Abstract: The invention relates to an improved hygienic packaging unit including a strip being arranged in a v-folded assembly, such strip having a sealed enclosure having a protective upper and lower layers wherein it is possible to separate the layers and expose the contents of the enclosure in a single fluid movement. In addition, the described packaging unit allows the sealed enclosure to be opened by using only one hand. Preferably, a plurality of packaging units are connected end-to-end and stacked in a z-folded assembly within a dispenser which facilitates the release of individual packaging units.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an assistive mobility device, for example a walking stick or a crutch, for ergonomically assisting its user to traverse both urban and more challenging terrain. The device includes an elongated pole to support the user and a hand grip by which the user grips the proximate end of the pole. The hand grip is connected to the pole through a user-adjustable damper for absorbing shock. A variety of interchangeable tips are available for the distal end of the pole to adapt the device for a variety of terrains and uses.

Abstract: Luminescent nanostructures (e.g., nanowires) and devices are provided which are capable of emitting bright visible light. The luminescent nanowires are most preferably in the form of a doped ZnO having a spectrally integrated ratio of visible to UV light of at least about 1000 or greater. The dopant for the ZnO luminescent nanowires may be at least one of sulfur, selenium, oxygen, zinc, magnesium, aluminum, with sulfur being especially preferred. The doped ZnO luminescent nanowires may be provided in devices for emitting visible light whereby visible light is emitted by the doped ZnO luminescent nanowires in response to excitation by UV light provided by a UV light source. The device may preferably comprise a transparent or translucent lens covering the UV light source, wherein the doped ZnO luminescent nanowires are present as a coating on a surface of the lens. In some embodiments, the device will comprise multiple UV light sources.

Abstract: System and methods for monitoring, controlling and generating income from the copying and distribution of all forms of digital content within a membership based network of peer-to-peer clients (10, 12, 20). The system creates a controlled environment where only authorised, legitimate content is distributed and all users pay for legal copies but are in return rewarded for any data packets uploaded. Allocation and usage of uploading clients is controlled and prioritised by the central server (18) in order to optimise performance and download speed for purchaser, share distribution of rewards and incentives among uploading clients and enable the security, validation, reconciliation and authorisation of distributed rewards. The invention provides that users upload local transaction logs to the central server (18) on a delayed basis to optimise utilisation of available bandwidth outside of peak times ensure that real-time data transfers between members are facilitated as quickly as possible.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for holding and releasing an object, such device having a body with a cavity in which the object is accommodatable, an elastic retaining member for retaining the object in the cavity, and, a pushing member for pushing the object out of the body past the retaining member. The pushing member has a first stimuli responsive gel, which has a volume that varies in response to variation of a selected physical stimulating parameter and a controller capable of activating the pushing member by stimulating the first gel.

Abstract: A hybrid, hardwired and wireless well communication system having a fiber optical, electrical or other signal transmission conduit extending from the wellhead into the well and one or more wireless signal transducers that are located at a distance from the conduit and transmit wireless signals to one or more signal converters which are coupled to the conduit, and which are located near branchpoints of a multilateral well.

Abstract: A counterbalance system (25) for a door (D) movable between a closed position and an open position having an axle (20), a cable drum (15) attached to the axle, a winding shaft (35) interconnected with the axle by a counterbalance spring (26), and a pawl (70) selectively movable between a first position for adjusting tension in the counterbalance spring and a second position for preventing rotation of the cable drum upon failure of the counterbalance spring, thereby limiting movement of the door toward the closed position.

Abstract: Methods of coating a lens mold are described. One or more methods may include coupling a mold to a mold holder of an eyeglass lens mold coating apparatus. The mold holder may be rotatably coupled to a transport device of the mold coating apparatus. The mold may be moved to a coating process unit. The mold may be rotated while a coating composition is applied to the casting face of the mold. The mold with the coating composition applied may be moved to a curing process unit. Activating light may be applied to the coating composition to initiate curing of the coating composition.

