Abstract: A water vapor ejector comprises a desiccant disposed in a communication path to a green house enclosure. In the day time and under sunlight exposure, the green house enclosure heats up, which dries the desiccant and generates a flow to the outside ambient through a pressure difference. The moisture trapped in the desiccant is then released to the outside ambient. In the night time, the green house enclosure cools, which generates a flow to the inside of the enclosure. The desiccant traps the moisture within the flow, ensuring a moisture-free enclosure. The cycle re-starts in the next morning when the enclosure heats up. The diurnal cycle removes the water vapor present in the enclosure and delivered to the exterior of the enclosure.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an assembly having bodies of different thermal expansion rates comprises a first body, a second body having a different thermal expansion rate than the first body, and a plurality of high conductivity members attached to both the first and second bodies. The high conductivity members are more flexible than the first and second bodies in order to allow for varied thermal expansion of the first and second bodies. The assembly may comprise a solar collector assembly, wherein the first body is a solar cell attached to a substrate, and the second body is a heat sink.

Abstract: The present invention provides pharmaceutical aerosols which are useful for the prevention or treatment of infectious diseases of the airways, such as the lungs, the bronchi, or the sinunasal cavities. The aerosols comprise an active agent selected from the group of quinolone antibiotics. Also disclosed are liquid and solid compositions suitable for being converted into the aerosols, and kits comprising such compositions.

Abstract: A drug delivery apparatus includes a mouthpiece portion having an internal conduit for delivering an aerosol including the drug to the patient. The internal conduit has an inlet end and a mouthpiece end that is structured to be received in the patient's mouth. The mouthpiece portion is structured to operate at a substantially fixed inhalation flow rate when the patient inhales through the mouthpiece end. The apparatus further includes an aerosol generator for generating the aerosol from a drug supply and injecting the aerosol into a first region within the mouthpiece portion located between an outlet of the aerosol generator and the inlet end of the conduit. The mouthpiece portion also includes a flow accelerating mechanism that causes a localized flow rate at the first region to be greater than the inhalation flow rate. A method is also provided that increases the local flow rate within the mouthpiece portion.

Abstract: A breathing assistance device comprises a resiliently stretchable band member dimensioned to wrap generally around a user's head; and adhesive elements removably connected to respective ends of the band member for temporarily adhering to respective cheeks of a person. During use, the band member of the device under tension exerts a tangential pull on the skin of a person's cheeks thereby to open the person's sinuses and/or nasal passages. An adhesive element for a breathing assistance device, the adhesive element comprises a base layer having a connection element for removably connecting the base layer to a platform that is connected to a respective end of a resiliently stretchable band member of the breathing assistance device; and an adhesive layer overlying at least a portion of the base layer.

Abstract: A respiratory protection system which is worn by a passenger during a flight in air plane, by a patient visiting hospital or doctors office, a nurse working with a patient during hospital stay, or the like. The system includes a relatively light weight, substantially rigid, headgear structure, containing an air disinfection chamber, a fan means, a filter means, an ultraviolet air disinfection means, an air blanket origination means and an energizing means.

Abstract: A device and method for suctioning mucus and secretions from a patient's tracheostomy tube is described. The device utilizes a reusable squeezable bulb with check valves to regulate air flow in and out of the squeezable bulb and a disposable mucus trap and suction catheter to suction a tracheostomy tube effectively and discretely without using an electrically powered suction machine.

Abstract: An aerosol drug delivery apparatus is provided. The apparatus may include a reservoir constructed to contain a predetermined dose of a liquid drug, an aerosol generator in communication with the reservoir, and a power source arranged to deliver power to the aerosol generator in order to produce an aerosolized form of the dose that can be administered to a patient. The apparatus may maintain consistent aerosol drug delivery treatments, for example, by way of a breath measuring mechanism that monitors the patient's breathing pattern during the administration of the dose and a controller configured to vary the power level at which the power source during the administration of the dose based on the monitored breathing pattern.

