Abstract: A system for filling a portable cylinder with therapeutic gas, and providing therapeutic gas to a patient. Therapeutic gas delivery to a patient may be through a conserver, or may be in a continuous mode. Some embodiments of the invention may test the contents of the portable cylinder prior to filling. The specification also discloses a silent mode of operation where therapeutic gas is provided from the system by means of internal and/or external cylinders.

Abstract: An inhaler has a housing containing a chamber (1a) providing a reservoir (8) for liquid providing an active ingredient to be supplied to a liquid outlet (10a). First and second electrodes are spaced apart (11 and 12) with the first electrode being provided at or adjacent the liquid outlet (10a). A voltage supply (5, 7) is activated in response to air flowing through an air inlet (30) of the housing to provide a potential difference between the first and second electrodes (11 and 12) to create an electric field for causing comminution of liquid issuing from the liquid supply outlet (10a) to produce a stream of electrically charged comminuted matter for supply to the nasal passages of a user via an outlet (4) of the housing.

Abstract: A medicinal aerosol product (2) comprising a metal aerosol can (4) equipped with a metering valve (14) and containing a medicinal aerosol formulation, wherein the can is secured within a metal shroud (20) to provide the product with external dimensions substantially equivalent to that of an aerosol can of larger dimensions.

Abstract: An inhaler for delivering medicament by inhalation, comprising a housing for holding a canister of medicament having a body and a valve stem compressible together to actuate the canister to deliver a dose of medicament from the valve stem, an actuation mechanism for compressing the canister, a cannister re-set mechanism comprising a locking element for locking the canister in a compressed state and a release member resiliently biassed by the actuation mechanism on compression of the canister to release the locking mechanism to allow reset of the canister. By provision of the locking element for locking the canister in a compressed state, it is possible to ensure re-set does not occur immediately. The release member subsequently releases the locking mechanism to allow re-set of the canister after a proper dose has been delivered.

Abstract: A medicament respiratory delivery device including a housing having a chamber including coaxially aligned inlet and outlet, a medicament cartridge located within the chamber having a passage therethrough and membranes sealing the passage having a burst pressure of less than 10 atmospheres, a manually actuatable fluid delivery device having an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber and a manually actuated valve located between the outlet of the fluid delivery device and the chamber inlet for delivery of fluid under pressure to the valve. The medicament respiratory delivery device of this invention may be utilized to deliver a controlled unit dose of an aerosolizable medicament on demand by first pressurizing a pressure chamber in the pressure delivery device upstream of the valve, then opening the valve to open the membranes and express the medicament through the chamber outlet.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask airway has a curved tubular guide for insertion through the patient's mouth and oropharynx. After insertion of the guide, the beveled distal opening of the guide abuts the laryngeal inlet, while the guide's proximal opening remains outside the patient's mouth. A laryngeal mask surrounds the distal opening of the guide to substantially seal the laryngeal inlet about the distal opening of the guide. A ventilation port adjacent to the proximal opening of the guide supplies air/oxygen through the guide into the patient's lungs. An endotracheal tube can then be advanced along the length of guide and through the patient's larynx without interrupting ventilation.

Abstract: Here is disclosed a snorkel clip comprising a first clip member attached to a strap of a face mask for swimming or diving and a second clip member to which a breathing conduit of the snorkel is attached. The first clip member has a guide enabling the second clip member coupled to the first clip member to be moved in a longitudinal direction of the strap. The first and second clip members are formed with stopper means adapted to retain the second clip member at a desired position in the guide.

Abstract: Here is disclosed a snorkel comprising a mouthpiece section, an open end section, a tubular section being contiguous to the open end section and a connector section interposed between the mouthpiece section and the tubular section and provided with a check valve. First and second halves constituting the connector section are pressed against each other along respective peripheral edges of these halves and then covered with a belt-like section welded to the connector section from the outside.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide (CO2) sorbent system for removing CO2 from a recirculating inhalation therapy system includes several sorbent layers within a housing defining an inlet and an outlet. Airflow passages sandwiched between CO2 sorbent layers allow airflow from the inhalation therapy system through the CO2 sorbent assembly. The recirculating inhalation therapy system controls the amount of CO2 within the system without removing aerosol medication contained within the breathable air stream.

Abstract: An aerosol generating device includes a housing, a heater and an optional mouthpiece. The heater volatilizes liquid within a flow passage and forms an aerosol in the mouthpiece. An aerosol confinement sleeve is disposed to control the size distribution of the aerosol.

