Abstract: A first method for inhibiting snoring includes at least one layer of adhesive that is applied to a soft pallet to prevent vibration of the soft pallet. A second method employs a transdermal patch having an astringent or muscle-contracting drug thereon that is applied to the soft pallet. In a third method, the astringent or muscle-contracting drug is snorted by the user. In a fourth method, the astringent or muscle-contracting drug is applied to the soft pallet by an atomized nasal spray. In a fifth embodiment, a thin electrical device is positioned against the hard pallet in electrical communication with a pair of closely spaced apart electrodes that abut the soft pallet. A low, safe current between the electrodes stiffens the soft pallet and prevents it from fluttering. A denture-like device may be used to hold the thin electrical device in place.

Abstract: An O-ring is provided for use in an adjustable surgical wound protector having a solid cross-section including a cross-sectional center that is spaced from a central longitudinal axis and a resilient configuration for squeezing into an oblong shape that is insertable into a surgical incision. At least one recess is defined in the O-ring that is selectively sized and shaped to enable a snap-action rolling of the O-ring about the cross-sectional center in predetermined increments. The recess may comprise various cross-sectional shapes, such as, at least one circumferential groove, a plurality of circumferentially positioned recesses, or be shaped such that the O-ring comprises a cruciform cross-section. An improved incrementally adjustable apparatus for protecting an incised wound from exposure to bacterial and other harmful contaminants is also provided including a pair of resilient O-rings connected to opposite ends of an impermeable pliable sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for supporting the urethra in a patient to treat urinary incontinence. Support of the urethra involves forming a loop under the urethra with a structure referred to as a urethral support and applying an upward force with the support to hold the urethra in a more desired position. The present invention utilizes the space of Retzius within which portions of the urethral support are positioned. Ingrowth by surrounding tissues to the urethral support material provide further stability and such ingrowth, combined with the position of the support, allow sufficient tension to be applied to support to hold the urethra in place. Placement of such a urethral support is achieved by minimally invasive techniques, such as with the use of laparoscopic instruments. Such techniques allows placement of the urethral support by accessing the space of Retzius through the vaginal wall without penetrating the abdominal wall.

Abstract: The invention is a low cost means to use the patient's own antibodies against an infectious disease such as a HIV virus infection by surgically shunting the naturally-occurring saliva-borne antibodies into the patient's bloodstream. To do this, a small incision is made in the central portion of the cheek near an area where the parotid duct and a blood vessel are in close proximity. This area is located using a light source. Then the parotid saliva duct is cut and attached to a vein such that the saliva flows into and mixes with the blood. The portion of the duct leading to the mouth is sealed off, while the portion leading to the salivary gland is temporarily left open. The parotid blood vessel is then cut and a surgical tee is inserted. The parotid duct is attached onto the perpendicular outlet of the surgical tee and the outlet of the parotid duct thereby linking the blood vessel and the parotid salivary duct.

Abstract: The outfeed unit of a cigarette maker establishes a feed path along which at least one cigarette rod is caused to advance in a predetermined direction from the outfeed end of a beam, on which the rod is formed, toward a cutter device by which the rod is divided into sticks constituting single cigarettes; the unit is equipped with a cut-off device located in close proximity to the outfeed of the forming beam, by which the rod is severed and diverted from the feed path, and, at a given point downstream of the cut-off device, with pinch rollers by which a portion of the rod separated through the action of the cut-off device is removed from a final stretch of the feed path between the cut-off device and the cutter device.

Abstract: A lighter including a scissors is provided. In a preferred embodiment the scissors is pivotably secured to a surface of the lighter body. In a folded configuration the scissors is flush with the lighter body and safely stowed within a compartment of the lighter body. In an unfolded configuration, the scissors is pivoted from the folded configuration and adapted for cutting cigars.

Abstract: The invention is an ultrasonic device for the treatment of hair and other fibers. The device includes an ultrasound generator, a comb device responsive to the generated ultrasonic waves and a plurality of protuberances, having a natural bending frequency, extending outward from the comb device. Alternatively, the treatment device includes an ultrasound generator, a comb device responsive to the generated ultrasonic waves and a reflector for reflecting the incident ultrasonic waves disposed on the distal end of the comb device.

