Abstract: A backup ring assembly has a plurality of radially offset ring members including an outermost ring member formed from plurality of axially extending segments. Each of the plurality of axially extending segments includes an outer surface. A first interlock member support is coupled to the outer surface of one of the plurality of axially extending segments of the outer most ring member. A second interlock member support is coupled to the outer surface of an another one of the plurality of axially extending segments of the outermost ring member. An interlock member includes a first end supported at the first interlock member support and a second end supported at the second interlock member support. The interlock member restrains radially outward expansion of the ring and circumferential expansion of a gap extending between the one of the axially extending segments and the another one of the axially extending segments.

Abstract: A cable may include a plurality of twisted pairs of individually insulated conductors, a separator positioned between the twisted pairs, and a jacket formed around the twisted pairs and the separator. The separator may include a longitudinally extending spine positioned between the plurality of twisted pairs and a plurality of projections extending from the spine. Each projection may extend between at least one adjacent set of twisted pairs. Further, along a longitudinal length of the separator, the plurality of projections extend between all of the adjacent sets of twisted pairs. However, at any given cross-sectional point along the longitudinal length, the separator does not extend between all of the adjacent sets of twisted pairs.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly supports a diverter for landing in an existing multilateral junction. Once landed set down weight allows the BHA to progress through the diverter opening into a main bore, for example. A protective sleeve for the seal assembly lands on a shoulder above the targeted seal bore. Further advancing of the BHA moves the seal assembly out of the protective sleeve that has landed on the shoulder by the polished bore. Once the seals are in position in the bore a treatment can be accomplished. On picking up the seal assembly retracts into the protective sleeve and the BHA engages the diverter to bring the BHA and the diverter out of the borehole at the same time.

Abstract: A hybrid cable configured to tether a drone or other aerial device to a base station may include at least one conductor configured to carry a power signal and at least one optical fiber component. A jacket may be formed around the at least one conductor and the at least one optical fiber component. The jacket may have an airfoil cross-sectional shape that is symmetrical about a center line extending from a first rounded edge to a second trailing edge. As a result, the cable may orient itself towards the wind and a lift force exerted on the cable may be approximately equal along opposite lateral sides of the cable.

Abstract: A cable may include a plurality of twisted pairs of individually insulated conductors, a separator positioned between the twisted pairs, and a jacket formed around the twisted pairs and the separator. The separator may include a longitudinally extending spine positioned between the plurality of twisted pairs, and a plurality of projections extending from the spine with each projection extending between a set of adjacent twisted pairs. Additionally, a plurality of longitudinally spaced radial ridges may be incorporated into the separator. Each ridge may extend from a surface of one of the plurality of projections towards one of the plurality of twisted pairs in order to provide increased separation distance.

Abstract: A backup ring assembly has a plurality of radially offset ring members including an outermost ring member formed from plurality of axially extending segments. Each of the plurality of axially extending segments includes an outer surface. A first interlock member support is coupled to the outer surface of one of the plurality of axially extending segments of the outer most ring member. A second interlock member support is coupled to the outer surface of an another one of the plurality of axially extending segments of the outermost ring member. An interlock member includes a first end supported at the first interlock member support and a second end supported at the second interlock member support. The interlock member restrains radially outward expansion of the ring and circumferential expansion of a gap extending between the one of the axially extending segments and the another one of the axially extending segments.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide a thermally robust laser probe assembly comprising a cannula, wherein one or more optical fibers extend at least partially through the cannula for transmitting laser light from a laser source to a target location. The probe assembly further comprises a lens housed in the cannula and a protective component press-fitted to the distal end of the cannula, wherein the lens is positioned between the one or more optical fibers and the protective component.

Abstract: Various embodiments are generally directed to a surgical probe with shape-memory material, such as a probe with a set of light sources, for instance. Some embodiments are particularly directed to a cannula with a shape-memory material that is used to secure a window. In one or more embodiments, for example, an apparatus for surgical use may include a cannula with a shape-memory material in an austenitic phase. In some embodiments, the window may be positioned at an opening of the cannula when the shape-memory material is in a martensitic phase. In some embodiments, transitioning the shape-memory material from the martensitic phase to the austenitic phase secures the window in position at the opening of the cannula.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a multi-core optical fiber cable (MCF). In some embodiments, an MCF comprises a plurality of cores, a cladding surrounding the plurality of cores, wherein a refractive index of one or more of the plurality of cores is greater than a refractive index of the cladding, and a coating surrounding the cladding, a distal end free of the coating and having a reduced diameter. The MCF also comprise an annular gap formed between the distal end of the MCF and the inner surface of the cannula, wherein the concentricity of the distal end of the MCF with the inner passage of the cannula is maintained.

