Abstract: An electric motor drives a belt spool of a seatbelt retractor in a vehicle using a micro-controller and a drive circuit that drives the electric motor. A plurality of PWM control signal sources are provided each of which has a trigger input and a control signal output. Each control signal source, upon application of a trigger pulse to its trigger input, provides on its control signal output a control pulse of a duration different from durations of control pulses of all other control signal sources. A set of motor control programs are permanently stored in the micro-controller. A program selection signal is sent to the micro-controller from a central sensor unit in the vehicle. Trigger pulses are sent by the micro-controller to the trigger inputs of the control signal sources. Particular ones of the control signal sources are selected for application of their signal outputs to the drive circuit in a control sequence defined by a selected control program.

Abstract: A camera system (1) is provided which includes an interchangeable lens (40) including a group of lenses (L1, L2, L3, L4) for imaging an object, and a camera (10) to which the interchangeable lens (40) is to be installed. The camera (10) includes a correction angle information calculating means (20) for calculating correction angle information as to the posture of the camera (10), and a first sending means (29) for sending calculated correction angle information to the interchangeable lens (40). The interchangeable lens (40) includes the lens (L2) which optically corrects angular shift on the basis of the correction angle information sent by the first sending means (29).

Abstract: The invention is directed to provide an actuator featuring a quick response with a simplified architecture, and a lens unit and a camera having the same.

Abstract: The object recognition apparatus has an active range finder having a floodlight unit which floodlights a light onto a target object, and determines a distance up to a target object on the basis of a reflected light therefrom, a stereo camera to determine a distance up to the target object on the basis of image information from the target object, an object recognition unit which recognizes the target object on the basis of an output signal from the active range finder and an output signal from the stereo camera, and a fill light control unit which controls the floodlight unit to operate so as to irradiate a light floodlit by the floodlight unit as a fill light of the stereo camera.

Abstract: A first area of a predetermined size is set as a focus area from which AF evaluation values are picked up in AF control when a focus mode is a normal one. When the focus mode changes to a macro mode, a second area narrower than the first area is set as the AF area. Thus, in the macro mode, focus search is performed automatically through the narrower area. AF frames indicative of the first and second areas are displayed on a through image.

Abstract: A pop-up flash unit (2) for a camera includes a mounting seat (30) disposed in the camera body, a flash member (20) rotatably mounted on the mounting seat between a projected position for operating and a retracted position for storage, a driving device (40) substantially disposed in the camera body for permitting movement of the flash member from the retracted position to the projected position, a pair of first torsion members (34, 35) for providing a resilient restoring force to the flash member to thereby permit movement of the flash member from the retracted position to the projected position, and a second torsion member (45) for reliably retaining the flash member in the retracted position. The flash member is retained in its retracted position via a latching engagement with the driving device.

Abstract: A structure for attaching a stereoscopic camera to a vehicle, by which a plurality of cameras are attached to a body frame of the vehicle in order to stereoscopically capture images surrounding the vehicle; and the same structure includes a lateral stay for coupling the plurality of cameras with each other; and brackets for fixing the lateral stay or the plurality of cameras on the body frame, which are provided at a plurality of points, spaced from each other, of the lateral stay, or at the plurality of cameras fixed on the lateral stay; wherein the rigidity of at least a part of the brackets is lower than the bending rigidity of the lateral stay.

Abstract: A reconfigurable WDM add/drop multiplexer and its method of operation at an add/drop node on an optical fiber carrying a plurality of WDM signals is described. The WDM add/drop multiplexer has a coupler and a demultiplexer element dropping WDM signals from the optical fiber to a plurality of drop terminals, and a wavelength-selective switch adding WDM signals from a plurality of add terminals onto the optical fiber. The coupler splits the WDM signals received from the optical fiber and passes the split WDM signals to the first and second output terminals. The demultiplexer element separates the split WDM signals at the plurality of drop terminals. The wavelength-selective switch, which has an input terminal for connection to the second coupler output terminal and an output terminal for connection to the optical fiber, selectively adds WDM signals on the plurality of add terminals to the optical fiber responsive to control signals.

Abstract: A system and device for wireless communication and networking featuring a chipset with Infrared transmitting and receiving capabilities especially for in airplanes including and integrated infrared chip (INchip), a driver, a user device, a communication box and an infrared transceiver.