Abstract: The invention discloses a dry powder inhaler for use in a treatment of respiratory disorders.

Abstract: This invention provides an aerosolized inhaler which enables the drug powder to aerosolize within the inhaler by breathing in the air, comprising the main body (11) and the mouthpiece connector (12) connected thereupon, wherein the inhaler the main body (11) has drug holding opening (1), which connects with the vortex passage, and the vortex passage connects with the mouthpiece (9) on the mouthpiece connector (12). It has many obvious advantages as increasing the inhalation rate, pushing more drug granule to reach to the lower respiratory tract and even into the alveolus; and meanwhile, keeping the drug from being blown out of the inhaler when the users breathes out, preventing from cross inflection and minimizing the side effect of the drug to the whole body, and obviously lightening the burden on the users.

Abstract: An improved inhalation device is provided for facilitating inhalation by a patient of powder medicaments contained in a receptacle. The inhalation device includes a staple assembly comprising a plunger and staple that are securely and robustly coupled to one another. Embodiments of the inhalation device have a cap that prevents or reduces the amount of dust and grime entering into the device. The cap is additionally configured to prevent or reduce inadvertent and unintentional operation of the device. The body portion and first casing portion of certain embodiments of the inhalation device are sealably coupled, restricting or reducing undesirable flow pathways that have an adverse effect on the operation of the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for delivery of respiratory gases in conjunction with a powder inhaler for inhaled administration of pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical mixtures or pharmaceutical formulations to patients who are attached to respirators. The pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical mixtures or pharmaceutical formulations are preferably administered to patients who are being artificially ventilated through a mask or via a tracheal tube under anesthesia.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nasal cannula for an anti-snoring apparatus, comprising a forked tube pneumatically connected to apertures, which are embodied and positioned in such a way that air can be administered into the nose of a user via these apertures. The nasal cannula further comprises a heating wire extending in the interior of forked tube in such a way that the heating wire can heat the air supplied through the forked tube. The invention moreover relates to a nosepiece and to a Y-shaped element for nasal cannula including internal radius steps at tube connection points. The invention further relates to a nosepiece and to a Y-shaped element having rounded off transition regions. The invention finally relates to a method for avoiding condensation in nasal cannulas. To this end, the gas is heated as it flows through the tubes of a nasal cannula.

Abstract: A respirator system and hygroscopic hose used in the system is disclosed. The system includes a means for generating a flow of air, a hose connected to the generating means and a mask adapted to be secured to a patient. The mask connected to the hose such that air generated by the generating means passes through the hose to the mask. The hose is a hygroscopic hose made up of a thermoplastic polyurethane. The thermoplastic polyurethane permits water formed by the respiration of the patient to permeate through a sidewall of said hose from an inner surface of the hose to an outer surface of the hose. The sidewall of the hose does not permit air generated by the generating means to pass through the sidewall.

Abstract: A method for modifying the breathing of a patient while the patient is experiencing sleep apnea, for example Cheyne Stokes breathing. An instantaneous pulmonary ventilation of a patient is monitored. Limit cycle behavior of the instantaneous pulmonary ventilation is identified. A transient intervention is applied to the patient during a phase of a limit cycle of the instantaneous pulmonary ventilation. The transient intervention has an effect on a breathing state of the patient.

Abstract: Patients having exercise limiting conditions and those at risk of developing such conditions are exposed to a regimen of hypoxic conditions that simulate various altitude conditions. The exposure is of a temporary nature, being from a few hours to most of a day or night in any one day and repeated on a personally worked out regimen of from a series of consecutive days to a regular number of “on” and “off” days, to a random number of days. An alternate regimen is such exposure for a few minutes at a time followed by normoxic rest period of a few minutes, with the cycle repeated multiple times over the course of a treatment session. The conditioning treatment strengthens the cardiac tissue and skeletal muscle and the results extend beyond the treatment periods whereby the patient's condition is substantially improved.

