Abstract: A dual combustion fastener device implements a first combustion event, contained in a first combustion chamber portion to compress a combustible fuel/air mixture contained in a second combustion chamber portion, which is separated from the first combustion chamber portion by a piston including a driver for driving a fastener disposed in the driver's path of travel into a workpiece, in order to generally provide rapid driving power for securing a fastener disposed in a nose guide of the combustion fastener. Ignition of the second combustion event may be timed so that the second combustion event substantially occurs when the piston has achieved top dead center or the maximum compression of the combustible material in the second combustion chamber portion. Utilization of compressed combustible material may allow for the utilization of a piston having a small cross-sectional area in comparison to a typical combustion device while providing equal or greater driving force in a rapid manner.

Abstract: A force measuring apparatus uses a flexible cantilever beam engaging a tool at one end and a handle at the other end so that a force, normal to the beam, can be applied and delivered to the tool. Mounted in spaced apart longitudinal alignment on each side of the beam, is a tensioned wire, and a vibratory modulator in electromagnetic communication with the wire causing the wire to vibrate. A vibratory sensor is also positioned on each side of the beam in sensory communication with each respective wire.

Abstract: A device for introducing an object into a vagina includes finger mounting means whereby the device is mountable on a user's finger, and a holder which protrudes from the finger mounting means and which is insertable into a user's vagina, the holder being configured to hold an object whilst being inserted into the user's vagina and then release the object once positioned inside the vagina.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tampon (10). The tampon includes an elongate absorbent body (12) and at least one surface formation (34, 36, 38, 40) applied over an exterior surface of the absorbent body. The at least one surface formation is of a material different to the absorbent body and is configured to inhibit expansion of at least a portion of the absorbent body i-n use due to absorption of menses by the absorbent body, and/or to facilitate insertion and seating of the tampon in a vagina The invention extends to a tampon which includes an elongate absorbent body which is non-circular in outline in end view. The invention further extends to a tampon which has a particular correct angular orientation relative to its longitudinal axis, with which it is to be inserted into a vagina, the correct angular orientation being clearly visible to a user.

Abstract: An alignment device provides one or more references, such as laser lines and planes in horizontal and vertical orientations. One version of the alignment device includes an optics mounting assembly situated in a pivot socket on a frame to provide an output beam. A spring system and one or more alignment assemblies align and secure the optics mounting assembly in the socket. As a result, the output beam has a desired orientation with respect to true level. The spring system holds the optics mounting assembly in communication with the alignment assemblies to reduce system backlash. One implementation of the pivot socket has a surface in the form of a sphere's interior surface. A set of support members on the optics mounting assembly rest on the pivot socket's spherical surface—causing the output reference beam to extend from the center of a sphere including the socket's spherical surface.

Abstract: An applicator (30) for applying or delivering a substance into a body cavity includes a deformable reservoir (12) for receiving and expelling the substance. The reservoir (12) has an inlet (20) spaced from an outlet, the inlet (20) being configured to be connected to a container containing the substance. Valve means (14) is positioned in the inlet (20) to inhibit flow of the substance into the body cavity is in flow communication with the reservoir (12) through the outlet of the reservoir (12).