Abstract: This invention relates to a reaction vessel constructed of a flexible material including at least two reactant chambers containing two isolated reactants. The reactant chambers and reactants are separated by a frangible seal which opens under pressure, allowing the reactants to mix and react. The reaction produces a desired reactive effect on the environment surrounding the reaction vessel and any articles in that environment. A package in combination with a reaction vessel can be used to cause a reactive effect on an article within the package. The reactive effect can include a temperature change of the article or foaming a material to coat the article.

Abstract: A range hood with a motor housing having top and bottom surfaces and angled walls so as to facilitate the travel of entrained air drawn in through the air inlets by the operation of the fans. The top surface is larger than the bottom surface and angling of the walls is greatest towards the rear of the housing. A ventilation hole is located in the rear of the top surface. Because the ventilation hole is set more rearwardly in relation to the air inlets, the inlets may be positioned further forward in the range hood body as compared to the motor housings of the prior art thereby increasing the suction area over a cooking surface.

Abstract: A low profile flue for a furnace, including a chamber, a vent collar and a downdraft diverter. The chamber is disposed above the heat exchanger and receives exhaust gas therefrom, the chamber being defined by a bottom wall with an opening therethrough for receiving the gas, two side walls projecting upwardly from the bottom, a top wall extending between the sides and spaced above the bottom wall, and an upper wall with the vent opening therethrough. The upper wall is connected along a forward edge to the bottom wall, connected on opposite ends to the side walls, and connected at a rear edge to the top wall. The upper wall front edge is substantially aligned with one of the vertically oriented housing sides, and the upper wall extends from the front edge over the heat exchanger at an angle on the order of 45 degrees from horizontal. The vent collar is on the chamber upper wall about the vent opening.

Abstract: A fireback or use in domestic open fireplaces and which in use surrounds the firebed and which extends upwardly to a throat which in use connects with a chimney. The fireback (25) has walls with inner surfaces (26) that slope steadily inwardly from near its base (30) to the throat (29) decreasing the cross sectional area of the fireback, the larger area being at the level of the fire bed and smaller area being adjacent the throat(29).

Abstract: The disclosure is a radiation collecting/emitting device to/from different spatial directions, the apparatus in the preferred design is manufactured in a single piece and the work surface is modified to obtain a reflective surface for the radiations of interest. In an alternate design, the device is covered by an envelope or bell to increase the effectiveness of the device and protect it from the surrounding environment. The device can be used in a wide variety of applications, such as solar energy collection for industrial or commercial purposes, diverse electromagnetic radiations antennae or radar, since its area of action is 360° related to the horizontal and 180° related to the vertical.

Abstract: A breath actuated dispenser there-shown has a generally L-shaped hollow body (1) with a mouthpiece (2). An aerosol drug can (3) is mounted in the body The can has a dispensing spout (4), which engages a receptor moulding (5) incorporating a living hinge (11), a movable outlet member (8) and a kink valve (9). A flap member (31) is pivotally mounted between the can and the receptor moulding. Breathing in through the dispenser by the patient will cause the flap to be drawn down against its spring (34). The outlet member is then tipped down by the spring (37) to point out of the mouthpiece (2), whence the dose is dispensed by opening of the kink valve.

Abstract: A pulmonary drug delivery device includes a hand piece that is electrically connected to a control unit. A cartridge is engagable with the hand piece and includes a drug reservoir, a pump connected to the drug reservoir, an electrically chargeable nozzle connected to the pump, a discharge electrode, and an information storage element. The control unit controls the pump and the electrical charge of the nozzle and discharge electrode in accordance with instructions stored within the information storage element.

Abstract: A drug delivery device and method is disclosed which produces aerosolized particles of pharmaceutically active drug for delivery to a patient by inhalation. The device is comprised of a liquid feeding source such as a channel to which formulation is added at one end and expelled through an exit opening. The feeding channel is surrounded by a pressurized chamber into which gas is fed and out of which gas is expelled from an opening. The opening from which the gas is expelled is positioned directly in front of the flow path of liquid expelled from the feeding channel. Various parameters are adjusted so that pressurized gas surrounds liquid flowing out of the feeding channel in a manner so as to maintain a stable capillary microjet of liquid until the liquid exits the pressure chamber opening and is aerosolized. The aerosolized particles having a uniform diameter in the range of about 1 to 5 microns are inhaled into a patient's lungs and thereafter reach the patient's circulatory system.

