Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing alkyl nitrate. The centrifugal extraction equipment acts as the esterification separator; a mixed acid solution containing sulfuric acid and nitric acid enters from the heavy phase inlet of the centrifugal extraction equipment; alkyl alcohol enters from the light phase inlet of the centrifugal extraction equipment; the feeding molar ratio of alkyl alcohol and nitric acid equals to 1:1.0-3.0; esterification reaction occurs with the mixed acid and alkyl alcohol at a temperature of 10˜60° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of production of a compound, which is useful as an intermediate (building block) in organic synthesis, especially in the synthesis of vitamin A or ?-carotene and derivatives thereof, e.g. canthaxanthin, astax-anthin or zeaxanthin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a shell catalyst that is suitable for producing vinyl acetate monomer (VAM). The invention further relates to a shell catalyst that is obtainable by the method according to the invention and to the use of the shell catalyst according to the invention for producing VAM.

Abstract: Processes for the catalytic dehydration of hydroxypropionic acid, hydroxypropionic acid derivatives, or mixtures thereof to acrylic acid, acrylic acid derivatives, or mixtures thereof with high yield and selectivity and without significant conversion to undesired side products, such as, acetaldehyde, propanoic acid, and acetic acid, are provided.

Abstract: Processes for the catalytic dehydration of hydroxypropionic acid, hydroxypropionic acid derivatives, or mixtures thereof to acrylic acid, acrylic acid derivatives, or mixtures thereof with high yield and selectivity and without significant conversion to undesired side products, such as, acetaldehyde, propanoic acid, and acetic acid, are provided.

Abstract: A new P-N-P ligand is useful in ethylene oligomerizations. In combination with i) a source of chromium; and ii) an activator such as methylalumoxane; the ligand of this invention may be used to prepare an oligomer product that contains a mixture of high purity alpha olefins. In a preferred embodiment, the ligand of this invention enables a selective oligomerization in which the majority of the liquid product is a mixture of hexene and octene. The amount of by-product polymer that is produced in preferred oligomerization reactions is advantageously low.

Abstract: This invention is directed to compound of Formula I and methods of using these compounds in the treatment of conditions in which modulation of a cathepsin, particularly cathepsin K or cathepsin L, will be therapeutically useful.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing urea as a nitrogen-rich synthetic fertilizer from refuse of any composition, preferably from domestic waste. The organic waste components are first turned into gas in a high-temperature reactor with oxygen (O2) which has been obtained in a cryogenic air separation plant. A synthesis gas arises which predominantly comprises carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H2) and carbon dioxide (CO2). The carbon monoxide (CO) contained in the synthesis gas is subsequently converted with steam into hydrogen (H2) and carbon dioxide (CO2). The hydrogen is subsequently separated and is used for ammonia synthesis together with the elementary nitrogen (N2) which arises as a by-product in cryogenic air separation, In the last process step, urea (CO(NH2)2) is manufactured from ammonia (NH3) and the further synthesis gas component carbon dioxide (CO2).

Abstract: A continuous process for the production of choline hydroxide includes reacting ethylene oxide, trimethylamine, and water in a reaction zone to form a reaction mixture and extracting heat from the reaction mixture. Subsequently, phase separation of the s reaction mixture is induced to obtain a choline hydroxide phase and an organic liquid phase comprising trimethylamine. A choline hydroxide solution (e.g., at a concentration of about 40% to 50% by weight, based on total weight of the choline hydroxide solution) is obtained from the choline hydroxide phase.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for efficiently removing a quaternary salt from an organic solvent. The present invention relates to a method for removing a quaternary salt, the method including: contacting a solution of a quaternary salt in an organic solvent with an aqueous solution containing at least one member selected from the group consisting of (a1) compounds having one or more anionic functional groups and (a2) polymers having at least one member selected from the group consisting of carboxyl group and sulfonic acid group, thereby removing the quaternary salt from the organic solvent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) wherein the substituents are defined as in claim 1, which process comprises adding a compound of formula (II), wherein R1, R2 and R3 have the meanings as described under formula (I), in the presence of an inert organic solvent, to a mixture comprising an organic nitrite of formula (III) R4—O—N?O, wherein R4 is C1-C8alkyl, a compound of formula (IV), and an inert organic solvent.

