Abstract: A drug delivery system for administering preset doses of a substance such as a drug, vaccine or the like is provided. The drug delivery system includes a holder and a pre-filled drug container such as a syringe which is securely retained in the holder. The drug container includes a barrel for containing the substance, a movable stopper situated within the barrel, and a blunt end having an opening through which the substance within the barrel can be expelled. The holder includes a distal portion and a proximal portion, each configured to accommodate the drug container, with the distal portion being able to be assembled to the proximal portion, which acts as a plunger rod during activation of the delivery system.

Abstract: A metered dose inhaler for use with a pressurized aerosol container which is preferably breath-actuated. A preload (80) is applied to the internal aerosol valve by an amount sufficient to result in a dose release, but this is prevented by the application of a pneumatic resisting force (130). The inhaler comprises a release device (110) which, upon actuation, releases the resisting force and allows the preload to actuate the aerosol valve (135). A metered dose of medicament is then released for inhalation by the patient. The pneumatic resisting force is established by a negative pressure region defined in part by a diaphragm. The diaphragm includes a central disk of a first, relatively high stiffness material and a peripheral ring, coupled by a flexure of a second, relatively low stiffness material.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device comprising a fluid reservoir (10), and a dispensing member (20), such as a metering valve, fitted to said reservoir (10), said reservoir (10) and said valve (20) being assembled into a body (30) incorporating a dispensing orifice (31), said device being characterized in that it includes an adjustment element (40) disposed between the reservoir (10) and the body (30), said adjustment element (40) being provided with adapter means (45) that are movable and/or deformable and that co-operate with the body (30) and/or with the reservoir (10) while the reservoir (10) is being assembled into the body (30), thereby compensating for the manufacturing tolerances of said body (30) and/or of said reservoir and/or said dispensing member (20).

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device comprising a reservoir (1), a metering valve (2) having a valve member (3), and an automatic trigger system for actuating said valve, said trigger system comprising a resilient element (10) moved manually into a cocked position, actuation of the trigger system releasing said resilient element (10) which then moves to an actuating position by exerting a force adapted to moving the valve member (3) towards its dispensing position, said resilient element (10) then being returned manually to its rest position, said fluid dispenser device being characterized in that it further comprises a valve member release system which co-operates with the reservoir (1) or with the valve member (3) so that, after dispensing the fluid, said valve member (3) is released from the force exerted by said resilient element (10), so that, after the device is actuated, said valve member (3) is returned to its rest position by the return spring of the valve, independently of the position of said resilient element

Abstract: A dosing device comprising a dispenser (26) for dispensing a dose material and a dose actuation mechanism (44) is provided. The dose actuation mechanism (44) comprises a number of integrally hinged links (52, 54, 55) which are connected to each other at hinging points. A deflectable tongue (157), moveable in response to air flow from inhalation by a patient is attached to a first link (52), to move the first link in response to air flow, movement of the first link being transferred to a second link (54) to cause actuation of the dispenser. The first link rests at an over center, or stable, position prior to operation, and moves under center during operation of the device to trigger movement of the second link. The dose actuation mechanism is a one-piece moulding from plastics material.

Abstract: There is provided a medicament dispenser comprising a body (4), a medicament carrier (80), an exit channel (70) for passage of the medicament to a patient, and access means for directly or indirectly exposing the exit channel (70) for use by the patient, wherein the access means (70) comprises an access coupling (74). The coupling (74) is reversibly deformable in response to the application of non-mechanical energy thereto. The non-mechanical energy may comprise heat energy, electrical current energy, electrical field energy or magnetic field energy.

Abstract: In a small animal surgery suite, a ventilation system (20) is provided to reduce the amount of anaesthetic released. The ventilation system has at least one inlet (40, 88) which is connected to an exhaust and positioned close to where anaesthetic is released. Where the anaesthetic is released from an induction station (12), where animals are initially anaesthetized, the inlet can be provided above the station. Where the anaesthetic is released from a breathing station (14), where the animals are operated on, the inlet can be provided next to the part of the breathing station (80) into which the animal's nose is inserted.

