b

Evaporator, evaporation method and substrate processing apparatus

Disclosed are an evaporator, an evaporation method, and a substrate processing apparatus, which can increase the concentration of generated vapor of an organic solvent and efficiently heat the organic solvent. The evaporator includes a fluid tube, a liquid organic solvent supply device for supplying the organic solvent liquid to one end of the fluid tube, and heating units for heating the fluid tube. The fluid tube has a cross section that increases from the one end to the other end. When the organic solvent liquid supplied to one end of the fluid tube is heated, the organic solvent vapor is discharged from the other end of the fluid tube. The substrate processing apparatus includes the above-described evaporator.




b

Fuel preprocess system for coal combustion boiler

A fuel preprocess system for a coal combustion boiler is disclosed. The fuel preprocess system for a coal combustion boiler that dries biomass or refuse-derived fuel in accordance with the present invention can include: a dryer configured to dry the biomass or refuse-derived fuel by use of flue gas generated after combustion in the boiler; and a torrefier configured to devolatilize a fibrous component contained in the dried fuel from the fuel dried in the dryer by use of primary air that is heat-exchanged after the combustion in the boiler.




b

Substrate processing apparatus

Disclosed is a substrate processing apparatus capable of drying a substrate to be processed while suppressing the pattern collapse or the occurrence of contamination. A substrate is held in a liquid bath while being immersed in a liquid, and the liquid bath is disposed in a processing space of a processing vessel. A processing of drying the substrate is performed by replacing the liquid in the liquid bath with a supercritical-state fluid. A predetermined mechanism moves liquid bath between a processing location in the processing case and a stand-by location outside the processing case. A heater installed in the processing case changes the fluid to a supercritical state or maintains the supercritical state while cooling mechanisms cool down the liquid bath moved to the stand-by location outside the processing vessel.




b

Fabric treatment apparatus

A fabric treatment apparatus is provided. The fabric treatment apparatus includes a treatment room which can receive and hold clothes; a motor which generates a rotational force; an eccentric unit which is rotated eccentrically by the rotational force generated by the motor; a contact unit which converts the rotating motion of the eccentric unit into a reciprocating motion; a clothes rack which is disposed in the treatment room and is coupled to the contact unit so as to move reciprocally in a linear path, and on which a number of hangers can be hung; and a heating unit which supplies at least one of hot air and steam into the treatment room.




b

Collapsible drying container

The present document describes a container for storing and drying garments or sport equipment, the container comprising an external envelope comprising a resistant material; and a ventilation structure through which air can be blown for drying the garments or sports equipment, the ventilation structure supporting the external envelope, the ventilation structure comprising hanging elements for hanging the garments or sports equipment thereon, the ventilation structure capable of adopting a retracted position and an extended position in which the ventilation structure occupies more space than in the retracted position.




b

Method and system to selectively dry grain in a grain bin

A controller is coupled to a plurality of moisture sensors positioned within the grain bin at various spaced-apart locations. The controller determines a grain moisture level adjacent each moisture sensor and compares the grain moisture level to a predetermined maximum moisture level. The controller is coupled to a grain spreader that is configured to selectively distribute incoming grain into the grain bin and operates the spreader to distribute incoming grain to create a shortened airflow path through the grain that encompasses the moisture sensors having determined grain moisture levels above the predetermined maximum moisture level. The controller is coupled to a fan that is coupled to the grain bin and configured to provide airflow through the grain in the grain bin. The controller operates the fan to provide greater airflow through the grain along the shortened airflow path than is provided along airflow paths outside the shortened airflow path.




b

Drying of water damaged buildings

A drying apparatus for temporary location within a damp or waterlogged room is disclosed. The apparatus includes sensors to sense the level of temperature and humidity within the room, a heater to provide heat for the room, an air circulation fan for selectively circulating heated air within the room or selectively exhausting warm and humid air from the room and for allowing outside ambient air into the room. The apparatus being adapted to cyclically continue until the sensed humidity reaches a required level, the apparatus thereafter indicating, directly or indirectly, the completion of the drying process. A method of drying a room using such apparatus is also disclosed which employs a technique whereby the rate of change of the temperature increase is used to determine when humid air should be exhausted from the room. A time limit can also be use to determine when said exhausting takes place.




