Abstract: The present invention provides disposable illumination sheaths as a sterile barrier between an imaging device and a patient. An exemplary sheath can generally be usable with any imaging system known in the art, for example, an endoscopic imaging system, and can be designed to cover and/or enclose portions of the imaging device that may be exposed to patient tissue and/or bodily fluids. An exemplary sheath of the present invention can be designed to cover and protect the imaging shaft, optics housing, camera housing, handle, imaging output and/or other electrical and component cords, as well as any other portion of the imaging device that may be exposed to contamination. A used sheath can be disposed of after a first procedure and a new, sterile sheath can be used for a subsequent procedure. In this way, an imaging device can be utilized repeatedly without the need for a full sterilization between each procedure.

Abstract: A package for storing and dispensing edible film strips in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a base, a top connected to the base such that the base and top are open at one end, a cover operable to rotate between a closed position in which the open end of the base and top is covered and an open position wherein the open end of the base and top remains open; and at least one pouch, including an edible film strip, positioned in the base and top such that at least a portion of the pouch is exposed when the cover is in the open position.

Abstract: In systems and methods for production of hydrocarbons fluids from a formation surrounding a wellbore, a production assembly is cemented into place, and excess cement is then cleaned from the production tubing and liner. Thereafter, hydrocarbon fluids are produced and artificial gas lift assistance is provided. All of this may be accomplished in a single trip (mono-trip) of the production tubing.

Abstract: Devices and methods for methods for cleaning of excess cement from a production assembly as well as from the annulus surrounding the production assembly. A hydrostatic closed circulation valve (HCCV) assembly is described that is primarily actuatable between open and closed positions by varying hydraulic pressure in the flowbore of the production assembly. The valve assembly is useful for selectively circulating working fluid into the annulus from the flowbore of the production assembly.

Abstract: A feeder device for introducing treatment chemicals into a recirculating water stream from a swimming pool. The feeder device includes a housing having a top and bottom portions. A funnel-like hopper having sidewalls and an open bottom forms the inside of the top portion. A grid at least partially closes the open bottom of the hopper. The grid includes a top surface and a bottom surface. One or more chemicals such as chlorine are contained within the sidewalls of the hopper and supported by the top surface of the grid. A dissolving cup having a bottom surface and sidewalls is positioned within the bottom portion. The sidewalls include an opening or notch of a predetermined cross-sectional area formed therein. The bottom surface includes a center nozzle oriented vertically toward the bottom surface of the grid and an off-center nozzle adapted to direct the fluid horizontally in the dissolving cup.

Abstract: Devices and methods for methods for cleaning of excess cement from a production assembly as well as from the annulus surrounding the production assembly. A hydrostatic closed circulation valve (HCCV) assembly is described that is primarily actuatable between open and closed positions by varying hydraulic pressure in the flowbore of the production assembly. The valve assembly is useful for selectively circulating working fluid into the annulus from the flowbore of the production assembly.

Abstract: A receiver for receiving a radio signal carrying digitally-encoded data has a plurality of diversity antennas, respectively coupled to inputs of a selector. A received signal selected by the selector is equalized by an adaptive equalizer and then demodulated to recover data, when possible. A quality metric dependent on the quality of the recovered data is generated. A switch controller responsive to the quality metric controls the selector. After the controller controls the selector to select a new antenna, it monitors the quality metric as the adaptive equalizer retrains and, if the quality metric does not exceed a predetermined threshold before a predetermined forward guard time expires, the controller causes the selector to select another antenna. The switch controller may also receive a signal level signal dependent on the level of the received signal.

Abstract: An improved tone arm with counterweight assembly for use in a phonograph record player, the tone arm comprising at the rearward end a first counterweight sleeve element and a second counterweight, the first sleeve element having markings thereon to indicate the stylus force and adapted to be slidable on the arm and then to be secured in place, and the second counterweight adapted to be slidable over the sleeve element and in cooperation with the markings to be positioned, to provide the desired weight of stylus force to the stylus on the tone arm.