Abstract: A sampler applicator for holding a predetermined amount of a spreadable-type product. The applicator includes a first member having a section forming a mold for the product. A second member is releaseably coupleable to the first member and includes an aperture in registration with the mold through which a predetermined amount of the product is inserted. The product assumes the shape of the mold and is anchored to the second member. The mold acts as a cover for the applicator.

Abstract: A sanitary mixing valve for controlling the flow and mix of hot and cold water supplied respectively from a hot water inlet and a cold water inlet. The valve includes a valve body coupleable to the hot and cold water inlets and having a water outlet. A disk packet is supported on the valve body and includes a control disk. The control disk includes a mixing chamber for receiving a mix of the hot and cold water. A temperature-dependent control element is positioned on the control disk to directly measure the temperature of the mixed water in the mixing chamber. The temperature of the water emerging from the water outlet is regulated according to the measured temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved head rest and neck support assembly for seating furniture. The assembly contains an elongated support bar which is mounted horizontally to the seating furniture behind the neck of a prospective user. One end of the support bar has a pivoting carrying element with a cushion attached thereto. The cushion may swivel between a neck support position and a side head rest position. In a second embodiment, the elongated support bar in the assembly has a groove running the length of the bar. The cushion is also elongated and possesses a track or partial track which cooperates with the groove in the elongated support bar to allow the elongated cushion to slide horizontally along the bar. A portion of the track is capable of exiting the groove and allowing the elongated cushion to bend into an L-shape.

Abstract: A collagen-impregnated vascular graft includes a porous synthetic vascular graft substrate formed by knitting or weaving with at least three applications of dispersed collagen fibrils. Plasticizers are incorporated into the collagen slurry before application and the slurry is applied in separate treatments by massage and flow through techniques, cross-linked by exposure to formaldhyde vapor and dried.

Abstract: A display pole assembly for merchandising displays has a base, one or more pole sections with mountings. In supporting display fixtures, and a receptacle for supporting a decorative object. The decorating object may be a tree which is mounted on top of a pole section in which case the pole section may be covered with bark to simulate a portion of the trunk of the tree.

Abstract: An ink jet printing apparatus in which the ink jet print head is constructed to eliminate problems caused by air bubbles that can be present in fluid hot-melt ink. The apparatus head includes a heater to melt solid ink or lower the viscosity of high viscosity semi-solid ink and a plurality of ink jet nozzles corresponding to a series of piezoelectic vibrating elements that are positioned so that piezoelectric oscillations propel ink through the nozzles. The vibrators and nozzles are spaced so that if air bubbles are present in the melted ink the bubbles will be induced to travel away from the nozzles by piezoelectrically induced agitation so that they do not interfere with ink jet printing. The printer can include a vent hole to provide an exit for the bubbles. The vent hole can be selectively opened and closed.

Abstract: In a reflection type liquid crystal electrooptical device having a twisted nematic liquid crystal sandwiched between two substrates faced to each other, a linearly polarized incident light enters into the liquid crystal layer and after the reflection in the state of a circularly polarized light, enters into the liquid crystal layer again. As to an outgoing light, twisted angle, .DELTA.nd and polarized incident angle are fixed so as to rotate the polarized surface at 90.degree. with respect to that of the incident light (the condition of twist angle of 63.degree., 0.33.lambda..ltoreq..DELTA.nd.ltoreq.0.47.lambda., and twist angle of 193.degree., 0.95.lambda..ltoreq..DELTA.nd.ltoreq.1.15.lambda. (.mu.m) is preferable, wherein the direction of polarizing shaft coincides with the direction of liquid cyrstal molecules.) Whereby, it is possible to use the largest value of .DELTA.nd so that the thick liquid crystal layer can be used and a wide margin for manufacturing can be also secured.

Abstract: In a miniature printer including a carriage for motion along a path in linear reciprocating directions having at least one cam surface, a frame including a projection adjacent to the path and a print wheel having at least two levels of print type, a mechanism for shifting the position of the print wheel between the different print type levels. The mechanism is coupled to the print wheel and responsive to contact with the projection as the mechanism travels by the projection in shifting the print wheel position through engagement with the cam surface.

Abstract: A bathtub assembly having contoured walls and fixtures constructed to fit within or about the walls is provided. The assembly includes a bathtub having at least one wall defining a curved protrusion and a curved recess. A filler spout having a generally shell-shaped configuration is adapted to fit within or above certain of the curved wall portions. One or more grab bars are also designed to fit within the bathtub. The filler spouts and grab bars all present curved interior surfaces which, as strategically mounted within the bathtub, minimize inadvertent contact by a person within or entering the bathtub. A headrest is also provided for attachment to a curved wall of the bathtub. The headrest includes a curved front portion which is secured by suction cups to a wall of the bathtub and an integral rear portion which extends over a deck of the bathtub.