Abstract: [Object] The object of this invention is to provide a method for producing an optically active secondary alcohol at a high optical purity by hydrogenating a substrate carbonyl compound at a high efficiency using as a catalyst a ruthenium complex bearing as a ligand certain optically active diphosphine compound and a readily synthesized amine compound.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of polyhydroxystilbene compounds (particularly resveratrol, oxyresveratrol, piceatannol, gnetol and the like) by deprotection of the corresponding ethers using aluminium halide and a secondary amine is provided.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process and catalysts for the conversion of a light hydrocarbon and carbon dioxide input stream into high quality syngas with the subsequent conversion of the syngas into fuels or chemicals. In one aspect, the present invention provides an efficient, solid solution catalyst for the production of a carbon containing gas from carbon dioxide and light hydrocarbons. The catalyst comprises a single transition metal, and the transition metal is nickel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to catalyst support materials, catalysts and methods for using them, such as methods for converting sugars, sugar alcohols, glycerol, and bio-renewable organic acids to commercially-valuable chemicals and intermediates. One aspect of the invention is catalyst support material including ZrO2 and one or more oxides of manganese (MnOx), the catalyst support material being at least about 50 wt % ZrO2 and MnOx. In certain embodiments, the weight ratio of ZrO2 to MnOx is within the range of about 1:1 to about 30:1; and/or the catalyst support material is substantially free of any binder, extrusion aid or additional stabilizing agent.

Abstract: This invention relates to purification and/or recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of a crude ethanol mixture are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove impurities. In particular, the process involves one or more sidestreams to regulate C3+ alcohols concentration in the recovered ethanol.

Abstract: The preparation of chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as pentachloropropanes, such as 1,1,1,2,3-pentachloropropane, from tetrachloropropanes, such as 1,1,1,3-tetrachloropropane, in the presence of a polyvalent antimony compound that includes a pentavalent antimony compound, such as antimony pentachloride, is described. Also described are methods for preparing optionally chlorinated alkenes, such as, tetrachloropropenes, from chlorinated alkanes, such as pentachloropropanes, in the presence of ferric chloride and a polyvalent antimony compound that includes a pentavalent antimony compound.

Abstract: Methods and assemblies for improving the reaction kinetics of, conserving reactants utilized in, and/or producing a more pure reaction product of, liquid-phase reactions that involve volatile reactants and products are provided. The methods and assemblies herein provide for a feed of reaction liquid to two or more absorption zones, wherein the temperature and/or feed rate of the liquid is independently adjusted prior to introduction into at least one of the two or more absorption zones. More particularly, the temperature and feed rate of the liquid as delivered to each absorption zone can be adjusted independently to optimize the absorption of at least a portion of any gaseous reactants and byproducts from the gaseous product stream and/or to optimize reaction zone conditions. Reaction kinetics may thus be improved, or substantially maintained.

Abstract: A fuel and method for conversion of sesquiterpenes to high density fuels. The sesquiterpenes can be either extracted from plants or specifically produced by bioengineered organisms from waste biomass. This approach allows for the synthesis of high performance renewable fuels.

Abstract: Processes and apparatuses for preparing aromatic compounds are provided herein. In an embodiment, a process for preparing aromatic compounds includes providing a first stream that includes an aromatic component, a non-aromatic component, and a sulfur-containing component. The aromatic component and the sulfur-containing component are separated from the non-aromatic component of the first stream to form a separated aromatic stream and a raffinate stream. The separated aromatic stream includes the aromatic component and the sulfur-containing component. The raffinate stream includes the non-aromatic component. The separated aromatic stream is concurrently transalkylated and desulfurized in the presence of a catalyst that includes acid function and metal function to produce a transalkylated aromatic stream and a sulfur-containing gas stream that is separate from the transalkylated aromatic stream.

