Abstract: A compression spring assembly is disclosed herein. The compression spring assembly may be used in a fuel injection device and may include a compression spring having first and second adjacent turns spaced apart by a distance. The compression spring assembly may further include a damping element arranged between the first and second turns and having first and second spaced apart support regions separated by an arched third support region. The first and second support regions may be configured to exert force on a surface of the first turn, and the third support region may be configured to exert force on a surface of the second turn to at least inhibit movement of the first turn toward the second turn during operation of the spring.

Abstract: A reservoir assembly 10 is provided for a fuel tank of a vehicle. The reservoir assembly 10 is constructed and arranged to receive an electric fuel pump assembly 44 or a fuel suction unit 23 in a reservoir 12 thereof. The fuel suction unit 23 and the electric fuel pump assembly 44 are configured so as to be interchangeably received in the reservoir 12. This interchangeability advantageously saves design time and, from a supplier's point of view, provides more flexibility since two separate configurations are no longer required.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing or preventing hydrocarbon emissions from an air induction system of an automotive vehicle during diurnal periods opens the fuel line to ambient fuel tank pressure when fuel pressure in the fuel line decreases due to cooling of the fuel.

Abstract: An evaporative emission control and leak detection system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes an integrated valve module in fluid communication with a carbon canister and atmosphere. The module is arranged to vent the system when exposed to predetermined high negative and positive pressure conditions. The module includes a switch mechanism having a spring biasing member arranged to bias the switch mechanism to an open position. The switch is operable to indicate when the system is in a low negative pressure condition. The switch also includes a negative pressure valve coupled to a fluid passage between the canister, the atmosphere and the switch, and a positive pressure valve coupled to a fluid passage between the canister and atmosphere that bypasses the negative pressure valve and switch. The negative and positive pressure valves are positioned in a stacked arrangement in the integrated valve module.

Abstract: An air heater for heating air entering a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The air heater includes a heating element having a substantially planar portion and a flange portion. The flange portion is positioned at an angle to the planar portion. The planar portion is positioned within an air flow at an upstream location relative to the flange portion. A structure is operable to position the heating element in communication with the air entering the combustion chamber of the engine. In addition, a thermal expansion joint for interconnecting a heating element and a frame is disclosed.

Abstract: An oil separator that removes oil from ventilation gases flowing between a crankcase and an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The oil separator includes a housing, a wall and a diaphragm. The housing has an inlet and an outlet. The wall is cooperative with the housing to define a path through which the gases flow between the inlet and the outlet. The wall is movably coupled to the housing to effect a change in the height of the path. The diaphragm has a movable portion coupled to the wall. The diaphragm defines a substantially closed volume. The volume is open with the intake manifold so that pressure changes in the intake manifold causes corresponding displacement of the movable portion and the wall relative to the housing.

Abstract: Fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine comprising a method and apparatus for generating and delivering a homogeneous charge with a variable fuel/air ratio which relies on transpirating fuel membranes in a primary mixing region to which a portion of thermally-regulated air from an air dividing region has come. A single moving control element is used to control the quantity of in-rushing air in the primary mixing region, and therefore the amount of fuel rich air produced in this primary mixing region, and at the same time this single moving control element modulates both the quantity of fuel rich air and the quantity of regular fuel-free combustion air which are brought together in a secondary mixing region where they combine in the desired ratio to form a homogeneous charge with a variable fuel/air ratio. The use of a single moving control element allows extremely economical construction.

Abstract: Paintball or non-lethal gun or marker apparatuses are disclosed to prevent projectiles from being inadvertently discharged from a paintball or other non-lethal gun or markers.

Abstract: A mechanism for feeding uniformly-sized spherical projectiles such as paintballs into a gun adapted to shoot said projectiles is positioned in a lower region of a paintball-holding magazine, and includes a spinning body in the form of a spool from the peripheral side of which project radial arms shaped and dimensioned to urge projectiles toward a duct leading to the ammunition intake port of the gun. The spool is driven by a switchable electrical motor. In order to avoid gaps into the row of paintballs that are urged toward the ammunition intake port when the motor is not running which could result in dry firing, a resiliently variable linkage between the propelling arms is provided by a spiral spring or a pair of stretchable coil springs.

