Abstract: A portable artificial campfire device includes a burner element having a gas entry port and including a surface area having plurality of orifices of varying density formed in and dispersed throughout the burner element. An adjustable gas valve is coupled to the entry port of the burner element to control the flow of gas into the burner element. The burner element is easily adaptable for placement into existing campground facilities including man made campfire rings. The adjustable gas valve is adapted for receiving pressurized gas from a pressurized gas fuel source and for controlling the flow of pressurized gas to the burner element. The adjustable gas valve in combination with the plurality of orifices can affect the height and intensity of flames emanating from orifices formed within the burner element's surface by controlling of gas flowing into the burner element and out of the orifices. The burner element can be formed from tubular steel into a spiral.

Abstract: An arrangement structure of heat exchangers in a condensing gas boiler is provided, which includes a casing provided with a combustion chamber therein, and a gas burner provided in the lower portion of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A metallic fireplace shield is provided which fits into a fireplace opening by flexing or bowing the shield in the vertical or horizontal direction and placing it in the fireplace opening while flexed. After insertion the shield is partially relaxed. The residual stresses in the shield provide a pressure on the fireplace sides which holds it firmly in place.

Abstract: A desired temperature is maintained for air conditioning without using an energy for the operation of a heat pump or for the combustion of fuel for acquiring heat.

Abstract: A solar radiation concentrator rotated about a straight line vertical to the reflector arrangement surfaces so that the incident solar radiation can be led onto the reflector arrangement surface along the specified direction and a method of concentrating solar radiation; the concentrator, comprising a plurality of reflectors (10) disposed on reflector arrangement surfaces, a plurality of reflector vertical bars (20) connected to the plurality of reflectors, rotating center holding members (30) for holding the center points of the rotating motions of the plurality of reflector vertical bars, motion members (40) for collectively rotating the plurality of reflector vertical bars, and guide members (50) for guiding the motions of the plurality of reflector vertical bars so that the plurality of reflector vertical bars can be rotated along specified reflector vertical bar routes, wherein the motion members perform motions along the specified motion member routes according to a variation in the incident angle of th

Abstract: The present invention is an aerosol inhalation interface, and a method for its use. The device delivers a flow of aerosol medication to a patient breathing tidally by creating a medication rich environment proximal to the nose and mouth of the patient, while the patient is in a reclining position.

Abstract: An atomizing nebulizer for dispensing a substance or medicament is described. The nebulizer is formed with a reservoir base releasably secured to an effluent vent cap that together capture a diffuser and integral dispersing baffle that are further formed with an uptake lumen or channel terminating with a nozzle jet. The diffuser dispersing baffle is positioned relative to the jet nozzle to optimize atomization of any of a number of such substances so as to maximize disbursement of the substance. The reservoir base also incorporates a pressurized fluid-accelerating inlet tube terminated with a metering orifice that cooperates with the nozzle jet when the inlet tube is received within the diffuser uptake lumen or channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the physical and/or chemical parameters of an aerosol formulation from a metered dose inhaler, including a housing (1) with a measuring chamber (8) therein, a multiple sampling head (3) having at least one valve, an opening for receiving the measuring electrode (2), and a mechanism for opening a metered dose inhaler cartridge (5) which includes a sleeve (4), connected detachably or non-detachably to the housing (1), for receiving the metered dose inhaler cartridge, a pin or a needle (7) attached to the surface facing the measuring chamber (8) and protruding into the sleeve (4) for opening the cartridge (5), an actuating element (6) for pressing the cartridge (5) against the pin or needle (7), seals for preventing undesired pressure equalization, and at least one connecting opening (7, 10) to the measuring chamber (8) through which the aerosol formulation can pass unchanged into the measuring chamber.

