Abstract: An expandable intervertebral implant (20) is provided for insertion into an intervertebral space defined by adjacent vertebrae. The expandable intervertebral implant includes a pair of outer sleeve portions (30A, 30B) and an inner core (50) disposed between the outer sleeve portions. Movement of the inner core relative to the outer sleeve portions causes the outers sleeve portions to deflect away from each other, thereby engaging the expandable intervertebral implant with the vertebrae and adjusting the height of the intervertebral space.

Abstract: Methods for treating a defect in an annulus fibrous are described. The annulus fibrosis has an outer layer, at least one inner layer, and a defect extending through the outer and inner layers. An implant is inserted into the defect in the annulus fibrosis, the implant having at least one aperture. The implant is advanced distally beyond the outer layer in the annulus fibrosis and positioned to occlude the defect. An elongate fixation element is inserted through the at least one aperture, the elongate fixation element having a first end region and a second end region. The elongate fixation element is positioned such that the first end region is within the at least one aperture. The second end region of the elongate fixation element is anchored to the annulus fibrosis. The implant prevents escape of nucleus pulposus through the defect.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and methodology for use in spinal fusion surgeries. An implant is proved for forming a rigid structure between adjoining vertebrae in a patient. The implant is a cage defined by at least a first end, second end, first side, and second side surface, wherein first and second side surfaces extend substantially parallel to each other to span a space between adjoining vertebrae and first and second ends interconnect said first side surface and second side surface. The cage incorporates one or more flexible joints that allow the cage to be deformed for insertion into a patient. The ability to deform the cage allows a greater ease and flexibility in inserting and positioning the implant.

Abstract: Photodynamic devices for stabilizing a joint are provided. In some embodiments, a photodynamic joint spacer is provided that includes an expandable member configured for attachment to a bone having an excised region; a formable bar configured for attachment to the bone along at least a portion of the expandable member; and a light-sensitive liquid passed into the expandable member to expand the expandable member, wherein the expandable member is shaped by the formable bar to a shape resembling the excised region of the bone, and wherein the light-sensitive liquid is curable upon exposure to light energy to set the expandable member in the shape resembling the excised region to form a photodynamic joint spacer.

Abstract: A surgical process for resurfacing a head of a humerus has the steps of applying a jig over a surface of the head so as to define a separation line between the head and the humeral shaft, sawing along the separation line so as to separate the head and the humeral shaft so as to expose an end of the shaft, applying a resurface implant over an exterior surface of the head, and affixing the head having the resurface implant thereon onto the exposed end of the shaft. The head is shaped so as to smooth the exterior surface of the head prior to the step of applying the jig. A hole is formed through the head so as to extend into the shaft. A stem of the resurface implant extends through the hole in the head and into the hole in the shaft.

Abstract: A modular humeral head resurfacing implant including a head, an anchoring stem, and a modular extended articulation flange. The head includes an exterior hemispherical articulating surface defining a terminating rim, an interior concave surface opposite to the exterior articulating surface, and a first coupling mechanism proximate to the terminating rim. The anchoring stem is coupled to the interior concave surface and extends along a stem axis that extends through an axial center of the head. The articulation flange includes a second coupling mechanism configured to cooperate with the first coupling mechanism to fasten the articulation flange to the head and an outer articulating surface that is curved along substantially its entire length and is substantially flush with the exterior hemispherical articulating surface when the articulation flange is fastened to the head.

Abstract: An elbow prosthesis can include a humeral component having a yoke, an ulnar component having a head, a humeral bearing positionable in a base of the humeral component, an ulnar bearing assembly configured to engage with the head, and a pin extendable through the bearing assembly and the head. The pin can be extendable into first and second ears of the yoke to enable pivotable movement of the ulnar component relative to the humeral component. The elbow prosthesis can include a first fastener insertable through the first ear of the yoke and configured to engage with the pin, and a second fastener insertable through the second ear of the yoke and configured to engage with the pin.

Abstract: A prosthesis for replacing a knee joint between a femur and a tibia can include a femoral component, a tibial component, a bearing and a yoke assembly. The yoke assembly can have a yoke disposed between the bearing and the femoral component and an axle having an axle axis. The axle can hingedly couple the yoke with the femoral component. Rotation of the femoral component about a rotation axis that is perpendicular to the axle axis causes concurrent rotation of the yoke about the rotation axis.