Abstract: A contactless connector that secures communication continuity is provided. The contactless connector comprises a rotation-side light element disposed on a rotating body that rotates about a rotational axis and a fixed-side light element disposed on a fixed body in a position facing the rotation-side light element, and which sends and receives data contactlessly between the rotation-side light element and the fixed-side light element, wherein the rotating body is formed in a cylindrical shape with the rotational axis serving as the center axis of the rotating body; the rotation-side light element is on the cylindrical face of the rotating body and is disposed to emit light in the circumferential direction in which the rotating body rotates; and the fixed-side light element is disposed on the fixed body so as to be able to receive the light that is emitted from the rotation-side light element.

Abstract: A detector outputs a detection signal indicating amplitude variation of an input frequency-multiplexed signal. An amplitude controller adjusts the amplitude of the frequency-multiplexed signal by referring to the detection signal. A modulator modulates the amplitude-adjusted frequency-multiplexed signal to produce a predetermined modulated signal. A second multiplexer multiplexes the modulated signal and the detection signal to produce a multiplexed signal. An optical transmitter converts the multiplexed signal into an optical signal, and then sends it out to an optical transmission path. An optical receiver converts the received optical signal into an electrical signal. A separator separates the modulated and detection signals from the electrical signal. A demodulator demodulates the modulated signal to output the frequency-multiplexed signal. An amplitude adjuster adjusts the amplitude of the frequency-multiplexed signal by referring to the detection signal to reproduce the original amplitude variation.

Abstract: A fiber optic communication system including a fiber optic link, a transmitter system and a receiver system. The transmitter system includes a laser source producing a light beam, and a polarization controller receiving the light beam and providing an expected pattern of changing states of polarization to the light beam to output light signals into the fiber optic link to cause the expected pattern of changing states of polarization to be transmitted along the fiber optic link. The receiver system is provided with a polarization analyzer, and a light detector. The light detector receives the light signals transmitted by the transmitter, and forwards data indicative of the light signals to the polarization analyzer. The polarization analyzer analyzing the data with an inverse polarization reference frame and generates an alert based on deviations of the data from the expected pattern of changing states of polarization.

Abstract: Disclosed are the multiplex communication system and the method therefore. A fault detection part of a duplex switching device detects it as generation of fault when recognizable signals are not detected from a connected line within a prescribed time. When the fault detection part detects the generation of fault in the present system line, the line switching part switches the lines from the present line to the standby line to perform communication between a terminal device and another terminal device therethrough. Also, the fault detection part notifies the generation of fault to the other duplex switching device after a prescribed switching protection time has passed from the time of the fault detected by the fault detection part, so the selection of the lines becomes consistent.

Abstract: A duo-binary optical transmitter tolerant to a chromatic dispersion includes a pre-coder for generating a first 2-level signal from input binary data and generating a second signal having a waveform obtained by inverting the first signal, a Mach-Zehnder Modulator (MZM) for generating a Differential Phase Shift Keying (DPSK) modulated optical signal by modulating an input light according to the first signal and the second signal, and a Delay Interferometer (DI) for splitting the DPSK modulated optical signal into a first split signal and a second split signal, delaying the second split signal, and generating a duo-binary optical signal by interfering the first split signal with the second delayed split signal, wherein a time required for delaying the second split signal is set to 0.5˜0.8 bit.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for electrically isolated transmission of an electrical signal with an optocoupler comprising a converter circuit which converts the electrical signal into a pulse width-modulated signal and delivers this signal to an optocoupler; a logic circuit which generates a completion signal when the conversion into the pulse width-modulated signal has been completely finished; an evaluation circuit connected to the output of the optocoupler which recognizes the pulse width-modulated signal as valid only when the completion signal has been received by it. Conversion into the pulse width-modulated signal is performed after the appearance of the electrical signal to be converted only after a delay time (tv) has elapsed. The power supply of the circuit arrangement is realized on the input side of the optocoupler by means of a power supply circuit, which is powered by the electrical signal to be converted.

Abstract: A method for controlling an identification point for binarization processing in an optical signal receiver which can diminish a code error rate by optimally tracking an identification point at all times in accordance with a received signal, thereby maintaining transmission quality high. The method comprises identification point electrical signal increment/decrement steps. When the number of error correction operations is determined to have reached a target value in a target value arrival determination step, an identification point electrical signal is left unchanged. In contrast, when the number of error correction operations is determined not to have reached the target value, the identification point electrical signal is incremented or decremented within a predetermined increment/decrement range such that the number of error correction operations approaches the target value.