Abstract: Provided is a method that is for producing fuel oil and that can cheaply and highly efficiently produce a fuel oil—or starting material thereof—having as the primary component n-paraffin or isoparaffin from a starting material oil containing a fatty acid alkyl ester, even while reducing hydrogen pressure. The method for producing fuel oil has a step for producing fuel oil having one or both of n-paraffin and isoparaffin as the primary component by contacting hydrogen gas and a starting material oil containing a fatty acid alkyl ester under the condition of a hydrogen pressure of no greater than 1 MPa to a catalyst resulting from supporting on a porous metal oxide support one or more metal elements belonging to group nine or group ten of the periodic table, and one or more group six element oxides belonging to group six of the periodic table. The weight ratio of the group six elements to the metal elements contained in the catalyst is no greater than 1.0 in terms of the metal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of isolating cymene comprising the following steps: a) providing a solution comprising cymene and monoterpenes, b) adding sulphuric acid to the solution in a) such that the concentration of sulphuric acid in the solution is at least 0.5% (w/w), such as 1-25% (w/w), c) distilling the solution mixture from step b) such that a target chemical stream enriched in cymene is obtained and separated from a residual stream.

Abstract: A control data about the devices constituting the synchrotron are formed by an initial acceleration control data item, a plural extraction control data items, a plural energy change control data items connecting the plural extraction control data items, and a plural deceleration control data items corresponding to the plural extraction control data items. An affected part position detection unit and an extraction permission determination unit are provided to determine whether the position of a marker shown in transparent image information is included within a beam irradiation permission range. If the marker position is found included, the extraction permission determination unit outputs to an interlock system an extraction permission determination signal permitting beam extraction.

Abstract: A method to accurately and rapidly locate tumor, comprising the steps of using a immobilization module to ensure the consistency of patient positioning, verification and the position of each treatment; using a locating and marking module comprising a locating and marking tool for locating and marking; using a data input module to obtain the data required for a calculation of Optical Positioning System in radiotherapy; and using a positioning module to calculate the deviation between the planned isocenter and the machine isocenter, and to provide prompts of patient positioning.

Abstract: There is provided a range shifter which includes a transmissive plate whose thickness has been adjusted depending on a setup value of an amount of energy to be attenuated, and a holder portion that holds the transmissive plate, wherein the thickness of the transmissive plate is adjusted to be a thickness equivalent to an attenuation amount lower than the setup value by a predetermined rate thereof; and wherein, a superimposing mechanism capable of releasably superimposing an adjustment sheet over the transmissive plate, is provided to at least one of the transmissive plate and the holder portion, the adjustment sheet being adjusted to have a thickness equal to or less than a thickness equivalent to a two-fold attenuation amount of the predetermined rate.

Abstract: In gantry type particle beam irradiation system comprising a gantry and being configured to irradiate a particle beam, which has small emittance in X direction and large emittance in Y direction at an extraction position of a circular accelerator, from an irradiation nozzle installed in the gantry to an irradiation target, the irradiation nozzle has a ridge filter which is installed so as for a direction in which emittance in X direction is maintained to tilt to a direction which is perpendicular to a ridge of the ridge filter by a predetermined angle in the state where the gantry is a reference angle.

Abstract: An instrument used for brachytherapy delivery in the treatment of cancer by radiation therapy including a handle having first and second handle actuators; an end effector; and an instrument shaft that connects the handle with the end effector. The end effector has first and second adjacent disposed staple cartridges that each retain a set of staples. The first mechanism is for holding standard staples in a first array, and dispensing the standard staples under control of the corresponding first handle actuator. The second mechanism is for holding radioactive source staples in a second array, and dispensing said radioactive source staples under control of the corresponding second handle actuator. The actuating device is removably attachable to an actuator arm on a proximal end. A staple applicator cartridge holder is attached to the actuator arm on a distal end. The staple applicator cartridge is mountable in the holder and having a plurality of slots for mounting of radioactive source staples therein.

