Abstract: Foamable compositions are provided including a polymeric component, an encapsulated foaming component in an amount effective in foaming the foamable composition and a wood component in an amount effective as a filler in a foamed composition obtained from the foamable composition. Foamed compositions and methods of producing foamed positions are also provided.

Abstract: A process for converting multiple optical or electro-optical on/off switches or electro-optical modulators into an electro-optical switch or a 2×2 or 4×4 . . . or 2??2? cross switch.

Abstract: A capacitive structure (10). The capacitive structure comprises a semiconductor base region (30) having an upper surface, a well (12) formed within the semiconductor base region and adjacent the upper surface, a first dielectric layer (38) adjacent at least a portion of the upper surface, and a polysilicon layer (16) adjacent the first dielectric layer. The well, the first dielectric layer, and the first polysilicon layer form a first capacitor and are aligned along a planar dimension. The capacitive structure further comprises a first conductive layer (201) positioned with at least a portion overlying at least a portion of the polysilicon layer, a second dielectric layer (202) adjacent the first conductive layer, and a second conductive layer (203) adjacent the second dielectric layer. The first conductive layer, the second dielectric layer, and the second conductive layer form a second capacitor and are aligned along the planar dimension.

Abstract: A vehicle heating system includes a heater plenum assembly externally attached to an engine exhaust pipe, to use exhaust heat to heat outside air flowing through the plenum into passenger cabin. The plenum includes a plurlality of aluminum plenum air tubes fastened to an air inlet manifold and air outlet manifold, with the assembly fastened against a portion of the exhaust pipe. A blower circulates unheated outside air through the plenum and, thereafter, the heated air into the cabin. Insulation around the plenum and adjacent exhaust pipe conserves heat.

Abstract: A disposable auto-destruct syringe is disclosed which includes a syringe barrel for holding an injectable fluid, a piston reciprocatable in the barrel and sealingly engaging the barrel wall, a plunger having a forward portion normally positioned in the barrel and a rearward portion to be manipulated by a user of the syringe, a coupling mechanism for connecting the piston with the plunger to permit axial movement of the piston in the barrel by operation of the plunger, and a deforming structure for permanently deforming the barrel wall to break the seal between the piston and the barrel wall. The deforming structure is in the form of cutters or burrowing elements mounted by-way of elastic arms to one of the piston and the plunger. The deforming structure is movable from an at rest position wherein the barrel wall is not deformed, to a barrel wall engaging position wherein the barrel wall is permanently deformed by the deforming structure.

Abstract: Darifenacin, and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, are useful in the treatment of cognitive impairment. The invention also discloses the use of combinations of darifenacin, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, with an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, in the treatment of cognitive impairment.

Abstract: A method of killing microorganisms which form a biofilm on a tissue or implant surfaces in a patient, and which are refractory to a biocide at a dose which is effective to kill the microorganism in planktonic form. The effect of the biocide is potentiated, to an effective killing level, by applying an electric field across the surface containing the biofilm.

Abstract: An optical sensor comprising an optical fiber having a core covered by a cladding, the cladding having an index of refraction different from that of the core, apparatus for retaining the fiber in a sinuously looped disposition, apparatus for fixing the fiber to an object to be sensed whereby movement to be sensed results in one or both of accordion expansion and contraction of loops of the fiber and microbending of the fiber, apparatus for applying a first optical signal into one end of the fiber, apparatus for detecting a resulting optical signal from the other end of the fiber, and apparatus for comparing the first and resulting optical signals to obtain an indication of the movement.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing a set of linear objects such as helically coiled turbolaters (11) from a container (12) of objects, comprising a cover (17) including holes (37) from which air is drawn to cause some of the objects (11) to engage the underside of the cover (17) and an obturator plate for reducing the air flow through the holes (37) so that the objects (11) correctly engaged with the cover will detach from the cover (17). A feed mechanism is also provided to insert the helically coiled objects (11) into the tubes (13) of a radiator (14).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for twisting thin strip material such as thin aluminum strip in which the strip material is guided from a supply of strip material along a feed path 21 to a guide mechanism 11 which maintains the strip in a first plane and is then passed to two rolls 31, 32, at least one of which is driven. The rolls have on their outer circumferential edges 33, 34 grooves 41 which grip opposite edges of the strip, the rolls 31, 32 being mounted so that their axes of rotation are twisted with respect to one another whereby the strip is driven forwards by the rolls 31, 32 and twisted as it passes through the rolls to form a helically twisted strip.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for the plating of the contact elements of encapsulated electronic components - suitably of the type known as P-Dip strips - is provided with a continuous flexible parts-carrier belt of stainless steel, running in a horizontally aligned loop, with the web of the belt vertical. In the lower edge of the belt an array of flexible gripping fingers is formed, provided with projections, suitable for engagement by laterally disposed cams, on alternating sides of the belt for successive grip fingers. A loading device, co-ordinated with the operation of the cams, presents a part to be plated into the gripping fingers during an interval when the belt is stationary and the cams have been activated to separate the tips of the grip fingers. Upon retraction of the cams the parts are securely held by the grip fingers and moved through the plating stations upon the activation of belt motion. After plating, the parts are released by cam action on the grip fingers.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for the plating of the projecting, bent contact elements of electronic components encapsulated in ceramic packages--suitably of the type known as C-Dips--is provided with a continuous flexible conveyor belt of stainless steel running in a vertically aligned loop with a web of the belt horizontal. The edges of the belt are bevelled to receive, pressed thereover, a gap between the ceramic package and the selvedge associated with the untrimmed lead frame of the contact elements in a frictional, reversible grip. The parts to be plated are forced onto the edge of the intermittently moving belt during its period of rest, and are carried through the treatment stations of the plating apparatus as the belt progresses from a loading station towards an unload station, after the parts have been plated, where the individual encapsulated electronic components are stripped from the belt into receiving trays or magazines.

