Abstract: A capsule endomicroscope has a predetermined axial length and a diameter smaller than the axial length. The endomicroscope can acquire images of a surface of a hollow organ, and includes a microscopic image acquisition assembly having an optical axis oriented in a radial direction of the endomicroscope to acquire microscopic images of a section of the surface of a hollow organ present in a predetermined image acquisition area on a radial outer surface of the endomicroscope through a housing of the endomicroscope that has sectionally light-transparent material. A light source emits light rays in a radial direction through the light-transparent material of the housing during image acquisition. The light source and the light-transparent material of the housing located between the light source and the predetermined image acquisition area are interconnected to each other such that no refraction interface exists between the light source and the image acquisition area.

Abstract: The invention provides an electric circuit device including a conductive element configured to provide an electrical input to an electrical component, the resistivity of the conductive element being variable based at least on the extent of deformation thereof, and a deformable body coupled directly or indirectly to, or integral with, the conductive element such that deformation of the body causes the conductive element to deform, thereby varying the resistance thereof and altering the input to the electrical component. Said devices may be used singularly or in combination as logic elements within electrical circuits, providing drive and/or control functionality. Particular embodiments provide improved electrostatic generators.

Abstract: A medical capsule is equipped with a sensor device having light emitting and light receiving elements. The sensor device can detect blood on the basis of light absorption properties of the blood. The capsule has a casing forming a recess or gap at its outer surface. The recess has a pre-selected width which represents a fixed measuring track between the light emitting and light receiving elements being arranged at opposing sides of the recess or gap when seen in its width direction. The medical capsule also has a shielding plate/layer/membrane arranged at least at or near the bottom of the recess or gap and extending along the width direction of the recess or gap preferably to exceed the recess at both sides into its width direction to prohibit emitted light from bypassing the recess via the casing material of the capsule.

Abstract: Provided herein are inhibitors of transmembrane protein 16A (TMEM 16A), a Ca2+-activated CI? channel expressed widely in mammalian epithelia, as well as in vascular smooth muscle and some tumors and electrically excitable cells. TMEM16A inhibitors have potential utility for treatment or management of disorders of epithelial fluid and mucus secretion, hypertension, some cancers, pain, and other diseases.

Abstract: The invention provides a compound of formula (0): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, N-oxide or tautomer thereof; wherein: n is 1 or 2; X is CH or N; Y is selected from CH and C—F; Z is selected from C—Rz and N; R1 is selected from: -(Alk1)t-Cyc1; wherein t is 0 or 1; Optionally substituted C1-6 acyclic hydrocarbon groups R2 is selected from hydrogen; halogen; and C1-3 hydrocarbon groups optionally substituted with one or more fluorine atoms; R3 is hydrogen or a group L1-R7; R4 is selected from hydrogen; methoxy; and optionally substituted C1-3 alkyl; and R4a is selected from hydrogen and a C1-3 alkyl group; wherein Rz, Alk1, Cyc1, L1 and R7 are defined herein; provided that the compound is other than 6-benzyl-3-{2-[(2-methylpyrimidin-4-yl)amino]pyridin-4-yl}-7,8-dihydro-1,6-naphthyridin-5(6H)-one and 3-{2-[(2-methylpyrimidin-4-yl)amino]pyridin-4-yl}-7,8-dihydro-1,6-naphthyridin-5(6H)-one and salts and tautomers thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to transformers. More particularly, the invention relates to transformers using (preferably electrostatic and more preferably dielectric elastomer) transducers such as generators and actuators. The invention further provides a priming circuit therefor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices, and methods for using the devices, to create and secure a tissue fold during an endoluminal medical procedure. The devices and methods may be used for folding and securing, for example, a fundus wall onto an esophagus wall or esophageal tissue in the region of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to reduce the diameter of the esophagus opening in that region. One aspect of the invention includes forming the tissue fold by closing a grasping arm that is pivotably connected to an overtube that has been positioned at the juncture of the fundus wall and esophagus wall. A further aspect of the invention includes tissue clips configured to be inserted and positioned through an endoluminal device.

Abstract: The invention provides circuits, systems and methods for dielectric elastomer device (DED) self-sensing. The circuit comprises a first DED coupled or adapted for coupling to a first voltage source (for providing an actuating or priming signal, for example); a current sensor provided in series with the first DED; and an oscillating signal source coupled to the first DED and adapted to cause an oscillation in a voltage across the DED, wherein the oscillating signal source is decoupled from the first voltage source.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a laminated device of flexible and compliant layers of material, such as used to provide a dielectric elastomer sensor. A flexible and compliant layer of material is affixed to a substrate to avoid strain during processing is bonded to another layer of flexible and compliant material and released from the substrate to form a laminate. The layer of flexible and compliant material affixed to the substrate may be inspected prior to bonding.

