Abstract: A hair retaining device is shown which uses a slender oversized roller and oversized hair pins (usually two). The device is intended for wearers with long hair. The hair beyond the neck is rolled on the roller and pinned to the nape of the neck, thus giving the wearer with long hair the appearance of a short hair haircut.

Abstract: A multicell heater is shown with typically round outer tubing, containing a plurality of resistive heating elements having a common inner sheath. The inner sheath has a preferably non-circular cross-section and is given a hairpin bend to form a “U” shape. The resulting configuration, which is much less expensive than conventional multicell heaters, provides efficient heating at the toe end—a usually unheated (“cold”) zone in conventional multicell heaters.

Abstract: A metallic overcoat is shown for use on the termination of a thick film heater. The invention is specifically useful for reducing overall wall thickness on thick film heaters used in the injection molding industry. The overcoat is placed over at least the termination point of the heating element with access holes for the termination. Thereafter, holes are drilled parallel to the heater axis for the insertion of power leads. The overcoat further provides insulation for better efficiency and mechanical protection for the heating element.

Abstract: A branch assembly for a communication bus is shown that allows easy connection and removal of devices from the bus. A switch is located within each assembly to direct the bus either from one bus interface directly to a second bus interface or from one bus interface through a branch interface to the second bus interface, as appropriate depending on the presence of device at the branch interface. The switch is integrated into the assembly and is mechanically actuated by the presence or absence of a connector at the branch interface.

Abstract: Various components of thermal systems are shown molded within a polymer composite sheath, including heaters, sensors, and control circuits. The use of transfer and compression molding allows for the use of thermoset polymers containing very high levels of reinforcement fillers. These improved materials, in turn, create a component with superior thermophysical properties, including high heat flux levels, thermal conductivity, impact resistance, corrosion resistance, and maintenance of mechanical properties at high temperatures (>300° F.). The present invention also allows for wide variety of geometric configurations and the possibility to insert temperature sensors directly in hot zones of heaters.

Abstract: A method is shown of predicting failure of resistive element heaters using a compiled database of measured ratiometric factors affecting heater life. The method can either be carried out actively, by continuously measuring known factors affecting heater life and decrementing a count of the remaining heater life, or the method may be carried out passively by estimating the operating profile and the averages within each segment of the profile, of the factors affecting heater life.

Abstract: A focus light is shown for use with an ophthalmologic microscope. A patient is directed to gaze at this focus light during surgery keeping his or her line of sight offset by about 18° from the illuminating light source, thus having the effect of directing a significant portion of the light source to the optic nerve instead of the macula to reduce photophobia and phototoxicity. A secondary focus light is also shown for temporarily redirecting the patient's gaze for certain incisions.

Abstract: A molded polymer composite heater is shown. The use of transfer molding and compression molding allows for the use of thermoset polymers containing very high levels of reinforcement fillers. These improved materials, in turn create a heater with thermophysical properties superior to the prior art, including higher heat flux levels, thermal conductivity, impact resistance, and maintenance of mechanical properties at high temperatures (˜>300° F.). The present invention also allows for wide variety of geometric configurations and the possibility to insert temperature sensors directly in hot zones of the heater.

Abstract: Thick film resistive element heater with an aluminum substrate having a ceramic oxide dielectric insulator there between.