Abstract: Embedding compositions with light-attenuating properties for preparing specimens for sectioning and imaging are disclosed. An embedding composition may be a colloidal suspension including a continuous phase such as optimal cutting temperature compound (OCT), paraffin, or epoxy, etc., and a dispersed phase such as carbon powder, red blood cells, or barium sulfate, etc. The dispersed phase may reduce the transmission and/or scattering of light within the embedding composition, resulting in reduction or elimination of artifacts such as edge brightening, glow, and/or blurring. In some cases, the light-attenuation properties of an embedding composition may be adjusted to approximate or match those of the specimen.

Abstract: A drive system for use in a piece of an appliance includes a drive shaft and a first rotary coupling and a second rotary coupling. When the drive shaft is rotated in a first direction, the first rotary coupling and the second rotary coupling rotate about an axis of the drive shaft at a same speed. When the drive shaft is rotated in a second opposite direction, the first rotary coupling and the second rotary coupling rotate about the axis of said drive shaft at different speeds.

Abstract: A drive system for use in a piece of an appliance includes a drive shaft and a first rotary coupling and a second rotary coupling. When the drive shaft is rotated in a first direction, the first rotary coupling and the second rotary coupling rotate about an axis of the drive shaft at a same speed. When the drive shaft is rotated in a second opposite direction, the first rotary coupling and the second rotary coupling rotate about the axis of said drive shaft at different speeds.

Abstract: A beverage system includes a housing and a brew basket associated with the housing. The brew basket includes a brew chamber. A pressurization system is associated with the brew chamber. The pressurization system is selectively operable to increase a pressure within the brew chamber to control a rate at which a fluid passes through the brew chamber to an outlet formed in said brew basket.

Abstract: An animal holder for use with an imaging device includes a body tube for receiving a first body portion of the animal. The animal holder also includes a head immobilization mechanism disposed adjacent one end of the body tube for receiving a head of the animal. The head immobilization mechanism includes opposing first and second flexible fingers that have free ends configured to contact and immobilize the head of the animal when the fingers are moved to a compressed position.

Abstract: A line for use in angling sports, such as fly fishing, comprises a braid formed of polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) strands and polyethylene (PE) strands. The PTFE strands and the PE strands are arranged such that in a rest position, an outer surface of the braid is defined by both the PTFE strands and the PE strands and when the braid is placed under tension, the outer surface of the braid is defined at least substantially by the PTFE strands due to bulging of the PTFE strands relative to the PE strands.

Abstract: A line for use in angling sports, such as fly fishing, comprises a braid formed of polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) strands and polyethylene (PE) strands. The PTFE strands and the PE strands are arranged such that in a rest position, an outer surface of the braid is defined by both the PTFE strands and the PE strands and when the braid is placed under tension, the outer surface of the braid is defined at least substantially by the PTFE strands due to bulging of the PTFE strands relative to the PE strands.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a line (cord) for use with a hunting decoy. The line includes a core formed of a first material and an outer jacket disposed around the core. The outer jacket is formed of a material that comprises plastisol and at least one metal.

Abstract: An animal holder for use with an imaging device includes a body tube for receiving a first body portion of the animal. The animal holder also includes a head immobilization mechanism disposed adjacent one end of the body tube for receiving a head of the animal. The head immobilization mechanism includes opposing first and second flexible fingers that have free ends configured to contact and immobilize the head of the animal when the fingers are moved to a compressed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for immobilizing an anatomical feature during a magnetic resonance imaging process of the anatomical feature is disclosed. The apparatus has a housing, which defines a central opening to accommodate the anatomical feature. The apparatus further includes a coil member fixedly mounted in the housing. The coil member processes an RF signal. The apparatus further includes a first support member disposed at a side of the housing and a second support member disposed at an opposite side of the housing. The first and second support members are fixed with respect to the housing.

Abstract: Radio frequency (RF) coil configurations and methods are disclosed. Non-magnetic elements may be used in combination with an RF coil. The non-magnetic elements may be metal. The non-magnetic metal elements may be designed and configured to facilitate tuning of an RF coil, and to modify a magnetic field produced by an RF coil. The non-magnetic metal elements may also be used in connection with a RF receiver coil to control the region from which the receiver coil detects signals. The configurations and methods described may be used in various RF applications, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).