Abstract: A device is provided for retaining a respiratory disease management device and for displaying respiratory disease management information. The device comprises a rear wall, first and second opposing side walls adjoining the rear wall, and a front wall extending from the first side wall. An attachment component secures the rear wall to an upright structural surface. The walls of the device define a partially enclosed retention space for holding a respiratory disease management device such as a respiratory disease medicine delivery device or a peak flow meter. A substrate such as a card is secured to the holding device, and displays printed matter comprising information relating to respiratory disease management.

Abstract: An inhaler which provides a controlled delivery of warm air and an inhalant or a warmed inhalant for use by an individual to inhale a particular medicament from a reservoir comprising a Metered-dose, Dry-powder, or Nebulizing inhaler; a heating mechanism and power source; a chamber for housing a heating mechanism and power source; a heating-element trigger; and a conduit defining an air flow path; and

Abstract: A powder inhaler for administering powder by inhalation, comprising: a flow path defined by a plurality of surfaces through which a stream of air is in use drawn on inhalation by a user; and dosing means (18) for providing a dose of powder to the flow path for entrainment in the stream of air; characterized in that the inhaler further comprises dislodging means for dislodging powder accumulated on a surface of the flow path downstream of the dosing means (18).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manually actuated delivery device for the delivery of a dose of liquid comprising a housing (1) which includes an outlet through which liquid, in use, is delivered. An actuating member (2) is moveably disposed relative to the housing (1) between a first position and a second position, the user moving the actuating member (2) into the second position to actuate the delivery device. A liquid delivery assembly (3) is located at least partly within the housing (1) the liquid delivery assembly (3) comprising a liquid delivery unit (4) a carrier unit (5) for the liquid delivery unit (4) and a coupling member (6) which couples the movement of the actuating member (2) and the carrier unit (5). The movement of the carrier unit (5) activates a counting mechanism (7a, 7b) which indicates how many doses have been delivered.

Abstract: A CPAP system is described for improved respiratory therapy of patients. In particular a patient interface is disclosed with an outlet vent with lower noise levels and more diffused outlet flow over prior art outlet vents. The outlet vent includes a main vent which is diffused and muffled and a higher resistance vent provided in case the main vent is blocked. The outlet vent is removable for easy maintenance and provides indication to the user when maintenance is required. The outlet vent described may be used on nasal masks, mouthpieces and patient interfaces generally.

Abstract: A patient mask assembly for positive pressure ventilation includes a brace (12) which clips to the mask and provides attachment locations (17) for headgear straps (14) in alternative positions to those attachment locations (17) which may be provided by the mask. The brace may also provide a mask stabilizing portion (20).

Abstract: Carbon dioxide indicator for receiving gas containing carbon dioxide and for providing a visible indication of the presence of carbon dioxide in the gas, the indicator includes a connector for removably connecting the indicator to a source of gas containing carbon dioxide and which connector is for communicating at least a portion of such gas to the indicator. The carbon dioxide indicator may be a disk-like indicator and the connector may be a male luer or a locking male luer.

Abstract: Continuous positive airway pressure systems are provided including an interface defining a plenum chamber therein, and a pair of nasal cannulas connected to and in fluid communication with the plenum chamber of the interface. The nasal cannulas are configured and dimensioned to deliver pressurized air from the plenum chamber to the nares of a patient, wherein each nasal cannula is capable of off axis movement and/or pivoting.

Abstract: A platform chair for sexual intercourse includes front and rear legs connected to each other by cross braces. A horizontal flat supporting platform connects the legs and cross braces. The platform supports a cushioned surface. The cushioned surface is connected to the horizontal platform by a number of springs, usually five. The cushioned surface slopes from the upper head to the lower hip sections. In front and below the hip section of the cushion is a padded seat. The seat is used by the dominant partner and is located between the legs. A handrail is also located above the flat padded support such that it is within easy reach of either participant. Supine footrests are located in front of the hip portion of the cushion and above the seat for use when the non-dominant partner is in a supine position.

Abstract: Tool for injection-molding a hearing protection cup which includes a curved shell with an opening for receiving an ear, and a washer which extends around the opening and is connected to the edge thereof. The washer projects inward across the opening along at least two opposite sides thereof and is intended to support a sealing and comfort ring which is intended to rest against the head. The tool includes a common mold cavity intended to produce the shell and the washer in one piece, and an insert which can be introduced into this mold cavity for forming the inner surfaces of the shell and of the washer. The insert is divided into at least three portions by means of dividing planes which extend in the same principal direction as the opposite sides of the opening. The invention also relates to a method for producing a hearing protection cup, and to a hearing protection cup produced using the method.