Abstract: A self-analysis hair density measuring device comprises a housing body with a calibrated gauge element movably affixed to one side of said housing body. There are at least two or preferably three movable pronged tines extending from within the proximal end of said housing body with a gear or pivot mechanism disposed within said housing body that operatively connects said tines with said gauge. There is also a flexible, handle extending from the distal end of said housing body that is numerically calibrated with a flexible, tapered distal tip. Using a minor, the tines may be used to measure the width of one's part which, over time, may indicate whether the part is widening or narrowing and thereby is directly indicative of the rate of hair loss and/or re-growth. The flexible handle is wrapped around the user's ponytail or mane and is directly indicative of hair density.

Abstract: New findings such as the highlight theory which determine the impression of a face are utilized for the technique of modifying a photographed facial image and the makeup technique. A method according to the present invention includes determining a desirable face desired by a person who is subjected to facial modification or makeup, and performing image processing like shape-merging on an original facial image or an image of a face of the subject person based on the desirable face to thereby prepare images of selectable modified faces.

Abstract: A hair treatment device and method, for use in changing the appearance of hair. The device comprises a compressible hair roller including a roller body and a base including ends with cradles which receives the roller body. The combination of the roller body and base, together with the respective construction, results in a more natural looking and feeling “perm”.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cosmetic holder apparatus for holding a lipstick tube and either a lip liner, a lip brush, or both in a common protected container to prevent damage to the smaller items when carried in a purse or handbag and to allow them to be conveniently accessed with one retrieval operation. The cosmetic holder apparatus is comprised of a base and cover that contain a lipstick tube and at least one lip liner or lip brush. The lipstick tube is contained in a first portion of the base and the lip liner or lip brush is contained in a second portion of the base. The cover encloses the cosmetic items and frictionally engages the base to contain the items therein.

Abstract: A safe dental floss consists of a bundle of slender fiber strings and an outer surrounding layer surrounding the bundle of slender fiber strings. The outer surrounding layer is made of a kind of slipping substance such as rubber. Then the dental floss may reduce mutual friction against two teeth between a gap where the dental floss is pushed in and moved inward and outward to clean remains left therein. Therefore, the dental floss may not liable to break or pinch a tooth, very safe to use.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning removable oral appliances, such as tooth repositioning aligners, comprise a base having a tray for holding the appliance in a bath of cleaning solution. A low-frequency driver is provided in the base for reciprocating the tray about a horizontal or vertical axis to wash the cleaning solution over the appliance. Usually, the apparatus will further comprise a cradle which is mounted to reciprocate about a horizontal axis within the base. The cradle defines a receptacle which removably receives the cleaning tray. The cleaning tray is preferably reciprocated at frequency in the range from 1 Hz to 10 Hz, usually in the range from 2 Hz to 5 Hz.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device and method for removing build-up on such measurement gauges. The inventive device and method involve a movable scraper that fits around a cylindrical shield of a measurement gauge and continuously removes the build-up on the shield. Movement of the scraper is accomplished by a magnetic coupling between a magnetic core attached to the scraper, which is inside a pipe or other piece of equipment, and solenoids that are installed on the outside of the pipe. The device and method of the invention ensure instantaneously correct readings from the measurement gauge and improve control and operation strategies of heat exchanges, with significant economic advantages.

Abstract: In a method of affecting cleaning or chamber process control to remove residues of fluorinated discharges from internal PECVD chamber hardware during manufacture of a semiconductor or integrated circuit, the improvement of removing the fluorinated discharges without opening the chamber and without causing chamber downtime, comprising:

Abstract: A process and system for conditioning a bulk container for ultra-high purity liquefied gas. Vapor is generated in the container from a conditioning quantity of the ultra-high purity liquefied gas by imposing a temperature difference on the container so that the vapor condenses when a temperature difference is achieved. The resulting liquid reflux, e.g., the condensed liquid drips or flows back to the conditioning quantity of the liquified gas, washes or removes contaminants, e.g., particles, metal and moisture, from the interior surface of the container. A portion of the vapor is vented from the container for reclamation. The used conditioning liquid may also be reclaimed.

