Abstract: A robot for exploring a conduit including a first frame and a second frame. The first frame and the second frame each including a bearing module provided with a plurality of articulated arms. Each articulated arm including a bearing portion that can be applied against a wall of the conduit. Each bearing module is further configured to alternately switch from a bearing portion engaged configuration into a bearing portion disengaged configuration. The articulated arms are disposed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis x of the robot, and the articulated arms are capable of at least partially moving between said engaged configuration and said disengaged configuration, via a rotational motion about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis x.

Abstract: The invention relates to a robot 1 comprising a first frame 10 and a second frame 10?, the first frame 10 and the second frame 10? each comprising a bearing module 11 for bearing against a wall 20 of a conduit 2, and at least one positioning system 12 for the relative positioning of the first frame 10 and the second frame 10?, the robot 1 being characterised in that the positioning system 12 comprises at least a first pair 120 of linear actuators disposed in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis x of the robot 1, able to be independently actuated such that they move in translation, and configured to be free to rotate relative to at least one of either the first frame 10 or the second frame 10?, so as to position the first frame 10 and the second frame 10? relative to one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing accessory cells, said accessory cells may themselves be used for preparing activated NK cells that may be used in various therapeutic protocols (e.g. cancer treatment). More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for preparing an accessory cell comprising the steps consisting of i) providing a cell and ii) inhibiting in said cell the expression of a gene encoding for a Killer-Cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor(s) (KIR) ligand.

Abstract: A slingshot type spear gun for underwater fishing comprises a rod, a guide for an arrow at the forward end of the rod, and a pistol grip trigger mechanism at the rear end of the rod. A sleeve slidably mounted on the rod has one end of the rubber bands used for propelling the arrow fastened thereto, one pair of cross bars extending sidewise, and a mechanism for automatically releasably locking the sleeve to the rod. In order to cock the gun, the sleeve is pulled backwardly along the rod to a position in which the yoke at the free ends of the rubber bands may be easily engaged in a notch on the arrow. Thereafter, the sleeve is shifted forwardly along the rod by the user, pushing it with the feet bearing on the cross bars, until it reaches the desired loading degree of the rubber bands. The locking mechanism will automatically lock the sleeve in the desired position, against the action of the rubber bands.