Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for treating sleep disorders related to partial or complete obstruction of air passageways by the tongue during sleep, such as snoring and sleep apnea. A mouthpiece is inserted in a user's mouth, so that a radial portion of the mouthpiece is held between the user's teeth and lips. An extension portion of the mouthpiece extends from the radial portion forward, through the user's lips, ending in a tip in which is formed a suction hole. A vacuum bladder snugly fits on the tip of the extension portion of the mouthpiece, so that pinching the vacuum bladder expels air from the bladder through the suction hole and into the extension portion of the mouthpiece. When the mouthpiece is positioned in a person's mouth, releasing the compressed bladder creates a vacuum suitable for comfortably holding the person's tongue within a tongue cavity inside the extension portion of the mouthpiece.

Abstract: A hand held tool for grasping and moving light weight objects includes a battery powered vacuum. Upon pressing an actuator, an electrical circuit is completed, activating the vacuum pump. The vacuum pump draws air from a valving system, causing air to be drawn through a nozzle. A variety of gripping devices may be attached to the nozzle, so that air is also drawn through the attached gripping device when the vacuum pump is activated. As a result, the gripping device may be placed in proximity to a light weight object, so that activation of the vacuum pump results in that object being held against the gripping device, for ease of movement, until the vacuum pump is deactivated.

Abstract: Light-weight items or components may be picked-up and moved from space restricted areas. The method of lifting and placing such items involves the use of a hand-held tool, comprising a hollow tube containing a suction creating device, which suction creating device may be engaged by pressing an actuator member located in a hole in the hollow tube. A tip is attached to an open end of the hollow tube, so that air is expelled from and drawn into the suction creating device in the hollow tube through the tip. A gripping member is removably attached to the tip. The gripping member comprises a suction cup, an extension tube, and a fitting by which the gripping member is attached to the tip. A variety of gripping members, with suction cups of varying sizes and extension tubes of differing angles, may be used with the pick-up device.

Abstract: Leaded and leadless surface mounted devices are removed from or attached to a printed circuit board at various locations, without interfering with or adversely affecting other chips on the printed circuit board. The method of removal involves placing a tool on the substrate, comprising a rigid plate containing a hole, and a hollow tube extending beneath the hole from the rigid plate to the substrate. In this way a surface mounted device to be removed may be surrounded completely by the hollow tube, without encompassing adjacent chips. When heat is directed through the hole in the rigid plate and through the hollow tube to the surface mounted device, the soldered connections attaching the surface mounted device to the board may be melted. A disconnecting means is utilized to remove the surface mounted device from the substrate at the moment the soldered connections are melted or, in the case of non-eutectic solder, changed to a plastic phase.

Abstract: A sand transport detector which detects the discrete impingements of sand particles on an elongated probe member inserted into the sand. A piezoelectric transducer element is cemented to the probe and produces an output signal when impingement occurs. With an electronic circuit coupled to the transducer, an indication of sand transport may be obtained.

Abstract: An extraction tool is disclosed for removing integrated-circuit blocks (IC's) from soldered placement in a circuit board. Support members of the tool position it with reference to the circuit board for proper operation. Heating elements melt the solder; and a force mechanism, including a pair of grippers, is then actuated. In a two-step motion pattern, the grippers grasp the block then withdraw it from the circuit board. An ejector then forces the block from the tool.