Abstract: The present invention relates to nanofibers. In particular, the present invention relates to potassium niobate nanofibers. In an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of preparing the nanofibers, the method comprising: (a) dissolving niobium chloride and potassium sorbate in a solvent to obtain a first solution; (b) removing chloride precipitates formed from the first solution; (c) adding a polymer, for example polymethylmethacrylate or polyvinylpyrrolidone to the solution to obtain a second spinnable solution; and (d) electrospinning the spinnable solution to produce the fibers. The application also discloses the application of such nanofibers in the manufacture of a humidity sensor device by sputtering a metal such as Tantalum on top of the nanofibers.

Abstract: A receptacle, which is adapted for nesting and stacking with similar receptacles. The invention, the receptacle is intended in particular to be utilized as a food pan for the receiving and storing of hot or cold food items, and, which may be employed in connection with buffet or steam tables, among other diverse uses thereof. The receptacle is preferably constituted of a metallic material, such as aluminum or stainless steel, which is compatible with food service requirements and sanitary prescriptions or regulations having a generally rectangular flat bottom, and wherein lower side and end walls extend upwardly in an outwardly angled slope from rounded edges connecting the receptacle bottom to the lower ends of the walls. At the upper ends of each of the side and end walls, these extend into outwardly and upwardly curved wall structures, which form a curvilinear ledge.

Abstract: A receptacle, which is adapted for nesting and stacking with similar receptacles. The invention, the receptacle is intended in particular to be utilized as a food pan for the receiving and storing of hot or cold food items, and, which may be employed in connection with buffet or steam tables, among other diverse uses thereof. The receptacle is preferably constituted of a metallic material, such as aluminum or stainless steel, which is compatible with food service requirements and sanitary prescriptions or regulations having a generally rectangular flat bottom, and wherein lower side and end walls extend upwardly in an outwardly angled slope from rounded edges connecting the receptacle bottom to the lower ends of the walls. At the upper ends of each of the side and end walls, these extend into outwardly and upwardly curved wall structures, which form a curvilinear ledge.

Abstract: A cigarette case including a row of tubular sockets in which cigarettes are fitted, an electric circuit inside the case including a spiral heating coil positioned adjacent one end of each cigarette, the coil being mounted on a slide block having an externally extending push button which when pushed, pushes the cigarette end outwardly of an edge of the case, and at a same time slides the contacts of the coil into engagement with stationary contacts connected to dry cell batteries, so to heat the coil and thus ignite the cigarette as it is being pushed outwardly from the case.