Abstract: A heating flange especially for the preheating of the intake air of an internal combustion engine with a frame (8), a supporting ceramic element (2) with a heating band (10) fitted thereto. The supporting ceramic element 2 is held in the frame at an inner side of the frame, and a support spring (1) is arranged between the supporting ceramic element (2) and the inner side of the frame. The support spring (1) is a leaf spring which is straight in the non-stressed state, and sits under an initial prestess between the supporting ceramic element (2) and the inner side of the frame. As a result of this configuration, low friction arises between the supporting ceramic element (2) and heating band (10), as well as leaf spring (1), which reduces failures due to vibratory loading, and a defined initial spring tension with a defined spring deflection is produced.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for mounting in a supercharger is provided. The heat exchanger includes a body having a first end and a second end. A water bonnet is connectable with the first end of the body and includes an inlet, an outlet, an inner annulus, and an outer annulus. The inlet may be associated with one of the inner and outer annuluses and the outlet is associated with the other of the inner and outer annuluses.

Abstract: A control system for a compression ignition internal combustion engine is provided which is capable of expanding a region for executing compression ignition, on the low-load side, while positively obtaining a required power output from the engine. The amount of residual combustion gas is determined depending on operating conditions of the engine, and based on the determined amount of residual combustion gas, part of combustion gas is retained in each combustion chamber after combustion. It is judged whether or not supercharging of fresh air should be executed for self-ignition, based on the operating conditions of the engine, and when it is judged that the supercharging should be executed, supercharging of fresh air flowing to the combustion chamber is executed.

Abstract: A rigid structure for carrying and supporting an archery bow is disclosed herein. The structure comprises a gripping portion adjoined to an attachment portion or portions so as to form an open L-shape or closed U-shape and a means for connecting the attachment portion or portions to the riser on an archery bow. The structure is adapted to be secured by connecting means to a central region of the riser of an archery bow, such that when normally carried, the archery bow, on either side of the riser, is carried away from and downwardly from the riser. This positioning of the structure lowers the center of gravity below the structure to permit the archery bow to maintain balance from side to side and end to end when being carried by an archer.

Abstract: A speed cooking oven is disclosed comprising a cooking cavity, a controller, thermal heating source, blower assembly, air directing means and a vent assembly. Hot air is circulated by the blower motor assembly into the oven cavity where the hot air is directed in a manner wherein a conflicting, colliding turbulent gas flow is directed at a food product providing for the rapid cooking of food products.

Abstract: A portable grill that folds to a very compact configuration, with the legs folded underneath a firebox and a side table folded beneath the legs. The side table may be folded outward to present the handle for transporting the grill on wheels while the legs are folded underneath the grill. A charcoal grate assembly reconfigures to provide a very efficient and fast manner of removing charcoal from the firebox. An ash pan located below the firebox includes an ash pan lid that allows charcoal to be quickly extinguished, and the grill to be cooled in a very short period of time so that it is ready for transport. A hinge provides a convenient manner of keeping a lid for the grill in a raised position, even in windy conditions.

Abstract: A cooking appliance having a ceramic-based cooktop and a plurality of gas cooking elements is provided with a grate locating assembly which includes a plurality of apertures formed at spaced locations in the cooktop, a plurality of spaced feet projecting downward from cooking vessel supporting grates, and a plurality of inserts. Each of the inserts is positioned within a respective one of the apertures in the cooktop and includes a central opening for receiving a respective grate foot in order to support the surface portion of the grate above the cooktop, while locating the feet of the grate at a position below an upper level of the cooktop.

Abstract: A solar concentrated module with a bidimensional parabolic profile geometry, comprises one or more rigid self-supporting panels having a parabolic cross section and a rectilinear longitudinal extension. The said panels comprise a central sandwich structure including a central honeycomb core and two thin outer skins of a high resistance material, forming a lightweight and particularly rigid construction. The panels adapted to support thin reflecting surfaces, the geometry of which is such as to concentrate incident sunlight rays along a longitudinal receiving tube, within which a fluid to be headed flows. An automated driver may be provided for moving the panels to follow the movement of the sun during the day.

