Abstract: The invention relates to single phase solid solutions containing 65 to 98 wt.-% unsubstituted quinacridone, 1 to 34 wt.-% 2,9-dimethylquinacridone and 1 to 10 wt.-% 2,9-dichloroquinacridone, relative to the total weight of the single phase solid solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing an electrophotographic photosensitive member including a surface layer, the method including the steps of: forming a coat for the surface layer on the support by applying a surface-layer coating solution and forming the surface layer by drying the coat, wherein the surface-layer coating solution includes a resin ?, a resin ?, a solvent ? and a compound ?.

Abstract: A flexographic printing plate precursor for thermal development is provided that comprises a relief-forming layer on/above a support; the relief-forming layer comprising (Component A) a polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of at least 25° C., (Component B) a photopolymerization initiator, and (Component C) an ethylenically unsaturated compound having a molecular weight of no greater than 3,000.

Abstract: The invention provides a planographic printing plate precursor that is capable of providing a planographic printing plate in which ablation at the time of infrared laser exposure is inhibited and which has excellent developability of a non-image portion and printing durability of an image portion. The photosensitive planographic printing plate precursor, includes: an image recording layer on a hydrophilic support, the image recording layer including: (A) an infrared absorber; and (B) a copolymer having a repeating unit having a zwitterionic structure in a side chain thereof, and a repeating unit having a heteroalicyclic structure or a repeating unit having a hetero atom and an alicyclic structure in the main chain thereof.

Abstract: A positive resist composition comprising a polymer having carboxyl groups substituted with an acid labile group having formula (1) exhibits a high contrast of alkaline dissolution rate before and after exposure, a high resolution, a good pattern profile and minimal edge roughness. In formula (1), A is —(CR22)m—, B is —(CR52)n—, R2 and R5 are hydrogen or alkyl, m and n are 1 or 2, R3 is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl or aryl, R6 is alkyl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, alkoxycarbonyl, hydroxyl, nitro, aryl, halogen, or cyano, and p is 0 to 4.

Abstract: A resist composition is provided comprising a (co)polymer comprising recurring units of acid labile group-substituted (meth)acrylic acid, styrenecarboxylic acid or vinylnaphthalenecarboxylic acid and/or recurring units having an acid labile group-substituted phenolic hydroxyl group, an acid generator, and a metal salt of carboxylic acid or a metal complex of ?-diketone. Due to a high contrast of alkaline dissolution rate before and after exposure, high resolution, high sensitivity, and controlled acid diffusion rate, the composition forms a pattern with satisfactory profile and minimal LER.

Abstract: Disclosed are a photosensitive composition and a compound used in the same. If the composition provided through the present application is used, it is possible to form a thin film having improved adhesion strength of a pattern.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a fine pattern including, (1) forming a first resin layer containing a photosensitive resin on a substrate; (2) forming a second resin layer containing a secondary or tertiary alkynyl alcohol, a photoacid generator, and a resin on the first resin layer; (3) subjecting the second resin layer to pattern exposure; (4)subjecting the first resin layer to exposure using the pattern-exposed portion of the second resin layer as a mask; and (5) removing the second resin layer and the first resin layer.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, methods, and devices are provided for creating microfluidic and nanofluidic features. In some embodiments, such methods and devices are used to create at least one channel of a desired volume within a channel in a plastic substrate.

Abstract: A flow control device for partitioning a fluid flow from a common supply stream into at least two delivery streams by means of a common reciprocating damper such as a cylindrical sleeve damper. A combustion device using such a flow control device to partition a gas supply thereto and a combustion apparatus such as a boiler incorporating such combustion devices are also described.

Abstract: Decorated candles and a process for obtaining the same, relate to candles having decorative patterns protected with a transparent lining. The candles exhibit a decoration similar to decoration of porcelain items, simulating porcelain candles.

