Abstract: A container for containing or supporting a fire starter for use with charcoal, having a base to rest upon the grillwork and upstanding walls to contain a pellet form of starter, and grooves to support a solid form of starter.

Abstract: An appliance having a vertical surface defined by the appliance, a plurality of spaced apart apertures defined in the vertical surface, and a plurality of attachments, each selectively attachable to the vertical surface by anchoring into the plurality of spaced apart apertures.

Abstract: A cook top having a cooking surface includes a number of heating elements. The cook top includes a number of controls for controlling operation of the heating elements and other components of the cook top. A vent is integrally provided with the cook top and in fluid communication with a ventilation system configured to draw air through the vent. The ventilation system includes a plenum defining a cavity, which may include a filter for removing particulate matter from the exhausted air. A blower assembly is coupled to the plenum for drawing the an from the cooking surface through the vent and the plenum. The blower assembly and the plenum are coupled to one another by a coupling element that is configured to enable an operator or installer of the cook top to selectively direct the exhaust of the blower assembly in a plurality of predetermined directions.

Abstract: An apparatus is described that disintegrates single particles or pairs of oppositely charged particles, such a protons and electrons. Gamma ray energy produced by the disintegration is collected in lead shields, which are heated by absorption of the gamma rays. Heat from the lead shields is converted to steam which is in turn used to generate electricity.

Abstract: In a solar generator, comprising a reflector and an electrohydraulic sun-position tracking device with at least one hydraulic cylinder and a hydraulic control seat valve, the reflector can be guided via the control seat valve to follow in synchronism with the course of the sun continuously and uninterruptedly. The control seat valve for regulating a pressure medium flow permanently supplied to the hydraulic cylinder comprises a seat surface and a sealing surface permanently pressed against each other with variable contact pressure, with which the pressure medium flow can be generated as controlled leakage. The sealing surface is made of a material that can be deformed by contact pressure. In the control seat valve, the controlled leakage is set in a control position at least substantially without lifting movement exclusively by the relative material deformation of the sealing surface on the seat surface, which deformation is set via the contact pressure.

Abstract: A modified heat pipe is provided which moves heat from a relatively elevated location to a relatively depressed location and which utilizes osmosis membranes to enable pumping of working fluid to the vaporizer after it has condensed in the condenser.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for pretreating lignocellulosic biomass containing alkali and/or alkaline earth metal (AAEM). The method comprises providing a lignocellulosic biomass containing AAEM; determining the amount of the AAEM present in the lignocellulosic biomass; identifying, based on said determining, the amount of a mineral acid sufficient to completely convert the AAEM in the lignocellulosic biomass to thermally-stable, catalytically-inert salts; and treating the lignocellulosic biomass with the identified amount of the mineral acid, wherein the treated lignocellulosic biomass contains thermally-stable, catalytically inert AAEM salts.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler may include a powder storage, an inlet channel, a dispersion chamber, and an outlet channel. A geometry of the inhaler may be such that a flow profile is generated within the dispersion chamber that causes an actuator to oscillate, enabling the actuator when oscillating to deaggregate powdered medicament within the dispersion chamber to be aerosolized and entrained by the air and delivered to a patient through the outlet channel.

Abstract: A device for preventing aspirated substance from going inside lungs of a patient and enabling speaking. The device comprises an outer tube, an inner tube, an inner tube opening in the inner tube to allow air to travel from the inner tube to the outer tube, an outer tube opening in the outer tube to allow air to escape out of the device, a valve disposed on the outer tube opening, which allows the air to escape out of the device to the trachea of the patient while exhaling, such that the valve closes by gravity and prevents any material to go inside the device from the outer tube opening and a inflatable cuff disposed around the inner end of the outer tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a passenger service unit for passenger of an aircraft, comprising an emergency oxygen device comprising an oxygen source, a control unit and means for delivering oxygen from the oxygen source to a passenger, an emergency energy storage unit connected to the emergency oxygen device for providing energy to start and/or control oxygen supply in case of an emergency situation, wherein a light source connected to the emergency energy storage unit and an emergency light control unit adapted to activate said light source at the time the emergency oxygen device has been activated.

Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling at least one electric heating element of an electrically heated aerosol generating system for heating an aerosol-forming substrate. The electrically heated aerosol generating system has a sensor for detecting airflow indicative of a user taking a puff having an airflow duration. The method includes the steps of: increasing the heating power for the at least one heating element from zero to power p1 when the sensor detects that the airflow rate has increased to a first threshold, maintaining the heating power at a power p1 for at least some of the airflow duration, and decreasing the heating power for the at least one heating element from power p1 to zero when the sensor detects that the airflow rate has decreased to a second threshold.

Abstract: Continuity of therapy associated with a respiratory treatment device may be measured. Information relating to therapy administered via the respiratory treatment device to a subject during a therapy session may be received. Based on the received information, a quantity of therapy interruption events that occurred during the therapy session may be determined. A continuity indicator may be determined based on the quantity of therapy interruption events that occurred during the therapy session. The continuity indicator is indicative of continuity of therapy associated with the respiratory treatment device during the therapy session.

Abstract: A gas delivery conduit adapted for fluidly connecting to a respiratory gases delivery system in a high flow therapy system, the gas delivery conduit includes a first connector adapted for connecting to the respiratory gases delivery system, a second connector adapted for connecting to a fitting of a patient interface, tubing fluidly connecting the first connector to the second connector where the first connector has a gas inlet adapted to receive the supplied respiratory gas, one of electrical contacts and temperature contacts integrated into the first connector. The gas delivery conduit further can include a sensing conduit integrated into the gas delivery conduit, where the first connector of the gas delivery conduit is adapted to allow the user to couple the first connector with the respiratory gases delivery system in a single motion.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a gas blender for blending at least two different gases, the gas blender comprising a first gas control valve (10) for supplying a first gas, a second gas control valve (20) for supplying a second gas, a pressure vessel (40) in fluid communication with the first and second gas control valves (10, 20) to receive and store the first and second gases at above atmospheric pressure, and an output gas control valve (50) in fluid communication with an output of the pressure vessel for supplying the blended gas from the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler may include a powder storage, an inlet channel, a dispersion chamber, and an outlet channel. A geometry of the inhaler may be such that a flow profile is generated within the dispersion chamber that causes an actuator to oscillate, enabling the actuator when oscillating to deaggregate powdered medicament within the dispersion chamber to be aerosolized and entrained by the air and delivered to a patient through the outlet channel.

Abstract: A personal airway humidification and oxygen-enrichment apparatus includes at least two membranes adapted to produce a conditioned gas. At least a first of the membranes is adapted to produce a first gas and at least a second of the membranes is adapted to produce a second gas having an oxygen content higher than the first gas. The conditioned gas includes the first gas, the second gas, or a combination thereof from the membranes. The membranes are adapted to produce the first gas and the second gas so that the conditioned gas contains gaseous water to about 100 percent saturation. The apparatus includes means for delivering water to the membranes, means for delivering an initial gas to the membranes, and a delivery hose adapted to receive the conditioned gas from one or more of the membranes and deliver the conditioned gas to a delivery device.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus for inducing or maintaining a target end tidal concentration of a gas in a subject comprising a breathing circuit, a source of gas flow into the circuit, means for controlling the rate of the source of gas flow into the circuit and means for controlling the concentration of gases in the source gas flow independently from each other. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of preparing an apparatus for inducing or maintaining a target end tidal concentration of a gas X in a subject comprising selecting a rate of a source gas flow into a breathing circuit, selecting the concentration of at least one constituent gas of a component gas making up the source gas to a level corresponding to the end tidal concentration of the gas X, whereby the apparatus is adapted to administer a source gas having a first gas composition.