Abstract: This invention constitutes a 3-in-1 in-line nebulizer, mediport dispenser, and suction chamber for bag valve masks, endotracheal tubes and tracheotomy tubes attachment with universal adaptability for airways for adults and children. The invention's nebulizer chamber (4) permits administering in-line respiratory medications. The invention's medication administration port (3) permits administering cardiac and narcotic antagonist medications down the endotracheal tube or tracheotomy tube to the patient without the need of interrupting ventilation or breathing assistance. The invention's suction port (4) facilitates the removal of emesis from the oral airway of the patient, endotracheal tube or tracheotomy tube without jeopardizing ventilation, breathing assistance to the patient or compromising endotracheal tube or tracheotomy tube placement.

Abstract: An inhaler device comprising a container for powdered medicament, an inhalation channel, a movable metering member, a depressible actuator and a multiple dosage preventing means for locking the depressible actuator after use such that the actuator is unlocked only upon inhalation. The inhaler device is useful in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as asthma. The multiple dosage preventing means of the device eliminates the risk of unintentional overdosing.

Abstract: An inhaler for dispensing a plurality of doses of particulate material has means for receiving and retaining a container (20) having a plurality of compartments, each for holding a respective dose (or part thereof). The container is moved by an indexing mechanism so as to bring successive compartments into registry with an airway to enable the contents of each compartment to be dispensed through the airway (50). The indexing mechanism is operated by a control member (6) which is movable through a series of alternating advance and return strokes (preferably rotational movements), the inhaler including a non-return mechanism (112, 114, 116 and 104) for preventing movement of the member in the direction of each return stroke before the completion of the respective preceding advance stroke, thereby to help to ensure that the indexing mechanism is properly operated.

Abstract: Pulmonary delivery of dry powder formulations by aerosol inhalation has received much attention as an attractive alternative to intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous injection, since this approach eliminates the necessity for injection syringes and needles. The present invention provides dry powder filled cellulose-based capsules having particular utility for use with dry powder inhalers. Such capsules not only readily coordinate with conventional DPIs but also coordinate with conventional powder filling technologies, thereby saving time, labor and cost. The invention further provides a novel procedure for determining, ab initio, appropriate and optimal conditions for preparing such powder filled capsules. Specifically, when packaging dry powder formulations for long-term storage, it is important to ensure that the water content of the powder does not exceed the critical moisture point, that point at which the powder loses physical and chemical stability.

Abstract: The present invention includes dry powder inhalers and associated multi-dose dry powder packages for holding inhalant formulated dry powder substances and associated fabrication and dispensing methods. The multi-dose package can include a platform body comprising at least one thin piezoelectric polymer material layer defining at least a portion of a plurality of spatially separated discrete elongate dry powder channels having an associated length, width and height; and a metallic material attached to selected portions of the piezoelectric polymer material including each of the regions corresponding to the elongate dry powder channels to, in operation, define active energy releasing vibratory channels. In operation, the elongate channels can be selectively individually activated to vibrate upon exposure to an electrical input.

