Abstract: Apparatus (32) for lengthening the vibrating length of strings (34) on a harp, which apparatus (32) comprises: (i) securing means (42) for securing one end of the strings (34); (ii) adjuster members (46) for increasing the length of the strings (34) in order to increase the tension in the strings and thereby alter the frequency of vibration of the strings (34); and (iii) mounting means (48) for mounting the apparatus (32) on the harp (36) and wherein: (iv) there is one of the adjuster members (46) for each one of the strings (34); and (v) the adjuster members (46) are pivotable adjuster members (46) which are pivotable between a string non-lengthening position and a string lengthening position.

Abstract: An access control system for restricting access through a passageway includes a shaft rotatable about a central axis; a barrier fixed to the shaft to rotate therewith; and a brake assembly. The brake assembly includes a sun gear rotatable about the central axis, a carrier, and a ring gear, wherein one of the carrier or the ring gear is fixed against rotation and the other of the carrier or ring gear is connected to the shaft to rotate therewith. A plurality of planet gears are rotatably connected to the carrier, each planet gear being disposed between and engaging with each of the sun gear and the ring gear. An electromagnetic brake comprises an electromagnet and an armature. The armature is connected to or integral with the sun gear to rotate and move axially therewith. At least one of the electromagnet or the armature is moveable between an operative position and an inoperative position.

Abstract: An implant for controlling fluid flow within a patient's urethra, the implant comprising a fluid pathway configured to receive a fluid; a seal configured to restrict fluid flow between the fluid pathway and the patient's urethra, in use, and a valve configured to control the flow of the fluid along the fluid pathway.

Abstract: The present invention pertains generally to the field of therapeutic compounds. More specifically the present invention pertains to certain 2-amino-N-(arylsulfinyl)-acetamide compounds that, inter alia, inhibit (e.g., selectively inhibit) bacterial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (aaRS) (e.g., bacterial leucyl-t RNA synthetase, LeuRS). The present invention also pertains to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and the use of such compounds and compositions, both in vitro and in vivo, to inhibit (e.g., selectively inhibit) bacterial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase; to treat disorders that are ameliorated by the inhibition (e.g., selective inhibition) of bacterial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase; to treat bacterial infections; etc.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) for dispensing an additive into a liquid in a container comprises a support structure (22) and a container holder (28), supported by the support structure (22), for holding a container (21) containing a liquid. The apparatus (20) also includes a capsule holder (38) for holding a capsule (40) containing an additive, for example a liquid, semi-liquid or powder, and a manipulator device (41) which is operable to manipulate the capsule (40), for example by crushing it, to thereby dispense the additive into the liquid in the container (21).

Abstract: A wellbore roller-reamer comprises a mandrel rotatable about a mandrel axis, and a first roller mounted around the mandrel and having an outer reaming surface for engaging a wall of a wellbore. The first roller is rotatable relative to the mandrel about a first roller axis which is offset from the mandrel axis such that, during use, rotation of the mandrel with the outer reaming surface engaged with a wall of the wellbore causes the first roller to be driven to rotate relative to the mandrel and ream the wall of the wellbore.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for processing sealed plastic containers having a first headspace pressure. The apparatus may include: an open entry port or tunnel for continuously receiving containers; a sanitizer configured to sanitize outside surfaces of the received containers; a perforator configured to perforate or open a cap or seal of the containers within the apparatus; a sealer configured to seal the perforation or opening formed in the cap or seal of the containers; an open exit port of tunnel for continuously exiting the processed containers; and a conveyor system configured to transporting or convey the containers from the open entry port or tunnel, through and within the apparatus, to the open exit port or tunnel and away from the sanitized environment of the apparatus. The apparatus may be further configured to maintain a sanitized environment within the apparatus, perforator, and/or sealer.

Abstract: The present invention pertains generally to the field of therapeutic compounds. More specifically the present invention pertains to certain 2-amino-N-(amino-oxo-aryl-?6-sulfanylidene)acetamide compounds (referred to herein as ANASIA compounds) that, inter alia, inhibit (e.g., selectively inhibit) bacterial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (aaRS) (e.g., bacterial leucyl-tRNA synthetase, LeuRS). The present invention also pertains to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and the use of such compounds and compositions, both in vitro and in vivo, to inhibit (e.g., selectively inhibit) bacterial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase; to treat disorders that are ameliorated by the inhibition (e.g., selective inhibition) of bacterial aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase; to treat bacterial infections; etc.

