Abstract: A surround for protecting an acoustic device for sending and/or receiving acoustic signals positioned therein from impact as the surround is rolled along an interior surface of a fluid-containing pipeline, the surround comprising: a shell comprising an exterior segment configured to roll along the interior surface, the exterior segment defining at least one acoustic aperture configured to allow the passage of acoustic signals therethrough; and a lattice configured between the exterior segment and the acoustic device, the lattice comprising a plurality of unit cells, each unit cell defining an opening, wherein the plurality of unit cells are interconnected and define a plurality of openings, wherein the plurality of openings allow fluid to move between the interior of the surround and the exterior of the surround and enable the passage of the acoustic signals transmitted and/or received by the acoustic device such that the surround reduces the diminution of the quality and/or strength of the acoustic signals.

Abstract: Apparatus and device for testing within a metal pipe are described. The apparatus includes an exciter for generating an electromagnetic (EM) field for exciting a wall of the metal pipe; an extendable and retractable sensor assembly comprising a plurality of sensor bars arranged in an angled manner with respect to an axis of the pipe for sensing residue EM field on a wall of the pipe; a plurality of guide wheel assemblies for supporting and moving the apparatus along the axis of the pipe; and a control unit for recording sensed data from the sensor assembly.

Abstract: A hone screw assembly includes an anchor portion and a head portion, such as a rod-receiving portion, movably mounted to the anchor portion to allow for controlled angulation between the anchor portion and the head portion. The anchor portion is pivotable in one or more selected directions about an axis relative to the head portion. A restriction member, which may be a rod seat, prevents the anchor portion from pivoting in one or more different directions about another axis relative tr the head portion and/or a spinal fixation element received in the head portion. The restriction member may be inserted in the head portion to control direction that the anchor portion pivots relative, to the head portion. The restriction member may also serve as a compression member and/or rod seat for seating a spinal rod coupled to the bone screw assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for performing real-time quality inspection of objects is disclosed. The system and method include a transport to move objects being inspected, allowing the inspection to be performed in-line. At least one optical acquisition unit is provided that captured optical images of the objects being inspected. The captured optical images are matched to CAD models of objects, and the matched CAD model is extracted. A laser with an illumination light beam has a wavelength in the violet or ultraviolet range then conducts scans of the objects, which are formed into three-dimensional point clouds. The point clouds are compared to the extracted CAD models for each object, where CTF are compared to user input or CAD model information and the object is determined to be acceptable or defective based on the extent of deviation between the point cloud and the CAD model.

Abstract: A nasal cannula assembly is disclosed having a face mount part, in use resting against a user's face, which includes at least one nasal prong capable of being fitted into a person's nares. The cannula assembly also includes a manifold part, in fluid communication with the face mount part, having a single horizontal side gases entry. In particular, this cannula assembly is for supplying heated, humidified gases to a patient suffering from COPD. A tie or lanyard is disclosed for use with a breathing assistance apparatus such as a nasal cannula, face or nasal mask or tracheostomy connector. The tie or lanyard transfers the weight of the conduits supplying gases to the breathing assistance apparatus from the breathing assistance apparatus and distributes it onto the neck of the patient.

Abstract: Described are embodiments that include methods and devices for separating components from multi-component fluids. Embodiments may involve use of separation vessels and movement of components into and out of separation vessels through ports. Embodiments may involve the separation of plasma from whole blood. Also described are embodiments that include methods and devices for positioning portions, e.g., loops, of disposables in medical devices. Embodiments may involve use of surfaces for automatically guiding loops to position them into a predetermined position.

Abstract: Capture assemblies and compliant extension assemblies may be utilized for insertion into a nozzle of a liquid engine of a spacecraft. The capture assembly may include an apparatus such as a probe for insertion into the nozzle and an assembly at least partially enclosed in a forward portion of the probe. The assembly may include a plurality of actuated fingers for deploying outwardly from the probe when the probe is inserted into the nozzle. The compliant extension assembly may be at least partially enclosed in a housing connected to the capture assembly for axial movement of the probe. The compliant extension assembly may facilitate axial movement of the probe between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the probe is extended forwardly, relative to the housing.

Abstract: A surround for protecting an acoustic device for sending and/or receiving acoustic signals positioned therein from impact as the surround is rolled along an interior surface of a fluid-containing pipeline, the surround comprising: a shell comprising an exterior segment configured to roll along the interior surface, the exterior segment defining at least one acoustic aperture configured to allow the passage of acoustic signals therethrough; and a lattice configured between the exterior segment and the acoustic device, the lattice comprising a plurality of unit cells, each unit cell defining an opening, wherein the plurality of unit cells are interconnected and define a plurality of openings, wherein the plurality of openings allow fluid to move between the interior of the surround and the exterior of the surround and enable the passage of the acoustic signals transmitted and/or received by the acoustic device such that the surround reduces the diminution of the quality and/or strength of the acoustic signals.

Abstract: NK cells and NK cell lines are modified to increase cytotoxicity, wherein the cells and compositions thereof have a use in the treatment of cancer. Production of modified NK cells and NK cell lines is via genetic modification to add mutant (variant) TRAIL ligand expression.

Abstract: A combination of a dispenser for dispensing portions of sealing material and a sealing material in the form of a flexible film, wherein the sealing material comprises polytetrafluoroethylene film having the following parameters: a film thickness of 50 to 500 ?m; a density between 1.20 and 1.80 g/cm3; a longitudinal strength of more than 11 N/mm2; a transversal strength of more than 2 N/mm2; a longitudinal elongation of more than 200%; and a transversal elongation of more than 1000%.

Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus user interface is described which presents animated information related to the management of the apparatus. The user interface is provided on a display screen of the apparatus. The animated illustrations can correspond to operational modes, warnings, user instructions, fault conditions, status, menu options, and the like. The animations can include a sequence of images shown in rapid succession which depict moving icons or objects, scrolling text, flashing colors, or any combination of these or the like. The user interface can combine static information along with animations.

Abstract: A support apparatus 200 for a breathing assistance 10 has a base 203, a mount 351, and a handle 309. The mount 351 is configured to releasably couple the support apparatus 200 with a breathing assistance apparatus 10 by lowering the breathing assistance apparatus 10 relative to the mount 351. The handle 309 is configured to enable the support apparatus 200 and a releasably coupled breathing assistance apparatus 10 to be lifted and carried by a user.