Abstract: The present invention involves a combustion apparatus for utilizing as an oil candle. The apparatus is a material suitable for forming a heat sink, having a ring or cylinder for enclosing a wick which wick extends into oil suitable for oil candles, and a heat sink extending from the wick holder or forming the wick holder and connecting to or forming a base for distributing heat evenly along the heat sink within the oil to prevent flashover. The apparatus preferably utilizes a metal fiber wick and may comprise multiple wick holders.

Abstract: A combustor is provided that can ensure combustion stability even when operated on low BTU gas without needing any equipment for preventing back-flow of fuel gas during operation on pilot fuel. The combustor includes a first perforated plate disposed upstream of a combustion chamber, the first plate having a plurality of nozzle holes and air holes; a second perforated plate disposed on the upstream side of the first plate; and a plurality of gas nozzles each of which is inserted into corresponding nozzle holes. The gas nozzle has a leading end located inside the corresponding one of the nozzle holes. Each of the gas nozzles includes a jet hole portion having a diameter smaller than that of a gas jet hole of the gas nozzle; and a passage portion designed to form an air passage on the outer circumference of the leading end portion of the gas nozzle.

Abstract: Provided is a method for synthesizing group II-VI compound semiconductor polycrystals in which synthesis can be accomplished without the use of a quart ampoule as the polycrystal synthesis vessel, and as a result it is possible to use a larger vessel without reducing yield, and costs can thereby be reduced. Two or more starting elements are introduced to a semi-airtight pBN inner vessel (6a), the inner vessel is introduced to a semi-airtight heat-resistant outer vessel (6b) and placed in a high-pressure furnace (1) having a heating means (7), the air inside the high-pressure furnace is evacuated and the furnace is filled with an inert gas under a predetermined pressure, the outer vessel and inner vessel are heated and the temperature is raised using the heating means, the starting elements inside the inner vessel are melted and reacted, and the temperature is then gradually lowered to promote growth of polycrystals.

Abstract: A dental oven comprising a firing chamber for the heat treatment of dental restoration parts. The firing chamber is connected to a negative pressure source via a suction line. A valve arrangement is located between the firing chamber and the suction line with the aid of which the suction line is closable towards the firing chamber in order to maintain a negative pressure in the firing chamber. The suction line between the valve arrangement and the negative pressure source is ventilatable via an ambient air connection.

Abstract: A dental furnace (10) for dental restorations comprising a firing chamber into which, in particular between a furnace bottom part (14) and a furnace upper part (12), the dental restoration, in particular within a muffle, can be introduced, and a sensor that is connected with a control device (52) for the dental furnace (10), wherein the sensor, in particular the temperature sensor (22), is arranged outside the firing chamber and comprises a detection range (40) that also extends outside the firing chamber.

Abstract: A dental furnace (10), with a furnace head (including firing space 16) and a firing space bottom (12) is provided which is suited to accommodate a dental restoration part (40). At least one optical sensor (22) is positioned at the dental furnace (10) or in its vicinity, which sensor comprises an output port (26) which is connected to an evaluation device for evaluating the dental restoration part (40) and/or a muffle (14) and/or a press plunger (52) and/or a firing-charge carrier as far as its dimensions and/or its shape and/or its position are concerned.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for treating a substrate. More particularly, an apparatus and method for treating a substrate through a supercritical process are provided. The apparatus includes: a housing having an entrance in a predetermined surface thereof and providing a space for performing a high pressure process; a support member disposed in the housing to support a substrate; a door for opening and closing the entrance; and a pressing member configured to apply a force to the door so as to close the housing during the high pressure process.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus's for improving orthodontic treatments. In an embodiment, an orthodontic tracking template is provided for assisting in determining whether a patient's teeth are in an appropriate tooth arrangement for transitioning between a wire and bracket orthodontic treatment to a patient-removable orthodontic appliance treatment. The tracking template may include a shell portion defining a plurality of tooth-receiving cavities arranged to fit over at least a portion of the patient's teeth in an intermediate tooth arrangement without applying a tooth-moving force to the teeth or to any brackets attached to the teeth.