b

Glove drying basket assembly

A glove drying basket assembly holds gloves in a position maximizing air flow in and around the gloves to promote drying. The assembly includes a basket having a bottom wall and a perimeter wall extending upwardly from a perimeter edge of the bottom wall. A handle is coupled to the basket. At least one glove holder is coupled to the basket. The glove holder has a palm section and a plurality of finger sections coupled to and extending from the palm section. The glove holder also has an open bottom end and a plurality of openings in environmental communication with the open bottom end. The openings are positioned in spaced relationship over and around the palm section and each of the finger sections wherein the glove holder is configured to provide air flow to a palm and each finger of a glove positioned over the glove holder.




b

Systems and methods for efficient microwave drying of extruded honeycomb structures

Systems and methods for efficient microwave drying of extruded honeycomb structures are disclosed. The methods include conveying first and second sets of honeycomb structures in opposite directions through multiple applicator cavities. Each honeycomb structure has a moisture content MC, and the honeycomb structures within each cavity define an average moisture content MCA between 40% and 60% therein. The methods include irradiating the first and second sets of honeycomb structures within the cavities with microwave radiation having an amount of input microwave power PI that results in an amount of reflected microwave power PR from the honeycomb structures, where PR




b

Bulk freeze drying using spray freezing and stirred drying

A freeze dryer processes bulk powder products. The freeze dryer freezes the product by mixing an atomized spray of product with sterile liquid nitrogen. The resultant powder is freeze dried in a vessel, and the vessel contents is agitated to maintain product contact with heated vessel wall and to prevent agglomeration.




b

Cutting members for shaving razors

A cutting member for a shaving razor includes an elongated blade portion that tapers to a cutting edge, an elongated base portion that is integral with the blade portion, and a bent portion, intermediate the blade portion and the base portion. In some implementations, at least part of the cutting member has a thickness of at least about 0.005 inch (0.127 millimeter).




b

Tooling assemblies and systems

Press tool assemblies involve separable holder and tip portions. Self-seating structure is incorporated in these assemblies, and can stem from one or both of the separable portions of the assemblies. In use, the self-seating structure facilitates proper positioning and seating of the separable portions in relation to each other, and in some cases, can be used in operatively coupling the portions together. Advantages relating to assembly and disassembly of the tool assemblies, as well as improved structural properties result as a consequence of using the self-seating structure.




b

Earth-boring tools including sinterbonded components and partially formed tools configured to be sinterbonded

Partially formed earth-boring rotary drill bits comprise a first less than fully sintered particle-matrix component having at least one recess, and at least a second less than fully sintered particle-matrix component disposed at least partially within the at least one recess. Each less than fully sintered particle-matrix component comprises a green or brown structure including compacted hard particles, particles comprising a metal alloy matrix material, and an organic binder material. The at least a second less than fully sintered particle-matrix component is configured to shrink at a slower rate than the first less than fully sintered particle-matrix component due to removal of organic binder material from the less than fully sintered particle-matrix components in a sintering process to be used to sinterbond the first less than fully sintered particle-matrix component to the first less than fully sintered particle-matrix component. Earth-boring rotary drill bits comprise such components sinterbonded together.




b

Method and device for truing a razor blade

Truing devices constructed and arranged for truing one or more disposable metallic blades and methods for the manufacture and use of same are disclosed herein.




b

Shaped cutting elements on drill bits and other earth-boring tools, and methods of forming same

Earth-boring tools include a body, one or more blades projecting outwardly from the body, and cutting elements carried by the blade. The cutting elements include at least one shearing cutting element and at least one gouging cutting element. Methods of forming an earth-boring tool include mounting a shearing cutting element comprising an at least substantially planar cutting face to a body of an earth-boring tool, and mounting a gouging cutting element comprising a non-planar cutting face to the body of the earth-boring tool. The gouging cutting element may be positioned on the body of the earth-boring tool such that the gouging cutting element will gouge formation material within a kerf cut in the formation material by the shearing cutting element, or between kerfs cut in the formation material by a plurality of shearing cutting elements.