Abstract: Paintball regulators of the present invention receive higher pressure gas from a gas canister, output lower pressure gas to a gun body, but resist violent separation if inadvertently disassembled. The paintball regulators include a hollow valve body, a plug seat fixed in the valve body, a piston subassembly removably secured to the valve body, a plug, a first coacting member on the plug and a second coacting member on the piston subassembly. The valve body defines an open end for receiving the piston subassembly and a gas supply opening. A plug seat is set in the valve body such that the plug seat and the valve body together define a fluid pathway between the supply opening and the open end. The piston subassembly is removably secured to and engageable with the open end. The plug is positioned in the pathway and complementary to the plug seat.

Abstract: A pavement cutting and vacuum system is provided that includes a transport vehicle having a holding tank carried thereby; a pavement surface cutting machine having a blade for cutting a pavement surface during a cutting operation; and a vacuum system including a vacuum head connected to the cutting machine and a vacuum hose connecting the vacuum head to the holding tank, such that cuttings created during the cutting operation are transported from the vacuum head to the holding tank by the vacuum system.

Abstract: A multi-wire saw according to the present invention cuts a workpiece while supplying a slurry containing an alkali or mixed acid to a cutting interface between the workpiece and a wire, and includes: a storage tank with a heating mechanism for storing and heating the slurry; a thermal insulating pipe for transporting the slurry sent with a pump from the storage tank with a heating mechanism to a position before a position where the wire is incorporated into the workpiece, while keeping the slurry at a predetermined temperature; a thermostat for keeping a temperature in a vicinity of the workpiece fixed to a stage at the predetermined temperature; and a wire heating mechanism for heating the wire to the predetermined temperature. Consequently, the cutting resistance decreases during cutting machining of a silicon ingot, and the variation in the cutting resistance also decreases, whereby a high-quality wafer can be obtained at a high efficiency and a low cost.

Abstract: An ingot 3 of a hexagonal III-nitride crystal is cut using a wire array 21 composed of a wire 22. On this occasion, the ingot 3 is cut in such a manner that the ingot 3 is sliced with supply of an abrasive fluid while feeding at least one of the ingot 3 and wire 22 in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction B of the wire 22. During cutting the ingot 3, the extending direction B of the wire 22 is inclined at 3° or more to the {1-100} plane of the ingot 3.

Abstract: An oven comprises a cooking cavity, a steam generator operably connected to the cooking cavity for introducing steam into the cooking cavity, and a portable vessel removably mounted to the oven for supplying water to the steam generator and receiving drain water from the steam generator.

Abstract: A household oven comprises a cooking cavity and a steam generator for introducing steam into the cooking cavity. The oven further comprises a temperature sensor that senses a parameter representative of a temperature of water in the steam generator, and the parameter is used to determine if the water temperature is suitable for draining. A flow controller operably coupled to the temperature sensor is fluidly coupled to a drain of the steam generator and controls draining of the water from the steam generator depending on whether the water temperature is suitable for draining.

Abstract: A batch-type convection oven for bakery goods of the type having a front wall, a back wall, a pair of opposed side walls, a floor, a top and an opening in the front wall for permitting at least one multi-layer wheeled cart to be pushed into and removed from the oven. The oven includes a fan for circulating heated air in a closed path to the interior of the oven; a plenum attached to one wall of the oven, the plenum having at least one row of vertically arranged air outlets; an air return located in one wall of the oven for receiving the heated air after it has passed through the interior of the oven and for returning the air to the inlet of the fan and an air flow control system.

Abstract: The invention is a cooking product for use with a chimney-type charcoal starter. The product converts the chimney starter into a high-temperature, rapid-airflow cooking device for cooking food. The product stabilizes the chimney starter in an upright position so that the chimney starter can be used more safely as a cooking device. The product can be utilized with various chimney starters having substantially different configurations.

Abstract: A melter having a body adapted to support a heating unit to heat air, and a flow director having a louver. The flow director is pivotally connected to the heating unit and is generally adapted to direct a flow of the air.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for a range hood that provides light to a range top. The apparatus can include a flue, a capture sump coupled to the flue, and one or more overlay panels coupled to the capture sump. The range hood can also include one or more lights that shine light through the overlay panels, through the capture sump, and onto the range top. The range hood can further include a circulation/lighting unit for providing light and removing cooking effluent from the range top.

