Abstract: An anti-snoring device is provided that includes a flexible hollow tube for insertion into the user's mouth, having proximal and distal ends and an outer perimeter. The tube includes an extraoral segment at its proximal end, an intraoral segment at its distal end and an intermediate segment extending therebetween. The extraoral and intraoral segments each include at least one opening. The extraoral segment is for extending beyond the user's outer lips, the intermediate segment is of a sufficient length for extending along the buccopharyngeal pathway of the user's mouth, and the intraoral segment is of a sufficient length for extending beyond a retromolar space in the user's mouth, into the oropharynx and terminating between the posterior tongue and the soft palate. The anti-snoring device also includes a stop extending from the outer perimeter of the tube on the intraoral segment for securing the intraoral segment within the user's oropharynx.

Abstract: Embodiments of a pressure insert are disclosed for assisting in slowing and stopping nose bleeds. The insert is preferably a firm or non-compressible insert with contours that match or come close to matching the contours of a human's upper gum line and inside surface of the upper lid, which define the buccal cavity. The insert is curved rearward and has generally rounded and smooth edges, and preferably has notches, trough, or contours for conforming over and around the user's frenulum. Preferably, the front surface and the rear surface are generally parallel and both curve around to match, in general, the curvature of the row of front, upper teeth. Alternatively, the insert may be planar prior to use, but may flex to conform to the upper anterior gums after insertion into the buccal cavity.

Abstract: A surgical method for loading ligament grafts into a joint. A longitudinal socket formed in a bone is intersected by a transverse pin. A flexible strand is drawn with the pin through the bone. A looped portion of the strand is diverted so as to protrude out of the entrance to the longitudinal socket. The ends of the strand remaining accessible on either side of the bone. The ligament graft is captured within the strand loop protruding from the entrance to the socket. The strand is retracted into the socket, drawing the graft into the socket by pulling on the accessible ends of the flexible strand. The graft is fixed in the socket using a transverse implant.

Abstract: A medical instrument for engaging tissue includes a flexible shaft, a tissue piercing coil at a distal portion of the shaft, and a tissue stabilizer positioned over the shaft and biased in a distal direction such that as the tissue piercing coil enters tissue, the tissue stabilizer is urged against a surface of the tissue. A medical instrument for reconfiguring tissue includes a flexible shaft defining a lumen housing actuating controls, and a distal actuating assembly with a sealing portion configured to substantially seal the shaft lumen from contact with bodily fluids. A cartridge assembly includes first and second members configured for releasable attachment to a medical instrument, and a holder configured to receive the first and second members and to be released from the first and second members upon action of the first and second members attaching to the medical instrument.

Abstract: A method for closed-chest cardiac surgical intervention relies on viewing the cardiac region through a thoracoscope or other viewing scope and endovascularly partitioning the patient's arterial system at a location within the ascending aorta The cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegia can be induced, and a variety of surgical procedures performed on the stopped heart using percutaneously introduced tools.

Abstract: An activated carbon-containing sorbent is capable of selectively removing one or more selected gaseous components from a gas. The activated carbon-containing sorbent can be incorporated in a smoking article to remove one or more selected components from mainstream smoke. The activated carbon-containing sorbent can be a composite including one or more molecular sieve materials. Methods of making the activated carbon-containing sorbent, cigarette filters and smoking articles including the activated carbon-containing sorbent, as well as methods for smoking a cigarette comprising the activated carbon-containing sorbent, are provided.

Abstract: A coated chewing gum product for the delivering of nicotine in any form to a subject by a rapid transmucosal uptake in the oral cavity comprising at least one gum core, nicotine in any form and/or a nicotine mimicking agent, at least one coating layer and optionally at least one or more other additive, wherein said at last one coating layer is buffered. Also contemplated is a method for the delivering of nicotine in any form, a method for the reduction of the urge to smoke or use tobacco as well as a method for producing said coated chewing gum and the use of the same form obtaining a quick transmucosal uptake of the nicotine in the oral cavity of a subject.

Abstract: An artificial fingernail is molded to contain liquid. According to the invention, the edge of a first layer is joined to the edge of a second layer. A liquid portion is positioned in between the first layer and the second layer. The color and composition of the liquid portion, along with decorative objects placed in the liquid portion, produce a desired cosmetic effect.

