Abstract: Wax-based compositions for making barrier layers used in oral treatment devices are thermally stable when formed into a flat sheet or three-dimensional article to a temperature of at least 45° C. and are plastically deformable at room temperature (25° C.). The wax-based compositions include a wax fraction homogeneously blended with a polymer fraction. The wax fraction includes at least one wax and the polymer fraction includes at least one polymer selected such that, when the at least one wax and at least one polymer are homogeneously blended together, they yield a wax-based composition having the desired properties of thermal stability and plastic deformability. Barrier layers and oral treatment devices made from such wax-based compositions are dimensionally stable to a temperature of at least 40° C. without external support and can be plastically deformed in a user's mouth to become at least partially customized to the size and shape of user's unique dentition.

Abstract: A display arrangement is disclosed comprising a flat panel display device having an array of pixels, and a driving circuit arrangement for switching each of the pixels between two intensity levels at a rate greater than the frame refresh rate so as to produce the visible effect of intermediate intensity levels. In particular, the driving circuit comprises a plurality of intensity level error registers, one for each intermediate intensity level; means for selecting one of the intensity level error registers according to.

Abstract: A multistage process for the separation and purification of a desired crystalline material by repeated dissolution and recrystallization, wherein crystals and solvent move countercurrent to one another through the stages. A fluid temperature gradient is maintained within each recrystallization unit to make use of convection to facilitate or accelerate concurrent dissolution and recrystallization within a single vessel. Solid recrystallized material is moved from one unit to the next unit. An automated apparatus and a manually operated apparatus for carrying out the process are also described.

Abstract: A multistage process for the separation and purification of a desired crystalline material by repeated dissolution and recrystallization, wherein crystals and solvent move countercurrent to one another through the stages. A fluid temperature gradient is maintained within each recrystallization unit to make use of convection to facilitate or accelerate concurrent dissolution and recrystallization within a single vessel. Solid recrystallized material is moved from one unit to the next unit. An automated apparatus and a manually operated apparatus for carrying out the process are also described.

Abstract: A rotating and reciprocating positive displacement mechanism which draws in a metered volume of gas and then expands or compresses that quantity of gas before expelling it. The mechanism has useful application as a compressor, a compressed gas motor, an expanding vapor engine, or a hot gas engine, where generation of heat by combustion can be either internal or external to the expansion mechanism. The primary advantages of the mechanism over conventional mechanisms used in these applications include (1) few moving parts, (2) easily constructed parts of simple geometry, (3) feasibility of compound operation (i.e. two-stage expansion or compression), (4) relatively constant input or output torque throughout the operating cycle, and (5) relative absence of high pressure peaks during the operating cycle (even when used as an internal combustion engine).

Abstract: A relatively low-cost, lightweight vehicle has a traction belt drive system, a force-spreading air bag suspension, and operational efficiency features. The traction belt cooperates with track wheel assemblies on each side of the vehicle to spread the suspension forces and to provide efficient steering ability. Each traction belt can be in the form of a Moebius strip. The air bag suspension uses integral air bags on each side of the vehicle cooperative with plural flaps pivotable on a central keel to spread varying suspension forces and to smooth the ride over a variety of terrains. The vehicle lends itself to efficient relatively low cost manufacturing techniques using standard materials.