Abstract: A femoral prosthesis for use during performance of a hip replacement procedure includes a plurality of femoral stem components in a range of various sizes and a plurality of femoral head component in a range of various sizes. The anterior/posterior stem taper angle of the femoral stem component varies across its range of sizes.

Abstract: Described is a scaffold that is strong enough to resist forces that exist inside a body, while possessing biocompatible surfaces. The scaffold is formed of a layer of mesh (e.g., Stainless Steel or Nitinol) that is tightly enclosed by a multi-layer biological matrix. The biological matrix can include three layers, such a first layer (smooth muscle cells) formed directly on the metal mesh, a second layer (fibroblast/myofibroblast cells) formed on the first layer, and a third layer (endothelial cells) formed on the second layer. The scaffold can be formed to operate as a variety of tissues, such as a heart valve or a vascular graft. For example, the mesh and corresponding biological matrix can be formed as leaflets, such that the scaffold is operable as a tissue heart valve.

Abstract: Methods for defatting omentum and processes for preparing an acellular omentum, i.e., devitalized or decellularized omentum, comprising extracellular matrix for implantation into a mammalian system. Constructs for medical applications comprising decellularized omentum are also described. More specifically, mesh reinforced omentum biomatrix for soft tissue repair is described.

Abstract: A device for taking up a silicon melt comprises at least one block of a refractory with a capillary structure.

Abstract: A pouch, in which an electrode assembly of a battery is held, including a frame, including a groove into which the electrode assembly is inserted with a front of the electrode assembly temporarily exposed, upper and lower flanges bordering upper and lower ends of the groove, and extended parts on either side of the groove, front and upper sealing parts formed when the extended parts are folded over the front of the electrode assembly and the upper and lower flanges and sealed together and to the upper flange, respectively, the front and upper sealing parts defining a pocket in which an electrolyte solution is injected toward the electrode assembly, and a lower sealing part formed when the folded extended parts are sealed to the lower flange.

Abstract: A biomass pyrolysis product is quenched by direct cooling with a cold quench fluid and initial product separation is performed based on boiling point and solubility in the quench fluid. A properly chosen quench fluid may act as a selective solvent, thus providing dilution of unstable precursors of pyrolytic lignin or other heavy by-products, and/or separation of certain undesirable pyrolysis oil components such as water and light acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated process, which comprises a single cell oil production process, and a pulp and/or paper industry process. The process comprises that in the single cell oil production process is used a microorganism capable of producing lipids or lipids and enzymes when cultivated on a medium comprising organic material from pulp and/or paper industry. Lipids or lipids and enzymes are produced by said microorganisms in the single cell oil production process and/or in a process connected into it. The present invention relates also to use of lipids produced in the process as biofuel or as a component of biofuel or as a starting material for biofuel production and use of enzymes produced in the lipid production process in pulp and/or paper industry or in other applications as an enzyme preparation or as a source of enzymes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hydrogen generator for producing hydrogen by the steam-reforming reaction of hydrocarbons, in which a pressure loss induction structure for artificially reducing the pressure of exhaust gas is provided between a combustion unit and an exhaust gas discharge pipe, thus improving the uneven distribution of exhaust gas.

Abstract: A process for refining raw materials containing at least one of oil and bitumen includes supplying the raw materials to a reactor and volatilizing fuel gas in the reactor at a temperature of from 300 to 1000° C. and a pressure of from 0.001 to 1 bar. Solids remaining in the reactor, including non-evaporated fractions of heavy hydrocarbons, are introduced into a furnace. A staged combustion of the non-evaporated fractions of heavy hydrocarbons is performed in a substoichiometric stage and in a superstoichiometric stage in the furnace at a furnace temperature of from 600 to 1500° C. as to obtain hot solids in the furnace. The hot solids are recirculated from the furnace into the reactor. A sealing device separates an oxidizing atmosphere of the furnace from an atmosphere of the reactor.