Abstract: An optical signal receiver for receiving a differential modulated optical signal is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the engagement of a consumable in a printing device includes a consumable cartridge having a rotatable member carried by the cartridge, and a drive member configured to engage and rotate the rotatable member. A proximity sensor positioned adjacent an engagement interface between the rotatable member and the drive member generates an output signal variable with the distance between the rotatable member and the drive member. Data that is stored in memory provides at least one predetermined set of characteristic values of the proximity sensor output signal versus distance between the rotatable member and the drive member, where the at least one characteristic value of the proximity sensor output signal is indicative of engagement between the rotatable member and the drive member. Processing circuitry coupled to the proximity sensor and the memory determines when the rotatable member and drive member are engaged.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus can easily attach or detach a plurality of attachable and detachable units to or from the apparatus main body as a single unit or individually. An intermediate transfer apparatus is supported on a left guide rail and a right guide rail, and is attachable to and detachable from the image forming apparatus main body. A cleaning apparatus that cleans the intermediate transfer belt of the intermediate transfer apparatus is supported by an upper rail and a lower rail so as to be attachable to and detachable from the intermediate transfer apparatus. The detachment direction of the intermediate transfer apparatus and the direction of detachment of the cleaning apparatus are configured to be the same.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an endless belt stretched over a plurality of rollers. The apparatus also includes a potential detecting device for detecting a potential of the endless belt. The detecting device is positioned downstream, along a sheet transport path, of a transfer position where the belt has direct contact with the image bearing member. The apparatus further includes a transferring member for transferring a toner image formed on the image bearing member to a sheet. An image forming process is halted when the potential detecting device does not detect a change in potential caused by presence of a sheet on the endless belt.

Abstract: A heat-fixing apparatus is provided that enables a rise in temperature of a heating member to be closely tracked, and an excessive rise in temperature of the heating member to be obviated, a simple configuration and irrespective of differences in the operating mode, such as immediately after a rise in temperature or during continuous operation. Different threshold values are set in accordance with different modes, such as a warm-up mode and a fixing operation mode. Threshold decisions on a switching frequency controlled by a frequency control section are made using different threshold values, according to the mode. A switching frequency of switching elements are varied so that power necessary in each mode is supplied to an exciting coil. An excessive rise in temperature is prevented in each mode by halting a switching element drive in accordance with the threshold decision.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for performing a printing job using an intermediate transfer belt is provided. The image forming apparatus has a voltage determination part for determining a predetermined level of a refresh voltage corresponding to a potential difference which is generated on opposite surfaces of the intermediate transfer belt, and a power supply for supplying the refresh voltage to the intermediate transfer belt so that the potential difference is offset. The power supply supplies the refresh voltage to the intermediate transfer belt through a certain roller which is in contact with the intermediate transfer belt. Accordingly, the potential difference caused by the polarization in the intermediate transfer belt is offset by the refresh voltage, and the variation of the resistance caused by the potential difference is prevented.

Abstract: An electrostatic latent image is formed on an image carrier. A plurality of development cartridges include toner and are adapted to face the image carrier at a development position, respectively. The development cartridges cause the toner to adhere onto the image carrier to develop the electrostatic latent image as a toner image. A development device is configured to be rotatable around an rotational axis thereof. The development device houses the plurality of development cartridges around the rotational axis. A duct includes an inlet port through which air in the vicinity of the development position is sucked and an outlet port from which the sucked air is exhausted to the outside of the image forming apparatus. The duct covers an outer peripheral surface of the development device.

Abstract: A toner receiving member, which is open upward, is provided at a position vertically below a lower end of a contact surface between a side seal member and a developing roller. The toner receiving member can receive and store toner which has leaked. In addition, when a developing cartridge is removed from a main body casing and then placed on a horizontal surface such as a desktop, a front wall, which serves as a bottom surface of the toner receiving member, faces upward. Toner collected in the toner receiving member may be prevented from leaking.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an adhesive pattern comprises a length of releasable adhesive defining an elongated generally rectangular perimeter having tapered ends. In another embodiment, an adhesive pattern comprises an endless loop of releasable adhesive defining an elongated generally rectangular perimeter having tapered ends.

