Abstract: A baking oven includes baking oven lighting reduced by a dimmer device of a control device not suddenly each time, but such that the lighting becomes continuously weaker over a time period visually evident to a user. The light intensity is, preferably, also continuously increased when the baking space lighting is switched on.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a solar collector is disclosed. A microprocessor receives inputs from one or more sensors in a solar collector and determines the state of the solar collector from the inputs. Commands are also received from an external source for controlling operation of the solar collector. The microprocessor executes instructions to complete the command based on the state of the solar collector.

Abstract: An inhaler for delivery by inhalation of a medicament from the canister which is compressible to deliver a dose of medicament. The inhaler comprises a housing (1) for holding a canister (2) having a generally cylindrical body (3) with the cylindrical axis of the body (3) in predetermined direction and a loading mechanism for loading a resilient loading element (7) which is arranged, when loaded, to bias compression of the canister (2). The loading mechanism comprises a loading member (8) engaging the resilient loading element (7) and two contact members (9) movable relative to the housing (1) in a movement direction orthogonal to said predetermined direction and arranged to drive the loading member (8) to load the resilient loading element (7), through a cam arrangement between the contact member (8).

Abstract: There is described a recharging valve for a breathing apparatus comprising a reservoir of breathable gas under pressure, a stop valve, a pressure reducing valve, and a facepiece for supplying gas to a wearer. The recharging valve comprises inlet means connectable to a supply of breathable gas at a pressure greater than that of the gas in the reservoir, outlet means for supplying gas from the inlet means to the reservoir, and valve means responsive to the pressure in the reservoir to control the flow of gas from the inlet to the outlet means.

Abstract: There is described a delivery device which comprises a reservoir, a delivery passage for the delivery of material and a metering member characterised in that the delivery device is provided with a plurality of reservoirs and that the metering member is provided with a plurality of measuring cups adapted to transfer one or more measured doses of material from one or more of the reservoirs to the delivery passage. A method of administering a dry powder and a method and especially a method of treatment of a patient with a bronchial disorder are also described.

Abstract: A patient recovering from major surgery often suffers from cracked lips and parched palate. The patient usually frequently contacts the nursing staff and requests that they provide the patient with cool water and/or cracked ice. The amount of water and/or cracked ice which the patient can have has to be very limited in order to prevent debilitating vomiting by the patient. The patient's discomfort and suffering is greatly reduced by the mouth moisturizer which via an atomizer supplies a controlled amount of water mist to the lips and palate of the patient. Also, the nurses have more time to devote to their other duties.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reusable respiratory measurement device having a discardable flow tube in which a counter is included in a detachable (discardable) memory unit that removably engages the respiratory measurement device body. The memory unit includes a counter that tracks usage of the respiratory measurement device and disables the respiratory measurement device when usage has reached certain predetermined thresholds. The memory unit is then replaced with a new memory unit which re-enables the respiratory measurement device for further measurements. The memory unit is typically sold as part of a batch or lot of disposable flow tubes in which case the counter value is commonly the same as the number of flow tubes in the batch or lot.

Abstract: A mask (10) for use with a system for supplying breathable gas pressurised above atmospheric pressure to a human or animal's airways. The mask (10) includes a mask shell (12) which is, in use, in fluid communication with a gas supply conduit (30), and a gas washout vent assembly (20). At least the region of the mask shell (12) or conduit (30) surrounding or adjacent the vent assembly is formed from a relatively flexible elastomeric material.

Abstract: A method of intubating a patient includes inserting a tracheal tube into the patient, inserting a gastric tube into the patient, attaching a gastric tube retainer to the tracheal tube, and engaging the gastric tube in the gastric tube retainer to thereby secure the gastric tube in position relative to the tracheal tube. The gastric tube is engaged in the gastric tube retainer by spreading apart portions of the gastric tube retainer along a slit, and sliding the gastric tube into the gastric tube retainer along the slit to a gastric tube opening having a diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the gastric tube, so that the gastric tube is securely retained in an uncompressed condition in the gastric tube opening.

Abstract: A connection assembly for use with a respiratory circuit assembly is provided. The connection assembly includes a first connection member that has an opening therethrough to allow for the transport of fluids and objects through the first connection member. The first connection member has a recess on an end thereof. A second connection member is present that is releaseably engageable with the first connection member. The second connection member has an opening therethrough to allow for the transport of fluids and objects through the second connection member. The second connection member has al disconnect member that is engageable within the recess. A snap fit member may be present on at least one of the first and second connection members. The snap fit member hinders unintentional disengagement of the first and second connection members. Relative movement between the first connection member and the disconnect member causes a separation of the first and second connection members.

Abstract: A nasal ventilation interface comprising a hollow body having at least one and preferably two nasal apertures, and at least one and preferably two inhale apertures, and at least one and preferably two nasal insert tubes each associated with one of the nasal apertures and having an annular sleeve that forms a seal with a nostril of the patient. The hollow body has at least one and preferably two exhale apertures and at least one valve assembly associated with the exhale apertures that are capable of preventing air from passing through the exhale aperture upon the patient inhaling and allowing air to pass through the exhale aperture upon exhaling. The hollow body may also have at least one and preferably two filters for retaining heat and moisture from the exhale air and transferring the retained heat and moisture into the inhale air.

Abstract: A semi-custom intraoral discluder device for preventing chronic tension and common migraine headaches and temporomandibular disorders that are caused or perpetuated by chronic activity of the temporalis muscle. The discluder includes a trough, contoured to encompass at least one maxillary or mandibular incisor, from which extends a protrusion, typically of a dome shape. The trough can be retained on the teeth by any adaptable material which can flow around the teeth and then maintain its shape. The adaptation of the retentive material can be performed by the end user, health care provider, or anyone trained in the art. Once in place in the wearer's mouth, one or two opposing incisor teeth will come into contact with the protrusion prior to the upper and lower posterior and/or canine teeth coming into contact, regardless of the position of the mandible, thereby reducing the intensity of the activity of the temporalis muscle.

Abstract: An earpiece having a hollow cylindrical earpiece body and a diaphragm suspended at one end of the hollow cylindrical earpiece body for protecting the ear against outside water and for enabling the ear to hear a certain volume of sound.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a fluid suspended, inner member, which has printed upon it a series of position bull's eyes, which are connected by a path printed on the inner member. The inner member is contained within a transparent, watertight outer housing, which has a sighting marking printed upon it. The device is attached to the user's head in a manner such that when the user moves his head, the outer member can move relative to the inner member. This allows the user to follow the path to visually track his correct head position through the posterior canalith repositioning maneuver sequence. Also attached to the user apparatus is an assistant apparatus which includes a hollow ball containing a liquid sufficient to form a small bubble which allows an assistant to follow a second path which corresponds to that seen by the user when he follows the user path.

Abstract: A support arm for use in a respiratory circuit is provided. The support arm includes a plurality of arm segments that are movably connected with one another such that the arm segments are adjustable with respect to another. At least one inflatable bladder is provided. The bladder is operably disposed at a point of connection between at least two of the arm segments. The arm segments are locked into position with respect to one another upon inflation of the bladder. The arm segments are released and positionable with respect to one another upon deflation of the bladder. Also, a respiratory support member is attached to one of the arm segments. The respiratory support member is configured for engaging the respiratory circuit to support the respiratory circuit.

Abstract: A supply unit and a user unit employed in the manufacture of tobacco products, typically cigarettes and the like, are linked by a duct along which a mass of the cigarettes is advanced from the outfeed of the supply unit toward the infeed of the user unit. The advancing mass of cigarettes is parted at an intermediate zone of the duct either by rods or by a pair of frames, in such a way as to create a void that will accommodate a trolley directed into the duct from a housing by an elevator; once inside the duct, the trolley proceeds to push the mass of cigarettes from the intermediate zone toward the inlet of a hopper in such a way as to empty the duct completely, for example when changing over from one brand of cigarette to another. To advantage, the trolley is composed of two articulated structures so that its geometry and dimensions can be varied to match the variations in geometry and depth of the duct.

Abstract: A cigarette sidestream smoke treatment material made from a sheet of non-combustible active components provides a porous structure capable of treating sidestream smoke. The treatment material, as used in combination with a cigarette, provides a low sidestream smoke emitting cigarette unit. The material has a porosity which encourages a conventional free-burn rate of a conventional cigarette. The material may comprise a sorbent capable of sorbing components of the sidestream smoke, and an oxygen storage component which releases oxygen at free-burn rate temperatures to ensure that conventional free-burn rate is maintained and to enhance the oxidation treatment of the adsorbed non-aqueous components. Preferably, an oxidation catalyst is included in the material and most desirably the oxygen storage component may also function as the oxidation catalyst. Particularly preferred materials which perform the dual function are oxides of cerium.

Abstract: A wig adjustable to the size and shape of the user's head includes an inner support or cap designed to cover the user's scalp and whereon is fixed natural or artificial hair. The invention is characterized in the cap is provided, inside, in the entire surface or in at least part of the surface defined by its periphery, a pleating mechanism for producing small pleats thereby reshaping the outline of the cap to make it fit the shape of the user's skull.

Abstract: A hairbrush and cleaning adjunct therefor may be used for human hair or animal hair grooming. The cleaning adjunct comprises a screen which functions to prevent grooming debris (loose hair, dirt, flaking skin) from being deposited on the undersurface of the hairbrush. The screen is fabricated from a soft, pliable, washable mesh material (preferably nylon or the like). The screen may consist of a single sheet or several sheets disposed on the undersurface of the brush. The use of nylon or like mesh material allows an electrostatic charge to build on the screen's surface whereby debris is attracted to and held on the surface. When debris accumulates, the screen is simply removed for disposal or for washing and recycling as desired. Botanical or medicinal agents are applied to the screen to enhance the grooming process.

Abstract: A device for styling hair comprising a pair of side walls, a top support member connected to the side walls, a bottom support member connected to the pair of side walls. The device also includes an intermediate support member connected to the pair of side walls between the top support member and the bottom support member to form an upper opening between the top support member and the intermediate support member and to form a lower opening between the bottom support member and the intermediate support member. A method for styling a goatee comprising providing a device having an upper opening and lower opening, positioning lips in the upper opening and a chin including a goatee in the lower opening, and trimming an area around the goatee as desired.

Abstract: A process for cleaning paste from a workpiece, such as a screening mask, which includes the step of electrolytically contacting the workpiece with an aqueous solution containing 0.2 to 2 weight percent TMAH. As an optional prestep, the workpiece may be cleaned nonelectrolytically with an aqueous solution containing 0.2 to 2 weight percent TMAH.

Abstract: A semiconductor cleaning apparatus and a method of cleaning a wafer surface using the semiconductor cleaning apparatus are provided. In the semiconductor cleaning apparatus, wastewater is easily treated, the consumption of chemical usage is considerably reduced, and a contaminant removal efficiency on the wafer surface is maximized even at a room temperature or a low temperature by using a mixed chemical solution composed of an aqueous ammonium hydroxide and ozone as a cleaning solution in cleaning the wafer surface. In the method of cleaning the wafer surface, a cleaning solution is formed in a mixing tank by adding ozone to aqueous ammonium hydroxide. The cleaning solution is supplied into a cleaning bath through a filter for removing ozone bubble. Megasonic power is applied to the cleaning solution in the cleaning bath using a megasonic transducer. A wafer dipped in the cleaning solution which is at a room temperature to remove the contaminants on wafer surface.

Abstract: A semiconductor cleaner includes (a) an inner wet bath which is filled with liquid and in which a wafer to be cleaned is soaked, (b) an outer wet bath which is filled with liquid and in which the inner wet bath is soaked, (c) a megasonic-wave irradiator located outside the inner wet bath for irradiating megasonic waves to the wafer to clean the wafer, and (d) a unit which moves the megasonic-wave irradiator towards or away from the inner wet bath.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for cleaning residual matter, photoresist and other foreign materials off wafers, substrates and semiconductor work pieces including photomasks, compact discs, flat panel displays using megasonic acoustic wave action techniques in conjunction with supercritical fluid cleaning processes, and in particular, for coupling megasonics techniques with supercritical carbon dioxide processing with co-solvents and surfactants, using cycles of soak, rapid decompression and flushing, to improve cleaning capability and to remove submicron particles from the surfaces of wafers.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-intrusive automatic dosing system for use with existing fabric- and dishwashing machines. The system contains a container house with one ore more containers which can contain a fabric- or dishwashing product or ingredient, said container(s) being connected with a pump, said pump being connected with the water inlet conduit of the machine. The container house also contains means for receiving and transmitting signals. Signals are received from at least one sensor, capable of reading at least one parameter of the washing process or machine when in operation, and cause the transmission of a signal to activate the pump to cause the delivery of the product or ingredient to the water inlet conduit of the machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a diffuser for wet processing systems involved in the manufacturing of semiconductor wafers. The diffuser includes a plenum section and a slitted section. Pressurized fluid from the plenum section is forced through the slitted section and across a plurality of wafers mounted in the wet processing system. One advantage is that by “diffusing” pressurized fluid through the slitted section, a generally uniform and/or laminar flow is achieved. Desirably, the diffuser provides a more reliable, and hence more cost-effective, technology for wet processing fabrication of semiconductor wafers.

Abstract: An apparatus for chemically treating a metal part which includes an immersion tank containing a liquid chemical treatment solution, a conveyor conveying parts over the immersion tank, immersing and removing the part and at least one spray nozzle assembly located above the immersion tank which is supported on a track extending to a side wall of the tank and permitting maintenance of the spray nozzle assembly without draining the tank.

Abstract: A system for heating solvents in processing semiconductor wafers has a coiled solvent tube, a coiled cooling water tube, and electric heater elements, cast in place within an aluminum casting. The solvent flows through the solvent tube and is heated by conduction of heat through the casting. The solvent is safely isolated from the heating elements. Water is pumped through the cooling water tube, to cool the casting if solvent flow is interrupted, or if the measured casting temperature exceeds a predetermined set point temperature. Solvent temperature is maintained by controlling power to the heating elements based on the measured solvent temperature at the processing chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a diffuser for wet processing systems involved in the manufacturing of semiconductor wafers. The diffuser includes a plenum section and a slitted section. Pressurized fluid from the plenum section is forced through the slitted section and across a plurality of wafers mounted in the wet processing system. One advantage is that by “diffusing” pressurized fluid through the slitted section, a generally uniform and/or laminar flow is achieved. Desirably, the diffuser provides a more reliable, and hence more cost-effective, technology for wet processing fabrication of semiconductor wafers.

Abstract: An improved inflatable tent includes a plurality of inflatable hollow rounded units (1), each tent unit 1 including an outer sheet (4) and an inner sheet (5) connected to each other at their respective ends, a side sheet (6) connecting the outer sheet (4) and the inner sheet (5) along their opposed sides, the side sheet (6) constituting a connecting portion (9), and a floor sheet (8) integrally connected to the lower end of the inner sheet (5). A pair of outer and inner water-impervious slide fasteners (10) are mounted between each pair of adjacent tent units (1) along the outside and insider thereof for joining the pair of adjacent tent units (1) of the tent.

Abstract: A screen housing assembly includes a housing structure, a carrying structure, a screening structure, a screen releasing assembly, and a releasable securement structure. The housing structure can be carried and moved by a user. The carrying structure is secured to the housing structure for carrying the housing structure. The screening structure is stored internally of the housing structure. The screen releasing assembly is attached to the screening structure to allow the user to release a portion of the screening structure from internally of the housing structure to externally of the housing structure. The releasable securement structure is coupled to the screen releasing assembly to change the screen releasing assembly between a screen released position and a screen releasably secured position. The portion of the screening structure, which is external of the housing structure, can be used to screen off an area.

Abstract: The solar energy collector comprises a solar energy converter, a base member which carries the solar energy converter and a domed fresnel lens including a transparent hemispherical shell mounted on the base member over the solar energy converter with a diametrical line across the base of the shell being in register with a long axis of the solar energy converter, and fresnel lens prism elements on the inner surface of the shell which are each parallel to a plane which passes through the pole of the shell and the long axis of the solar energy converter and which focus parallel ray solar radiation which passes through the shell on either side of the plane into a line focus on the solar energy converter irrespective of the position of the sun relatively to the lens shell while the sun is situated in the plane.

Abstract: A sealed photovoltaic module comprising a first substrate, a second substrate, a seal between the first and second substrates positioned at or near the edges of the substrates and forming a sealed chamber defined by the first and second substrates and the seal, and at least one thin film photovoltaic element positioned between the first and second substrate and at least partly within the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a small-scaled portable electrical power generator comprising a base, which includes an assembly surface, a fuel chamber, and at least one fuel delivery channels connected to the fuel chamber and placed under the assembly surface; a power generation means which includes at least one solar battery packs placed on the assembly surface of the base, a solar battery packs contains two opposing solar batteries which face each other with their light-collecting surfaces and their power outputs being connected; a light generation means placed on the assembly surface of the base, which includes at least one hollow tube that is placed in-between the solar batteries of the solar battery packs and includes at least one hollow tube capable of capillarity that is connected to the at least one fuel delivery channels so that fuel can always be filled into them; and an igniting means which includes at least one operative igniters placed nearby the at least one hollow tubes, and can be manipulated

Abstract: P-type and n-type regions are defined in the first surface of a substrate upon which is formed an epitaxial layer of preferably Si—Ge material, preferably capped by Si material. During epitaxy formation, dopant in the defined regions diffuses down to form p-type and n-type junctions in the Si material, and diffuses up to form p-type and n-type junctions in the Si—Ge epitaxial material. Si junctions are buried beneath the surface and are surface recombination velocity effects are reduced. Photon energy striking the second substrate surface generates electron-hole pairs that experience the high bandgap of the Si material and the low bandgap of the Si—Ge epitaxy.

Abstract: A solar fan is disclosed. The solar fan includes a main body having an electric fan inside, and a plurality of solar cell arrays pivotally connected to the main body. Each of the solar cell arrays is pivotal between an outspread position and a folded position relative to the main body. A retainer is provided for holding the solar cell array in the outspread position. In addition, the solar cell arrays are electrically connected to the electric fan so as to supply power to the fan when being in sunlight.

Abstract: A valve configuration of an air pressure steel jar of a paint ball gun, more specifically, a valve configuration comprises a manual wheel disposed at the bottom end of the air pressure steel jar; the said manual wheel directly links a valve needle to work a valve seat axially disposed inside the steel jar; the said valve seat, via a conduct hole, directly conducts the gas pressure therein to the bore of the paint ball gun for application; a fuse manner of using a forced band fuse is disposed at the rear lateral end of the said manual wheel, relative to the valve needle, for the steel jar to obtain safe guarantee of pressure load.

Abstract: A fill limit vapor valve assembly includes a housing, a float disposed in the housing, and a bypass valve. The bypass valve includes a vertical passage enveloping a weighted metering rod. The includes a substantially cylindrical upper portion, a substantially cylindrical bottom portion, and a seat portion that rests on a shoulder of the float. As the float raises and lowers, the substantially cylindrical upper portion varies the size of a second opening to control the flow rate of fuel vapor from the fuel tank to an emission device.

Abstract: An automatic drain for a compressed air system can have a valve body containing an internal fluid reservoir which communicates via a main air inlet passage with a compressed air container such that fluid can flow from the air container into the internal reservoir. A filter can be provided prior to the internal reservoir so that only fluid passes into the internal reservoir. Accumulated fluid in the internal reservoir can be drained through a discharge port regulated by a valve assembly which can be opened and closed by a controller in response to the level of fluid accumulated in the internal reservoir as detected by a sensor.

Abstract: A fuel system for a work vehicle such as a tractor includes a pair of fuel tanks located on either side of the vehicle that are connected by a cross feed fuel line. The fuel line permits fuel to flow from both tanks to a common fuel suction line, which, in turn, feeds the vehicle's engine with fuel. The fuel line includes a check valve that prevents the free flow of fluid through the cross feed line when the vehicle is driven across a slope. The check valve is disposed to prevent liquid fuel from flowing away from a fuel suction line and starving the suction line for fuel.

Abstract: To allow the whole outer peripheral face of a casing of a poppet valve to be heated efficiently using an inexpensive rod-like heater. A heat transfer cover 30 formed of heat transfer material is provided in a covering manner on an outer peripheral face of a valve casing 10 comprising main ports 11, 12, a flow path 14 connecting these main ports 11, 12, an annular valve seat 15 provided in the flow path 14, a valve member 13 of a poppet type opening/closing the valve seat 15 and a rod 16 coupled to the valve member 13 so as to surround the whole periphery of the valve casing 10, and a rod-like first heater 32 is attached in a heater hole 31 provided in the heat transfer cover 30.

Abstract: There is provided a fuel supply pump that is capable of keeping the function of an outlet valve thereof normal over a long time period even when a low lubricity fuel is used. The fuel supply pump has an outlet valve slidably inserted in an insertion hole formed in a valve body, for opening and closing the insertion hole. The outlet valve is coated by CVD coating.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method supplying volume streams of fluids (34) in channels or capillaries of small stream cross sections, more particularly chromatographic separating columns (34) for the analytical fluid metrology, wherein a delivery device (21) for delivering a volume stream of the fluid (34) through an operating channel (33) and a pressure measuring device (26) for measuring the pressure in the operating channel (33) is provided, wherein a measurement of the volume stream is possible, characterized by the following steps:

Abstract: A constant flow valve not allowing a controlled fluid to remain standing in it and not contacting the controlled fluid except at diaphragms, enabling simple adjustment of differential pressure, and good in response, including a valve body, a valve action chamber and connecting channel formed at the valve body, a valve mechanism attached to the valve action chamber, and a restrictor provided at the connecting channel, wherein the valve action chamber is formed with a primary side fluid inlet port, valve seat, outlet port to the connecting channel, inlet port from the connecting channel, and secondary side fluid outlet port and wherein the valve mechanism is provided with a first diaphragm, a second diaphragm, and a third diaphragm moving together with a valve element, and a constant flow mixing method for effectively mixing a plurality of fluids using such constant flow valves.

Abstract: The valve comprises a flexible resilient valve member which is positioned in a flexible fluid line in a fluid-tight relationship therewith. An actuating element, such as a ring-shaped member, surrounds the valve member, and an actuating coil is positioned adjacent the ring member. An electrical control signal energizes the coil in operation, producing a magnetic field which moves the actuating element to deform the valve member, opening the valve. Termination of the electrical signal permits the valve member to return to its normal closed position arrangement. A feedback control system is provided for the valve which includes providing pre-established limits on time and volume of fluid delivery. Determinations are successively made as to whether such limitations have been met, and the control valve is closed when one such limitation has been met.

Abstract: A packing assembly, retrofit kit, and check valve with adjustable lift having a ball stop member having opposed first and second contact portions and at least two washers being provided in a stacking configuration. The stacking configuration is one selected from one in which all of the at least two washers are stacked against the first contact portion of the ball stop member, one in which all of the at least two washers are stacked against the second contact portion of the ball stop member, and one in which at least one of the at least two washers is stacked against the first contact portion of the ball stop member and at least one of the at least two washers is stacked against the second contact portion of the ball stop member. Preferably, the at least two washers are of different thicknesses with, more preferably, the thicknesses of the at least two washers being multiples of each other.

Abstract: A service valve for a CO2 refrigerant based air conditioning system in a vehicle. The service valve includes a dynamic seal that is opened and closed during servicing of the air conditioning system. The dynamic seal provides for good overall sealing as well as good permeation resistance.

Abstract: A subsea actuator and method is disclosed that includes all moving components mounted in a compact, concentric configuration. The subsea actuator is highly reliable and will operate at depth even with zero valve body cavity pressure. A preferably cup-shaped spring pusher is provided in telescoping relationship to the hydraulic chamber. A piston position indicator is provided which is connected externally to the hydraulic piston cylinder to avoid the possibility of hydraulic leaks due to the piston indicator. A manual override may be provided with a manual override indicator. The manual override indicator has a shorter travel length than the manual override operating stem to thereby reduce the overall length of the manual override assembly. The driving stem provides a removable connection to the hydraulic piston from the top of the actuator housing and a quick disconnect permits disconnection of the driving stem from the valve stem.

Abstract: The invention is summarized as a method and apparatus for providing a memory function for an air economizing fluid pressure circuit. A latchable or detented valve is used to control an air circuit that defaults to permit the generation of vacuum pressure, but is also cable of ceasing the generation of vacuum pressure generation to air economize. The invention may also include blow off capability for the air circuit.

Abstract: A fuel filler tube assembly including a one-way valve or check valve. The tube assembly is adaptable for pre-assembly on either a metal or plastic fuel tank and employs a common check valve with an adapter tube for plastic tanks.