Abstract: A system for cooling and/or heating skin during laser surgery, the system utilizing cooled or heated gaseous fluid such as air containing a fragrance injected therein. The system comprises a fluid delivery apparatus having an air delivery system. The air delivery system has an air outlet and delivers air through the air outlet. A resilient delivery tube is connected to the air outlet, and terminates at a delivery outlet. A misting tube is provided having a fluid receiving end and a fluid delivering end. The fluid delivering end is connected to the resilient delivery tube at a point adjacent to the delivery outlet. A fluid source is provided connected to the misting tube at the fluid receiving end. Fluid from the fluid source may be fragranced, medicated, lubricated or otherwise treated. Fluid from the fluid source is combined in-stream in a misting pattern with air from the resilient delivery tube to provide the fluid at a predetermined location.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a metered dosage inhaler device having a main housing member for receiving and dispensing inhalation medication that is hollow, and has an aerosol medication container insertion end and a nozzle portion, wherein the nozzle has a defined length and has an orifice with a defined cross-sectional area outlet surfaces and inner surfaces. There is a spacer member, fitted on the nozzle and adapted to move outwardly and inwardly relatively to the nozzle, the spacer being hollow and being located about either outer surfaces or within the inner surfaces of the nozzle, the spacer having a total length about equal to or less than the nozzle when on the outside, or at least half of its length within the device when on the inside, so as to preserve significant compactness. The spacer member includes a plurality of movable segments such as telescopic rings, bellows segments or popoid segments.

Abstract: A snorkel including a mouthpiece, a tube and a sealing member is disclosed. The tube extends from the mouthpiece and includes a first end proximate the mouthpiece, a second end and at least one internal passageway having a port proximate the second end. The sealing member is slidably coupled to the tube proximate the second end and is sealed about the tube. The sealing member moves between a closed position in which the member occludes the port and an open position in which the port is open. The sealing member has an interior in communication with the at least one internal passageway when the sealing member is in the closed position. In the exemplary embodiment, the sealing member is sealed to the tube via a flexible membrane. In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible membrane preferably includes a bellows.

Abstract: A system for removing halocarbon gas components from waste anesthetic gases using the resource of cold oxygen from liquid oxygen which is stored cryogenically at a healthcare facility. The oxygen is warmed while cooling of waste anesthetic gases from anesthetizing locations of a healthcare facility. Two heat exchangers/condensers are provided. In the first, the waste gas is cooled to about 0° C. thereby condensing any water vapor in the waste gas. In the second, the waste gas is further cooled to about −150° C. thereby condensing and liquefying the halocarbon gas components, which are removed to a tank for recycling and/or destruction. The remainder of the waste gases (e.g., nitrogen, oxygen and nitrous oxide) are vented to the atmosphere. The warmed oxygen is piped to the healthcare facility for its normal uses after it has been warmed by the waste anesthetic gases in the two heat exchangers/condensers.

Abstract: An apparatus meant for human use to supplement breathing while at high altitude in aircraft for emergency use. The apparatus includes a valve as an actuator to discharge oxygen into an attached facemask. A small cylinder containing oxygen under pressure is inserted and attached to the valve. Once assembled, the invention is stored in aircraft to be available for instant use. If a cabin depressurzation emergency should occur, an occupant may access oxygen immediately by pressing a valve lever to start the flow of oxygen. By adjusting a knob located on the valve lever the user may control the flow of oxygen and extend oxygen use to allow time for evasive action.

Abstract: A remote control and tactile feedback system for a medical apparatus, such as a patient ventilator. The ventilator provides a signal having a property indicative of a desired parameter, such as airway pressure or tidal volume. The system has a member suitable for being received in the hand of a user, such as a clinician. A movable trigger is suitable for being engaged by the fingers of the user. An electrical-mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic force applying element is coupled to the trigger for applying a force to the fingers of the user responsive to the parameter signal. A tactile sensation of the desired parameter is thus provided to the user. The trigger is coupled to a signal generator for providing a control signal to the ventilator.

