Abstract: A tire including a decoupling groove is provided, the tire comprising: a body, a shoulder, a tread surface including at least one decoupling groove extending radially inwardly into the body from the tread surface, and a plurality of parallel sipes, wherein the decoupling groove is oriented adjacent to the shoulder, wherein the decoupling groove is defined by an axially outer groove sidewall and an axially inner groove sidewall, has a width W1, and has a centerline, wherein the plurality of parallel sipes extend axially into the inner groove sidewall, wherein the decoupling groove has a radially inner groove base defined by a curvilinear base surface, has a width W2, and has a center, wherein the width W2 is greater than the width W1, and wherein a centerline of the decoupling groove intersects the center of the groove base.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for, and a method of, accurate positioning of endoscopic instruments. Accurate positioning of the instruments is accomplished through the inclusion of a steering ability within the device. After the endoscopic instrument is properly positioned, the present invention may use rapid exchange technology, soft locks, and mechanical locks to maintain the position of the endoscopic instrument. Rapid exchange technology is used to minimize displacement forces present on the guidewire or catheters. Soft locks and mechanical locks resist movements caused by displacement forces.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for, and a method of, accurate positioning of endoscopic instruments. Accurate positioning of the instruments is accomplished through the inclusion of a steering ability within the device. After the endoscopic instrument is properly positioned, the present invention may use rapid exchange technology, soft locks, and mechanical locks to maintain the position of the endoscopic instrument. Rapid exchange technology is used to minimize displacement forces present on the guidewire or catheters. Soft locks and mechanical locks resist movements caused by displacement forces.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for, and a method of, accurate positioning of endoscopic instruments. Accurate positioning of the instruments is accomplished through the inclusion of a steering ability within the device. After the endoscopic instrument is properly positioned, the present invention may use rapid exchange technology, soft locks, and mechanical locks to maintain the position of the endoscopic instrument. Rapid exchange technology is used to minimize displacement forces present on the guidewire or catheters. Soft locks and mechanical locks resist movements caused by displacement forces.

Abstract: The present invention provides an acidulant and a method of acidulating moist meat and meat emulsions at meat processing temperatures in the range of about 32.degree. F. to 135.degree. F. The method comprises mixing a coated acidulant into the meat or meat emulsion, the acidulant having a coating effectively encapsulating the acidulant. The coating comprises a mixture of about 50-70 wt. % of a water-soluble glyceride and about 30-50 wt. % of a hydrogenated vegetable oil.

Abstract: The present invention provides an acidulant and a method of acidulating moist meat and meat emulsions at meat processing temperatures in the range of about 32.degree. F. to 135.degree. F. The method comprises mixing a coated acidulant into the meat or meat emulsion, the acidulant having a coating effectively encapsulating the acidulant. The coating comprises a mixture of about 50-70 wt. % of a water-soluble glyceride and about 30-50 wt. % of a hydrogenated vegetable oil.