Abstract: A plug delivery and pressure test tool are for delivering a plug to a wellbore or tubular and pressure testing the plug in a single trip. The tool has an uphole end and a downhole end; a sealing element; a pressure adjustment means; and a plug attachment means. The plug attachment means is configured to carry a selectively expandable plug to a desired location and selectively release the plug. The sealing element is configured to seal against an internal surface of the wellbore or tubular, thereby creating an isolated volume between the sealing element and the plug. The pressure adjustment means is configured to decrease the pressure in the isolated volume by moving fluid from the isolated volume to an upper fluid volume above the sealing element to create an underbalance in the isolated volume, thereby negatively pressure testing the plug in use.

Abstract: Embodiments may include an expandable access system having contracted and expanded configurations. The system and methods may include an expandable access device having a helix or wrapped shape. Embodiments may include a cannula, stent, needle, trocar, introducer, fastener, and/or any other devices disclosed herein. Embodiments may also include an expandable trocar positionable in at least a portion of the access device. A sleeve or band may be disposed over at least a portion of the access device and configured to resist radial expansion of the access device. Expansion of the trocar and/or receipt of an object may radially expand the access device between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a well tool system for forming a permanent barrier in a well, the system comprising: a well tool device comprising a pyrotechnic mixture and an ignition device provided within or adjacent to the pyrotechnic mixture; a tool string connected above the well tool device; and a replenishment string connected between the well tool device and tool string. The replenishment string comprises pyrotechnic mixture. The elevating device is configured to control the movement of the replenishment string towards a heat generating process started by means of the ignition device.

Abstract: A timed pressure equalization member for use in a siphonic toilet to reduce water loss at the end of a flush cycle is disclosed. The equalization member functions to equalize the pressure in a pressurized chamber after a set period of time and consequently alleviates negative pressure within a pressurized trapway system at or near the end of a flushing cycle via a conduit, to help break the siphon at the end of the flush cycle, thereby reducing the amount of water drained from the water bowl/spot while the bowl is being refilled. At a resting state, the equalization member in the pressurized chamber is partially filled with water. The equalization member empties of water after a set period of time during a flush cycle and allows atmospheric air to enter the pressurized chamber (in fluid communication with the pressurized trapway) at or near the end of the flush cycle.

Abstract: An automatic timed watering planter comprising an inner container with a flange at a top edge and an outer container with a ledge recessed below a top edge upon which the inner container is supported above a water holding space. A battery operated pump with a programmable control unit for an automatic timer is connected to tubing branches which are connected to symmetrically spaced water ports in the flange. Symmetrically spaced posts on the ledge are received in apertures in the flange outboard of the water ports and secured with a clip having a front side with a nozzle outlet connected to one of the tubing branches and rear side with a lip adapted to snap-fit on a bead along a top edge of the outer container.

Abstract: A bedding foundation has a linear actuator for moving a roller carriage forward and backwards. The roller carriage includes wheels which move along rails supported below a rigid platform having an opening extending through the platform. The roller carriage includes a lifter which raises and lowers a roller independently of the movement of the linear actuator. Regardless of the position of the linear actuator, the roller may be raised or lowered. The roller moves back and forth inside the opening extending through the rigid platform and imparts a massage movement to a mattress above the foundation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composition for increasing the expression of a growth factor gene, which contains core-shell structured microparticles as an active ingredient. When administered in vivo along with a growth factor gene, the composition for increasing the expression of a growth factor gene of the present disclosure can increase the expression of the co-administered gene by at least 30%. Especially, when administered along with at least one gene selected from a human hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) gene, an isoform gene of the human hepatocyte growth factor and a variant gene thereof, or at least one gene selected from a human insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) gene, an isoform gene of the human insulin-like growth factor 1 and a variant gene thereof, which are appropriate for the present disclosure, the composition can increase the expression of the gene by at least 30%.

Abstract: A system for visualizing a surgical site is provided. The system includes a robotic mechanism for performing a procedure on a patient, an imaging device coupled to the robotic mechanism, the imaging device configured to provide image data of a site of interest, and a computing device coupled to the imaging device. The computing device includes one or more processors and at least one memory device configured to store executable instructions. The executable instructions, when executed by the processor, are configured to receive the image data of the site of interest, track motion patterns of the site of interest in the received image data, filter the received image data to remove line-of-sight restrictions therein and alter pixels therein based on the tracked motion patterns, and generate an output frame from the filtered image data. The system also includes a presentation interface device coupled to the computing device and configured to present the output frame for visualization of the site of interest.