Abstract: Kitchen cover for kitchen furniture and like built-in members, in kitchenettes, living vans, campers, boat kitchens, hunting lodges, weekend houses and the like, as well as method for manufacturing a kitchen cover with a working plate 1 manufactured from a material curable in cold or hot, and comprising components like sinks, drip areas, cutting plates, rim strips and the like, wherein into said working plate (1) by impression into said material curable in cold or hot at least one component is integrated, in particular a burner insert 2 including a burner, which comprises means 7 for cooling said connecting area 3 between said curable material of said working plate 1 and said burner insert 2.

Abstract: A secondary reservoir (16) is filled with a liquid medicine by a fixed amount via a liquid transfer path (18) from a primary reservoir (10) for storing the liquid medicine to be nebulized. When a liquid supply button (40) is slid to left, an operating rod (42) pushes a piston (20) and power supply switch turns on. As piston (20) moves to left, the liquid medicine in secondary reservoir (16) is pushed, thereby moving a valve (22) to left and opening a liquid transfer path (24). Then, a nebulizing part is supplied with the fixed amount of liquid medicine from secondary reservoir (16), and thus performs nebulization. Thus, a liquid nebulizing apparatus is attained, in which a constant amount of liquid is transferred to the nebulizing part to stabilize the nebulization, and in which such a function is realized at low costs.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a seamless pad-type filter which is characterized in that it comprises two co-extensive sides, a top side and a bottom side. The top and bottom sides are made of fluid filtration material. The two sides create an inner chamber therebetween and are surrounded and joined together by a seamless outer perimeter. The seamless outer perimeter providing a seamless folded continuity between the two sides of the pad-type filter in the form of a plurality of fold lines which, as connecting segments beginning and ending at the same point, define the seamless outer perimeter. The top side further comprising a plurality of positive and negative secondary creases formed around a plurality of positive and negative crease lines. The crease lines are inclined to the fold lines and form pleats.

Abstract: Safety apparel and/or non-apparel items that filter from the air one or more airborne particles and/or undesired gasses to provide safety to a human and/or non-human from potentially unhealthy airborne particles. The apparel and/or non-apparel item at least partially includes a filter material. The filter material on the apparel and/or non-apparel item has a sufficient size to enable the human and/or non-human to cover the nose, eyes, and/or mouth of the human and/or non-human. The filter material filters at least one airborne particle and/or undesired gas by a mechanical mechanism, an electrical mechanism, and/or a chemical mechanism. The apparel and/or non-apparel item can include at least one visual and/or textural indicator on the apparel and/or non-apparel item to at least partially indicate the location of the filter material on the apparel and/or non-apparel item.

Abstract: A condom having an inflatable portion is provided. The condom comprises an inner wall and an outer wall defining an annular chamber extending along a portion of the length of the condom. An air source, such as a handheld pump, is removably connected to a port which leads to an airway in the chamber for delivering air to a forward portion of the chamber. A plurality of vents are provided at a rearward end of the chamber for venting the air.

Abstract: There is provided a gear for preventing a user from lapsing into an apneic state by maintaining the body of said user in an inclined posture during said user's sleep. The gear includes a clothing body worn by said user and a pad. The clothing body includes a back body and a front body. The pad is attached to the back body of the clothing body and extends in the longitudinal direction. The pad includes a plurality of segments arranged along the longitudinal direction, capacities of the segments are different from each other, and each segment is expanded in accordance with the capacity thereof by a fluid to be supplied to each segment.

Abstract: A treatment for primary glaucoma caused by spasming of the medidional fibers resulting from presbyopia, including resection of the meridional fibers. The resection is preferably performed in front of the ora serrata, through the sclera, and between the places of attachment of the rectus muscles. The resection is preferably performed as a series of regularly spaced cuts in two parallel lines. Use of a surgical knife with a diamond blade is preferred.

Abstract: This relates to treating an asthmatic lung and more particularly, relates to advancing a treatment device into the lung and treating the lung with the device. This also includes additional steps of treating the airway wall, applying energy or heat to the airway wall in an asthmatic lung.