Abstract: A system and method for ventilating a lung in a living being by varying the peak inspiratory pressure. The peak inspiratory pressure may deviate about a mean that is chosen to correspond with a knee in a pressure-volume curve of the lung.

Abstract: An emergency life support system including a patient ventilator for mechanical breathing assistance; a capnograph to monitor CO2 for ventilation effectiveness; a pulse oximeter for measuring blood stream oxygen saturation; a carbon dioxide sensor; an electrocardiograph (ECG) to monitor cardiac performance; an infusion pump; and alarms and a data recorder. The preferred embodiment uses an oxygen generator to deliver oxygen, to generate electric power to run the ventilation system, and to warm IV fluids and resuscitated air. The generator has electronically controlled valves and a modified valve system that offers the ability to select the oxygen concentration in the air delivered to the patient.

Abstract: A respirator comprising a facepiece having a cup shaped portion for sealingly engaging a face of a wearer and covering the mouth and nose of the wearer and a cover having a cup shape that is complementary to the cup shaped portion of the facepiece. The cover is capable to detachably mate with the facepiece to define with the facepiece a void area that is cup-shaped and suitable to receive a filter having a complementary shape. The filter includes an apex portion, a side portion depending from the apex portion and a continuous flange portion surrounding said side portion and projecting laterally therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus and method, as embodied and broadly described herein, provide a respiratory mask for the application of positive pressure to the airways of a patient. The mask includes two chambers in which a first chamber is maintained with positive pressure with respect to the ambient pressure and contains a first opening which, when in use, is positioned against the patient's face. A second chamber, maintained at negative pressure with respect to the ambient pressure, contains a second opening which, when in use, is positioned against the patient's face, such that the face contacting area of the first opening is smaller than the face contacting area of the second opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a breathing protector for a laryngectomized or tracheotemized person having a tracheostoma that communicates with trachea. The breathing protector is designed to be applied over the tacheostoma and is provided with a heat-moisture exchanger body. The heat-moisture exchanger body communicates with the tracheostoma through an inlet (relative to exhaling) and has an outlet. In accordance with the invention, the heat-moisture exchanger body has a contact surface turned toward the person, which is largely flat and which is designed so that when it is applied, it will assume a shape that conforms with the shape of the skin. Moreover, the heat-moisture exchanger body has an outlet oriented so that it is parallel with the plane in which the breathing protector contacts the skin around the hole in the neck or has at least one component in this direction.

Abstract: A device and method of using the device for contraception or sterilization and particularly for reversible contraception by occluding a reproductive lumen to prevent the passage of reproductive cells through the lumen for a desired period of time until the patient wishes to become fertile again and then be reopened. The occluding member preferably comprises a tubular framework formed from a shape memory material configured to be implanted in a reproductive lumen. The occluding member is implanted within a body lumen, secured to the wall of the reproductive lumen and then collapsed to collapse the wall and occlude the lumen. Alternatively, the occluding member may be collapsed upon a solid plug. The closure of the reproductive lumen may be reversed by introducing a balloon catheter and by a series of inflations of the balloon reexpanding the collapsed occluding member or by removing the plug.

Abstract: An earplug arrangement enables low cost manufacture and storage of earplugs and convenient dispensing of individual earplugs. The earplugs are formed from an extrusion of a maximum diameter of about 12 mm and with narrow locations spaced apart by about 1 to 5 cm to separate the extrusion into a chain of at least ten earplugs, where the last earplug of the chain of earplugs formed by the extrusion can be cut from the rest of the chain for insertion into a person's ear canal. The chain of earplugs is stored in a plurality of loops in a container, as in a plurality of loops wrapped about a cylinder. The extrusion can include a stiffening core of stiff first material and an extruded covering of a soft resilient foam second material surrounding the core, the thickness of the second material being less than half as great at the narrowed locations as at maximum diameter locations while the core is of uniform cross-section along the entire length of the extrusion.