Abstract: A process cartridge detachably mountable to an electrophotographic image forming includes an electrophotographic photosensitive drum; a developing roller; a first cartridge positioning portion abuttable to a first main assembly positioning portion provided in a main assembly of the apparatus to position the cartridge with respect to a direction crossing the longitudinal direction, when the cartridge is mounted to the main assembly; a second cartridge positioning portion abuttable to a second main assembly positioning portion provided in the main assembly to limit rotation of the cartridge about the first cartridge positioning portion, when the cartridge receives a rotational driving force for rotating the roller from the main assembly; and a first drive input gear, for engagement with a main assembly driving gear to transmit a rotational driving force to the roller.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an article comprises a spacer configured to increase a dimension of only a portion of a guide part on a print cartridge when the spacer is fastened to the guide part and a fastener allowing the spacer to be removably fastened to the guide part.

Abstract: A cartridge detachably mountable to an apparatus includes a drum, a developing roller, first and second frames supporting the drum and roller, a coupling member rotatably connecting the frames, a first cartridge positioning portion abuttable to a first main assembly positioning portion positioning the cartridge with respect to a direction crossing the drum axis when the cartridge is mounted to the apparatus, a drive input gear engaging a main assembly driving gear, and a second cartridge positioning portion abuttable to a second main assembly positioning portion limiting cartridge rotation about the first cartridge positioning portion. When the cartridge is in the apparatus, the coupling member crosses a phantom line perpendicular to the second main assembly positioning portion and which passes through the second positioning portion, as seen from one end with respect to the axis.

Abstract: A method for printing an input image on a substrate comprising the steps of receiving the input image, transferring a marking material representation of the input image onto the substrate and scaling the input image to account for a change in size of the substrate due to printing.

Abstract: A color image forming apparatus which is capable of preventing deterioration in image formation quality caused by vibrations of a developing unit without halting an image forming operation and using a simple construction. A developing rotary unit incorporates developing devices corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of image formation colors. In forming an image, the developing rotary unit is moved to location for development of an image of each of the plurality of image formation colors. The level of vibrations applied to the developing rotary unit is detected, and the drive control pattern for the developing rotary unit is determined depending on the detected level of vibrations.

Abstract: An image-forming device includes 1st to Nth image bearing members, 1st to Nth developing units provided in one-to-one correspondence with the 1st to Nth image bearing members, and a transfer unit. N is an integer number equal to or greater than two. The 1st to Nth image members have 1st to Nth surfaces respectively. The 1st to Nth electrostatic latent images are formable on the 1st to Nth surface respectively. The 1st to Nth developing units have 1st to Nth monochromatic developers respectively. The 1st monochromatic developer is of monochromatic black and has a toner particle substantially spherical in shape. The 1st to Nth developing units develop the 1st to Nth electrostatic latent images with the 1st to Nth monochromatic developers respectively in order to form 1st to Nth developer images respectively. The transfer unit transfers sequentially the 1st to Nth developer images to a recipient in a superimposed manner in order of the 1st to Nth developer image.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus for overlaying toner images of at least two colors on an image carrier, and forming the toner images on a printing medium, counts the perimeter of the image carrier on the basis of a reference signal and a sampling period of a clock count, and sets target values of image formation start timings for respective colors in consideration of a perimeter error of the image carrier due to a quantization error produced upon counting on the basis of the reference signal and the sampling period of the clock count.

Abstract: A multi color image forming apparatus includes a plurality of stations arranged side by side for forming unique mono-color toner images using mono-color developers each having a different mono-color toner. Each of the plurality of stations includes an image bearing member for bearing a latent image, and a developing device for visualizing the latent image into the mono-color toner image. A conveying device is provided to convey a transfer medium. A transfer device is provided to transfer the mono-color toner images from the image bearing members to the transfer medium. Charge ability of prescribed mono-color toner included in the mono-color developer used in the upstream station is smaller than that used in the downstream station.

Abstract: The invention provides a printed circuit board (PCB) printing system. In a particular embodiment, the system includes a liquid electrophotographic printing device. At least one supplier of electrically conductive ink supplying electrically conductive ink to the electrophotographic printing device is also provided. In addition, at least one supplier of dielectric ink supplying dielectric ink to the electrophotographic printing device is also provided. The liquid electrophotographic printing device is operable to apply the electrically conductive ink and the dielectric ink to a provided substrate such that substantially immiscible boundary delineation occurs at any points of contact between the applied electrically conducive ink and the applied dielectric ink. An appropriate method of use for the rendering of a printed circuit board is also provided.

