Abstract: A method and system allows a service provider to provide Intranet services remotely by assigning private virtual servers to customers. Each customer addresses transmissions to one or more private virtual servers using private addresses from the customer's private Intranet. The addresses of different private virtual servers do not have to be unique and may overlap. Customers exchange privately-addressed transmissions with the service provider using tunnels to traverse the local or regional network connecting the customer with the service provider. The service provider routes the transmissions to the relevant private virtual server belonging to the customer that sent the transmission. The service provider also routes privately-addressed transmissions back to individual customers using tunnels.

Abstract: A graphic interface device and method in a digital TV. The graphic interface device includes: a transmitting side for coding various forms of user graphic environment which can be selected by an end user, assigning specific packet identification (PID), and multiplexing the assigned PID with video information, audio information and additional information; and a receiving side for parsing and decoding the various forms of graphic environment data of the specific PID transmitted from the transmitting side to be displayed on a screen, thereby being selected by the end user and for parsing and decoding once again the corresponding graphic environment selected by the end user to be displayed on the screen. Thus, the end user can select the graphic environment satisfying his own preference, for example, a dynamic program guide pattern or menu icon.

Abstract: A protection system for the neck, chest, and torso on down to the mid-thigh area as it shields the wearer from a variety of messy situations. One embodiment employs sleeves that cover both arms of a user entirely and end with thin, elastic cuffs or bands at the wrists. In addition, the protective layer features a base that is A-lined and extends to the mid-thigh area. The back of the protective layer remains open from the adjustable closure device down to the bottom.

Abstract: An article of swimwear includes a swimsuit body having at least one aperture configured to encircle a portion of a swimmer's body when the swimsuit is worn by a user, and a resilient seal secured about the at least one aperture.

Abstract: An item of clothing for personal air-conditioning which has at least one three-dimensional air-flow guiding structure. The air-flow guiding structure is an air-impermeable woven spacing fabric. At least one pocket exists to accommodate an air-pumping device. The pocket interior is connected to the structure which allows for an air-flow capable of being supplied by the air-pumping device into the structure or out of the structure and connected to the environment allowing air to be drawn from or expelled into the environment.

Abstract: A convertible shirt having a sleeveless base and a sleeved half-shirt configured to couple to the sleeveless base is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, a convertible shirt includes a sleeveless base, a sleeved half shirt configured to couple inconspicuously to the sleeveless base, and a multiplicity of fasteners to couple to the sleeved half shirt to the sleeveless base. In at least one alternative embodiment a two-piece convertible Western shirt includes a sleeveless base, the sleeveless base having a flared, pointed collar, a button-up front, and at least a pair of pockets on a front side of the sleeveless base, a sleeved half shirt configured to couple inconspicuously to the sleeveless base, the sleeved half shirt having a Western adornment, and a multiplicity of fasteners configured to couple to the sleeved half shirt to the sleeveless base.

Abstract: An undergarment is provided, e.g., a slip, especially for women. The undergarment includes a blank made of a textile material with edgings at the waist and the leg openings, wherein in each case the edgings comprise a flat, two-layered tubular elastic band, which is fastened with an adhesive layer to the left side of the textile material of the undergarment, facing the body. In addition, the invention comprises a process for producing such an undergarment.

Abstract: A body protecting device for wearing by a user comprising an array of energy absorbing cells, wherein each cell comprises a tube, and wherein substantially each tube has a side wall which is near or adjacent to the side wall of at least another tube, and wherein substantially each tube is configured such that the orientation of the tube is substantially maintained when a load is applied parallel to the axis of the tube.

Abstract: The invention concerns a protective helmet comprising a shell (1) whereon are rotatably mounted a visor (2) and a chin strap (3), the lower portion of the visor (2) being urged to rest on a zone (4) of the chin strap (3) when they are lowered and the chin strap (3) capable of being raised about the visor (2). The invention is characterized in that the helmet is such that it comprises additional means for moving the visor (2) configured to bring its lower edge closer to or move it away from the raising trajectory of the support zone (4) on the chin strap (3).

Abstract: The cushion pad according to the present invention contains a ciliated member and a base member, both made of a flexible plastic material and having a same planar shape. The ciliated member has a large number of hollow protrusions on a front side. The base member is attached to a back side of the ciliated member by high-frequency fusing their circumferences together to form a rim belt with two openings. A pressure release valve is plugged in one opening, and a one-way valve and a pumping device is plugged in the other opening. When air is pumped into a closed space among the ciliated member, the base member, and the rim belt by the pumping device, the cushion pad could offer significantly superior shock absorption.