Abstract: An earplug includes a body of soft elastomeric material such as a soft resilient foam for insertion in the ear canal, and a stiffener of more rigid material than the body. The stiffener is in the form of a tube rather than a solid rod, so while the stiffener is resistant to column-like collapse, it is easily radially compressed to facilitate compression of the body as it enters the ear canal. The stiffener tube can be filled with soft resilient foam material, to block the passage of sound through the tube. The tubular stiffener can have a slot extending parallel to the length of the stiffener, to allow soft foam material to flow into the tube to fill it, as the foam material that surrounds the tube is molded. Such molding can be accomplished by extruding foam material while the tubular stiffener passes with the extruded foam through the extrusion head.

Abstract: Earplugs produced by extrusion of a foamable polymer through an extrusion head opening (14), are severed and shaped to produce a largely symmetric rounded end (27, 28) and/or compression bands (190, 192, 204) for stiffening. Severing of an earplug at the extrusion head is accomplished by two or more cutting blades (50, 52) that move in largely opposite directions across one another to provide a symmetric cut that foams into a largely symmetric rounded earplug end. Compression bands are formed along the earplug to stiffen it, by two or more compression dies (221-224) spaced about the axis of the earplug. An earplug with a stiffening sleeve (116) that is surrounded by a foam covering (124) and that is filled with a string (122) of the same foam, is severed so at the opposite ends of the earplug the covering ends (160) and string ends (162) are rounded even though the sleeve end (164) is cut perpendicular to the earplug axis (166).

Abstract: Methods for screening a patient for a cancer wherein the methods comprise detecting an HPV in a biopsy from a patient are disclosed. Also disclosed are compositions and products for screening and for treating cancer in a patient, as well as methods of treating a patient afflicted with a cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides surgical systems and methods for ablating heart tissue within the interior and/or exterior of the heart. A plurality of probes is provided with each probe configured for introduction into the chest for engaging the heart. Each probe includes an elongated shaft having an elongated ablating surface of a predetermined shape. The elongated shaft and the elongated ablating surface of each probe are configured to ablate a portion of the heart. A sealing device affixed to the heart tissue forms a hemostatic seal between the probe and the penetration in the heart to inhibit blood loss therethrough.

Abstract: A surgical method and a control system is provided. The surgical method and the control system can advantageously be used in a minimally invasive surgical apparatus. The method includes generating a desired surgical instrument movement command signal. It further includes comparing the desired surgical instrument movement command signal with at least one preset surgical instrument movement limitation. Should the desired surgical instrument command signal transgress the preset surgical instrument movement limitation, the desired surgical instrument movement command signal is restricted to yield a restricted surgical instrument movement command signal. A surgical instrument is then caused to move in response to the restricted surgical instrument movement command signal. The method further provides for haptic feedback on a master control in response to restriction of the desired surgical instrument movement command signal.

Abstract: A video-based surgical targeting system for targeting anatomical structures within a patient.

Abstract: An Artificial Cigar Device designed and configured to have the appearance and feel of an actual cigar, but actually is artificial, contains no chemicals, and acts as a pacifier for individuals wishing to quit smoking. The Artificial Cigar Device is structured and configured to depict an actual cigar and is fabricated from a soft, chewable, washable and durable material such as medical grade liquid silicone rubber comprised of an approximate range of forty-sixty durometer with a pleasant scent. Said scent ingredients such as vanilla or the like of said non-toxic semi-rigid polymeric material for the artificial cigar shaft member are also absorbed into said absorbent material. The Artificial Cigar Device is also comprised of a cylindrical band affixed around the front end of said shaft member thereby simulating the appearance of an actual cigar wrap. In addition, each Artificial Cigar Device will be packaged in it's own reusable container for storage.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a homogeneous fibriform element comprising a smoke-modifying agent. In the process a mixture comprising a solution of a polysaccharide (an alginate for example) and a smoke-modifying agent (menthol for example) is fed through nozzle means, and a jet of said mixture issuing from the nozzle means is brought into contact with a solution containing multivalent cations (such as calcium ions). Solidification of the mixture is thus effected. In a second aspect of the invention, a fibriform element is manufactured by passing a thread through a mixture comprising a solution of a polysaccharide and a smoke-modifying agent whereby the thread is coated with the mixture. The coated thread is brought into contact with a solution containing multivalent cations thus to effect solidification of the mixture on the thread. A fibriform element as manufactured by the inventive process and a smoking article comprising such a fibriform element are also claimed.