b

Method of manufacturing a tool bit

A method of manufacturing a tool bit includes machining a working end into a piece of hexagonal bar stock. A shank adjacent the working end is machined, leaving a hexagonal drive portion adjacent the shank. The tool bit is heat treated, and a coating is applied to the working end, the shank, and the hexagonal drive portion of the tool bit to inhibit corrosion of the tool bit. At least a portion of the shank is polished to remove the coating from the portion of the shank.




b

Micro drill and method of fabricating the same

A method of fabricating a micro drill, which includes a drill part for machining a hole and a shank part fixed to a motor, the drill part and the shank part being made of different materials. The method includes the steps of forming a drill part-forming powder compact having a recess in one end thereof, and forming a shank part-forming powder compact having a protrusion, the protrusion intended to be fitted into the recess of the drill part-forming powder compact, forming an assembly of the drill part-forming powder compact and the shank part-forming powder compact, with the protrusion fitted into the recess, and simultaneously sintering the assembly of the drill part-forming powder compact and the shank part-forming powder compact.




b

Screwdriver blade with inclined drive surfaces and method of manufacturing

A screwdriver blade has faces formed on front and back sides of a shank. Each face has a drive surface extending from each side edge inward toward a longitudinal axis. Each drive surface is inclined relative to a plane containing the axis and bisecting each of the side edges. A thickness of the blade increases from the shank distal end. Each of the drive surfaces appears curved when viewed in a distal end view. Each of the drive surfaces extends from the shank distal end to a face proximal end. A central portion between each of the drive surfaces may also appear curved when viewed in a distal end view, or it may be flat. The drive surfaces and the central portion may be formed at a single radius of curvature. The central portion may have a increasing width from the distal end or it may have a constant width.




b

Sharpener for a snow travel member such as a ski or a snowboard

In one aspect, the invention is directed to a sharpener for sharpening a corner edge of a snow travel member, which may be, for example, a ski or a snowboard. The corner edge is between a bottom face and a side face of the snow travel member. The sharpener includes an angle adjustment mechanism to adjust the angle between surfaces on the sharpener that support the bottom face and side face of the snow travel member, in order to accommodate different snow travel members, that may have different angles between their bottom face and their side face. For example, the angle adjustment member may be capable of adjusting the angle between a bottom face orienting surface on the sharpener and a side face orienting surface on the sharpener between a range of angles. The range of angles may be, for example, a range from 85 degrees and 90 degrees.




b

Methods of repairing a rotary drill bit

Embodiments of the invention relate to superabrasive compacts including multiple superabrasive cutting portions and methods of repairing a rotary drill bit that employs at least one of such superabrasive compacts.




b

Method for profiling a flat reversible key, and flat reversible key, based on a flat reversible key profile, which is produced according to the method

A method for profiling broad sides of a flat reversible key. A key blank is clamped to expose the first broad side of the key blank and complementary grooves and ribs are milled using a milling cutter with cutter teeth by advance in the longitudinal direction of the key relative to the longitudinal section profile of the cutter teeth. The key blank is then clamped in a position turned by 180° about the longitudinal center axis of the key so that the second broad side of the blank is exposed, and complementary grooves and ribs are milled into the broad side with milling cutter, by advance in the longitudinal direction of the key. The cutter shaft axes is inclined at an angle of inclination (φ) relative to the longitudinal center plane of the key, at least one cutter tooth rib of the cutter teeth producing an undercut guide wall.




b

Method of manufacturing a drill bit

A method of manufacturing a drill bit having a bit body and a plurality of blades extending radially from the bit body is disclosed, wherein the method includes adhering a first matrix material to at least a portion of a mold cavity corresponding to an outer surface of the bit body, loading a second matrix material into the other portions of the mold cavity, and heating the mold contents to form a matrix body drill bit.




b

PCD cutter with fins and methods for fabricating the same

A cutting table includes a cutting surface, an opposing surface, a cutting table outer wall, and one or more fins. The cutting table outer wall extends from the circumference of the opposing surface to the circumference of the cutting surface. The fins extend from a portion of the cutting surface to a portion of the cutting table outer wall. The cutting table is optionally leached prior to forming the fins. One or more fins are positioned in parallel with at least another fin in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the fins are positioned circumferentially around the cutting surface. In some embodiments, the cutting table is coupled to a substrate to form a cutter. The fins are formed either after or during the formation of the cutting table.




