Abstract: An example medical apparatus includes a tubular structure. The tubular structure includes an echogenic layer that is a multiphase polymer composite. The multiphase polymer composite includes a polymer matrix phase, a first non-polymeric phase including gas voids entrapped within the polymer matrix phase, and a second non-polymeric phase including particles embedded within the polymer matrix phase. Catheters having respective echogenic layers are also described.

Abstract: An antenna apparatus can include a coaxial cable with one end of the coaxial cable forming a remote antenna and the other end of the coaxial cable comprising a local coupler, wherein both ends of the coaxial cable are over-molded protection in a water meter installation. The local coupler can snap-on to a communications module and is operable across wideband RF frequencies ranging from, for example, 790 MHz to 1900 MHz. The antenna apparatus may also be implemented with an alternative RF coupler design, with two metal planes secured by an IP68 plastic housing with the provision of the coaxial cable to interface with a coupler and the remote antenna. The coupler can operate with low losses of less than, for example, 10 dB. In addition, the remote antenna can be installed on a water pit lid and in some cases, the coaxial cable itself can act as a remote antenna.

Abstract: An example medical apparatus includes a tubular structure. The tubular structure includes an echogenic layer that is a multiphase polymer composite. The multiphase polymer composite includes a polymer matrix phase, a first non-polymeric phase including gas voids entrapped within the polymer matrix phase, and a second non-polymeric phase including particles embedded within the polymer matrix phase. Catheters having respective echogenic layers are also described.

Abstract: A cable guide actuator apparatus is disclosed for guiding a conductor cable onto a wheel assembly, the actuator apparatus including a framework operatively coupled to the wheel assembly. A pair of roller assemblies is pivotally coupled to respective ends of the framework, each having a roller member capable of maintaining the conductor cable in the groove of the wheel assembly. Each roller assembly is pivotally movable between a deployed configuration at which roller members are adjacent the groove and a released configuration at displaced from the groove. A locking assembly extends between the pair of roller assemblies and is selectively movable between a locked configuration that maintains the pair of roller assemblies at the deployed configuration and an unlocked configuration that allows movement to the released configuration. The roller assemblies are biased toward the released configuration when the locking assembly is unlocked. The locking assembly may be unlocked remotely.

Abstract: A cable guide actuator apparatus is disclosed for guiding a conductor cable onto a wheel assembly, the actuator apparatus including a framework operatively coupled to the wheel assembly. A pair of roller assemblies is pivotally coupled to respective ends of the framework, each having a roller member capable of maintaining the conductor cable in the groove of the wheel assembly. Each roller assembly is pivotally movable between a deployed configuration at which roller members are adjacent the groove and a released configuration at displaced from the groove. A locking assembly extends between the pair of roller assemblies and is selectively movable between a locked configuration that maintains the pair of roller assemblies at the deployed configuration and an unlocked configuration that allows movement to the released configuration. The roller assemblies are biased toward the released configuration when the locking assembly is unlocked. The locking assembly may be unlocked remotely.