Abstract: A padded finger receiving device for nail care devices comprising a pad, a pad holder with a pad, or a padded base engaging case, individually or any combination with each other. The pad holder is used for supporting the pad. The pad holder has a front slit and may or may not have a rear slit depending upon the structure of the nail care device. The pad holder has a top member having a first opening and a bottom member having a second opening which can be molded in one piece or attached together. There is a hook with a head protruding laterally inward from a rear end of the bottom member to attach the pad holder to the nail care device. The pad has a top piece and a bottom piece joined together by a center piece, the center piece matching and covering an opening bored on the nail care device through which the pad is introduced. The padded receiving device may consist of the pad independent of the pad holder.

Abstract: The applicator (1) for applying an oxidative hair dye to human hair, especially to hair strands, has two compartments or chambers (2,3) for a liquid oxidation dye and an oxidizing agent respectively. Both the oxidation dye and the oxidizing agent are dispensed together at a product-dispensing spot or area of the applicator. The compartments (2,3) are provided with respective product-dispensing openings (5,6), which open next to each other, so that a reactive dyeing mixture is provided only outside of the applicator, especially on human hair. For improve applicability liquid-permeable inserts (7,8) made of spongy material, bristles or fabric, especially felt, are provided in the product-dispensing openings (5,6), preferably protruding from them somewhat.

Abstract: A multifunction dental cleaning device includes a housing, a drive mechanism disposed within the housing, a reciprocator coupled to the drive mechanism, a rocker arm coupled to the reciprocator, and one of a flossing head and a brushing head coupleable to the rocker arm.

Abstract: Dirt, particularly of inorganic matter, attached to a substrate, such as a glass substrate for liquid crystal devices, is effectively removed by irradiating the substrate with ultraviolet rays including 184.9 nm and 253.7 nm in an oxygen-containing atmosphere in advance of wet cleaning with pure water. As a result, the wet cleaning time and the amount of pure water can be reduced.

Abstract: There is provided a surface cleaning apparatus and method using plasma to remove a native oxide layer, a chemical oxide layer, and a damaged portion from a silicon substrate surface, and contaminants from a metal surface. By absorbing potential in a grounded grid or baffle between a plasma generator and a substrate, only radicals are passed to the substrate, and HF gas is used as a second processing gas. Thus a native oxide layer, a chemical oxide layer, or a damaged portion formed on the silicon substrate during etching a contact hole is removed and the environment of a chamber is maintained constant by introducing a conditioning gas after each wafer process. Therefore, process uniformity is improved.

Abstract: An aqueous hard surface cleaner composition contains a surfactant selected from the group consisting of nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants and mixtures thereof, a germicidal agent, which may be absent if the surfactant comprises a quaternary ammonium surfactant, a hydrophilic polymer comprising styrene sulfonate repeating units, and water, wherein the composition exhibits a pH of greater than or equal to about 6, and provides an easier cleaning benefit.

Abstract: A method that includes rotating a wafer, heating the wafer, applying a first liquid through one or more nozzles to a center of a topside of the wafer that is cooler than the heated wafer, and translating the one or more nozzles to an outer diameter edge of the wafer.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for the cleaning of magnetic tape cartridge drive, particularly such as removable data-storage media tapes, and especially an arrangement and method of providing a disposable cartridge retention spring cleaning tool.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for processing an electronic device, particularly the molding and cleaning of the device. Molding means encapsulate the electronic device with a molding compound. Thereafter, stain from one or more surfaces of the electronic device is removed by a stain removal device adapted to impact the electronic device with a polishing agent. A residue removal system then removes residue from the one or more surfaces of the electronic device.

Abstract: A method of removing iron oxide scale from processed sheet metal comprises the steps of: providing a surface conditioning apparatus; and conditioning a surface of the processed sheet metal with the surface conditioning apparatus. In general, the iron oxide scale generally comprises three layers prior to surface conditioning: a wustite layer, a magnetite layer, and a hematite layer. The wustite layer is bonded to a base metal substrate of the processed sheet metal. The magnetite layer is bonded to the wustite layer, and the hematite layer is bonded to the magnetite layer. The surface conditioning apparatus has at least one surface conditioning member. The step of conditioning the surface of the processed sheet metal includes bringing the at least one surface conditioning member into engagement with the surface of the sheet metal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the removal of deposits formed in a reaction apparatus by the precipitation of solids from a liquid reaction mixture, which process is characterized in that particles of a material that is inert under the reaction conditions are introduced into the reaction apparatus, which particles, by suitable mechanical circulation of the reaction mixture, are so moved through the reactor that, during the reaction, by striking the walls or other built-in elements, they abrasively remove precipitates adhered thereto.

