Abstract: A diffuser includes an air inlet for receiving an airflow from a hair dryer, a grille having a plurality of air outlets for emitting a first part of the airflow from the diffuser, and a plurality of projections upstanding from the grille for contacting the hair of a user and for emitting a second part of the airflow. Each of the projections has a respective air outlet located in an end portion of the projection which is remote from the grille. The projections are divided into a first set of projections and a second set of projections arranged about the first set of projections. The air outlets of the first set of projections are arranged to emit air towards the second set of projections, and the air outlets of the second set of projections face are arranged to emit air towards the first set of projections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reactive mesogen (RM) formulation comprising a conductive additive, to a polymer film obtained thereof, and the use of the RM formulation and polymer film in optical or electrooptical components or devices, like optical retardation films for liquid crystal displays (LCDs).

Abstract: A passive microscopic Fabry-Pérot Interferometer (FPI) sensor an optical fiber a three-dimensional microscopic optical structure formed on a cleaved tip of an optical fighter that reflects a light signal back through the optical fiber. The reflected light is altered by refractive index changes in the three-dimensional structure that is subject to at least one of: (i) thermal radiation; and (ii) volatile organic compounds.

Abstract: A method comprises a computer-implemented virtual assistant (VA) determining user information to communicate to a recipient, receiving VA input information, and determining a recipient context. In response to determining the recipient context, the VA composes a preferred presentation based on information attributes and recipient attributes. The VA outputs the user information according to the preferred presentation. A virtual assistant system comprises personal information, a preferred presentation, and a computer-implemented VA. The VA is configured to compose user information and to receive VA input information. In response to receiving the VA input information, the VA determines a recipient context and composes the preferred presentation based on the user information, recipient context, information attributes, and recipient attributes. The VA outputs the user information according to the preferred presentation. A computer program product can embody the method.

Abstract: A pultrusion process for making a strip for an elongate reinforcing structure of a wind turbine blade, the process comprising drawing fibres (42) and resin through a pultrusion die (40) in a process direction to form a strip (102); and applying an infusion-promoting layer (110) to a surface of the strip down-stream from the die in the process direction. A pultrusion apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrosurgical wand is disclosed for providing a range of tissue treatment modes and for use in a variety of orientations. The electrosurgical wand includes a handle on a proximal end, an elongate shaft and at least three distinct electrodes disposed at a distal end of the wand. The three electrodes include a blade electrode having a length measured parallel to a longitudinal axis of wand, the length running parallel to the wand longitudinal axis for a portion of the length. The blade electrode has a distal portion that curves toward the longitudinal axis at the distal end of the wand. The three electrodes also include a second electrode disposed on a second side of the wand from the blade electrode; and a third electrode disposed between the blade electrode and the second electrode. All the electrodes have a different shape and surface area.

Abstract: A refraction device includes a main body, a spherical power lens coupled to the main body, an astigmatic power lens movably coupled to the main body, and a visual display coupled to the main body and oriented toward an optical pathway extending through the spherical power lens and the astigmatic power lens. The visual display is configured to display an image for testing visual acuity.

Abstract: A shingle includes a substrate, a surface layer of granules, a backdust layer, an adhesive, and a hydrophobic material. Asphalt is applied to the substrate to form a first asphalt coating on the top or upper surface of the substrate and a second asphalt coating on the bottom or lower surface of the substrate. A surface layer of granules is embedded in the first asphalt coating. A backdust layer of particles is embedded in the second asphalt coating. A adhesive is disposed on the backdust layer. The hydrophobic material is applied to the adhesive.

Abstract: A system, vehicle and method are provided that automatically activate and deactivate a driver assistance system. The automatic activation and deactivation depend on predefined criteria such as brake or gas pedal release, current vehicle velocity, and the presence of a lead vehicle.