Abstract: A method and apparatus for illuminating the area in front of a person without requiring the use of the person's hands, by suspending from the neck of the person a housing containing at least one LED light source emitting a light beam extending forwardly from the person, a battery power supply for the light source, and a switch connected between the light source and the power supply for energizing and de-energizing the light source. The housing is shaped to rest against the chest of the person so that the direction of the light beam remains substantially stable. The housing may be pivotable relative to a connector to permit the light beam from the light source to be directed forwardly from the person through a preselected range of angles both above and below a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A power tool has a light unit provided at the bottom part of the handle grip. The light unit can be adjusted to change the lighting angle and can hold the desired lighting angle. The light unit thus disposed does not get in the way, the lighting angle of the light unit is variable and the emitted light does not shake, depletion of the power supply due to the light switch of the light unit being left on is prevented, shadows of the end tool are not easily produced by light from the light unit, lighting contrast is high, wiring failures and continuity faults in the light-emitting element do not occur easily, and a small, economical power tool can be provided. The light-emitting element of the light unit is a yellow LED. The light unit turns off automatically at a predetermined time after the light turns on.

Abstract: A flashlight senses when it is picked up, and then automatically turns on. When the flashlight is released or set back down, it automatically turns off. Touch or contact sensors sense the touch of a human hand, causing a circuit in the flashlight to switch on a light source, such as an LED. The flashlight is advantageously designed so that when grasped or picked up, the fingers of the user's hand lay over touch sensors. Various types of touch sensors may be used. The touch sensors may operate electrically, and without any movement, or moving parts.

Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for hand-held portable LED illumination. The illumination source includes a plurality of LEDs, and an electrical circuit that selectively applies power from the DC voltage source to the LED units, wherein the illumination source is suitable for handheld portable operation. In some embodiments, the electrical circuit further includes a control circuit for changing a proportion of light output having the first characteristic color spectrum output to that having the second characteristic color spectrum output, and that drives the LEDs with electrical pulses at a frequency high enough that light produced has an appearance to a human user of being continuous rather than pulsed. Still another aspect provides an illumination source including a housing including one or more LEDs; and a control circuit that selectively applies power from a source of electric power to the LEDs, thus controlling a light output color spectrum of the LEDs.

Abstract: A flashlight having a light-emitting diode light source with first and second leads extending therefrom, a power source, a power source frame enclosing at least a portion of the power source; a housing containing the light source and power source, a switch located adjacent the power source and operable to close a circuit including the light source and the power source, and wherein one or all of the following may be included 1) a keyring extension extending from a power source frame or the housing with the keyring extension having an opening whereby an article can be attached to the keyring extension and includes a keyring lock wherein upon exerting a force against the keyring lock, the keyring lock is opened to permit the article to be attached to the keyring extension; 2) the housing is comprised of translucent material; and 3) the housing includes at least one side cover which is not integral with the housing and the at least one side cover being selected from anodized aluminum, anodized metal, anodized met

Abstract: A flashlight having a lamp, a power storage element, a switch, and an electronic controller. The controller has a switch input connected to the switch and operates in response to the input to deliver power from the power storage element to the lamp. The controller may be directly connected to each of the lamp, source, and switch. The switch may include several separate contact elements operating sequentially in response to movement of a switch actuator. The controller may provide different illumination levels and functions in response to different pressures and durations of actuation. The flashlight may include a dimmer level control to establish an intermediate “dimmed” output level, and operate to provide the selected dimmed output when the switch is depressed by an intermediate amount, and to provide a greater maximum output level in response to full actuation of the switch.

Abstract: High-brightness LEDs, combined with a processor for control, can produce a variety of pleasing effects for display and illumination. A system disclosed herein uses high-brightness, processor-controlled LEDs in combination with diffuse materials to produce color-changing effects. The systems described herein may be usefully employed to bring autonomous color-changing ability and effects to a variety of consumer products and other household items. The system may also include sensors so that the illumination of the LEDs might change in response to environmental conditions or a user input. Additionally, the system may include an interface to a network, so that the illumination of the LEDs may be controlled via the network.