Abstract: A personal safety protective device that includes a lens and a support structure onto which the lens is secured. The lens includes a substrate and a hard-coat layer located on the substrate of the lens. The hard-coat layer has a low surface energy outer surface that is derived from a) an additive that includes at least one of i) a perfluoropolyether urethane that includes hydrolysable silane groups, and ii) an acrylate polymer that includes at least one perfluoropolyether moiety and at least one hydrolysable silane group, and b) a silsesquioxane-based hard-coat composition. The provision of such a lens on a personal safety protective device enables the lens to be durable to abrasion and to be easily cleaned without use of solvents that could shorten the service life of the lens.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting movement of the breathing tube in a surrounding airway of a patient. The breathing tube includes an optical fiber or camera system for producing a video image of the airway from the distal end of the breathing tube. By obtaining a baseline image and comparing said baseline image with successive images, the position of the breathing tube can be automatically monitored and a signal provided when the image differs from the baseline by more than a threshold value.

Abstract: To provide a tracheotomy tube, which is configured such that a balloon reliably inflates at the time of inhalation, that air is sent to the lungs without leaking, that exhaled air reaches the vocal cord when a patient wishes to vocalize, and that saliva is prevented from entering a trachea at the time of exhalation when the patient does not wish to vocalize. The balloon keeps its inflated shape under normal pressure, and when air is sent from an artificial respiration device to the balloon via a hole provided in an inside tube portion, the balloon substantially maintains a state of being bonded to a trachea and maintains the inflated shape under pressure of exhaled air that is not for vocalization, and the inflated shape contracts under pressure of exhaled air for vocalization, and the exhaled air is sent toward the vocal cord via a gap formed between the balloon having the contracted shape and a tracheal wall.

Abstract: A device and method used to cover a stoma when a patient who has had a tracheostomy tube no longer requires a tracheostomy tube and has been decannulated. The device utilizes a curved plate with an annular foam or air-filled cushion, an adhesive and a trach tie to hold the device in place over the stoma. The device effectively blocks the stoma to allow for speech, promote wound healing and prevent infection.

Abstract: A surgical pillow for supporting the head and neck of a user includes a neck rest member to support the neck of the user and having an aperture, a headrest member to support the head of the user, a base member to position and support the neck rest member and the headrest member, a support member to cooperate with the aperture of the neck rest member to support the neck rest member. The headset member includes a first outwardly projecting member and a second outwardly projecting member. The first outwardly projecting member and the second outwardly projecting member form an angle of approximately 90°. The aperture may be substantially D shaped, and the support member may be substantially a cylinder. The first outwardly projecting member and the second outwardly projecting member may form a substantial V shape and the first outwardly projecting member and the second outwardly projecting member includes a curved top surface.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for generating a passive movement of a patient in a magnetic resonance tomograph. The apparatus includes a support for supporting at least one body part of the patient. The support, together with a patient bed can be moved into a passage of the magnetic resonance tomograph. Driven by a motor, the support can be swiveled about at least one axis inside the passage of the magnetic resonance tomograph. The components of the support and its drive, which are disposed inside the passage of the magnetic resonance tomograph, are made of non-ferromagnetic materials.

Abstract: The present invention (shermo) is a thin protective lining (1 mm in thickness, 6.5 inches in length and 2.5 inches in width) (FIG. 1), which provides comfort potential and simultaneously lessens the possibility of contracting or transferring diseases when trying on below-the-waist garments with or without wearing undergarments. The shermo has a smooth paper-like topside (a) and an adhesive underside (b) (as shown in FIG. 2). The shermo will be retrieved from a wall-mounted dispenser, and the adhesive underside is placed in the crouch of the garment and the topside is facing the wearer's crouch. Once the wearer has used the shermo it will be discarded.