Abstract: Self Contained Aerosol Dual Delivery System (SCADDS) is a pocket-sized inhaler for delivering inhaled therapeutic or recreational aerosols simultaneously and separately via oral and nasal routes. A handle assembly has a removable mouthpiece, cartridge penetration needles, puncture needle protective cover, a shuttle, a cam, valves and conduits from the penetration needles to the individual nozzles for oral and nasal inhalation. A cartridge contains separate reservoirs of solutions for oral and nasal inhalation. The reservoirs, impermeable bags with fluid and dissolved gas in solution, are punctured when the cartridge is attached to the handle assembly. Inhalation slides the shuttle toward the mouthpiece and opens the valves to release solution. The oral aerosol is inhaled into the lungs while the nasal aerosol provides a pleasant aroma.

Abstract: The breathing system includes an annular filtration unit having apertures opening radially through inner and outer walls thereof, a central passageway and filtration material between the walls. The filtration unit is disposed in a canister containing a hood, a mouthpiece, a closure and an annular filter in the annular space between the filtration unit and the wall of the canister. Upon removal of the closure, the hood and mouthpiece are deployed and the hood is drawn about an individual's head through an opening in the hood. With the mouthpiece in the individual's mouth, ambient air from a toxic gas or smoke-filled environment is drawn into the canister through the annular filter, and passes radially inwardly through the filtration unit into the central passageway, where the filtered air reverses direction for flow axially into the mouthpiece such that the individual may breathe filtered air. Exhaled air passes into the hood and out through the hood opening.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a minimum effective dose of an inhaled drug for an individual patient at a given time. The system includes an apparatus to measure a performance measurement of the patient and a data processor capable of communication with the apparatus. The data processor provides a computed minimum effective dose for the individual patient by applying a predetermined rule the performance measurement. The method includes measuring a performance measurement of the patient, communicating the performance measurement to a data processor and computing a minimum effective dose for the patient by applying a predetermined rule to the performance measurement within the data processor.

Abstract: A unit dose dry powder inhaler has a dispersion chamber, optionally including one or more beads. A blister is supported adjacent to the dispersion chamber. A mouthpiece cover is removable from a mouthpiece, with movement of the mouthpiece cover causing the blister to open. An air flow path extends past or under the blister and into the dispersion chamber. As a result, the blister remains sealed until the inhaler is ready for use. The blister is then automatically opened when the mouthpiece cover is removed from the mouthpiece. Pharmaceutical dry powder is released from the blister and entrained in air flow through the inhaler, when the user inhales on the mouthpiece. The powder is dispersed in air within the dispersion chamber.

Abstract: A humidifier uses a moist member to adjust humidity of the air breathed in. In general, the people work in low humidity atmosphere would breathe un-smoothly and get the respiratory system illness more easily. So the humidifier greatly improves the situation described above. The moist member is a bibulous material. Put the moist member between nose and top lip to adjust the humidity of the air breathed in by vaporizing the liquid of the moist member.

Abstract: A conduit for a breathing circuit includes a heater associated, at least in part, with a hydrophilic layer. The purpose of the heater is to evaporate any condensed liquid collecting in the conduit, which is first sucked up by the hydrophilic layer. The heated wick reduces the risk of collected water being passed to the patient and causing choking fits or discomfit. It is preferred that the heated wick lies freely in the conduit to settle at low points in the conduit where condensation may collect.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing breathing gases to a subject employs an exchanger taking up a quantity of a given component, such as CO2, from expiratory breathing gases passing through the exchanger and thereafter releasing the given component in inspiratory breathing gases subsequently passing through the exchanger. The exchanger may be selectively inserted in a flow path for the breathing gases for this purpose. Or, the breathing gases may be selectively passed through and bypassed around the exchanger. The apparatus and method may be used for non-invasive determination of the functional cardiac output of a patient using the differential form of the Fick equation.