Abstract: The wig band is a device for keeping a wig or hairpiece attached to a head. It is most useful to people, with Alopecia or hair loss, such as patients undergoing chemotherpy. It is also useful to people who use stocking caps and other cap materials to keep their own hair from interfering with the fit of the wig, because a wig or hairpiece with a closer fit-to the scalp gives a more natural look. A wig is attached to the band by coupling loop-type Velcro™ pieces to the wig itself and hook-type Velcro™ pieces to the band. The hook-type Velcro pieces are attached to the band at the area near the temple area of the head. The band is placed on the head as if it were a brim to a hat. The wig is then placed on the head over the band causing the hook and loop-type Velcro™ pieces to mesh and bond, thereby securing the wig or hairpiece to the user's head.

Abstract: A hair setting device comprises a setting material supply for storing hair setting material, a hollow pipe-shaped body including a guide groove formed along a lengthwise direction of the body and a slit formed at a bottom of the guide groove, the slit communicating with an inside space of the hollow pipe-shaped body, a base for fixing the hollow pipe-shaped body to the setting material supply, the base communicating with the inside space of the hollow pipe-shaped body and including an inner surface enclosing a nozzle of the setting material supply, an operating valve, including a setting material guide hole at a center portion of the operating valve, the operating valve being supported by a first spring inside the hollow pipe-shaped body, a bottom end portion of the operating valve being in contact with the nozzle of the setting material supply, a push button installed at a bottom portion of the hollow pipe-shape body in a radial direction thereof and supported by a second spring, wherein the push button is i

Abstract: A hairdressing device includes a plurality of hairdressers, a plurality of hair rollers and a plurality of roller cloths respectively wound around each hair roller. Each hairdresser consists of a housing, a power device and a plurality of winding rollers fixed in the housing. The hairdressers are fixed spaced apart on a hanging arm so many persons can receive hairdressing operation synchronously. When finishing operation, a hanging band pulled down from the winding roller may be wound up around the winding roller to hide in the housing, maintaining an outer beauty of the hairdressing device. The roller cloth has a heater and an insulating member completely surrounding the heater, and a layer of ceramic powder having characteristic to produce some heat is coated on the insulating member to add heat to the hair roller.

Abstract: A novel form of a knot holder is provided which, in its preferred embodiment, consists of a cylindrical band of material elasticized along both edges. A method for using a knot holder to secure a knot is also provided. In use, the wearer encloses her knot into the knot holder, ensuring that the first elasticized edge sits between the knot and the wearer's head while the second elasticized edge grabs onto the knot holding it securely against the head while allowing the central portion of the knot to show through. A tightening mechanism may be included along one or both edges. Bands of elastic may be included on the inside surface to allow the knot holder to double as a wrist wallet.

Abstract: A powder case comprises a lower case 12 for receiving powder 14 and being formed with a conjunction protrusion 13 around upper peripheral; and an upper case 15 including hook 16 to be coupled with the conjunction protrusion 13 on the inner peripheral surface of the lower case, a cylindrical housing 17 formed vertically from the upper center to the lower, a ledge 18, formed along middle peripheral of the housing 17, for locking a flange 24 of a brush 21, and an array of apertures 19 at the bottom of the housing 17.