Abstract: A vaporizer device that uses a flame for vaporizing flavor and psychoactive compounds from smoking materials such as tobacco. The present device has a filter unit 34 with a porous flame filter 36. The flame filter 36 can be made of open-cell ceramic or metal foam, sintered ceramic or metal granules or other porous, heat resistant materials. In use, flame is supplied to the flame filter, and inhalation causes ambient air to enter the flame filter as well. The flame exhaust and ambient air are mixed within the flame filter and produce an air stream of intermediate temperature. The intermediate temperature air stream is hot enough to vaporize desirable components from the smoking material, but generally is not hot enough to burn the smoking material. The temperature of the air stream can be controlled by adjusting the amount of flame supplied to the flame filter 36.

Abstract: An ashtray apparatus comprising a container, a cap member, and a handle assembly. The container includes a base and a surround member extending from the base. The base and surround member cooperate to define a cavity having an opening. The cap member is engageable with the container. The cap member and container cover at least a portion of the opening of the container. The cap member further includes a channel extending therethrough which permits communication with the cavity of the container. The handle assembly is releasably associable with at least one of the base and the cap member so that a user can selectively utilize the handle assembly.

Abstract: A portable smoking topography apparatus for providing smoking topographical information, comprises a smoking material holder adapted to receive a smoking material; a smoking material detection sensor mounted on the smoking material holder and detecting presence or absence of a smoking material; a puff sensor detecting a puff of the smoking material by a subject; a clock; a computing unit coupled to smoking material sensor and the puff sensor, wherein the computing unit reads start time and end time of each puff from clock, reads sample flow rates of smoke from the smoking material during each puff, reads time of insertion of smoking material and time of removal of smoking material from clock as detected by smoking material detection sensor, calculates puff information. The computing unit calculates smoking material information. The portable smoking topography apparatus transfers at least one of puff information and smoking material information to a workstation.

Abstract: The invention is a method to reduce the number of cigarettes consumed by a smoker, preferably towards the goal of eventual cessation. The method comprises collecting data that describes a smoker's cigarette consumption, using said data to generate a reduced smoking regimen, and implementing said reduced smoking regimen. By reducing the number of cigarettes consumed and equally distributing their consumption over the smoker's smoking hours, the method helps the smoker to reduce tobacco consumption and break psychological smoking associations. The method implemented for tobacco reduction is flexible enough to accomodate smokers who are not compliant as it continues to reduce scheduled consumption. Likewise, the method may accomodate smokers capable of accelerating their reduction.

Abstract: A dispensing brush for dispensing a predetermined fluid on a head of hair. The dispensing brush includes a reservoir located within the brush head for retention of the predetermined fluid. The reservoir is in fluid communication with openings located on the top surface of the brush. The openings are centrally aligned on the top surface of the brush, and are located among the bristles of the brush.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cuticle oil gel delivery system. The system allows a user to apply a cuticle oil gel to remove dust and other particles that accumulate on or around the cuticle without a brush. The present invention is also directed to a cuticle oil gel composition. The present invention is further directed to a method for dispersing cuticle oil gel onto a cuticle.

Abstract: A hair waving apparatus having at least two elements with undulations on each element for producing a wave in a lock of human hair is disclosed. The elements are pivotally connected and are biased toward each other and the elements are maintained in engagement with each other by a biasing means in the form of a spring to hold the lock of hair therebetween to impart a wave thereon. The undulations are dimensioned to allow each of the elements to nest within each other. A plurality of vents are disposed thereon the undulations to allow moisture to escape from the hair during hair styling and to hasten the hair drying process and subsequent wave formation in the hair.

Abstract: A system for applying a hair product to hair strands may include an applicator including a reservoir forming portion for containing a hair product to be applied. The applicator may include an applicator portion that may include an application area configured to engage with at least one hair strand during relative movement, in a direction longitudinal to the at least one hair strand, of the applicator with respect to the at least one hair strand. The applicator may include at least one passage configured to transfer hair product between the reservoir forming portion and the application area during the relative movement of the applicator. The system may include a flexible sleeve configured to receive the at least one hair strand via one of the open ends and to enclose the at least one hair strand over at least a portion of the length of the at least one hair strand.