Abstract: A substrate drying system having an IPA concentration interlock detector for detecting the concentration of substrate-drying IPA vapor in a processing or cleaning tank of a Marongoni-type substrate drying system, for example, as substrates are dried in the cleaning tank after washing typically using deionized water. In the event that inadequate concentrations of the IPA vapor are delivered to the cleaning tank, the IPA concentration interlock detector transmits an alarm signal to the tool controller to alert facility personnel to the inadequate IPA concentrations in the cleaning tank and prevent the formation of water marks on the substrates.

Abstract: A procedure for analysing a fluid residual product, consisting of a rinsing solution and product loss, from a process for cleaning objects that are part of a manufacturing process. The procedure is characterised in that it includes the steps of measuring the flow of residual product at repeated occasions at a physical location in the cleaning process, measuring a magnitude corresponding to the contents of product loss in the cleaning system at the same repeated occasions at the same location in the cleaning process, determining based on this information the amount of product loss that flows past during a time period (T0−t1), and reporting this information related to the final product or raw materials of the manufacturing process. The invention also concerns a system for the execution of the process.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a dish-cleaning appliance having a removable basket that carries a spray arm. The method comprises: uncoupling the liquid supply from the sprayer, spraying liquid against the peripheral side wall from the liquid supply, and draining the sprayed liquid from the wash chamber.

Abstract: A method of remediating deposits which partially block a pipeline comprising providing a pig within said pipeline which sealingly engages the internal diameter of said pipeline, restraining the movement of said pig using a wire rope or similar means, pumping down the pipeline without taking return flow back up the pipeline, pumping through flow jets on the pig to increase the velocity of the flow to enhance the effectiveness of the remediation method.

Abstract: A method of warewashing for the removal of starch is described herein. The method includes applying an alkaline composition to a dish, then applying an acidic composition to a dish, and then applying a second alkaline composition to the dish. The method may include additional steps. Compositions for using with the method are also disclosed. Finally, dish machines that may be used in accordance with the method are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of in place cleaning of an automated food product dispenser comprising an interface connection configured to establish a supply of a milk-based fluid from a reservoir (for example, a container or a bag), a mixing device configured to receive the milk-based fluid and prepare a milk based product, a nozzle in fluid association with the mixing device for dispensing the milk based product, a product flowpath configured for directing the milk based product to flow from the interface connection through the mixing device to the nozzle, and a clean-in-place flowpath assembly located in the dispenser and comprising a supply of cleaning or sanitizing fluid and a flowpath which is configured to deliver the cleaning or sanitizing fluid to or through the product flowpath. The invention also relates to a machine readable program for controlling the automated food product dispenser of the invention and for cleaning the same in place.

Abstract: A substrate treatment process is disclosed to remove organic matter existing on a substrate such as a wafer, glass substrate or ceramic. The process comprises treating the substrate with ozone water and then with hydrogen water, or treating the substrate with ozone-hydrogen water or treating the substrate with ozone water and hydrogen water at the same time. A substrate treatment apparatus is also disclosed for a substrate. The apparatus comprises a treatment vessel, a substrate holder for rotating the substrate in a horizontal plane in the treatment vessel, a nozzle unit arranged in an upper part of the treatment vessel such that a liquid is downwardly fed, a feed line for feeding the liquid to the nozzle unit, and a chamber enclosing therein the apparatus in its entirety.

Abstract: A process for removing dopant ions from a semiconductor substrate includes exposing the substrate to a non-aqueous organic solvent in liquid and/or vapor form.

Abstract: A resist stripping apparatus is provided for cleaning a plurality of semiconductor substrates using a wafer cassette that can hold the plurality of semiconductor substrates. The apparatus includes a stripping bath capable of completely immersing the wafer cassette holding the semiconductor substrates, a unit for feeding a substitute liquid for replacing a resist stripping chemical therewith, a unit for discharging the substitute liquid, and at least one chemical high pressure spray nozzle for jetting the substitute liquid under high pressure to the semiconductor substrates.

