Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method, apparatus and computer program for provision of meteorological data pertaining to a particular atmospheric condition to assist in the timing of a remedy to ameliorate involuntary physical distress caused by a change in the atmospheric condition. The remedy according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be an earplug including a body having a first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end, a bore defined within the body and extending from the first end to the second end along the longitudinal axis of the body, and a pressure regulator positioned within the bore and providing an air flow rate of 3.4×10?6 to 7.8×10?5 cc/sec through the bore.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is directed to an earplug that includes a cylindrical body having a pair of faces positioned on opposite sides of the cylindrical body, and indicia printed on at least one face of the pair of faces. Other embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and a system for producing the earplug having indicia thereon. The method includes forming the earplug with the cylindrical body and the pair of faces, and printing the at least one indicia on at least one face of the pair of faces. The system includes an extrusion machine configured to form the earplug, a smoothing roller configured to smooth the earplug, and a printing apparatus configured to print the indicia on the earplug. The earplug is formed silicone comprised of 60-90% vinyl stopped dimethypolysiloxane, 10-30% treated fumed silica and 0.5% or less of a fluoropolymer by weight.

Abstract: By providing an ear plug product incorporating water absorbing capabilities, a highly effective and easily employed ear plug product is realized which is capable of being used for removing water contained in the ear canal of an individual. In one preferred embodiment, the ear plug product of the present invention incorporates water absorbing material integrally formed in the ear plug which immediately draws the water from the ear canal into the ear plug product for being retained in the ear plug. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the ear plug product incorporates at least one elongated, longitudinally extending channel or passageway formed along substantially the entire length of the ear plug product. By incorporating the elongated, longitudinally extending passage-way or channel in the ear plug product, the desired water absorption is achieved.

Abstract: A product in the form of a segmented strip includes tabs to assist in dispensing individual segments from the strip. Segments of the strip are separated by lines of perforations running transverse to the strip. A tab of sufficient size to be easily grasped is adhesively secured to the strip across the line of perforations. The tab is positioned so that less than half of the area of the tab is disposed on the segment that is the first to be dispensed. The majority of the surface of the tab is disposed on a segment that will be subsequently dispensed. When the first segment is dispensed, the tab is retained on the next segment since the adhered surface on the next segment is greater. The exposed portion of the tab may then be readily located and grasped when the next segment is to be dispensed.