Abstract: A junction device (1) for hoses (2) comprises an insert (3) having a portion (3a) inserted internally to an end of a hose (2) and a bushing (9) inserted externally to said end of the hose and locked to maintain the end of the hose securely inserted between the portion (3a) of said insert and the bushing. The insert comprises an annular groove (6) interposed between the portion (3a) inserted internally to the end of the hose and a portion (3b) external to said hose, whilst the bushing (9) comprises a concave annular area (10) which, when the junction device is assembled, is positioned internally to said annular groove of the insert. The insert further comprises an annular rib (7) to provide an area of interference with the concave annular area (10) of the bushing.

Abstract: An automatic packaging machine for forming and filling a latching flip-top box uses a two part mandrel which are joined by a hinge. One of the two hinged parts has a roller thereon for following a cam track having a quarter turn spiral therein. As the roller follows the spiral causing one hinged part to move through a quarter turn causing the flip-top to fold over and be formed. A somewhat loose tab on the top edge of the bottom of the box is a latch tab which is caught when the flip-top folds over.

Abstract: There is provided a vertical timing signal generating circuit which can operate stably irrespective of the phase relationship between a vertical synchronous signal and a vertical timing signal generated by a counter, and can provide a vertical timing signal having a desired phase. Delay circuit 100 receives vertical synchronous signal Pc 123, outputs as a reset signal a signal which is delayed in phase with respect to input vertical synchronous signal Pc 123 by a predetermined phase, and vertical counter 103 receives horizontal synchronous signal Pb 121 and reset signal Pe 125 outputted from delay circuit 100 and resets the count by using reset signal Pe 125 to count a predetermined number of horizontal synchronous signals 121, thereafter outputting vertical timing signal Pd 127.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a condition of a polishing pad used in a chemical-mechanical planarization (CMP) process to polish a semiconductor wafer is disclosed. The method uses a linear multi-dimensional scanning device arranged above the polishing pad in a radial direction to monitor the changes in profile of the surface of the polishing pad, and determines the condition of the polishing pad according to the profile information. When the change in profile of the surface of the polishing pad substantially exceeds a preset value, e.g. 2 mm, it is indicated that the polishing pad should be changed.

Abstract: A first part of the inventive instrument comprises an insertion and removal device in the form of a maneuverable catheter which may be inserted through the mouth or nostril, pharynx, and esophagus into the stomach. In one form, the catheter includes an outer sheath which protects the human body while a tool extending coaxially through an inner sheath is being manipulated. The tool includes a remotely operated pair of tweezers for holding or releasing a loop on insertion or seizing and holding the loop on removal of the second part of the inventive instrument. An alternate device for capturing and holding the second part of the inventive instrument uses an electromagnet. The second part of the inventive instrument comprises a self-compressing, open-ended, balloon-like tube for implantation in and lining of the digestive tract, especially in the intestine, to prevent food from being absorbed into the villi.

Abstract: A personal appliance comprises a vacuum chamber and a steam-generating chamber. Steam or other heat is applied to an area of human skin for a period which is long enough to open pores, melt any wax-like substances within the pores, and otherwise cause the skin to be cleaned. Thereafter, a mild suction is applied to the steamed area which lifts the softened debris out of the open skin pores. In some instances the suction may be applied in a pulsating manner to massage the skin.

Abstract: A therapeutic heating pad which is not hot to the touch provides substantial infrared radiation to a user. Accordingly it can be used for extended periods without feeling uncomfortable to the skin, while imparting deep therapeutic heat to the user. The heating pad is comprised of a radiant heat generating layer having a plane surface comprising means for radiating heat evenly from its surface, a pair of flexible electrically insulating and radiation permeable layers located adjacent and covering opposite sides of the layer, a thermal insulation layer disposed against and covering one of the electrically insulating layers, a radiation reflective layer disposed against and covering the outside surface of the thermal insulation layer, and a sealed radiation permeable envelope enclosing the entire heater.

Abstract: A personal appliance comprises a vacuum chamber and a steam-generating chamber. Steam is applied to an area of human skin for a period which is long enough to open pores, melt any wax-like substances within the pores, and otherwise cause the skin to be cleaned. Thereafter, a mild suction is applied to the steamed area. In some instances the suction may be applied in a pulsating manner to massage the skin.

Abstract: A handsaw has a main blade and an auxiliary cutting blade with specialized fingers. The cutting blade is held tautly between two points disposed on opposite ends of the main blade. Interlocking teeth prevent the two blades from springing apart without interfering with the tautness of the cutting blade. The vertical projection of the cross section of the two blades is the same as the vertical projection of one blade alone, so that the two combined saw blades easily follow their own kerf.

Abstract: A fishing lure has a two-piece body which is hinged together at a central region, with the hinge being vertically oriented. The hinge has enough play to enable slight twisting motion in the tail region. The lure floats upright when the hooks rest upon the bottom. One embodiment simulates a dying fish. The lure sinks away from its attached line in order to reduce snagged lines.