Abstract: A counterbalance system (25) for a door (D) movable between a closed position and an open position having an axle (20), a cable drum (15) attached to the axle, a winding shaft (35) interconnected with the axle by a counterbalance spring (26), and a pawl (70) selectively movable between a first position for adjusting tension in the counterbalance spring and a second position for preventing rotation of the cable drum upon failure of the counterbalance spring, thereby limiting movement of the door toward the closed position.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for forming lenses. In one embodiment, systems for use in forming eyeglass lenses are described that include one or more LED lights. The LED lights may be used to cure lens forming compositions and coating compositions. In other embodiments, methods of determining an appropriate spacing for mold members are described. In other embodiments, methods of forming anti-reflective coatings, photochromic coatings, hardcoat coatings, and combinations thereof, on eyeglass lenses, are described.

Abstract: A high volume lens curing system is described. The high volume lens curing system may be configured to cure multiple eyeglass lenses in a continuous manner. An embodiment of the lens curing system includes an apparatus for preparing an eyeglass lens. The apparatus may include ones or more lens curing units, a mold assembly and mold assembly holders. At least one lens curing unit may include a heating system.

Abstract: A high volume lens curing system is described. The high volume lens curing system is configured to cure multiple eyeglass lenses in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A solid-stated rechargeable battery or other electrochemical element for use at high (>40° C.) temperature comprises a cathodic and/or anodic electrode comprising, as a host material for alkali metal ions, a normal or inverse spinel type material and an electrolyte layer sandwiched between said electrodes, which layer comprises ceramic electrolyte particles that are essentially free of electronically conductive components, and which comprise less that 1% by weight of dissolved alkali containing salt thereby maintaining good performance as regards the capacities delivered during various charge/discharge cycles at a high temperature.

Abstract: There is provided a downhole device for controlling the flow of fluids through an oil and/or gas production well comprises a deformable chamber which contains an electromagnetic field or other stimuli responsive gel and a fluid passage which is closed off in response to a volume increase of the gel and the deformable chamber.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for moving equipment into and through a conduit that is preferably an oil and/or gas production well, wherein use is made of an uphole equipment storage and handling unit via which equipment modules can be moved into a launch conduit and connected to a shuttle device which is able to locomote itself as a wireless tractor via the launch conduit into and from the underlying conduit.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for moving equipment into and through a conduit that is preferably an oil and/or gas production well, wherein use is made of an uphole equipment storage and handling unit via which equipment modules can be moved into a launch conduit and connected to a shuttle device which is able to locomote itself as a wireless tractor via the launch conduit into and from the underlying conduit.

Abstract: A hybrid, hardwired (4) and wireless (8) well communication system comprises a fiber optical, electrical or other signal transmission conduit (4) extending from the wellhead into the well and one or more wireless signal transducers (7) that are located at a distance from the conduit (4) and transmit wireless signals (8) to one or more signal converters (5) which are coupled to the conduit, and which are located near branchpoints (3) of a multilateral well.

Abstract: There is provided a downhole device for controlling the flow of fluids through an oil and/or gas production well comprises a deformable chamber which contains an electromagnetic field or other stimuli responsive gel and a fluid passage which is closed off in response to a volume increase of the gel and the deformable chamber.

Abstract: A device for generating electric power in a wellbore formed in an earth formation, the wellbore being provided with a conduit for passage of a stream of hydrocarbon fluid produced from the earth formation, the power generator comprising a mandrel adapted to be incorporated in the conduit, the mandrel being provided with a side pocket arranged to receive a thermoelectric power generator having a first wall in thermal contact with the stream of hydrocarbon fluid and a second wall in thermal contact with the earth formation surrounding the wellbore.

Abstract: There is provided a multilateral well and electric transmission system comprising a branch well tubular in a branch wellbore which is connected in an electrically conductive manner to a primary well tubular in a primary wellbore such that the primary and branch well tubulars form a link for transmission of electrical power and/or signals between the primary and branch wellbores. Low voltage electrical power can be transmitted from the surface to a battery in the branch wellbore to trickle-charge the battery and signals from battery-actuated measuring and control equipment in the branch wellbore can be transmitted back to surface via the walls of the electrically interconnected primary and branch well tubulars.