Abstract: A method is taught for cleaning photographic chemistry product fouling, including a proteinaceous portion and a non-proteinaceous portion from a liquid delivery system. The method comprises the steps of displacing resident product solution in the piping with water, hydrodynamically cleaning the piping system using two-phase flow a first time, chemically cleaning the piping system with an aqueous bleach solution to remove the proteinaceous portion of the photographic chemistry product fouling, chemically cleaning the piping system with a functionalized ethyl acetate solvent to remove the non-proteinaceous portion of the photographic chemistry product fouling, and hydrodynamically cleaning the piping system using two-phase flow a second time after the chemical cleaning steps to remove remaining residue. Preferably, after the second hydrodynamic two-phase flow cleaning step, the delivery system is subjected to a high purity water rinse.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method for washing a biological chip cartridge. A washing station comprises a cartridge holder that includes at least two cartridge mounting tubes that are structured to retain the biological chip cartridge on the washing station without doors. At least one fluid source communicates with one of the mounting tubes and a waste dump communicates with another mounting tube. A fluid controller controls delivery of a fluid from the fluid source to the mounting tube.

Abstract: The surface of a semiconductor wafer is cleaned simultaneously using diluted hydrofluoric acid and electrolytic ionized water. The electrolytic ionized water is produced using an electrolyte supplied into an intermediate cell of a 3-cell electrolyzer. The 3-cell electrolyzer has an anode cell, the intermediate cell, and a cathode cell partitioned from one another by ion exchange membranes. After deionized water is supplied into the anode cell and the cathode cell and the intermediate cell is filled with an electrolytic aqueous solution, electrolysis is carried out to produce electrolytic ionized water. The electrolytic ionized water and the hydrofluoric acid solution are then supplied to one or more semiconductor wafer cleaning apparatus. The simultaneous use of the electrolytic ionized water and the diluted hydrofluoric acid offers an improvement in removing contaminants from the surface of the wafer without damaging an insulating layer or a metal layer exposed at the surface of the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: In a method for cleaning for cleaning metallic ion contamination, and especially copper, from wafer containers, the containers are loaded into a cleaning apparatus. The containers are sprayed with a dilute chelating agent solution. The chelating agent solution removes metallic contamination from the containers. The containers are then rinsed with a rinsing liquid, such as deionized water and a surfactant. The containers are then dried, preferably by applying heat and/or hot air movement.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, the polymeric coating is removed from a coated optical fiber by disposing the fiber within a low pressure environment and applying sufficient heat to volatilize at least a portion of the polymeric coating. The result is that the coating material bursts from the fiber, yielding a clean glass surface virtually free of surface flaws. In a preferred embodiment the heat is provided by a resistive filament heater within a vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A cleaning system utilizing a pressurized dense-phase cleaning fluid includes a cleaning containment vessel having a containment-vessel interior, and a pressurization source in fluid communication with the containment-vessel interior to produce a cleaning pressure therein. There is at least one ultrasonic energy source directing ultrasonic energy into the containment-vessel interior. Where there are two ultrasonic energy sources, they desirably function at different frequencies. Each ultrasonic energy source includes a transducer housing having a transducer-housing interior, an ultrasonic transducer within the transducer-housing interior and directing a beam of ultrasonic energy through the transducer housing and into the containment-vessel interior, and a gas-pressure source in fluid communication with the transducer-housing interior. The gas-pressure source produces a pressure in the transducer-housing interior substantially equal to the cleaning pressure.

Abstract: An umbrella supporting apparatus comprising a harness having shoulder straps, a waistband and a back-mounted umbrella support assembly which allows the canopy of the umbrella to be adjusted in two different planes. The back-mounted umbrella support assembly includes a support plate mounted to the waistband and has a plurality of spaced key holes defining a first set of vertically displace positions or angles. The assembly also includes a rotatable support bracket rotatably mounted to the support plate and a hollow rod coupled to the rotatable support bracket for supporting a shaft or pole of an umbrella. A locking lever is resiliently coupled to the rotatably support bracket. In operation, the rotatable support bracket is adapted to be rotated left or right and locked or secured to one of the spaced key holes via the locking lever to vertically offset the hollow rod from vertically upright or align the hollow rod vertically upright.