Abstract: An upper body protective garment having a lower portion including flexibly interconnected protective abdominal and lower back members, an upper portion including protective thoracic and upper back members with a neck hole defined therebetween, a flexible front connection allowing at least limited movement of a bottom end of the thoracic member with respect to the abdominal member, and a flexible rear connection between the lower back member and the upper back member provided by a protective spinal member including flexibly interconnected rigid members for overlaying a spine of the wearer, the front and rear connections allowing the upper portion to remain at least substantially fixed with respect to shoulders of the wearer and the lower portion to remain at least substantially fixed with respect to a waist of the wearer while the shoulders and waist are moved relative to one another.

Abstract: A toilet including a toilet bowl having a bowl flange with apertures, a toilet seat, a toilet seat cover and mounting apparatus. The seat comprises a seat ring configured to rest on the bowl flange and seat mounting means and the seat cover comprises a cover and cover mounting means. The mounting apparatus includes the seat mounting means, the cover mounting means, post holders which overlie the bowl flange apertures, and connecting means joining said seat and cover mounting means and the post holders to permit rotation of the seat ring and cover between a generally horizontal use position and an over center storage position. An elongate post is secured to and extends downwardly from each of the post holders. A post receptacle is positively secured in each of the bowl flange apertures and extends there beyond. A cylindrical receptacle retainer surrounds and engages each receptacle over most of its length and engages the underside of the bowl to positively secure the receptacle in the bowl flange aperture.

Abstract: A mechanism (100) for lifting and lowering a toilet seat (102) is activated by foot pressure pushing down on a pedal (104). The mechanism includes an off-floor pivot fixed in space for converting the pressure into a torque applied to hinge (113, 114) supporting the seat. The mechanism does not touch the floor. Instead a reaction arm which is one support for the fixed pivot presses against a wall (120) behind the toilet bowl. An element for retarding the speed of the seat as it falls is optionally included.

Abstract: A low volume hygienic apparatus used a high pressure spray to break up solid waste material in a containment chamber and to push liquid and broken-up solid waste from the containment chamber. A high pressure nozzle is pointed into the containment chamber and configured to break-up the solids using a prescribed pressure level and to propel the liquids and the broken-up solids from a chamber interior through a chamber outlet of the containment chamber. A completing structure is disposed between the chamber outlet and a drain and is configured to draw liquids and broken-up solids from the chamber at the end of a flushing cycle.

Abstract: A waste receiving device for disposing of fecal waste from an incontinent person being bathed. The waste receiving device includes a receiver and a waste processing mechanism that discharges processed waste to a waste water drain. The waste processing mechanism includes a strainer and/or a masticator for processing the fecal waste such that the processed waste has a maximum solids size that is suitable for passing through the waste water drain. The strainer is a filter with one or more openings that are sized to pass only waste that is not larger than the maximum solids size. The strainer, in one embodiment, is incorporated in a removable basket. The masticator, in various embodiments, is a manually operated mechanical reducer or a powered reducer, such as one operated by pressurized water.

Abstract: A sanitary cleansing apparatus includes: a main body incorporating a water discharge nozzle that squirts water from a water discharge port; a toilet seat rotatably and pivotally supported at a relatively anterior position of the main body; a toilet lid rotatably and pivotally supported at a relatively posterior position of the main body and generally entirely covering an upper face of the toilet seat and the main body in a closed state; a transmissive window provided at a rear of the toilet lid and formed from a material different from that of the toilet lid; and a human body detection sensor provided in the upper face of the main body and being capable of detecting a human body through the transmissive window in the closed state of the toilet lid.

Abstract: An example bathing surround includes a surround wall, a tub basin having a top tub bottom and a plurality of tub sides, and a tub ledge extending from the tub basin transverse to the tub sides. A tub flange extends from the tub ledge away from the tub bottom. The tub ledge and the surround wall defines a groove for receiving a tongue extending the other of the tub ledge and the surround wall. The surround wall is biased toward the tub flange when the tub tongue is received within the groove.

Abstract: A walk-in bathtub having a flip-up seat portion over a rearward foot well recess provides a bather with improved access to an interior bathing cavity of the bathtub by giving the bather when the bather is within the bathtub more usable floor space in the bathtub in which to stand while closing or opening a hinged door in a side wall of the bathtub. The invention further aids a bather in standing up from a sitting position in the bathtub in that the bather can place a foot or feet more directly below the bather in a rearward foot well recess under the flip-up seat portion preferably located near or at knee height and then can lift up the flip-up seat portion while the bather is rising from a sitting to a standing position.