Abstract: An optical sheet that accepts light transmitted at or within a specific entrance cone angle that then redirects and transmits the light within an exit cone that is substantially normal to the sheet's plane. The intensity of the light within the exit cone is substantially uniform for any light source entering the sheet within the sheet's acceptance angle. The optical sheet is made of transparent material with microlens arrays formed on its opposite front and back surfaces. The thickness of the optical sheet is sufficient so that the microlens on the opposite surfaces are separated a distance equal to the microlens focal length, with each microlens on the front and back surfaces having substantially similar size and shape, with centers transversely aligned. When used with one or more light sources located on one surface, the transmitted light through the optical sheet is uniform in intensity across a second surface.

Abstract: An illumination device for simulating neon or similar lighting is generally comprised of a rod-like member, a housing, a light source, and an intermediate light-transmitting medium extending along and positioned adjacent the light source with a light-receiving surface for receiving light emitted from said light source and a light-emitting surface for emitting light into the rod-like member. This intermediate light-transmitting medium is preferably composed of a matrix of a substantially translucent acrylic, polyurethane, or similar material tinted with a predetermined combination of one or more fluorescent and/or phosphorescent dyes. The intermediate light-transmitting medium is subdivided into independent sections, each of which is provided with differing combinations of fluorescent dye, phosphorescent dye, and/or no dye at all.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a laser diode light diffusion unit that comprises a casing 10 with a lens cover that holds a laser diode mounted 2 on a heat sink 16, a mirror 12, a collimator lens 4 and a holographic diffusion screen 8. The casing 10 is made of a rigid thermally conducting material, and the heat sink is mounted within the casing such that a concentrated beam of light 3 produced by the laser diode 2 is directed at the mirror 12. The concentrated beam of light 3 directed at the mirror is reflected at approximately 90° into the base of the collimator lens 4, where the collimator lens 4 converts the concentrated beam 3 of light into a plane of light 6 that is projected over and in opposite direction to the path of the concentrated beam of light 3. The plane of light 3 then passes through the holographic diffusion screen 8, where the holographic diffusion screen spreads the plane of light at predetermined angles which then passes through the lens cover and out of the casing.

Abstract: A portable stand for an articulated arm that carries a device, such as a lamp. The stand includes a post having a lower end with a plurality of support legs for supporting the post freely on an underlying surface and an upper end having a bushing. The articulated arm can be mounted on the upper end of the stand by inserting a lug of the articulated arm into the bushing. The stand also includes means on an upper end of the post for ensuring that the articulated arm is positioned in vertical alignment over one of the support legs of the post. Thus, as the articulated arm is fully extended in a lateral direction from the post, the center of gravity of the articulated arm remains over the support leg thereby permitting the stand to remain stable.

Abstract: An improved recessed lighting fixture allowing illumination from a lighting unit placed within a cavity of a planar surface, such as a ceiling or wall. The invention facilitates the ability to properly aim illumination because the user can aim the fixture while it is in place and illuminated. The invention is additionally designed to allow the substitution of lamps/light bulbs without requiring re-aiming of the fixture and to be used without modification with ceiling materials of varying thickness. The invention also includes an azimuthal adjustment mechanism wherein the lamp is mounted on a gimbal having a rack and pinion coupling to rotate the gimbal under control of a screw accessible from the exterior of the fixture and a horizontal aiming system.

Abstract: A light source bulb is fixedly inserted into a lateral direction to the optical axis Ax at a position below an optical axis Ax. Accordingly, a region lateral to the optical axis Ax on a reflection surface of the reflector can be effectively utilized for light distribution control. Furthermore, a first additional reflector having a reflection surface of substantially-spheroidal shape whose first focal point is at a position coincident with the light source is disposed at a position above the optical axis Ax. A second additional reflector 36 having a reflection surface of a substantially-parabolic vertical cross-sectional profile whose focal point is coincident with a second focal point of the first additional reflector is disposed at a position below the optical axis. As a result, light from the light source is illuminated forward without passing through a projection lens.

Abstract: An LED lamp (10) having a substantially concave heat sink (12) having a raised, frusto-conical center (14) surrounded by an outer rim (16). The heat sink (12) is preferably aluminum or other metal and at least the frusto-conical center preferably has a reflective coating. To further aid in heat removal the outer rim (16) can be provided with a plurality of apertures (16a). A side-emitting LED (18) is mounted on the frusto-conical center (14). A cover (26) is fixed to the outer surface (22) and defines a volume (28) between the frusto-conical center (14) and the cover (26). A circuit (30) is located within the volume (28) and an electrical connection (32) provides connection to the LED (18). In another embodiment a cover (26a) is provided with studs (54) and a reflector (42a) is provided with studs (56) that engage barbs (50) formed in a heat sink (12a).