Abstract: A gas-heated dishwasher includes a gas burner for heating the rinsing liquid and drying dishes, which is suitable for drying dishes and heating the rinsing liquid in an efficient way, while, at the same time, making it possible for a worktop to be placed on top of the dishwasher, the gas burner is embodied and disposed in the motor chamber so that it heats at least one closed tubular heating body filled with a fluid during a sub-program dry section and heats the rinsing fluid during the sub-program sections when the rinsing fluid is used.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying a car wash installation with chemical additives which are admixed with the wash water, wherein at least one additive is poured into a cartridge in highly concentrated form. An associated holding device of the car wash receives the cartridge, wherein the additive of the cartridge can be removed continuously, according to need. Several additives are poured into several cartridges in highly concentrated form and each cartridge and each associated holding device differs from the other cartridges and associated holding devices, by a mistake-proof flange-mounting.

Abstract: A supercritical fluid cleaning system uses process fluid for operating rotary motors in the chamber with fluid bearings and fluid load levitation for rotating workpieces and impellers. Rotating speed and direction sensors and a home position locator facilitate motor control. Impellers add further agitation of the fluid in the chamber, faster processing, and greater uniformity of supercritical fluid components and increase mass transfer of fluid to the processed surface. Centrifugal operated clips and cassettes hold wafers and impellers. Non-contact, fluid operated rotating mechanisms reduce contamination. Physical, rotational, and shear affects are enhanced through centrifugal forces which can induce the separation of films localized deposits or molecular products of the reaction from the surface. There is a concomitant agitation of fluid, and continuous angular acceleration imparted to the processed surface features.

Abstract: A spin-rinse-dryer (SRD) includes a substrate support adapted to hold and rotate a substrate, and a source of fluid adapted to supply fluid to the surface of a substrate positioned on the substrate support. The SRD also includes at least one shield positioned to receive fluid displaced from a substrate rotating on the substrate support. The shield includes a substrate-facing surface that has been particle-blasted to cause the substrate-facing surface to have a hydrophilic characteristic.

Abstract: An umbrella having a handle for opening and closing the umbrella. The umbrella includes a central shaft; and the central shaft has a first end and a second end. The second end is connected to a main umbrella frame having an umbrella canopy which is movable between an open and closed configuration. The central shaft also includes a handle section adjacent to the first end. The handle section includes a snow globe mounted on the first end of the central shaft. The snow globe includes an exterior wall and an interior chamber therein. The snow globe has disposed therein a caricature-type three-dimensional unit and movable artificial snowflakes for simulating falling snow within the interior chamber of the snow globe; and the caricature-type three-dimensional unit is visible from the exterior of the snow globe.

Abstract: A solar concentrator system includes an optical element having a plurality of lenses superimposed on the surface of a larger lens, the optical element directing and at least partially focused rays onto the solar cell.

Abstract: A method of making a photovoltaic cell includes contacting a cross-linking agent with semiconductor particles, and incorporating the semiconductor particles into the photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A diverter valve with integral atmospheric type vacuum breaker comprising a housing and a replaceable rotatable cartridge, said housing having a top and a bottom and a cartridge receiving chamber extending from proximate the top to proximate the bottom of said housing and being surrounded by an internal housing wall, said housing having an inlet port proximate the bottom thereof and a plurality of laterally directed outlet ports extending from the cartridge receiving chamber, each outlet port for directing water for selective alternative uses such as a spout, shower, body spray or the like, said rotatable cartridge including all of the working parts of the valve including a handle engaging portion, an inlet in communication with the inlet port of the housing, and having an outlet for selective alignment with one of the housing ports and being rotatable from a position wherein water cannot enter the valve to a position in selective alignment with one of the outlet ports, said cartridge having a hollow interior

Abstract: A varnishing installation includes a varnish line with an inlet end, an outlet end and an auxiliary device. The auxiliary device is connected through a valve arrangement to the varnishing line and the valve arrangement is scrapeable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for converting or retrofitting manually-operated flush valves. A conversion system for converting an installed manually-operated flush valve includes a power module, a control module, and a driver module mechanically coupled to a manual handle to externally activate the converted flush valve.

Abstract: Apparatuses and system for retrofitting an existing water control valve mounted in a water distribution system that allows the user to quickly and easily replace the functions of the existing water control valve with updated and additional features in a new retrofit valve without having to remove or replace the existing valve manifold. An adapter plug having an interface corresponding to the existing valve cartridge interface is inserted into the open valve cavity to hydraulically connect with the existing valve cartridge interface. Fluid passages transfer fluid through the adapter plug to one or more fluid connectors that transfer fluid between the adapter plug and a retrofit valve. The retrofit valve has a fluid chamber with a water control cartridge, having features such as pressure balancing, disposed therein. The retrofit valve can include a second fluid chamber with a bypass valve disposed therein to provide an instant hot water feature.