Abstract: A method of reforming a gasification gas, in order to decompose the impurities contained therein, and a use of a noble metal catalyst in the pre-reforming of gasification gas. The gas is brought into contact with a metal catalyst in the presence of an oxidizing agent. The reformation is carried out in several stages, wherein in at least one of the first stages a noble metal catalyst is used, and in a second stage which follows the first stage the catalyst used is a metal catalyst. The use of a noble metal catalyst can reduce the risk of deactivation of the metal catalysts and can increase the operating life of the catalyst.

Abstract: A substance includes diamond particles having a maximum linear dimension of less than about 1 ?m and an organic compound attached to surfaces of the diamond particles. The organic compound may include a surfactant or a polymer. A method of forming a substance includes exposing diamond particles to an organic compound, and exposing the diamond particles in the presence of the organic compound to ultrasonic energy. The diamond particles may have a maximum linear dimension of less than about 1 ?m. A composition includes a liquid, a plurality of diamond nanoparticles dispersed within the liquid, and an organic compound attached to surfaces of the diamond nanoparticles. A method includes mixing a plurality of diamond particles with a solution comprising a liquid solvent and an organic compound, and exposing the mixture including the plurality of diamond nanoparticles and the solution to ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: A wall ventilation screen to be used in exterior walls of buildings or vehicles for protecting against rain water and other elements while simultaneously enabling air flow. The screen includes a plurality of air passages that enable air flow from one side of the screen to the other but preferably without linear communication between both sides through the air passages. The air passages present an upwardly traveling trajectory from an exterior or exposed space to a protected space, preferably with lateral changes of direction as well. Therefore rain water that comes directly from precipitation or splashing from an adjacent surface cannot reach a protected space. The geometry of the air passages provides protection against other environmental or man made elements.

Abstract: Multi-stage filtration apparatus is provided. A fluid is forced through different filter stage elements allowing for removal of various contaminants from the fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating ash particles from a flue gas. The apparatus includes a screen that has a plurality of semi-elliptical cylinder surfaces. The semi-elliptical cylinder surfaces having holes through which said flue gas flows and through which the ash particles will not pass. The screen has a single layer for performing the separation in a manner such that the ash particles fall away from the screen and collect outside of the screen. A method of reducing velocity of a flue gas passing through screening apparatus for separating flue gas from ash particles. The method includes replacing a first screen of the screening apparatus with a second screen that has a plurality of semi-elliptical cylinder surfaces.

Abstract: A chemical extractant selected from solutions of K2SO4 and/or Na2SO4 can be used by contacting with untreated broiler litter to selectively and efficiently remove phosphorous from the broiler litter. The broiler litter and extractant solution mixture, after a suitable time, can be separated, such as by filtration. The resulting treated broiler litter is thus significantly lower in P content without being lower by an undesirable amount in more preferred minerals. The treated litter so obtained is suitable for crop soil augmentation. Further, phosphorous can be thereafter precipitated in the form of phytic acid. Since the precipitate is high in mineral content, it can be used for other purposes (e.g., plant food, etc.).

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method of melting, comprising: providing a mixture of alloy elements that are at least partially crystalline; and heating the mixture in a container to a temperature above a melting temperature of the alloy elements to form an alloy, wherein the container comprises silica, and wherein the mixture comprising Zr and is free of Ti and Be.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing diamond-metal composites comprising mixing diamond particles with metal-filler particles forming a diamond/metal-filler mixture, forming a green body of the diamond/metal-filler mixture, optionally green machining the green body to a work piece before or after pre-sintering by heating the green body to a temperature ?500° C., infiltrating the green body or the work piece with one or more wetting elements or infiltrating the green body or the work piece with one or more wetting alloys, which infiltration step being carried out under vacuum or in an inert gas atmosphere at a pressure ?200 Bar. The invention relates further to a green body, a diamond metal composite, and use of the diamond metal composite.

Abstract: A noble metal adsorption agent includes algae or residue of algae having an amino group as a functional group. A noble metal is retrieved by a method including: adsorbing the noble metal on the noble metal adsorption agent; and retrieving the noble metal. The noble metal is solved in a liquid. Thus, by using the noble metal adsorption agent, the noble metal is selectively retrieved.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the recovery of precious metal/s from a precious metal-containing material in an aqueous leach slurry or solution. The process includes the step of contacting the precious metal/s in the leach slurry or solution with a ligand selected from dithiooxamide (rubeanic acid), or a substituted dithiooxamide. The leaching of PGMs, gold and silver from their ores using the ligand of the present invention may take place under aqueous alkaline conditions, avoiding both corrosive acidic conditions and the use of cyanide.

