Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for anchoring a tubular element, preferably in the form of a catheter, within a passageway formed in a mammalian body, such as in a vessel, artery, duct, channel, or the like. The apparatus comprises a tubular element having a flexible, elongated, hollow tubular outer lumen with a central longitudinal axis extending therethrough, the outer lumen having a proximal end and a distal end. The apparatus further comprises deployment means positioned within the outer lumen and slidable with respect to the outer lumen. The deployment means has a proximal end and a distal end. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of resilient anchoring members preferably formed of a pseudoelastic material. The anchoring members are coupled to the distal end of the deployment means and extend longitudinally beyond the distal end of the deployment means. Each anchoring member is reversibly movable by the deployment means between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: Novel gas-permeable membranes which are particularly useful in the packaging of fresh cut fruit and vegetables, and other respiring biological materials. The membranes have an O2 permeability of at least 775,000 ml/m2.atm.24 hrs, a P10 ratio of at least 1.3, and a ratio of CO2 permeability to O2 permeability (R) of at least 1.5, and are made by forming thin polymeric coatings on microporous polymeric films. Preferred coating polymers are side chain crystalline polymers. Preferred microporous films contain inorganic fillers, particularly such films based on ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene or polypropylene. FIG. 1 illustrates how O2 permeability and R ratio vary for different coating polymers and microporous films.

Abstract: A process and a device are disclosed for packaging products in a stretchable plastic film; the device comprises: means for supporting and heating a product; means for supplying and clamping the film in a position overlaying the product; means for contacting and adhering the film, when stretched, to the product; means for cutting the film along its still not-free side; means for locking and releasing the cut film in stretched contact with the product; means for bending and adhering the film to the product through a bending action on the whole product perimeter; means for removing the packaged product; and control means for the device.

Abstract: An electrical connecting apparatus comprises: a plurality of plate-like probes, each of which electrically connects an electrode of a device under test and a conductive portion formed in a base plate, and each of which has a tip to be pressed against the electrode on one end side of the probe and a curved outer face on one side in the width direction of the probe, and each of which further has a first recess opening on the one side; and an assembler for assembling the probes into the base plate such that the probes are arranged at intervals in the thickness direction and that the tips are projected to the side opposite to the base plate.

Abstract: A portable electronic signature system includes a base unit and a wireless remote unit that incorporates graphic tablet digitizer for signaling to a PC of the base unit signature data of a stylus being moved to produce a handwritten signature. The base unit transmits trigger signals for recognition by the remote unit, which also transmits identification signals to the base unit, respective alarms being activated in both the base and remote units in the event that recognition of the identification signals is interrupted by the remote unit being transported out of range. Also disclosed are a method for using the system, a cannister having a wireless alarm for use in a mechanical transport system, and the cannister in combination with a base unit.

Abstract: An apparatus which is useful in the separation of solids from a diluted, wet, concrete mixture has (a) a free-standing first container with a drain port and a top opening, (b) a strainer disposed within the first container, (c) a drain port shut-off valve, (d) a second container capable of providing a reservoir for recovered liquid, and (e) a transfer conduit for allowing effluent from the drain port of the first container to gravitate into the second container.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing a plurality of samples in sample sites on a substrate, the apparatus having an array of spaced apart light sources coupled to a moveable support so that one or more of the light sources can be selectively used; a frame for supporting the substrate; a detector configured to detect light; an optical relay configured to transmit light from at least one of the plurality of light sources to a sample site and from the sample site to the detector; and a support structure for supporting the frame, the detector and the optical relay.

Abstract: A low-profile CD/DVD disk case has base and lid portions and spaced apart integrally formed living hinge members that extend between portions of a spine structure, the spine structure forming a rigid enlargement of the base portion. Preferably, the length and width of the base portion, including that of the spine structure, correspond to like dimensions of a standard jewel case, and an overall open length of the base and lid portions also correspond to that of the standard jewel case for automated handling and loading using existing jewel case machinery. Also, the thickness of the case can be only 5.2 mm, about half that of the standard jewel case, and there can be clearance openings for receiving standard storage posts, rings, or the like. Moreover, the case can be configured to hold two conventional disks within the same 5.2 mm thickness.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing retroreflective printed material, the process comprising a) providing a composite comprising a temporary support sheet with a layer of microspheres partially embedded in the temporary support sheet such that the surfaces of the microspheres are partially exposed; b) applying a reflecting layer on the microspheres; c) applying a priming layer either on the partially exposed surfaces of the microspheres or on the reflecting layer; d) transferring a printed design layer from a transfer medium with the printed design on the primer layer and separating the transfer medium without the printed design from the printed design layer; e) applying a binder layer on the printed design layer; f) applying a base fabric on the binder layer and separating the temporary support sheet from the layer of microspheres, thereby creating the retroreflective printed material. A retroreflective printed material made according to the process.

Abstract: A tobacco smoke filter comprising one or more than one metal phthalocyanine, such as a copper phthalocyanine or an iron phthalocyanine, and further comprising one or more than one polycationic polymer.

Abstract: A modular containment structure kit comprises (i) a plurality of elongate members, (ii) a plurality of rectangular, planar side wall members, (iii) a plurality of rectangular, planar roof members, (iv) a plurality of rectangular, planar metal plates, and (v) a plurality of tee sections. A method for the handling of the explosive includes the steps of (a) providing the modular structure kit, (b) using the kit to assemble a containment structure around the explosive while avoiding obstacles near the explosive, and (c) handling the explosive within the containment structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing dead reckoning position data, orientation, and heading of a person is disclosed. The apparatus uses an algorithm that automatically determines the appropriate set of navigation functions for personal navigation based upon the orientation of the apparatus. Dead reckoning is accomplished by combining electronic heading and motion signals from human ambulation. Individual orientation and human motion measurement is accomplished with motion sensing devices. In one implementation of the invention, a navigation device provides different heading, position, and/or orientation functionality depending on whether the navigation device is affixed to the user in a vertical position or horizontal position, or the navigation device is not affixed to the user.