Abstract: A showerhead assembly includes a water adapter and a water flow diverter. The water adapter includes two rotatable frames having a first water outlet and a second water inlet respectively and a supporting frame, having a first water inlet communicating with the first water outlet and a second water outlet, rotatably coupled between the rotatable frames. The water flow diverter contains a first water opening communicating with the first water outlet, a second water opening communicating with the second water inlet, and a water exit. The water flow diverter is adapted for selectively controlling the water flow at one of the conditions including the water flowing out at the second water outlet only, the water flowing out at the water exit only, and the water flowing out at both the second water outlet and the water exit at the same time.

Abstract: A portable washing device that combines a base unit, an attached reservoir unit, and a volume of water to create a mobile and easily transportable washing device. The reservoir unit is located above the base unit and includes an attached faucet assembly that allows water to flow from the reservoir unit to the base unit through a faucet after a knob on the faucet is activated. A receiving container located within the base unit catches water after it is utilized in a sink that is located atop the base unit. The receiving container can be drained at a time and place convenient for an individual.

Abstract: A detachable absorbent/waterproof pad is held in place by any convenient fastening mechanism on top of a sheet. The detachable absorbent/waterproof pad can be easily changed even with a bedridden person on the bed. The detachable absorbent/waterproof pad should have a design similar to the bed sheet so as to make it inconspicuous.

Abstract: A roll restricting device including: a support member, wherein the support member is configured to surround at least a portion of an individual, and further wherein the support member includes an outer surface, and an inner surface; a roll restriction member, wherein the roll restriction member substantially precludes an infant from rolling over; and optionally one or more roll restriction member fastener(s), wherein the one or more restriction member fastener(s) releasably secures the roll restriction member to the support member.

Abstract: An infant sleep aid device for alleviating acid reflux symptoms, preventing suffocation and collecting spit up or vomit is disclosed. The device includes a wedge-shaped body with a substantially flat incline to receive and support the infant in a prone or supine position. In addition the infant sleep aid includes section to support the torso of the infant and a section to support the head of the infant. The head support section is uniquely devised to include a wire mesh cloth sufficiently tensioned to support the head of the infant and through which spit up and vomit can drain through down to a funnel shaped body attached thereto or placed underneath; and means for delivering fresh breathing air through holes on the sides of the support head section. The infant sleep aid also includes primary and secondary harnesses to support and secure the infant in either prone or supine position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an infant bed having a support frame, an elastically inflatable mattress removably disposed on the support frame, an inflating and heating apparatus operably connected to the elastically inflatable mattress, wherein the inflating and heating apparatus continuously circulates heated air through the elastically inflatable mattress vibrating, expanding, and contracting an upper sleeping surface of the elastically inflatable mattress.

Abstract: There is provided a shoe bottom repair agent consisting of one-component thermosetting composition comprising as main ingredients a terminal isocyanate having urethane prepolymer and/or a polyisocyanate compound and a latent curing agent. This shoe bottom repair agent is free from, experienced in use of solvent base shoe bottom repair agents, safety and sanitation problems such as odor and inflammation by solvent evaporated at the time of curing as well as cured matter thickness reduction of a mended part caused by solvent evaporation. With use of this shoe bottom repair agent, damaged shoe bottom portion can be mended to a desired shape through one-time repair work. Short-time curing can be effected by heating. Further, before heating, there is substantially no viscosity increase and no surface film is formed to avoid adhesion of a film resulting from surface drying to a spatula. Therefore, the repair surface can be finished smoothly and neatly.

Abstract: Automatic swimming pool cleaners are detailed. The cleaners may employ filter bags with novel stiffeners to help retain their optimal debris-collection shapes in use. They additionally may include bags made of material having sanitizing properties or additives, allowing water sanitization to occur as water flows through the bags themselves. Cleaners described herein further may include discs having generally radial but non-linear slits to facilitate navigation in particular conditions and fix buoyant material within a collar by which a bag is attached to a body of the device.

