Abstract: A tubular sheath for enclosing an expandable balloon attached to the distal portion of a catheter encloses and protects the expandable balloon. The tubular sheath is configured to be slidable and removable from the catheter. The tubular sheath may include a longitudinal splitting element that is removable as a result of a force applied to the longitudinal splitting element. The longitudinal splitting element is configured to split the wall of the tubular sheath in response to the force. Alternatively, the tubular sheath may include a gripping portion that has relatively poor cohesive strength to adjacent portions of the tubular sheath. The tubular sheath is configured to be removable in response to a force applied to the gripping portion.

Abstract: A tubular sheath for enclosing an expandable balloon attached to the distal portion of a catheter encloses and protects the expandable balloon. The tubular sheath is configured to be slidable and removable from the catheter. The tubular sheath may include a longitudinal splitting element that is removable as a result of a force applied to the longitudinal splitting element. The longitudinal splitting element is configured to split the wall of the tubular sheath in response to the force. Alternatively, the tubular sheath may include a gripping portion that has relatively poor cohesive strength to adjacent portions of the tubular sheath. The tubular sheath is configured to be removable in response to a force applied to the gripping portion.

Abstract: A tubular sheath for enclosing an expandable balloon attached to the distal portion of a catheter encloses and protects the expandable balloon. The tubular sheath is configured to be slidable and removable from the catheter. The tubular sheath may include a longitudinal splitting element that is removable as a result of a force applied to the longitudinal splitting element. The longitudinal splitting element is configured to split the wall of the tubular sheath in response to the force. Alternatively, the tubular sheath may include a gripping portion that has relatively poor cohesive strength to adjacent portions of the tubular sheath. The tubular sheath is configured to be removable in response to a force applied to the gripping portion.

Abstract: A system and method for management of participants within an education-based cultural exchange program, wherein the system and method provide for a multiplicity of participants to share cultural-related information and other information not specifically related to the cultural distinctions of a respective participant within a phased program, the phases including at least acclimation, teaching, and sharing phases, and the program further providing for self-administration of administrative matters, tracking participants and information within the program framework and timeframe, and auditing the program.

Abstract: A pointing device for a computer system, comprising a base, a joystick secured to the base, and a circular pad mounted centrally on the joystick such that manual pressure at a point near a periphery of the pad causes deflection of the joystick in a direction toward the pressure point. Appropriate electronics are used for translating a pitch angle of the joystick into electrical signals, which can then be conveyed to a controller of the computer system. An actuation button is mounted to the base to allow selection of objects on the display, or other mouse operations. The pad is located within a recessed portion of the base, and deflection of the pad is limited by an adjacent recessed surface and a rim of the base.