Abstract: This Personal Respirator is a respiratory protection air-purifying device. It minimizes the area required in front of the face, especially around the mouth area, by locating the heavier filter cartridge behind the head, resting on the lower neck and shoulders, connected by two filtered air tubes around the head and neck partially counterbalancing the valve chamber directly in front of the mouthpiece, forming a ring around the head with the mouthpiece in the mouth and the exhaust port in the bottom of the valve chamber. The valve chamber has the filtered air intake check type valves opposite each other horizontally, an exhaust check type valve down with short exhaust tube and an oval mouthpiece tube passing through the mouthpiece, into the mouth. The valve chamber is of minimal size with the three check valves and mouthpiece close together thus minimizing the internal dead air space and making the outside dimensions small enough to fit under safety equipment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting humans against hazardous particulate agents such as biological or chemical agents. A special porous cloth contains activated carbon threads that is used as a quick escape mask to cover the mouth and/or nose of a person to protect the person from inhaling hazardous particulates. This simple cloth mask may be designed for short-term emergency respiratory protection and can be particularly convenient for use by people who are in relatively public, enclosed areas (such as in restaurants, bars, or hotel rooms) and who might need to evacuate those areas in a short period of time. The cloth may also be used in other applications, for example, as a tent liner, as a liner for military uniforms or diving suits, or as a water or air filtration device. In addition to protection from hazardous agents, the cloth may sometimes additionally filter out bad odors.

Abstract: A gas mask having a filter canister mount including an inhalation valve and a self-sealing mechanism that prevents air inflow when a filter canister is removed from the canister mount. In one embodiment, the self-sealing valve includes an elastomeric diaphragm mounted in the inlet port and includes a hinge and a skirt, the skirt having a sealing surface that is biased into contact with a valve seat. The filter canister includes a projection adapted to act on the hinge to pivot the skirt away from the sealing surface as the canister is fitted to the canister mount. In one embodiment, the canister comprises a stacked-radial-flow arrangement of particulate and carbon filtration media. In one embodiment, the gas mask includes a visor having a pair of spaced optical panels with a hinge mounted therebetween for relative rotational movement.

Abstract: A connector includes a mask end for connecting with the interior of a respiratory mask, a supply conduit end, and a gas washout vent passage having an inlet adjacent to, or forming part of, the mask end in fluid communication with the interior of the respiratory mask and an outlet in fluid communication with atmosphere. The vent outlet of the vent passage is disposed on the side of the connector remote from the mask end. A respiratory mask includes a mask shell, a mask inlet for connecting with the outlet of a breathable gas supply conduit, and a gas washout vent passage. A vent outlet is disposed on the side of the mask remote from the mask interior and is adapted to direct the washout gas in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mask inlet and away from the mask inlet.

Abstract: A holding device for a respiratory mask, especially for use in the field of sleep medicine, includes a headband which, in an application position, extends from the forehead area of the patient to behind the ear area of the patient, whereby the headband is provided with a flexible reinforcing insert for reinforcing the headband in a lateral direction. This makes it advantageously possible to provide the mask retention forces, which are necessary for reliably applying a respiratory mask, in a manner that is very compatible with regard to ergonomics.

Abstract: A connection device for connecting a headgear and a mask and a system for supplying a flow of gas to a patient that incorporates such a connection device. The connection device allows independent rotation of each of two independently disconnecting headgear connectors. The gas delivery mask includes a shell, a first connector associated with the shell, a second connector connected to a headgear and realeasably and rotateably connected to the first connector.

Abstract: A nasal cannula apparatus is provided for use by patients desiring a comfortable arrangement. The nasal cannula apparatus is particularly suited for long-term oxygen users, for extended wear in both standing, resting and supine positions. The nasal cannula apparatus has headgear and retainers for holding the gas supply tubes, which are adjustable to allow fast and easy adjustment to size. The headgear and retainers allow the cannula tubes to be held in a position which prevents skin discomfort and irritation, and which promotes healing of such irritation, injuries and sores.

Abstract: Headwear is adapted for use by a patient to position airway tubes of a nasal interface operatively connected to a positive airway pressure device. The headwear includes an elongated head strap for being worn around a head of the patient. First and second tube holders are attached to the head strap, and adapted for engaging and holding respective airway tubes of the nasal interface to retain the tubes in a desired position during use. Each of the tube holders includes an elastic strip extending along a longitudinal dimension of the head strap. The elastic strip cooperates with the head strap to form an eye for receiving an airway tube of the nasal interface.

