Abstract: A method of providing hypothermia to a patient including the steps of inserting a fluid delivery member into a peritoneal cavity of the patient; delivering hypothermia fluid from a fluid source into the peritoneal cavity through the delivery member; and limiting fluid pressure within the peritoneal cavity without providing feedback control to the fluid source. The invention also provides an apparatus for practicing the method.

Abstract: A catheter system comprises a catheter comprising a distal portion, a proximal portion and an inner shaft. The inner shaft comprises a medical device receiving region for receiving and carrying a medical device. The retaining device is at least partially constructed of an electroactive polymer. The retaining device is located on or adjacent to the medical device receiving region. The electroactive polymer of the retaining device has an activated state and an inactivated state. The retaining device is capable of retaining a medical device to the catheter and releasing the medical device from the catheter by transitioning between the activated state and the inactivated state.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis deployment system includes an axial catheter, an outer sheath extending parallel to the axial catheter, and an inner sheath positioned transversely between the axial catheter and outer sheath, the inner sheath including first and second inner sheath sections extending along the axial catheter, each of said first and said second inner sheath sections mounted for axial movement relative to the other inner sheath section.

Abstract: A device (10) for maintaining fluid flow through at least one passage in a human or animal body, the device comprising two end portions (12, 14) for anchoring the device in position, and an intermediate portion (16) which allows movement of the end portions relative to each another, wherein the end portions and intermediate portion together define a pathway for fluid flow through the device. The device is particularly suitable for use in the treatment of coronary heart disease by minimally invasive surgery, and the invention extends to a method for diverting fluid flow from one passage to another.

Abstract: A medical device for delivering a therapeutic agent is described comprising a stent comprising a sidewall and a plurality of struts, wherein at least one strut or strut portion comprises at least one node, wherein the expansion of the stent creates at least one web comprising a coating composition having a therapeutic agent, and wherein at least one node is configured to be associated with at least one web. A method for delivering a therapeutic agent to a body site is also described.

Abstract: An angioplasty stent comprises a body comprising a plurality of successive segments connected in pairs by bridge means so that the successive segments can be oriented relative to one another for the purposes of bending of the body in any direction defined by a linear combination of respective orientation axes defined by the bridge connection means. During the radial expansion of the stent, the axial contraction of the segments resulting from the opening-out of the respective loops is compensated by axial projection of the bridge elements from the respective concave portions. The wall of the body comprises arms for supporting a lumen as well as regions which are selectively deformable during the expansion of the stent, the arms and the selectively deformable regions having different cross-sections and/or cross-sectional areas. At least one portion of the body may have a substantially reticular structure, the branches of which define geometrical figures identifiable as fractals.

Abstract: A plurality of endoluminal segments axially connected by fiber bridges is disclosed. The endoluminal segments may be superelastic nitinol that is balloon-expandable or self-expanding. The intraluminal segments may possess a textured surface or at least one geometric feature per segment, located at the apex of a strut pair comprising the intraluminal segment, serving as an anchoring point for the fiber bridges. These geometric features may transmit axially compressive loads during deployment from a device such as a catheter, and may be capable of interlocking the endoluminal segments when constrained within a device such as a catheter. The fibers comprising the bridges may be polymeric, silk, collagen, bioabsorbable, or a blend thereof. The fiber network comprising the bridges may be regularly oriented, randomly oriented, localized, or continuous. The intraluminal segments and fiber bridges may be individually impregnated with therapeutic material, or may both be impregnated with therapeutic material.

Abstract: An expandable medical device having a plurality of elongated struts, the plurality of elongated struts being joined together to form a substantially cylindrical device which is expandable from a cylinder having a first diameter to a cylinder having a second diameter and the plurality of struts each having a strut width in a circumferential direction. At least one of the plurality of struts includes at least one opening extending at least partially through a thickness of the strut. A beneficial agent may be loaded into the opening within the strut. The expandable medical device may further include a plurality of ductile hinges formed between the elongated struts, the ductile hinges allowing the cylindrical device to be expanded or compressed from the first diameter to the second diameter by deformation of the ductile hinges.