Abstract: A substrate treatment apparatus for removing an unnecessary substance from a surface of a substrate. The apparatus is provided with: an oxidation liquid supply mechanism for supplying an oxidation liquid having an oxidative effect to the substrate surface; a physical cleaning mechanism for physically cleaning the substrate surface; and an etching liquid supply mechanism for supplying an etching liquid having an etching effect to the substrate surface. It is preferred to physically clean the substrate surface while supplying the oxidation liquid to the substrate surface.

Abstract: A hand-held cleaning tool comprises a flexible elongated member having at one end a polymer cleaning element and a finger grip at the other end, the polymer being non-abrasive with inherent adhesion for small particles and hair, no aqueous solubility, non-corrosive, no particulate emission, and no separate chemical impregnation into the polymer.

Abstract: Apparatus for washing the wheels and tires of heavy duty vehicles includes a wash trough in which the wheels and tires are washed, and a refuse trough in which refuse from the vehicles is deposited for facile removal. The troughs are separated by a wall having a space therein through which debris from the wash trough is impelled by a stream of water into the refuse trough.

Abstract: A retaining device for a steam swab includes a first primary clamp, a second primary clamp and an auxiliary clamp. Each of the first primary clamp, the second primary clamp and the auxiliary clamp are respectively pivotal relative to the upper casing and are provided with bosses so that a fabric of the steam swab is able to be securely clamped by the first primary clamp, the second primary clamp and the auxiliary clamp.

Abstract: A system and method for automated cart washing. There is therefore provided in a present embodiment of the invention an automated cart washer that includes a sump water source, a filter drawing filtered water from the sump, a pump supplying suction to draw the water through the filter, a bypass valve to divert wash water from a wash nozzle assembly, back to the sump when water flow through the wash nozzle assembly is not desired.

Abstract: Arrangement for improving the drying performance of an automatic dish washer

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable sunshade comprising a mast structure extending in a generally vertically direction, means for attaching the mast structure at its lower end to a support structure, a boom extending outwardly from the mast structure, having first and second ends, the first end being movably attached to the mast structure, a hub assembly attached to the second end of the boom, a plurality of elongated support ribs extending radially from the hub assembly, each of said support ribs, having one end rotatably attached to the hub assembly, a canopy positioned over the elongated support ribs and fastened thereto, the canopy having an opening in it corresponding to a predetermined position along the boom, and a boom support strut pivotably attached at one end to the upper end of the mast structure, and at the other end pivotably secured to boom at a predetermined position along the length of it, the boom support strut extending through the opening in the canopy at the point where it is connected to the

Abstract: An outdoor umbrella includes a foldable umbrella awning, an umbrella frame, a lighting system mounted on the umbrella frame, and a solar power supply arrangement which converts solar energy into electrical energy and provides the converted electrical energy to the lighting system for lighting up the lighting system. The solar power supply arrangement includes a solar collecting device supported by the main supporting stem, wherein the solar collecting device has a collecting surface arranged to expose to sunlight for extensively collecting solar energy.

Abstract: A foldable walker includes first and second side frames, each frame having a front leg, rear leg, and an arm connecting the front leg and rear leg. A detent is urged by a spring or spring clip resiliently into engagement with a sleeve and a front leg. The sleeve surrounds a portion of the front leg and allows rotation and displacement of the leg relative to the first sleeve when the detent is disengaged. Alternately, a recess on the sleeve engages a pin, thereby preventing rotation of the leg relative to the sleeve. The detent is disengaged by a cable, or the pin is disengaged from the recess by depressing a lateral arm that is fixed to the sleeve.