Abstract: An axial-flow blood pump for pumping blood includes a substantially cylindrical outer enclosure. A tubular housing concentric with and located within the outer enclosure has at one end an inlet and at an opposite end an outlet. A motor stator is concentric with and located between the outer enclosure and the tubular housing. An impeller is concentric with and located within the tubular housing. The impeller is suspended in operation by a combination of passive magnetic forces between magnets within the impeller or magnetized regions of the impeller and the motor stator and hydrodynamic thrust forces generated as blood flows between the tubular housing and a plurality of hydrodynamic thrust bearing surfaces located on the impeller. A volute may be in fluid-tight connection with the outlet of the tubular housing for receiving blood in the axial direction and directing blood in a direction normal to the axial direction.

Abstract: A modular driveline includes a modular portion including a cable and a connector, the cable having terminations, and a percutaneous portion including a cable and a connector, the cable having terminations. The percutaneous portion connector couples to the modular portion connector, and cable terminations at the connectors are captured in the connectors by potting. The cable can include an inner member, conductors disposed about the inner member, a covering about the conductors, a layer extruded onto the covering, an armor braid over the extruded layer, and an outer jacket extruded over the armor braid.

Abstract: An active implantable medical device comprising a therapeutic device, a controller and at least one rechargeable battery, wherein a single hermetically sealed housing encapsulates a therapeutic device, controller and rechargeable battery. A hermetically sealed housing additionally encapsulates a wireless interface and a commutator.

Abstract: A sterilization and humidification apparatus includes a heating chamber, a filter and a humidification chamber. The heating chamber heats a gas so as to sterilize the gas. The humidification chamber is adapted so that a liquid, which has been filtered by the filter, evaporates into the sterilized gas, thereby causing the sterilized gas to cool, and outputting a humidified gas at a desired temperature. The apparatus may include a bypass chamber to provide a path for the gas to bypass the humidification chamber. The apparatus may be adapted particularly for use in an incubator.

Abstract: This invention relates an enunciation device comprising a device, preferably hollowed, shaped in a manner to fit a mouth. This enunciation device assists with improving enunciation, slowing speech, and strengthens mouth, tongue, and jaw muscles so that a user can build confidence while speaking.

Abstract: An implantable device is configured for placement in the eardrum to transmit an audio signal to a user. The device may be configured to improve transmission of an electromagnetic signal from an input assembly on a lateral side of an eardrum to an output assembly positioned on a medial side of the eardrum, for example, at least partially in the middle ear of the user. The output assembly may comprise a transducer or at least two electrodes configured to stimulate the cochlea, for example. The device may include an opening to transmit the light signal or an optic to transmit the light signal. Alternatively, the device may be configured to support a transducer of the output assembly with the eardrum when the device is implanted in the eardrum, such that the eardrum vibrates in response to the electromagnetic signal. The electromagnetic signal may include light energy.

Abstract: In summary the invention relates stimuli control system 100 configured for finding ambient stimuli from a database 120 in a way so that the ambient stimuli having the most promising effect on stress reduction is selected. The selection may be performed based on a probability distribution created for describing how likely it is that a given ambient stimuli has a positive effect on the stress level for a given patient or other user. The database is a multiuser database which may be updated based on experiences from uses already registered ambient stimuli.

Abstract: A urological device comprises a urological valve having a plurality of valve leaflets with a region of co-aption between the valve leaflets. The valve has a normally closed configuration in which the valve leaflets are engaged at the region of co-aption and an open configuration in which the leaflets are separated at the co-aption region for fluid flow through the valve. The valve is automatically movable from the closed configuration to the open configuration in response to applied urological pressure.

Abstract: Surgical instruments, implantable articles and surgical procedures disclosed for treating medical disorders, particularly incontinence. Improved surgical sling procedures are disclosed. Novel surgical instruments and kits for use in sling procedures are also disclosed. The present invention affords options for surgeons with concomitant advantages to the patient and the healthcare provider.