Abstract: A pre-sized prosthetic chordae assembly includes a male attachment unit and a female securing member. The male attachment unit includes a plurality of pre-sized prosthetic chordae fixedly connected to at least one male attachment member and a papillary muscle penetration member that is connected to and extends substantially axial to the at least one male attachment member. The female securing member is for receiving the papillary penetration member.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve annulus. The system includes a delivery catheter having a steering mechanism thereon for delivering a balloon-expandable prosthetic heart valve to the aortic annulus in an antegrade fashion through an introducer passing into the left ventricle through its apex. The introducer may have a more floppy distal section than a proximal section to reduce trauma to the heart wall. The delivery catheter includes a deflecting segment just proximal to a distal balloon to facilitate positioning of the prosthetic heart valve in the proper orientation within the annulus. A trigger in a catheter handle may be coupled to a deflection wire that actuates the deflecting segment, while a slider in the handle controls retraction of a valve pusher. A pre-dilation valvuloplasty procedure may also be utilized.

Abstract: A tissue shaping device adapted to reshape target tissue adjacent to a lumen. In some embodiments, the device includes an expandable and contractable anchor, with the anchor having an adjustable height anchoring portion adapted to engage a wall of the lumen in at least first and second anchor heights, the anchoring portion being further adapted to be changed from the first anchor height to the second anchor height by a substantially proximally or a substantially distally directed actuation force. The invention is also a tissue shaping system including a tissue shaping device and a tool for adjusting the height of an anchor of the device. The invention also includes methods of using such tissue shaping devices and systems.

Abstract: Devices, methods and kits are described for reducing intraocular pressure. The devices include a support that is implantable within Schlemm's canal and that may restore or maintain at least partial patency of the canal without substantially interfering with transmural or transluminal fluid flow across the canal. The devices utilize the natural drainage process of the eye and may be implanted with minimal trauma to the eye. Kits may include a support and an introducer for implanting the support within Schlemm's canal. Methods may include implanting a support within Schlemm's canal, where the support is capable of restoring or maintaining at least partial patency of the canal without substantial interference with transmural or transluminal fluid flow across the canal.

Abstract: An intraocular lens (IOL) injector for delivering an IOL into an eye of a patient. The injector includes an IOL load chamber and connected delivery tube, and a push rod for urging the IOL through the delivery tube and out of a distal tip thereof. The push rod is guided and biased against one side of the injector load chamber. The injector may include an inflatable pusher for urging the IOL through the delivery tube and out of a distal tip thereof. The inflatable pusher has a proximal end that may be open to an internal cavity of the injector, wherein a plunger movable in the injector cavity forces fluid such as air or saline into the pusher. A distal end of the pusher may be forked to capture a trailing end of the IOL, or may have a bulbous configuration to ensure the pusher does not pass the IOL.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining the IOL refractive index for an ocular replacement material for replacing tissue in the capsular bag comprising combining a neutral (non-correcting) reference refractive index (“NRRI”) of between 1.421 and 1.450 with a refractive index correction factor (“RICF”) ascertained by reference to the refractive power required to correct the patient's refractive error. The present invention also relates to methods of treating presbyopia, myopia and hyperopia using the above method.

Abstract: An adjustable button/loop device for securing biologic material in bone, such as for ACL reconstruction. The device has a pair of button/loop constructs, each including a flexible, adjustable loop integrated with a fixation device (for example, a wedge). Biologic material (for example, soft tissue, graft, ligament or tendon) is secured to the two fixation devices, and the construct is inserted into a pair of bone sockets/tunnels, such as into a tunnel in the tibia and a socket in the femur. The biologic material is secured within the bone by passing the buttons though respective bone sockets/tunnels, flipping and seating the buttons outside the bone, and then adjusting the lengths of the flexible adjustable loops passing through the buttons and the respective fixation devices, with the graft extending between the fixation devices thereby appropriately secured in the bone.