Abstract: A surgical drape provides a volume to accommodate radiological equipment such as a C-arm x-ray device without pulling the bottom of the drape up which could otherwise interrupt the sterile field. In one preferred embodiment, the space is created with pleated or gathered section, which receives the equipment as it is brought up laterally without lifting any portion of the material overall. A different embodiment of the invention includes a tunnel or tent formed in the material, generally without pleating. In this case, the tunnel or tent extends from the bottom of the drape to or above a patient-contacting procedural area. As a further option, in either the pleated or shaped configurations, additional material may be included to form a slit to further shroud the radiological equipment when positioned for a medial-lateral exposure.

Abstract: A mouthguard for allowing medical instruments to be passed into a patient includes an integrally formed or removable locking device. The locking device includes one or more mechanisms for preventing the movement of a guidewire or other medical devices during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A medical weight for being placed on a sensor worn on a body surface of a living subject, so as to press the sensor against the body surface, the medical weight including one or more bags, and a number of spheroidal bodies accommodated in the bag or bags.

Abstract: A manufacturing machine for rod-shaped articles comprises a wrapping section (4) for forming a rod-shaped article by wrapping a filler material in a wrapper. The wrapping section has a forming bed (6) for guiding a garniture tape (10), which is used to form the rod-shaped article, in travel. The manufacturing machine further comprises a cooling system for cooling the forming bed (10). The cooling system is provided with cooling passages (43, 45, 47, 49, 143, 145, 149) formed in portions 6A to 6D of the forming bed (6) and a circuit for supplying a coolant to the cooling passages.

Abstract: A cigarette filter for removing nicotine and tar from cigarette smoke is composed a filtering core (20) enclosed between the tube (10) and a mouth piece (30). Multiple gaps and passages and a residue chamber (15) are individually formed between the filtering core (20) and the tube (10). Multiple inlets (24) are defined in the filtering core (20) to communicate with the tube (10), and multiple outlets (26) are defined in the filtering core (20) to communicate between the inlets (24) and the residue chamber (15). When cigarette smoke passes through the filter core (20), nicotine and tar are deposited inside the inlets (24), outlets (26) and the residue chamber (15) because they have a larger specific gravity than the other gas in the cigarette smoke.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating tobacco to reduce or eliminate nitrosamines therefrom. The method comprises the use of a supercritical fluid extraction medium at elevated temperature and pressure to selectively remove nitrosamines compared with nicotine removal. The nitrosamnine content for all tobacco types can be reduced.

Abstract: The underlying invention involves a process to control pests in stored products, and tobacco products in particular, whereby goods that are prone to infestation are intermittently shock-frozen at temperatures below zero, and whereby the minimum duration and minimum temperature of the shock treatment are selected so as to ensure that the stored product pests are killed in all stages of their development. Accordingly, the underlying invention is advantageous in that it enables effective, long-lasting pest control of goods prone to infestation because it kills not only beetles and their larvae, but also the eggs of the any pests, thus preventing the development of the eggs into the larval stage at a later point in time. Also, the invention's process makes it possible to eliminate the use of highly toxic chemicals which can leave residues in the treated goods and thereby constitute a health hazard to the consumers thereof.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for pest control in stored wares, especially tobacco products, which is characterized by the intermittent microwave treatment of potentially infested stored goods, whereby the duration of treatment and the mean output of the microwaves are so harmonized that the pest itself as well as its eggs are killed. The present invention therefore makes it possible to conduct effective and sustained pest control on infested goods since, in addition to beetles and larvae, the eggs of the pest are eliminated as well, and consequently the development of eggs to the larval stage at a later point in time is prevented. Secondly, using the invention's method, it is possible to dispense with highly toxic chemicals that can leave residues on the treated commodities and consequently represent a health hazard to anyone consuming the product in question.