Abstract: A method of inserting a multi-lumen catheter assembly. First, an incision is made near the area to be catheterized. The proximal portion of the multi-lumen catheter tube is then inserted into the area to be catheterized. A subcutaneous tunnel is created, and the first end of the tunnel is near the incision. The catheter tube is then routed through the subcutaneous tunnel and pulled tube through a second end of the subcutaneous tunnel. The hub body is then securely attached to the catheter tube by connecting the connection cover to the hub body by threaded engagement. In a preferred embodiment the hub body is attached to the catheter tube by backfitting the connection cover over the catheter tube. A compression sleeve is also backfit over the catheter tube. The cannulae of the hub body are inserted into the lumens of the catheter tube to create fluid communication therebetween.

Abstract: A hand acupuncture needle assembly according to the present invention comprises an acupuncture needle including a body, and a fine point at a bottom thereof, and a tube type grip element extending over a portion of the acupuncture needle, and at least a substantial length of the tube type grip element being compressed such that an outer surface of the acupuncture needle is fixedly connected with an inner surface of the at least a substantial length of the grip element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a respiratory gas hose system for supplying a respiratory gas, particularly for use in the framework of CPAP therapy. The respiratory gas hose system comprises a flexible hose line (16). According to the invention, a flexible sheathing body (1) is provided which surrounds the flexible hose line (16) and extends along said flexible hose line (16). This results in considerably improving therapy comfort.

Abstract: There is provided a self-contained nail care system having a base housing for storing a powered hand tool, and at least a rotary motion adapter head and a linear motion adapter head for use with the hand tool. The base housing stores the hand tool. The base housing has a nail dryer, an integrated manicure bowl, and integrated UV light and/or other types of heat source.

Abstract: A brush includes a handgrip defining a retaining recess, a cap disposed frontwardly of the handgrip and defining an insertion recess, and a felt-mounting member extending between the cap and the handgrip, and having a rear end section received in the retaining recess of the handgrip. A felt sheet is disposed on the felt-mounting member, and has a front end snugly inserted into the insertion recess of the cap, and a rear end section received in the retaining recess in the handgrip. A clamp unit includes upper and lower clamping members that releasably clamp the rear end sections of the felt sheet and the felt-mounting member therebetween.

Abstract: A hair treatment applicator is provided. The applicator has a handle, a first head connected to the handle, a second head connected to the handle and a separation volume. The first head has a plurality of first tines forming a first retaining volume and the second head has a plurality of second tines forming a second retaining volume. The first and second retaining volumes are separated by the separation volume, and the first and second retaining volumes hold the hair treatment.

Abstract: A hair roller system may include a roller adapted to wind about a user's hair, a snap-on flap having a first end adapted to engage with the top of a user's head and a second end adapted to engage with a roller clip, and a roller clip adapted to engage with the snap-on flap, which includes a pair of L-shaped retaining members adapted to engage with the roller.

Abstract: An adjustable hair roller having a body and an adjustment mechanism is disclosed. The body includes an outer surface that engages with strands of hair, and an inner surface defining an area within which is disposed the adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism may include a first portion and a second portion, located on a first half and second half of the inner surface of the body, respectively. The first and second portions engage with one another, thereby changing a profile of the body of the roller from a first shape to a second shape.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a hair jaw clip having two jaws attached by a spring hinge. The jaws have teeth and opening handles. Rubber or soft plastic beading is formed on at least a portion of the jaws to soften the pressure applied to the hair, while minimizing slippage.

Abstract: Described is a combination writing instrument and dental floss dispenser. The dental floss dispenser includes a floss wrapped spool and floss dispensing cap.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a sponge capable of having a fluid therein. The sponge has a first surface that can be placed in contact with the coating. High and low frequency transducers are positioned in contact with the second surface of the sponge. A method performing the invention includes the steps of providing a sponge having a first surface for contact with the substrate, providing ultrasonic transducers in contact with a second surface of the sponge opposite from the first surface, saturating the sponge with water to provide a path of water extending from the transducers to the substrate, and activating the transducers to generate (i) a low frequency acoustic field; and (ii) a high frequency acoustic field; and thereby (iii) micron-sized vapor or cavitation bubbles which impinge upon the paint on the substrate to remove the paint from the substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a parallel-plate-type processing apparatus (10), which performs plasma CVD and includes a chamber (11) to be cleaned. To perform cleaning of the chamber (11), plasma of a gas including fluorine is generated outside the chamber (11), and supplied into the chamber (11). During the cleaning, an RF power is applied to electrode plates (12, 17) inside the chamber (11).

