Abstract: Systems and methods for driving and steering of a robot, or mobile vessel, for operation in a downhole pipe of an oil/gas/water well are presented. According to one aspect, the mobile vessel includes a plurality of wheels arranged outwardly from the mobile vessel so that each wheel may contact the inner wall of the casing. According to another aspect, the plurality of wheels may include respective wheel-centerlines that intersect the centerline of the casing that is at an offset from a centerline of the mobile vessel. The plurality of wheels includes at least two drive wheels and at least one passive wheel. According to a further aspect, the drive wheels are configured to rotate about their respective wheel-centerlines to steer the mobile vessel during traversal of the casing. In one case, the mobile vessel includes two drive and steering wheels and one passive wheel.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to compositions and methods for treating, detecting and assisting in the diagnosis of Streptococcus pyogenes infection, of rheumatic fever or of poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN), and compositions and methods for assessing the propensity for developing rheumatic fever or PSGN in subjects in need thereof. Recombinant polypeptides, including recombinant Streptococcus pyogenes SpnA polypeptides, and compositions comprising such polypeptides, for use in such methods are also provided.

Abstract: A BiBlade sampler may include a first blade and a second blade in a retracted position. The BiBlade sampler may also include a gripper, which is driven by an actuator. The gripper may include a plurality of fingers to force the first blade and the second blade to remain in a retracted position. When the fingers are unhooked, the first blade and the second blade penetrate a surface of an object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified crumb rubber particle having carbon to silicon bonds created by the reaction of the unsaturation in the crumb rubber particle and silicon hydride, with or without the use of a catalyst. Bound silicon content ranges from about 0.1% to 10% by weight. The silicon-modified crumb rubber can be used as is or a reinforcing filler in formulations. Typically the silicon-modified crumb rubber is used in up to 25% by weight of the total rubber present in virgin rubber compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to braking apparatus for a linear motor driven load, where the motor comprises a source of electrical energy, a bed having a braking surface, and a load carrying member operably interconnected to the bed for relative movement with respect thereto. The braking apparatus comprises, a brake arm pivotally mounted at its proximal end to the load carrying member. A frictional braking pad is disposed on the distal end of the brake arm in opposing relation to the braking surface on the linear motor's bed. A biasing apparatus, such as a spring, is in contact with the brake arm for pivoting the brake arm with respect to the load carrying member and placing the brake pad of the brake arm in contact with the braking surface on the bed of the linear motor. An electrically responsive solenoid is coupled to the source of electrical energy for overcoming the biasing apparatus during times when electrical power is being supplied to the linear motor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination of game pieces having a ferrous metal member on a peripheral edge or surrounding the periphery thereof, and a magnetic wand for lifting the pieces from a playing board or surface. Because the pieces themselves are not magnetized, they will not adhere to one another when they are either placed on a game board, or in storage. However, the ferrous metal edging on the game tiles allows them to be easily lifted and removed from a playing board or surface.

Abstract: Cathodic protection system for the cathodic protection of a reinforced concrete structure, which system comprises a concrete structure containing steel reinforcement bars and an electrically conductive coating bonded to an external surface and in electrical contact with the structure, and wherein said electrically conductive coating is a non-cementitious coating comprising a matrix of an organic polymer containing electrical conductivity-providing particles of carbon coated with a conductive metal of a type possessing a natural passive oxide film which is itself electrically conductive, and an alkaline buffer material or combination of materials for inhibiting or preventing the build up of acidity in the coating when the cathodic protection system is in operation.

Abstract: Cathodic protection system for the cathodic protection of a reinforced concrete structure, which system comprises a concrete structure containing steel reinforcement bars and an electrically-conductive coating bonded to an external surface and in electrical contact with the structure, and wherein said electrically conductive coating is a non-cementitious coating comprising a matrix of an organic polymer containing electrical conductivity-providing particles of carbon coated with a conductive metal of a type possessing a natural passive oxide film which is itself electrically conductive, and an alkaline buffer material or combination of materials for inhibiting or preventing the build up of acidity in the coating when the cathodic protection system is in operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for stripping a cylindrical workpiece, such as a can body, from a cylindrical supporting device, such as a punch of a can body making machine, using a plurality of resilient fingers which are mounted in a circumferentially spaced relationship to provide a circular opening having a diameter less than the outer diameter of the punch so that on the return stroke of the punch, the resilient fingers will be in contact with the outer surface of the punch and will contact the leading edge of the workpiece to disengage it from the punch.

Abstract: An electrode comprising a first structure of a low conductivity non-metallic material spaced from a second structure of a high conductivity material which acts as a current distributor to the first structure, and a low melting metal or alloy of bismuth between and in contact with the structures.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell comprising at least one anode and at least one cathode and pipework for charging liquor to the electrolytic cell and pipework for discharging liquor from the electrolytic cell, in which at least one of the pipeworks is made in part of an electrically non-conducting material and which also comprises an electrically conducting electrode material positioned in the pipework, e.g. a section of pipework made of a metallic electrode material, and in which the electrode material is electrically connected directly or indirectly to the anode or cathode by means of an electrical connection external of the electrolytic cell.