Abstract: Systems and methods employ implants attached to the hyoid bone, thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, or both the thyroid and cricoid cartilages and a source of magnetic force to move the hyoid bone, thyroid cartilage, cricoid cartilage, or both the thyroid and cricoid cartilages in the treatment of sleep disordered breathing, using attracting, repelling or a combination of attracting and repelling magnetic forces.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating colic in infants including a garment having a garment body for wearing by the infant. A pair of bands extend latterly from opposite sides and in opposed directions from the garment for wrapping around the torso the infant. The bands have a width such that they extend from just below the underarms of the infant to the hips of the infant. The bands wrap around opposite sides of the infant's torso in front-to-back direction where the free ends of the bands are secured to the back of the garment. A pocket on the front of the garment is configured to receive a thermal pack to provide thermal therapy to the infant. In treating colic, the bands are wrapped snuggly about the infant's torso applying warmth and a slight pressure to thereby relieve discomfort.

Abstract: A composition useful for treating the substrate of a tobacco smoke filter. A tobacco smoke filter comprising one or more than one free porphyrin or one or more than one free metal phthalocyanine. A seamless tobacco smoke filter (80, 90) comprising a first segment and a second segment. A device (110) for making a tobacco smoke filter from tobacco smoke filter substrate comprising a rod maker machine (112) and an applicator (120) for applying one or more than one additive intermittently to the substrate in a plurality of spaced bands.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conveying a cigarette stream in a controlled manner into an initially empty conveying section of a machine for producing and/or packaging cigarettes, the conveying section being delimited laterally by walls and the cigarette stream being supported during conveying by a movable supporting element which is moved together with the cigarette stream along the conveying section. The walls which delimit the conveying section laterally can be moved at least partially in order to change the cross section of the conveying section.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing a tobacco composition suitable for use as a smokeless tobacco composition, the process including: providing a slurry comprising water and a tobacco material, the slurry comprising at least about 75% by weight water, based on the total weight of the slurry; heating the slurry to a temperature of at least about 60° C. for a time sufficient to pasteurize the tobacco material; adding an amount of a base to the slurry sufficient to raise the pH of the slurry to at least about 8.5, thereby forming a pH-adjusted slurry; and continuing to heat the pH-adjusted slurry to a temperature of at least about 60° C. for a time sufficient for the pH of the slurry to drop at least about 0.5 pH unit following the adding step.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing a tobacco composition suitable for use as a smokeless tobacco composition, including: providing a moist tobacco material; heating the moist tobacco to a temperature of at least about 85° C. for a time sufficient to pasteurize the tobacco material while maintaining the moisture content at a relatively constant level; adding an amount of a base and water to the moist tobacco material sufficient to raise the pH of the slurry to at least about 8.7 and raise the moisture content to at least about 40% by weight, thereby forming a pH-adjusted moist tobacco material; and continuing to heat the pH-adjusted moist tobacco material to a temperature of at least about 55° C. for a time sufficient for the pH of the moist tobacco material to drop to less than about 8.5 while maintaining the moisture content at a relatively constant level.

Abstract: An oral pouch product having a soft edge includes an inner filling material enclosed inwardly of at least one seam between opposed layers of porous pouch wrapper. The at least one seam is separated from the periphery of the porous pouch wrapper by an unbonded area of the opposed layers so as to form a soft edge of the pouch wrapper.

Abstract: Provided is a tobacco-free oral flavor delivery pouch product that provides and engaging and flavorful experience to a user. The pouch product includes a porous pouch wrapper and an inner filling material. The inner filling material can include a non-tobacco, botanical component, at least one functional ingredient and a solid flavor component dispersed throughout the inner filling material. The pouch product delivers multiple textures to the user's mouth.

Abstract: A low ignition propensity cigarette paper includes base cigarette paper having a basis weight exceeding 22 g/m2, and a plurality of burn limiting areas arranged apart from one another on one surface of the base cigarette paper. The burn limiting areas are formed by applying sodium alginate having a degree of polymerization of about 500 to about 900 or sodium alginate whose 3% by weight aqueous solution exhibits a viscosity of 19000 cP or more as measured at 25° C.