b

Adjustable abrasive sharpener

An adjustable manual abrasive sharpener having a pair of sharpening slots formed in a frame with opposing abrasive arms being pivotally mounted in each of the sharpening slots. A rod is mounted on the frame for rotatable motion and for linear motion long its axis of rotation from a position at which the rod is locked against rotation to a depressed position whereby the rod may be rotated. The bottom end portion of the rod includes a pinion gear which engages a pair of gear racks which are mounted for movement laterally relative to the axis of rotation of the rod. The pair of gear racks respectively engage slots formed on the bottom of the abrasive arms in each sharpening slot. Rotation of the rod causes movement of the gear racks to adjust each pair of abrasive arms with respect to each other to vary the sharpening angle of the abrasive elements.




b

Method of joining two components to ensure axial and angular alignment therebetween

A method for bonding together components, such as a tip and a shaft which include mutually facing carbide end surfaces. The tip includes circumferentially spaced flutes formed in its cylindrical outer periphery. The shaft has a cylindrical outer periphery and a plurality of coolant holes extending through the shaft. Bonding of the tip to the shaft is performed by inserting gauge wires into the coolant holes and associated flutes, and positioning brazing material between the first and second end surfaces. A water-soluble bond-blocking material is applied to the gauge wires for preventing brazing of the gauge wires to the brazing material. The brazing material is heated to braze the first and second end surfaces together while the flutes and their associated coolant holes are maintained in alignment by the gauge wires. Then, the gauge wires are removed, and residual bond-blocking material is dissolved in water.




b

Manufacturing methods for high shear roller cone bits

A method of manufacturing a roller cone drill bit may include forming a body of a single piece having an upper end and a lower end; machining at the lower end of the body at least two journals extending downward and radially outward from a central axis of the body; machining at least one of a ball passage, a hydraulic fluid passageway, a grease reservoir, and a lubricant passageway; and mounting roller cones on the at least two journals.




b

Superabrasive compact including at least one braze layer thereon

A superabrasive compact (e.g., a polycrystalline diamond compact) including a substrate pre-coated with at least one braze layer and an in-process drill bit assembly including at least one of such superabrasive compacts are disclosed. Pre-coating the substrate with at least one braze layer and dimensioning the pre-coated substrate to fit within the tolerances of a conventionally-sized cutter recess of a drill bit body enables a drill bit manufacture to easily and rapidly braze the disclosed superabrasive compacts into the conventionally-sized cutter recess without substantially decreasing the superabrasive volume of the superabrasive compact.




b

Methods of forming earth-boring tools and components thereof including attaching a shank to a body of an earth-boring tool

Earth-boring drill bits include a bit body, an element having an attachment feature bonded to the bit body, and a shank assembly. Methods for assembling an earth-boring rotary drill bit include bonding a threaded element to the bit body of a drill bit and engaging the shank assembly to the threaded element. A nozzle assembly for an earth-boring rotary drill bit may include a cylindrical sleeve having a threaded surface and a threaded nozzle disposed at least partially in the cylindrical sleeve and engaged therewith. Methods of forming an earth-boring drill bit include providing a nozzle assembly including a tubular sleeve and nozzle at least partially within a nozzle port of a bit body.




b

Heavy duty matrix bit

An apparatus and method for manufacturing a downhole tool that reduces failures occurring along a bondline between a cemented matrix coupled around a blank. The cemented matrix material is formed from a powder and a binder material. The blank includes an internal blank component and a coating coupled around at least a portion of the surface of the internal blank component. The internal blank component includes a top portion and a bottom portion. The internal blank component is substantially cylindrically shaped and defines a channel extending through the top portion and the bottom portion. The coating is a metal in some exemplary embodiments. The coating reduces the migration of the binder material into the blank thereby allowing the control of intermetallic compounds thickness within the bondline.




b

Blank and tool with cooling channels

The application comprises a blank for producing a cutting tool with at least one inner bore for conducting fluids, wherein the blank comprises at least a first and a second portion along, its longitudinal axis, wherein the inner bore in the first portion is formed substantially in a straight line and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the blank, and the inner bore in the second portion has a first twist with a first twist angle greater than zero, wherein the blank can be obtained by a continuous pressing operation, in particular a continuous extruding operation. The application also describes an extrusion device for producing a blank, wherein the extrusion device comprises a control element for controlling the twist angle, in particular the first and/or second twist angle.