Abstract: A leak proof coupling is accomplished by the combination of the spreading of an end of a pipe and by the insertion of a silicone gasket over the female side of each pipe section. When the sections are put together, the gasket lip is deflected downward to a predetermined amount established by the dimensions of the joint. This deflection generates the compression required to seals the gap between the male and female sides of the coupling. Because of the choice of thickness of the gasket material in combination with the inside and outside diameter of the gasket, assembly of different components of the venting system with each other is facilitated without using special tools or fixtures. Disassembly of the same components for routine maintenance is also easier to accomplish with this coupling design.

Abstract: A linearly reflecting trough concentrator that receives spectral energy, preferably visible and near-infrared solar energy spectra, and linearly reflects that energy onto a smaller area on one side of the device, thereby concentrating the energy. The linearly reflecting trough concentrator has the geometry of a single slope-relief interval in a Fresnel lens, and in preferred embodiment comprises an array of heliostatic facets connected continuously to form the base of the trough, a non-imaging focal point where a photonic receiver is located, and a relief surface to connect the heliostatic array to the receiver location. When spectral energy enters the trough at an angle normal to the array's horizontal reference, the concentrator linearly reflects energy to one side of the device where an energy receiver is mounted. The concentrator comprises an array of heliostats oriented according to the negative profile of two interleaved linear Fresnel lens, where the slope of one is the relief of the other.

Abstract: An ultrasonic aerosol generator for delivering a liquid formulation in an aerosolized form at a high output rate of greater than 0.5 mL/minute, preferably greater than 1.0 mL/minute, and with diameters in a respirable size range, methods of using this device and kits including the device are described herein. The ultrasonic aerosol generator (10) contains at least (a) a liquid reservoir/aerosolization chamber (11), (b) a piezoelectric engine (12), (c) a relief aperture (13), and (d) an aerosol delivery element (20). Preferably the aerosolized particles that are delivered to the user through the aerosol delivery element have an average aerodynamic diameter of between 1 and 20 ?m, more preferably between 1 and 10 ?m, and most preferably between 1 and 5 ?m. Optionally, the ultrasonic aerosol generator is designed to deliver more than one formulation simultaneously, preferably a low cost and/or stable formulation is administered simultaneously with a more expensive and/or labile formulation.

Abstract: Storage, homogenisation and dosage system (10) for substances susceptible to precipitation or aggregation, including at least one tank (20) for storage and at least one valve (40) for the dosage of said substances, the at least one tank (20) comprises a series of portions (54, 64) protruding inside the at least one tank (20), which are made integral with the same by means of fixing means, the system (10) also comprises supporting and rotation means (30) for allowing a good homogenisation of the substances contained in the at least one tank (20).

Abstract: An auxiliary respiratory device includes a hollow body having a first inlet, an outlet in communication with the first inlet and having a first check valve pivotally connected to an inner periphery defining the outlet to allow air to flow only out of the outlet and an air suction hole in communication with the first inlet and having a second check valve pivotally connected to an inner periphery defining the air suction hole to allow air to flow only to the first inlet from the air suction hole.

