosilicate shaped body having a silicon/aluminium atomic ratio of from 500 to 10000, in which the crystalline aluminosilicate contains an MFI-type crystal structure and/or an MEL-type crystal structure. The catalyst reduces the production amount of ethylene, paraffin components such as propane, and aromatic components, and increases the propylene yield and the propylene/propane ratio, and the catalyst life is long.

Abstract: Ionic liquid alkylation processes may comprise contacting at least one hydrocarbon stream with an ionic liquid catalyst in an ionic liquid alkylation zone under ionic liquid alkylation conditions, cooling at least one of a reactor effluent and a hydrocarbon phase of the reactor effluent, and recycling the cooled reactor effluent or cooled hydrocarbon phase to the ionic liquid alkylation zone. Ionic liquid alkylation systems for performing ionic liquid catalyzed alkylation processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A catalyst composition resulting in increased propylene yields during fluid catalytic cracking processes comprises (i) Y zeolite, (ii) ZSM-5 zeolite, and (iii) Beta zeolite.

Abstract: Methods for converting an H2SO4 alkylation unit to an ionic liquid alkylation system configured for performing ionic liquid catalyzed alkylation processes may comprise connecting at least one component configured for ionic liquid catalyzed alkylation to at least one component of the H2SO4 alkylation unit, wherein the at least one component of the H2SO4 alkylation unit is retained, modified or adapted for use in the ionic liquid alkylation system. Ionic liquid catalyzed alkylation systems derived from existing conventional alkylation units, and ionic liquid catalyzed alkylation processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for converting an HF alkylation unit to an ionic liquid alkylation system configured for performing ionic liquid catalyzed alkylation processes may comprise connecting at least one component configured for ionic liquid catalyzed alkylation to at least one component of the HF alkylation unit, wherein the at least one component of the HF alkylation unit is retained, modified or adapted for use in the ionic liquid alkylation system. An ionic liquid alkylation system derived from an existing or prior HF alkylation unit is also disclosed.

Abstract: A radiation system is provided comprising a single source of therapeutic radiation that is directed toward at least two treatment spaces in succession. Each treatment space houses a patient to be treated, each patient being secured generally by a separate supporting device adapted to support the patient in a generally sitting or standing or horizontal position. The x-ray source first delivers at least one beam to the first patient in the first space and then the x-ray source/patient relationship is adjusted so as to deliver an at least one beam to an at least second patient in a second space.

Abstract: A device for irradiating cancer patients with neutrons, useful in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy, using at least one neutron emitter mounted and controlled so as to deliver a measured dose of neutrons directed at a treatment site or sites.

Abstract: A device for locating and retrieving a misplaced foreign body that has metallic characteristics includes a shaft connected to a handle and a retrieval tool that is coupled to the shaft and moves between a deployed position and collapsed position. The tool has a magnetic element that generates a magnetic field, wherein the magnetic field extends over a greater area in the deployed position and is of sufficient strength to attract the foreign body such that it is held in contact with the tool. The device can be part of an automated robotic system and can also include a metal detector to assist in locating the misplaced foreign body.

Abstract: Methods and systems for establishing, adjusting, and/or modulating parameters for neural stimulation based, at least in part, on functional and/or structural measurements are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment includes measuring a volume of functionally active neural tissue within a patient's central nervous system both before and after affecting a target neural population of the patient with electromagnetic stimulation. The method further includes controlling at least one signal delivery parameter with which the electromagnetic stimulation is applied to the patient based, at least in part, on the measured difference in the volume of functionally active neural tissue.

Abstract: The invention involves enhancing brain function by stimulating the brain using magnetic fields. Applications of the new methods include improving the condition of individuals with cognitive disorders, such as depression, and studying the effects of neural stimulation using induced electric fields. These techniques can avoid deleterious effects of psychotropic pharmaceutical treatments, and provide a relatively safe, comfortable, inexpensive means of direct cranial stimulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for mechanical action upon a medium (30) having at least one first element (9??, 10??) which can be brought from a transport state into an operating state by changing at least one mechanical property. Such an apparatus can, for example, be a blood pump for the medical, microinvasive area. The object of achieving a transition between the transport state and the operating state which is as comfortable as possible and in so doing leaving a freedom in the design of the corresponding apparatus, in particular of a pump, which is as large as possible, is achieved using the means of the invention in that the first element at least partly comprises a material (24, 25, 26, 27) or can be filled with a material or material mixture which passes through a chemical reaction, in particular cross-linking, or a crystallization for transition into the operating state.

Abstract: An impeller includes a hub and a blade supported by the hub. The impeller has a stored configuration in which the blade is compressed so that its distal end moves towards the hub, and a deployed configuration in which the blade extends away from the hub. The impeller may be part of a pump for pumping fluids, such as blood, and may include a cannula having a proximal portion with a fixed diameter, and a distal portion with an expandable diameter. The impeller may reside in the expandable portion of the cannula. The cannula may have a compressed diameter which allows it to be inserted percutaneously into a patient. Once at a desired location, the expandable portion of the cannula may be expanded and the impeller expanded to the deployed configuration. A flexible drive shaft may extend through the cannula for rotationally driving the impeller within the patient.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac therapy device having a heart assist pump, a stimulation unit, and a control unit. The heart assist pump is designed to be connected to a ventricle of a heart and an associated artery, and is designed to pump blood from a particular ventricle into an associated artery, thereby supporting the particular ventricle. The stimulation unit is designed to electrically stimulate a heart contraction, and the control unit is designed to control the heart assist pump and the stimulation unit in such a way that the stimulation unit induces synchronized motions of cardiac contraction while the heart assist pump operates in a ventricle-supporting manner.