b

Custom shaped blank

A blank may include a tang section, a base section, and an angled section with a recess. The tang section may have an outer surface with an outer diameter. The base section may have an outer surface with a diameter greater than the outer diameter of the tang section. The angled section may lie between the tang section and the base section and may have an outer surface that transitions in diameter from the outer diameter of the tang section to the outer diameter of the base section. The recess in the angled section may be shaped to engage a tip of a former.




b

Method for manufacturing bandsaw blade, and bandsaw blade

A method for manufacturing a bandsaw blade provided at the top of the teeth with cutting tips made of a hard material, includes the steps of: offsetting to the left and right saw teeth constituting left and right offset teeth; forming the saw teeth constituting the left and right offset teeth to a smaller tooth height than that of the saw teeth constituting straight teeth; and grinding cutting tips provided to the top of the left and right offset teeth subsequent to the offsetting step, and machining the edge lines at the top of the left and right offset teeth so that the lines are orthogonal to the travel direction of a bandsaw blade and the cutting direction of the bandsaw blade.




b

Blade sharpening system for multiple blade shapes

A blade sharpening system using the interior surface of a grinding wheel against which a blade is drawn along its entire length for sharpening. The sharpening system includes a blade holding configuration having multiple hinged arms. A cam operating between two of the hinged arms serves to alter the angle of incidence between the blade and the grinding wheel as the blade is drawn across the grinding wheel. The result is that a wide variety of different blade configurations can be easily accommodated by the sharpening system.




b

Hand-held sharpener with multiple abrasive rods to sharpen a cutting edge of a tool

A multi-rod hand-held sharpener includes a handle with an outer grip surface for a hand of a user, a first abrasive rod having a first outer abrasive surface with a first abrasiveness level, and a second abrasive rod having a second outer abrasive surface with a second abrasiveness level different from the first abrasiveness level. At least one guide surface extends toward the first sharpening surface at a selected guide angle non-orthogonal to the first sharpening surface. The user contactingly engages a side of the tool against the guide surface and a cutting edge of the tool against the first abrasive surface, and then advances the side of the tool away from the guide surface and the cutting edge against the first abrasive surface while maintaining the tool at the selected guide angle. An optional second guide adjacent the second abrasive surface at a different angle facilitates micro-beveling.




b

ELLIPTICAL CLIMBING EXERCISE APPARATUS

An elliptical climbing exercise apparatus includes a base frame, a swing unit including a pair of swing arms, a pedal unit including a pair of pedal shafts respectively pivotally connected to the swing arms, a damping unit including a rotating wheel with a spindle, a guiding unit including a pair of cranks respectively affixed to the two opposite ends of the spindle, a pair of rockers respectively pivotally connected to the cranks and a pair of links respectively pivotally connected to the rocker. Cooperation between the base frame, the swing unit, the pedal unit, the resistance unit and the guiding unit is used to achieve a training of the leg muscles.




b

BALANCE EXERCISE DEVICE

A multi-purpose balance exercise device designed to be used in multiple positions and for diverse exercises. For example, various embodiments allow for the multipurpose device to be use as an aerobic step device as well as the ability to easily adjust the device to various heights to easily decrease the level of difficulty of the device for use during various exercises. The balance exercise device can provide a polarity of handles and grab points both horizontally and vertically, which allow for an enhanced number of exercises or movements using either the top and/or bottom of the device. The balance exercise device includes a flexible bladder filled with air, other gases, or gels attached to a substantially rigid base. The base can include an interior within which features such as handles are disposed to provide a gripping or lifting exercise to which the balance exercise device can be used.




b

STATIONARY STRENGTH TRAINING EQUIPMMENT WITH LOCKABLE BILATERAL USER INTERFACE

A stationary strength training equipment includes a frame assembly, a lockable bilateral user interface installed on the frame assembly, a balancing structure connected to the lockable bilateral user interface, a plurality of user selectable weights supported by the frame assembly and connected to the balancing structure, a load detecting strain gauge disposed on the user selectable weights to detect a weight of the user selectable weights being lifted, and an informing device connected to the lockable bilateral user interface to detect and show a warning signal to a user. The lockable bilateral user interface further includes a locking mechanism assembly and a central pivot assembly; the balancing structure is able to rotate along the central pivot assembly, and the locking mechanism assembly selectively restricts a rotation of the balancing structure.