Abstract: A spinal spacer for engagement between vertebrae includes a body extending between a substantially contoured first end surface and a second end surface to define side surfaces and opposing top and bottom vertebral engaging surfaces substantially symmetrical about a centerline axis. At least one opening defines a hollow inner body and includes first and second intersecting openings extending through the top and bottom vertebral engaging surfaces. The second intersecting opening extends through the side surfaces. The second end surface includes at least one aperture formed therethrough in communication with the hollow inner body. A screw opening is defined through at least one plate insert configured to be removably coupled to the second end surface to substantially align the screw opening with the at least one aperture. The bone screw is configured to be threadingly secured within the at least one plate insert.

Abstract: A substantially cup-shaped prosthetic device for a joint is provided. The prosthetic device includes an outer surface configured to operatively engage at least one of a first bone of the joint and a component, an inner surface including at least a portion configured to connect to a second bone of the joint, and at least one reservoir having an opening at each of the inner surface and the outer surface and extending therebetween.

Abstract: An artificial contractile structure generally devised to be used in the medical field to assist the functioning of an organ, includes a support (2) and one or more fibers (5) fixed thereto. The fibers are made of a contractile material which can be activated by an activator so as to provide the structure in a rest or activated position, the activated position being defined with fibers of reduced length compared to their length in the rest position. The structure is adapted to be placed around a hollow part of an organ to be contracted. The fibers are distributed along the support in order to be able to reduce the volume of the hollow part, when the fibers are contracted. The fibers and the activator are designed so that the temperature of fluids or tissues surrounding the organ does not increase above 40° C., preferably 39° C., and more preferably 38° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a laundry treatment composition comprising a cationic azine dye.

Abstract: A soluble solid hair coloring article having anionic direct dye and one or more soluble porous solids containing nonionic surfactant, anionic surfactant, or a mixture thereof, such that the soluble porous solid has a density of from about 0.03 g/cm3 to about 0.15 g/cm3; and methods of applying the soluble solid hair coloring article to hair.

Abstract: The present technology provides an illustrative method for dyeing textiles that includes intermixing a dye with super-critical carbon dioxide (sc-CO2) to form a dye solution and immersing a fabric in the dye solution. The method further includes applying an electric field to the dye solution to cause charged particles of the dye solution to separate and cause the dye to diffuse into the fabric.

Abstract: Provided is a sealed battery that can offer excellent battery performances by having its electrode terminal and a current collector securely welded to each other, and its manufacturing method. The sealed battery is formed by hermetically sealing a casing storing an electrode assembly and the current collector, wherein: the electrode assembly formed by layering positive and negative electrode plates with a separator sandwiched therebetween is electrically connected to the current collector; and a shaft portion of the electrode terminal penetrates through the current collector. A part of the electrode terminal projecting out from a pass-through of the current collector is a (conical) frustum-shaped portion whose bottom base is in contact with the current collector. The frustum-shaped portion is pressed against the current collector, and the frustum-shaped portion and the current collector are welded together in at least one area on a perimeter of the bottom base of the frustum-shaped portion.

Abstract: A method of treating a liquid made up of an initial alcohol-blended fuel combined with water so that there is phase separation of an alcohol-water layer. A co-solvent is added to the first quantity of liquid and mixed with the first quantity of liquid to reverse the phase separation of the alcohol-water layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a fuel from vegetable oil in order to operate of diesel internal combustion engines. In said method, the oleaginous fruit is pressed, and the dripping oil is filtered. According to the invention, the dripping vegetable oil containing the cloudy matter is mixed with a clay material in a first step before being filtered and is filtered in a second step.

Abstract: A fuel additive for gasoline that increases automobile fuel efficiency and decreases carbon emissions. The fuel additive comprises a composition of olive oil and fuel oil in a ratio, by volume, of about 1 part olive oil to about 8 parts fuel oil. In the preferred embodiment the fuel oil is fuel oil no. 2-D.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing a production method capable of producing carbon composite briquettes having sufficient strength without excessively reducing a production capacity, even using steel mill dust containing oil. This method comprises: adding at least a carbonaceous material and a binder to steel mill dust containing oil and mixing them to form a powdery mixture; compacting the powdery mixture by means of a pressure roll to produce briquettes; and recognizing an increase/decrease in an oil content of the powdery mixture to adjust a rotation speed of the pressure roll so as to lower the rotation speed along with an increase in the oil content.