Abstract: An aerosol delivery system dispenses an active substance using a propellant fluid. The delivery system comprises a sealed pressurizeable container having a dispensing nozzle. The propellant fluid is retained within the container and releasable therefrom in a gaseous phase via the dispensing nozzle when a release valve is actuated. The dispensing nozzle has a throat portion creating a venturi effect when the gaseous phase of the propellant fluid passes therethrough. A fluid containing reservoir is disposed within the container in fluid flow communication with the dispensing nozzle. The active substance is contained within the reservoir in isolation from the propellant fluid within the container. The venturi effect entrains the active substance through the dispensing nozzle for ejection therefrom when the release valve is actuated. A second reservoir may also be disposed within the container and provides a source of the gaseous propellant.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for non-invasively determining the time onset (Tonset) and end (Tend) of patient inspiratory efforts. A composite pressure signal is generated comprising the sum of an airway pressure signal, a gas flow pressure signal obtained by applying a gain factor (Kf) to a signal representing gas flow rate and a gas volume pressure signal obtained by applying a gain factor (Kv) to a signal representing volume of gas flow. Kf and Kv values are adjusted to result in a desired linear trajectory of composite pressure signal baseline in the latter part of the exhalation phase. The current composite pressure signal is compared with (i) selected earlier composite pressure signal values and/or (ii) value expected at current time based on extrapolation of composite pressure signal trajectory at specified earlier times and/or (iii) the current rate of change in the composite pressure signal with a selected earlier rates of change.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an arrangement for the titration of physiological measurement signals. In particular the invention concerns a method and an arrangement for detection and evaluation of a measurement signal indicative in respect of the respiratory gas flow of a sleeping person, in conjunction with the observation of sleep-related breathing disorders. The object of the invention is that of providing solutions which make it possible to detect physiological properties which are relevant in respect of respiration during a sleeping phase, in a manner which makes it possible to assess the physiological state of the person being investigated with a high level of reliability and correctly match any therapy boundary conditions that are required.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for detecting leaks in respiratory gas supply systems. Both the pressure and the volume flow of the respiratory gas are detected and the relevant values are supplied to an evaluation device. The evaluation device is used to calculate both the respiratory parameter resistance and compliance and the leak for at least two successive breathing cycles. At least one control parameter with different signal amplitudes is pre-determined for the successive breathing cycles. The leak resistance is determined from the resulting differential sequences of pressure and flow for the successive breathing cycles.

Abstract: A breathing assistance device is provides guidance to the rescuer, guidance to the victim, and modifies treatment parameters automatically based upon feedback loops relating to patient needs. Guidance can include pictograms showing cartoons of lung expansion, airway patency, breathing rate, and depth of breathing. A microprocessor preferably produces the pictorial guidance as a function of at least one of estimated end tidal CO2, estimated fractional inspired oxygen, estimated fractional expired oxygen, estimated airway resistance, and estimated lung compliance. The microprocessor can also execute a software code that executes a feedback loop that attempts to normalize values of a parameter over time, by controlling at least one pressure in a neck pillow, mask pressure, breathing rate, breathing volume, inspiration time, and expiration time.

Abstract: An airway opening system has an autoinflating hyperextension cervical pillow. The pillow is placed under the next of the non-breathing victim, and is inflated in a manner that opens the airway. In preferred embodiments, the pillow is automatically inflated using air pressure from a ventilator.

Abstract: A portable mechanical ventilator having a Roots blower is configured to provide a desired gas flow and pressure to a patient circuit. The mechanical ventilator includes a flow meter operative to measure gas flow produced by the Roots blower and an exhalation control module configured to operate an exhalation valve connected to the patient circuit. A bias valve connected between the Roots blower and the patient circuit is specifically configured to generate a bias pressure relative to the patient circuit pressure at the exhalation control module. The bias valve is further configured to attenuate pulsating gas flow produced by the Roots blower such that gas flowing to the mass flow meter exhibits a substantially constant pressure characteristic. The bias pressure facilitates closing of the exhalation valve at the start of inspiration, regulates positive end expiratory pressure during exhalation, and purges sense lines via a pressure transducer module.

Abstract: A portable ventilator system is loaded with specialized software that addresses specific needs of a targeted patient population. Particularly contemplated target patient populations include patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, etc.), obstructive sleep apnea, congestive heart failure, neuromuscular paralysis, a high risk of sudden cardiac arrest, and individuals vocationally likely to encounter nuclear, biological, or chemical hazards. Preferred systems include a radio frequency transmitter that sends data from the system to a distal service provider. Contemplated data that can be sent includes location information, diagnostic and intervention information. In another aspect systems can be is integrated with a defibrillator.

Abstract: A ventilator has a microprocessor that assists in automatically determining an appropriate breathing mode, and either the microprocessor or some other circuitry utilizes the mask to deliver that mode. Contemplated breathing modes include all of the recognized breathing modes (i.e, controlled mandatory ventilation, synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation, pressure controlled and/or pressure supported ventilation, and high frequency ventilation) as well as other breathing modes.