Abstract: The invention relates to a smoking article (1) having a high proportion of non-combustible, inorganic material and a relatively low level of visible sidestream. The smoking article comprises a substantially non-combustible, wrapper (5) which extends along the full length of the smoking material rod and enwraps a combustible fuel source (6) and aerosol generating means (7), both of which extend substantially along the length of the smoking material rod. Various suitable fuel source system and aerosol generating systems are described. The article has a visible burn line which advances along the article and produces an ash which can be removed by the smoker in the normal way.

Abstract: Cut filler compositions, cigarettes, methods for making cigarettes and methods for smoking cigarettes are provided, which involve the use of nanoparticle additives capable of reducing amounts of at least one constituent from mainstream and/or sidestream tobacco smoke, the at least one constituent being selected from the group consisting of aldehyde, carbon monoxide, 1,3-butadiene, isoprene, acrolein, acrylonitrile, hydrogen cyanide, o-toluidine, 2-naphtylamine, nitrogen oxide, benzene, N-nitrosonornicotine, phenol, catechol, benz(a)anthracene, benzo(a)pyrene, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the nanoparticle additives are effective as an oxidant for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and/or as a catalyst for the conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and/or catalyst for conversion of aldehydes such as acetaldehyde and acrolein, hydrocarbons such as isoprene and/or phenolic compounds such as catechol to carbon dioxide and water vapor.

Abstract: An artificial fingernail remover is provided that comprises a receptacle 1 formed with an opened end 3, a closed end 4 and a cavity 1a defined between the opened and closed ends 3, 4; and an absorbent 2 disposed in the receptacle 1 and secured to the closed end 4 of the receptacle 1 to absorb a solvent in absorbent 2. When a tip of a single finger is inserted into receptacle 1 to bring the artificial fingernail 7 attached to a natural nail into contact with absorbent 2, resin of the artificial nail 7 is dissolved or softened by the solvent, and the artificial nail 7 can be easily scrapped off the natural nail in a relatively short period of time.

Abstract: A hairstyling accessory is disclosed which permits a handle to be rotatably adjusted with respect to a head on the accessory, thus permitting the accessory to be tailored to the user's particular needs. The head has a downwardly extending shaft with a longitudinal axis. The handle is disposed about at least a portion of the shaft and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The accessory includes a lock for locking the handle to the shaft at one of a plurality of different rotational positions about the longitudinal axis. The lock has a locked position and an unlocked position. The accessory preferably includes a spring for biasing the lock against movement into the unlocked position. The accessory may be a hair brush, a comb or a mirror.

Abstract: Hair ornament with a resilient attaching clip comprising a pair of complementary transversally elongated limbs (12, 14) having handle portions (30, 32) and which are connected by hinge and spring means (16) and having suitably shaped prongs (18) extending from each elongated limbs (12, 14) and forming a pair of clipping portions wherein each elongated limb comprises a socket (20, 22) having a hollow cylindrical recess and which forms at the inner opposite end abutting sliding planes (23, 25), as well as a bushing (24) which is received in a recess provided in the respective socket of each limb, whereby the limbs are pivoted to each other and a spring (26) inserted in the bushing extending into the sockets and being attached at both ends by suitable means at the outer end of the sockets in order to bias the limbs in the closed position.