Abstract: A tent is described that has a support system providing excellent head-room over the entire internal area. The tent is circular in cross section. A sidewall portion is joined at a defined transition to a generally conical roof section. Internally, there is a relatively narrow fabric tension shelf at the sidewall top transition. Atop the tension shelf is a semi-flexible compression hoop. The top portion may have additional tension shelves and compression hoops, depending on the size of the tent. An internal center pole completes the support system. The pole, tension shelf, compression hoop, and fabric act together as an engineered unit to provide an exceptionally stable structure.

Abstract: An illuminated umbrella assembly having self-contained and protected lights is described.

Abstract: Representative configurations for improved thermoelectric power generation systems to improve and increase thermal efficiency are disclosed.

Abstract: A high-performance thermoelectric conversion element using an Si-group thermoelectric conversion material, and an thermoelectric conversion element capable of providing a high-out-put power by improving a power generating efficiency, wherein the thermal expansion coefficient of an electrode material is set to up to 10 ppm/K in order to provide a good electrode joining between a p-type thermoelectric conversion material and a n-type thermoelectric conversion material consisting of an Si-group thermoelectric conversion material to thereby ease thermal stress and prevent cracking and breaking at a joining portion, and, in joining, a brazing filler material selected according to a working temperature range is interposed to thereby provide good joining characteristics, reduce an output loss, and improve a heat resistance and a heat-cycle resistance.

Abstract: A device consisting of solar photovoltaic cells, a solar activated dc motor, contact brushes and wiring to transfer the electric current to the applied load. The cells are mounted on vanes attached to a central shaft that is made to rotate by the dc motor. The electrical output of the photovoltaic cells is transferred by means of brushes to a stationary contact points wired to the applied load. The device exhibits phase behavior and produces a varying electrical output. By wiring the stationary contact points opposite each other, the output produced is AC electricity. When both ends are wired in the same direction the output is fluctuating do current similar to pulsating DC. The electricity generated can be put through a transformer.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a concentrating solar energy receiver comprising a primary parabolic reflector having a center and a high reflectivity surface on a concave side of the reflector and having a focal axis extending from the concave side of the reflector and passing through a focal point of the primary parabolic reflector; and a conversion module having a reception surface wherein the reception surface is spaced from the focal point by a predetermined distance and disposed to receive a predetermined cross section of radiant solar energy reflected from the concave side of the primary parabolic reflector for conversion to electrical energy in the conversion module. In one aspect, the conversion module includes a reception surface comprising a planar array of at least one photovoltaic solar cell. In another aspect, the conversion module includes a reception surface coupled to a thermal cycle engine. The mechanical output of the thermal cycle engine drives an electric generator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roofing element (1) comprising at least one electric solar cell. The roofing element has the shape of a plurality of roofing tiles (2) overlappingly arranged relative to each other in rows and/or columns. The at least one solar cell (4) can have the shape of a plurality of roofing tiles overlappingly arranged relative to each other in rows/or columns.

Abstract: A nano-porous metal oxide semiconductor with a band-gap of greater than 2.9 eV in-situ spectrally sensitized on its internal and external surface with metal chalcogenide nano-particles with a bandgap of less than 2.9 eV containing at least one metal chalcogenide, wherein the nano-porous metal oxide further contains a phosphoric acid or a phosphate; and a process for in-situ spectral sensitization of nano-porous metal oxide semiconductor with a band-gap of greater than 2.9 eV on its internal and external surface with metal chalcogenide nano-particles with a band-gap of less than 2.9 eV, containing at least one metal chalcogenide, comprising a metal chalcogenide-forming cycle comprising the steps of: contacting nano-porous metal oxide with a solution of metal ions; contacting nano-porous metal oxide with a solution of chalcogenide ions; and subsequent to metal chalcogenide formation rinsing the nano-porous metal oxide with an aqueous solution containing a phosphoric acid or a phosphate.