Abstract: A multiple point decorative light strip, which is particularly structured from a plurality of light emitting tubes to form a strip form, a surface of which generates multiple point shining light spots. The light strip includes a plurality of the light emitting tubes, which are juxtaposed and connected to form the strip form. A plurality of optical fibers are disposed within each of the light emitting tubes, A plurality of light spot generating grooves are defined in a staggered arrangement on a circumferential surface of each of the optical fibers. Reflected stimulated light from the plurality of light spot generating grooves generates multiple point light spots that enable a surface of the strip to form a magnificently shining decorative lighting effect.

Abstract: A lighting element has a light emitting diode that is installed in a light carrier. The lighting element has a light guide element that is optically coupled to the light emitting diode and the light guide element has a smaller light exit surface than the light emitting diode. With a plurality of such lighting elements it is possible to embody an effect lighting configuration for example in an aircraft cabin.

Abstract: In a backlight apparatus used in an LCD, in which upper and lower reflective plates are installed under upper and lower transparent plates, respectively. The lower transparent plates and the lower reflective plates introduce light generated by lower light sources in upward directions and the upper transparent plate and the upper reflective plates introduce light generated by an upper light source into those areas, which are not lighted by the lower light sources. This can prevent the formation of dark areas above the lower light sources thereby enhancing the overall uniformity of light.

Abstract: A lighting device has a light guide plate having light projecting surfaces at least on the one sides thereof, and at least one brightness enhancement film having a plurality of prisms and disposed adjacently to one of both sides of the light guide plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for backlighting a translucent image. At least one polymer thick film conductive strip is applied to a glass substrate, connecting a plurality of light emitting devices, a dropping resistor, and a power supply connection. The glass substrate is positioned behind a translucent image that is backlit by the light emitting devices. The method includes applying a conductive polymer thick film ink to a substrate to form conductive traces, applying at least one light emitting device to the substrate, applying a dropping resistor to the substrate, and curing the ink.

Abstract: A LED-type wall lamp with decorative liquid consists of a transparent container for liquid on top and a base on bottom. The transparent container for liquid is used to accommodate various kinds of decorative liquid for displaying. Plug pins are disposed on the base projecting outwards so as to connect with an electric socket while a circuit board and a plurality of LED lights with different colors are disposed inside the base. The light emitted from LED lights illuminates toward the bottom of the transparent container for liquid. By the transparent container for liquid, the decorative liquid, and light from LED lights, the present invention has bright and colorful visual effect as well as effects of electricity saving, higher safety and decoration.

Abstract: A backstop socket structure to prevent a lamp string from turning-off upon a bulb dropped unintentionally, which comprises a fuse-type bulb mounted in a socket of a lamp string and a plurality backstop sockets; each backstop socket is furnished with two contact copper plates, which are furnished with two spring reeds in close contact state normally; the bulb base has a rod stub under the center of the bulb base; after the bulb base is plugged in place, the rod stub would push the two spring reeds separated from each other; in case of a bulb base being dropped or missing, the two spring reeds will be in close contact state as a result of the resilient force thereof so as to keep the lamp string in lighting up state.

Abstract: A fuel processing device has a magnetic coupling that transfers rotational energy from a motor to a fuel homogenizer. The magnetic coupling has magnetic members that may be isolated from contact with fuel.

Abstract: A transducer for detecting movement of an article mounted for movement in a plane, the transducer comprising: a heater facing the plane of movement of the article and having a temperature dependent resistance; and, an edge defined in the article between regions of different thermal conductivity; wherein, as the article describes the movement, the edge moves relative to the heater producing a corresponding variation in heat loss from the heater and a corresponding variation in resistance of the heater.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a very thin thermal interface material (TIM) is developed, which is composed of carbon nanotubes, silicon thermal grease, and chloroform. The carbon nanotubes and chloroform comprise the filler and the silicone thermal grease comprises the matrix.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for controlling temperatures in an x-ray imaging environment including: a first component capable of operating within a first temperature range; a second component capable of operating within a second temperature range; and a liquid-based temperature control system capable of maintaining the first component within the first temperature range and maintaining the second component within the second temperature range. In an embodiment, the first component includes an x-ray detector. In an embodiment, the second component includes an x-ray source. In an embodiment, a liquid in the liquid-based temperature control system flows through the first component before flowing through the second component. In an embodiment, a heat exchanger in the liquid-based temperature control system can regulate a temperature of a liquid in the liquid-based temperature control system. In an embodiment, the heat exchanger includes at least one thermoelectric cooler device.

