Abstract: A training garment (10) for developing an athlete's inspiratory muscles, comprises a resistance band (12) and adjustment means (13). The resistance band (12) is configured such that when the training garment (10) is in use during the performance of aerobic exercise, the resistance band (12) embraces the athlete's thorax and imparts a resistive load thereto. The adjustment means (13) enable the athlete to vary the applied resistive load. The training garment (10) resists the expansion of the athlete's thorax during the performance of aerobic exercise, but without restricting the athlete's range of motion.

Abstract: The invention relates to soap-based liquid body and facial wash compositions using high solvent, low water compositions and incompletely neutralized fatty acids to help structure the compositions, all in combination with modified benefit agents, enhanced deposition of antimicrobial agents is obtained.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus (11) has a platform (12) divided into a back-rest element (18) and a seat portion (19). The back-rest element (18) is pivotably mounted in the platform (12) about a pivot point (21). The platform (12) has legs (13, 14) at each end thereof, each said leg (13, 14) having an upper part (22) and a lower part (23) pivotably connected thereto about a further pivot point (25). By varying the position of the back-rest element (18) relative to the platform (12), and the position of the lower leg portions (23) relative to the upper leg portions (22), the exercise apparatus (11) can be made to assume each of a range of configurations comprising bench, step, intermediate incline, high and low seated incline and chair configurations.

Abstract: The invention relates to method of reducing viscosity of high active liquid concentrate cleanser by adding perfumes, individual perfume components, or mixtures of components.

Abstract: The invention relates to method of enhancing viscosity of low active liquid cleanser by adding perfumes individual perfume components or mixtures of components.

Abstract: An improved ion conductor layer for use in electrochromic devices and other applications is disclosed. The improved ion-conductor layer is comprised of at least two ion transport layers and a buffer layer, wherein the at least two ion transport layers and the buffer layer alternate within the ion conductor layer such that the ion transport layers are in communication with a first and a second electrode. Electrochromic devices utilizing such an improved ion conductor layer color more deeply by virtue of the increased voltage developed across the ion conductor layer prior to electronic breakdown while reducing the amount of electronic leakage. Also disclosed are methods of making electrochromic devices incorporating the improved ion conductor layer disclosed herein and methods of making ion conductors for use in other applications.

Abstract: A training device (10) for exercising the abdominal muscles (40) of a user (30), comprises a base portion (11), an upstanding resistance member (21) contained within a housing (12) and a plunger (13). The resistance member (21) is operably connected to the plunger (13) and is biased normally to urge the plunger (13) upwardly out of the housing (12). By standing on the base portion (11) and exerting a downward force (c) on the plunger (13) whilst keeping his arms (41, 42) and legs (43, 44) straight, the user (30) causes his abdominal muscles (40) to work to overcome the resistance to the downward motion of the plunger (13) provided by the resistance member (21), thus driving the plunger (13) downwards into the housing (12).

Abstract: Exercise apparatus (10) for training the abdominal muscles of a user (41) comprises a lever frame (11) linked to a support frame (12) at a pivot (13). The lever frame (11) has first and second arms (14, 15) joined at a central junction (16) which also forms a fulcrum for the lever frame (11). The support frame (12) consists of a base member (19) having a seat portion (21) associated therewith. The apparatus (10) is adapted to support a user (41) in a half-kneeling position so as to promote neutral pelvic alignment during the performance of abdominal muscle training exercise. In use, the exercise apparatus (10) is operated by the user (41) pushing the first arm (14) away from his or her body so as to cause the lever frame (11) to rotate about its fulcrum (16). This lifts the second arm (15), which in turn causes the seat portion (21) associated with the base member (19) to lift and/or tilt. The user's abdominal muscles are thus exercised in lifting his or her own body mass.

Abstract: An improved ion conductor layer for use in electrochromic devices and other applications is disclosed. The improved ion-conductor layer is comprised of at least two ion transport layers and a buffer layer, wherein the at least two ion transport layers and the buffer layer alternate within the ion conductor layer such that the ion transport layers are in communication with a first and a second electrode. Electrochromic devices utilizing such an improved ion conductor layer color more deeply by virtue of the increased voltage developed across the ion conductor layer prior to electronic breakdown while reducing the amount of electronic leakage. Also disclosed are methods of making electrochromic devices incorporating the improved ion conductor layer disclosed herein and methods of making ion conductors for use in other applications.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition and method is herein described for sunless tanning to impart a glow/shiny effect on skin. The composition includes a sunless tanning agent and coated beads incorporating tan colored pigment. A colorant which imparts a color other than tan to the beads is distributed within the coating. The cosmetic composition provides to the skin an immediate tan via the disintegrated beads. Sunless tanning agent acts more slowly and eventually will replace the pigment effect. The coating with colorant prevents the formula undesirably from appearing tan. Instead a color such as white renders the formula more aesthetically pleasing and more in line with the visuals paradigm of a moisturizer rather than a foundation.

