Abstract: A printer head cleaner can include a housing and a plunger coupled to the housing. The plunger can include a bit retainer and a pusher. The bit retainer is configured to retain a bit. The pusher can advance the bit with respect to the housing and/or rotate the bit when pressure is applied to the plunger. In some implementations, the housing defines one or more registration features that can register a printer head with respect to the housing so that the bit is guided while advancing into the nozzle of a printer head.

Abstract: A printer head cleaner can include a housing and a plunger coupled to the housing. The plunger can include a bit retainer and a pusher. The bit retainer is configured to retain a bit. The pusher can advance the bit with respect to the housing and/or rotate the bit when pressure is applied to the plunger. In some implementations, the housing defines one or more registration features that can register a printer head with respect to the housing so that the bit is guided while advancing into the nozzle of a printer head.

Abstract: A pipe crawler for crawling inside a pipe having an inside wall includes a front leg assembly that has front legs and feet. It also includes a rear leg assembly that has rear legs and feet. The rear leg assembly is disposed at a distance from the front leg assembly. A midsection operably couples the front leg assembly to the rear leg assembly and is configured to extend and contract the distance between the front leg assembly and the rear leg assembly. A plurality of lever arms are pivotably coupled between the front legs and their corresponding assemblies. The lever arms, in response to a force applied in an orientation traveling from the front of the pipe crawler to the rear of the pipe crawler, are configured to redirect a portion of the force into a normal force between the feet and the pipe inside wall.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for use in the treatment of an individual suffering from liver disease, including: (a) means for selectively removing albumin from the blood of the individual; and (b) means for selectively removing endotoxin from the blood of the individual.

Abstract: A method for assessing liver function in an individual, which method comprises determining the level of methylarginine(s) (such as ADMA and/or SDMA) and the ratio of ischemia modified albumin (IMA): albumin ratio (IMAR) in the individual, thereby to assess liver function in the individual.

Abstract: A method for assessing prognosis in an individual suffering from liver failure, which method comprises detecting endotoxin in the individual, for example by determining the neutrophil function in the individual. The method can be used to determine whether there is an increased risk of infection in the individual, an increased risk of organ failure in the individual, an increased risk of mortality in the individual and/or an increased risk that the individual will not respond positively to treatment with an immunosuppressive agent, a steroid or an antibiotic.

Abstract: A method of controlling corrosion in a subsea pipeline is disclosed which includes supplying a low dose inhibitor stream (LDHI) comprised of a quaternary amine and drying with a desiccant.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a slide gate 201 for use in conveyor systems that include permanent magnets 221 to hold slide gate components in place relative to a conveyor trough 202, while allowing the slide gate 201 to slide between open and closed positions relative to an opening or cutout 219 formed in the conveyor floor. The slide gate 201 is controllably opened and closed by an actuator system and can be magnetically attached to the actuator system 215 such that the slide gate 201 is attached to the conveyor system entirely through magnetic force. Magnetic attachment of the slide gate 201 provides improved performance, ease of cleaning, and safety compared to known slide gate systems.

Abstract: A method for assessing prognosis in an individual suffering from liver failure, which method comprises detecting endotoxin in the individual, for example by determining the neutrophil function in the individual. The method can be used to determine whether there is an increased risk of infection in the individual, an increased risk of organ failure in the individual, an increased risk of mortality in the individual and/or an increased risk that the individual will not respond positively to treatment with an immunosuppressive agent, a steroid or an antibiotic.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for use in the treatment of an individual suffering from liver disease, including: (a) means for selectively removing albumin from the blood of the individual; and (b) means for selectively removing endotoxin from the blood of the individual.

Abstract: A method for assessing liver function in an individual, which method comprises determining the level of methylarginine(s) (such as ADMA and/or SDMA) and the ratio of ischemia modified albumin (IMA):albumin ratio (IMAR) in the individual, thereby to assess liver function in the individual.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a slide gate 201 for use in conveyor systems that include permanent magnets 221 to hold slide gate components in place relative to a conveyor trough 202, while allowing the slide gate 201 to slide between open and closed positions relative to an opening or cutout 219 formed in the conveyor floor. The slide gate 201 is controllably opened and closed by an actuator system and can be magnetically attached to the actuator system 215 such that the slide gate 201 is attached to the conveyor system entirely through magnetic force. Magnetic attachment of the slide gate 201 provides improved performance, ease of cleaning, and safety compared to known slide gate systems.

Abstract: This invention provides a means of coupling a detachable member, like a cellular phone for example, to a rotational member, but only when the rotational member is coupled to a base member. The invention also provides a means of presenting the detachable member to the user. In one exemplary application, the invention is coupled to a console of an automobile. The detachable member is secured to the rotational member by a retention hood at the bottom of the rotational member. A sliding latch in the rotational member has a hook that engages a detente in the detachable member when the rotational member engages the base member. The invention thus holds the detachable member in a fixedly stable position when the rotational member couples with the base member.

Abstract: This invention provides a means of coupling a detachable member, like a cellular phone for example, to a rotational member, but only when the rotational member is coupled to a base member. The invention also provides a means of presenting the detachable member to the user. In one exemplary application, the invention is coupled to a console of an automobile. The detachable member is secured to the rotational member by a retention hood at the bottom of the rotational member. A sliding latch in the rotational member has a hook that engages a detente in the detachable member when the rotational member engages the base member. The invention thus holds the detachable member in a fixedly stable position when the rotational member couples with the base member.