Abstract: A tampon applicator is disclosed which includes first and second telescopically assembled members. The first member is designed to house an absorbent tampon. The first member has first and second spaced apart ends and is formed from at least two separate and distinct layers. An insertion tip is integrally formed on the first end of the first member and extends outwardly therefrom. The insertion tip is constructed from at least one of the two distinct layers and has a thickness which is less than that of the first member. The second member is telescopically mounted in the second end of the first member and is adapted to expel the tampon through the insertion tip as it is pushed into the first member.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for avidin immobilized on an inert support material, e.g., agarose, are disclosed. The compositions have high activity levels of avidin and may further include a bulking agent, e.g., maltose, and a protectant to maintain the stability and integrity of the avidin agarose during lyophilization and terminal sterilization processes. These compositions have applicability in any instance where avidin agarose and/or the avidin/biotin technology are useful. In particular, the present compositions are useful in an enzyme capture system to prepare fibrin monomer useful for fibrin sealants.

Abstract: An applicator is disclosed which includes a thin walled member adapted to hold and dispense a substance. The thin walled member is formed from at least two separate and distinct layers and has first and second spaced apart ends. The applicator also has an outwardly extending fingergrip ring integrally formed adjacent to the second end which serves to facilitate control of the applicator, facilitate comfortable insertion of a substance into a body cavity or on an area of the skin, and easy removal of the applicator.

Abstract: A remote power measuring device (1) is used to measure the power output of the transmission system (20). The measured power is then transmitted to a controller (5) and used by the controller (5), along with preset calibration data (41) for each power amplifier (3), to determine power output adjustment factors (22). The adjustment factors (22) are then communicated to the appropriate power amplifier (3) to adjust its output.

Abstract: An end fitting, particularly a pipe towing head, has an expandable element (44; 144) that is surrounded by a skirt (18) of a tubular body (14), so that a pipe end portion can be gripped between them. The element may have pipe gripping ribs which get less aggressive rearwardly, since the element is expandable by a mandrel (45) that leads to the greatest expansion at the rear.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding flexible sheet (2) onto an inwardly facing curved surface (6) of an imagesetter comprises a feed system (3,4,7,8) for feeding the sheet from an input side onto and along the surface towards an output side. The feed system is also adapted to exert a force in the plane of the sheet (2) to cause the sheet to flex into conformity with the surface (6) and to form a ridge near one side. A monitoring system (12) monitors for formation of the ridge as an indication that the sheet conforms to the curved surface.

Abstract: An electric power steering control apparatus comprising a torque sensor coupled to a vehicle steering system for measuring steering wheel torque provided by a vehicle operator, a steering angle sensor coupled to the steering system for measuring steering wheel angle, a controller, responsive to the measured steering wheel torque and a vehicle speed, providing a sum return-to-center command, and a motor responsive to the sum return-to-center command, wherein the controller determines a low speed return-to-center command responsive to the measured steering wheel torque and a first predetermined function, determines a high speed return-to-center command responsive to the measured steering wheel torque and a second predetermined function and blends the low and high speed return-to-center commands to obtain the sum return-to-center command.

Abstract: A fluid switch suitable for use as a fuel shut-off valve is disclosed. In one aspect, the fluid switch includes a housing defining a generally cylindrical bore and having an inlet port, an outlet port and a detent spring passage. A valve member having a spool portion and a detent portion is slidably disposed within the bore. The spool portion can selectively close or open the ports with respect to one another. A detent spring is inserted through the detent spring passage and across the bore to interfit with the detent portion of the valve member to maintain it in the open or closed position in the absence of control inputs. A solenoid core attached to the valve member and solenoid coils surrounding the housing may be provided for moving the valve member between the open and closed positions to operate the fluid switch.

Abstract: The coated substrate product finds particular application in eyeglass and sunglass lenses, architectural glass, analytical instrument windows, automotive windshields and laser bar code scanners for use in retail stores and supermarkets. The product has greatly improved wear resistance for severe abrasive environments and comprises a substantially optically transparent substrate, a chemically vapor deposited first interlayer bonded to the substrate and a chemically vapor deposited outer layer of substantially optically transparent diamond-like carbon bonded to the interlayer and away from the substrate.

Abstract: A security mount for releasably holding a separate protected article to a surface. A flexible mat with a plurality of openings has an adhesive face for attachment to the surface. A flexible metal sheet surrounds each of the openings, with an internally threaded post extending through the opening. A headed bolt is threaded into at least some of the posts to hold the article to it, and can also be used to release the mat from the surface. The mount may also include brackets and a lock to hold an article to a base plate, when the base plate is the article that is held to the base plate.

Abstract: A desoldering tool has a removable heater cartridge and a base unit having an assembly interior including a solder collection chamber and a removable vacuum source for developing a vacuum in and above the chamber and a removable porous solder retention pad located between the vacuum source and the solder collection chamber, the cartridge having a temperature self-regulating heater therein, a tail pipe extending from a hollow tip of the cartridge to a position above the solder collection chamber, and a vacuum seal between the cartridge and the base unit to maintain the vacuum and reduce transfer of heat from the tip. The tool is readily converted to a soldering iron or a hot air gun.

Abstract: A desoldering tool has a removable cartridge and a base unit having an assembly interior including a solder collection chamber and a removable vacuum source for developing a vacuum in the bottom of the chamber under a removable porous solder retention pad, the cartridge having a temperature self-regulating heater therein and a tail pipe extending from a tip of the cartridge to a position above the solder collection chamber, and a vacuum seal between the cartridge and the base unit to maintain the vacuum and reduce transfer of heat from the tip.

Abstract: A blade sharpening device for a rotatable chopping cylinder for a forage harvester or the like, which cylinder has a plurality of circumferentially spaced and generally parallel blades that are of a generally spiral shape. A carriage moves along parallel to the cylinder and has a sharpening tool extending from it for contact with the blades. Guide means are connected to the carriage and roll along the surface of the blade being sharpened whereby as the carriage moves along the axis of the cylinder a grinding wheel may be maintained in alignment with the blade. Biasing means are provided to maintain a torque on the cylinder and to maintain that blade in contact with the guide means for proper relationship with the grinding wheel.

Abstract: There is disclosed a water vapor permeable shoe upper material having at least three layers, the density, thickness and structure of the layers having a defined novel relationship whereby an improved cut tear to stiffness relationship is achieved.