Abstract: A cosmetic product and method of imparting a healthy appearance to skin is provided which includes using a composition formed with about 0.1 to about 20% by weight of the composition of beads, from about 1 to about 80% by weight of the beads of a coloring agent incorporated within a matrix of the beads, and a cosmetically acceptable carrier, the composition being delivered from a package with instructions being printed on or associated with the package indicating topical use on skin to impart a healthy appearance, and wherein the skin with the applied composition has a reflectance in the range from 510 to 600 nm, and reflectance amplitude ratios at wavelength 510/540 nm ranging from 1.10 to 1.20 and at wavelength 600/580 nm ranging from 1.35 to 1.65.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus (10) for training a user's abdominal muscles comprises a lever frame (11) linked to a support frame (12) at a pivot (13). The lever frame (11) has first and second arms (14,15) joined at a junction (16) also forming a fulcrum for the lever frame (11). The support frame (12) consists of a base member (22) having a seat portion (23) associated with, and laterally rotatable relative to, the base member (22). The apparatus (10) may be used to perform either simple or compound abdominal muscles training exercises. In a simple exercise, the user?s abdominal muscles are exercised by pushing the first arm (14) away from the user's body to rotate the lever frame (11) about its fulcrum (16), causing the seat portion (23) associated with the base member (22) to lift and tilt. In a compound exercise, the user's obliques and transversus abdominal muscles are exercised by performing an abdominal twisting motion to cause the seat portion (23) to rotate relative to the base member (22).

Abstract: A heat treated electrochromic device comprising an anodic complementary counter electrode layer comprised of a mixed tungsten-nickel oxide and lithium, which provides a high transmission in the fully intercalated state and which is capable of long term stability, is disclosed. Methods of making an electrochromic device comprising an anodic complementary counter electrode comprised of a mixed tungsten-nickel oxide are also disclosed.

Abstract: A training harness (11) for exercising the inspiratory muscles of an athlete (10) is adapted to embrace the thorax (12) of the athlete (10) during the performance of aerobic exercise. The harness (11) has a back plate (13), a chest plate (14) and linkages (15-24) interconnecting said plates (13,14) by extending around the thorax (12) of the athlete (10). The linkages (15-24) define a pre-determined circumference of the harness (11), which may be increased when the athlete's thorax (12) expands upon inspiration—however such an increase in the circumference of the harness (11) requires the athlete (10) to work against an applied resistive load.

Abstract: A heat treated electrochromic device comprising an anodic complementary counter electrode layer comprised of a mixed tungsten-nickel oxide and lithium, which provides a high transmission in the fully intercalated state and which is capable of long term stability, is disclosed. Methods of making an electrochromic device comprising an anodic complementary counter electrode comprised of a mixed tungsten-nickel oxide are also disclosed.

Abstract: Exercise apparatus (10) for training a user's abdominal muscles comprises a lever frame (11) linked to a support frame (12) at a pivot (13). The lever frame (11) has first and second arms (14,15) joined at a junction (16) also forming a fulcrum for the lever frame (11). The support frame (12) consists of a base member (22) having a seat portion (23) associated with, and laterally rotatable relative to, the base member (22). The apparatus (10) may be used to perform either simple or compound abdominal muscles training exercises. In a simple exercise, the user?s abdominal muscles are exercised by pushing the first arm (14) away from the user's body to rotate the lever frame (11) about its fulcrum (16), causing the seat portion (23) associated with the base member (22) to lift and tilt. In a compound exercise, the user's obliques and transversus abdominal muscles are exercised by performing an abdominal twisting motion to cause the seat portion (23) to rotate relative to the base member (22).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selective rework for surface mount components. A shield assembly encloses a circuit board on which Surface Mount Technology (SMT) modules are soldered. The shield assembly includes a top shield member having an opening over an SMT module to be removed from the circuit board, and a bottom shield member having an opening exposing the solder mount of the SMT module to be removed. An intermediate shield member is located in the opening in the top shield member and extends through the opening to the circuit board and surrounds the SMT module to be removed. A spring loaded mechanism is positioned over the intermediate shield member and grips the SMT module to be removed. The spring loaded mechanism applies removal force for removing the SMT module from the circuit board when heat is applied causing the solder holding the SMT module to the circuit board to reflow.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and methods for separating an article of laundry from a bundle of articles. The bundle is located in a truck which is clamped into a carriage by means of clamping arm or attached to guide rails. The truck is moved by suitable drive means in a controlled manner beneath a grip device which is movable into and out of the truck. The grip device is mounted on a carriage which is movable upwards relative to a frame by means of a winch and downwards by gravity. The grip device picks the article from the bundle using a dual clamp structure and lifts the article up past an adjacent conveyor which is mounted so as to oscillate about a roller. An air jet means is also provided to blow the article into a nip defined between the conveyor belt and a spring loaded nip roller. Sensors are provided for sensing overload conditions for the conveyor and the grip device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for imaging the surface of a substrate through a coating on the substrate. The system includes an infrared light source positioned to cast an infrared light upon the substrate to thereby create reflected light. A focal plane array may be positioned to receive the reflected light and generate an image therefrom. At least one optical filter may be disposed between the substrate and the focal plane array so as to pass only coating transparent wavelengths of the reflected light along an optical path between the infrared light source and the focal plane array thereby visually revealing irregular structural features of the substrate as at least one image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for imaging the surface of a substrate through a coating on the substrate. The system includes an infrared light source positioned to cast an infrared light upon the substrate to thereby create reflected light. A focal plane array may be positioned to receive the reflected light and generate an image therefrom. At least one optical filter may be disposed between the substrate and the focal plane array so as to pass only coating transparent wavelengths of the reflected light along an optical path between the infrared light source and the focal plane array thereby visually revealing irregular structural features of the substrate as at least one image.