Abstract: The invention, in one embodiment, is directed to a method of scoring the coating of a first coated base material at a temperature sufficiently elevated to part the coating and melt at least a portion of the first base material. In a further embodiment, the invention is directed to a method of forming a photovoltaic module by scoring a coating of a first coated base material at a temperature sufficiently elevated to part the coating and melt at least a portion of the first base material; scoring a coating of a second coated base material at a temperature sufficiently elevated to part the coating and at least a portion of the second base material; and joining the first and second base materials to form a photovoltaic module.

Abstract: A device for conditioning of fluid to minimize pulses from a pump source. A pump drives fluid from a vented fluid reservoir through a system including a combination of an attenuation tank and one or more orifice. Fluid is pumped into a plenum chamber that supplies fluid in a pulse free flow stream. A pressurized head over the fluid in the plenum chamber allows fluid delivery at a selected pressure. A volume sensor monitors the fluid level within the plenum tank and activates the pump if fluid level falls below a specified level.

Abstract: A fill valve assembly comprises a valve body extending along a longitudinal axis and defining a fluid inlet, a valve seat and at least one fluid outlet, an axially slidable valve element arranged for axially slidable movement along the longitudinal axis, into and out of sealing engagement with the valve seat, the axially slidable valve element defining a first upstream conical surface having a first surface area and a second downstream conical surface having a second surface area, greater than the first surface area, and a fill sensor operative below a predetermined fill threshold to prevent the axially slidable valve element from establishing sealing engagement with the valve seat

Abstract: The present invention discloses a protection device which is capable of cutting off the pipeline when the pipeline leaks due to the rupture of the pipe, and is aimed to achieve the object of self-operatedly closing the pipeline using fluid kinetic energy when a pipeline ruptures and leaks. The protection device comprises a main valve (1) and a control device for the main valve. The main valve (1) comprises a valve body (2) communicating with a fluid pipe (3), a main valve core provided in the valve body and a main valve stem (4) connected with the main valve core.

Abstract: There is to be created a gas flow monitoring device in which the adjustment/alteration of the reseat flow can also be made without the need of changes to its design, that is to say even after its manufacture. In particular, it should be possible to adjust the reseat flow at the time of its installation on site. To this end, the gas flow monitoring device consists of a gas-tight casing (1) with a valve seat (6) in its interior for a reseat body (14) that can freely move inside the casing (1). Said reseat body (14) is fastened to a pin (11) that is supported by bearings located in both the inlet guide (7) and the outlet guide (8). Said reseat body (14) is kept in open position by a reseat spring (16) that rests with its one end on the outlet guide (8) and with its other end on the reseat body (14) itself. At the inlet guide (7) there is arranged a spacer block (17) that acts as a stop point (18) for the reseat body (14) with the gas flow monitoring device in open position.

Abstract: A secondary stage regulator is disclosed wherein a piston-type configuration is utilized to regulate an input working pressure as high as 1,200 PSI, to an output delivery pressure from 50 PSI to 900 PSI. The secondary stage regulator can be used on paintball guns, markers and similar devices powered by compressed gas.

Abstract: A pressure relief apparatus including a housing, a valve disposed in the housing, the valve having a first shoulder, a retainer disposed between the housing and the valve spool, the retainer having a second shoulder, a biasing member disposed between the first and second shoulders, and a metallic seal interface between the housing and the valve. The valve may be constructed with no dynamic elastomeric seals to reduce hysteresis.

Abstract: A valve arrangement comprises a valve housing, a valve seat and a valve plug. The valve housing defines an interior chamber and a flow opening for respectively receiving and discharging fluid. The seat ring is engaged to the valve housing and defines an angled seating surface and a spaced pair of channels positioned between the seating surface and the valve housing. The valve plug is axially slidable within the interior chamber and defines a valve plug seating surface configured at an angle complementary to that of the seat ring seating surface for creating a fluid-tight surface-to-surface seal. The valve plug further defines a spaced pair of projections configured to cooperate with respective ones of the channels such that disengagement of the valve plug seating surface from the seat ring seating surface defines a tortuous fluid path for reducing the velocity of the fluid flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A sewage system for vehicles that includes a waste hose that is extendable and retractable.