Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a support platform and a payload mountable thereon in near neutral equilibrium relative to a base structure. The support platform is spaced from the base structure by a plurality of actuators which provide the support platform with six degrees of freedom relative to the base structure about longitudinal, lateral and vertical axes. A substantially upright strut is mountable between the base structure and support platform for supporting the weight of the support platform and payload. First and second balance assemblies counteract forces imparted on the strut when the payload is moved or pivoted longitudinally and/or laterally. The forces counteracted by the first balance assembly and the second balance assembly reduce the load imparted on the actuators by the payload.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a flow of a product over a product attrition bed, where the product comprises a plurality of product units, for example, potatoes. In one aspect, apparatus comprises a product attrition bed and an auger positioned above the product attrition bed. The auger comprises a flow restriction mechanism to restrict a discharge flow of the product from the auger. In a second aspect, the method comprises feeding the product to the auger to provide a product charge; substantially confining the product charge in a charge space; rotating the auger to move the charge space, and thereby the product charge, in the flow direction; and discharging the product charge from the auger through a flow restriction mechanism. In a third aspect, the method and apparatus controls the feed of product to the auger, for example, providing one control volume of product per revolution of the auger.

Abstract: A hernia repair implant includes a first layer for facing a body structure having a hernia defect to cover the defect while promoting tissue growth into the first layer from the body structure. The implant also includes a second layer opposed to the first layer and made of anti-adhesion material to prevent growth of tissue into the second layer from body structures contacting the second layer. Furthermore, the implant includes at least one engagement strap connected to the first layer and extending therefrom to terminate at a free end. The engagement strap defines opposed thin edges and opposed flat surfaces extending between the edges. At least one barb extends from at least one edge and/or at least one flat surface of the strap and is configured to impede motion of the strap in only a single direction.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of manufacturing a flexible pipe body are disclosed. The method may include providing a fluid retaining layer; wrapping a plurality of tensile armour elements around the fluid retaining layer; and wrapping a crush resistant elongate body that houses at least one fibre element around the fluid retaining layer and radially between two of the plurality of tensile armour elements. Matrix material provided in the elongate body may be cured subsequent to fitting the pipe body to an end fitting.

Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-lateral wellbore construction and stimulation from cased parent wellbores. Methods and apparatus are provided to facilitate the creation of casing exit openings in the casing of parent wellbores. Methods and systems are provided for azimuthally and longitudinally aligning drilling assemblies through openings in a parent wellbore casing are provided to allow for drilling multiple lateral wellbores extending outwardly from a parent wellbore. A method of stimulating one or more subterranean zones intersected by multiple lateral wellbores extending outwardly from one or more patent wellbores includes the steps of: simultaneously injecting a stimulation fluid into the lateral wellbores; and stimulating the zones intersected by the lateral wellbores in response to the stimulation fluid injecting step.

Abstract: An elongate metallic or polymeric or composite tape is disclosed along with a method of manufacturing such tape. The tape is of a type suitable for forming at least one helically wound layer of interlocked windings in a flexible pipe body for transporting production fluids. The tape is configured for interlocking of adjacent windings in the layer of tape by nesting a hooked region of a winding in a valley region of an adjacent winding. The tape comprises first and second elongate tape elements arranged in contacting relation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-lateral wellbore construction and stimulation from cased parent wellbores. Methods and apparatus are provided to facilitate the creation of casing exit openings in the casing of parent wellbores. Methods and systems are provided for azimuthally and longitudinally aligning drilling assemblies through openings in a parent wellbore casing are provided to allow for drilling multiple lateral wellbores extending outwardly from a parent wellbore. A method of stimulating one or more subterranean zones intersected by multiple lateral wellbores extending outwardly from one or more parent wellbores includes the steps of: simultaneously injecting a stimulation fluid into the lateral wellbores; and stimulating the zones intersected by the lateral wellbores in response to the stimulation fluid injecting step.

Abstract: A compression ring to grip and compress body structure such as diverticulum, hemorrhoids, and tissue adjacent a hole. A resilient ring-shaped body defines a compression channel, and one or more axially rigid elongated spikes extend from the body into the channel. The body defines a first axial segment surrounding the compression channel and a second axial segment surrounding the compression channel, with the spike being engaged only with the second axial segment. The first axial segment more tightly compresses the body structure than the second axial segment.