b

PORTABLE PADDLEBOARD EXERCISE APPARATUS

A portable paddleboard exercise apparatus having a balance platform, an elongated member, a paddle handle, and a number of resistance bands. The apparatus may further include a frame with one or more support members configured to support the balance platform. The balance platform includes an upper surface for a user to balance thereon. The elongated member extends from the balance platform. The resistance bands extend from a distal end of the elongated member to the paddle handle. A user may balance on the balance platform in one of a number of positions while pulling the paddle handle against a resistive force generated by the resistance bands.




b

COMBINATION MASSAGE TABLE WITH ONE OR MORE RESISTANCE BANDS

A combination massage table with one or more resistance bands (hereinafter, a combination table) is disclosed. In some embodiments, the combination table may comprise: a massage table; the one or more resistance bands; and a means for attaching the one or more resistance bands to the massage table; such that a client using the combination table receives at least one improved health benefit as compared against massage therapy without any resistance band use. Furthermore, methods for using the combination table are disclosed. Such methods may comprise: preparing the combination table for use; preparing the client so the client is laying on top of an upper surface of the combination table; and massaging the client while the client at least intermittently engages one or more resistance bands that are attached to the combination table; wherein in the at least intermittent engagement of the one or more resistance bands while the client is being massaged results in the at least one improved health benefit to the client.




b

PORTABLE ABS EXERCISE DEVICE

An exercise device includes a base frame having a first baseboard member, a second baseboard member, and a base pad disposed in between. The first baseboard member includes a first locking member disposed on a first headend of the first baseboard member, and the second baseboard member includes a second locking member disposed on a second headend of the second baseboard member. The exercise device further includes a pole frame having a top crossbar, a bottom crossbar, a first side pole, and a second side pole. The first lock member of the first baseboard member is inserted into a cross section of the first side pole and the second lock member of the second baseboard member is inserted into a cross section of the second side pole, such that the pole frame is interlocked with the base frame substantially perpendicularly.




b

Abdominal twist exercise device

An abdominal twist exercise device includes a device frame, front and rear rotational axles, a main handle bar, a rotation converter, an adjustable gear, a disengaging lever, a weight, a weight bar, a support rail, a safety handle bar, rotation counters, and a user platform, such that when the main handle bar rotates to one side, the user platform rotates to an opposing side. A rotation converter can include a front chain sprocket, an intermediate rotational axle, an intermediate chain sprocket, a roller chain, an intermediate gear, a rear gear; or a front belt sprocket, a rear belt sprocket, and a twisted belt, connecting the sprockets. Optionally, the front and rear axles can be telescoping.




b

TRAINING APPARATUS WITH ADJUSTABLE TRAVEL DISTANCE

A training apparatus with adjustable travel distance includes a base frame including a pair of guide rails extending along a transverse axis, a pair of sliding units each including a pedal coupled to and slidable along one respective guide rail and a stopper located on one lateral side of the pedal, and a pair of travel distance adjusting units each including a guiding member mounted in the base frame and extending along the transverse axis and a rear position-limiting member mounted on the guiding member for stopping against the stopper of one respective pedal and position adjustable relative to the guiding member along the transverse axis to adjust the travel distance of the respective pedal.




b

ASSISTED CHIN/DIP EXERCISE APPARATUS WITH ADJUSTABLE CHIN-UP/PULL-UP HANDLES

An assisted chin/dip exercise apparatus has a main frame and an assist or foot bar pivotally mounted on the frame and linked to a weight stack or resistance for assisting a user standing on the foot bar during performance of chin and dip exercises. The main frame has a first, overhead handle assembly and a second, dip handle assembly below the first handle assembly. The first handle assembly includes a pair of adjustably mounted handles freely pivotable between a first, chin-up position in which the handles extend towards one another at a rearward angle with a small spacing between the handles and a second, pull-up position in which the handles extend in a forward direction and are spaced apart by a larger spacing sufficient to provide head clearance for a user stepping onto the foot bar or while performing a dip exercise.