Abstract: A sunshade comprises a main post, a canopy frame, and a tilting and rotating assembly mounted between the main post and the canopy frame. Rotation of a handle on the main post in a direction causes the canopy frame to move from a folded state to an unfolded state. Further rotation of the handle in the same direction causes the canopy frame to tilt, and still further rotation of the handle in the same direction causes the tilted canopy frame to turn relative to a longitudinal axis of the main post until an optimal shield is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simplified controlling apparatus of an automatic umbrella, which includes a control loop and an elastic control bar. A handle with a single button is provided to receive the controlling apparatus. The simplified structure of this controlling apparatus can effectively control an automatic opening and closing of the umbrella that obtains a utility improvement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a positioning structure of a manual folded umbrella, which includes an engaging hook being connected under an upper joint and being formed with an inward step at bottom end, and a runner having an elastic connector with a lower projection at a side. The inward step can engage with the connector for positioning the umbrella in opening state and the projection can be directly pressed to release the runner from the engaging hook for closing the umbrella easily and safely.

Abstract: A stretch frame of the outer tent for the foldable tent mainly comprises a clamp support having a rear stretch frame and a lower stretch frame. The latter is allowed to move up and down at the pivot of the clamp support. A clamp pivot connected to the clamp support. The clamp pivot is permitted to move up and down against the clamp support. The clamp pivot has tow front stretch frames which are allowed to move leftward or rightward or combined into one. The rear stretch frame is linked to the upper nest and the lower stretch frame, linked to the lower nest. The front stretch frames extend the outer tent toward in an effort to enhance the outer tent performance.

Abstract: A combined pillar structure for the foldable tent comprises a combined pillar and a spring clip. The combined pillar is integrally formed from the plastic material. A controlling rope enters the combined pillar tip by a knot inlet and comes out of the rope outlet, on the combined pillar tip. An outlet for the spring clip, a retainer for the upper nest, a retaining hole for the spring clip and a retaining hole for the lower nest. A groove is outfitted in the central hollow of the combined pillar to receive the spring clip. The spring clip has a spring stop as the first part, a spring bend as the second and a spring stem as the third part. The spring stop extends out of the spring outlet and the spring bend stretches out of the retaining hole. The spring stem lies in the groove.

Abstract: The present invention provides a photovoltaic module comprising a photovoltaics and a signal generation means for generating a signal by application of a voltage, wherein the photovoltaics and the signal generating means are connected in parallel and the voltage is a voltage output by the photovoltaics which is connected in parallel with at least the signal generating means, thereby enabling detection of a failed photovoltaic module, regardless of the structure of a photovoltaic module array or the failure mode of the photovoltaic module.

Abstract: In the case of a solar module based on thin-film solar cells which are placed between two plates, particularly between glass plates, and are sealed by means of a casting substance, particularly by means of a chalcopyrite absorbent layer, a border seal being provided around the external edge of the plates and the electrical connections of the solar cells being taken to the outside of the enclosed space, the border seal is formed according to the invention by a spacing provided with a moisture-absorbing medium and by, on the outside, an adhesive bead going around this elastomer strip.

Abstract: A photoelectrochemical device having new construction, which enables a large stable photoelectric conversion element, an energy storage element and the like to be manufactured at low cost. The photoelectrochemical device is provided with an organic compound which generates a radical compound through electrochemical oxidation reaction and/or reduction reaction, and a semiconductor arranged in contact with the organic compound. Preferably, the generated radical compound has a spin density of 1020 spins/g or more. In addition, it is preferable to use as the organic compound an organic polymer compound with the number average molecular weight ranging from 103 to 107.

Abstract: An ITO film as a transparent conductive film is formed on a semiconductor layer comprising an amorphous semiconductor or a microcrystalline semiconductor, a comb-like collecting electrode is formed on the ITO film, and a cover glass containing alkaline ions is placed on the ITO film and collecting electrode with a resin film made of EVA between them. The (222) plane orientation degree of the ITO film (transparent conductive film) is not less than 1.0, preferably not less than 1.2 and not more than 2.6, and more preferably not less than 1.4 and not more than 2.5. Alternatively, the transparent conductive film has an orientation of (321) planes on the boundary side with respect to the semiconductor layer and mainly an orientation of (222) planes in the remaining portion. When the total thickness of the ITO film is 100 nm, the (321)/(222) diffraction strength ratio in a 10 nm-thick portion on the semiconductor layer side is not less than 0.5 and not more than 2.5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photovoltaic device, especially a hybrid solar cells, comprising at least one layer comprising evaporated fluoride and/or acetate; and to a method for preparing the same.