Abstract: An improved dental floss applicator is provided in the form of a compact case for receiving and storing a spool of dental floss together with an applicator fork for use in manipulating a length of dental floss for cleaning a person's teeth. The applicator fork is pivotally mounted to the case for movement between a normal stored position within the hollow interior of the case, and a deployed position extending outwardly from the case for use. In the stored position, the spool of dental floss is nested within the fork to provide a compact overall geometry. A lock tab on the case engages mating recessed seats on the fork for securely retaining the fork relative to the case in each of its stored and deployed positions.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a process chamber, comprising the steps of introducing at least one cleaning gas to the process chamber; and employing a rapid heating module located in the process chamber, wherein the rapid heating module increases the temperature of chamber parts and improves the surface temperature uniformity of chamber parts when the module is turned on, thereby assisting the cleaning activity of the cleaning gas such that the process chamber is cleaned.

Abstract: A portable dental system and method is disclosed for cleaning endodontic files and the like during a operation such as a root canal procedure. This allows a dentist to clean files in situ while performing the removal of root material. As the file is withdrawn from the patients mouth by the dentist, it can be inserted into a sealed container through the lid and can be cleaned ultrasonically and immediately withdrawn and reinserted into a patients tooth canal for further removal of tooth and root material. Debridement of the files ensures less likelihood the file will break within the canal; furthermore, since no passing off to or cleaning the tip by an assistant is required, there is less likelihood of inadvertent skin puncturing and infection of the dentist or assistant. The sealed disposable container housing a cleaning fluid is insertably removable from the base, which supports it and provides a source of ultrasonic energy thereto.

Abstract: A process for removing unwanted deposition build-up from one or more interior surfaces of a substrate processing chamber after depositing a layer of material over a substrate disposed in the chamber. In one embodiment the process comprises transferring the substrate out of the chamber; flowing a first gas into the substrate processing chamber and forming a plasma within the chamber from the first gas in order to heat the chamber; and thereafter, extinguishing the plasma, flowing an etchant gas into a remote plasma source, forming reactive species from the etchant gas and transporting the reactive species into the substrate processing chamber to etch the unwanted deposition build-up.

Abstract: Several methods are presented for extracting useful work from a ring-vortex moving at high angular and axial velocities. The key components are a ring-vortex generator or launcher, a platen that penetrates the ring-vortex centroid along the axis of revolution, and a collector. Typical applications that utilize different parameters of a ring-vortex include a pump, filter, and heat exchanger.

Abstract: A floor mat system for placement directly near an entryway to permit the disinfecting and cleaning of shoe soles and all other surfaces contacting directly with the fibers of the mat. The floor mat system consists of a frame structure either mechanical or rubberized in construction. The top portion being of a carpet type fiber construction, with a hollow center portion and rubberized non-skid backing against the floor and sides. The hollow center portion of the system may be enclosed and a microbicidal component introduced to the carpet fiber portion in a capillary action. Alternatively, the microbicidal component may be contained in a separate enclosed package which is introduced to the carpet fiber portion through spray heads located on the enclosed package in a pressure action activated by weight on the top carpet layer. The floor mat system may also be integrated into other floor or carpet.