Abstract: A cloth-type vehicle laundering implement includes a support mechanism consisting of a rotatable drive shaft and a plurality of generally parallel, adjacently arranged spacers mounted on the support mechanism. Each of the plurality of spacers includes a first face and a second face. The implement includes a plurality of individual circular fabric disk elements disposed between the first face of one of the plurality of spacers and the second face of another of the plurality of spacers. Each of the plurality of individual circular fabric disk elements extends outwardly beyond the spacers. Each of the individual circular fabric disk elements consists of a single piece of non-woven material having an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The inner diameter is retained in a single plane by a securing mechanism such that more material is located adjacent the inner diameter than the outer diameter to provide a more rigid element.

Abstract: An auxiliary dual handle device for attachment to a handle of a floor cleaning appliance having a floor, engaging portion includes an elongated member which has a predetermined length and which is manufactured from a predetermined material and a bore which is longitudinally and axially formed in at least a portion of the elongated member and which is sized and shaped to slidingly engage an exterior surface of the appliance handle. There is a left and a right auxiliary handle, each having a first end portion thereof rigidly secured to a user proximal end portion of the elongated member and laterally offset from one another. The elongated member is secured to the appliance handle with fasteners of clamps. There is also provided a single piece dual handle device which is attachable directly to the floor engaging portion of the floor cleaning appliance.

Abstract: A mop bucket includes a fluid reservoir portion and a wringing portion. The fluid reservoir portion can hold fluid. The wringing portion includes a first wringing member and a second wringing member, which is moveable toward the first wringing member to wring fluid from a mop. The wringing portion further includes a linkage configured to move the second wringing member in response to actuation of a wringer handle. The linkage includes a first link extending from and pivotable relative to the second wringing member and a second link connected to the first link and having an axis that is fixed at an angle relative to an axis of the wringer handle. The second wringing member can include an integrally formed shaft about which the second wringing member rotates. A first retaining surface of the first wringing member can engage the shaft to hold the shaft at a pivot axis.

Abstract: A steam mop having a main body having a boiler with a water inlet and a steam outlet positioned therein, a pump having an inlet and an outlet with the pump outlet connected to the boiler inlet, a water container for storing water connected to the pump inlet, and a steam pocket frame connected to the steam outlet, where the activation of the pump pumps water from the water container to the boiler for generation of steam. In an embodiment of the invention, a steam mop having a main body with a boiler, a water container, a mechanical water pump between the boiler and container and at least one side arm connecting the boiler steam outlet to a fabric steam pocket frame. The water pump is actuated by movement of the mop when cleaning to send water to the boiler. The steam pad frame is substantially rectangular with a plurality of baffles in a square grid formation extending outwardly to distribute steam to distribute steam between the baffles.

Abstract: An accessory for a blower having a first end with a connector assembly for connecting the accessory to the blower, a second end for directing air under pressure from the blower, a lower blade portion extending at least partly between the first end and the second end for facilitating a pneumatic shoveling operation, and an upper funnel portion extending at least partly between the first end and the second end for facilitating a pneumatic sweeping operation. The accessory can be selectively connected to the blower via the connector assembly so that the air under pressure from the blower cooperates with the lower blade portion and the upper funnel portion to perform a combined pneumatic shoveling/sweeping operation.

Abstract: A floor cleaning appliance includes a body having a nozzle assembly and a handle assembly. A dirt collection vessel and suction generator are carried on the body. The handle assembly is pivotally connected to the nozzle assembly and is selectively displaceable into and out of a home position. A latch locks the handle assembly in the home position. An actuator carried on the handle assembly, remote from the latch, releases the latch to allow the handle assembly to be moved from the home position.

Abstract: A steerable vacuum cleaner and a method to steer the vacuum is described. The vacuum cleaner include: a base; a handle having a longitudinal axis and including a conduit; and a rotatable coupling pivotally attached between the base and the handle, with the coupling defining an air channel for providing a flow of air from the base to the conduit in the handle. The base of the vacuum rotates about the longitudinal axis while pushing the vacuum by twisting the handle. The rotatable coupling of the vacuum cleaner includes: an inner conduit having an outer surface; a compressible strip disposed on the outer surface of the inner conduit, wherein the strip is disposed the outer surface of the inner conduit; an outer conduit adapted to snugly fit over the strip and the first conduit; and a non-reactive high-viscosity lubricant disposed on the outer surface of the inner conduit adjacent the strip.