Abstract: A main object of the present invention is to provide a method for cleaning a substrate, in which a substrate surface can be cleaned by an easy and efficient process without causing any undesirable influence on the substrate. The present invention achieves the aforementioned object by providing a method for cleaning a substrate, wherein a substrate to be cleaned and a photocatalyst containing layer containing a photocatalyst, which is formed on a base material, are placed with no clearance or with a clearance between each other, and then, a surface of the substrate is cleaned by irradiating an energy from a predetermined direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, kits and processes for the brightening of metal surfaces by the application of the chemical compositions. These compositions act to release hydrofluoric acid as a brightening agent. The solutions are preferably mixed during application of the brightening composition to a metal surface by mixing the solutions immediately prior to or even during application of the solution. This can be readily accomplished by mixing two solutions, one having a fluoride source and the other having a strong acid to release hydrofluoric acid from the fluoride source, the mixing occurring immediately before spray application, during spraying, or immediately after spraying of the two solutions. Mixing may be done on-site, which means that mixing is performed at the site of use, usually on the same day of use or even within a few (less than 10) minutes of use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting an engine flushing system for flushing the lubrication system of an engine having a detachable engine lubricant filter, with the detachable lubricant filter having an engine lubricant outlet portion and an engine lubricant inlet portion contained within a casing of the detachable engine lubricant filter is disclosed, which may comprise at least one flushing system connection unit adapted to connect the flushing system to at least one of the engine lubricant inlet portion and engine lubricant outlet portion of the detachable lubricant filter through the casing of the detachable engine lubricant filter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning a vehicle with a vehicle washing facility which comprises at least one first cleaning tool which is vertically aligned and can be moved past the vehicle in a longitudinal and in a transverse direction thereof and at least one second cleaning tool which is horizontally aligned, can be moved in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and can be adjusted in a vertical direction in accordance with the contour of the vehicle. In order to develop the method further in such a manner that extra long vehicles can also be cleaned, it is suggested in accordance with the invention that a checking device checks whether the length of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined maximum value and that the rear of the vehicle and/or the front of the vehicle be cleaned only with the first or only with the second cleaning tool when the length of the vehicle exceeds the maximum value.

Abstract: A vehicle washing apparatus for efficiently cleaning front and rear ends of vehicles. The apparatus includes a carriage which is movable lengthwise of a vehicle. Arch-shaped supports on the carriage support a gantry having spray nozzles for directing liquid toward the vehicle. The gantry is movably mounted relative to the supports such that the carriage and gantry are selectively movable to locate the spray nozzles at positions directly in front, above, and directly behind the vehicle for effective cleaning. The apparatus includes a sensor for determining vehicle length and a controller for moving the carriage and gantry to positions for effective cleaning of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides method for the evaluation of washing or cleaning techniques on a substrate comprising:

Abstract: A household dishwasher that includes a drain pan designed to relocate leaking fluids to an observable location. The dishwasher is a standard dishwasher with a drain pan for collecting water that unintentionally falls from the interior of the dishwasher. The drain pan is angled for diverting the collected water to a predetermined location exterior to the household dishwasher where an occupant of the household may view the water.

Abstract: In order to provide a cleaning apparatus and a cleaning method wherein cleaning and drying can be carried out in the same cleaning apparatus without risk of reverse contamination of the cleaned object after the drying process, a cleaning apparatus comprises a supporting device for supporting an object to be cleaned, and a cleaning cup surrounding said supporting device to prevent splashing of a cleaning liquid, said cleaning apparatus comprising: a cleaning device for cleaning an inner wall of said cleaning cup with a cleaning liquid.