Abstract: A dishwasher fluid circulation assembly is provided including a main pump, a spray arm conduit, a fine filter assembly, a drain pump, and a sump. The main pump includes a pump inlet and a discharge in flow communication with the spray arm conduit. The fine filter assembly includes a fluid inlet in flow communication with the spray arm conduit and a drain tube The drain pump is in flow communication with the drain tube; and a sump is in flow communication with the main pump and the drain pump. The main pump and drain pump are simultaneously activated to flush the fine filter assembly and remove accumulated soil therein.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning apparatus includes an indexer, a front surface cleaning unit for cleaning the front surface of a substrate, a back surface cleaning unit for cleaning the back surface of the substrate, a particle inspecting unit for detecting a distribution of particles adhering to the substrate, a reversing unit for reversing the substrate, and a transport section having a pair of transport units. Cleaning conditions of the front surface cleaning unit or back surface cleaning unit are varied based on the distribution of particles on the substrate after the substrate is cleaned by the front surface cleaning unit or back surface cleaning unit and inspected by the particle inspecting unit.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a simple and economical device for opening and closing separate suction openings (13, 14, 15) of a device (1) which is provided for treating substrates, especially semiconductor wafers, and which comprises a treatment reservoir (3). Said treatment reservoir is filled with a treatment fluid and is arranged in an essentially closed space that has at least two separate suction openings (13, 14, 15). To this end, a rotatable disc (17) is provided which covers up the suction opening while isolating it from the space and which comprises a through-opening (18). One of the suction openings (13, 14, 15) can be at least partially overlapped by said through-opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides an umbrella consisted of a central stick, several ribs, and cover, wherein a fan stand is secured on the central stick, and connected with a motor box in hinge joint, said motor box holds a motor connecting with power, and a fan blade is secured on the axle of the motor. Due to adopting above-mentioned structure, the present invention attaches a mini electric fan to make the umbrella have two functions, as opening the umbrella, and turning on the fan simultaneously, the user not only enjoys shadow of the umbrella, but also feels the cool brought up by the fan.

Abstract: A sunshade comprises a main post, a joint rotatably mounted to an upper end of the main post, and a canopy frame pivotally mounted to the joint. The canopy frame can be pivoted relative to the joint to a desired tilt angle. In addition, a rotating device is used to turn the joint for proceeding with 360° rotational adjustment of the canopy frame relative to the ground for optimal shield.

Abstract: A frame of self-opening umbrella is provided wherein both ribs and spreaders are formed of lightweight fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) tube. Also there is no provision of pin and legs of second pivotal member between each link formed of stainless steel and each spreader. Each link has an upper hook end coupled to the pivotal hole in both the pivotal member and the spreader. Accordingly, the folded umbrella has a reduced space. The umbrella consists of simple constituent components and has an aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: A frame of self-opening umbrella is provided wherein both ribs and spreader are formed of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) tubes. Also there is no provision of pin and legs on pivotal member between each of link formed of stainless steel and each spreader. Each link has an upper hook end coupled to the pivotal member of the spreader. Accordingly, the folded self-opening umbrella has a reduced space. Such umbrella further has simple components and aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: A foldable umbrella includes a post; a stationary hub secured to an upper end of the post; a canopy centrally secured to the stationary hub; a sleeve slidably mounted on the post; a plurality of radially oriented ribs secured to the canopy in equiangularly spaced relation, each rib having a radially inner end and a radially outward end; a plurality of foldable strut assemblies, each strut assembly connected between the sleeve and a respective one of the ribs, each strut assembly including a first strut having one end pivotally connected at a first pivot point to the sleeve and a second end pivotally connected to a respective one of the ribs at a second pivot point spaced radially outwardly from the radially inner end of the rib, a second strut having one end pivotally connected at a third pivot point to the stationary hub and a second end pivotally connected at a fourth pivot point to an intermediate point of the first strut, and a third strut having one end pivotally connected at a fifth pivot point to an in

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-folded umbrella with two layers of covers, which includes a frame with at least three-folded ribs, an upper cover and a lower cover. The rim of the upper cover is connected at a position above the first rib or the second rib not to extend to the end rib. When the umbrella is folded and closed, the upper cover will be hidden in the umbrella, which may have an outlook with a single cover for being facilitated to be closed or received.

Abstract: A portable shelter in the form of a containerized tent having a hinged, folding and telescoping overhead support structure that mounted, stored and supported within a transportable container, wherein the tent box is capable of mounting on a variety of on and off-road vehicles, wherein the shelter is quickly and easily erected and dismantled by one individual, and wherein the full length of the tent is securely supported to prevent structural failure during utilization thereof, thereby enabling camping in remote locations.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a sunless tanning composition to a human user including a booth with a sunless tanning composition spraying apparatus and suitable for containing a user, with a dressing room attached to the booth and having an ingress to the booth and an egress. The dressing room may include features such as a heater; a blower that circulates air through the dressing room; an integrally formed seat; and at least one of the set consisting of a towel rack and a clothing hook.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided having at least first and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The first panel has a first retaining mechanism that defines an adjustment space, and the second panel has a second retaining mechanism that is movably received inside the adjustment space of the first retaining mechanism to couple the second panel to the first panel. The second retaining mechanism is movable within the adjustment space to allow the relative positions of the first and second panels to be adjusted. Other collapsible structures are provided having at least first and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation.

