Abstract: A method for laying down a continuous, predetermined pattern of granular material upon a moving substrate includes moving the substrate past at least two stations, each station including a rotating drum with a drum wall defining a limited retention region under vacuum, and a plurality of through-apertures arranged in an element of the desired pattern. Granular material applied to the surface of the drum is held by vacuum in the desired pattern. After removal of excess granular material, the vacuum is discontinued causing the granular material to disengage from the drum surface and pass, by force of gravity, onto the surface of the substrate in the form of the predetermined element of the desired predetermined pattern. An apparatus for laying down a continuous, predetermined pattern of granular material upon a moving substrate is also described.

Abstract: A system for the removal of plaque and other unwanted debris from the teeth of a user includes a toothbrush having a handle, a distal head, and a multiplicity of bristles. Each bristle includes a shaft having a base associated with a surface of the head, the shaft extending away from the surface and terminating in a proximal end disposed in relation to proximal ends of other shafts for mutual engagement with teeth surfaces of a user. The multiplicity of bristles define between themselves a multiplicity of interconnected restricted flow pathways. The surface of the head defines an orifice surrounded by the bases of the bristles. A conduit has a distal end terminating in the orifice.

Abstract: An anchoring element for a device for use in the ear canal of a wearer includes a body defining a cavity for transmission of external sound through the ear canal to the wearer and having a first portion sized and constructed to fit easily within the ear canal, an inflatable bladder removably disposed about the body and adapted for inflation by air delivered into a chamber defined by the body, to cause the bladder to inflate to resiliently engage and conform to irregularities and changes of shape of the surrounding wall of the ear canal of the wearer, e.g., during chewing. The bladder inflates in a manner to seal uniformly with the ear canal wall about the device, to hold the device firmly and securely in position in the ear canal. Pressure relief means associated with the bladder provide for venting excess air of inflation from the chamber.

Abstract: A method of forming a laminate core of a multiplicity of magnetic plates in a stack, including the steps of assembling the plates and applying a strip of adhesive to a surface of the stack. The adhesive is allowed to dry to hold the plates assembled during subsequent steps, e.g., coating with dry particles of thermoset resin which are subsequently cured to form an integral layer to secure the plates in a substantially rigid unit. In preferred embodiments, the adhesive decomposes at the temperature of curing of the thermoset resin layer.