Abstract: A toothbrush or the like may be inserted, bristles downward, into any of the one or more apertures in a cap removably attached to a body of the apparatus. A peg may be inserted into any one of the apertures in order to allow an electric toothbrush head or other non-standard type of toothbrush to be used. An internal ultraviolet (UV) bulb is located in the apparatus to sanitize the toothbrushes. A timer/control circuit may activate the UV bulb for three minutes and then shut off. To prevent the recurrence of bacterial growth over time, the UV bulb may be automatically reactivated by the timer/control circuit after six hours and activated for another 3 minutes or another amount of time, as programmed. A safety rod may interact with a spring-loaded microswitch coupled to the timer/control circuit to disable the unit if the cap is removed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved combination tooth pick/dental floss appliance, with the addition of, a food and or medicament pad. The tasks carried out by the invention are beyond basic flossing to include the delivery system of an attached medicament such as or combination of, nicotine, breath fresheners, antacids, fluoride, and teeth brighteners. This invention is most valuable to a person on the go, who does not have easy access to facilities to brush their teeth as desired. This combination dental tool with the accompanying medicament gives one the ability to cleanse one's teeth as well as freshen one's mouth whether it be after eating or smoking.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a workpiece, such as a semiconductor wafer, includes a spray mechanism that rotates around the workpiece while the workpiece rests on a stationary workpiece support in a process chamber. The spray mechanism preferably includes one or more spray arms attached to a motorized rotary union via hollow elbow sections. The rotary union is attached to a fluid supply valve and preferably includes a hollow shaft through which process fluid may travel from the fluid supply valve to the spray arms. The process chamber includes a drain through which process fluid may be removed from the process chamber. A process gas and/or vapor manifold, a sonic transducer, and/or a rinsing liquid manifold may be included in the process chamber for delivering a process gas or vapor, sonic energy, and/or a rinsing liquid into the process chamber in order to enhance processing of the workpiece.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for static elimination of a cleaning target in a cleaning step is carried out by disposing in a cleaning apparatus a conducting means capable of coming into contact with and separating from the cleaning target at a plurality of portions thereof, bringing the conducting means into contact with the plurality of portions of the cleaning target, and eliminating, by grounding via the conducting means, the static electrification on the cleaning target that is caused by a cleaning member during cleaning. A static elimination assembly carrying out this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An in-situ chamber cleaning method and apparatus used to remove adherent polymer deposits from the walls of a diode process reactor or chamber. Using this method, a high-density plasma is introduced into the reactor core and creates a reactive cleansing plasma by subsequent RF or capacitive discharge within the chamber. The cleansing plasma decomposes the polymer material into components, which may be readily removed from the chamber improving cleansing efficiency.

Abstract: A method and composition for removing Group VIII metal-containing materials from a surface (preferably, a platinum-containing, and more preferably, a platinum-rhodium-containing surface) involves the use of a mixture of phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for breaking out a pattern (1) embedded in loose particulate matter (2), whereby the pattern (1) is arranged on a platform (4) movable at least vertically. At least during breakout, the movable platform (4) is enclosed in a container (3) that is open at least in the upward direction as viewed from the platform (4) towards the pattern (1). The platform (4) is displaced at the desired settable speed upwards in the direction of the pattern (1) and the loose particulate matter (2) is removed simultaneously.

Abstract: The device comprises a spray system (72, 74, 78, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86) for spraying a fluid (76) against the inside periphery of the tube (1) to be cleaned, and two analogous brushing assemblies (10, 20), each of which comprises brushing means (12, 22) and a propelling element which co-operates with the inside periphery of the tube (1). The device further comprises means (50, 30, 40) for moving axially the brushing assemblies towards each other and away from each other in alternation, which means comprise a chamber (58) connected to a feed for feeding in fluid (51) under pressure. Said spray system (72, 74, 78, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86) includes a reservoir (72) put under pressure by being connected to said chamber (58).

Abstract: Coatings are stripped from substrates by means of a stripping composition which comprises at least one low vapor pressure solvent. The stripping compound is applied to a coated surface of the substrate and is allowed to dwell in contact with the coating. The coating and stripping compound are removed, separately or together, and the stripping compound is reused to strip the same or a different substrate.

Abstract: An elevated pressure and temperature fluid processing system providing a pressurized fluid delivery system including a process fluid supply system and pump for supplying a process fluid at a process pressure, and a process fluid heater for heating the process fluid; a process chamber with a process chamber heater; and a process discharge collection system. The system also provides a process chamber inflow valve for connecting the pressurized fluid delivery system to the process chamber for fluid flow, and a process chamber outflow valve for connecting the process chamber to the collection system for fluid flow. A process chamber bypass valve connects the pressurized fluid delivery system to the process discharge collection system so as to bypass the process chamber. A computer control system controls the pump, the process fluid heater, the chamber heater, and the valves.