Abstract: A fluid vaporizing device includes two concentric, electrically conductive tubes, the tubes being electrically and physically connected near a distal end of the tubes, and the tubes each having electrical connections to the power source, with the electrical connections to a power source being near a proximal end of the tubes. The proximal end of an inner one of the tubes is in fluid communication with a source of fluid. The device can be used to aerosolize medicament containing solutions to produce an aerosol with particles within a desired size range.

Abstract: A flow probe for use in a humidification system is disclosed. The flow probe is adapted to be positioned in a humidified gases flow (for example oxygen or anaesthetic gases) such as that which is provided to a patient in a hospital environment. The flow probe is designed to provide both temperature and flow rate sensing of the gases flow by incorporating two sensors (preferably thermistors) and the shape and alignment of the probe enables accurate readings by reducing the occurrence of condensation on the sensors.

Abstract: A limb for a breathing circuit manufactured from very thin walled polymer materials has an elongate axial reinforcing spine lying freely inside the conduit and fixed to each end connector. The spine is laterally compliant but axially stiff. The spine provides resistance to tensile and compressive loads on the conduit, including that induced by prevailing internal pressures.

Abstract: A method for monitoring anesthetization of a patient, includes the steps of removably connecting a plurality of electrodes to the scalp of the patient and administering sufficient anesthesia to the patient so that the patient attains a plane of anesthesia selected by an operator. The brain waves of the patient are then amplified and digitized after the patient has been anesthetized, before beginning the medical procedure, to obtain a first set of digital data. The brain waves of the patient are then amplified and digitized during the medical procedure to provide a second set of digital data and the first and second sets of digital data are analyzed in at least one of a time domain and a frequency domain. Separate trajectories are then computed from the data analysis trajectories for at least two different indices of an anesthetic state of the patient during the medical procedure, the indices being selected from a group including a Depth Index (DI), a Memory Index (MI) and a Pain Index (PI).

Abstract: A respiratory protection apparatus has a face body, and a right side and a left side of a vertical centerline of the body are respectively provided with filtering devices each of which houses an electrical fan unit therein. Without narrowing the field of the front vision, without increasing the front side weight, and without deteriorating the work efficiency and comfortable fitting, the apparatus ensures the air flow rate of more than 120 liters per minute. Moreover, the electrical fan unit may be detachable from the face body, so that the face body is easily washed and parts are readily replaced with new ones.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method of forming a custom fitted mask includes transitioning a mask blank including a thin sheet of deformable material from a non-deformable state into a deformable state. The mask blank is applied against at least a portion of a user's face surrounding the user's nostrils while the mask blank is in the deformable state. The mask blank is deformed against the portion of the user's face to cause the mask blank to conform substantially optimally to the user's unique bone structure and facial features, the mask blank once conformed substantially optimally to the user's unique bone structure and facial features becoming the custom fitted mask. The custom fitted mask is allowed to transition from the deformable state into the non-deformable state for use.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an adjustable forehead support for a nasal or full-face mask wherein the forehead support may be adjusted for the different shapes and sizes of a facial profile. The forehead support utilizes a dual-arm system that adjusts the position of the forehead support vis-á-vis the mask and/or airflow tube. The angle of the mask to the face may be adjusted with the present invention.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel tube-in-tube endotracheal tube apparatus that allows for replacement or cleaning of an inner (first) tube without having to re-intubate the patient. The novel endotracheal tube apparatus enables the application of continuous suction or intermittent suction. The endotracheal device also serves to decrease the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).

Abstract: The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or a copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by a lumen-traversing region of the resilient structure which has a helical outer surface, together with a portion of the resilient structure which is biased to form a bent secondary shape, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. Optionally, permanent sterilization is effected by passing a current through the resilient structure to the tubal walls.

Abstract: A keyboard posture device includes a lateral support shaft, left and right members, and left and right arm restraints. The frame member may be adjustably movable along the support shaft. Left and right arm restraints are also optionally adjustably movable, forward and back, on the forward struts of the left and right frame members respectively. The arm restraints extend forward from the struts and away from each other to form left and right arm crooks. The device may further includes a back pad and a wraparound strap to secure the device to the torso of the user.

Abstract: A zone or plug of porous adsorbent material, primarily activated carbon, is placed in the tobacco rod of a cigarette a short distance from the lighting end thereof. The amount of activated carbon is sufficient for effective removal of volatile smoke constituents while allowing the cigarette to burn continuously. The activated carbon traps volatile smoke constituents in close proximity to the burning coal in the first puffs of the cigarette. As the cigarette continues to burn, the burning coal consumes the activated carbon. The adsorbed smoke constituents are effectively removed without releasing them back into the mainstream smoke. Following the consumption of the activated carbon in the tobacco rod, the cigarette is unchanged from a cigarette of conventional design.