Abstract: A water vapor transport membrane comprises a nanofibrous layer disposed on a macroporous support layer, the nanofibrous layer coated with a water permeable polymer. A method for making a water vapor transport membrane comprises forming a nanofibrous layer on a macroporous support layer and applying a water permeable polymer to the nanofibrous layer. The water permeable polymer can be applied for so that the nanofibrous layer is substantially or partially filled with the water permeable polymer, or so that the coating forms a substantially continuous layer on one surface of the nanofibrous layer. In some embodiments of the method, the nanofibrous layer is formed by electro-spinning at least one polymer on at least one side of the porous support layer. In some embodiments, the support layer is formable and the method further comprises forming a three-dimensional structure from the water vapor transport membrane, for example, by compression molding, pleating or corrugating.

Abstract: A temperature swing adsorption system includes a first adsorption bed configured to receive a feed stream and adsorb a contaminant from the feed stream to produce a product stream, a second adsorption bed configured to receive a portion of the product stream and a cooling stream to reduce a temperature of the second adsorption bed, a third adsorption bed configured to receive the heated product stream to increase a temperature of the third adsorption bed; a separation system to separate the cooled product stream into a first component stream and a second component stream, and a fourth adsorption bed configured to receive the first component stream and to enrich an adsorptive concentration of the first component stream. The enriched first component stream is directed to the second adsorption bed to provide the cooling stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treating water of the spray type, such as a deaerator or preheater. According to the invention the connection between the vessel (12) and the sprayer (34) and the supply of water to be treated comprises a pipe section (40) having a first open end in fluid communication with a treatment chamber and a second open end provided with a first flange (60) for connecting to a sprayer (34), the sprayer (34) comprising a sprayer flange (68) connected to said first flange (60), the sprayer flange (68) carrying the sprayer (34), which is in fluid communication with a connecting pipe (72) at one end thereof, the connecting pipe (72) extending through the first flange (60) to a coupling flange (74) for connection to the supply of water to be treated.

Abstract: An aircraft has a ventilation system that employs a plurality of nozzles positioned in a cavity between a sidewall of the aircraft cabin and a section of the aircraft fuselage. The nozzles receive a supply of ventilation air and direct jets of air from the nozzles, through the cavity and into the aircraft cabin. The jets of air produced by the nozzles create low-pressure areas in the cavity. At least one return air opening in the cabin sidewall communicates the low-pressure areas with the cabin interior, whereby the low pressure areas draw air from the cabin interior into the cavity where the drawn air is entrained with the jets of air produced by the nozzles. Devices inside the cavity remove suspended impurities from the air drawn into the cavity. In this manner, the ventilation system filters or sanitizes the air drawn through the system.

Abstract: Disclosed are various methods, kits, and compositions in the field of electroless nickel plating and chemical polishing. An electroless nickel plating composition may include a surfactant-brightener; a coupler; a bismuth metallic stabilizer; and organosulfur stabilizer and a bismuth complexer. Prior to plating, a substrate may be polished with a polishing composition that includes a surface blocker and a surface leveler. When practiced in accordance with the preferred teachings described herein, the electroless nickel plating composition is capable of providing a mirror-bright, lustrous finish, and has good leveling properties. The composition may be made without lead or cadmium.

Abstract: A surface treatment composition comprising a crosslinking agent which comprises a plurality of dialdehyde residues, a water soluble polymer such as guar gum capable of covalently bonding with the crosslinking agent and a fibrous material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a conductive silica sol composition containing at least a silica sol composition, and at least one selected from perfluoroalkyl sulfonates perfluoroalkyl sulfone imide salts, and bis(fluorosulfonyl) imide salts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new precast cementitious products with photocatalytic activity, and to a process to obtain them.

