Abstract: A method includes advancing a distal end of a tubular nasopharyngeal airway device through a nostril opening and into a nasal passageway of a patient, the nasopharyngeal airway device having a proximal end that is larger than the nostril opening. At least a terminal tip of a resiliently flexible elongated locking protrusion that projects from the proximal end of the nasopharyngeal airway device is inserted into the same nostril opening in which the nasopharyngeal airway device is disposed so that the locking protrusion biases against the lining of the nasal passageway, thereby securing the nasopharyngeal airway device within the nasal passageway.

Abstract: A nasopharyngeal airway device has a tubular body with a securement assembly disposed at the proximal end thereof. The tubular body may include a plurality of apertures along the sidewall thereof. The securement assembly can include a flared flange and an outwardly extending locking protrusion. During use, the tubular body is positioned within the nasal passageway. The locking protrusion is bent and also inserted into the nasal passageway so as to secure the nasopharyngeal airway device in place.

Abstract: An earmold and a method of manufacturing an earmold for a hearing aid that conveys amplified sound from the hearing aid into the ear canal to a closed cavity adjacent the tympanic membrane. The earmold includes an acoustic conduction tube having an external diameter smaller than the ear canal and a flexible flanged tip that exerts negligible pressure on the wall of the canal. One end of the tube is held in place in the canal by the flanged tip. The opposite end of the tube may be positioned in the ear aperture by a fitting in the ear concha that may be integral with the tube. The hearing aid and the earmold leave the canal open preferably to a point past the canal isthmus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing distortion of an acoustical waveform by locating a plurality of microspheres to interact with interfering acoustical waveforms are described.

Abstract: An earmold and a method of manufacturing an earmold for a hearing aid that conveys amplified sound from the hearing aid into the ear canal to a closed cavity adjacent the tympanic membrane. The earmold includes an acoustic conduction tube having an external diameter smaller than the ear canal and a flexible flanged tip that exerts negligible pressure on the wall of the canal. One end of the tube is held in place in the canal by the flanged tip. The opposite end of the tube may be positioned in the ear aperture by a fitting in the ear concha that may be integral with the tube. The hearing aid and the earmold leave the canal open preferably to a point past the canal isthmus.

Abstract: A marker for locating an underground object such as a utility line. The marker is attached to a line by wrapping a portion of the marker about the line and inserting an end of the marker through an aperture located between the ends of the marker. A collapsible tongue forming the end of the marker enables the marker to release from the object that it encircles when a tugging force of a certain magnitude is imparted to the marker.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing distortion of an acoustical waveform by locating a plurality of microspheres to interact with interfering acoustical waveforms.

Abstract: An aerosol tilt valve assembly (30, 30') with a valve cup (32) for mounting of a grommet (34) and valve stem (36) includes an annular shoulder (32K, 42A, 42B) formed in the bottom of the cup for strengthening it against distortion from excess aerosol pressures and to otherwise reduce leakage between the valve cup (32) and the grommet (34). In one embodiment, the shoulder (32K) defines a recess for mating receipt of the grommet (34). In another embodiment, the shoulder (42A, 42B) defines a portion of both a reservoir groove (44) and a complementary strengthening rib 42.

Abstract: An aerosol tilt valve assembly (30, 30') with a valve cup (32) for mounting of a grommet (34) and valve stem (36) includes an annular shoulder (32K, 42A, 42B) formed in the bottom of the cup for strengthening it against distortion from excess aerosol pressures and to otherwise reduce leakage between the valve cup (32) and the grommet (34). In one embodiment, the shoulder (32K) defines a recess for mating receipt of the grommet (34). In another embodiment, the shoulder (42A, 42B) defines a portion of both a reservoir groove (44) and a complementary strengthening rib 42.