Abstract: Flexible pipe body for transporting fluids from a sub-sea location includes a carcass layer comprising adjacent interlocked annular elements each comprising a body portion that extends around an inner circumference of a bore region and a channel region provided within the body. A method of manufacturing flexible pipe body is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to mutant enzymes with enhanced properties and processes for oxidation of organic compound substrates using such enzymes.

Abstract: A working cannula is advanced through the urethra into the bladder. Gas is infused through the cannula into the bladder, pressurizing the bladder. A fenestrating shunt catheter is then advanced through the urethra into the bladder and against the wall of the bladder, fenestrating it. A distal segment of the shunt catheter is then advanced through the wall into the peritoneal space, while a more proximal segment of the shunt catheter remains in the bladder. Shunt holes are formed in both the distal segment and more proximal segment so that gas from the pressurized bladder flows through the shunt holes into the peritoneal space, insufflating the peritoneal space.

Abstract: Flexible pipe body for transporting fluids from a sub-sea location includes a carcass layer comprising adjacent interlocked annular elements each comprising a body portion that extends around an inner circumference of a bore region and a channel region provided within the body. A method of manufacturing flexible pipe body is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to mutant enzymes with enhanced properties and processes for oxidation of organic compound substrates using such enzymes.

Abstract: An elongate tape element and method of manufacturing flexible pipe body are disclosed. The elongate tape element which is for providing at least one helically wound layer of windings in a flexible pipe body, comprises an elongate body having a base surface, a top surface opposed to the base surface and opposed first and second side walls extending between the base and top surfaces wherein at least one surface and/or side wall of the body comprises a recessed region for receiving a respective portion of a tape element holder member when said tape element is wound to form a layer of windings.

Abstract: Flexible pipe body for transporting fluids from a sub-sea location, including a carcass layer comprising a plurality of independent hoop elements each comprising a body portion having a circular outer surface that circles around an inner circumference of a bore region of the flexible pipe, said body portion being arranged to interlock adjacent hoop elements together. A method of manufacturing flexible pipe body is also enclosed.

Abstract: A flexible pipe body and method of manufacturing a flexible pipe body are disclosed. The flexible pipe body includes a fluid retaining layer for preventing ingress of fluid into the flexible pipe body from an environment outside of the flexible pipe body; and a fibre element arranged generally along a longitudinal axis of the fluid retaining layer.

Abstract: A compression ring to grip and compress body structure such as diverticulum, hemorrhoids, and tissue adjacent a hole. A resilient ring-shaped body defines a compression channel, and one or more axially rigid elongated spikes extend from the body into the channel. The body defines a first axial segment surrounding the compression channel and a second axial segment surrounding the compression channel, with the spike being engaged only with the second axial segment. The first axial segment more tightly compresses the body structure than the second axial segment.

Abstract: A connector for holding wound closure straps in tension to close a wound. The connector may be a quick-release connector. It may include a tension indicator. The connector may have a magnetic coupling, elastic portion, or arcuate flexure joining the strap-engaging ends of the connector.

Abstract: A hernia repair implant includes a first layer for facing a body structure having a hernia defect to cover the defect while promoting tissue growth into the first layer from the body structure. The implant also includes a second layer opposed to the first layer and made of anti-adhesion material to prevent growth of tissue into the second layer from body structures contacting the second layer. Furthermore, the implant includes at least one engagement strap connected to the first layer and extending therefrom to terminate at a free end. The engagement strap defines opposed the edges and opposed flat surfaces extending between the edges. At least one barb extends from at least one edge and/or at least one flat surface of the strap and is configured to impede motion of the strap in only a single direction.

Abstract: A hernia repair implant includes a first layer for facing a body structure having a hernia defect so cover the defect while promoting tissue growth into the first layer from the body structure. The implant also includes a second layer opposed to the first layer and made of anti-adhesion material to prevent growth of tissue into the second layer from body structures contacting the second layer. Furthermore, the implant includes at least one engagement strap connected to the first layer and extending therefrom to terminate at a free end. The engagement strap defines opposed thin edges and opposed flat surfaces extending between the edges. At least one barb extends from at least one edge and/or at least one flat surface of the strap and is configured to impede motion of the strap in only a single direction.