Abstract: An x-ray tube and method of operating include a vacuum chamber vessel and a source of an electron beam inside the vacuum chamber vessel. A target disposed inside the vacuum chamber vessel includes a substrate and one or more deposits attached to the substrate. Each different deposit includes an atomic element having a different atomic number. The x-ray tube also includes a means for directing the electron beam to a selectable deposit of multiple deposits. The substrate material can be selected with better vacuum sustaining strength, x-ray transparency, melting point, and thermal conductivity than a deposit. The substrate may be cooled by an integrated cooling system. The x-ray tube allows a selectable x-ray frequency to be produced with enhanced economy of power, reduced moving parts, and reduced size. For improved bone mass applications, one of the deposits has a k-fluorescence energy less than about 53 thousand electron volts.

Abstract: Projection images of a calibration phantom are picked up and stored. Three-dimensional position information on an X-ray tube and an area detector is obtained from the projection images and three-dimensional arrangement information on markers inside the calibration phantom. Three-dimensional position information is obtained for all projection images, and stored in a three-dimensional position information storage unit. Projection images of an object under examination are picked up by following the same tracks and the same sequence as when radiographing the calibration phantom. Radiographic data of the projection images is read. A reconstructing calculation is carried out for the object based on the three-dimensional position information on the X-ray tube and area detector relative to the calibration phantom, to create slice images or three-dimensional volume data of a selected site of the object.

Abstract: A table control method for controlling a tabletop driven out of a base in the horizontal direction, wherein deflection of a tip of the tabletop due to load is compensated by tilting the tabletop to lift the tip.

Abstract: A reclosable bag has opposing broad face panels defining a volume therebetween for holding a quantity of contents, an end of the body forming an expandable gusset between the broad face panels, and a reclosable bag closure between the expandable gusset and a corresponding edge region of one of the broad face panels. When the closure is opened, a bag opening is formed between the expandable gusset and said one of the broad face panels of the bag, to access the bag contents. In one example, the bag has upper and lower expandable gussets, while in another the bag has expandable side gussets. The closure is readily closed without precise alignment and despite the adjacent gusset.

Abstract: A multi-lobe bearing is of simple construction such that a foil sheet in the form of a closed loop is arranged on a journal shaft by joining both ends of two sheets together, with a bearing gap therebetween and filling a viscoelastic body in an air gap between the foil sheet and an inside of a bearing holding member, whereby the bearing gap between the journal shaft and the foil sheet is configured to be liable to generate a fluid pressure. Also, the bearing is simply constructed to be made easy in assembly, and in particular, appropriate in bearing the journal shaft having a small diameter.

Abstract: A fan motor includes an integral bearing member (40?) defining therein an axial inner bearing hole (21?) and forming a ventilating path (25?) in a wall portion thereof to communicate a bottom of the bearing hole with an exterior of the bearing member, a stator assembly (50) mounted to an outer periphery of the bearing member, and a rotor assembly (60) comprising a rotary shaft (68) extending into the bearing hole and a permanent magnet (66) confronting the stator assembly. Lubricating oil is filled between the rotary shaft and bearing member to establish dynamic pressure to separate the rotary shaft and the bearing member in radial direction when the rotary shaft rotates.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic bearing device capable of inhibiting leakage of a working fluid to an outside of a bearing and preventing reduction in radial bearing rigidity, and capable of keeping a gap between a thrust bearing and a radial bearing favorable and rotating stably. The hydrodynamic bearing device includes a shaft relatively rotatably inserted into a bearing hole of a sleeve, a radial bearing surface having dynamic pressure generating grooves formed on at least one of an outer peripheral surface of the shaft and an inner peripheral surface of the sleeve, and a gap filled with a working fluid between the shaft and the sleeve. The shaft is made of high manganese chrome steel or stainless steel, and the sleeve is entirely made of sintered metal of metal particles including at least 60% by weight of iron or copper. Resin, metal or water glass is impregnated in pores on a surface of the sintered metal and cured.