b

VARIABLE WEIGHT TONING STRAP

A variable weight toning strap having a flexible member and a plurality of generally rectangular sections, wherein each of the plurality of generally rectangular sections are disposed transversely along the flexible member length, include a top surface at least partially defining an upper surface of the flexible member, at least one perpendicular sidewall extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the top surface, and a section width separating a rear face and a front face of the sections. Two of the sections have a discontinuous upper slit defined by the at least one perpendicular sidewall of each of said sections flanking the upper slit, wherein the upper slit spans the section width and terminates into a valley. The sections also each define a channel with a selectively removably and frictionally retained weight disposed therein.




b

EXERCISE MACHINE FOR MOVABLE USER SUPPORT

An exercise machine with a two directional pivoting user support assembly has a user support or platform which supports the user and pivots about a first pivot axis during an exercise movement, and is also pivotable about at least one second pivot axis to involve the user's core muscles in balancing and maintaining the user support in a stable position. A manually operable locking device with a simple flip switch lever is provided for selectively locking the user support against rotation about the second pivot axis, so that the user can easily chose whether to perform the exercise with a stable support or to add a level of difficulty by using the unstable seat mode and exercising core muscles during the exercise.




b

DYNAMIC STRETCHING, STRENGTHENING AND STABILIZATION DEVICE FOR POSTURAL CORRECTION AND RETRAINING

A dynamic stretching, strengthening and stabilization device is provided for postural correction and retraining. The device has a pair of closed loop resistance tubes and a central harness member which positions the closed loop resistance tubes roughly in the form of a FIG. 8. Each loop of the resistance tube is sized to accommodate the arm and shoulder of the user. The device may be used in a stabilization mode or stretching/strengthening mode, and transitions easily between these modes to correct and retrain the user's posture.




b

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRAINING TONGUE AS A TREATMENT FOR OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA

The present disclosure describes systems and methods for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The system includes a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece includes a force plate that a user can press against with their tongue. Pressing the force plate enables the user to strengthen their tongue. The system also includes a control module that can measure the force applied to the force plate and provide feedback to the user about progress and the applied force.




b

Physical Therapy Device For Lower Limbs And Therapeutic Methods Thereof

A device and methods for bilateral or unilateral physical therapy of lower limbs are disclosed. The device comprises a curved rail mounted on a base and a pair of support members configured to accommodate a portion of a leg of a person, and to slide along the curved rail. The curved rail allows lateral movements of the lower limbs with the support members, the movements being driven by a force of the lower limbs. The methods of the invention allow physical unilateral or bilateral therapy of lower limbs of a person. The initial reinforcement of the lower limbs of a person is improved by the use of this device, which reduces the friction or the resistance caused by the device during the prescribed movements. The invention provides to patients with severe lower limb disability, a physical therapy device that is easy to use with minimum supervision by a physical therapist.




b

Ascorbic acid, terephthalate and nitromethane stabilizers for fluoroolefins

The present disclosure relates to compositions comprising at least one fluoroolefin and an effective amount of a stabilizer comprising at least one ascorbic acid, terephthalate, or nitromethane, or mixtures thereof. The stabilized compositions may be useful in cooling apparatus, such as refrigeration, air-conditioning, chillers and heat pumps, as well as in applications as foam blowing agents, solvents, aerosol propellants, fire extinguishants, and sterilants.




b

Foamed celluloid process using expandable beads

A method of manufacture of foamed celluloid molded products, involving three steps for the manufacture of higher density (0.7 to 1.25 gm/cc) foamed celluloid products or simple geometry lower density (0.2 to 0.7 gm/cc) foamed celluloid products, and four steps for the manufacture of lower density foamed celluloid products of any geometry. The three step process involving: (1) providing small, uniform, pieces of celluloid; (2) presoaking the pieces in a physical blowing agent (PBA) under pressure; and (3) foaming at raised temperature a controlled quantity of the presoaked pieces in a mold—to obtain the desired shape and density. For a lower density foamed celluloid product, of any moldable geometry, the steps are to: (1) small pieces of celluloid, that (2) have been presoaked in a PBA, are (3) pre-expanded to an intermediate density, and then (4) foam the desired lower density foamed product in a mold at raised temperature.