Abstract: The invention provides a compound of formula (0): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, N-oxide or tautomer thereof; wherein: n is 1 or 2; X is CH or N; Y is selected from CH and C—F; Z is selected from C—Rz and N; R1 is selected from: -(Alk1)t-Cyc1; wherein t is 0 or 1; Optionally substituted C1-6 acyclic hydrocarbon groups R2 is selected from hydrogen; halogen; and C1-3 hydrocarbon groups optionally substituted with one or more fluorine atoms; R3 is hydrogen or a group L1-R7; R4 is selected from hydrogen; methoxy; and optionally substituted C1-3 alkyl; and R4a is selected from hydrogen and a C1-3 alkyl group; wherein Rz, Alk1, Cyc1, L1 and R7 are defined herein; provided that the compound is other than 6-benzyl-3-{2-[(2-methylpyrimidin-4-yl)amino]pyridin-4-yl}-7,8-dihydro-1,6-naphthyridin-5(6H)-one and 3-{2-[(2-methylpyrimidin-4-yl)amino]pyridin-4-yl}-7,8-dihydro-1,6-naphthyridin-5(6H)-one and salts and tautomers thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a braiding machine with at least two impellers for displacing at least one clapper, wherein the clapper is made at least partially of a ferromagnetic material and wherein each of the impellers has at least one clapper receiver comprising a plurality of electromagnets, wherein the electromagnets enclose a partial circumference of the clapper of about 50° to about 120°.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a switch for sorting, deflecting, and supplying ferromagnetic elements. Here, the switch comprises at least two electromagnets, which are embodied curved or circular. The magnets may be installed fixed in the switch, on the one hand, or supported on an axis, on the other hand. The ferromagnetic elements are moved by a conveying element through the switches. Advantageously the switch can also be used to control bobbins in a braiding machine. Here, the bobbin can be transferred to another impeller. This way new options are generated with regard to flexibility of braids. Further, this invention offers a considerable reduction of braiding time in case of complex braids.

Abstract: The present invention concerns capsule endomicroscope having a predetermined axial length and a diameter being smaller than the axial length the capsule endomicroscope being adapted to acquire images of a surface of a hollow organ, comprising a microscopic image acquisition assembly the optical axis thereof is orientated into the radial direction of the capsule endomicroscope in a way to acquire microscopic images of a section of the surface of a hollow organ present in a predetermined image acquisition area on an radial outer surface of the capsule endomicroscope through a housing of the capsule endomicroscope consisting of at least sectionally light-transparent material, and a light source adapted to emit light rays in the radial direction of the capsule endomicroscope through the light-transparent material of the housing during image acquisition, wherein the light source and the light-transparent material of the housing located between the light source and the predetermined image acquisition area are inter

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a method of fabricating a laminate of flexible and compliant layers of material, such as used to provide a dielectric elastomer sensor. According to the method a flexible and compliant layer of material which is affixed to a substrate to avoid strain during processing is bonded to another layer of flexible and compliant material and released from the substrate to form a laminate. The layer of flexible and compliant material affixed to the substrate may be inspected prior to bonding.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a method of fabricating a laminate of flexible and compliant layers of material, such as used to provide a dielectric elastomer sensor. According to the method a flexible and compliant layer of material which is affixed to a substrate to avoid strain during processing is bonded to another layer of flexible and compliant material and released from the substrate to form a laminate. The layer of flexible and compliant material affixed to the substrate may be inspected prior to bonding.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides an electrical sensor having an electrical capacitance which varies with mechanical deformation to allow instrumenting of deformation by a connected electric circuit, the sensor comprising conductive material separated by dielectric material and operable to deform and change in capacitance with deformation of the capacitor, the capacitor arranged to have a structure of a twisted plane wherein the capacitor is supported in that arrangement by support material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanically-actuated switch comprising a deformable conductive element providing a conductive path between a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the effective geometry of the conductive element changes suddenly upon deformation to cause a disproportionately large change in a resistance between the first and second terminals. The switch can be made from lightweight and soft materials, and is particularly suited for integration with dielectric elastomer devices. Also disclosed are various circuits and a method for controlling circuits including the switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an endoscope cap with a holding and withdrawal device for a tissue clip (4) that can be placed onto a spreading sleeve (3) of the endoscope cap (1). The endoscope cap comprises an end groove (7) that opens at the front edge of the spreading sleeve (3) and that slits open the cap wall on both sides, and a withdrawal thread or web (11) that radially traverses the end groove (7) in a forward axial cap section and that is introduced or can be introduced slideably into an endoscope channel for actuation thereof at a radial inside of the endoscope cap (1).

Abstract: What is disclosed is an endoscopic surgical instrument with a hose-shaped outside jacket, in which a likewise hose-shaped inside jacket is supported relatively displaceable, on whose distal end section a sleeve or shaft-shaped instrument head is formed or mounted. In the instrument head is fixed a needle-shaped RF electrode electrically-insulated, whose electrical supply line is routed through the inside jacket, and which projects freely beyond the distal end of the instrument head in the axial direction. In the instrument head is formed a flush channel, extending at least axially, opening at both instrument head ends.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides a method of fabricating a laminate of flexible and compliant layers of material, such as used to provide a dielectric elastomer sensor. According to the method a flexible and compliant layer of material which is affixed to a substrate to avoid strain during processing is bonded to another layer of flexible and compliant material and released from the substrate to form a laminate. The layer of flexible and compliant material affixed to the substrate may be inspected prior to bonding.