Abstract: A method for cleaning materials containing solids and/or liquids is disclosed which involves contacting the materials with an extracting fluid including Xe, NH3, lower aromatics, nitrous oxide, water, CO, CO2, H2O, lower alcohols, lower alkanes, lower alkenes, or mixtures or combinations thereof under conditions of temperature and pressure sufficient to maintain the fluid at, near or above its critical point and to products derived therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed that can process a substrate such as a wafer while keeping high cleanliness. The apparatus comprises a center port 100, which is stationarily arranged in the center and on the surface of which at least one blow-off outlet is provided for blowing off fluid, and a rotating housing portion 200 which is capable of rotating about the center port 100. The rotating housing portion 200 comprises a top plate 210 comprising a main surface S2 that opposes a wafer W, and a lower housing being connected to the top plate 210 and rotatably driven by a rotation-driving member. When the surface S1 comprising blow-off outlets 151a and 153a of the center port 100 is offset from the main surface S2 of the top plate 210 and fluid is blown off from the blow-off outlet 151a, the substrate W is contactlessly held above the main surface S2 of the top plate 210 and the surface S1 of the center port 100.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a leak diversion device may be coupled to a device, such as, but not limited to, a domestic or industrial device, for diverting a fluid that is released from the device. In some embodiments, a surface in the leak diversion device may be angled for diverting the diverted fluid to a predetermined location exterior to the device where a user may see the fluid. A hose may also be used to divert the fluid out of the leak diversion device. In some embodiments, the leak diversion device may have a permeable surface and/or enforced sides to provide level support for the device while allowing fluid released from the device to drop onto a slanted surface to be directed away from the device. In some embodiments, dye tabs may be used in the leak diversion device to add color to the fluid to make the fluid more visible.

Abstract: In a cleaning controller for a recording head of a recorder connected to an external device, a timer acquires a first time value indicating a current time from the external device, and performs cyclic clocking in which a first predetermined time period is repetitively clocked from a predetermined time point. A nonvolatile storage medium stores a second time value indicating a time at which a cleaning operation is lastly performed. A determinant compares the first and the second time values to obtain a third time value, and determines whether a cleaning operation is necessary to be performed based on the third time value. A cleaner performs a cleaning operation of the recording head based on the result determined by the determinant.

Abstract: A system for removing residual or accumulated concrete from interior surfaces of a concrete mixing drum, particularly with respect to surfaces that are adjacent to a helical flight within the drum, having a concrete dislodging device disposed within the interior cavity of the drum.

Abstract: A treatment device for cleaning or ashing surfaces of flat wafers (10), wherein at least one flat base plate (30) is provided as an electrode in a treatment chamber (40), said treatment chamber being adapted to be evacuated. Depressions (31) are formed and distributed in said base plate such that they are suitable for receiving support pieces (20), said depressions having at least one arrangement or positioning adapted to a shape of a wafer to be treated. Each support piece has at least one support surface a height of which, after inserting a support piece into a respective depression, comes to rest at a level (a) above the base plate.

Abstract: A cane having a horizontal handle and a shaft extending down from the handle. A connector between the underside of the handle and the shaft is narrowed below the handle to a small cross-section and is of sufficient length that a user's fingers can straddle the connector with comfort and without the connector urging the fingers outwardly. The connector is of a strong material, such as titanium.

Abstract: An adjustment device of an adjustable canopy of a swing set includes a fixed part, an engaging part, and an adjustable part. The fixed part is joined to the frame of a swing set, and has locating hooks. The engaging part is securely connected to the fixed part, and has engaging protrusions on an outer side, which have convexly curved surfaces, and plasticity. The adjustable part to which a covering part of the canopy is connected, has concavely curved sections spaced around an annular inner side. The locating hooks are connected to the adjustable part such that the adjustable part can turn relative to the fixed part. The concavely curved portions contact the convexly curved protrusions. The inner side of the adjustable part depresses the convexly curved protrusions when force is exerted on the adjustable part so that the canopy covering part can be adjusted.

Abstract: The present invention features a foldable or collapsible bet tent that may be cyclically repositioned from a fully assembled, set-up position to an upright, stored position, while capable of being attached to the bed at all times.

Abstract: A solar cell 1 has a number of grooves 2 formed in parallel with each other on a first main surface 24a of a silicon single crystal substrate. An electrode 6 is formed on the inner side face of each groove 2 on one side. Each groove 2 is formed in the direction in disagreement with the <110> direction on the first main surface 24a. This raises mechanical strength of the solar cell 1. The direction of formation of the grooves 2 preferably crosses the <110>direction nearest to the direction of formation at an angle of 4°˜45° on the acute angle side.

Abstract: A method of disordering a layer of an optoelectronic device including; growing a plurality of lower layers; introducing an isoelectronic surfactant; growing a layer; allowing the surfactant to desorb; and growing subsequent layers all performed at a low pressure of 25 torr.

Abstract: A manifold having a tubular body including effluent retention areas formed within the body and conduit portions having opposing ribs extending radially from an outside surface for use with a pipe anchoring mechanism when installing the manifold and connected flexible corrugated pipe within a septic tank drain field. The manifold includes longitudinally opposing input and output ports for connection to a cooperating manifold or pipe. Multiple transverse ports provide connection from the manifold to an effluent source such as a septic tank or drain field distribution pipe.