Abstract: A device for applying powder layers across a substrate or atop an existing powder bed is disclosed. The device has particular utility in embodiments which are adapted for use in depositing powder layers for three-dimensional printing and as part of a three-dimensional printing apparatus. The device utilizes a conveyor belt to transfer powder from a powder reservoir and deposit it upon powder bed or other substrate. In some embodiments, the device utilizes a conveyor belt in conjunction with a powder deflector to transfer powder from a powder reservoir and deposit it upon powder bed or other substrate. In some embodiments the conveyor belt has a downwardly inclined section. In some embodiments, a downwardly inclined chute is used in conjunction with the conveyor belt.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for faster curing of three-dimensionally inkjet printed articles (88) having a curable binder. After the printing of the article (88) is completed, a gas flow is driven in the powder bed (90) that surrounds the article (88). The build box (54) which contains the powder bed (90) may include one or more gas-permeable features (14) in contact with the powder bed (90). The gas-permeable feature (14) may be in the form a plurality of gas-permeable disks (18) which are flush with the supporting surface (26) of the build box floor (12) and which are in fluid communication with the channels (28) of the bottom surface (30) of the build box floor (12). Curing apparatuses (50) are disclosed which have a cavity (68) for receiving the build box (54) and a gas propulsion device (74a) for driving a gas flow in the build box (54). Methods also include driving gas flow in the powder bed (90) by way of wands (230) and paddles (240).

Abstract: A device by which a person who is handicapped by physical limitations in performing ordinary cleaning of the anal region after toilet excretion has elongated members which have grips or handles at one end and finger-like tips at the other end and are pivotally attached to one another intermediate the ends so that the user can grasp the handle end and hold toilet tissue between the finger-like pads and move the device horizontally while partly slightly raised above the toilet seat to place the tissue in the anal region and move the device to produce a wiping action and when completed, turn the device to release the used tissue into the toilet bowl. The device can be used in similar fashion to apply medication to the anal-genital region. An embodiment of the invention provides an adjustability feature.

Abstract: A device by which a person who is handicapped by physical limitations in performing ordinary cleaning of the anal region after toilet excretion has elongated members which have grips or handles at one end and finger-like tips at the other end and are pivotally attached to one another intermediate the ends so that the user can grasp the handle end and hold toilet tissue between the finger-like pads and move the device horizontally while partly slightly raised above the toilet seat to place the tissue in the anal region and move the device to produce a wiping action and when completed , turn the device to release the used tissue into the toilet bowl. The device can be used in similar fashion to apply medication to the anal-genital region. An embodiment of the invention provides an adjustability feature.

Abstract: In a quick release safety attachment for a stirrup comprising spring-loaded rods in a sleeve which rests in the stirrup strap with the ends of the rods engaging the ends of a stirrup and a pair of lever arms extending radially outward from the interior of the sleeve engaged with the rods for controlling the operation of the device to release the stirrup, the arms are provided with notches and a Velcro strap for more positively securing the arms in place when the safety release is cocked and bearings are provided in the sleeve to work in conjunction with the rods to provide a more positive release and minimize the possibility of a premature release.

Abstract: A stirrup for a horse saddle has a cylindrical stirrup bolt assembly attached across an open end of the stirrup and, in a conventional fashion, the bolt assembly rests in the bottom loop of a stirrup strap which is attached to the saddle fender to hold the stirrup in place during normal use. The stirrup bolt assembly comprises an outer housing with rotatable and axially movable pins or rods which have keyed outer ends extending out the end of the housing for engaging keyed openings at the open end of the stirrup with a spring within the cylindrical housing applying a force to the pins to hold them in engagement with the stirrup keyed openings. A helically shaped slot or groove on the outer surface of the pins is engaged by fingers attached to the cylindrical housing so as the stirrup swings in an arc with respect to the stirrup strap the fingers act in the slot to apply a force in opposition to the spring force to pull the pins axially inward.

Abstract: An electrical component (21) for mechanical mounting and electrical connection with respect to plated through holes (34) of a printed circuit board (20) compatibly with a surface mount attaching process includes an electrically non-conducting body (30), plural generally elongate contacts (31) extending from the body for insertion into such plated through holes (34), and the component (21) having a strip of solder type material (33) for melting, for flow into respective plated through holes, and for re-solidifying mechanically and electrically to couple the component to such printed circuit board. The strip preferably encircles the contacts and has reduced cross section portions between adjacent contacts. Preferably the component is a connector, such as a header, and the contact pins or leads thereof provide an interface connection between the printed circuit board and a separate or portable connector.

Abstract: A stirrup for a horse riding saddle has a cylindrical bolt attached across its open end which, in a conventional fashion, rests in the bottom loop of a stirrup strap which in turn is attached to the saddle fender to hold the stirrup in place. The bolt comprises a cylindrical sleeve with movable pins or rods having keyed outer ends extending axially out of the sleeve for engaging keyed openings at the open end of the stirrup and a spring within the sleeve applies a force to the pins to disengage them from the keyed openings while a greater and opposite force is applied by radially extending finger means to hold the pins in place. If the stirrup swings in an arc with respect to the stirrup strap which exceeds a predetermined angle the force applied by the finger is disengaged from the pins so that the force of the spring takes over and disengages the pins from the keyed openings in the stirrup to allow the stirrup to fall free.