Abstract: Smoke constituent reduction is achieved by resolving from puff-to-puff analysis at which location along a tobacco rod production of a particular smoke constituent is maximized, and locally applying an attenuator at said resolved location to reduce production of the constituent. A remainder of the rod is left untreated so as to minimize impact on taste and burn characteristics of the cigarette. Reduction of the first puff formaldehyde formation is achieved by treating the cigarette tip with salts, using Burley tobacco in the tip, increasing the rod density, ventilation at the tip, and thermal treatment of the tip. Other classes of smoke constituents such as TSNAs (tobacco specific nitrosamines), PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), etc., in particular the PAHs of naphthalene, phenanthrene, pyrene, flouranthene and benzo(a)pyrene may be reduced with placement of a carbon-based and/or metallic disc at the tip and with practices of the invention herein.

Abstract: An artificial fingernail is provided. In one aspect, the artificial fingernail includes a polymeric body having a fingernail shape and first and second sections. The first section is made of a first translucent polymeric material and has a back proximal part and a front distal part. The back proximal part has an upper surface that has been treated by etching. The front distal part has an upper portion, a lower portion, and an intermediate portion extending beyond a portion of the upper and lower portions of the front distal part. The second section is made of a second opaque polymeric material with an upper portion, a lower portion, and an intermediate portion. The upper portion and the lower portion of the second section extend beyond an end of the intermediate portion of the second section to form a receiving area for the intermediate portion of the front distal part. The intermediate portion of the front distal part is disposed within and lockingly engaged by the receiving area.

Abstract: A hair piece having a base portion, a plurality of hairs and structure for attaching the hair piece to the head of the user. The base portion has a slit that maintains the natural appearance of the parts in the user's hair. The slit extends from the front end of the base portion to the back end of the base portion. The base portion is made of a material that is sufficiently flexible to allow the base portion to be shaped to conform to varying parts in the user's hair. The plurality of hairs extend outwardly from the top surface of the base portion. The hair piece is releasably attached to the head of the user by a plurality of loop fastening units located on the bottom surface of the base portion.

Abstract: A disposable, solution-mixing hair colorant dispenser: tubular rear segment including first reservoir having rupturable front end; tubular middle segment including second reservoir having rupturable rear and front ends; tubular front segment including rear end and forward-projecting porous applicator. Rupturing member near adjacent ends of first and second reservoirs for rupturing both when first and second segments are engaged. Rupturing member near front end of second reservoir for rupturing same when second and third segments are engaged. Alternative rupturing members: double-ended between first and second reservoirs and single-ended attached to third segment; double-ended within second reservoir; single-ended within first reservoir and single-ended attached to third segment. Segments threaded for endwise engagement to seal segments and rupture reservoirs. Fluids mixed and dispensed through applicator.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates to combine a popular manual flosser into a motorized flosser to minimize the learning time required for manipulating automatic dental flossing and to optimize the effectiveness of dental flossing. The present invention also contemplates to combine the motorized flosser with a motorized toothbrush by sharing a specially designed common driving handle. The present invention further contemplates to combine a low cost motorized toothbrush with a disposable manual flosser so as to make the motorized flosser available to users with substantially no additional cost to the low cost motorized toothbrush.

Abstract: A method for removing particles from a semiconductor processing tool is provided. The method comprises providing a pick-up wafer for picking up particles from a semiconductor processing tool, inserting said pick-up wafer into said semiconductor processing tool and placing the pick-up wafer on a receiving member, applying an electrostatic charge to said pick-up wafer, leaving said pick-up wafer in said semiconductor processing tool for a predetermined dwell time; and removing said pick-up wafer from said semiconductor processing tool. Further, a method for processing semiconductor wafers is provided.

Abstract: Organic matter and metal impurities present on the surface of a photomask are removed. Foreign matter still adhering to the surface of the photomask is removed with H2 gas dissolved water. The photomask is dried. Thus provided is a method of washing a photomask in a manner which permits attaining an effect of removing foreign matter equivalent or superior to that of a conventional method with a small amount of chemical solution and reducing the amounts of chemicals and high purity water.

Abstract: [Object] To reduce the amounts of cleaning liquids and rinse liquid used, as well as the energy consumption.