Abstract: A pick-up head for a mobile sweeping vehicle comprises a housing defining a substantially hollow interior and a suctioning bottom opening for suctioning dust and small debris. A suctioning front opening is disposed in the front of the housing for receiving debris into the substantially hollow interior of the housing. A door is mounted on the pick-up head for selectively opening and closing the suctioning front opening. A dust and debris outlet in the housing permits dust and debris to be suctioned from the substantially hollow interior. A gutter broom is mounted within the housing adjacent one end, for sweeping dust and small debris inwardly from the selected one of the left end and the right end and towards the dust and debris outlet. An opening in the housing at the selected end permits the gutter broom to extend beyond the end of the housing, thus allowing the gutter broom to sweep against a curb, for sweeping dust and small debris towards a central path.

Abstract: A hinge provides swiveling of a display relative to one side of a host body including a first fastening seat, a pintle, a second fastening seat, a main torsion anchor member, a torsion rotary member, an ancillary torsion anchor member, a compressed elastic reed assembly and a nut. The main torsion anchor member and the torsion rotary member are compressed by a returning force of the compressed elastic reed assembly. When the pintle pivots to a selected angle, the protrusion rapidly slides in a retaining latch trough of the main torsion anchor member through a steep sloped surface so that the display automatically and fully folds over the host body. The torsion rotary member pivots concurrently so that the bulged edge slides on a gradual sloped surface of different gradients so that adequate friction resistance is generated due to compression of the returning force of the compressed elastic reed assembly.

Abstract: A hinge is mounted in an electronic device with a cover and a base. The hinge has a first pivoting assembly, a second pivoting assembly and a resilient unit. The first pivoting assembly has a resilient plug. The resilient plug is mounted between the second pivoting assembly and the resilient unit to provide friction and to keep the second pivoting assembly from departing from the first pivoting assembly. The friction is adjusted by changing the resilience of the resilient plug or the resilient unit, or by changing the thickness of the resilient plug. Therefore, preciseness of the size of other component is less required to reduce the manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A hinge includes a first connecting member, a second connecting member defining a through hole, a sleeve member fixed to the second connecting member, a shaft movably mounted to the first connecting member, and a fastener. The sleeve member defines a spiral slide groove therein. A clamping protrusion extends from the first connecting member for slidably engaging in the slide groove. The shaft includes a fixing portion rotatably passed through the sleeve member and the through hole. The fastener is fixed to a distal end of the fixing portion.

Abstract: A parallelogram hinge for vertical-movement doors includes a first plate designed to be fastened to the furniture flank, a second plate designed to be fastened to the door and two superposed arms pivotally mounted to the plates to form an articulated parallelogram. A spring for movement balancing is connected to the upper arm at an intermediate position between the arm extremities hinged to the plates and is connected to the first plate at a point below the pivot point of the lower arm on the first plate. This enables very reduced bulkiness in the direction of the furniture depth, achievement of a great opening angle and better operation of the spring embodied by a gas piston.

Abstract: A vehicle door hinge includes a base, a main link having first and second arms, a first end of the main link being pivotally mounted to the base at a first pivot, a drive link pivotally connected to an end of a control link, the drive link passing through a slot in the main link, a mounting plate having open ended slots opening at a first end of the plate, at least one closed end slot wherein an end of the drive link is pivotally secured in one of the open ended slots, an idle link pivotally secured in a closed end slot of the main link and an open ended slot of the door mounting plate, a kicker link having a first end thereof pivotally secured in the open ended slot of the main link and a second end pivotally secured in a closed end slot of the door mounting plate wherein the kicker link is longer than the idle link.

Abstract: A device is provided which includes at least four device parts, a first hinge element foldably connecting a first device part and a second device part along one edge of said first and second device parts; a second hinge element foldably connecting a third device part and a fourth device part, a third hinge element foldably connecting said first device part and said third device part, and a fourth hinge element foldably connecting said second device part and said fourth device part.

Abstract: A hinge device in a portable terminal is provided. In the hinge device, a first hinge base has a stopper protrusion at a predetermined position on an outer circumferential surface thereof. A second hinge base is rotatably engaged with an end of the first hinge base, facing the first hinge base, and fixed within a cylindrical hinge housing. The hinge housing has a stopper which pops out therefrom when the stopper contacts the stopper protrusion. The stopper restricts an angle at which a sub-housing is opened from a main housing in the portable terminal. Thus, a voice call can be conducted conveniently.

Abstract: A portable device includes an upper unit, a lower unit having an operation section on an operation surface, and a movable connecting mechanism which connects the upper unit and the lower unit. The movable connecting mechanism includes a rotating hinge including a rotation axis which is securely and rotatably provided to the lower unit and which protrudes from the operation surface in a direction substantially normal to the operation surface, a projection protruding outward from the rotation axis, and a stopping member provided at a location where the projection comes in contact with the stopping member due to rotation of the rotation axis. The stopping member is movable within a predetermined range of movement due to the projection coming in contact with the stopping member.

