Abstract: An expandable tubing system for delivering gases delivers various gases to patients. The system includes at least one expandable tube and a nasal cannula. The expandable tube includes a main tube which delivers gases from a gas supply to the nasal cannula or another device. The at least one expandable tube each include a first coupler, a second coupler, an inner tube, and an outer cover. The first coupler and the second coupler allow the inner tube to be connected in between two devices. The inner tube expands when filled with gases and retracts when emptied. The outer cover encircles and protects the inner tube. The nasal cannula includes a cannula coupler, a cannula tube, and a nosepiece. The cannula coupler connects the nasal cannula to the main tube. The cannula tube is transports gases from the cannula coupler to the nosepiece, which directs gases into the patient's nose.

Abstract: A tampon that has a body including a first end, a second end, a center portion, a longitudinal axis and a radial axis. The body includes a plurality of cords or strips joined at the first end, the second end, the center portion or both the first and second ends. The plurality of strips and cords being selected from the group being selected from the group consisting of, films, woven materials, absorbent foams, superabsorbent polymers, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A tampon that has a body including a first end, a second end, a center portion, a longitudinal axis and a radial axis. The body includes a plurality of cords or strips joined at the first end, the second end, the center portion or both the first and second ends. The plurality of strips and cords being selected from the group being selected from the group consisting of, films, woven materials, absorbent foams, superabsorbent polymers, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a device with stacked substrates. Conducting interconnecting structures of one substrate are bonded to conducting interconnecting structures of another substrate. A passivating layer may be on the conducting interconnecting structures between the substrates and may be formed by an atomic layer deposition process or a with a Langmuir-Blodgett technique.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a device with stacked substrates. Conducting interconnecting structures of one substrate are bonded to conducting interconnecting structures of another substrate. A passivating layer may be on the conducting interconnecting structures between the substrates and may be formed by an atomic layer deposition process or a with a Langmuir-Blodgett technique.

Abstract: A mud-saver valve having an independent means for blocking the flow of fluid through the bore of a ball valve. The mud-saver valve has a tubular body having a central through-bore, a rotatable ball having a through-bore, and pressure actuated right and left concave cup members that can rotate about the periphery of said ball regardless of the position of the ball. When the ball is in the open position, the concave cup members may be rotated from an open to a closed position along the outer surface of the ball, thereby blocking the through-bore of the ball and preventing the flow of fluid through such bore.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a device with stacked substrates. Conducting interconnecting structures of one substrate are bonded to conducting interconnecting structures of another substrate. A passivating layer may be on the conducting interconnecting structures between the substrates and may be formed by an atomic layer deposition process or a with a Langmuir-Blodgett technique.

Abstract: Load test apparatus for shipping containers comprising a horizontal beam (200), the beam having pivotal plate assemblies (210) attached to lifting eyes (330) or other feature of a container by cables (130) or similar means, extending from the pivotal plates to the lifting eyes. The pivotal plates rotate about a horizontal pin (430) permitting the pivotal plates to become axially aligned with the cables. The Horizontal beam is forced vertically upward by a plurality of force generating means such as hydraulic cylinders (120). The force of the force generating means is applied through a point common to the longitudinal axis of the horizontal beam and the axis of the horizontal pin, thereby eliminating moment loads within components of the assembly. The opposite vertically downward reaction force is applied to the bottom of the container and simulates the force applied by the weight of the typical contents of the container when it is in use.

Abstract: Increasing the number of successive pulses of oxidant before applying pulses of metal precursor may improve the quality of the resulting metal or rare earth oxide films. These metal or rare earth oxide films may be utilized for high dielectric constant gate dielectrics. In addition, pulsing the oxidant during the pre-stabilization period may be advantageous. Also, using more pulses of oxidant than the pulses of precursor may reduce chlorine concentration in the resulting films.