Abstract: Supercritical carbon dioxide may be utilized to remove fluorine-based etch residues such as those residues left when etching dielectrics in fluorine-based plasma gases. The supercritical carbon dioxide may have dissolved in it various reagents and fluorocarbon materials that, together, cause the residue to swell and to be exposed for reactions with the reagents, the supercritical carbon dioxide, and the fluorocarbons. As a result, relatively hard to penetrate fluorine-based residues may be entered and removed using aggressive chemistries.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a post-CMP cleaning method for effectively removing residues, including nitride particles and oxide particles produced in the chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of a trench-buried oxide film and a pad oxide film as an etch barrier, which is carried out during a process of forming an isolation region in a semiconductor substrate using shallow trench isolation (STI). The post-CMP cleaning method comprises cleaning the substrate with a cleaning solution having a pH below 3 or above 9, so that the substrate surface, including the oxide film and the nitride film, has the same electric polarity as that of the nitride and oxide particles such that a repulsive force acts between the substrate surface and the nitride particles and between the substrate surface and the oxide particles, thereby effectively removing the nitride particles and the oxide particles.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for stripping one or more optical fibers having multiple coatings, accomplished with multiple stripping steps or passes. As an example, each coating may be stripped relatively independently. Such stripping may be accomplished with multiple bursts of a fluid or gas heated to a temperature sufficient to remove the coating.

Abstract: A vacuum debris removal system for an integrated circuit manufacturing device is disclosed. The vacuum debris removal system comprises at least one vacuum tube. An opening is formed in the at least one vacuum tube at a selected location to cause air flow away from an element of the integrated circuit manufacturing device.

Abstract: The invention is to a process for removing contaminants from a compressor and/or compressor intercooler in a methanol to olefin separation system. The process comprises compressing an effluent in a compressor having an inlet and an outlet and a compressor surface, the compressing occurring under conditions effective to form a contaminant on the compressor surface. A contaminant-removal medium is injected into the compressor or intercooler and the contaminant-removal medium contacts the contaminant under conditions effective to remove the contaminant from the compressor or intercooler inner surface thereby forming a mobile contaminant. The mobile contaminant is then removed from the compressor or intercooler.

Abstract: In a method for cleaning for cleaning metallic ion contamination, and especially copper, from wafer containers, the containers are loaded into a cleaning apparatus. The containers are sprayed with a dilute chelating agent solution. The chelating agent solution removes metallic contamination from the containers. The containers are then rinsed with a rinsing liquid, such as deionized water and a surfactant. The containers are then dried, preferably by applying heat and/or hot air movement.

Abstract: This invention relates to a degreasing process and device. It is particularly useful for degreasing surfaces coated with lanoline.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning surfaces of semiconductor wafers utilizes streams of gaseous material ejected from a gas nozzle structure to create depressions on or holes through a boundary layer of cleaning fluid formed on a semiconductor wafer surface to increase the amount of gaseous material that reaches the wafer surface through the boundary layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating surfaces of semiconductor wafers with a reactive gas, such as ozone, utilizes streams of gaseous material ejected from a gas nozzle structure to create depressions on or holes through a boundary layer of processing fluid formed on a semiconductor wafer surface to increase the amount of reactive gas that reaches the wafer surface through the boundary layer. The apparatus and method may be used to clean a semiconductor wafer surface and/or grow an oxide layer on the wafer surface by oxidation.

Abstract: A process and a moveable container for pickling a metal piece after welding is disclosed in which process the metal piece is brought into contact with an acid surface-treatment agent in the area of the welded joint and the heat-affected zone, the surface treatment agent is allowed to act on the area for a set period of time, the surface treatment agent is removed from the surface of the metal piece with the aid of a neutralizing wash fluid, the wash fluid is chemically treated with an alkalizing agent and an agent that increases the floc size, the chemically treated wash fluid is taken for clarification to form a clarified liquid and a sediment, the heavy-metal waste accumulated during clarification is taken to a hazardous waste treatment plant.

Abstract: A method of pickling a material strip is provided that prevents spots from forming and removing formed spots on a material strip that comes to a standstill during the pickling process. The material strip is passed in a first direction through at least one pickling section to form a first pickled material strip. The first pickled material strip is passed in the first direction through at least one rinsing section to form a first rinsed material strip. The first rinsed material strip is sensed when it comes to a standstill. Pickling solution is applied to at least a portion of the first rinsed material strip when the first rinsed material strip has come to a standstill to form a second pickled material strip. The second pickled material strip may then be moved in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction to move the material strip back into the pickling section to form a third pickled material strip.