Abstract: A method and a CPAP apparatus for characterizing a plurality of different mask systems, e.g., masks and hoses, are provided. The CPAP apparatus can be calibrated for different mask systems and hoses by including sensors configured to measure flow and pressure at a flow generator of the CPAP apparatus. When the flow generator is fitted to a new mask system, or any changes are made to an existing mask system, mask or patient interface and/or hose, a method for calibrating the flow generator for the new mask system, mask and/or hose is provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a ventilation control system for controlling the ventilation of a patient. The ventilation control system utilizes a user-friendly user interface for the display of patient data and ventilator status. The user interface includes a graphic representation of a breath cycle that displays the breath cycle currently being ventilated, and is also responsive to changes in ventilation settings to assist the user in evaluation the effect of those changes on the ventilator strategy before the changes are implemented.

Abstract: A disposable face mask includes a mask body covering substantially a nose, mouth, and chin of a wearer, and an extension provided with the mask body. The extension is configured to encircle a back of a wearer's head and to substantially cover a wearer's cheeks, jaw, and ears. A substantial portion of the extension is formed from a resilient material treated with a repellant agent to prevent contaminants from entering or exiting such treated portion of the extension.

Abstract: A respiratory mark assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and a cushion. The cushion has a non-face contacting portion structured to be connected to the frame, a face-contacting portion structured to engage the patient's face, and an intermediate portion that interconnects the non-face contacting portion and the face-contacting portion. The intermediate portion includes a gusset portion that applies a first component of force to the patient's face through the face-contacting portion. A spring structure is coupled with the face-contacting portion of the cushion. The spring structure applies a second component of force to the patient's face through the face-contacting portion. The first and second components of force applied by the gusset portion and spring structure, respectively, determine a contact force of the cushion applied to the patient's face through the face-contacting portion. The intermediate portion may also include an elastic cuff portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for artificial respiration of a patient by delivery of a perfluorocarbon, said device having an aerosol generator by means of which an aerosol of the perfluorocarbon is formed.

Abstract: The present invention is a condom coated with lactic acid bacteria contained composition, which has not only provided the contraceptive effect and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases transmission but also helped to establish, maintain and reestablish a non-pathogenic, natural or genetically modified intra-vaginal bacterial flora action in vagina. The lactic acid bacteria can be genetically modified and natural lactic acid bacteria such as spreads from mammal intestinal and vaginal tract. A condom is coated with composition containing powder form or other type of lactic acid bacteria such as cream, foam, micro-bead or micro-encapsulated form, which contains as its ingredients at least one species of viable lactic acid bacteria, and optionally with a lubricant. The risk of pathogenic microbial and viral infection in vagina can be decreased or prevented and the vaginal environment can be maintained in a good condition without side effect by using a condom of the present invention.

Abstract: A surgical drape for use during surgery of a patient is provided. The surgical drape includes a sheet that is configured for covering at least a portion of the patient during surgery. At least one diverting feature is located on the sheet, and has substantially the same fluid absorbent properties as a section of the sheet that is immediately adjacent to the diverting feature. The diverting feature is configured for at least partially transferring fluid from one location on the sheet to another location on the sheet.

Abstract: A surgical drape for use during surgery of a patient is provided. The surgical drape includes a sheet that is configured for covering at least a portion of a patient during surgery. Also included is an instrument holder that is carried by the sheet and is permanently attached to the sheet. The instrument holder is configured for receiving at least one surgical instrument.

Abstract: Form-correcting chest belt, forcing both arms, shoulders and chests to move in co-relation with one another, is used together with form-correcting waist belt, forcing the vertebral column to become stiff and the upper and lower parts of the body to move in co-relation with each other, and together with form-correcting shoes or foot angle supporter, which semi-force body weight center to be located in the middle of the foot length, thereby helping players play easily in the right forms the sports using rackets or bats or clubs, such as tennis, badminton, baseball and golf,

Abstract: An anatomical compression system to facilitate a faster rehabilitation of a patient after a liposuction treatment or other treatment for enhancing the body shape. The anatomical system comprises a plurality of compression pads designed with a form-fitting shape for fitting perfectly predetermined body areas to apply properly compression forces to said body areas on which a liposuction treatment has been performed. The compression pads have one or more reinforcement sections specially disposed at specific locations to overlie body areas so as to cause compression to said body areas traumatized after a liposuction surgery. The objective of compressing the affected body areas is to minimize the amount of swelling following the liposuction surgery and therefore control the volume of the treated area to reach a desirable result.