Abstract: Embodiments presented herein provide apparatus and methods for forming and coupling an attachment device onto one or more teeth. A system comprises a template including a shell having a cavity defining a shape that is operable to receive one or more teeth. The template comprises an aperture at one or more predetermined locations. The aperture defines an aperture perimeter. The system further comprises one or more attachment molds. Each attachment mold comprises a mold bore therethrough. The attachment mold further includes a mold perimeter surface that defines a predetermined shape, wherein each of the aperture perimeters being operable to receive and cooperate with the mold perimeter surface of one of the attachment molds. Each mold bore being operable for providing a mold for forming an attachment device coupled to a tooth of a desired shape and orientation from curable material that may be disposed within the mold bore.

Abstract: Embodiments presented herein are directed to accurately coupling attachment devices to dental surfaces suitable for cooperative engagement with positioning appliances. In accordance with an embodiment, a system is provided that comprises a template and one or more gaskets. The template is operable for accurate locating and positioning an attachment device onto the tooth surface. The gasket is operable to mask bonding material from unintended tooth surface adjacent the attachment device.

Abstract: A device for conforming photodynamic therapy to a specific anatomic location (e.g., in the oral cavity) conforms the radiation to the target tissue surface and avoids delivering light to the rest of the oral cavity. Embodiments can include a body of oral impression material molded to conform to the anatomic surface, a light pipe, a freeform reflector formed on a surface of the optical body, or a light guide having a textured surface to direct light to an opposing output window. The light guide can be made of flexible plastic to conform the output window to the lesion.

Abstract: A device for covering dental mirrors to prevent contact of metal surfaces of a dental mirror from coming in to contact with a persons mouth while in use without covering the mirror portion of the mouth mirror.

Abstract: A chuck assembly for a dental handpiece includes a hollow cylindrical tube portion having a first internal bore, and a chuck portion having a second bore. The chuck portion is supported within the first bore co-rotational with the tube portion about a common axis. The chuck portion has an annular body portion defining the second bore for supporting a cylindrical tool therein. A drive element comprising a drive pin inserted in a first end of the tube portion traverses the first internal bore at a first end of the tube portion. The drive pin cooperates with a distal end of a rotary tool insertable into the second bore to transfer torque to the tool. The tool has an elongated body portion having a driven portion and a working portion. The driven portion includes a shank portion with channels for receiving the drive pin.

Abstract: An attachment section suitable for connection to a handle section of an oral hygiene device is disclosed. The attachment section includes an attachment housing having a first coupling structure suitable for establishing a connection with a second coupling structure of the handle section; at least a functional element mounted at the attachment housing for driven movement; a motion transmitter extending in a cavity formed inside of the attachment housing, the motion transmitter being functionally connected on one end with the functional element; and a first magnetic coupling element arranged at another end of the motion transmitter, the first magnetic coupling element including at least a permanent magnet or a magnetizable element suitable for establishing a magnetic connection with a second magnetic coupling element provided in the handle section.

Abstract: An oral cleaning tool for an electric oral hygiene device is disclosed. The oral cleaning tool includes a housing having a head section with a head cavity for accommodating a movable oral cleaning head and a neck section with a neck cavity and a handle coupling section; a first magnetic coupling element including at least a permanent magnet or a magnetizable element being provided in the neck section for mechanical handle drive shaft connection by magnetic interaction. The first magnetic coupling element is mounted at a motion transmitter, the motion transmitter extending inside the neck cavity to the head cavity, the motion transmitter arranged so as to be movable in a linear or longitudinal direction. The motion transmitter is coupled with the oral cleaning head, the oral cleaning head arranged so as to oscillate in a rotational direction.