Abstract: An aqueous liquid solution containing soluble salts of coloring metals—particularly manganese and ferric iron along with a sugar source and fulvic and/or humic acid can be readily applied to galvanized metal surfaces impart a natural color tone to such surfaces. In this manner the visibility manmade structures like fences and guardrails is quickly and easily reduced and readily blended into the natural background. The liquid solution can be readily sprayed on galvanized surfaces. When the ambient temperature is warm natural color will develop two-three weeks.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for beneficiation of fly ash particles comprising: determining the heat value of the fly ash particles; comparing the determined heat value of the fly ash particles with a minimum heat value K; feeding an inlet of a combustor (5) with a feed material comprising the fly ash particles and, in case the determined heat value is lower than the minimum heat value K, fuel in sufficient quantity to assure that the heat value of the raw material is greater than or equal to the minimum heat value K; supplying an upstream airflow to the combustor (5) so as to carry the feed material in suspension from the inlet to an outlet of the combustor; operating the combustor (5) at a temperature of at least 700° C.; collecting beneficiated fly ash particles from the airflow at the outlet of the combustor (5). The invention also concerns an installation for implementation of the said method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a plant for producing cement clinker and for purifying the off-gases formed thereby, wherein cement raw meal is preheated in a preheater by means of hot off-gases and then optionally precalcined, the preheated and optionally precalcined cement raw meal is burnt in a rotary kiln to form cement clinker, the cement clinker is cooled in a cooler, the hot off-gases used in the preheater are used in a raw mill for treating the cement raw meal, the dust content of a dust-containing mill off-gas thereby formed is reduced in a separating device to less than 5 g/Nm3, preferably less than 1 g/Nm3, alkali hydrogen carbonate and/or alkali carbonate is added to and mixed with the mill off-gas whose dust content has been reduced to less than 5 g/Nm3, and the mixed gas thereby formed is subsequently fed to a process filter for separation of dust laden with pollutants.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a single crystal pulling-up apparatus of pulling-up silicon single crystals by a Czochralski method, is provided with: a neck diameter measuring portion which measures a diameter of a grown neck portion; a first compensation portion which outputs a first compensated pulling-up speed for the seed crystals based on a difference between a measured value of the diameter of the neck portion and a target value of the neck portion diameter previously stored; a second compensation portion which outputs a second pulling-up speed while limiting an upper limit of the first pulling-up speed to a first limit value; and a crucible rotation number compensation portion which lowers the number of a rotation of a crucible at least in a period where the upper limit of the first pulling-up speed is limited to the first limit value.

Abstract: The present invention, which provides a crucible for producing single-crystal silicon carbide, and a production apparatus and a production method for single-crystal silicon carbide, which are capable of stably growing a single-crystal silicon carbide ingot good in crystallinity at high yield, is a crucible for producing single-crystal silicon carbide having a crucible vessel for holding silicon carbide raw material and a crucible cover for attaching a seed crystal and is adapted to sublimate a silicon carbide raw material in the crucible vessel to supply silicon carbide sublimation gas onto a seed crystal attached to the crucible cover and grow single-crystal silicon carbide on the seed crystal, which crucible for producing single-crystal silicon carbide is provided in the crucible vessel and the crucible cover with threaded portions to be screwed together and is provided with a sublimation gas discharge groove or grooves capable of regulating flow rate by relative rotation of the threaded portions; and is a

Abstract: A method for making an epitaxial structure is provided. The method includes the following steps. A substrate is provided. The substrate has an epitaxial growth surface for growing epitaxial layer. A carbon nanotube layer is placed on the epitaxial growth surface. An epitaxial layer is epitaxially grown on the epitaxial growth surface. The carbon nanotube layer is removed. The carbon nanotube layer can be removed by heating.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a SiC single crystal includes growing a SiC single crystal on a surface of a SiC seed crystal, which satisfies following conditions: (i) the SiC seed crystal includes a main growth surface composed of a plurality of sub-growth surfaces; (ii) among directions from an uppermost portion of a {0001} plane on the main growth surface to portions on a periphery of the main growth surface, the SiC seed crystal has a main direction in which a plurality of sub-growth surfaces is arranged; and (iii) an offset angle ?k of a k-th sub-growth surface and an offset angle ?k+1 of a (k+1)-th sub-growth surface satisfy a relationship of ?k<?k+1.

