Abstract: A method and apparatus for imparting a rounded tip to a length of multi-layered tubing to form a urinary catheter includes a plurality of dies with internal geometry to successively push back an end region of an inner layer of the multi-layered tubing, exposing an interior of an end region of an external layer, and forming that end region of the external layer into a rounded end that is free of bald spots. The end region of the external layer may be thinned out by an intermediate die having an elongate conical die plug therein. Gravity and vacuum pressure may be used to facilitate flow of material of which at least one of the layers of the multi-layered tubing is constructed when heated to a deformable condition.

Abstract: The invention features a dual-mode audio system for an automobile which in one mode is configured for play while the doors to the automobile are closed, and in a second mode, is configured for play while a door, such as a tailgate, is opened. Additionally, the invention also features a battery monitor which monitors the operating condition of the battery and may estimate the energy capacity of the battery. The system may also take power conservation measures if the system determines that the engine is not running or the operating condition of the batter reaches a predetermined state. The invention also features a remote control integrated within a key fob for controlling the audio system. The invention features various orientations for mounting a pair of loudspeakers within an automobile which directly radiate sound out of a rear opening of the automobile.

Abstract: The invention features a dual-mode audio system for an automobile which in one mode is configured for play while the doors to the automobile are closed, and in a second mode, is configured for play while a door, such as a tailgate, is opened. Additionally, the invention also features a battery monitor which monitors the operating condition of the battery and may estimate the energy capacity of the battery. The system may also take power conservation measures if the system determines that the engine is not running or the operating condition of the batter reaches a predetermined state. The invention also features a remote control integrated within a key fob for controlling the audio system. The invention features various orientations for mounting a pair of loudspeakers within an automobile which directly radiate sound out of a rear opening of the automobile.

Abstract: A tear open package for a catheter having an insertion end and a funnel end includes a pair of thin elongated sheets of gas impermeable material joined about their edges by a perimeter heat seal. The elongated sheets of material form a catheter-receiving cavity in which the catheter insertion end is near one end of the cavity and the funnel end is near the other end of the cavity. The perimeter heat seal includes at least an insertion end heat seal, a funnel end heat seal, and a pair of side heat seals which extend along each side of the package from the insertion end heat seal to the funnel end heat seal. The elongated sheets of material each include a tear line extending at least from one side of the package toward the other side of the package through at least one of the side heat seals. The tear lines extend between the catheter insertion end and the insertion end heat seal for opening at least the insertion end of the package by controlled tearing for removal and use of the catheter.

Abstract: The invention features a dual-mode audio system for an automobile which in one mode is configured for play while the doors to the automobile are closed, and in a second mode, is configured for play while a door, such as a tailgate, is opened. Additionally, the invention also features a battery monitor which monitors the operating condition of the battery and may estimate the energy capacity of the battery. The system may also take power conservation measures if the system determines that the engine is not running or the operating condition of the batter reaches a predetermined state. The invention also features a remote control integrated within a key fob for controlling the audio system. The invention features various orientations for mounting a pair of loudspeakers within an automobile which directly radiate sound out of a rear opening of the automobile.