Abstract: A system to facilitate pedicures and all applications where comfortable toe separation is demanded. The System consists of small tubular devices that fit in between each toe To ensure adequate space between the toes while polish is applied during a pedicure or other treatment to toes is required. The entire composition is made of biodegradable material, and may be left in place when using your own sandal, flip flop or other open toed shoe when your services are complete.

Abstract: A nail file, including a file sheet and a handle, wherein at least the file sheet is made of biscuit porcelain, the file sheet containing an abrasive agent.

Abstract: A portable, easy to use manicure/cosmetic case that is designed to be used by a person desiring to apply manicure/cosmetic products while sitting inside a moving vehicle such as an automobile, train, bus, or air plane without experiencing the typical problems when such an activity is attempted without such a device. This manicure/cosmetic case is designed to withstand the typical mechanical vibrations experienced in such aforementioned moving platforms thereby allowing the individual to safely and quickly apply the manicure/cosmetic without fear of product spillage or incorrect application of the product due to the vibrations.

Abstract: An electric mascara for makeup of eyelash by using a mascara brush is provided, An electric mascara includes a cap including a rotary switch which is operated by a handle, a motor which is operated according to the ON/OFF operation of the rotary switch and a decelerator to which motive power of the motor is supplied; a brush stick which is connected to a revolving axis of the decelerator; and a mascara brush installed at the end of the brush stick.

Abstract: One or more reflectance modifying agent (RMA) such as a pigmented cosmetic agent is applied selectively and precisely with a controlled spray to human skin according to local skin reflectance or texture attributes. One embodiment uses digital control based on the analysis of a camera images. Another embodiment, utilizes a calibrated scanning device comprising a plurality of LEDs and photodiode sensors to correct reflectance readings to compensate for device distance and orientation relative to the skin. Ranges of desired RMA application parameters of high luminance RMA, selectively applied to middle spatial frequency features, at low opacity or application density are each be significantly different from conventional cosmetic practice. The ranges are complementary and the use of all three techniques in combination provides a surprisingly effective result which preserves natural beauty while applying a minimum amount of cosmetic agent.

Abstract: A polyaxial flossing device constructed to provide a flossing portion with a plurality of axes of pivotal movement relative to a handle which can assume a straight or intermittently-angled shape position is described. The dental flossing device is formed by interconnecting a flossing portion and a handle portion by a universal joint to define a polyaxial joint. The universal joint includes a substantially spherical end and a substantially spherical appendage extending outwardly and sized to cooperate with the spherical cavity. Such construction and arrangement provides universal movement between the flossing and handle portions. The dental flossing device further has at least one resilient member extending between the flossing portion and handle portion of the invention, providing resistance to the pivoting flossing portion with respect to the handle portion.

Abstract: A substrate handler is provided. In one embodiment, the substrate handler includes a first and second carriage coupled to a rail. A first robot having at least two grippers is attached to the first carrier. A second robot having at least one gripper is coupled to the second carriage. The first carriage is independently positionable along the rail relative to the second carriage. As each carriage has a separate actuator, the movements of the first and second robot are decoupled, thereby allowing increased throughput. The substrate handler is particularly suitable for using in a planarization system having an integrated substrate cleaner.

Abstract: A method of removing a deposition from an optical element of an apparatus. The method includes providing a hydrogen comprising gas in at least a part of the apparatus, providing nitrogen radicals in the part of the apparatus for generating hydrogen radicals from the hydrogen comprising gas, and contacting the optical element with at least part of the hydrogen radicals to removal the deposition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cleaning method useful in removing contaminants from a surface of a coating which comprises an oxide or fluoride of a Group III B metal. Typically the coating overlies an aluminum substrate which is present as part of a semiconductor processing apparatus. The coating typically comprises an oxide or a fluoride of Y, Sc, La, Ce, Eu, Dy, or the like, or yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG). The coating may further comprise about 20 volume % or less of Al2O3.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a horizontal roll turning about its axis, the device being carried and guided by the roll without following the roll in its rotation, being capable of being displaced by sliding along the roll and cleaning the surface of the roll during its sliding by a cleaning mechanism, for example a cutting tool, fixed to the device. The device allows the cleaning of rolls for conveying glass sheet or glass ribbon, particularly those of a lehr downstream of an installation for forming flat glass such as a float glass installation (formed on a bath of molten metal generally based on tin).