Abstract: A laser probe includes a cannula, at least one optical fiber positioned within the cannula, and a lens positioned within the cannula at a distal end of the fiber. The lens is adapted to receive a laser beam from the optical fiber at a proximal end of the lens and to transmit the laser beam towards a distal end of the lens. The laser probe includes an optical element configured coupled to the cannula by a brazed joint and to receive the laser beam from the distal end of the lens and emit the laser beam from the probe. The brazed joint may form a hermetic or liquid-tight seal between the optical element and the cannula.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a thermally robust laser probe assembly. The probe assembly comprises a cannula through which one or more optical fibers extend at least partially for transmitting laser light from a laser source to a target location. The probe assembly also comprises a lens housed in the cannula and a protective component at a distal end of the cannula, wherein the lens is positioned between the one or more optical fibers and the protective component, and wherein the distal end of the cannula is sealed at a sealing location of the probe assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a distal tip of an endoscope includes a driver configured to be mounted over a shaft of the endoscope, the driver adapted for generating transverse waves along a length of the shaft. The apparatus may be provided as a retrofit to existing equipment, or as a feature of new equipment. Methods of operation are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treating a heart includes radially expanding a housing component within a native atrioventricular valve. The housing component includes an atrial anchoring mechanism for deployment in the left atrium and ventricular prongs for engagement with native tissue in the left ventricle. The housing component also includes an interior passageway sized for receiving a valve component. After the housing component has been deployed, the valve component is radially expanded within the passageway of the housing component. The valve component includes three leaflets configured for allowing blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. After expansion within the housing component, the valve component may have an inflow end portion that protrudes above the housing component into the left atrium. The housing component and valve component are preferably collapsible for advancement through a patient's vasculature using one or more catheters.

Abstract: A cable may include a plurality of twisted pairs of individually insulated conductors and a separator positioned between the twisted pairs. The separator may be formed from a tape that is scored at a plurality of respective spaced locations along a longitudinal direction. As a result of scoring the second portion, a plurality of longitudinally spaced sections extending from the first portion may be defined. The tape may then be twisted along the longitudinal direction such that a first of the plurality of sections extends in a first direction between a first set of adjacent twisted pairs and a second of the plurality of sections extends in a second direction different than the first direction and between a second set of adjacent twisted pairs. A jacket may be formed around the twisted pairs and the separator.

Abstract: A method of treating a heart includes radially expanding a housing component within a native atrioventricular valve. The housing component includes an atrial anchoring mechanism for deployment in the left atrium and ventricular prongs for engagement with native tissue in the left ventricle. The housing component also includes an interior passageway sized for receiving a valve component. After the housing component has been deployed, the valve component is radially expanded within the passageway of the housing component. The valve component includes three leaflets configured for allowing blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. After expansion within the housing component, the valve component may have an inflow end portion that protrudes above the housing component into the left atrium. The housing component and valve component are preferably collapsible for advancement through a patient's vasculature using one or more catheters.

Abstract: A fiber optic drop cable may include a buffer tube having a diameter between approximately 2.20 mm and approximately 3.20 mm to facilitate housing of at least twelve optical fibers. First and second strength rod may be respectively positioned on opposite sides of the buffer tube, and each strength rod may have a diameter between approximately 1.25 mm and approximately 2.10 mm. Additionally, a jacket may be formed around the buffer tube and the strength rods. The jacket may have an elongated cross-sectional shape with a major dimension between approximately 8.0 mm and approximately 9.5 mm and a minor dimension between approximately 4.0 mm and approximately 4.4 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a distal tip of an endoscope includes a driver configured to be mounted over a shaft of the endoscope, the driver adapted for generating transverse waves along a length of the shaft. The apparatus may be provided as a retrofit to existing equipment, or as a feature of new equipment. Methods of operation are disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques related to data collaboration between different entities are disclosed. In an embodiment, a graph may be displayed in a computer graphical user interface. The graph may include nodes and edges. Each node may represent a distinct data object. Each edge may represent one or more relationships between the two distinct data objects. Based on one or more redaction criteria, a portion of the graph may be identified to be redacted before the graph is exported. Display of the graph in the computer graphical user interface may be updated to remove display of the portion of the graph. After the updating, a request to export the graph may be received. Responsive to receiving the request, a machine-readable representation of a redacted graph may be exported.

Abstract: A cable may include a plurality of twisted pairs of individually insulated conductors, a separator positioned between the twisted pairs, and a jacket formed around the twisted pairs and the separator. The separator may include a longitudinally extending spine positioned between the plurality of twisted pairs, and one or more respective projections extending from the spine at each of a plurality of longitudinally spaced locations. Each projection at a given spaced location may extend between a respective set of adjacent twisted pairs. Additionally, a respective longitudinal gap of at least approximately five centimeters may be present between each adjacent pair of longitudinally spaced locations.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis (100) comprises a housing component (110) and a valve component (130). The housing component (110) comprises a housing body (111) having a housing passage (112) extending therethrough. The housing body (111) is configured to be located in, or adjacent to and communicating with, a native valve orifice (16) of a heart (10) and to engage structure of the heart (10) to fix the housing body (111) in relation to the valve orifice (161). The housing component (111) is collapsible for delivery via catheter (2). The valve component (130) comprises a valve body (131) having a valve passage (132) extending therethrough. The valve body (131) is configured to be fixed within the housing passage (112) with the valve passage (132) extending along the housing passage (112).