Abstract: A CPAP device includes a flow generator including an outlet, a humidifier including an inlet, and an adaptor connector between the outlet of the flow generator and the inlet of the humidifier. The connector includes a flexible and conformable sealing portion that is movable to accommodate misalignment.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as a pressure support ventilator or respiratory monitor, provides operations for a patient, such a patient with heart failure, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or other respiratory insufficiency. In some embodiments, the apparatus may detect a respiratory condition, such as a decompensation event and/or exacerbation event, from respiratory parameters. A clinical alert message may be transmitted or displayed for a physician based on the results of query presented to the patient in response to an analysis of the one or more respiratory parameters. In some embodiments, the apparatus generates a potential relapse indicator that may provide a prediction of a risk of an oncoming clinical event such as for evaluating whether to release the patient from a hospital.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining suitable settings for a servo-ventilator to be used during a treatment period. Respiratory characteristics of a patient are measured during a learning period preceding the treatment period. With these measured characteristics, a target ventilation setting may be calculated by alternative methods. The calculated setting may then be used for enforcing a minimum ventilation during the treatment period where ventilatory support is provided with a servo-controlled ventilator.

Abstract: An aircraft emergency oxygen dispensing device includes an oxygen storage vessel having a frangible pressure seal, and a manifold, a pressure regulator, one or more flow control valves connected to the oxygen storage vessel. The manifold includes an initiator for breaking the pressure seal to initiate a flow of oxygen. A flow controller controls the flow control valves to dispense small quantities of oxygen by a pulse oxygen system or a modulated oxygen system based on ambient cabin air pressure. In the pulse oxygen system, the flow controller further controls the flow control valves based on input from at least one breathing mask air pressure sensor that monitors the breathing of a user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vent assembly suitable for use with a respiratory mask of the type used in CPAP treatment. In one embodiment the vent is made of a thin air permeable membrane. Generally, the membrane is thinner than 0.5 mm. The membrane can be made of a hydrophobic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The membrane can also be fabricated from expanded PTFE. The expanded PTFE membrane is mounted on a polypropylene scrim. The pores of the membrane have a reference pore size of 10 to 15 microns. In an alternative embodiment, the vent assembly includes a vent constructed from stainless steel. In another embodiment the membrane has a superficial cross-sectional area of approximately 500 mm2. In another embodiment the vent assembly comprises a membrane attached to a vent frame, the vent assembly forming an insert which can be removeably attached to a mask fame.

Abstract: A cushion comprises a substantially triangularly shaped frame from which extends a membrane. The membrane is spaced away from the rim of the frame, and its outer surface is of substantially the same shape as the rim. The seal forming portion thus contacts both the surface of the wearer's nose and a portion of the wearer's face. The shape of the seal forming portion is particularly suited to effectively seal the difficult region of the facial contour that is the crease between the sides of the nose and the face.

Abstract: The invention concerns a gel covering of a patient interface. This gel covering has a mask connection area by which its side that faces away from the patient is joined with a mask body. The patient interface can be designed, for example, as a respiratory mask. On its side that faces the patient's face, the respiratory mask has thin, inwardly formed, peripheral contact lips. The respiratory mask has accessories that allow it to be fastened on the patient's head as well as a hose connection for supplying air. At least one region formed from a filler is placed in or on the walls of the gel covering. The method is used to produce the gel covering of the invention.

Abstract: A nasal retention system for securing a nasal tube extending through a nose of a patient. The retention system comprises a clip member formed of a soft elastomeric material and including first and second pivotally connected clip portions. Each of the clip portions have a generally hemispherical shape such that a generally spherical shape is defined when the clip portions are pivoted together. The first clip portion includes an elongated nasal tube channel extending into the first clip portion, and extending between diametrically opposite sides of a perimeter of the first clip portion. The elongated channel receives a nasal tube therethrough when mating surfaces of the two clip portions are in mating engagement with each other.