Abstract: A stimulator apparatus for stimulating an organ, such as a penis. The apparatus includes a spherical housing configured to receive an organ through at least one aperture and allow for a 180° range of motion while manipulating the organ and/or the stimulator apparatus. The stimulator apparatus provides intensified sexual stimulation through frictional engagement between the organ and at least one channel in the housing. The at least one aperture includes a cover, and is sized and dimensioned to resemble a female sexual organ. The at least one channel includes numerous textures, orientations, diameters, and mechanical features to help enhance sexual stimuli for the organ. At least one grip portion positions on the housing to allow for sufficient grip for a user to manipulate the stimulator apparatus to a desired intensity and duration. The at least one grip comprises multiple indentations that match each finger.

Abstract: A direct vision cryosurgical and methods of use are described herein where the device may generally comprise an elongated rigid structure with a distal end, a proximal end, and a central lumen. The distal end may comprise a non-coring optically transparent needle tip with at least one lateral fenestration in communication with the central lumen. The distal end may also house at least one imaging device configured for distal imaging. A proximal end of the device may comprise a handle with a means for connecting the imaging device(s) to an imaging display(s), and a means for accessing bodily tissue in the vicinity of the distal end with a cryo-ablation probe through the central lumen and the lateral fenestration(s) for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: an insertion portion; an objective optical system; a treatment instrument raising base; and a restricting portion that restricts an angle at which the treatment instrument protrudes outside the insertion portion, wherein a straight line connecting the treatment instrument raising base and the objective optical system is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the insertion portion, and the restricting portion is located on a line segment connecting the treatment instrument raising base and the objective optical system when the objective optical system is viewed from right in front, the restricting portion includes a restricting surface, and when the treatment instrument raising base is maximally inclined, an angle of a central axis of the treatment instrument with respect to the longitudinal axis which the insertion portion is inserted is equal to or smaller than an angle of the restricting surface with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a medical device for accessing a patient's body portion and used for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Embodiments of the invention may include a particular endoscopic positioning mechanism for placing an endoscope and an additional treatment device within desired body portions in order to assist in diagnosis and treatment of anatomical diseases and disorders. In particular, a medical device according to an embodiment of the invention may include an outer flexible tube and a positioning mechanism configured for rotating one portion of the flexible tube relative to another portion of the flexible tube.

Abstract: A joining structure includes a first member having a cylindrical hollow portion, and a second member that is cylindrical in shape, has an outer circumferential diameter equal to or larger than a diameter of the hollow portion, and is to be pressed into the hollow portion. A concave portion, which is cut out inward from an outer circumference of the first member, is formed on part of a portion of the first member into which the second member is pressed.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a substantially rigid shaft having a distal end and a proximal portion, the shaft having a first lumen and a second lumen separate from the first lumen, the second lumen containing one or more objective lenses disposed at the distal end thereof. A housing is mounted on the proximal portion of the shaft, the housing including an eyepiece mount and a light input port. An image fiber bundle is disposed in the second lumen, the image fiber bundle extending proximally from adjacent the one or more objective lenses to the eyepiece mount. An illumination fiber bundle is disposed in the second lumen, the illumination fiber bundle extending proximally from the distal end of the shaft to the light input port.

Abstract: An endoscope for removing tissue at a surgical site includes an elongated tubular body insertable within a mammalian cavity of a patient. An instrument channel extends between a first opening at a distal end and a second opening at a proximal end of the tubular body and is sized and configured to receive a surgical cutting assembly that includes an aspiration channel configured to remove material entering the endoscope via a distal end of the surgical cutting assembly. A torque generation component configured to generate torque is positioned within the distal end and configured to provide the generated torque to a coupling component. The coupling component is positioned at the distal end of the elongated tubular member and configured to actuate a cutting component of the surgical cutting assembly responsive to actuation of the torque generation component.