Abstract: A jaw-joint protective device is provided for whitening and brightening a wearer's teeth while protecting the teeth, tongue, lips, jaw, and other delicate structures of the vital cranial triad (VCT) from injury and/or for supporting the condyle of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in a relatively fixed (stable) position thereby stabilizing the jaw and the VCT during head contact activity, exercise, physical rehabilitation, C-force acceleration, teeth grinding disorders and sleep apnea and or permit the components of a VCT disorder to be realigned for proper healing. This device is an over-the-counter purchased, boil and bite device for whitening at least one tooth while protecting the jaw-joint, providing maxillary and mandibular teeth seats for protection of the mouth and/or healing of the VCT.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and compositions for tooth regeneration. Both implants of adipose-derived stem cell and dental pulp stem cell are able to grow self-assembled new teeth in extraction sockets when adding BMP2. The regenerated tooth is not only structurally similar to a normal tooth, but also well-developed in vascular and nervous systems with functions of growth, communication, and sensation. They are natural living teeth derived from this invented implantation method without any engineering procedure. It is ready for clinical testing and may be applied to future dental clinics.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for echoperiodontal imaging. In one embodiment, a system includes a transducer configured to transmit a series of ultrasonic signals at a plurality of corresponding locations along soft tissue of a jaw and receive a plurality of echo signals; and an imaging system controller configured to obtain a plurality of echo signal data of the soft tissue and a plurality of transducer positions, where each echo signal data corresponds to one of the plurality of transducer position.

Abstract: A toothpaste composition includes different combinations of konjac gum and/or agar-agar, alginates, gelatin, pectin, xanthan, tara gum, gum arabic, carrageenan, celluloses, gellan gum, guar gum, inulin, konjac, locust bean gum, pectin, tragacanth, xanthan, polyethylene glycol-3350, xylitol, calcium carbonate, stevia, quillaja, liquid bioflavonoid extract, and water. The toothpaste composition produces a toothpaste product that maintains its shape prior to being used for brushing one's teeth and is preferably formed into a single serving of toothpaste stored in an open-top compartment having a removable protective film. A method of applying a single serving of toothpaste to a toothbrush includes the steps of pressing the bristles of a toothbrush against the single serving of toothpaste so that the single serving of toothpaste clings or otherwise adheres to the bristles, and subsequently pulling the toothbrush away from the compartment for brushing one's teeth.

Abstract: An edged weapon training device. The device has a handle portion for gripping by a training subject. A blade portion has at least one exposed contact portion. The contact portion includes a marking device which leaves a mark when it touches an opponent during martial arts or other edged weapon training activities.

Abstract: The invention includes educational methods, processes and kits which result in a memorabilia product having at least one memorabilia page having a complementary designated theme of a defined attraction, and at least one educational component complementary to the designated theme of the defined attraction.

Abstract: A haptic panel computer of portable type includes a computer module, a digit and symbol decoding circuit, a graphic decoding circuit, and a haptic displaying device, the computer module is connected to other devices for controlling them. The haptic displaying device includes an array of guiding tubes and sliding or movable members arranged in a matrix, and the movable members are selectively extendible in or out of the guiding tubes with an electromagnetic device for forming various patterns, graphs, or digits and for Braille reading or listening by the blind people. A text file is imported to the computer through input/output device from the World Wide Web or a memory device, and the texts are transformed to Braille texts which are displayed in the lower portion of the screen by digit and symbol decoding circuit and some particular texts in the paragraph are displayed with haptic graphs in the upper portion of the screen through the graphic decoding circuit picking up pre-built graph database.

Abstract: A method and program product comprises the steps of receiving information comprising at least a user's physical data. The information being input using a user interface device and being stored electronically. A user's plate of food items placed on a scale support structure is identified. The plate comprises a plurality of compartments, each of the compartments being configured to retain a food item. Weight information is received from a plurality of weighing devices. Each of the weighing devices is operable to electronically communicate a weight of one of the compartments and its contents. The weight information is processed to at least determine weight and nutritional information for the food items. At least the determined weight and nutritional information for the food item in each compartment and a total weight and nutritional information for the food items in the plate is communicated.