Abstract: A filter having filter openings, which openings vary in cross-section automatically in accordance with an inherent variable of the medium passing there through. The openings can vary in response to the heat of the medium passing through the openings. The openings can include a perforated plate screening the openings and having elements, which shift the plate relative to the openings. The elements can be springs and can include a shape memory alloy.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes an enclosure within which dishes are washed with a wash liquid. A pump moves the wash liquid to wash the dishes within the enclosure. The pump has a plurality of operational states. A sensor senses turbidity within the wash liquid. The dishwasher includes means to control the operational state of the pump in response to the sensed turbidity.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning re-usable filters, the re-usable filter having an axis, the apparatus. The apparatus includes a source of cleaning fluid; a receptacle for dirty cleaning fluid; a mount for holding the re-usable filter, the mount spinning about the filter's axis; a nozzle for directing a spray of cleaning fluid against the filter; a pump for delivering cleaning fluid from the source of cleaning fluid to the nozzle; and a cover for enclosing the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a car capable of self-washing by the driving force of the car. An air compressor for generating air flow and a steam generation device are installed to operate by the accessory power of the car's engine. Inhalation and discharge holes are formed for inhaling and discharging air, and a separate vacuum accessory or injector may be combined to the hole, selectively. Thus, only a small amount of water is required for washing the car by steam without a cleansing solution, thereby eliminating wasted water and preventing environmental pollution together with no restriction of washing space. Time and costs are reduced compared to conventional washing. In winter, the steam generation device allows washing without water freezing, and ensures sufficient visibility for safe driving by eliminating frost. The vacuum accessory may be used for cleaning the inside of the car, so a user may always maintain the car clean and optimize car functions.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a workpiece, includes workpiece processors. A robot is moveable within an enclosure to load and unload workpieces into and out of the processors. A processor includes an upper rotor having a central air flow opening. The upper rotor is magnetically driven into engagement with a lower rotor to form a workpiece processing chamber. A moveable drain mechanism aligns different drain paths with the processing chamber so that different processing fluids may be removed from the processing chamber via different drain paths. A moveable nozzle positioned in the air flow opening distributes processing fluid to the workpiece. The processing fluid is distributed across the workpiece surface, via centrifugal force generated by spinning the processing chamber, and removed from the processing chamber via the moveable drain mechanism.

Abstract: A pathological waste disposal unit (10) has a chamber (11) with a closeable cover (16) and a waste outlet (14) connected to a waste sump (20). A carrier (30) for waste bags (40) is mounted on a shaft (31), rotatable by an impellor (30), on which is directed high pressure water from nozzles (150). Water knives (70) cut open the waste bags (40) while the carrier (30) is rotating to release the waste (41) from the waste bags (40), to cause the waste to face the bottom wall (13) of the chamber (11) and flow through the waste outlet (14) to the waste sump (20). Safety interlock means prevent operation of the unit (10) while the cover (16) is raised and the opening of the cover (16) while the unit (10) is in operation.

Abstract: A mobility device includes at least a first front leg and at least a first rear leg connected to the first front leg. The first rear leg includes an upper member having a first end and a second end and a lower member having a first end and a second end. The first end of the upper member is pivotally connected to the first end of the lower member, and the lower member is preferably pivotal between an extended use position and a folded storage position.

Abstract: A collapsible canopy framework structure of a regular polygon comprises a plurality of supporting members and a center post, which are constituted as a column. A plurality of first frame assemblies comprises at least one frame unit with a pair of frames being pivoted in an X shape at their center to each other, in which the first frame assembly is mounted between the supporting member and the center post. The third frame assembly comprises at least one frame unit to be mounted between the supporting members to secure the gaps between the supporting members and provide a structural reinforcement to the upper portion of an overall structure. At least one flexible string is passed through the cross-points of the frame units of the first frame assembly on which a block nut structure is mounted and then fixed into the block nut structure to form a regular polygon of the supporting members and give a tension to the overall structure.

Abstract: A method of forming thermoelectric materials includes combining at least one P-type extrusion with at least one N-type extrusion to form a first P/N-type billet. The P/N-type billet may be extruded to form a first P/N-type extrusion having at least one P-type region, and at least one N-type region. The P/N-type extrusion may be segmented into a plurality of P/N-type extrusion segments. In a particular embodiment, a plurality of the P/N-type extrusion segments may be combined to form a second P/N-type billet. The second P/N-type billet may be extruded to form a second P/N-type extrusion having a second plurality of P-type regions and a second plurality of N-type regions.

Abstract: A method of reducing propagation of threading dislocations into active areas of an optoelectronic device having a III-V material system includes growing a metamorphic buffer region in the presence of an isoelectronic surfactant. A first buffer layer may be lattice matched to an adjacent substrate and a second buffer layer may be lattice matched to device layers disposed upon the second buffer layer. Moreover, multiple metamorphic buffer layers fabricated in this manner may be used in a single given device allowing multiple layers to have their band gaps and lattice constants independently selected from those of the rest of the device.