Abstract: A luggage article may include a plurality of walls together defining an outer structure of the luggage article, a wheel bracket attached to and extending from one of the walls, and one or more wheels attached to the wheel bracket. The wheel bracket may comprise a leaf spring having a loop-shaped profile and the one or more wheels may be rotationally attached to a lower end of the loop-shaped leaf spring. The configuration of the wheel bracket may result in higher shock absorption and reduced wheel noise comparative to conventional wheel brackets, and offer an improvement and alternative to conventional luggage wheel brackets.

Abstract: A hair iron comprising an ion generator that generates ions comprises a slotted nozzle in communication with the ion generator for generating an ion curtain projecting from at least one side of a body of the hair iron, alongside and substantially parallel to a longitudinal edge of the heating element that contacts the hair in use.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for rapid parallel molecular affinity assays performed in a microfluidic environment. The invention exploits hydrodynamic addressing to provide simultaneous performance of multiple assays in parallel using a minimal sample volume flowing through a single channel.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for rapid parallel molecular affinity assays performed in a microfluidic environment. The invention exploits hydrodynamic addressing to provide simultaneous performance of multiple assays in parallel using a minimal sample volume flowing through a single channel.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for rapid parallel molecular affinity assays performed in a microfluidic environment. The invention exploits hydrodynamic addressing to provide simultaneous performance of multiple assays in parallel using a minimal sample volume flowing through a single channel.

Abstract: A data processing device including a microcontroller and configured to communicate with at least one remote system distributed on a network. The data processing device and the remote system are adapted to store a plurality of parameters identifying a user account belonging to a subscriber. The data processing device comprises a one-time parameter comprising the active account attached to the device designed for a one-time use, and a permanent parameter identifying an account attached to the data processing device, the permanent parameter being deactivated. The one-time and permanent parameter are stored in the at least one remote system, and the microcontroller is programmed to: use the one-time parameter to logon to the network when the data processing device is switched on; and exchanges the one-time parameter with the permanent parameter, upon successful logon to the network, the permanent parameter becoming the permanent active account.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for rapid parallel molecular affinity assays performed in a microfluidic environment. The invention exploits hydrodynamic addressing to provide simultaneous performance of multiple assays in parallel using a minimal sample volume flowing through a single channel.

Abstract: A data processing device including a microcontroller and configured to communicate with at least one remote system distributed on a network. The data processing device and the remote system are adapted to store a plurality of parameters identifying a user account belonging to a subscriber. The data processing device comprises a one-time parameter comprising the active account attached to the device designed for a one-time use, and a permanent parameter identifying an account attached to the data processing device, the permanent parameter being deactivated. The one-time and permanent parameter are stored in the at least one remote system, and the microcontroller is programmed to: use the one-time parameter to logon to the network when the data processing device is switched on; and exchanges the one-time parameter with the permanent parameter, upon successful logon to the network, the permanent parameter becoming the permanent active account.

Abstract: A diffuser for a handheld electric hairdryer, includes a base from which a plurality of fingers extend, each finger having a longitudinal through-passage through which hot air passes from the base. There is attached to the base a thermal-capacitance element to moderate changes in temperature of air exhausted through the diffuser.

Abstract: A spice or peppercorn grinder including a cylinder body; an L-grooved barrel in the cylinder body; a top cap connected to a pressure drum slidably mounted in the L-grooved barrel, a rotatable ?-shaped open-end long tube provided in a lower space of the pressure drum and engaged with a screw-shaped long axis assembly provided rotatably in the L-grooved barrel, so that when the ?-shaped open-end long tube moves downwardly with the pressure drum, the screw-shaped long axis is caused to rotate in a certain direction, the other end of the screw-shaped long axis assembly being provided with a pinion; a compression spring being provided between the seat of the L-grooved barrel and the bottom of the pressure drum; a gear-toothed ring transmission mechanism being provided beneath the L-grooved barrel; a grinding plate assembly being provided on the cylinder bottom and being driven by the gear reduction apparatus to rotate in one direction to grind spices or peppercorns.

Abstract: A spice or peppercorn grinder including a cylinder body; an L-grooved barrel in the cylinder body; a top cap connected to a pressure drum slidably mounted in the L-grooved barrel, a rotatable ∞-shaped open-end long tube provided in a lower space of the pressure drum and engaged with a screw-shaped long axis assembly provided rotatably in the L-grooved barrel, so that when the ∞-shaped open-end long tube moves downwardly with the pressure drum, the screw-shaped long axis is caused to rotate in a certain direction, the other end of the screw-shaped long axis assembly being provided with a pinion; a compression spring being provided between the seat of the L-grooved barrel and the bottom of the pressure drum; a gear-toothed ring transmission mechanism being provided beneath the L-grooved barrel; a grinding plate assembly being provided on the cylinder bottom and being driven by the gear reduction apparatus to rotate in one direction to grind spices or peppercorns.

Abstract: A stand for displaying a decorative wreath, comprising (a) a substantially rectangular base; (b) two substantially vertical wreath support arms, each having a support attachment arm attached to the back edge of the base, a support extension that is continuous with the support attachment arm and extends therefrom in an upward direction, and a wreath attachment arm that is continuous with the support extension; (c) a substantially rectangular stabilizing frame arrayed above the base by a distance sufficient to stabilize the stand when the wreath is displayed in the substantially vertical display alignment in conjunction therewith; (d) a plurality of stabilizing rods extending between the base and the stabilizing frame and connecting the frame to the base; and (e) a wreath stabilizing brace securably attached to the stabilizing frame and comprising (i) a brace attachment bar securably attached to the front edge of the frame and extending therefrom to the back edge thereof, (ii) a brace attachment arm that is con