Abstract: A reversible written language learning system uses sets of related words, where each word in the set is represented in a first and second language and has an associated picture. Each word and picture is displayed on its own tile. Some tiles displaying words in one language or associated pictures are displayed in a grid. Corresponding tiles having words in the other language or associated pictures are kept apart from the grid and displayed one at a time as tiles to be matched. A user matches the tile to be matched with a corresponding tile in the grid. Upon a successful match, the grid tile selected is flipped over or grayed out, and a new tile to be matched is displayed. The tiles in the grid and the tiles kept apart are easily swapped. The system lends itself to any language pair, but particularly to Sino-Tibetan/Indo-European language pairs.

Abstract: A method to assess the competency of a healthcare practitioner, comprising providing a learning object repository comprising a plurality of virtual objects including a plurality of virtual patients, wherein said learning object repository does not comprise a physical patient manikin; and displaying on a visual display device a virtual clinical world comprising a plurality of virtual objects retrieved from said learning object repository. The method further includes selecting by a practitioner a virtual patient from said virtual clinical world, tracking patient interactions, tracking selected patient data, and generating an AssessMap reciting an assessment grid comprising a plurality of Performance Levels in combination with a plurality of categories for each Performance Level.

Abstract: A method, computer system and a computer program product for analyzing the personality of a user. The method comprises presenting a plurality of questions to the user and requesting the user to select one of multiple responses. Each question is associated with evaluation of one of N personality aspects and there are at least two questions associated with each said personality aspect. The method further comprises converting the selected response for each question to a score; summing the scores for the questions associated with each of said N personality aspects, to obtain an accumulated score for each of said N personality aspects; and selecting at least one of M psychological archetypes according to said accumulated scores. Each of said M psychological archetypes corresponds to a combination of at least two of said N personality aspects, and M is greater than N.

Abstract: An improved method for pre-screening for underlying physiological conditions prior to psychiatric assessment. The method comprises the steps of administering a predetermined battery of tests including blood tests, urine tests and genetic tests, entering test results in a form, and differentially correlating the entered test results to underlying physical conditions relevant to a symptomatic psychiatric disorder. The pre-screening allows a correct diagnosis of the physical condition rather than a misdiagnosis of some neurological condition that is merely symptomatic of the physical condition. The invention may be implemented in a computer architecture using software.

Abstract: A teaching system comprising a visual aid printed on at least one side of a sheet material, a modeling implement, and an access indicia for connecting a user to remote resource materials. The visual aid may include at least one illustrated side containing information about a scientific theory, describing origins, descriptions, mechanisms, and evidence of the scientific theory. The modeling implement may be a die cutting tool having a tessellated array of cells in a panel, wherein each cell shares a portion of its border with an adjacent cell, and a die cutting edge extending from one side of the panel. The combination may be used as an efficient and interesting teaching aid in a variety of settings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal-sheet board or blackboard with magnetic features having two or three movements, which plots and represents reality in four dimensions (horizontal, vertical, depth and time) and which describes reality objectively, in which a T-shaped ruler is moved on a rail along the horizontal or X axis by a digital stepper motor controlled by a driver and software on the computer (horizontal movement). Furthermore, a tool truck surrounding the T-shaped ruler moves along the entire length (vertical movement) or Y axis thereof, actuated by a digital stepper motor controlled by a driver, which is in turn controlled by software on the computer, with these two movements controlled by mathematical speed and acceleration functions. A felt-tip pen or marker is placed in the tool truck against the surface of the blackboard in order to plot all manner of FIGURES.

Abstract: Kit of building blocks for constructing educational electronic circuits comprising a ferromagnetic base plate (10) with the diagram (21) of the circuit to construct. A transparent plastic sheet (30) covers the diagram. A group of magnets (40, 41) rest on the plastic sheet attracted by the plate (10). The surface of the magnets (40, 41) is electrically conducting. A plurality of building blocks can be detachably mounted on the magnets (40, 41), each magnet (41) connecting the steel sheets (702) of the building blocks that rest on it. The steel sheets of the blocks are designed so that the attraction forces that arise between the magnets and the sheets drive the modules exactly to a desired equilibrium position.

