Abstract: A dental cleaning appliance includes a handle and a fluid delivery system. The fluid delivery system includes a nozzle for delivering a burst of working fluid to the teeth of a user. The nozzle moves relative to the handle as the appliance is moved along the teeth of the user. A sensor provides an output which varies with movement of nozzle relative to the handle. A control circuit actuates the delivery of working fluid to the teeth of the user depending on the output from the sensor. The control circuit is configured to adjust a parameter of the delivery to the teeth of the user, such as the volume of working fluid within a delivery, depending on the variation with time of the output from the sensor.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for controlling a variable displacement compressor. The device comprises a microvalve operated control valve. A microvalve device for controlling fluid flow and a micro spool valve for use as a microvalve are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for controlling a variable displacement compressor. The device comprises a microvalve operated control valve. A microvalve device for controlling fluid flow and a micro spool valve for use as a microvalve are also disclosed.

Abstract: When an order for goods (18) is placed via the Internet (14) for later delivery, a supplier (16) provides to a purchaser (12) via the Internet or other means a consignment unlock barcode; the purchaser prints out a copy of the consignment unlock barcode and the supplier attaches a copy (20) of a related unlock barcode to the goods (18). At the purchaser's premises is a secure container (22) with an electronic lock (32) and an external barcode reader (36). The purchaser programs the lock, by means of an exclusive master code and the supplier-generated consignment delivery code, to open when presented with the related unlock code. When a delivery driver presents the barcode (20) on the goods (18) to the reader (36), a control circuit (42) causes the electronic lock (32) to open. A second barcode reader (46) within the container (22) allows an infrared or radio receipt signal to be transmitted to a hand held infrared transceiver (52) after the securable container has been relocked.

Abstract: When an order for goods (18) is placed via the Internet (14) for later delivery, a supplier (16) provides to a purchaser (12) via the Internet or other means a consignment unlock barcode; the purchaser prints out a copy of the consignment unlock barcode and the supplier attaches a copy (20) of a related unlock barcode to the goods (18). At the purchaser's premises is a secure container (22) with an electronic lock (32) and an external barcode reader (36). The purchaser programs the lock, by means of an exclusive master code and the supplier-generated consignment delivery code, to open when presented with the related unlock code. When a delivery driver presents the barcode (20) on the goods (18) to the reader (36), a control circuit (42) causes the electronic lock (32) to open. A second barcode reader (46) within the container (22) allows an infrared or radio receipt signal to be transmitted to a hand held infrared transceiver (52) after the securable container has been relocked.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gender-indicating composition, and a method and kit for determining the gender of an unborn child. The gender-indicating composition includes thymol blue and can be in solid or solution form. The method of the invention includes a non-invasive colorimetric assay of a pregnant woman's urine. The kit includes a unit dose of the gender-indicating composition and, optionally, a color standard.