A dynamic inflatable sealing device for maintaining the pressure within an inflatable element at least substantially equal to the pressure in the annulus to maintain the inflatable element in a sealing position. The dynamic sealing device includes an inflatable element forming an internal chamber, the inflatable element expandable to sealing engagement with a wall, and a dynamic valve mechanism in...

A protective apparatus for a portable device is disclosed. The protective apparatus generally includes a main case configured for accommodating the portable device; an accessory case configured for accommodating accessories of the portable device; and a protective jacket including a main jacket and an accessory jacket, wherein the main jacket is configured for receiving the main case, and the acce...

A snare for an endoscope includes a flexible sheath, a control wire movable within the flexible sheath, and a snare loop connected to an end of the control wire, wherein when the control wire is axially advanced, the snare loop projects from the flexible sheath and expands into a loop shape, whereas when the control wire is axially retracted, the snare loop retracts into the flexible sheath and is...

The present invention provides catheter apparatus and catheterization methodology for generating an arteriovenous fistula or a veno-venous fistula on-demand between closely associated blood vessels and at a chosen anatomic site in-vivo. The catheter apparatus is preferably employed in pairs, each catheter of the pair being suitable for percutaneous introduction into and extension through a blood v...

To effectively restrict occurrence of radially extending grooves in tire sidewall portions, turn-up portions (N) of a tire structure member (K) are turned up around the beads (B) by synchronously moving turn-up arms ( 66 ) axially inward by a moving means ( 75 ), with turn-up rollers ( 70 ) maintained in contact with the turn-up portion (N), and simultaneously, by synchronously swinging the turn-u...

Provided is a single use electrochemical sensor strip having an active portion and an inactive portion. The inactive portion may be a handling strip. Another aspect provided is an article comprising an electrochemical sensor strip having a fluid-wicking channel that terminates at one end with a fluid sample entrance, wherein the fluid sample entrance traverses the end of the fluid-wicking channel ...

A polyester blend composition that comprises at least two copolymers selected from certain copolymers, particularly blends of branched and linear biodegradable copolymers. Also provided is a blown film that is produced from the polyester blend composition, and a process for producing the polyester blend composition and the film. The film is biodegradable, transparent, and has excellent mechanical ...

An image sensing system for a vehicle includes an imaging sensor comprising a two-dimensional array of light sensing photosensor elements, preferably formed on a semiconductor substrate, and a logic and control circuit comprising an image processor for processing image data derived from the imaging sensor. The logic and control circuit generates at least one control output for controlling at least...

A control system for a mobile robot ( 10 ) is provided to effectively cover a given area by operating in a plurality of modes, including an obstacle following mode ( 51 ) and a random bounce mode ( 49 ). In other embodiments, spot coverage, such as spiraling ( 45 ), or other modes are also used to increase effectiveness. In addition, a behavior based architecture is used to implement the control s...

Tread structures, wave motion navigational controls, and ramp up recovery controls are provided to an autonomous floor cleaner to reduce wheel slippage. The floor cleaner delivers liquid to the floor as part of the cleaning process. Wheels on the device are provided with relatively deep peripheral grooves to minimize the contact surfaces of a sprocket wheel and to accommodate the layer of liquid o...

In a circuit for detecting an abnormal operation of memory, an integrated circuit including the same and a method for detecting an abnormal operation, an abnormal operation of memory is detected before an error occurs in the integrated circuit of a micro-computer and the like due to data wrongly output from the memory, enhancing the reliability of the integrated circuit. More specifically, a circu...

A sensor strip comprises an electrode substrate, an electrode set, on the electrode substrate, and microspheres. The sensor strip allows for a smaller sample volume and maintain a more uniform flow profile through the sample channel.

Apparatus for peeling shrimp including powered roller assemblies each made up of a peeling roller and a drive member attached by a releasable connection. Roller connection structure at a first end of each roller assembly mates with reciprocal drive connection structure in the drive member. An adjustable element extending through the drive member allows the connection to be released and the roller ...

DISPOSITIVO PARA ENCORAJAR A LAVAGEM DAS MãOS. Um dispositivo para encorajar as pessoas a lavarem as mãos em uma instalação tal como um banheiro inclui um alojamento configurado para a montagem destacável em uma superfície de suporte. Um sensor de luz ambiente é disposto com relação ao alojamento para detectar a luz ambiente dentro do ambiente. Um dispositivo de áudio dentro do alojamento contém p...

A method and system used for testing a subterranean well. A sensor ( 34 ), such as a distributed temperature sensor, comprising a sensing optical fiber ( 48 ) connected to an interrogation unit ( 50 ), is deployed together with a drill stem test string ( 20 ) so that the sensor extends below the packer of the drill stem test string and across at least one formation ( 22 ) of the wellbore.

A series of shafts configured to attach in a bore of a receiving part and a method for manufacturing the shafts, the series including at least two different sizes, each size including different variants of shafts; wherein each shaft includes at least five contiguous axial regions, wherein each variant includes different gear teeth in the axial region of the first end of the shaft. The bore in the ...

An integrated catheter assembly for enabling diverse endoscopic in situ therapies. The assembly includes a catheter with an irrigation fluid lumen, a distal electrode tip portion that acts as a hemostat, and a cutting wire for making incisions in or ablating tissue. A cutting wire hub provides a sealing entrance for a cutting wire. An operator enables the physician to displace the cutting wire bet...

A non-woven mat of inorganic fiber is disclosed having a substance which is lower at the edges of the mat than in the remainder of the mat. Apparatus for making such a mat includes: a source of a slurry of inorganic fiber in a liquid; a forming wire disposed to move past the source, the liquid passing through the forming wire to deposit the inorganic fiber on the forming wire; a mask across a part...

The present invention provides a polytetrafluoroethylene molded article, particularly a PTFE molded article for high-frequency insulation, which is excellent in various electric properties and mechanical properties in a high frequency range of 3 to 30 GHz. The present invention also provides PTFE fine powder, which is excellent in extrusion moldability and capable of providing the molded article, ...