Abstract: An active learning system for use by at least one participant comprises a plurality of learning modules whose contents together make up a predetermined corpus of knowledge to be learned, a corresponding plurality of sets of training modules, each of the training module relating to a corresponding one of the learning modules, and rules prescribing a sequence of events constituting an editing session. The events comprise, for the or each participant, selecting at least some of said learning modules individually and successively, for each selected learning module selecting one of the set of related questions for the participant to answer, and recording progress of said at least one participant from a learning session start towards a learning session finish according to whether or not said at least one participant answers the selected ones of the set of related questions correctly.

Abstract: A method and system for computer question-answering. The method includes: receiving a plurality of the questions to be trained, and obtaining a candidate answer set for each question; determining part of the questions to which the candidate answer sets include correct answers, and using first feature sets of the candidate; obtaining a first mathematical model, which is used to compute a first confidence degree that the candidate answer is a correct answer; computing first confidence degrees of the candidate answers of all the questions to be trained, and for each question, extracting a second feature set related to the first confidence degrees and the first feature set; and obtaining a second mathematic model, which is used to compute a second confidence degree that the candidate answer is a correct answer based on the second feature set.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide methods and computer-program products for teaching a topic to a user. One aspect of the invention provides a method for teaching a topic to a user. The method includes: administering one or more question to assess the user's knowledge of the topic; displaying a first interactive pedagogical agent and a second interactive pedagogical agent; and facilitating a trialog between the user, the first interactive pedagogical agent, and the second interactive pedagogical agent.

Abstract: Card for recording data and/or responses with opto-electronic reading, of the type of cards which include several parts or areas which allow a response to be marked and cancelled, characterized in that two parts are involved in said card, a “superficial” part and at least one “linear” part, the superficial part being compartmentalized into four areas by means of internal lines in the form of a cross, while the linear part is situated beside the superficial part, preferably below the latter.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to an online test platform adapted to facilitate the development, delivery, and management of educational tests with interactive participation by students, teachers, proctors, and administrators even when some or all of them are remotely located. The platform may include administrator interfaces, test proctor interfaces, and test taker (e.g. student) interfaces to allow each participant to view, navigate, and interact with aspects of the online test platform that are intended to meet their needs.

Abstract: Siloxane-based coatings for providing writable-erasable surfaces are provided. The coatings have many desirable characteristics and advantages over known coatings for writable-erasable surfaces. For example, the coatings cure rapidly under ambient conditions, have low VOC emissions upon curing, and have reduced tendency to form ghost images, even after prolonged normal use.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for preparing sperm for ICSI by combining selective enrichment benefits of sperm gradient preparation, sperm swim-up preparation and hyaluronan-binding for selection of mature sperm into a single processing unit. The single processing unit of the invention reduces operator labor steps and time, is efficient, easy to use, offers quick processing time and provides highly motile, mature and specific individual sperm that retain desired sperm characteristics selected by each individual selection principal that are ready for capture and use in ICSI.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating components and a method of separating components using the apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes: a main chamber which contains a sample that is separated into a plurality of layers by a centrifugal force; a component separating chamber which is connected to the main chamber, and receives a specific layer including specific components among the plurality of layers; a first channel which connects the component separating chamber to the main chamber; and a first channel valve which is disposed in the first channel to control a liquid flowing through the first channel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing biogas from organic matter including a container (1) which is charged with fermentation substrate by a delivery system (13), and at least two stirring mechanisms (2) arranged in the container, the stirring mechanisms having propellers (3) which are rotated and generate mostly horizontal currents of the fermentation substrate in the container. The propeller diameters, the propeller geometries, and the positions of the propellers in the container are selected such that a shared mixing zone of the medium is generated in the container. Data for determining the mean speed and/or the viscosity of the medium in the mixing zone are detected and transmitted to a control unit (4) which varies actuating variables which modify the power input of the stirring mechanism into the mixing zone and/or the composition and/or the flow behavior of the container contents.