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus is disclosed having an in situ ozonizer, which is used to produce ozone gas, for example, by UV irradiation of an oxygen-containing gas. The thus produced ozone is dissolved in ultra-pure water by contacting the ozone with the ultra-pure water through a permeable membrane.

Abstract: A method for controlling a dishwasher includes sequentially performing a first main washing step, a second main washing step, and a third main washing step. The first main washing step includes supplying washing water, which is heated by a sump heater, to a washing chamber. The second main washing step includes selectively performing a steam spraying action for supplying steam to the washing chamber, and performing a water supplying action for supplying washing water to the washing chamber. The third main washing step includes supplying washing water, heated by the sump heater, to the washing chamber.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a method of treating a substrate after performing a cleaning step with a liquid chemical in a single substrate spin cleaner. A method of treating a substrate according to example embodiments may include forming a film of deionized water on a surface of the substrate during rinsing, and drying the substrate by supplying a drying gas to the water film on the surface of the substrate. When rinsing the substrate, the rotating speed of the substrate may be reduced to about 50 rpm or less to form a film of water on the surface of the substrate. The film of water may shield the surface of the substrate from direct exposure to atmospheric air. The film of water may be maintained on the surface of the substrate when commencing the supply of the drying gas. Consequently, the number of water marks on the dried substrate may be reduced or prevented.

Abstract: Vibrators, each comprising an electric motor having an eccentric weight on its rotating shaft, are adhesively secured to the bottoms of the wastewater holding tanks of a recreational vehicle, to aid in flushing the tanks by dislodging solid debris from the inside walls and bottoms of the tanks and from the electrodes of the liquid level sensors in the tanks.

Abstract: A method of reducing sticking of a door of a semiconductor device processing apparatus is provided. The method comprises providing rinsing fluid to a lid of a semiconductor devise processing chamber so as to rinse particulates therefrom; and sliding a door that is operatively coupled to the lid so as to move between a closed position wherein the door occludes an opening formed in the lid, and an open position wherein the door does not occlude the opening. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A warewash machine includes a housing including an area for receiving wares to be washed and a liquid dispensing arm removably positioned within the housing, the liquid dispensing arm including a nozzle receiving opening. Removably positioned in the nozzle opening is a nozzle that is configured to output liquid in a specific output pattern. The nozzle receiving opening and the nozzle are cooperatively shaped and configured such that when the nozzle is inserted in the nozzle receiving opening the nozzle is automatically positioned such that an orientation of the specific output pattern relative to the area is automatically set to a specific orientation.

Abstract: Washing apparatus is provided for handheld baskets, particularly shopping baskets, wherein a washing tunnel has an entrance end and an exit end and conveyor means for supporting baskets and conveying them from the entrance end to the exit end. A series of spray nozzles are arranged within the tunnel and connected to a source of cleaning liquid that is operatively under pressure. The conveyor means comprises a pair of laterally spaced conveyors arranged to move in unison whilst operatively supporting two opposite peripheral edges of a shopping basket in an inverted orientation as the basket is conveyed from the entrance end to the exit end. Retaining means such as a longitudinally extending skid or the like are provided over at least a part of the length of the tunnel to inhibit lifting of shopping baskets off the conveyors.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning of dental instruments and medical instruments. The apparatus includes a body for holding such instruments that is biased apart from an immersion tank. The retained instruments can be lowered into the immersion tank by hand operation. After the hand pressure is removed, the instruments are biased to pull out of the immersion bath. The instruments are then blown dry by pressurized gas.