Abstract: A method detects proper connection of fixtures to one or more channels in an endoscope during a cleaning or disinfection procedure. The endoscope has a first opening into one of its channels. The method includes the steps of placing the endoscope at the first opening in a liquid while leaving a gas within the channel, drawing a vacuum on the gas through a second opening into the channel and thereby drawing some of the liquid into the channel, and detecting for air leaking into the channel.

Abstract: Disclosed are surface modified viscoelastics and methods of performing viscosurgery using polymer-containing irrigating solution to reduce cohesiveness of the viscoelastic agent at the interface, thereby improving its performance by reducing the occurrence of unintentional aspiration, especially in ocular surgery.

Abstract: Described herein are various methods and apparatuses for delivering stents or conduits and other devices into the myocardium of a patient. One preferred stent delivery system provides access to the insertion site in the myocardium by advancing a delivery catheter through a blockage in a coronary artery, or around the blockage through a coronary vein or through a channel or tunnel formed around the blockage. In one embodiment, once the distal end of the delivery catheter is adjacent the myocardium, an angled bend is created in the catheter by actuating expandable steering guides mounted to the catheter which cooperate with the walls of the blood vessel to cause the catheter to turn. Then, a guidewire is advanced through the delivery catheter and into the myocardium. In another embodiment, a tip-deflecting pull wire extends from the distal end of the delivery catheter which may be actuated to turn towards and then inserted into the myocardium.

Abstract: Cigarettes are manufactured using modified automated cigarette making apparatus. Those cigarettes possess smokable rods having paper wrapping materials having additive materials applied thereto as patterns. The additive materials, which can have the forms of liquid or paste formulations, are applied to a continuous paper web on the cigarette making apparatus. The formulation is applied to the paper web using application apparatus possessing rollers, and one of those rollers has a series of pockets in its roll face to receive additive formulation from a reservoir and to define the pattern of the formulation on the paper. A modified figure rail assembly and garniture entrance cone provide air flow toward the paper web being advanced through the garniture region of the cigarette making apparatus.

Abstract: Cigarettes are manufactured using modified automated cigarette making apparatus. Those cigarettes possess smokable rods having paper wrapping materials having additive materials applied thereto as patterns. The additive materials, which can have the forms of liquid or paste formulations, are applied to a continuous paper web on the cigarette making apparatus. The formulation is applied to the paper web using application apparatus possessing rollers, and one of those rollers has a series of pockets in its roll face to receive additive formulation from a reservoir and to define the pattern of the formulation on the paper. A modified figure rail assembly and garniture entrance cone provide air flow toward the paper web being advanced through the garniture region of the cigarette making apparatus.

Abstract: Cigarettes are manufactured using modified automated cigarette making apparatus. Those cigarettes possess smokable rods having paper wrapping materials having additive materials applied thereto as patterns. The additive materials, which can have the forms of liquid or paste formulations, are applied to a continuous paper web on the cigarette making apparatus. The formulation is applied to the paper web using application apparatus possessing rollers, and one of those rollers has a series of pockets in its roll face to receive additive formulation from a reservoir and to define the pattern of the formulation on the paper. A modified figure rail assembly and garniture entrance cone provide air flow toward the paper web being advanced through the garniture region of the cigarette making apparatus.

Abstract: Cigarettes are manufactured using modified automated cigarette making apparatus. Those cigarettes possess smokable rods having paper wrapping materials having additive materials applied thereto as patterns. The additive materials, which can have the forms of liquid or paste formulations, are applied to a continuous paper web on the cigarette making apparatus. The formulation is applied to the paper web using application apparatus possessing rollers, and one of those rollers has a series of pockets in its roll face to receive additive formulation from a reservoir and to define the pattern of the formulation on the paper. A modified figure rail assembly and garniture entrance cone provide air flow toward the paper web being advanced through the garniture region of the cigarette making apparatus.