Abstract: A fixing device includes a feeding roller for feeding a belt-shaped cleaning member which has been rolled up, and a winding roller for taking up the cleaning member which has been fed from the feeding roller and cleaned the surface of the fixing roller. Each of the feeding roller and the winding roller rotates by a time control of a control portion so that a sum of a feed amount of the cleaning member which is fed by the feeding roller at one feeding occasion, and a take-up amount of the cleaning member which is taken up by the winding roller at one take-up occasion, is equal to or more than a double of a length Ln of a nip section.

Abstract: There is described a fixing device equipped in an image forming apparatus, which employs an electro-photographic method for forming an image on a transfer material, and having a lifetime longer than conventional one. The fixing device includes a first roller having a first elastic layer formed in a cylindrical shape on an outer surface of the first roller; and a second roller having a second elastic layer formed in a cylindrical shape on an outer surface of the second roller. A hardness of the second elastic layer is higher than that of the first elastic layer, and a nip section is formed between the first elastic layer and the second elastic layer. A longitudinal length of the first elastic layer in an axial direction of the first roller is greater than that of the second elastic layer in an axial direction of the second roller.

Abstract: A helical auger member for transporting toner in an image forming apparatus. The auger member may be implemented as part of a waste toner removal system for removing toner from a photoconductive member of a toner cartridge. Toner that is removed by a cleaner member is transported through a cleaner housing with a helical member, such as a coil wire, having a pitch to outer diameter ratio from about 1.5 to 2.5.

Abstract: A motor drive control apparatus which are capable of improving quietness during operation of a motor without the need of modifying the motor driving circuit and without increasing the load torque on the motor. The motor drive control apparatus is connected to a pulse motor via a driving gear disposed on an output side of the motor, and a driven gear engaging the driving gear. The motor drive control apparatus performs drive control in which the motor is driven to transmit a driving force of the motor to a load via the driving gear and the driven gear, and performs position control in which the driving gear is moved by a predetermined amount such that a gap formed between the driving gear and the driven gear is reduced or removed, before the drive control is performed. The drive control is performed when a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the position control is performed.

Abstract: A duplex-image reading apparatus and a method for the same. The duplex-image reading apparatus comprises a document feeding path along which a document supplied from a document supply tray is passed through an image reading unit for an image reading operation and discharged to the outside of a main body of the duplex-image reading apparatus by a discharging roller, a document returning unit for returning a feeding direction of the document being discharged by the discharging roller, so that a rear end of the document becomes a leading end, a sensor mounted on the document feeding path to detect a length of the document, and at least two document returning paths having different lengths according to the length of the document detected by the sensor. Accordingly, generation of an unnecessary path can be restrained by varying the document returning path when returning the document according to the length of the document, and therefore image reading speed can be improved.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a laser scanning unit that irradiates a light. A photoconductive medium forms thereon an electrostatic latent image using the light from the laser scanning unit. A developing roller transfers a developer onto the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductive medium to develop the electrostatic latent image. A transferring roller forms a transfer nip in tight contact with the photoconductive medium and transfers the developer attached on the photoconductive medium onto a paper passing through the transfer nip. A paper supplying part stacks the paper thereon. A pickup roller picks up the paper stacked on the paper supplying part. A paper edge sensor senses a top edge of the paper picked up by the pickup roller. The paper picked up by the pickup roller is directly supplied toward the transfer nip. A paper moving path is reduced, thereby minimizing the whole size of the image forming apparatus. Also, the number of parts is reduced, thereby decreasing material costs.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus feeds a paper picked up by a pickup roller directly to a photoconductive drum and controls a linear velocity of the pickup roller so that it is slower than that of the photoconductive drum. The different linear velocities of the pickup roller and the photoconductive drum produces different velocities at the transfer nip (the area of contact between the photoconductive drum and a transferring roller) and the point where paper is picked up by the pickup roller. To compensate for the different velocities, the pickup roller can be rotated faster than the photoconductive drum for an angle that corresponds to the velocity difference. Additionally, when a velocity difference occurs between two rollers for feeding the paper, one of the rollers can be further rotated to compensate for the velocity difference.

Abstract: A printhead comprising: a first and second elongate printhead modules, the printhead modules being disposed end to end on either side of a join region, wherein the first printhead module and the second printhead module are vertically offset at the join region; and, at least first and second printer controllers configured to receive print data and process the print data to output dot data for the printhead. The first printer controller outputs dot data to both the first printhead module and the second controller; and the second printer controller outputs dot data to the second printhead module, wherein the dot data output by the second printer controller includes dot data generated by the second printer controller and at least some of the dot data received from the first printer controller.

