Abstract: A nanoparticle film is disclosed. The nanoparticle film comprises a plurality of polymerized liquid crystal monomers having an axis of alignment, and a plurality of nanoparticles disposed in the polymerized liquid crystal monomers. Each of the nanoparticles has a surface modified by a plurality of first ligands and a long axis aligned with the axis of alignment through the plurality of first ligands.

Abstract: An improved musical instrument is disclosed. The musical instrument includes at least one key assembly and at least two sets of sensors. The sensors sense one or more attributes pertaining to a force exerted on the at least one key assembly. A control unit is provided to determine amount of force sensed by sensors based on the sensed one or more attributes, and to determine location, at which the force on the at least one key assembly is exerted based on the determined amount of force sensed by the sensors. The control unit is configured to generated signals based on the determined amount of force sensed by the sensors, and the determined location. The generated signals are associated with one or more acoustic parameters.

Abstract: Various photo-luminescent films and associated methods are enabled. For instance, a photo-luminescent film comprises a substrate layer comprising a plurality of pores, and a composite comprising luminescent nanoparticles disposed in the plurality of pores.

Abstract: A nanoparticle film is disclosed. The nanoparticle film comprises a plurality of polymerized liquid crystal monomers having an axis of alignment, and a plurality of nanoparticles disposed in the polymerized liquid crystal monomers. Each of the nanoparticles has a surface modified by a plurality of first ligands and a long axis aligned with the axis of alignment through the plurality of first ligands.

Abstract: The present invention relates to textile fabrics and methods of manufacturing textile fabrics. Particularly, the invention comprises a method of producing a fabric, comprising the steps of (i) blending chemo mechanically felting fibers with non-felting fibers into a blended feed material, (ii) spinning the blended feed material into a blended yarn, (iii) producing a fabric comprising the blended yarn, (iv) subjecting the fabric to a first fabric treatment comprising a mechanical felting treatment; and (v) subjecting the fabric to a second fabric treatment comprising a chemical treatment of the fabric with an alkali, wherein the ratio of weight of the alkali to dry fabric weight is between 0.02 and 0.05, thereby obtaining increased air space in the resultant fabric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to textile fabrics and methods of manufacturing textile fabrics. Particularly, the invention comprises a method of producing a fabric, comprising the steps of (i) blending chemo mechanically felting fibers with non-felting fibers into a blended feed material, (ii) spinning the blended feed material into a blended yarn, (iii) producing a fabric comprising the blended yarn, (iv) subjecting the fabric to a first fabric treatment comprising a mechanical felting treatment; and (v) subjecting the fabric to a second fabric treatment comprising a chemical treatment of the fabric with an alkali, wherein the ratio of weight of the alkali to dry fabric weight is between 0.02 and 0.05, thereby obtaining increased air space in the resultant fabric.

Abstract: The present invention relates particularly to an orthodontic device attached to orthodontic brace wires connected to teeth of the upper and lower jaw for treatment of Class II malocclusions. The orthodontic bite jumping device is attached to a pair of orthodontic brace wires affixed to a patient's teeth for correcting a relative position of dental arches. The device comprises one tubular member having an eyelet at one end for connection to a first brace wire and a tube stop at another end and one plunger member slidably and concentrically disposed in the tubular member. The plunger member includes an eyelet at one end for connection to a second brace wire and a plunger stop, such that the plunger stop when coupled with the tube stop is adapted to prevent disengagement of the plunger member from the tubular member when mouth of the patient is opened to a maximum position.

Abstract: An orthodontic appliance has a rod unit pivotally connected with arch wires by hinge members. The rod unit has bearing apertures at both ends. Each hinge member has a cylindrical shaft and a head on one end that is wider than the shaft and integrally former with the shaft. The shaft has an opening extending across its longitudinal axis. The shaft and the head are free of both outer and inner threads. The rod unit is pivotally connected with the arch wire by inserting the shaft of the hinge member into the bearing aperture and inserting the arch wire into the opening in the shaft.