Abstract: A fuel cutoff valve comprises a casing, a cover having a cover supporting part for supporting an upper part of the casing, an O-ring disposed on an outer periphery of the casing, and a seal holding member. The seal holding part is constituted by a member made of a material having a high degree of shape stability, such as a polyamide, into which glass fibers are added. Further, the seal holding part is thermally welded to a welding end of a cover inner layer made of a modified polyamide.

Abstract: A rotary valve for directing fluid streams which has a circular stationary head having at least one and desirably multiple primary ports for connection with fluid streams at least one secondary port. The stationary head includes a number of first circular concentric channels formed therein and at least one second concentric channel. The first and second channels are associated with the primary and secondary ports, respectively. A rotatable head is provided having radial chambers, each having a first and second port for connection between a first channel and a secondary port. The rotatable head rotates against the stationary head and channels in a fluid sealed manner. An indexable drive rotates the rotatable head to interconnect predetermined primary channels and secondary ports. The timing of rotation can be continuous or intermittent depending upon the associated process of the fluid streams.

Abstract: A fuel supply apparatus capable of reducing the abrasion of a driving cam and a tappet without increasing the dimensions and weight of the apparatus. This fuel supply apparatus is provided with a tappet which has a pressure receiving surface contacting the driving cam of an engine. The tappet is provided at the part of a outer surface thereof which is in the vicinity of an outer circumference of the pressure receiving surface with a groove adapted to prevent the local concentration of stress on the tappet and having a V-shaped, semicircular or U-shaped cross section.

Abstract: A combined vacuum relief and pressure containing valve assembly for relieving vacuum developing within an associated vessel and for containing elevated pressures developing within the vessel. The valve assembly has a housing having two communicating passageways demarcated by a valve seat. The first passageway communicates to the open atmosphere and also with the valve from below the valve seat. The valve is a ball constrained to move only vertically above its seat. The second passageway communicates with the valve from above the valve seat. The second passageway extends below the valve so that when the valve assembly is connected to the associated vessel, pressures prevailing within the vessel act on the valve from above. Therefore, vacuum prevailing within the vessel, acting in concert with relatively higher ambient temperatures, will draw the valve into the open position. At zero pressure differential, gravity urges the valve into the closed position and maintains a seal.

Abstract: A quick connect/disconnect faucet water conduit assembly includes at least one valve body and a spout nipple. There is a water tube extending from the valve body and a water tube extending from the spout nipple. A conduit has first and second terminations and there is a quick connect adapter attached to each of the first and second terminations. There are cooperating elements on each of the tubes and the quick connect adapters for locking the tubes to the adapters to thereby attach the valve body to the spout nipple.

Abstract: A plumbing part in the form of a water delivery device is comprised of a protective liner through which potable water can flow. The protective liner is in the form of one or more lengths of stainless steel tubing and is encased in a casting of a desired material, such as bronze or brass. Fittings required to attach the water delivery device to sinks, bathtubs or other water sources and to allow for insertion of various aerators and other flow devices are also encased in the casting. The various fittings are pre-assembled to the liner prior to casting to ensure a water-tight seal between the liner and the fittings prior to casting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic devices and to their method of manufacture. The microfluidic devices are original by their specific structure (of sandwich type) and by the materials from which they are made (mainly glasses, glass ceramics, ceramics), and also by their specific method of manufacture, which is based on a vacuum-forming operation. The microfluidic device includes a first assembly including a microstructure and a first substrate, wherein the microstructure is constructed and arranged on the substrate under vacuum. A second assembly includes a second substrate positioned on the microstructure after the first assembly is presintered and adhered thereto by heat treatment to form a one-piece microstructure defining at least one recess between the first and second substrates.