Abstract: The “Sway Free Sling Stand” is used to suspend sex slings, swings and bondage gear through the use of D-Rings and Threaded Inserts. The stand is self supporting, transportable via all major airlines, easily storable, assembles without tools or hardware and is virtually free of twisting and sway due to the arrangement of the interlocking top and bottom tubes where one tube uses the corresponding, interlocked tube to provide stability and strength to the next tube. The stand is completely powder coated to provide a durable and attractive finish and features four adjustable, threaded feet that can be adjusted to provide further stability on uneven surfaces.

Abstract: The invention features a desk and recovery system that affords the user the ability to avoid stress and strain on the user's back, head and neck. The system features an upper body support featuring a torso or chest support which receives the stomach of the user for face-down support or face-down recovery. Adjustable arms are provided for an entertainment system, such as keyboard and monitor. The torso or chest, knee and buttocks supports can tilt, rotate and are height adjustable.

Abstract: A spring biased tourniquet can be placed on the exterior of a patient's appendage, such as on his or her arm. The spring tourniquet will exert pressure on the appendage to constrict and artery or dilate vein. Terminal ends of the spring member can be pulled apart to either reduce pressure or to disengage the patient's appendage. This spring biased tourniquet is especially suited for use in a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) procedure where the tourniquet can be placed on the exterior of a surgical drape, where it remains visible, and pressure can be reduced to avoid thrombosis without compromising the sterile barrier surrounding the patient during this procedure.

Abstract: A filtering face-piece respirator 10 that comprises a mask body 12 and a harness 14. The mask body 12 includes a supporting frame structure 16 and a filtering structure 18. The frame structure is injection molded onto the filtering structure 18 such that the frame structure 16 becomes bonded to the filtering structure 18. A mask body having such a support structure allows the filtering structure to follow its configuration closely, providing improved aesthetics and collapse resistance to the resulting article.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a height adjustment arrangement (100) for an ear cup in a hearing protector unit, wherein the height adjustment arrangement (100) comprises an elongated member (130) and a tubular holding member (110) connected to the elongated member, wherein the holding member provides a substantially hollow interior (111). The height adjustment arrangement further comprises a clamping member (120), wherein the clamping member is arranged to be moved from an unlocked position, in which position relative movement between the elongated member (130) and the holding member (110) is enabled, to a locking position, in which position relative movement between the elongated member and the holding member is prevented. The holding member (110) comprises a first locking member (114), wherein the second end of the holding member is provided with two flanges (115a, 115b) tapering in a direction towards the clamping member, and wherein the first locking member and the flanges are axially separated.

Abstract: A patient transfer device is utilized to transport infant patients between locations within a hospital environment. The patient transfer device includes a center, support section and a pair of side sections that can be moved into contact with each other to surround the infant patient. The first and second side sections each include a handle that can be brought into close proximity to each other and can be grasped by a single hand of a clinician. The patient transfer device includes a stiffening device that is positioned within the center section to provide support for the infant patient during transport. A hold down device is included on one or both of the first and second side sections to securely hold tubes and wires connected to the infant patient during transport of the infant patient.

Abstract: A post operative amputated lower leg limb protective and promotive healing device including a supportive section having a first end and an opposite second end; and an open framework protective section releasably securable to at least one end of the supportive section. The open framework protective section forms a plurality of openings to allow airflow therethrough in all directions and is configured to insure no physical contact by the protective section with the amputated lower leg limb. The open framework protective section is non-weight bearing.

Abstract: A substantially smooth, seamless managed friction material surface and apparatus for placement on a support surface between the support surface and a living being for preventing abrasion or decubitus ulcers in a living being. The managed friction material surface comprises a plurality of plies having a smooth side and a first, high friction zone and second, low friction zone. At least one adhesive ply is interposed partially between adjacent plies; and the plies are selectively bonded to form adjacent frictional zones of high and low friction. Unbonded plies are allowed to move substantially freely with respect to one another thus providing a lower friction zone. The apparatus comprises the managed friction material surface such that the bonded zone is configured for positioning remote the bony prominence and the unbonded zone for positioning proximate the bony prominence, seamlessly occupying different areas on the same side of the material surface.