Abstract: A cardiac therapy device having a cardiac assist pump, a defibrillation unit, and a control unit, which is connected to the cardiac assist pump and the defibrillation unit to control them. The cardiac assist pump is implemented in case of use to pump blood from a ventricle into an associated artery and thus relieve the respective ventricle. The defibrillation unit is implemented for automatic defibrillation of a ventricular fibrillation and the control unit is implemented to activate the cardiac assist pump and the defibrillation unit in a coordinated manner in case of a ventricular fibrillation such that the cardiac assist pump first increases its performance to initially cause a pressure relief of at least one assisted ventricle in case of use and the defibrillation unit only subsequently delivers a defibrillation shock, when a ventricular pressure relief is provided.

Abstract: A method and microenvironment includes accessing a dynamic image from a computer-readable medium and displaying the dynamic image on a display device communicatively connected to the microenvironment. The dynamic image includes a representation of an action performed by a clinician with respect to the microenvironment.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a medical device includes an elongate member and a tissue anchor. The elongate member defines a lumen. The elongate member has a retention member disposed within the lumen. The tissue anchor has a first arm portion, a second arm portion, and a base portion extending between the first arm portion and the second arm portion. The tissue anchor has a first configuration and a second configuration. The first arm portion is substantially linear when the tissue anchor is in its first configuration and the first arm portion is non-linear when the tissue anchor is in its second configuration. The tissue anchor is biased to its second configuration. The tissue anchor is configured to be disposed within the lumen defined by the elongate member such that the retention member engages the tissue anchor to help retain the tissue anchor in its first configuration.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a medical device and a method of placing the medical device within a patient's body. The medical device includes a support member, a first elongate member, a second elongate member and a coupling member. The first elongate member and the second elongate member extend from the support member. The coupling member includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the coupling member is coupled to a distal end portion of the first elongate member and the second portion of the coupling member is coupled to a distal end portion of the second elongate member.

Abstract: A medical device and method of delivery of the medical device within a patient's body are disclosed by the present invention. The medical device includes a first elongate member and a second elongate member. A first portion and a second portion of the second elongate member are configured to form a defined non-planar shape such that the first portion is a first arm of the defined non-planar shape and the second portion is a second arm of the defined non-planar shape.

Abstract: A male masturbation device and method for using same facilitates orgasm without the necessity of the subject achieving an erection. The novel device comprises a housing (14) and accumulator means (12). The accumulator means maintains a consistent modest vacuum within the housing notwithstanding sliding of the penis within the housing. The accumulator means can be integrated with the housing or detached from but in fluid communication with the housing. The device may be used with or without a partner and its use may be augmented by sensory stimulation contrivances. The novel device and method offers the health and recreational benefits of orgasm, and facilitates semen collection, for individuals suffering ED, without resort to drugs or vacuum erection devices. The novel device takes advantage of the fact that an erection is not required for orgasm, however, users may experience an erection prior to ejaculation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of augmenting the glans that can safely and naturally expand the glans without causing problems such as an unnatural rough or shiny surface of the glans and the severe side effects of epidermal necrosis, which are caused by the conventional method of augmenting the glans. The method includes inserting an injector needle for injecting a filler into the central area of the lamina propria through the peripheral area of the ostium urethrae externum of the glans, slowly injecting the filler while checking with visual and tactual senses that the glans tissue where the filler is injected swells up and becomes tight and pressure resistance occurs and is maintained during injection of the filler, and slowly injecting the filler whereby the filler is uniformly spread by changing the depth and the direction of the inserted injector needle to expand half the glans area with a one-time injection.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical blade is disclosed. The blade is of a hook design, having an upper cutting surface located on the trailing edge of an arm and a lower cutting surface on the upper edge of the main body of the blade. The blade is part of an endoscopic knife assembly which also contains a knife tube and alignment ring. The endoscopic knife assembly is for use in endoscopic surgery by insertion of the assembly through a slotted cannula. The knife tube is hollow and allows the insertion of an endoscope for viewing of the surgical procedure. A method for a performing an operative procedure on a target tissue in a subject using an endoscopic knife assembly having a hook blade is also described.

Abstract: A zoom lens module and an endoscope system including the zoom lens module are disclosed. The zoom lens module includes: a first liquid lens; a second liquid which is disposed separated from the first liquid lens; and an aperture disposed between the first and second liquid lenses. A respective focal distance of each of the first liquid lens and the second liquid lens is adjustable based on a change of at least one of the respective curvature thereof and the respective thickness thereof.