Abstract: A claw crane game is disclosed with a modification of a cylindrical prize such as a beverage container used for energy drinks and the like, to facilitate use with a crane arcade game. The modification can be a disk, dome, plate, or similar shape that affixes the upper surface of the cylinder, enabling a claw mechanism to grasp and retain the entire prize. The attachment can be in the form of a screw engagement, press-fit, adhesive, or other releasable connection that allows prizes to be captured and consumed with little inconvenience.

Abstract: A hand-held snake snare comprises an elongate hollow rod with a bracket mounted on a proximal end. The bracket mounts a spindle coupled to a motor for rotation of the spindle, which carries a length of cable. A power supply powers the motor to rotate the spindle and shorten or lengthen the unspooled portion of the cable. The rod mounts a block at the distal end and the cable passes through the hollow rod and out an aperture of the block. The free end of the cable is then attached at the block, such that a portion of the cable exiting the rod forms an adjustable loop. A switch connects the motor to the DC power supply, thereby turning the spindle to shorten the third portion of the cable forming the loop, such that an animal can be captured within the loop as a circumference of the loop is reduced.

Abstract: A locking sleeve for connection with a valve box assembly of a central vacuum system includes, a first end adapted to couple to a wall of a valve box assembly, a second end opposite the first end, a central vertical axis between the first end and the second end, a first side adapted to be adjacent to a rear wall of a valve box assembly, a second side opposite the first side, a central horizontal axis between the first side and the second side, a slidable locking mechanism moveable in a sliding manner. The slidable locking mechanism is adapted to secure a vacuum hose assembly to the valve box assembly of the central vacuum system.

Abstract: In one aspect, an implant for replacing subject tissue includes a nonbiologic portion and a biologic portion grown on the nonbiologic portion. The biologic portion may be grown on the nonbiologic portion before being implanted in the subject. The nonbiologic portion may comprise a porous metal substrate (e.g., scaffolding). The nonbiologic portion may be formed by 3D printing (i.e., additive manufacturing). The nonbiologic portion may be patient-specific. A robot may be used to shape the implant before implantation and/or to shape bone being replaced/resurfaced.

Abstract: A central vacuum cleaning system includes an inlet valve mounted at various locations in a structure or RV and connected to the inlet end of a vacuum conduit. A section of hose is slidably mounted within the conduit and extends from the inlet valve for cleaning an adjacent area. The hose includes a hose plug of cuff connected with a distal end of the hose. The hose plug includes an annular channel and a cam to move a pin or button on the valve. The hose plug or cuff may also include a first seal and a second seal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and classifying cracks in pipelines is disclosed. The method for detecting and classifying cracks comprises the steps of: emitting a first shear wave along a region of inspection, the first shear wave being polarized in a first direction; receiving the first shear wave; emitting a second shear wave along the region of inspection, the second shear wave being polarized in a second direction at a minimal angle of about 10° different from the first direction, preferably at an angle of about 30° or more; receiving the second shear wave; examining the anisotropy of the first and second received shear waves by comparing at least one wave property of said first and second received shear wave for detecting and classifying cracks in the region of inspection. Said apparatus as disclosed herein comprises emitting and receiving EMATs, and is configured to carry out said method.

Abstract: A pocketed spring assembly comprises parallel strings, each string joined to at least one adjacent string. At least some of the strings have springs of different gauge wire and some of the pockets of the strings having springs of different gauge wire are spliced together. At least some of the strings have springs of different geometries and some of the pockets of the strings having springs of different geometries are spliced together. At least some strings may have end sections with springs different than a middle section therebetween, the springs of the end sections being firmer than the springs of the middle section.

Abstract: A method of assembling conduit section in a building or like structure includes providing a first conduit section within an associated concrete slab, and adhering a connector sleeve to the first conduit section before concrete is deposited about the first conduit section and the connector sleeve. Concrete is deposited to a grade level generally at the same height as the connector sleeve. A coupling element having upper and lower section is next adhered to the connector sleeve so that the coupling element extends above the concrete slab. An associated second conduit sections or the like can then be efficiently joined to the upper section of the coupling element, to thereby join the second conduit section, positioned above the concrete slab, to the first conduit section positioned within the slab.