Abstract: Tobacco products suitable for oral ingestion are provided. The tobacco products include a tobacco composition and at least one edible film. The edible film can include one or more of (i) a fruit or vegetable puree and (ii) a denatured protein. A multi-layer tobacco product is provided that includes a tobacco composition in the form of a compressed sheet layer and at least one edible film adjacent to the tobacco composition layer, wherein the edible film includes a puree of at least one fruit, vegetable, or a combination thereof. A process for preparing a tobacco product is also provided, such as a process that includes receiving a tobacco composition and an edible film; applying the edible film to the tobacco composition; and compressing the edible film and tobacco composition together to form a multi-layer tobacco product.

Abstract: Oral tobacco products having a gel-coating and methods for making are provided. The method includes (a) molding a portion of tobacco material to form a pre-portioned piece of tobacco material, the tobacco material comprising moist smokeless tobacco; (b) contacting the pre-portioned piece of tobacco material with a gel-coating solution to form a gel-coating comprising at least one polymer on an outer surface of the pre-portioned piece of tobacco material to form a gel-coated oral tobacco product, said gel-coating comprising an inner surface disposed around the pre-portioned piece of tobacco material and an outer surface; and (c) forming one ore more of perforations, uncoated areas and holes in the gel-coating of the oral tobacco product to form a gel-coated oral tobacco product.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette (“e-Cig”) may include a controller for providing various operations within an e-Cig. Enhancements for the controller may provide for improved operations and control for the e-Cig with a consumer device, such as a smartphone. Applications on the smartphone may be developed for improving the operations and the control of the e-Cig, as well as making use of data communicated from the e-Cig. Applications may be developed for controlling smoke properties, monitoring operations, adjusting settings, receiving product notifications, or compiling/analyzing data from the e-Cig. Applications may also provide other capabilities that may not be unique to an e-Cig, but may incorporate capabilities of the e-Cig, including entertainment, medical, or gaming applications.

Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product includes a plurality of orally disintegrable granules. Each granule has a lipid core and at least one layer surrounding the core. The core can also include binders, powdered tobacco carbohydrates, water soluble polymers, flavorants, salts, sweeteners, and combinations thereof. The orally disintegrable granules can provide a pleasing texture and/or flavor experience.

Abstract: Filters and cigarettes include an activated carbon sorbent capable of selectively removing nitric oxide from mainstream tobacco smoke. Methods for making cigarette filters and cigarettes using the activated carbon sorbent and methods for treating mainstream tobacco smoke produced by smoking a cigarette comprising the sorbent are also provided.

Abstract: This invention discloses an electronic cigarette, which comprises an electronic cigarette main body having a sucking rod and a power rod mutually butted with the sucking rod, and a paper protecting sleeve sleeved around an outer side of the electronic cigarette main body. The sucking rod is provided with an atomizing device for atomizing the liquid smoke to fogged smoke, the sucking rod has one end thereof provided with a sucking nozzle and another end thereof butted with the power rod. The power rod is provided with a battery therein for providing power to the atomizing device. The paper protecting sleeve sleeved and the wooden nozzle cover efficiently enhances touchfeel and mouthfeel of the electronic cigarette; multiple electronic cigarette main bodies or multiple sucking rods enriches electronic cigarette tastes; and the multiple power rods ensures power supply for the electronic cigarette.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electronic cigarette and an electronic cigarette device, the electronic cigarette includes a sucking cylinder, a sucking nozzle configured at an end of the sucking cylinder; wherein the sucking cylinder and/or the sucking nozzle are processed with wooden material; wherein the wooden material is natural timber. The electronic cigarette device includes the above-mentioned electronic cigarette, and further includes an electronic cigarette casing, for accommodating and charging the electronic cigarette; the electronic cigarette casing includes a bottom box and a box cover, the bottom box and/or the box cover are made of the wooden material. The electronic cigarette and the electronic cigarette casing are of health, hygiene, environmental protection and good taste and good feel.