Abstract: A collapsible dispensing system for flowable materials is disclosed. A conical one-way valve assembly of coaxially conforming parts is attached to a collapsible container. An enclosing sleeve seals an elastomeric sheath to a valve body. Flowable materials are dispensed under positive pressure without back flow of external gases and contaminants, even after repeated dispensing of container contents. This enables flowable materials that are susceptible to oxidation and contamination to be reformulated without antioxidants and/or preservatives. The collapsible multiple dose dispensing system maintains the integrity and sterility of flowable materials, thereby prolonging product use life. The system takes advantage of a conical design, allowing for quicker, easier and cheaper manufacturing and assembly.

Abstract: An isolating insert for, in a block of modules for distributing a pneumatic fluid, forming two adjacent block sections, comprising:

Abstract: First to sixth annular projections and first to sixth annular recesses, which have shapes corresponding to shapes of first to sixth conventional seal members, are formed respectively at portions at which various types of blocks and first and second intermediate plates are joined, by performing resin molding with molds. Ultrasonic welding is performed while the first to sixth annular projections face the first to sixth annular recesses, respectively.

Abstract: In a connection of a shaft rod to a side strut of a heddle shaft there is at least one guide surface provided in or on the shaft rod. The guide surface extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft rod. The guide surface engages with a positive fit to a second guide surface extending along a projection of the side strut substantially parallel to the shaft rod or perpendicular to the side strut.

Abstract: A storage container for a water treatment system includes a bladder disposed in the container and having an inlet port for receiving water and having a water outlet. The container may be used for preventing the bladder from being over-inflated or exploded. A switch may be disposed above or below the bladder for detecting whether the bladder has been filled with water or not and for controlling the water to flow into the bladder. The container includes two openable housings for allowing the bladder to be removed or changed or cleaned when the housings are opened.

Abstract: An automatic portion control system, comprising: a dispensing mechanism adapted for dispensing a first substance into a container; a scale adapted for weighing said container; and control circuitry adapted for reading a container weight from said scale and controlling said dispensing mechanism accordingly. The invention further comprises a method for dispensing a product into a container, comprising the steps of: weighing a container; and dispensing the product into the container until reaching the estimated filled weight of the container.

Abstract: A cart for filling intermodal shipping containers with a bulk particulate material, such as grain, includes a hopper to receive the bulk material and a belt conveyor to deliver the material to the container. The conveyor is positioned external of the container and throws the material along an arcuate path to the opposite end of the container whereby the container is substantially filled without the need to extend the conveyor into the container. The cart is supported on wheels to be moved where needed. The cart can straddle a standard truck trailer carrying a container so that the container need not be removed from the trailer for filling. The conveyor height is variable to reach a container on a truck trailer or on the ground. The cart width can also be reduced for road transport.

Abstract: A Nd—Fe—B type rare earth magnet alloy is provided with hard magnetic phases each of which has a size equal to or less than 80 nm, soft magnetic phases each of which has a size equal to or less than 80 nm, with the hard and soft magnetic phases being present in a mixed structure, and partly anisotropic regions wherein axes of easy magnetization of the hard magnetic phases are aligned in one direction and each having a size equal to or greater than 0.1 &mgr;m. Such a magnet alloy is obtained using a strip casting method or ultra cooling method and serves as material for an anisotropic exchange spring magnet to be applied to a motor.

Abstract: An alloy powder for bonded rare earth magnets is prepared by melting an alloy consisting essentially of 20-30 wt % of Sm or a mixture of rare earth elements (inclusive of Y) containing at least 50 wt % of Sm, 10-45 wt % of Fe, 1-10 wt % of Cu, 0.5-5 wt % of Zr, and the balance of Co, quenching the melt by a strip casting technique, to form a rare earth alloy strip containing at least 20% by volume of equiaxed crystals with a grain size of 1-200 &mgr;m and having a gage of 0.05-3 mm, and heat treating the strip in a non-oxidizing atmosphere at 1000-1300° C. for 0.5-20 hours, followed by aging treatment and grinding.

Abstract: During a solution heat treatment grain recrystallization may occur of a textured article, especially at the surface rim. The present invention provides a method for restoring the microstructure of a textured article, such as a gas turbine engine blade, which comprises coating the surface of the article with a high temperature stable surface coating or by a controlled development of an oxide scale and subsequently performing a solution heat treatment, thereby maintaining said thermally stable surface coating.