Abstract: Cigarettes are manufactured using modified automated cigarette making apparatus. Those cigarettes possess smokable rods having paper wrapping materials having additive materials applied thereto as patterns. The additive materials, which can have the forms of liquid or paste formulations, are applied to a continuous paper web on the cigarette making apparatus. The formulation is applied to the paper web using application apparatus possessing rollers, and one of those rollers has a series of pockets in its roll face to receive additive formulation from a reservoir and to define the pattern of the formulation on the paper. A modified figure rail assembly and garniture entrance cone provide air flow toward the paper web being advanced through the garniture region of the cigarette making apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tobacco product, which gives a high yield of taste and nicotine without chewing and has a pleasant appearance, comprising a multi-layer (laminate) structure wherein the product comprises at least one load layer and a construction layer. Also provided is a method for manufacturing said tobacco product comprising the following step: pressing at least one load layer with a construction layer in a press apparatus.

Abstract: A smoke-less tobacco composition includes at least one thickening agent such as xanthan gum or a mixture of xanthan gum and galactomannan.

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: A foil for use in hair coloring is made of a substantially rectangular sheet of material. The upper edge of the foil is pinked, forming a zig-zag pattern. The upper surface of the foil contains a hair restraint in proximity to the foil's upper edge, formed of an elongated, rectangular strip of loop material which adheres to the hair. The lower surface of the foil contains a similar elongated rectangular strip of loop material, providing an attachment anchor, which adheres to the scalp of the subject without the stylist having to hold the foil during the entire coloring process. After the foil has been attached to the subject's hair in proximity to a part, hair strands are woven from under the foil, over the upper edge, and held in place by the hair restraint. Coloring is then applied, and the foil folded in half, retaining the hair within the folded foil.

Abstract: There is provided a hair setting assembly having a housing with one or more heating elements. The elements cooperate with one or more heatable hair rollers. The hair setting assembly also has one or more ion and/or ozone emitters for emitting ions and/or ozone. Further, the hair setting assembly has a housing with a lid portion, and a base portion for selectively covering the heatable hair rollers and the one or more ion and/or ozone emitters, and a support connectable to the housing so that the housing can be tilted about an axis in at least one direction through a specified angle while sitting on a surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a makeup brush. The make up brush comprises a body 11 in and out of which a brush 12 is taken; a middle cap 13 that is joined to the top end of said body 11 and in which a pair of latch protrusions 15 are formed opposedly at the inner rim of the top end; a powder cartridge 16 that is provided with guide slots 18 formed around both sides of the bottom, insert slots 19 formed at the point halfway between both guide slots 18 so that said latch protrusions 15 of the middle cap 13 advance along the guide slots 18, a plurality of support jaws 20 formed in the guide slots 18 so that the latch protrusions 15 advancing along the guide slots 18 can move step by step, and a stepped portion 21 formed in the guide slots 18 so as to obstruct the movement of the latch protrusions 15, and in which a slope 23 is formed at the top end of the opening portion thereof; and a cover 24 that is joined to the opening of said powder cartridge 16.

Abstract: An at-home integrated cleaning and disinfection system for dental hardware, for consumer use includes a compact and portable base unit sized for at-home use by a consumer, the base unit including a holding frame and an ultraviolet lamp. The system also includes a cleaning chamber within which dental hardware and a cleaning solution that includes hydrogen peroxide are receivable. The cleaning chamber fits within the holding frame in a manner such that contents of the cleaning chamber are exposed to light emitted by the ultraviolet lamp. A vibration mechanism is positioned so as to cause the cleaning chamber to vibrate while the cleaning chamber is fitted within the holding frame. To clean and disinfect dental hardware, the consumer places dental hardware in the cleaning chamber, fills the cleaning chamber with the cleaning solution, and inserts the cleaning chamber into the holding frame.

Abstract: In a method and system for removing particles from a surface, a portable, compressed gas can is provided containing a particle removal gas. An air ionizer unit is connected to the gas can. A high voltage potential is selectively actuated at a time when a nozzle of the gas can is depressed, the high voltage potential being positioned in the gas stream to create air ions in the gas stream which facilitate removal of the particles.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a glass substrate before photoresist coating, which method can remove oxide compounds and organic residues from the surface of a metal layer of the glass substrate, comprises the steps of firstly providing an alkaline developer in a concentration of between 0.35% and 0.45%; later immersing the metal film of the glass substrate in the alkaline developer; then rinsing the metal film of the glass substrate after immersed with clean water; and lastly having the surface of the metal film of the glass substrate in a dry treatment.