Abstract: A character pattern generating apparatus for use in a dot matrix type serial printer. The apparatus includes a character pattern storage apparatus for storing dot pattern data representative of characters corresponding to print codes. A buffer memory, coupled to the character pattern storage apparatus receives dot pattern data corresponding to selected print codes read out from the character pattern storage apparatus representative of at least one character. A font type adjustment apparatus, coupled to the buffer memory, changes the font type of a character output from the character pattern storage means to the buffer memory from a first font type, stored in the character pattern storage apparatus, to a second font type. A line memory stores dot pattern data for a line to be printed. A print head adjustment apparatus, coupled between the buffer memory and the line memory, outputs the dot pattern data stored in the buffer memory to the line memory in the order in which it is to be printed.

Abstract: A magnetic thin film recording layer comprised primarily of a light rare earth element and a transition metal element is disclosed. Other elements are optionally included in the film. The film has an easy axis of magnetization perpendicular with respect to the surface of the film. Magneto-optic recording systems using such films are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for decorating laces formed from a body having a first bore extending from a first end of the body to a second end of the body and a second bore extending from the second end of the body. The tip of a lace passes through the first bore from the first end to the second end and is then received in the second bore and retained therein when the end of the lace extending past the first end is pulled. A full or partial wall is defined between the bores in the vicinity of the first end for retaining a loop of the lace. A groove may be formed in the second end between the first and second bores for receiving the loop of the lace.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory device for reading stored data from a selected memory cell in the semiconductor device to a sensing amplifier. An array of memory cells is arranged in a matrix, each memory cell including a MOS transistor. Word lines are organized to select groups of the MOS transistors. A plurality of first bit lines are arrayed in a matrix with the word lines. The word lines and bit lines together select the selected memory cell from the array. Each first bit line is coupled to either the source electrode or drain electrode of a plurality of MOS transistors. There is at least one second bit line. Each second bit line is selectively coupled to at least two corresponding first bit lines. A first bit line selection circuit selectively couples one of the first bit lines to a corresponding second bit line. A first power source line is coupled to the other of the source and drain of the array of the MOS transistors.

Abstract: A method for providing a coating upon a metal small or the like through the use of an injection molding process includes the use of a resilient, molded insert. The shell is positioned within a mold receptor such that a void is defined between the outer surface of the shell and the inner surface of the mold receptor. A hardenable material is injected into this void, thereby coating the outer surface of the shell. In order to prevent distortion or other damage to the shell due to pressure exerted within the mold, a thin, resilient and substantially flat insert is placed upon the inner surface of the shell. A male mold member engages the insert during the molding process, thereby compressing it. The insert may be formed from a solidifiable material introduced in liquid form into a master shell which then receives the male mold member.

Abstract: A waste management disposal system which disposes of both solid and aerosol waste includes a housing divided into a solid waste containment area and a negative pressure plenum for drawing aerosol waste away from the solid waste containment area. A funnel is provided for guiding solid waste into the waste containment area and the negative pressure plenum draws the aerosol waste in a path orthogonal to the funnel. A filter is provided for filtering the aerosol contaminants from the air upon which it is being transported.

Abstract: A print head activation circuit for a wire dot printer includes a first switch and a second switch. A CPU produces a printing timing control signal. A first driving signal-generating circuit produces a first driving signal pulse having a pulse width T.sub.1 in response to the printing timing control signal. A delay circuit delays the first driving signal. A second driving signal-generating means produces a second driving signal pulse having a pulse width T.sub.2 in response to the leading edge of the delayed first driving signal. The first switching means is connected with a DC power supply. The first switching means is also connected with one terminal of each actuator coil of the print head. The second switching means is connected between a second terminal of the actuator coil and ground. The second driving signal-generating means is operated in response to the delayed first driving signal. The delay time .DELTA.

Abstract: A multi-color liquid crystal display includes liquid crystal micro-shutters which open and close filters arranged as dots in a mosaic or stripe pattern. Fine and clear color image display and color graphic display are realized in the device wherein the filters are within the LCD panel, being formed on one substrate and covered by the driving electrode. The circuitry for driving the display includes a driving circuit for receiving three primary color signals, and a color selection circuit for selecting sequentially for input to the driving circuit each one of the three primary color signals. The color selection circuit selects the three primary colors only once per horizontal scan of the picture elements. The circuitry for driving the display also includes an element selecting circuit for selecting the picture elements in sequence. The driving circuit applies selected color signals from the color selection circuit to driving electrodes of a corresponding color in the selected picture element.