Abstract: One possible embodiment could be a composition for coffee ground-based fuel comprising: dried, spent coffee grounds by 54% by weight; vegetable shortening by 23% by weight; brown sugar by 20% by weight; and corn syrup by 2% by weight, wherein the vegetable shortening and brown sugar and mixed together and heated slowly until a boil is achieved, then removing resultant mixture from heat, mixing in dried, spent coffee grounds into resultant mixture, then mixing in corn syrup into the resultant mixture, pouring and pressing the resultant mixture into a selected form for final shaping, then when the mixture has cooled to room temperature, removing it from the form for use.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an additive, primarily for low sulfur and high alkali coals, that includes a transition metal and optionally a halogen to effect mercury oxidation.

Abstract: An apparatus for fuel reforming is provided that utilizes pulsed injectors for a fuel flow controller and an air flow controller, and the injectors are integrated with an atomizing mixer thereby producing a fuel-air mixture having an O/C Ratio which, in turn, is passed to a Catalytic Partial Oxidation reactor. Use of this apparatus permits beneficial long term operation of this Catalytic Partial Oxidation reactor.

Abstract: A process for the generation of a synthesis gas comprising: (a) forming a raw synthesis gas, (b) dividing the raw synthesis gas into first and second streams, (c) subjecting the first stream to the water gas shift reaction to form a shifted gas mixture, (d) cooling the second raw synthesis gas stream and shifted gas mixture to below the dew point to form a dry raw synthesis gas mixture, and a dry shifted gas mixture respectively, (e) feeding the dry raw synthesis gas mixture and a dry shifted gas mixture to a gas-washing unit operating by counter-current solvent flow, such that the solvent flowing through said unit contacts first with the dry raw gas mixture and then the dry shifted gas mixture, and (f) collecting from said gas-washing unit a synthesis gas having a stoichiometry ratio, R=(H2?CO2)/(CO+CO2), in the range 1.4 to 3.3.

Abstract: An auto ignition type autothermal reformer (ATR) performs reproducible ignition using a catalyst that performs ignition without a separate ignition unit, such as an igniter or heating wire, and a fuel cell system having the ATR. The ATR includes a reaction container having a first opening through which a fuel is introduced into the reaction container and a second opening through which a reformate is discharged from the reaction container, the fuel having a mixture of an aqueous primary fuel solution and hydrogen peroxide; a first catalyst disposed adjacent to the first opening in the reaction container, the first catalyst being a granular catalyst; a second catalyst disposed at the rear portion of the first catalyst to promote an autothermal reforming reaction; and a third catalyst disposed at the rear portion of the second catalyst to promote an oxidation reaction.

Abstract: A method of operating a gasification facility includes channeling a conveying fluid at a first temperature through at least one first steam heating device to increase the temperature of the conveying fluid to a second predetermined temperature. The method also includes channeling the conveying fluid at the second predetermined temperature through a second steam heating device to increase the temperature of the conveying fluid to a third predetermined temperature. The method further includes channeling the conveying fluid at the third predetermined temperature to a solids conveyance system. Solids become entrained within the conveying fluid. The method also includes transporting at least a portion of the solids to a gasification system.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating polishing pads with end-point detection regions for polishing semiconductor substrates using eddy current end-point detection are described.

Abstract: A polishing slurry for semiconductor planarization containing cerium oxide particles and water, wherein the content of the cerium oxide particles having a diameter of 3 ?m or more is 500 ppm or less (weight ratio) in a solid, preferably 100 ppm or less and it is more preferable that D99 (99% by volume of the whole particles in polishing slurry) of the cerium oxide particles is 1 ?m or less. The polishing slurry can reduce the generation of scratches, and can polish a surface of the semiconductor substrate in the wiring formation process of semiconductor device precisely at a high speed.