Abstract: A flexible or rigid sheath guiding mechanism, comprises: a splitter (101), a guiding sleeve tube (102), a flexible sheath (103), a rigid sheath (104) and a handle (105). A first end of the guiding sleeve tube (102) is mounted on an outlet of the splitter (101), the guiding sleeve tube (102) and provided coaxially with the outlet of the splitter (101). A second end of the guiding sleeve tube is inserted in the rigid sheath (104). The guiding sleeve tube (102) fits the rigid sheath (104). The handle (105) comprises a handle head (106) and a handle sleeve (107) which are fitted with each other. The splitter (101) is mounted in the handle head (106). The rigid sheath (104) is mounted on the handle sleeve (107). The flexible sheath (103) goes through the guiding sleeve tube (102) and the rigid sheath (104), and an end of the flexible sheath (103) is mounted on the outlet of the splitter (101).

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for maneuvering an endoscope (SFME) during a medical procedure, comprising a. at least one maneuvering system, adapted to maneuver said endoscope in at least two degrees of freedom (DOF); and, b. at least one joystick unit in communication with said maneuvering system, adapted to operate said maneuvering system; wherein operation of said joystick results in movement of said endoscope by means of said maneuvering system.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope apparatus that is configured to be introduced into a subject to acquire information on an inside of the subject and to wirelessly communicate with a receiving apparatus provided outside the capsule endoscope apparatus. The capsule endoscope apparatus includes: an imaging unit configured to capture images of the subject and generate image data of the inside of the subject; a transmission unit configured to transmit a wireless signal including the image data, outside the capsule endoscope apparatus; a receiving unit configured to receive a control signal for instructing an operation of the capsule endoscope apparatus, the control signal having been transmitted from the receiving apparatus; and a capsule controller configured to activate the receiving unit in synchronization with a transmission timing when the transmission unit transmits the wireless signal.

Abstract: A medical device sheath that includes a relatively inelastic body having a proximal end longitudinally separated from a distal end and defining a first lumen, an aperture located at the proximal end in fluid communication with the lumen and configured to admit an elongate endoscope body into the first lumen, and a transparent tip located longitudinally adjacent to an endoscope lens when the elongate endoscope body is located within the first lumen. The endoscope sheath may also include an elongate secondary tube defining a secondary lumen. A method of using the medical device sheath is also described.

Abstract: A catheter and method for managing fluid in a patient, the catheter having an elongated shaft with a distal end and a proximal end. The shaft defines at least one lumen extending substantially therethrough, the shaft further defining a plurality of drainage holes along a distal portion of the shaft, with the drainage holes in fluid communication with the lumen. The catheter further has a substantially transparent tip portion attached to the distal end of the shaft with an outer distal leading surface that is substantially rounded to assist insertion through tissue.

Abstract: A resistance feedback laryngoscope contains a pushing grip, a trigger pad, a rotary shaft, a first transmitting rod, a second transmitting rod, and a two-step levering blade. The pushing grip includes a curved front side connecting with the two-step levering blade. The two-step levering blade includes a first movable blade, a second movable blade, and a fixed blade. The first transmitting rod and the second transmitting rod connect with the rotary shaft fixed on a drive post with a resilient element. The resilient element has a first foot butting against a locking peg proximate to the drive post and has a second foot being biased against a side piece of the rotary shaft. The trigger pad contacts with the pushing grip and curves upward slightly, and the trigger pad includes an arcuate groove formed therein, a bottom end of the arcuate groove contacts with the side piece of the rotary shaft.

Abstract: A surgical access device is presented including a seal assembly having an upper housing member and a lower housing member configured to form a housing, the housing defining a central longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal passage for receiving at least one surgical object therethrough. The surgical access device further includes a seal disposed within the seal assembly, the seal movably arranged within the housing. The seal may include an elastomeric seal member having an opening for receiving and sealing with an instrument inserted therethrough, the elastomeric seal member arranged between an upper seal holder and a lower seal holder. The upper seal holder may be a cup-shaped seal having an upper lip that engages at least a portion of the upper housing member to secure the seal within the seal assembly.