Abstract: An improved hair comb for a dual comb hair accessory (11) or the like which has strand connections or terminations. The comb includes a spine (17) having a raised portion (19, 21, 23) that can advantageously be used to relocate or reorient strand connections to the comb or combs of the hair accessory relative to the plane of the comb, and that can provide a structure into or behind which strand connections, terminations and/or segments can be tucked. Preferably, the raised spine portions of the combs are constructed to form a raised cavity region (27) in the spine for receiving strand connections, terminations and/or segments.

Abstract: This invention relates to an oil absorbing comb and methods for its use. The novel comb of this invention is capable of absorbing significant amounts of oil from mammalian hair or other substrates and methods of using said comb.

Abstract: A hair styling tool having a plurality of bristles and one or more movable members extending radially outward from the core and movable between opposing positions is provided. The movable members move between a retracted position where the divider is fitted between and even with or slightly above or slightly below the bristles to engage the hair and an extended position where the divider is moved out beyond the bristles to disengage the hair from the bristles. The hair styling tool having the movable member which engages and disengages the hair with the bristles minimizes tangling of the hair while brushing. The hair styling tool may be a rotating brush optionally equipped with a motor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one non-nitrogenous zinc salt and at least one amino silicone, in a weight ratio of the amount of amino silicone(s) to the amount of zinc element ranging from 0.01 to 5, preferably from 0.2 to 3. Another subject of the invention relates to a treatment process for keratin fibres, using such a composition, and the use of such a composition, preferably in the form of a leave-in care product, for conditioning keratin fibres and protecting the artificial colour thereof against fading.

Abstract: Composition comprising a non-nitrogenous zinc salt and a particular cationic surfactant The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one particular zinc salt and at least one cationic surfactant chosen from particular quaternary ammonium salts, in a specific weight ratio. Another subject of the invention relates to a process for treating keratin fibres, using such a composition, and to the use of such a composition, preferably in the form of a leave-on care product, for conditioning keratin fibres and protecting their artificial colour from fading.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a hair straightening system including formulations that will safely and effectively straighten curly hair for at least 2-3 months after a single application, despite frequent washings of the hair. Methods for obtaining said formulations are disclosed. Hair straightening systems including shampoo and one or more conditioners are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aerosol device formed from: a container containing an aerosol composition comprising one or more propellants and, in an alcoholic or aqueous-alcoholic medium, one or more fixing polymers, and a means for dispensing the said aerosol composition comprising a diffuser equipped with a slit-shaped end orifice that produces a fan-shaped spray. The present invention also relates to a process for treating and especially for shaping keratin fibres, in particular the hair, comprising the use of this device, and to the use of the said device for shaping keratin fibres.

Abstract: Interconnected, stretchy, complete-circle headband (with or without fabric covering, with or without absorbent fabric covering, with or without patterned elastic, and with or without decorative embellishment) with separate but interlocked stretchy ponytail holder (with or without fabric covering) is used to simultaneously keep hair out of the face, while off the neck, while anchoring the headband in place such that it doesn't slip off the head. Hair can be fashioned into a back ponytail, side ponytail, or pigtails (two ponytails), or other hair-securing styles such as buns and braids. Decorative embellishments may or may not be used to enhance the function (of the interlocked but separate headband and ponytail holder) with fashion and fun.

Abstract: A hair colorant composition comprises 5-amino-4-chloro-o-cresol in combination with a 2-methoxymethyl-1,4-diaminobenzene developer. A kit for coloring hair comprises the hair colorant composition. A method of treating hair comprises applying the hair colorant composition to hair.

Abstract: A hair colorant composition comprises 2,6-diaminopyridine coupler in combination with 2-methoxymethyl-1,4-diaminobenzene developer. A kit for coloring hair comprises the hair colorant composition. A method of treating hair comprises applying the hair colorant composition to hair.