Abstract: In a method for nasal ventilation and relevant apparatus, particularly for flow-synchronized neonatal assisted ventilation, wherein F(t) is a signal proportional to the ventilation flow, the following steps are performed: (a) inspiration, having a time length Ti, during which air is introduced at an inspiration pressure; (b) expiration, having a time length Te, during which the introduction of air is interrupted; (c) return to step (a); with a flow threshold Ftr, during the expiration step (b) the following steps are provided: (b1) a waiting step having a time length ? before activation of computation of the leakages; and (b2) a step of leakage computation, having a time length ?, so that ?+?=Te, wherein if a normalized signal F? (t), obtained by a processing by way of an algorithm of the surveyed signal F(t), exceeds the threshold Ftr, a spontaneous respiration activity is detected and the inspiration step (a) is reactivated.

Abstract: A patient interface having a forehead support adjustably. The forehead support assembly includes a support arm that is adjustably mounted to the mask shell, thereby allowing the adjustment of the distance between the forehead support bracket and the mask shell in order to adjust for patient's of different sizes. A forehead support bracket is pivotally connected to the support arm. The pivoting forehead support bracket is self-aligning to allow the forehead pad to remain parallel to the patient's forehead at all times, thus enhancing comfort and stability. The forehead support bracket is removable from the support arm, allowing the headgear (with support bracket attached) to be donned separately from the mask and support arm. The forehead support bracket in one embodiment has a forehead pad formed from the headgear itself.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, an accessory for an aerosol inhalation system includes a main conduit body having an outlet end for placement close to a mouth of a patient, and first and second leg conduits that are in fluid communication with the main conduit body. The accessory further includes a holding chamber having a first compartment and a second compartment separated from the first compartment, with the first compartment being sealingly and fluidly coupled to the one port associated with the first leg conduit and the second compartment being sealingly and fluidly coupled to a port associated with the second leg conduit. An arrangement of valves is provided such that when the patient exhales, the first leg conduit is sealingly closed off from the main conduit body and the second leg conduit resulting in the aerosol particles flowing into and being held in the first compartment of the holding chamber.

Abstract: A patient interface device including a cushion assembly having a cushion-in-a-cushion arrangement and a system for supplying a flow of gas to a patient using such an interface device. The patient interface includes a mask shell having a patient side and an outer side opposite the patient side adapted for receiving a supply of gas. A seal cushion contacts a first area of a patient's face to form a seal therewith. A support cushion encircles the seal cushion and includes a first end portion that contacts a second area of a patient's face.

Abstract: A patient interface assembly for use with gas monitoring. The patient interface includes a mask shell having a portion that seals against the face of a patient and a mask attachment coupled to an opening of the shell. The mask attachment has a mask connection section coupled to the opening of the shell, an airway adapter section that serves as a gas measurement site for use in measuring a respiratory variable, and a breathing system connection section adapted to be coupled to a to a patient circuit. The gas measurement site, which includes a window, may be disposed on the conduit, the shell, or both. An access port, defined in the mask, the mask attachment, or both permits a sampling tube to be placed in fluid communication with an airway of a patient.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for withdrawing nasopharyngeal fluid samples from a patient are disclosed. A kit including a catheter and a manual suction device is disclosed, wherein the catheter can be self-navigating and define aspiration holes through which aspiration fluid can be emitted and nasopharyngeal fluid samples can be withdrawn. The catheter may also include an insertion depth scale to ensure patient comfort and optimum sample quality. The methods for obtaining nasopharyngeal fluid samples include the steps of inserting the catheter into a patient's nasopharynx, and aspirating the nasal pharynx to withdraw a specimen.

Abstract: A method of improving the use of a condom for delivery of a stimulant or lubricant treatment product to a female. The method comprises the steps of forming a condom on a mold, the condom having a closed distal end and an open proximal end; and applying the treatment product on an arcuate band portion of the proximal end of said condom subsequent to the forming of the condom on the mold.

Abstract: A base element having a head support region and an upper body support region. The base element is configured to rest upon a base platform that has an attachment point for securing the base element to the base platform and a joint element that enables movement of the base element into an angled position. A restraint mechanism extends from the base platform and is configured to hold the patient's shoulders in position. Head support elements on each side of the device acts as a mechanism for restricting mobility of the patient's head. Also restricts neck movement. Reducing patient movement enables diagnostic angiography using a digital subtraction technique (DSA) of the head, neck, and upper shoulder, as well as both non-catheter-based and catheter-based interventions without motion artifact. Restricted movement also provides safe access to the patient for critical procedures which require little or no patient motion while maintaining patient comfort.