Abstract: A tracheal intubation device for placing an endotracheal tube in the trachea of a patient is disclosed. The tracheal intubation device includes a bar-shaped camera, a handle portion, a guiding portion, and a display device. The bar-shaped camera for capturing images is placed inside the endotracheal tube. The display device is electrically connected to the bar-shaped camera for displaying images captured by the bar-shaped camera. The guiding portion connected to the handle portion has a front end and a rear end, wherein the rear end is connected to the handle portion, and the bar-shaped camera and the endotracheal tube are movably situated in the guiding portion.

Abstract: A tracheal intubation device includes a handle portion, a display unit, a bar-shaped camera, and a guiding portion. The display unit is electrically connected to the bar-shaped camera. The bar-shaped camera is used for capturing images and includes a camera rear end and a camera front end. The camera rear end is electrically connected to the display unit for displaying images captured by the bar-shaped camera. The camera front end has a bended portion. The guiding portion includes a front end and a rear end, wherein the front end is detachably connected to the handle portion. The guiding portion is used for accommodating the bar-shaped camera and the endotracheal tube to allow the bar-shaped camera and the endotracheal tube to move within the guiding portion.

Abstract: An electrical device includes a memory storing a value indicative the remaining available rated capacity of one or more batteries. The stored value is changed in use to reflect reducing capacity. The initial stored value is chosen so that there is a very high (e.g. >99.9%) confidence that the one or more batteries will provide at least the capacity indicated by the initial stored value. This reduces the chance of failure during emergency procedures. The one or more batteries may be integral to the electrical device. An override facility is provided.

Abstract: A delicate tissue retraction system having a hollow tubular retractor, a hollow tubular introducer that is removably installed within the retractor, and a navigation module that is removably installed within the introducer. The navigation module has a shaft with a proximal shaft end and a distal shaft end, and a navigation unit mounted to the proximal shaft end. When assembled, the distal shaft end is contained generally within the introducer and the navigation module outside the introducer. The navigation module indicates the location of one or more points on at least one of the retractor and the introducer to a navigation system.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical device comprising an anchor element comprising a pair of jaws defining a mouth within which at least a portion of an organ or tissue may be grasped is described. The jaws are biased towards one another so as to normally adopt a closed configuration. The anchor element is coupled to a support member, the support member being moveable about the anchor element. The device is dimensioned to be operably passed fully through a trocar into the abdominal cavity wherein it may be manipulated by a surgeon or other operator to grasp the desired target organ or tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical tool guide, which is easily installed and separated to reduce operating time, and furthermore surgical instruments are not separated from the abdominal walls or gas does not leak to stably perform the surgical operation. In addition, the present invention relates to a protection cap for a surgical instrument guide, which is interlocked together with surgical instruments to maintain a seal even though the surgical instruments for the operation are variously moved, thereby efficiently preventing the leakage of gas. Therefore, since it is unnecessary to inject gas again during the operation, the surgical operation can be smoothly performed.

Abstract: A device including a hollow pipe with a variable diameter is used for medical procedures. Means are provided for reducing the diameter either internally or externally so that the pipe can be inserted into a patient's body through an incision or an opening until the distal end of the pipe reaches a desired position. Thereafter, the diameter of the pipe is increased to allow various surgical devices to be introduced through the pipe.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and instruments for performing tissue retraction in minimally invasive spinal surgery. Another specific application includes surgical methods performed through the percutaneously retracted tissue at any location in a patient's body. The tissue retraction is provided by an elongated sleeve formed from fabric materials, which may include the ability to stretch beyond their original length along at least one axis, for passage of instruments or implants.

Abstract: A surgical access system for accessing a surgical target site within a spine includes a retractor and an elongated element. The refractor has a closed configuration defining a lumen with an internal circumference, and an open configuration in which the internal circumference, at least at the distal end of the retractor, is enlarged relative to said closed configuration. The open configuration creates and maintains an operative corridor to said target site. The elongated element is releasably coupled to an interior wall of the retractor and has an extension extending distal of the distal end of the retractor into the surgical target site. When coupled to the retractor, the elongated element covers a body structure at the target site without blocking access to the operative corridor.

Abstract: A cannula (10) receives surgical instruments (120) for performing a surgical procedure on a body (130). The cannula (10) comprises a tube structure (12) defining a passage (16) through which the surgical instruments (120) are inserted into the body (130). The tube structure (12) has a proximal end (20) and a distal end (62). The tube structure (12) includes an expandable portion (40) for enabling an increase in the cross-sectional area of the passage (16) at the distal end (62). The expandable portion (40) of the tube structure (12), when expanded, has a conical configuration.

Abstract: A surgical access apparatus includes a liner base and an access housing for positioning outside the body. The liner base includes an inner member adapted for insertion through an opening within body tissue for positioning within the body; a sleeve member connected to the inner member and dimensioned to extend from the inner member through the opening within the body tissue, and a plurality of tensioning elements connected to the inner member and associated with the sleeve member to impart a tensioning effect on the sleeve member. The access housing includes a first element and a second element. The second element is operatively connected to the tensioning elements and adapted for rotational movement relative to the first member to cause the tensioning elements to displace the inner member toward the access housing and to cause the sleeve member to engage and retract tissue defining the opening within the body.