Abstract: A dental floss article is provided comprising a fiber having a predetermined length and defined by at least one substantially rigid portion and at least one flexible portion.

Abstract: An improved cable assembly is provided which comprises covered, wrapped, or coated synthetic strength members to enhance the mechanical properties of the cable in a dynamic environment.

Abstract: An integrated circuit package for housing an integrated circuit (IC) chip and providing electrical connectivity of data signals and voltage signals between the IC chip and an electronic component includes a substrate, an IC chip affixed to the substrate and at least three conductive layers on the substrate. The three conductive layers include at least a first voltage layer adjacent to the substrate for providing a first reference voltage signal (i.e., ground) to the IC chip, a second voltage layer for providing a second reference voltage signal (i.e., power) to the IC chip, and a signal layer. To maximize speed and minimize complexing all of the data signals to the IC chip are routed on the signal layer. The power and ground layers are closely coupled and separated by a dielectric layer having a relatively high dielectric constant for providing significant decoupling capacitance. A low dielectric layer is provided for separating the power layer from the signal layer.

Abstract: An improved hand covering is provided of the type having an index finger stall, a thumb stall, a dorsal portion and a palm portion. The hand covering is provided with at least one index finger covering having an upper portion, an arching transition section to a lower portion, and a ridge formed at the union of the upper and lower portion. The index finger covering is dimensioned to resemble a human index finger tip. A thumb covering may also be provided which has an upper section, an arching transition section to a lower portion, and a ridge formed at the union of the upper and lower portion. The thumb covering is dimensioned to resemble a human thumb tip. The hand covering provides a wearer with improved dexterity and tactility, thereby, allowing the wearer, for example, to pick up or manipulate small objects and perform fine motor skill movements.

Abstract: A whole volume quadrature coil is provided which has one side and two ends thereof open for easy patient access. The coil is comprised entirely of figure eight shaped coils.

Abstract: An improved optical signal transmission media comprises at least one light-transmitting fiber core defined by a cladded optical fiber, and a buffering surrounding the light transmitting fiber core. The buffering is defined by a closed-cell porous polymer material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for dimensioning and manipulating a patterned material by selectively applying a vacuum and/or positive pressure to the patterned material.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved adhesive sheet (also known as a "bond ply," "bond film," or "prepreg") material suitable for bonding together electric circuit boards and other electrical components. The adhesive sheet of the present invention comprises a combination of a porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a ceramic filler, and a thermoset resin imbibed within the porous PTFE structure. By employing a fill of less than about 60% by weight of resin, the adhesive sheet has exceptionally good performance characteristics while being vastly easier to process.

Abstract: A support element is provided for a tubular filter device having an oversized filter sock. The support element provides relief portions within which excess filter media of the filter sock enters, during use of the tubular filter device, to eliminate detrimental wrinkling and compaction of the filter media.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thin adhesive composite films formed from fluoropolymers imbibed with adhesives and containing a filler at least within the infra-structure of the polymer to provide the film with a high dielectric constant. The films of the present invention are particularly suitable for use in a capacitor or in applications requiring high capacitive properties.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for preventing the retrograde movement of a prescribed fluid away from a patient during use of an air eliminating filter in intravenous therapy. Such retrograde fluid movement is prevented by employing at least one vented valve assembly to prevent the displacement of air into a proximal chamber of an air eliminating filter.

Abstract: An improved fiber optic cable assembly is provided which has made integral therewith a strength member that may be gripped or rigorously pulled to facilitate the installation of the fiber optic cable assembly in a structure.

Abstract: An improved electrical connector is provided for selectable mating with an electrical apparatus. The improved electrical connector is defined by a latch assembly, a connector housing, and a handle assembly. The latch assembly is mounted to the electrical apparatus. The connector housing includes physical features which allow for positive latching to the latch assembly, and which allow for the moveable attachment of the handle assembly to the connector housing. To intentionally disengage the electrical connector from the electrical apparatus, a user applies a pulling force on the handle assembly, whereupon the connector housing disengages from the latch assembly. However, if a pulling force is applied to the connector housing, or individual electrical cables, unintentional disengagement of the connector housing from the latch assembly is prevented.

Abstract: In a process for the production of a filter medium in particular in the form of a pleated bellows for a filter cartridge for dust separation, at least one surface of the filter medium is provided with an embossed structure, consisting of a multitude of raised embossed elements, preferably in the form of burls or ribs. Furthermore such surfaces of the filter medium are subjected to an additional treatment in the area of the embossed spots by application of a layer of a curable, dryable coating mass and/or heat so that an added mechanical resistance/strength/abrasion resistance is obtained in the area of these treated embossed parts. Due to this process for the production of a filter medium it is possible to create a filter medium--in particular one consisting of mechanically sensitive materials, e.g.