Abstract: A method of minimally invasively reducing a volume of a hyper-inflated target section of diseased lung comprising the steps of introducing a bronchoscope into a patient's airway to a position adjacent the target section and equilibrating air within the target section with atmospheric air to at least partially deflate the target lung section; injecting an inflammation-causing substance into the target section to precipitate adhesion of the walls within the target lung section, preventing substantial re-inflation of the target section by occluding an airway upstream of the target section for a period of time, and removing the airway occlusion after the target section has substantially permanently been reduced in volume. The injected substance can be autologous blood or a constituent thereof.

Abstract: A method for treating morbid obesity in a body of a mammal having a gastrointestinal tract extending through a stomach and a pyloric sphincter and a wall forming the stomach and pyloric sphincter. At least one implant is formed in the wall in the vicinity of the pyloric sphincter to inhibit emptying of the stomach.

Abstract: A device comprising first and second housing members secured together, an aperture extending through the first and second housing members, a cutting assembly having a handle and a blade, the cutting assembly being mounted between the first and second housing members with the handle extending exteriorly thereof, and the cutting assembly being movable between first and second positions such that the blade moves past the aperture to thereby cut a cigarette placed therein. Using the device of the present invention, the smoker can reduce the amount that a cigarette is smoked at one time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of 6-isopropyl-3,9-dimethyl-1,4-dioxaspiro[4.5]decan-2-one, in the form of any one of its isomers or of a mixture thereof, as a perfuming or flavoring ingredient. The present invention also relates to the perfuming or flavoring compositions or articles containing the compounds. Compositions comprising 6-isopropyl-3,9-dimethyl-1,4-dioxaspiro[4.5]decan-2-one and at least one further compound having or imparting minty, fruity, and/or trigeminal organoleptic properties are also part of the present invention.

Abstract: A nail polish applicator utilizing a tapered, absorbable, foam tip so that nail polish may be applied more precisely, more uniformly and with less mess. The angular, fine-lined edge allows for precise application of nail polish around the curvatures of the cuticle area. The soft, pliable cell structure of the foam tip readily conforms to the contours of the nail during the polish application and, thereby, paints the nail without leaving any brush marks. Additionally, the absorbable nature of the foam tip allows the polish to stay on the tip better with less dripping or mess. Other embodiments of this invention utilize variations of angular-edged applicators for more precise nail polish application.

Abstract: A compact device has a pop up brush in one section and a mirror in another section. The mirror is hingedly attached to the brush section such that a user may simultaneously brush the users hair, while viewing, either directly or indirectly in a second stationery mirror, the hair being brushed. The reverse side of the mirrored section of the compact device has a removable cover that opens to reveal a storage compartment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a combination of a preparation comprising at least one sulphur-free reducing compound and an ammoniacal preparation comprising at least one organic or inorganic silver salt for the mirrorizing of keratin fibres, and to the use of an agent comprising a sulphur-free reducing compound for freshening or restoring the (silver) lustre of mirrorized hair.

Abstract: A bristle brush for applying a cosmetic product to hair is provided with a sleeve having a longitudinal axis and at least one perforation. The brush is disposed within the sleeve so that brush bristles extend through the perforation for contact with the hair. The perforation is circular, arcuate, rectangular, square, triangular or trapezoidal in shape or at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve. When the sleeve has a plurality of perforations, the perforations can be shaped alike or can differ in shape and/or in angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve so that one or more predetermined performance characteristics are obtained when the brush is used to apply the cosmetic product to the hair. A method for adjusting brush performance characteristics is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system or “kit” through which is provided a single head band (or hair ribbon) and an assortment of bows or other accessories (jewelry-type items, flowers, or even small, stuffed animals, etc.), for selective and/or alternative combinations. Each accessory is reversibly attachable to each head band (or hair ribbon), either by forming a knot from the band/ribbon, by which the bow or accessory is captured, or through some alternative attachment means, such as VELCRO or a snap-type arrangement. And, a business method of presenting to prospective consumers combinations of head bands (or hair ribbons) and reversibly attachable accessories of varying appearance, either in combinations selected by the business method practitioner, or in consumer-selected combinations.