Abstract: A colloidal suspension of particles is rapidly self-assembled with a minimum number of defects into a densely packed array of particles on a substrate under simultaneous sedimentation and annealing forces. The particles may be ordered as an opal structure. Optionally, the synthesized structure may incorporate an electrolyte and be used as a sacrificial form for micromolding an inverse structure. The inverse structure may exhibit a photonic band gap. Optionally, necking between particles may be adjusted after micromolding. Furthermore, a shell may alter physical properties, such as protecting a thermally stimulated photonic band gap device. These low cost methods allow more applications to become commercially viable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vitreous silica crucible which can suppress buckling and sidewall lowering of the crucible and the generation of cracks. According to the present invention, a vitreous silica crucible is provided for pulling a silicon single crystal having a wall, the wall including a non-doped inner surface layer made of natural vitreous silica or synthetic vitreous silica, a mineralizing element-maldistributed vitreous silica layer containing dispersed island regions each containing a mineralizing element, and wherein the vitreous silica of the island regions and the vitreous silica of a surrounding region of the island regions is a combination of mineralizing element-doped natural vitreous silica and non-doped synthetic vitreous silica, or a combination of mineralizing element-doped synthetic vitreous silica and non-doped natural vitreous silica, and the inner surface layer is made of vitreous silica of a different kind from that of the island region.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vitreous silica crucible which can suppress the sidewall lowering of the crucible under high temperature during pulling a silicon single crystal, and a method of manufacturing such a vitreous silica crucible. The vitreous silica crucible 10 includes an opaque vitreous silica layer 11 provided on the outer surface side of the crucible and containing numerous bubbles, and a transparent vitreous silica layer 12 provided on the inner surface side. The opaque vitreous silica layer 11 includes a first opaque vitreous silica portion 11a provided on the crucible upper portion, and a second opaque vitreous silica portion 11b provided on the crucible lower portion. The specific gravity of the second opaque vitreous silica portion 11b is 1.7 to 2.1, and the specific gravity of the first opaque vitreous silica portion 11a is 1.4 to 1.8, and smaller than that of the second opaque vitreous silica portion.

Abstract: A method of selecting a mercury-contaminated solid surface followed by heating a cleaning solution to a temperature less than 100° C. The cleaning solution can contain hydrocarbon oil and one or more organic sulfur compounds. Afterwards, the heated cleaning solution is contacted with the mercury-contaminated solid surface to remove the mercury contamination.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing grain oriented electrical steel sheets from a slab, controlling the steel sheet temperature so as to satisfy T (t)<FDT?(FDT?700)×t/6 (wherein T (t): steel sheet temperature (° C.), FDT: finishing temperature (° C.) and t: time (sec) after the completion of finish rolling) throughout the entire length of a coil during cooling after the completion of finish rolling in hot rolling, and controlling the steel sheet temperature of a tip portion of the coil representing 10% of the length of the coil to be not less than 650° C. at a lapse of 3 seconds from the completion of hot rolling, thus manufacturing a grain oriented electrical steel sheet exhibiting excellent magnetic properties throughout the entire coil length.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy casting material for heat conducting is provided, wherein the thermal conductivity is improved of an aluminum alloy casting material whereof the castability is improved by the addition of silicon where said invention is characterized by being an aluminum alloy casting material with excellent thermal conductivity, comprising 5-10.0% by mass of silicon, 0.1-0.5% by mass of magnesium and the remainder comprising aluminum and inevitable impurities, and whereon aging treatment has been performed.

Abstract: An insensitive crystalline high explosive molding powder, usable as a booster HE. The subject insensitive crystalline high explosive molding powder being manufactured by adding the crystalline high explosive, and a polymer or wax based binder to a solvent to form a solution, spray drying the solution to drive off the solvent, thereby co-precipitating the HE and binder to form granules in which the crystals of HE are uniformly distributed in the binder.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for hermetically encapsulating one or more optoelectronic device, such as a light emitting device or a photovoltaic device. The apparatus comprises a base and a carriage movable along the base. The carriage comprises a roller. The apparatus further comprises a vacuum platen coupled with the base and a tensioner coupled with the base. The tensioner comprises a support member that projects orthogonally above a plane of the vacuum platen.