Abstract: A collapsible frame for use in erecting tents, canopies and the like at outdoor venues includes a plurality of telescopic legs for providing vertical structural support, and a plurality of top corner joints each fixedly mounted upon a top end of a corresponding telescopic leg. A leg slider joint is adjustably mounted upon each telescopic leg for sliding along that telescopic leg. A truss pair of link members is mounted to a pair of top corner joints and to a corresponding pair of leg slider joints mounted on adjacent pairs of telescopic legs for providing a scissors connector. Finally, a plurality of canopy support arms each including a flexible connector, and each fixedly connected to a top corner joint and a corresponding leg slider joint, is employed for raising and lowering the collapsible frame as a stable unitary structure.

Abstract: Device for the installation in an air-gas feeding duct, a standard thermocouple to provide both a cold safety function in case of extinction, and a hot safety function, without any additional device, in case of internal combustion. The downstream portion of the bulb side (4) of the thermocouple penetrates into the air-gas duct (2). Its probe tip (3) is immobilized against the inner surface of the diffusion chamber (5) at the centre of the combustion chamber (6). Its connector (16) is secured to its exit point from the duct (2) at a marker-projection (17) by a lock (15). The life span of the thermocouple is considerably increased through permanent cooling by the fresh air-gas mixture of the elements proximate to combustion. In case of internal combustion, the inversion of temperature gradients of the cold and hot junctions of the thermocouple causes the generated electromotive force to fall rapidly. The device is designed for high temperature confinement burners.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material comprising a Group IV element boride doped with one of the Group III, IV, or V elements, wherein the doping element is different from the Group IV element in the Group IV element boride, and the doping element is not boron. A method of fabricating a thermoelectric material including the steps of: providing a Group IV element boride, and doping the Group IV element boride with a doping element chosen from one of the column III, IV, or V elements, wherein the doping element is different from the Group IV element in the Group IV element boride, and the doping element is not boron. An alternate method of fabricating a thermoelectric material is also disclosed including the steps of simultaneously growing on a substrate a Group IV element boride and at least one doping element chosen from one of the Group III, IV, or V elements wherein the doping element is different than the Group IV element in the Group IV element boride and the doping element is not boron.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a photovoltaic thin film module (1) which is provided with a thin film solar cell system (2) that is mounted on carrier materials (3) and is covered with a compound (4) on at least one side of the surface, whereby said compound consists of an encapsulating material and is provided with a sealing layer (5) on the side of the surface thereof, said side being arranged on the thin film solar cell system (2). According to a covering method, the encapsulating material (4) and the thin film solar cell system (2), together with the carrier (3), are guided along one another and are pressed under pressure and at an increased temperature in such a way that a weather-proof, photovoltaic thin film module in the form of a compound (1) is designed. According to a method that can be carried out easily, a photovoltaic thin film module that is resistant to UV light, water vapour and other effects of the weather is provided.

Abstract: A diode-incorporated solar battery, which is intended to minimize an increase in production cost and a decrease in reliability that are involved in incorporating diodes into the solar battery, and to reduce the area of the surface electrodes of the solar battery so as to increase the electric power generation of the solar battery, wherein to this end, a connecting metal fixture for interconnecting solar cells has added thereto projection for parallel-connecting the solar cells and diodes.

Abstract: Methods and systems for absorbing infrared light, and for emitting current are described. A sample, such as a sample containing mainly silicon, is microstructured by at least one laser pulse to produce cone-like structures on the exposed surface. Such microstructuring enhances the infrared absorbing, and current emission properties of the sample.