Abstract: A rolling bearing for supporting a shaft on which a fan is provided, has an inner ring having an inner ring race on an outer surface thereof, an outer ring having an outer ring race on an inner surface thereof, balls provided between the inner ring race and the outer ring race and a retainer which keeps the balls apart each other in a circumferential direction, wherein an inner diameter of the bearing is set to be 3 mm or more and 17 mm or less, an outer diameter of the bearing is set to be 8 mm or more and 40 mm or less, when a thickness ti and a thickness te satisfies a relationship te?1.24 ti, and a residual austenite content in the inner ring is 7 wt % or less.

Abstract: An expandable shaft assembly including an axially extending shaft with an axial axis, an extending shaft with an axial axis, an external dimension, at least one shaft end and a bore extending generally axially from the at least one shaft end. The shaft assembly also includes a second element, as an axle cap, with an axially extending, externally threaded portion with a first thread flank, a shoulder portion extending in a generally radially outwardly direction. A radially extending end face is also provided that is axially constrained relative to the shaft, wherein the radially extending end face is one of (1) integral with the shaft, and (2) on a separate element. The bore of the shaft includes an axially extending, internally threaded portion with a second thread flank, wherein at least one of the first and second thread flanks are inclined.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical interconnect device comprising (a) a plurality of fiber optic cables, each cable having two ends and comprising at least one optical fiber surrounded by a protective jacket where the diameter of the fiber optic cable is larger than the diameter of the optical fiber and where the protective jacket at least a first end of the fiber optic cable has been removed thereby exposing the optical fibers; (b) a ribbonized assembly encasing a portion of the first end of the fiber optic cable and the optical fibers, where the optical fibers in the ribbonized assembly lie parallel to one another and has a first pitch; and (c) a ferrule attached to the ribbonized assembly, the ferrule having a plurality of internal grooves having a second pitch. The first pitch of the optical fibers is substantially equal to the second pitch of the ferrule.

Abstract: An interface system and a method of making an interface assembly or connection between a first device having a number of optical leads and a second device having a number of optical leads. In the preferred process one forms an optical fabric assembly having a number of free or unattached optical leads without any coupler attached thereto. To transfer a signal from the free or unattached optical leads one forms an optical coupler by connecting one end of an optical lead to a connector. The other end of the optical lead is maintained in a free or unattached condition. One can then test the optical coupler to determine if the connections is properly formed so that a signal can pass into the optical lead through the connector or vice versa.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a first connection interface and an optical amplifier. The housing receives a fiber optic line and an electrical line. The first connection interface is located at least partially inside the housing and is exposed outside of the housing to couple the fiber optic line and the electrical line to a second connection interface. The optical amplifier is located inside the housing and is coupled to the fiber optic line. The optical amplifier receives power from the electrical line.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector (1) includes a housing (10), an insulated body (20), an optical element (30) received in the housing, and a spacer (40) for securing the optical element in the housing. The housing defines a front and a rear receiving spaces (11, 12). The front receiving space is for receiving the insulated body and an optical plug (60), and the rear receiving space is for receiving the optical element. A partition wall (13) is formed between the front and the rear receiving spaces and defines an aperture (14) thereon. The aperture forms a tapered face (15) at a rear portion thereof for preventing the optical fiber plug from inserting into the optical fiber connector.

Abstract: An optical fibre connector includes a connector having a receptacle or socket with a recessed optical fibre ferrule assembly for aligning an optical fibre within the connector. An optical socket has recessed therein a sleeve for receiving and bringing into optical alignment an optical fibre ferrule assembly at an internal end of the socket with a similar optical fibre ferrule assembly of an optical plug connected to the optical socket. The optical connector has a housing with at least two portions that are removably secured to one another. A method of cleaning such a recessed assembley includes removing at least one of said portions from the remainder of the housing. Contamination is then cleaned from the optical fibre ferrule assembly. Then, the the removed portion(s) are reassembled with the remainder of the housing.

Abstract: To provide methods for manufacturing optical modules that can reduce their manufacturing cost.