Abstract: The ticket presenter is mountable to a printer having a tear bar therein, for receiving a printed ticket, for pulling on that ticket in a controlled manner, for severing the ticket against the tear bar of the printer and for presenting the ticket to a customer. A paper inlet switch mounted inside the ticket presenter has a lever extending in the inlet path of the ticket presenter for monitoring the extent of a loop formed in the strip of ticket paper in the inlet path. A tension roller system is mounted on a downstream side of the paper inlet switch, and pulls on the strip of ticket paper with a speed that is controlled by the position of the lever of the paper inlet switch in the inlet path. The speed and functions of the ticket presenter are thereby synchronized to the speed and functions of the ticket printer.

Abstract: Replacement time for the cutting board used in the sheet cutting apparatus is detected. A sheet cutting apparatus has a cutting blade to cut a set of sheets by moving in an oblique direction which includes first component of a perpendicular direction to a face of the set of sheets and as second component of a parallel direction to the face, a cutting board to receive the cutting blade, a movable unit to move the cutting board to a face of the cutting blade, and an end detector to detect a moveble end of the cutting board.

Abstract: A printer having a main printer unit 1 an image recording unit 3 and a base unit 2. The image recording unit 3 includes a carriage 25 having an ink head for discharging ink to paper and a guide shaft 26 for slidably guiding the carriage 25. The base unit 2 is disposed opposite the image recording unit 3 and supports the image recording unit 3.

Abstract: To improve a quality without deteriorating feeding function, a stick-shaped cosmetic material cartridge is structured such that, a rear inner tube (12) is received in an outer tube (10) to be rotatable and immobile in an axial direction, a front inner tube (13) is coupled to the rear inner tube (12) to be mobile in the axial direction and non-rotatable and is energized rearward by an energizing means (16) to be received in the outer tube (10), and a male thread (14f) of a thread stick (14) supporting a stick-shaped cosmetic material (M) and provided with the male thread (14f) is engaged with a female thread (13x) in an inner portion of the front side inner tube (13), whereby the cosmetic material (M) rises and sets smoothly and, even if an impact is applied, is well protected from being loosened off and broken.

Abstract: A cosmetics container includes an upper containing body, a lower containing body, a connecting member, and supporting base; the upper containing body has a fitting cavity on a bottom, and an annular fitting trench around the fitting cavity; the lower containing body has an annular protrusion around a neck thereof, and a fitting portion projecting from a bottom, and it is joined to the connecting member with the fitting portion being fitted in a recess of a top of the connecting member; the supporting base is fitted to a bottom of the connecting member; the lower containing body is separably connected to the upper containing body with both a cap and the annular protrusion thereof being respectively fitted in the fitting cavity and the annular fitting trench of the upper body.

Abstract: The tooth cleaner and applicator comprises of a tooth cleaning formula enclosed within a small elongated tubular container. An applicator tip may be affixed to the end of the small elongated tubular container. The tooth cleaning formula comprises of an acid selected from the group consisting of hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, and citric acid. The small elongated tubular container is a single-dose disposable plastic container with a sealed end. An optional protectant, such as a base formula, a cotton strip, a plastic or rubber film, or glycerin may be applied to the gum and soft tissues around the teeth to protect them from the acid before or after application to prevent tooth sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to applicators for applying antiseptic. More specifically, the present invention relates to a hand-held applicator having at least one flexible elongated hollow body within which at least two antiseptic-filled, frangible ampoules are received, and a mechanism for fracturing the ampoules to release the antiseptic for dispensing.

Abstract: Multi purpose hand held cleaning device comprising a gun shaped handle portion, a first tubular portion perpendicularly attached at one end to the handle portion, a U shaped frame attached at the opposite end, the legs of the U frame terminating in transverse roller bearings, a second hollow tube placed concentrically inside the first hollow tube, one end of the second hollow tube terminating in a sponge member, the first hollow tube having a slot so that a trigger member attached to the second hollow tube can slidably fit within the slot, the second hollow tube enclosing a compression spring. A preferred embodiment includes the the handle being hollow so as to be capable of retaining a cleaning fluid and an internal fluid pump activated by an external trigger member.