Abstract: A self aligning stacking ring guides stacked cans into alignment. The self aligning stacking ring includes radially protruding alignment bumps angularly spaced apart at a common radius corresponding to a recess in the bottom of common cans. The self aligning stacking ring guides tend to center a can placed over the self aligning stacking ring guides to make stacking cans easier and quicker.

Abstract: A self aligning stacking ring guides stacked cans into alignment. The self aligning stacking ring includes radially protruding alignment bumps angularly spaced apart at a common radius corresponding to a recess in the bottom of common cans. The self aligning stacking ring guides tend to center a can placed over the self aligning stacking ring guides to make stacking cans easier and quicker.

Abstract: A transportation ring affixed to a plastic paint can for the purpose of retaining the lid on the plastic paint can during transportation. The transportation ring snaps downward over the can rim and extends inwardly over the edge of the lid. The transportation ring additionally includes an alignment ridge for cooperation with the bottom of the plastic paint can to facilitate stacking both during shipment and in-store stocking. The ring is preferably fabricated from a rigid plastic material.

Abstract: A method of stimulating the production of melanin by the pigment-producing cells (keratinocytes and/or melanocytes) of the skin, in particular for the induction of skin tanning in humans, comprises administering alpha-MSH or an alpha-MSH analogue and exposing the skin to ultraviolet irradiation.

Abstract: A can holder for supporting a smaller can on top of a larger can during shipping in a carton. The can holder fits closely within the raised lip around the cover of the larger can. The can holder has one, two, or three raised cylindrical rings are capable of holding the bottom of a smaller can within one of the rings. When the larger can, the can holder, and the smaller can are placed in a proper sized carton, the lid of the carton holds the smaller can in the ring on the can holder and prevents if from shifting during shipping.

Abstract: A semiconductor device or other suitable substrate and method with single or multi layers of buried micro pipes are disclosed. This is achieved by controlling the aspect ratio of trenches as well as controlling the deposition characteristics of the material used to fill the trenches. A buried micro pipe is formed by filling a trench that has a height which is larger than a width thereof, so that the trench filler material lines sidewalls and bottom of the trench, and covers the top of the trench to form the micro pipe within the trench. Another layer can be formed over the filler material and planarized. Alternatively, the filler material itself can be planarized. Forming trenches in the planarized layer, and repeating the above steps forms a second set of buried micro pipes in these new trenches. This forms a semiconductor device having multiple layer of buried micro pipes.

Abstract: An aid to the manipulation of microfabricated micro tools in manufacturing and assembly is disclosed. A sequence of micro tools and a manipulator are connected to one another via attachment links as a combination. The attachment links are optimized to readily allow severing of individual micro tools from the combination as needed. The manipulator provides an aid for handling the combination via probe, pliers, clasping, mating or other device. This facilitates human or machine interaction with the combination of micro tools, either for subsequent processing, or for the assembly of the micro tools into a completed product.

Abstract: A seamless micromechanical object is cast by forming a multilevel mold, filling the mold, and selectively removing the mold with respect to the micromechanical object. The mold can have a first level having a first opening therein, and a second level on the first level, the second level having a second opening therein, the second opening smaller than the first opening. The object may contain a controlled void, for example a micromechanical auger with a void formed therethrough to be used as a capillary to drain off fluids when the auger is in use.

Abstract: A semiconductor device or other suitable substrate and method with single or multi layers of buried micro pipes are disclosed. This is achieved by controlling the aspect ratio of trenches as well as controlling the deposition characteristics of the material used to fill the trenches. A buried micro pipe is formed by filling a trench that has a height which is larger than a width thereof, so that the trench filler material lines sidewalls and bottom of the trench, and covers the top of the trench to form the micro pipe within the trench. Another layer can be formed over the filler material and planarized. Alternatively, the filler material itself can be planarized. Forming trenches in the planarized layer, and repeating the above steps forms a second set of buried micro pipes in these new trenches. This forms a semiconductor device having multiple layer of buried micro pipes. Via holes may be etched to contact a micro pipe, or to inter connect micro pipes buried at different levels.

Abstract: A transportation ring affixed to a container for the purpose of retaining the container plug on the container during transportation. The transportation ring snaps over the can seam and extends inwardly over the plug curl, but not downwardly below the plug cover portion. The ring is preferably fabricated from a rigid plastic material.

Abstract: The present invention is method, rate controller, and system for preventing overflow and underflow of a decoder buffer in a video compression system. First, a plurality of quantized video bits is received from an encoder (102). The plurality of quantized video bits correspond to a video frame type. Then, a virtual buffer is created, in a rate controller, to model fullness of a decoder buffer, based on the quantized video bits, to produce a virtual buffer fullness (104). A quantization stepsize estimate is finally determined, in a rate controller, based on at least a first predetermined target bit allocation, the video frame type, and the virtual buffer fullness (106). The quantization step size estimate will prevent the overflow and underflow of a decoder buffer.

Abstract: A pharmaceutically active composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and one or more alpha-MSH or analogues thereof for use in the stimulation of integumental melanocytes in vertebrates in order to bring about the production of melanin is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for stimulating integumental melanocytes by the topical application of alpha-MSH analogs, and compositions comprising said analogs for use in the method are described.

Abstract: A handle for removable attachment to a skateboard comprises a handle stem, a handle bar fastened to one end of the stem, and connecting structure secured at the other end of the stem for removably connecting the stem to the front end of a skateboard in upstanding relation thereto, the connecting structure having a base plate with a pair of opposed downwardly facing L-shaped grooves for sliding engagement with the slides of a generally horizontal flat plate member rigidly connected to the lower end of the stem. A fastening clip is connectable to said base plate for holding the stem in connection therewith. Alternative connecting structure may be employed by way of a removable hinge pin and related structure. Bracing strut member may be employed in connection with the handle stem for resisting twisting moments applied by a rider. The connecting structure is provided with a bolt hole pattern adapted to connect to the universal skateboard wheel truck bolt pattern.

Abstract: A method for stimulating integumental melanocytes by the topical application of alpha-MSH analogs, and compositions comprising said analogs for use in the method are described.