Abstract: The invention describes a handle for a hand-held machine tool comprising a grip element (20) and a fastening element (10) for fastening the handle to a housing of a hand-held machine tool, wherein the fastening element (10) partially protrudes into the grip element (20) and a damping element (30) is provided between the grip element (20) and the fastening element (10), and wherein the fastening element (10) forms an undercut (12, 15) in the grip element (20).

Abstract: A slider for a zip fastener includes a lower part, an upper part and a puller. The lower part and upper part are interconnected by a hinge, whereby the slider can be set in an open and a closed condition, respectively. The puller, which is made of a resilient material and constitutes the part that the user holds when using the slider, includes locking pins for locking the lower part and upper part in the closed condition, and also dividing shoulders. The lower part includes a hole which can receive the locking pins of the puller in order to lock the lower part and the upper part in the closed condition. The upper part includes a cradle for the locking pins of the puller and also a slanted dividing body, which is capable of separating the dividing shoulders and therewith the locking pins of the puller. Further, the upper part includes two hinge taps and the lower part includes an area for cooperation with the hinge taps.

Abstract: A fastening member used for, e.g., a disposable absorbent article is disclosed. The fastening member extends in a longitudinal direction and in a lateral direction and has a lateral centerline. The fastening member comprises a base panel and a shaped tab extending laterally from the base panel. The shaped tab has a longitudinal centerline, a lateral centerline, a distal portion and a proximal portion. The shaped tab has a contour edge comprising a shaped upper edge and a shaped lower edge. The shaped upper edge and the shaped lower edge are symmetric with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the shaped tab when relatively shifted in the longitudinal direction and are asymmetric with respect to the lateral centerline of the fastening member.

Abstract: A releasable touch fastener includes a loop component and a hook component, with a particularly small overall engaged thickness in combination with a high fastening strength, both in peel and shear. The loop component is a woven material, while the hook component may be woven or molded. The molded hook component includes a scrim reinforcement for tear resistance and sewability. The fastener is useful for high cycle applications, such as on non-disposable garments, footwear and luggage.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for producing textiles, nonwoven substances, spun-bonded fabrics or paper materials (5) with the aid of at least one screen drum (1) having openings (4) for transporting away the fluid (6) which is output from a water bar (7) and having numerous outwardly directed elevations (3) which are situated on the outside of the screen drum (1) for the perforation of the nonwoven (5). The invention is based on the object of providing an apparatus which makes it possible, during the water conversion and at the same time as the perforation, also to make patterns in the nonwoven without influencing the strengthening substantially in the process. The object has been achieved in that one or a plurality of regions (8) on the outer side of the screen drum (1) does/do not have any elevations (3) but only openings (4).

Abstract: A method is proposed for producing a tampon (T) packaged in a protective sleeve made from a preform (V) which is preferably formed by winding a strip of fibrous non-woven material. The preform (V) is shaped to form the tampon in separate pressing stages by pressure forces acting on it from outside, and is individually packaged by providing it with a film sleeve (10) tightly enclosing the tampon (T) serving as a protective sleeve. In order to reduce the complexity involved in producing a tampon, and in particular a non-round tampon, to the point at which its is individually packaged in the protective sleeve, the substantially cylindrical preform (V) is already paced in the film sleeve (10) surrounding at least the external surface of the preform (V) before the final forming stage (15).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a ferroelectric member element structure having a ferroelectric member film, and lower and upper electrodes between which the ferroelectric member film is sandwiched, includes the steps of: forming a buffer layer having pattern-shaped oriented growth on a monocrystal substrate; performing oriented growth of the lower electrode layer on the buffer layer; performing oriented growth of the ferroelectric member film to cover the buffer layer and the lower electrode layer; and removing a portion of the ferroelectric member film other than the portion having the oriented growth achieved along the pattern of the buffer layer, by means of an etching treatment.

Abstract: Provided are free-standing ductile composites and methods of making free-standing ductile composites. The method of making a free-standing ductile composite can include providing a substrate and releasably bonding one or more piezoelectric elements to the substrate. The method can also include kerfing the piezoelectric elements in a predetermined pattern to form a kerfed pattern, filling the kerfed pattern with a polymer to form a polymer-piezoelectric composite, and lapping the polymer-piezoelectric composite. The method can further include releasing the polymer-piezoelectric composite from the substrate.