Abstract: A tool carrier having a first tool receptacle or container and a second tool receptacle mounted on a frame which is made up of a pair of essentially reverse Z-shaped side members joined at the top by a transverse handle and having at the bottom a short vertical leg, the legs being joined by a transverse member. The upper arm of the "Z" is essentially horizontal and the lower arm of the "Z" is slanted downwardly and forwardly to form the leg. At the upper and rearward end of the lower arm of the "Z" an axle passes through both side members and a wheel is mounted at each end of the axle. The first receptacle rests on the cross member and the axle. The second receptacle comprises a number of pockets and depends from the handle. Means for holding the handles of long-handled tools are provided on the upper arm of the "Z".

Abstract: For advertising or amusement purposes, a hand-held stereoscopic viewer is provided with a cavity into which a container may be inserted and removed. The cavity is located adjacent the nostrils of a user of the viewer and is separated from the other portions of the viewer and is capable of being enclosed. The container carries an odor-producing substance which may be a solid or a gel or a liquid absorbed into a suitable material. The container has a replaceable seal and when sealed inhibits odor essences escaping before or between uses. In use, the seal is removed from the container and it is inserted into the cavity. As the odor is produced, it reaches the atmosphere adjacent the nostrils of a user of the stereo viewer through odor-passage holes positioned between said odor-producing substance and the nostrils. These odor-passage holes can be positioned in the container or in a lid covering the enclosed cavity in or on the viewer.

Abstract: A hand-tool for mortaring bricks in a course includes a frame bent transversely at right angles, the side pieces of said frame carrying flanges to align the tool by engaging the side faces of bricks already laid. A handle is attached to the frame.

Abstract: Aqueous emulsions comprising organic isocyanates, water and non-ionic surface active agents devoid of hydroxy, amino and carboxylic acid groups and the use of such emulsions for surface coatings. Use of aqueous emulsions of mixed methylene bridged polyphenyl polyisocyanates as bonding agents for the reconstitution of foam scrap.

Abstract: A rotary article-transfer apparatus, specifically intended for use in a sweet-wrapping apparatus, comprises a rotatable main support, a pocket support slidably mounted on the main support provided with an article receiving pocket, a cam follower mounted on the pocket support and arranged in engagement with a cam track arranged about the axis of rotation of the main support so that, upon rotation of the main support, an article fed to the pocket at one circumferential position, e.g., a feeding position, at a given radial distance from the axis of rotation is moved to another circumferential position, e.g., a twisting position, at a different radial distance from that axis.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method and apparatus to advertise and promote the sales of certain consumer goods by accompanying the visual presentation or display of a product with the distinctive odor or smell which is characteristic of its use or preparation or consumption, said odor not necessarily being usually and normally present during such presentation or display. Such simultaneous visual and olfactory recognition serving to stimulate and enhance the sense of immediate or anticipated enjoyment and desire for goods so presented or displayed to prospective customers, thus encouraging the purchase and use or consumption or enjoyment of goods so advertised or promoted for sale.