Abstract: An indoor unit of an air conditioner includes: a casing (10); an indoor fan (21); an air filter (30); an inlet port (24) in which the air filter (30) is attached, and a divider plate (25) for dividing space in the casing (10) into a room upstream of air passing through the air filter (30) and a room downstream of air passing through the air filter (30). The indoor unit conditions room air sucked into the casing (0) through the air filter (30). The indoor unit includes a rotating brush (51) for removing dust trapped on the air filter (30), and a dust container (90) for containing the removed dust. An access opening (70) which allows for checking of an electrical component box (72) in the casing (10) is formed in the divider plate (25), and an access lid (71) for closing the access opening (70) is provided.

Abstract: A filter bag and an apparatus for attaching a filter bag to a vacuum sweeper are provided. The filter bag includes a top plate and a bag portion. The top plate has a key formed thereon. The apparatus includes a sled configured to receive a portion of a filter bag having a key formed thereon. The apparatus also includes a sweeper housing. The sweeper housing is adjacent the sled. The housing has a cavity for receiving a portion of the filter bag and a lock that interconnects with the key. A method for installing the filter bag in a vacuum sweeper is also provided.

Abstract: In sintering a metal powder after pressure molding into a given configuration, random amorphous flaky metal fine powders (10) are used as metal powder materials. In addition, spherical particulate metal powders 11 are used as main materials, and random amorphous flaky metal fine powders 10 having finer particle size than the metal powders 11 and produced by fracturing a metal fracture material by means of high-velocity gas swirling flow are used as sub-materials, and molding and sintering are performed in a state of dispersing the sub-materials (10) in the main materials (11). Thus, despite being a power metallurgical product, it is possible to obtain a metal product having a dense metallographic structure and excellent in properties such as mechanical strength.

Abstract: A device for capturing gas included within a produced-water stream is described. Gas and water pressure coordination is not required. Controls prevent liquid entry to the gas system and prevent gas entry into the water system. A gas/liquid separator receives an inner vessel lower end. A separator inlet receives a combined fluid stream. A liquid line passes into the inner vessel and down into the separator below the inlet so that liquid separated from the combined stream will flow up the liquid line. Motor valves are in the liquid line and in a gas line. The gas line extends from the inner vessel upper end. The gas line conveys gas from the inner vessel upper end to a gas collection system. A top float in the inner vessel activates the gas line motor valve. A bottom float in the inner vessel activates the liquid line motor valve.

Abstract: A nitrogen-permeable structure includes a porous support and a nitrogen-permeable membrane adjacent to the porous support. The nitrogen-permeable membrane includes a first metal and a second metal, wherein the first metal is selected from niobium, tantalum, and vanadium, and the second metal is different from the first metal.

Abstract: A filtration apparatus includes at least three filter elements for filtering fluid, and a frame having a pyramidal frustum configuration that has at least three sides. The frame includes a frame structure for supporting the filter elements at the sides such that the filtration apparatus has a pyramidal frustum configuration. The filtration apparatus may be part of a filtration assembly. The filtration apparatus may be utilized within an associated method.

Abstract: A liquid degassing apparatus is arranged to limit pervaporation through a membrane by attenuating pressure oscillations developed by a vacuum pump. The attenuation is obtained through a combination of one or more flow restrictors and added volume chambers fluidly interposed between the degassing chamber and the vacuum pump. The pressure oscillation attenuation may further inhibit cross-contamination of pervaporated solvents among a plurality of distinct degassing chambers.

Abstract: A portable oxygen concentrator designed for medical use with a novel housing and internal component design that reduces noise and vibration while increasing durability. The improved design of the portable oxygen concentrator further facilitates easy maintenance and repair over the life of the equipment.