Abstract: A cover (1) for a shaft of a medical scoping device comprises tubular member (2) arranged for application on the distal tip of the medical scoping device. The cover (1) comprises a plurality of projecting elements (3) spaced apart circumferentially around the tubular member (2), each projecting element having a base portion (13) and an arm portion. The projecting elements are pivotably mounted on the tubular member about a pivot axis. The base portion (13) comprises a detent (20), and the tubular member comprises a contact region, for example a protuberance (23), said contact region being located such that pivoting movement of the projecting element for moving the arm portion in a distal direction can effect impacting of the detent (20) on the contact region (23).

Abstract: A tooth (2) for use in a grinding wheel (4), the tooth (2) including a spigot (8) for cooperating with a corresponding structure within a slot (10) of the grinding wheel (4) and a bolt (14) for locking the tooth (2) in the slot (10) of the wheel (4), and a grinding wheel (4) comprising the tooth (2).

Abstract: The invention provides a power converter for converting a three-phase alternating current (AC) supply to a direct current (DC) output, the power converter comprising: a first selector configured to select one of the highest, the second highest or the lowest instantaneous phase to phase voltages of the three-phase supply to provide a first power rail; a second selector configured to select a different one of the highest, the second highest or the lowest instantaneous phase to phase voltages of the three-phase supply to provide a second power rail; a first transformer coupled to the first power rail; a second transformer coupled to the second power rail; a combiner configured to combine the outputs of the first and second transformers to provide the DC output; and a duty cycle controller configured to vary duty cycles of the first and/or second transformers to thereby vary the relative contributions of the first and second power rails to the DC output.

Abstract: A posturally supportive toilet seat apparatus 1 comprising a seat 10 having a base portion 11. The base portion has leg support features 12 and an aperture 13 formed therein for passage of waste therethrough. The apparatus 10 further comprises a back support 14 which extends from a rear end of the base portion 11. The back support 14 and leg support features 12 are shaped, dimensioned, and, in an in use-configuration, adjustable/positionable relative to each other in an oblique relationship. In the in-use configuration, the thighs and torso of a user seated on the seat 10 are encouraged to form an acute interior angle therebetween, with knees locatable above hips, essentially resulting in the user adopting a squat position.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a lid cover having a locking mechanism and a container assembly comprising the lid cover. The lid cover includes a cap connectable with a connector body having a button constructed to be movable between a first position where the button engages the cap to close the connector body, and a second position where the button is separated from the cap to open up the cap. The locking mechanism includes a knob operably coupled to the button, and capable of moving between a locked position where the knob restrains the button within the first position, and an unlocked position where the knob allows the button to be released from the first position into the second position. The present invention is capable of locking the lid cover to prevent an unexpected opening of the lid cover.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for processing plastic containers within an open aseptic converter chamber comprising a sanitized environment, a supply line, a sanitizer device, a perforator device, a sealing device, and a conveyer. During operation, the method includes: providing and filling a container with heated or heatable liquid including water; sealing the container with a seal or cap; cooling the container to create a first headspace pressure; enclosing the container within the chamber; creating an opening in the seal or cap within a sanitized environment of the perforator device; increasing the first headspace pressure to a second headspace pressure by introduction of a sanitized fluid; resealing the container within a sanitized environment of the sealing device; and, transporting or conveying the sealed container away from the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a strap holding device for attachment to a structural member for holding a bottle, comprising a strap having a leading portion, a trailing portion and a securing region therebetween. The leading portion forms a holding loop for holding the bottle, and the trailing portion is used to wrap around the structural member for attachment of the device onto the structural member. The strap holding device is releasably attachable to the structural member for safely maintaining the bottle in place during exercise or travel, and is easily removed or withdrawn from the structural member.

Abstract: A cover (1) for a shaft of a medical scoping device comprises tubular member (2) arranged for application on the distal tip of the medical scoping device. The cover (1) comprises a plurality of projecting elements (3) spaced apart circumferentially around the tubular member (2), each projecting element having a base portion (13) and an arm portion (14). The projecting elements are pivotably mounted on the tubular member about a pivot axis. The base portion (13) comprises a detent (20), and the tubular member comprises a contact region, for example a protuberance (23), said contact region being located such that pivoting movement of the projecting element for moving the arm portion in a distal direction can effect impacting of the detent (20) on the contact region (23).

Abstract: A fluid transfer apparatus is illustrated and described. The fluid transfer apparatus includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a fluid transfer device. The fluid inlet is associated with a fluid receptacle receiving portion, and the fluid receptacle receiving portion is configured to receive and engage at least a portion of a fluid receptacle. The fluid transfer apparatus is configurable between a first isolation state, in which the fluid transfer device is isolated from the fluid receptacle, such that the fluid container is fluidically isolated from the fluid inlet, to a second coupled state, in which the fluid transfer device is engaged with the fluid receptacle, such that the fluid receptacle is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet.