Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating snoring of a patient includes providing an implant for altering a dynamic response of a soft palate of the patient to airflow past the soft palate. The implant is embedded in the soft palate to alter the dynamic response. For example, the implant has a mass, stiffness or dampening sufficient to alter the dynamic response following the implantation without substantially impairing a function of the soft palate to close a nasal passage of the patient during swallowing.

Abstract: A method and unit for forming a tobacco bead, whereby a forming conveyor conveying the tobacco bead cooperates with a pressing device for compacting portions of the tobacco bead equally spaced with a given spacing, and cooperates with a shaving device; and whereby a distance between the pressing device and the forming conveyor is regulated independently of a distance between the shaving device and the forming conveyor, and as a function of a linear travelling speed of the forming conveyor or a physical quantity related to it.

Abstract: An electrical smoking system comprising a cigarette and an electric lighter, wherein the cigarette comprises a tubular tobacco mat partially filled with material tobacco so as to define a filled tobacco rod portion and an unfilled tobacco rod portion. The cigarette and the lighter are mutually arranged so that when the cigarette is received in the lighter, the electrical heater element of the lighter at least partially superposes at least a portion of the filled tobacco rod portion. The cigarette and the lighter are also mutually arranged so that when the cigarette is received in the lighter, the free end of the cigarette is occluded. The cigarette includes a zone of perforations at a location along the filled tobacco rod portion, with the cigarette being free of perforations along the unfilled tobacco rod portion. An apparatus for perforating a cigarette which can be smoked in an electrical smoking device includes a drum link-up assembly and a laser perforating apparatus.

Abstract: A cigar cutting and snuffing tool comprising a cutter sub-assembly having a tubular cutter and a pusher element slidingly mounted therewithin, together with a snuffer barrel tightly mounted on the outside of the cutter member. A cigar can be placed into the barrel and brought into contact with the tubular cutter, which can then have a plug of tobacco cut from its cap end. The plug of tobacco is held within the tubular cutter until expelled from the cutter by moving the pusher element within the cutter. The snuffer barrel is sized to receive cigars of a series of ring sizes. When a lit cigar is desired to be extinguished, the cigar is inserted and seated within the barrel, with the lit end brought up against and impaled upon the cutter assembly. The tight mounting of the snuffer barrel on the tubular cutter creates an air tight compartment when the cigar is seated within the snuffer barrel.

Abstract: A method is described for the manufacture of a paper for self-extinguishing cigarettes, by reducing its permeability to air, obtained by applying continuously or onto well defined areas, a composition based on gum Arabic or acacia gum, with or without a fire retardant filler, the application of which is carried out by printing techniques such as serigraphy, heliogravure, flexography or off-set. The concentration of the gum arabic or acacia gum in said composition may vary between 0.15% and 50% by weight, while the amount of product deposited onto the cigarette paper may vary between 0.5 g/m2 and 10 g/m2, by weight.

Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product suitable for human consumption is prepared from powdered tobacco. In one embodiment, the product comprises powdered tobacco and from about 0.5 to about 15 wt % peppermint, from about 0.5 to about 15 wt % menthol, and from about 0.5 to about 15 wt % wintergreen. In another embodiment, the product comprises powdered tobacco and from about 0.5 to about 15 wt % peppermint, from about 0.5 to about 15 wt % menthol, and from about 0.5 to about 15 wt % spearmint. The powdered tobacco can be prepared by pulverizing cured tobacco or, alternatively, from an aqueous extract of tobacco.

Abstract: A low sidestream smoke cigarette comprises a conventional tobacco rod, and a combustible treatment paper having a sidestream smoke treatment composition. The treatment composition comprises in combination, an oxygen storage and donor metal oxide oxidation catalyst and an essentially non-combustible particulate adjunct for said catalyst. Improvements are made in the treatment composition and/or the addition of metal oxides or carbonates thereto to improve ash characteristics.

Abstract: An eyelash curler includes a handle, a frame member provided to an upper side of the handle, and a slide member movable up and down within the frame member, and eyelashes are received between the slide member and an upper part of the frame member to be curled. The slide member including hooks at back sides near its left and right ends thereof is attached to the frame member in a manner that a left part of the frame member is fitted into between the left hook and a left end part of the slide member, and a right part of the frame member is fitted between the right hook and a right end part of the slide member. This eyelash curler requires less cost of producing molds, forming parts and putting the parts together. In this eyelash curler, the left and right part of the frame member will not hinder curling eyelashes near a top and a tail part of a user's eye.

Abstract: An eyelash curler includes a handle, a frame member provided on an upper side of the handle, a slide member movable up and down within the frame member and a control member making the slide member movable, and eyelashes are received between the slide member and an upper part of the control member to be curled. The handle includes an upper part and a lower part rotatably connected to make the handle foldable. The handle also includes an upper engagement part, provided at the upper part of the handle or at the frame member, and a lower engagement part, provided at the lower part of the handle. They are engaged in a manner of pressing each other to keep the handle folded. In this eyelash curler, a user can make the handle shorter to carry easily and can make the handle longer to use easily.

Abstract: Hair holding apparatus comprises means for holding and positioning hair to be woven or braided onto the existing hair on a person's head. The apparatus includes a base member with at least one row of a plurality of prongs attached thereto and extending up therefrom. A back plate, perpendicular to the base plate is positioned a distance from the row of prongs. An accessory includes another base plate having a spindle extending in an upward direction.

Abstract: A folding toothbrush assembly is provided with an integral toothpaste dispenser. The toothbrush is formed with an elongated arm having a head portion at one end with bristles for brushing the teeth and a pivot portion at an opposite end of the arm. The arm is pivotally received at one end of an elongated handle that is provided with an exterior stepped recess for receiving the arm when the assembly is folded for storage. A piston chamber is provided in the handle of the toothbrush for receiving toothpaste. A piston in the chamber is operated by a screw cap at the bottom of the handle to dispense toothpaste from the chamber through a passage in the arm and into the bristles of the toothbrush.

Abstract: A makeup mirror case of approximately the size of the palm of a hand and having a pair of separable case halves joined by a hinge enabling movement of the case halves between a closed attitude and an open attitude. The case halves are the same size and shape. An interior surface of one of the case halves includes a non-magnifying mirror surface and an interior surface of the other of the case halves provides a magnifying mirror surface. The interior surfaces of each of the case halves further includes a surface peripheral to the mirror surfaces and provides plural lamps set flush for directing illumination outwardly. A clasp is set flush with the peripheral surfaces, and in opposition to the hinging means, the clasp maintains the pair of case halves in the closed attitude.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method and an arrangement for cleaning of porous materials, in particular textiles, in liquid carbon dioxide which by rapid, intermittent pressure drops is brought into boiling. Various ways of lowering and then again increasing the pressure in the chamber in which the cleaning takes place are described. The arrangement for carrying out the method comprises a pressure chamber (1) in which the goods (2) to be washed is treated, an adjacent container (13, 14) for the control of the carbon dioxide pressure in the pressure chamber (1), suitably a storage tank (7) for liquid carbon dioxide, a compressor (20) for supplying high-pressure gas into the pressure chamber, when necessary, a pump (10) for the transport of liquid carbon dioxide and the required connecting conduits between the volume vessels mentioned and, stop valves in these conduits.

Abstract: A method for providing a high flux of point of use activated reactive species for semiconductor processing wherein a workpiece is exposed to a gaseous atmosphere containing a transmission gas that is substantially nonattenuating to preselected wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. A laminar flow of a gaseous constituent is also provided over a substantially planar surface of the workpiece wherein a beam of the electromagnetic radiation is directed into the gaseous atmosphere such that it converges in the laminar flow to provide maximum beam energy in close proximity to the surface of the workpiece, but spaced a finite distance therefrom. The gaseous constituent is dissociated by the beam producing an activated reactive species that reacts with the surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a substrate includes a bearing assembly, a tubular shaft, a substrate support, a process bowl, and a dispenser. The tubular shaft has an upper end and a lower end. The lower end is rotatably mounted to the bearing assembly. The shaft provides an area through which cleaning liquid can be directed. The substrate support has a lower region connected to the tubular shaft and an upper region that supports the substrate. The process bowl surrounds and is spaced outwardly from the substrate support. The process bowl has a slot in an outer wall that receives a robot arm that positions the substrate on the substrate support and that withdraws the substrate from the substrate support. The dispenser has an outlet that directs liquid through the area, toward the upper region. The dispenser is positioned beneath the upper region.

Abstract: A method of thinning a silicon wafer in a controllable cost-effective manner with minimal chemical consumption. The wafer is placed into a process chamber, after which ozone gas and HF vapor, are delivered into the process chamber to react with a silicon surface of the wafer. The ozone and HF vapor may be delivered sequentially, or may be mixed with one another before entering the process chamber. The ozone oxidizes the silicon surface of the wafer, while the HF vapor etches the oxidized silicon away from the wafer. The etched oxidized silicon is then removed from the process chamber. As a result, the wafer is thinned, which aids in preventing heat build-up in the wafer, and also makes the wafer easier to handle and cheaper to package. In alternative embodiments, HF may be delivered into the process chamber as an anhydrous gas or in aqueous form.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus and method for cleaning the probes of a probe device are disclosed. In an illustrated embodiment, a cleaning apparatus comprises a cleaning member having a cleaning surface and a support member for supporting the cleaning member. An adjustment mechanism is operable to adjust the tilt orientation of the cleaning surface relative to the probe tips to maximize contact between the probe tips and the cleaning surface when the probe tips are rubbed against the cleaning surface to remove debris therefrom. In particular embodiments, the adjustment mechanism comprises one or more adjusting screws and one or more corresponding hold-down screws extending generally co-axially through the adjusting screws.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for cleaning and priming a droplet dispensing device having a plurality of nozzles aligned in at least one row. A dispensing surface of the dispensing device comprising the nozzles is sealingly engaged to form a chamber adjacent the dispensing surface. A wash fluid is introduced into the chamber and removed from the chamber. A priming vacuum is applied individually, and preferably, simultaneously, to at least a portion of the plurality of the nozzles. Optionally, a wash fluid is subsequently introduced into the chamber and removed from the chamber to rinse the dispensing surface.

Abstract: A method for removing debris from a roof gutter includes the steps of providing a vacuum conduit having a first end located in proximity to the debris in the gutter and a second end connected to a vacuum tank, having a vacuum producing means, the first end of the vacuum conduit having water and/or air dispensing means to dislodge or make vacuum able the debris located within the gutter. The debris is vacuumed into the vacuum tank by means of the vacuum conduit. Mechanical means may also be utilized in proximity of the first end of the vacuum conduit to break up debris. A monitoring means may be utilized in proximity to the first end of the vacuum conduit to monitor vacuuming progress and/or control vacuum and/or debris dislodging means.

Abstract: A device for dispensing washing agents is described, for a household washing machine, in particular a diswasher, said dispenser (1) having at least a tank (S) for a liquid washing agent and an arrangement (11-22) for dispensing a dose of said washing agent. The arrangement comprises: a passage (12A, 12B, 12C) for putting the inside of said tank (S) in communication with a discharge outlet (16); plugging means (13) for said passage (12A, 12B, 12C), at least an actuator (11) for operating said plugging means (13). According to the invention, said plugging means comprise an element (13) being movable within said passage (12A, 12B, 12C) and bearing sealing means (18-21), whereby the movable element (13), in a first position, allows to realize the dosage of an amount of washing agent and, in a second position, allows to dispense the dosed amount of washing agent.

Abstract: A method of displacing a supercritical fluid from a pressure vessel (e.g., in a microelectronic manufacturing process), comprises the steps of: providing an enclosed pressure vessel containing a first supercritical fluid (said supercritical fluid preferably comprising carbon dioxide); adding a second fluid (typically also a supercritical fluid) to said vessel, with said second fluid being added at a pressure greater than the pressure of the first supercritical fluid, and with said second fluid having a density less than that of the first supercritical fluid; forming an interface between the first supercritical fluid and the second fluid; and displacing at least a portion of the first supercritical fluid from the vessel with the pressure of the second, preferably fluid while maintaining the interface therebetween.

Abstract: A heated wheel/tire cleaner applicator system is used in car washes to clean wheels and tires on vehicles. The system is comprised of a cleaning solution supply system and circulating hot water system. The cleaning solution supply system pumps cleaning solution from a tank, through a pipe having an inline, flow-regulating valve, to spray nozzles on the distal flow end of the pipe. An applicator box houses the distal flow end of the pipe and a small hot water tank. The circulating hot water system maintains a constant heated water temperature in the tank. The hot water in the tank heats cleaning solution flowing in the distal flow end of the pipe by convection. A trigger device in the car wash opens and closes the valve to regulate the flow of cleaning solution through the distal flow end of the pipe and spray nozzles.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a wafer includes a plurality of holders for contacting and securing peripheral portions of a wafer, and for rotating the wafer, a first plate disposed to face a first surface of the wafer, the first plate having a plurality of first nozzles for spraying a first cleaning solution onto the first surface of the wafer, and a second plate disposed to face a second surface of the wafer that is opposite to the first surface, the second plate having a plurality of second nozzles for spraying a second cleaning solution onto the second surface of the wafer. In operation, the first and second plates and the wafer are rotated in opposite directions. The opposite rotation causes the cleaning solutions to flow abruptly thereby increasing a frictional force between the surfaces on the wafer and the cleaning solutions to improve the efficiency of the cleaning process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cleaning and drying a semiconductor structure in a modified conventional gas etch/rinse or dryer vessel. In an embodiment of the present invention, a semiconductor structure is placed into a first treatment vessel and chemically treated. Following the chemical treatment, the semiconductor structure is transferred directly to a second treatment vessel where it is rinsed with DI water and then dried. The second treatment vessel is flooded with both DI water and a gas that is inert to the ambient, such as nitrogen, to form a DI water bath upon which an inert atmosphere is maintained during rinsing. Next, an inert gas carrier laden with IPA vapor is fed into the second treatment vessel. After sufficient time, a layer of IPA has formed upon the surface of the DI water bath to form an IPA-DI water interface.

Abstract: A sun shade or drape for attaching to an umbrella and providing shade to an individual resting near the umbrella is disclosed. The drape includes at least one clip for fastening the drape to the umbrella. A loop of elastic material is attached between the clip and one end of the drape. The drape includes slits for accepting stakes. A lip is provided on the upper and lower ends of the drape for adding rigidity to the drape.

Abstract: A multiple-fold automatic umbrella includes: a central shaft; a rib assembly pivotally secured to an upper notch and a lower runner on the central shaft; an opening spring and a plurality of closing springs for opening or closing the umbrella; and a control device including a push button, an opening controller having an upper latch for controlling the opening of the umbrella, a closing controller including a lower latch for controlling the closing of the umbrella, and a multiple-fold rope respectively sinuously wound on a plurality of rollers which are respectively mounted on an upper holder formed on an upper portion of the central shaft adjacent to the upper notch and on a lower holder formed on the lower runner for smoothly winding the rope on the rollers for enhancing a smooth opening or closing operation of the umbrella.

Abstract: A walking cane retainer includes a resilient clasping member, a rubber gripping pad attached to an inside surface of the clasping member and a strap. The clasping member is generally C-shaped in cross section with yieldable clasping arms partially enclosing an open receiving pocket. The clasping arms are dimensioned for an interference fit with the body of the walking cane. The walking cane snaps into the receiving pocket of the clasping member as the clasping arms yield and deflect, and is held in place by compressive engagement against the gripping pad during use. The walking cane is released for immediate service simply by pushing downwardly or outwardly on the handle of the cane, so that the body of the cane snaps out of the receiving pocket as the clasping arms yield and deflect. The retainer may also be used to hold a flashlight, a billy club, a night stick, a weapon handle, a hammer, a tool handle, or a tool, for example.

Abstract: An improved combination crutch-walker possesses the advantages of both a crutch and a walker. It provides the full support of a crutch combined with the stability of a walker. The device is a walker with a vertically adjustable crutch structure, attached to the upper body-supporting frame. The device has arm and hand supports that can also be adjusted so that the user's arms are extend to lock elbows, thus distributing the user's weight and allowing the user to utilize his own strength, in conjunction with stability provided by a walker's footprint.

Abstract: A collapsible canopy comprises a covering [1] and a framework [2], covering [1] is put on collapsible framework [2], framework [2] includes a cross hinge [3], center members [4], U-shaped slide brackets [5], U-shaped slide brackets [6], side members [7], cantilever members [8], upside hinges [9], downside hinges [10], scissors frames [11], supporting members [12], springs [13], and holes [14]; each side of said framework [2] comprising collapsible cross beam comprising a plurality of scissors frames [11], each scissors frame comprising cross pieces [8] hinge connected to each other in the midway, two ends of each scissors frame [11] being respectively connected to two corresponding ends of the other scissors frame [11] of the same side by hinges, the other two ends of each scissors frame &lsqb

Abstract: The foldable tent having eaves at the top of the sides of the Foldable frame [2] foldable eave frames [3] that extend outwardly can be folded together along with the frame [2] are provided. The covering 1 is put on the frame [2] having eave frames [3] which are n-shaped frames composed of a front side and two lateral sides. The front side is composed of a plurality of scissors frames [4] and the number of which is same to that of the cross beam [8] of the corresponding side of the frame [2] between two poles. Each of the lateral side is composed of a scissors frame which is composed of two cross pieces pivotally connected to each other in the midway.

Abstract: While solar energy is widely available, current means to harness it are sufficiently expensive that for most applications it is not economically viable. The basic problem is that solar energy is not sufficiently concentrated, and the cost of the collector becomes the limiting factor. This invention teaches a way of building a solar collector and an associated energy conversion engine that together allow one to build cost effective solar electric systems that can compete with natural gas based power plants.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for the irradiation of solar cells (2) is described. The apparatus (1) contains at least 400 solid-state radiation sources in a matrix-like extensive arrangement for emitting monochromatic light in a spectral region of 880 nm, preferably for silicon cells.

Abstract: A fuel tank structure of a remotely controllable car. A fuel pipe is disposed in the fuel tank. A middle section of the fuel pipe has a fuel outlet by which the interior of the fuel pipe is divided into a first section and a second section. Two steel balls are respectively disposed in the first and second sections. The ends of the first and second sections proximal to the fuel outlet are respectively formed with a first and a second passages. The ends of the first and second sections distal from the fuel outlet are respectively formed with a first and a second receiving sections. The fuel pipe is formed with a first inlet between the first passage and the first receiving section and a second inlet between the second passage and the second receiving section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic open- and closed-loop control apparatus (10) for flows of pressure fluid, having one inlet conduit (14), two outlet conduits (16, 18), and one venting conduit (20), and also having a valve piston (90) mediating between these conduits and mounted in a valve chamber (92), and to a method for open- and closed-loop control of flows of pressure fluid.

Abstract: In a servo controller 3a, it is confirmed whether or not the voltages from amplifiers G1 through G3 are within the range of normal performance in the comparators 32a through 32c after alternating current voltages generated individually in a primary coil 22a and secondary coils 23a and 24a of an LVDT 2a are converted into direct current voltages and output from the amplifiers G1 though G3. When a voltage out of the range of normal performance is confirmed in at least one of the comparators 32a through 32c and a high voltage is output, the servo controller 3a is brought into a stand-by state.

Abstract: A conduit for use with a polymeric fuel tank. The conduit attaches to a fuel tank and includes an outlet port having first retention barb formed from a layer capable of being welded to a fuel tank and a second retention barb formed from a permeation resistant layer. When welded to the fuel tank, the permeation resistant layer may be spaced from the weldable surface of the fuel tank to prevent contamination of any weld joint.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controlled pneumatic valve intended for the remote control of the inflation and deflation of a volume, comprising a membrane held between a half-body and a grooved ring. The membrane delimits a pilot chamber with the half-body and an exhaust chamber with the grooved ring. Said exhaust chamber communicating firstly with a bore opening out into the volume and secondly with the pilot chamber by means of a non-return valve housed in a body. The pilot chamber is connected to a high-low pressure circuit via an intake piece. Said non-return valve pushes the membrane in order to close the bore. The pneumatic valve comprises a mechanical means which is controlled by the membrane and which is used to open the non-return valve, in addition to the action of the pressure, at low pressure. Said means comprises a bridge that is fixed to the membrane and a finger which is disposed opposite the non-return valve. The invention is suitable for low-pressure tire control.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device (10) for supplying a powdery coating product to a sprayer (1) in an installation spraying such a product. The invention is characterized in that it comprises at least two modules (11, 14) connected each to a source (B1-B4) of coating product and forming each part (112, 113) of a common manifold (C) connected to said sprayer (1) for circulating said product (P1-P4).

Abstract: A ball valve equipped with a ball closing component (1) a cover (18) and seals assemblies (2) having sediment rings (5) with seals (6) characterised in that on the lateral surface of each sediment ring (5) there is a flange (9), having from the side of a ball closing component (1), working surface (10). The space of the recess (3) of a body (4) contains a working chamber (11) placed between working surface (10) of the flange (9) and a closing ring (12) screwed down to the inner part of the body (4) and a chamber (13) placed from the back wall (8) of the recess (3). The working chamber (11) is connected in a passage way with the interior of the body (4).

Abstract: A gas flow regulation module for use in a pressure vessel including a wall with an opening having a minimum opening diameter. The wall defines an interior space in the pressure vessel. The module includes a head portion, a neck portion, and a body portion. The body portion has a maximum diameter which is less than the minimum opening diameter, so that the body portion fits through the opening for positioning in the interior space. The gas flow regulation module includes a manual shut-off valve for controlling the flow of fluid through the module.

Abstract: A ballcock valve with a valve body mounted on a tubular riser with a valve seat which passes water from the riser. The valve body includes a base and a removable cap which enclose valve workings. A screen body passed through the valve seat has a central passage and openings to the passage that exclude particulate solids. A flow control is fitted to the screen body. The combined screen body and flow control is upstream from the valve seat. Preferably a retainer releasably holds the screen body against axial movement when installed.

Abstract: A bilateral pump unit comprises a housing including first, second, third, and bottom walls jointly defining a receiving space therebetween. A power input is attached to the first wall and having an output arranged in the receiving space. A first pump is attached to the second wall and providing first input and output ports, the first pump is coupled to the output of the power input through an input of the first pump. A second pump is attached to the third wall and provides second input and output ports, the second pump includes an input mechanically coupled to the input of the first pump.

Abstract: The disclosed device is directed towards a surge tank. The surge tank comprises a side wall including an interior surface. A bottom of tank is coupled to the side wall, wherein the side wall and the bottom of tank define an interior of the surge tank and an exterior of the surge tank. At least one inlet is configured to fluidly couple the exterior of the surge tank with the interior of the surge tank. A weir is fluidly coupled to the inlet at the interior of the surge tank. A flexible element is coupled to the weir proximate to the bottom of tank. An outlet is defined in the bottom of tank.

Abstract: A valve assembly comprising a rotary closure element which defines an axis of rotation and is selectively movable between a fully open position and a fully closed position. Mounted to and movable with the rotary closure element is an impedance assembly. The impedance assembly defines an inflow end and an outflow end, and comprises a plurality of fluid passageways of varying noise attenuating capability which extend from the inflow end to the outflow end. Also partially defined by the impedance assembly is a flow opening which extends from the inflow end to the outflow end. A retainer bracket is disposed within the flow opening and is cooperatively engaged to both the closure element and the impedance assembly.

Abstract: The sample injection valve for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) devices comprises a stator with inlets for the sample and the mobile phase, outlets leading to the chromatography column and to a waste collector, as well as connections for both ends of a sample loop. Its rotor has the customary connection channels. An additional washing liquid inlet (7) opens into the connecting channel (9) that, in one valve position, connects the sample inlet (1) to the outlet (2) leading to the waste collector. This enables the sample inlet and the pipette or syringe located therein to be rinsed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydroaccumulator, in particular a bladder accumulator. Said accumulator comprises a pressurised container (1), a separation element (5) which is located in said container and separates a gas chamber (7) in the pressurised container (1), lying adjacent to an inlet on the gas side from a fluid chamber (9), lying adjacent to an inlet on the fluid side (3), said inlet having a fluid connecting sleeve (11) and a valve arrangement located on the connecting sleeve (11), said arrangement having at least one valve body (17) that has a transversal bore (33). The valve body is usually pretensioned in an open position which allows the passage of fluid and can be displaced into a closed position by a displacement of the separation element (5), the interior surface (15) of the connecting (sleeve (11), which lies directly against the valve body (17), guiding the displacement of said body between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A pressure bag is used to line a branch pipe, wherein a heat medium hose can be securely pulled with an everting force of a branch pipe liner bag to stably line the branch pipe. The pressure bag has one end closed by an end collar for containing the branch pipe liner bag. The end collar is formed with a hot water supply port and a hot water discharge port, as well as a sealing member for slidably supporting a pull rope or a belt extending therethrough in an air-tight seal. A hot water supply pipe in communication with the hot water supply port is disposed within the end collar, and a flexible hot water hose is attached to the hot water supply pipe. The hot water hose is folded and contained in the pressure bag. A head collar comprising a head collar push-up lever is attached to the end of the pressure bag opposite to the end to which the end collar is attached.

Abstract: In a hose with corrugated metal tube, an axial leading end portion of a corrugated metal tube is configured as an extending portion so as to extend in an axial direction beyond a base portion of a socket fitting and be exposed out of an outer layer of the hose. The extending portion is clamped by an inner end surface of the base portion and an outer surface of a rigid insert pipe.

Abstract: A hose with corrugated metal tube comprises a corrugated metal tube as innermost layer and outer layer in a radially outer side thereof including elastic layer and reinforced layer. The reinforced layer is braided with reinforcing filament members at a braid or winding angle which is a low angle, 40 degrees or lower.

Abstract: Pipe or tubing of crosslinked polyethylene (“PEX”) containing less than 2% by wt. carbon black provides improved resistance to oxidizing agents such as chlorine and hypochlorous acid in water. The pipe may be further protected with a thin tubular core (inner layer) of high density polyethylene or chlorinated polyethylene. The pipe may optionally have an oxygen barrier layer, such as poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (“EVOH”), contiguously disposed radially outward from the carbon-containing PEX layer. The pipe is suitable for potable water applications and for hot water radiant heating systems.