Abstract: An electric connector portion, an optical element and a mounting board formed with a circuit executing a predetermined signal conversion and relay processing are held by a case. The case includes an optical element-containing recessed portion having electrical conductivity, and the optical element is arranged in the optical element-containing recessed portion. Further, the case may include a mounting part-containing recessed portion independently from the optical element-containing recessed portion, and mounting parts on the mounting board may be arranged in the mounting part-containing recessed portion.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly with a fiber optic connector mounted to a fiber optic cable and including a ferrule with an end face terminating the fiber. A plug is configured to fit about and engage the ferrule of the fiber optic connector to seal the end face from contaminants. An adhesive tape is releasably attached to the connector about the plug, holding the plug to the connector. Further, a cover assembly for a fiber optic connector mounted to an end of and terminating a fiber optic cable. The cover includes an open sided box and a lid sized to engage the open side. The box and the lid define a cavity sized to fit about and receive a fiber optic connector. The cavity has an open end adapted to receive the optical fiber cable. The fiber optic connector is held within the cavity and the cable extends through the open end, with the lid engaging the open side and sealing the cavity from contaminants outside the cavity.

Abstract: An imaging optical system includes an image forming optical system forming an image of an object, an imaging device placed in the proximity of the image of the object, a liquid crystal element placed at a preset position on the optical path between the object and the imaging device; and an optical element placed on the object side of the liquid crystal element. The optical element is constructed of a medium in which the transmittance of light at a wavelength of 500 nm is 20% or more and which exhibits different refractive indices with respect to light, the directions of vibrations of which are perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: In an arrangement to generate a print image for franking and postmarking machines a control unit electronically controls a printer and storage unit for data that are printed in predetermined sections of the print image. Controlled by the electronic control unit, a selected section is printed with special postal information by the printer in a second position to the left next to a first position. The special postal information characterize a private mail carrier. The electronic control unit of the device is connected with a mail processor that determines data that enable mail piece processing and sorting at the private mail carrier.

Abstract: A soft keyboard includes at least three rows of keys wherein a middle row is located near the center of the keyboard. The middle row includes vowel keys, and an upper row and a lower row include consonant keys. The consonant keys and the vowels keys are arranged in alphabetical order. At least one of the three rows of keys further includes at least one of the space key, the enter key, and the delete key. Another soft keyboard includes a first ring of keys around a central key, and a second ring of keys around the first ring of keys. The central key may be the enter key. The first ring of keys includes vowel keys arranged in alphabetical order. The first ring of keys may include the space key and the delete key. The second ring of keys includes consonant keys arranged in alphabetical order.

Abstract: A printer is disclosed for producing rolls of wallpaper. The printer has a frame in which is located a media path which extends from a media loading area to a winding area. A printhead located across the media path. One or more input devices are used for capturing operator instructions. A processor accepts operator inputs which are used to configure the printer for producing a particular roll. The winding area is adapted to hold a core and wind onto it, wallpaper produced by the printer, preferably on demand.

Abstract: There is disclosed a printer with an arrangement for assuring that a linerless tacky adhesive-backed web is reliably fed. The printer has stripper elements which terminate at tip portions which extend into the platen roll to initially cut grooves in the platen roll, and because the tip portions extend below the outer periphery of the platen roll into these grooves, the stripper elements continue to strip the web reliably from the platen roll during subsequent printing cycles.

Abstract: A wiping device for a container containing a product to be applied by an applicator. The wiping device includes a wiping member and a coupling member configured to couple the wiping device to the container. The coupling member includes a member capable of flexing, bending or moving with respect to the body. In a preferred form, the coupling member wiping device can resist the introduction of the wiping device into the container somewhat less than the coupling member resists the extraction of the wiping device from the container.

Abstract: A device for applying a cosmetic product may include a receptacle configured to be closed so as to place the receptacle in at least a substantially sealed condition. The receptacle may include a reservoir configured to contain the cosmetic product, and an applicator for applying the cosmetic product. The applicator may be configured to be contained in the receptacle, and the device may be configured so as to permit loading of the applicator with cosmetic product from the reservoir, wherein the applicator may include a porous structure. The device may be configured such that the receptacle is configured to be unsealed from the at least substantially sealed condition so as to permit the applicator to be used for application of the cosmetic product, and to be returned to the at least substantially sealed condition with the applicator contained in the receptacle. The porous structure may include at least one biocidal agent.

Abstract: An applicator including at least one tube with at least one plug of a liquid or a powder inside the tube. At least a first substance is contained in an inside space of the tube, with the space defined at a first end by the liquid or powder plug. The plug is arranged, in use, to be expelled together with the first substance when it leaves the inside space of the tube. The applicator further includes at least one second substance different from the first substance and dissociated therefrom prior to use. Kit or packaging arrangements are also provided for containing one or more of the applicators.