Abstract: A device for gripping a load structure includes a first jaw member having a proximate end and a distal end, a second jaw member slidably mounted to the first jaw member and having a proximate end and a distal end. Each of the two jaw members is provided with a gripper. The device further includes a fulcrum member mounted to the first jaw member near the proximate end thereof and a flexible element secured to the second jaw member near the distal end thereof operatively coupled to the fulcrum member for causing an externally applied pulling force on the flexible element to move the distal end of the first jaw member towards the distal end of the second jaw member so as to yield a first inward force between the first and second grippers.

Abstract: A device for gripping a load structure comprises a first jaw member having a proximate end and a distal end, a second jaw member slidably mounted to the first jaw member and having a proximate end and a distal end. Each of the two jaw members is provided with a gripper. The device further comprises a fulcrum member mounted to the first jaw member near the proximate end thereof and a flexible element secured to the second jaw member near the distal end thereof operatively coupled to the fulcrum member for causing an externally applied pulling force on the flexible element to move the distal end of the first jaw member towards the distal end of the second jaw member so as to yield a first inward force between the first and second grippers.

Abstract: The effectiveness and/or hydrating ability of body care compositions, such as moisturizers, skin creams, body lotions, shampoo, hair conditioner, styling gel, styling mist, hair dye, bath additives, pedicure and manicure products, facial cleanser, facial mist, suntan lotions, and sunscreen lotions, are enhanced by the addition thereto of an aqueous suspension containing small concentrations of colloidal silica. The colloidal silica particles are charged and of a size between about 10 angstroms and 100 angstroms. An aqueous solution of colloidal silica particles is prepared by circulating the solution through a magnetic field so that the particles cut the field flux lines and build up a net negative charge thereon. It is preferred that the solution be passed through a magnetic void after passing through a magnetic field to allow the particles to configure themselves without the influence of external magnetic fields.

Abstract: The effectiveness and/or hydrating ability of body care compositions, such as moisturizers, skin creams, body lotions, shampoo, hair conditioner, styling gel, styling mist, hair dye, bath additives, pedicure and manicure products, facial cleanser, facial mist, suntan lotions, and sunscreen lotions, are enhanced by the addition thereto of an aqueous suspension containing small concentrations of colloidal silica. The colloidal silica particles are charged and of a size between about 10 angstroms and 100 angstroms. An aqueous solution of colloidal silica particles is prepared by circulating the solution through a magnetic field so that the particles cut the field flux lines and build up a net negative charge thereon. It is preferred that the solution be passed through a magnetic void after passing through a magnetic field to allow the particles to configure themselves without the influence of external magnetic fields.

Abstract: The penetration or absorption of water, oils, collagen, and other materials into the hair is greatly increased by adding a small quantity of inorganic charged colloidal silica to provide an aqueous suspension of the charged colloidal silica particles along with the material to be absorbed into the hair. In coloring hair, dye components can be absorbed into the hair without the use of alkaline solutions which damage the hair, and in perming hair, the disulfide bonds in the hair can be broken by tension caused by swelling due to water absorption in the hair, again without the use of damaging alkaline solutions. It is believed that the porosity and stable hydration of the hair can be varied through altering the electrostatic charge on the hair. The aqueous suspension of charged silica particles applied to the hair appears to alter this charge.

Abstract: The effectiveness and/or hydrating ability of body care compositions, such as moisturizers, skin creams, body lotions, shampoo, hair conditioner, styling gel, styling mist, hair dye, bath additives, pedicure and manicure products, facial cleanser, facial mist, suntan lotions, and sunscreen lotions, are enhanced by the addition thereto of an aqueous suspension containing small concentrations of colloidal silica. The colloidal silica particles are charged and of a size between about 10 angstroms and 100 angstroms. An aqueous solution of colloidal silica particles is prepared by circulating the solution through a magnetic field so that the particles cut the field flux lines and build up a net negative charge thereon. It is preferred that the solution be passed through a magnetic void after passing through a magnetic field to allow the particles to configure themselves without the influence of external magnetic fields.