Hydroxyapatite coated titanium implant for single-tooth replacement by a screw-form dental implant is suitable for screwing into jaw bones in the toothless area for permanent anchorage to the jaw bone with the hydroxyapatite coated screws. This process has been developed by the School of Bio-Science & Engineering, Jadavpur University, Calcutta.

Fluidised abrasive polishing machine:

Fluidised abrasive polishing machine, an invention of the Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai, can be used for polishing sculptured surfaces which are not easily machine polished. The possible applications include polishing of dies, cavities, turbine blade surfaces, impeller vanes, diamonds, magnetic heads, ceramic products, etc.

Sun-tracking system:

A very low cost, simple and maintenance -free sun tracking device, developed by the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, needs no power source to work and is highly suitable for usewith solar panels, both photovoltaic and thermal, in remote and isolated areas.

The clock-controlled sun tracking mechanism is for maximising energy collection of a photovoltaic panel or a solar thermal collector. The mechanism uses a counter weight whose release rate is governed by the escape mechanism of a conventional alarm clock. The device tracks the sun within 0.5 degree throughout the day. The overall cost of the tracking system is around Rs 1,000.

Palmyrah fibre separator:

Palmyrah fibre separator is the invention of Central Tobacco Research Institute, Rajamundry (A.P.). This machine is used for separating the fibres. These fibres are used for the manufacture of high quality brushes for vacuum road cleaners, acoustic boards, household brooms, cushions, etc. A significant amount of this fibre is being exported.

All these inventions bagged NRDC awards under its Invention Promotion Programme on Republic Day in 1998.

For further details contact:

National Research DevelopmentCorporation (NRDC),`Anusandhan Vikas', 20-22, Zamroodpur Community Centre, Kailash Colony Extension, New Delhi-110048. Phone: 6417942, 6434265, Fax: 011-6460506; E-mail: nrdc@x400.nicgw.nic.in.

Compiled by G. K. Pillai