Abstract: A device for inverting hollow bodies gripped by the neck, characterized in that it includes a series of gripper mounted at the periphery of a rotary wheel and each of which is adapted to grip a hollow body by the neck, and each gripper is mounted on a wheel so as to be tilted between a first and a second position, and each gripper is designed to grip the neck of the hollow body at two substantially opposite points on either side of the neck axis, and the gripper is designed to cause the neck of the hollow body to be engaged in the gripper by one side of the gripper and to be released by the other side of the gripper, with substantially radial movements relative to the neck axis.

Abstract: Cleaning according to an evaporating dish cleaning mode or heating chamber cleaning mode is implemented based on a signal inputted by the control part. In the heating chamber cleaning mode, condensation is generated on the inner surface of the heating chamber 11 by steam, and the soil adhered to the inner surface of the heating chamber 11 is allowed to float to be in a state of removing it easily. In the evaporating dish cleaning mode, a cleaning liquid made of citric acid solution is pumped into an evaporating dish 35, it is heated to a predetermined temperature, and it is left therein. Therefore, calcium and magnesium deposited on the evaporating dish 35 are allowed in a state of removing them easily.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a semiconductor substrate has a chuck for rotatably supporting the semiconductor substrate, and a horizontally movable probe for applying ultrasonic vibrations uniformly to cleaning solution supplied onto an upper surface of the semiconductor substrate. The probe makes contact with the cleaning solution supplied and extends vertically from the upper surface of the substrate. The cross-sectional area of the probe gradually increases in a direction towards the semiconductor substrate so that the ultrasonic vibrations are widely distributed to the cleaning solution. The lower surface of the probe has surface features that act to disperse a reflected wavefront of the vibrational energy. Thus, patterns formed on the semiconductor substrate will not be damaged by the ultrasonic vibrations.

Abstract: An apparatus for scarifying an interior surface of a sewer pipe, which includes a vehicle moveable along an interior of the sewer pipe and a scarifying assembly connected to the vehicle having a fluid nozzle assembly. The fluid nozzle assembly has at least one branch with a fluid nozzle coupled to a distal end of the branch. The nozzle is positioned proximate the interior surface of the passageway. The fluid nozzle assembly is operative to rotate or oscillate and to emit a jet of fluid from the one nozzle against the interior surface of the passageway and to scarify the interior surface of the passageway as the vehicle moves along the passageway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a positioning structure of an auto-umbrella, which includes an improved shaft around a shaft and a notch connecting with a frame. The characteristic is that the runner is provided with an engaging hook connected with a sleeve, and the engaging hook has its upper end to be a protrusion and has its lower end to connect with an inner spring. The notch is provided with an engaging piece having a flat edge to engage with the protrusion of the hook for positioning the umbrella in secure when the umbrella will be used for a period of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a protecting structure for a button of an auto-umbrella, which includes a protecting structure being a shell and a handle. The handle connects with a lower end of a shaft and has a controlling apparatus inside for automatically opening or closing the umbrella. A button of the controlling apparatus is provided on the handle, which can be received into the shell for hiding and avoiding from unexpectedly contact with the button for secure purpose.

Abstract: An umbrella includes a tubular runner slidably sleeved on a stem between upper and lower positions. A tubular upper end portion of the stem defines a plurality of angularly displaced slots such that anchored segments of an anchored wire are exposed therefrom for pivotally mounting anchoring ends of a plurality of ribs. The ribs have distal ends disposed at an underside of a canopy for supporting the canopy in spread-out and collapsed positions when the runner is moved to the upper and lower positions, respectively. The ribs can be brought into close proximity of the stem after retraction for facilitating storage and carrying.