Abstract: An active carbon filter intended for the fuel supply system of the internal combustion engine of a vehicle consists of a housing (1), inside of which flow paths for the different operating states of the filter are established between the ports (10, 11, 12) for connection with the top space of a tank, the ambient atmosphere and the intake manifold of the internal combustion engine. Proceeding from the port (11), these flow paths are characterized by chambers situated one in back of the other for pre-warming the air, an adjacent chamber (22) equipped with a first heating unit, an adjacent chamber (23) that accommodates active carbon particles, and another, adjacent chamber (28) that accommodates active carbon particles, is equipped with a second heating unit (34), and is provided with the ports (10, 12). This yields the establishment of optimal, in particular thermal conditions for the regeneration of the active carbon particles.

Abstract: An apparatus 100 for scrubbing flue gas 122, the apparatus 100 including a tower 140 having an inlet 120 receiving a flow of flue gas 122 and a recycle tank portion 142; a fluid 162 disposed in the recycle tank portion 142; and an aerator 150 having at least one opening 152 for introduction of an oxygen-containing gas 154 into the fluid 162, wherein the at least one opening 152 is positioned to release the oxygen-containing gas 154 at least at a distance greater than or equal to a predetermined radial distance F from the inlet 120, the predetermined radial distance F being equal to at least 10% of a diameter of the recycle tank portion 142.

Abstract: An air filtration system is described for removing oil and grease entrained in air extracted from the region above a cooker. The system comprises a first mesh screen filter leading to a first chamber, in which two nozzles 10 create two separate continuous water curtains 15a, 15b which overlap when viewed in the direction of the air flow to form a combined curtain extending across the region through which the air passes. The extracted air then passes via a second mesh screen filter 11 into a second chamber 12, identical to the first chamber 9, in which two further nozzles 13 are provided which create two further water curtains 15c, 15d. The water curtains 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d cool and condense vaporized oil and grease within the air, which condensed oil and grease droplets fall with the water into a container. The main bore of each nozzle is of circular cross-section, but a profiled plate causes the resulting water curtain to have a width which is narrow relative to the diameter of the nozzle bore.

Abstract: Described are compounds and materials that may be used as a lead-free primary explosive, such as copper(I) nitrotetrazolate. Copper(I) nitrotetrazolate may he prepared by a process comprising the steps of: combining cupric salt, water and 5-nitrotetrazolate salt to form a mixture, heating the mixture, adding a reducing agent and stirring with continued heating. The method may also include combining cupric chloride, sodium 5-nitrotetrazolate and sodium ascorbate.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing fire resistant materials comprising the steps of recovering Cladophora algae; mixing said algae with water to form an aqueous mixture; mixing a chlorine based solution to the mixture to kill the algae and any bacteria and to form an algae-based product; allowing the algae-based product to separate and rise to the surface of the aqueous mixture; skimming the algae-based product from the surface of the mixture; drying said recovered algae-based product; and recovering the dried algae-based product.

Abstract: In an inkjet recording system using an ink in which a coloring material is dispersed in a solvent with a dispersing agent, printing density is improved by causing aggregation of the coloring material contained in the ink that has been ejected onto a printing medium. In an inkjet printing method, printing is performed by ejecting one of first and second inks onto a printing medium, and then successively ejecting the other ink so as to overlay it on the one ink. The first ink includes a first solvent, a coloring material, and a dispersing agent. The second ink includes at least a second solvent capable of changing solubility of the dispersing agent to cause aggregation of the coloring material when it is mixed with the first ink. For example, when one of the first and second solvents includes a water-insoluble organic solvent, the other can include a water-soluble organic solvent.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an additive package for warm-mix asphalt formulations for the pavement of road surfaces, said additive package comprising a) surfactant component, and b) an asphalt rheology modifying component, wherein said asphalt rheology modifying component comprises at least one of a i) a wax component and ii) a resin component. The invention also relates to a warm mix asphalt having improved compaction at lower temperatures, and to a pavement made from said warm mix asphalt.

Abstract: Acoustic wave devices and methods of coating a protective film of alumina (Al2O3) on the acoustic wave devices are disclosed herein. The protective film is applied through an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process. The ALD process can deposit very thin layers of alumina on the surface of the acoustic wave devices in a precisely controlled manner. Thus, the uniform film does not significantly distort the operation of the acoustic wave device.