Abstract: Apparatus for pressure processing components is disclosed which includes an improved closure system that minimizes dust-generating parts and allows easy access to the chamber. Ports are provided for introducing and releasing pressurized gases and fluids to and from the processing space. The heating system of the apparatus heats both the cover and the stage inside the pressurized chamber such that cycle time to equilibrate heated, pressurized fluids such as supercritical carbon dioxide inside the chamber are decreased. The apparatus includes a mechanism that raises the stage inside the chamber, pressing it against the fixed cover and sealing the inside of the pressure vessel. In one embodiment a screw-type jack is used to move the component-loaded stage fitted with a deformable o-ring seal a short travel distance to seat against the lid and seal the pressure chamber. In a related embodiment a computer and an electronic stepper motor are used to drive the pressing means in an automated fashion.

Abstract: A sealed packaging member includes a disposable wiping member for cleaning debris from a surface, such as, an eating utensil, a beverage container or a person's skin. The wiping member is sealed from exposure to the environment until unsealed by an associated operator. The wiping member may be saturated with purified water and contains no cleaning solution.

Abstract: A method for cleaning an apparatus using a clean-in-place system is disclosed. The clean-in-place system is in fluid communication with an inlet and an outlet of the apparatus. In the method, a cleaning composition having a measurable physical property (e.g., pH) is supplied from a cleaner tank into the inlet of the apparatus for a first period of time. A rinsing composition having the measurable physical property at a second measured value is then supplied from a rinse tank into the inlet of the apparatus for a second period of time. The measurable physical property is sensed versus time for fluids exiting the outlet of the apparatus, and a circulation time of the cleaning composition is determined. A closing time for a return valve of the cleaner tank is then determined for subsequent cleaning cycles such that minimal rinsing composition enters the cleaner tank during the subsequent cleaning cycle.

Abstract: An automated kitchenware washing tank has a pump system with a pump and fluid conduits to couple the pump between an intake opening through one of the walls and discharge openings in the wall of the tank. At least some of the discharge openings are preferably formed in at least one angled portion of the tank wall that faces downwardly into the tank, and, more preferably, on two opposed angled portions that face downwardly into the tank. A control system may be coupled to the pump for controlling the speed with which the pump supplies cleaning fluid to the discharge openings. The control system comprises a speed selector that is adapted to allow a user to activate the speed selector to select between at least two different speeds for pumping the cleaning fluid to the discharge openings. In operation, the automated washing tank pumps cleaning fluid from within the tank through the intake outlet through the fluid conduits and out of the discharge openings into the tank to create turbulence within the tank.

Abstract: An actuator mechanism is provided for a dishwasher dispensing assembly including a detergent dispenser actuator and a rinse agent dispenser actuator. Shape memory wire is connected to each actuator and is used to open a detergent reservoir and a rinse aid reservoir by operating the actuator through contraction of the shape memory wire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of operating a dishwasher with a central control unit, by measuring the turbidity of the rinsing liquid and establishing the course of the program as a function of the turbidity of the rinsing liquid. In a pre-rinse operation, measurement values determined by a sensor system are derived from the soiling of the rinsing liquid and supplied to the control unit, which calculates therefrom associated parameters for the further course of the program and establishes the latter correspondingly.

Abstract: A plasma etching chamber is cleaned with a supply of pressurized nitrogen or argon that is electrically heated. The cleaning cycle is performed during the idle time following an etching cycle. Electrically heated cleaning gas flows into the etching chamber for a predetermined period during which the etching chamber rises. Flow of heated cleaning gas is then stopped, and the etching chamber is evacuated by existing equipment. The cycle can be started automatically using a pressure signal from a conventional purging gas line or from a signal at a SECS/GEM port.

Abstract: A method detects proper flow through one or more channels in an endoscope during a cleaning procedure. A supply line connects to one of the channels, the supply line being in fluid communication with a fluid supply vessel. Fluid is flowed from the supply vessel through the channel for a time period. The amount of fluid is calculated based upon a volume change in the supply vessel and the flow rate calculated based upon the amount of fluid and the time period. If the flow rate varies by more than a predetermined amount from a predetermined value an indication of improper flow is given.