Abstract: The inside surfaces of pieces constituting an undersink pipe-covering system are formed with series of weakness zones, at spaced intervals and with associated distance scale indicia, to permit facile and convenient length determination and manual severance for adjustment, while affording aesthetic appeal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a balanced fluid supply through multiple feeds are disclosed. The method comprises supplying the fluid through a plurality of feeds from a common fluid accumulator; determining the fluid pressure in a common fluid accumulator; and controlling the fluid pressure in the common fluid accumulator responsive to the fluid pressure sensed therein to maintain the fluid pressure within a predetermined range. The balanced fluid supply comprises a common fluid accumulator; a plurality of feeds from the common fluid accumulator; and a control system capable of controlling the pressure of the fluid supplied from the common fluid accumulator to the feeds responsive to a determined pressure of fluid in the common fluid accumulator.

Abstract: A decoupled check-relief valve for use in a hydraulic fluid circuit is provided that has a cylindrical guide housing which travels during the check function of the valve. The cylindrical guide housing has a clearance parameter, allowing for the selection of an optimal check response time. A dampening disk is provided inside the cylindrical guide housing, traveling within the guide during the relief function of the valve. The dampening disk has a separate clearance parameter, allowing for the selection of an optimal dampening capacity and fluid circuit stability. As such, the check and relief clearance parameters are independent of each other to allow both the check and relief functions of the valve to be optimized.

Abstract: A differential pressure valve is used to deliver a medical gas such as oxygen to a patient. A movable slave diaphragm operates to open and close a gas passageway in response to the patient's inhalations. In particular, the slave diaphragm opens and closes a nozzle that is pressurized by stored oxygen in a gas reservoir. The diaphragm is pneumatically controlled in response to the patient's inhalation. The nozzle is sized so that the forces exerted on the diaphragm on the nozzle side of the diaphragm nearly balance the forces exerted on the opposing (timing gas chamber) side of the diaphragm. Furthermore, the nozzle includes a filter element.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes a fluid storage vessel that feeds a first pipe work loop having a first pump that urges fluid through the first loop at a first pressure and which returns to the vessel. At least one pipe work branch is fed from the storage vessel or the first pipe work loop. The pipe work branch includes a second pump that urges fluid through the pipe work branch at a second pressure. The fluid having flowed through a return manifold is returned to the vessel when the offtakes are closed. Opening of one or more offtakes opens the system to atmospheric pressure and causes the direction of fluid flow to reverse in one or more hoses that connect the one or more opened offtakes with the return manifold. The one or more opened offtakes is supplied with fluid from both the branch manifold and return manifold.

Abstract: A system and method that controls evaporative emissions of a volatile fuel. The system includes a fuel tank with a refueling tube, and includes a fuel tank isolation valve. The fuel tank isolation valve includes a housing, a diaphragm, and an actuator. The housing includes a first port, which is in fuel vapor communication with the fuel tank, and a second port. The diaphragm is movable with respect to the housing between first and second configurations. The first configuration substantially prevents fuel vapor flow between the first and second ports, and the second configuration permits fuel vapor flow between the first and second ports. And the actuator, which is in fluid communication with the refueling tube, acts on the diaphragm.

Abstract: A valve assembly for an air pressure system includes an inlet valve, a first control valve, and a second control valve. The inlet valve includes an inlet port, an outlet port and a control port. The inlet valve inlet port communicates with the inlet valve outlet port when the inlet valve control port is above a threshold pressure. The first control valve includes an inlet port, an outlet port, an exhaust port, and a control member. The first control valve inlet port communicates with the inlet valve outlet port. The first control valve outlet port communicates with one of the first control valve inlet port and the first control valve exhaust port as a function of a position of the first control valve control member. The second control valve includes an inlet port, an outlet port, an exhaust port, and a control member. The second control valve inlet port communicates with the inlet valve outlet port.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control system and method, particularly for providing sophisticated switching control, such as for the provision of irrigation control and/or scheduling lighting schedules, security measures, and other purposes, with respect to a site or a series of sites in an area. A method of control for a distributed event system is disclosed, the method providing control of events at one or more locations, each location associated with a programmable location controller (10) able to cause or permit a prescribed event to be carried out at that location, each location controller (10) able to receive control commands from a remote controller, each location controller (10) having at least two default settings to govern implementation of said prescribed event in case of non-receipt of commands from said remote controller. The default settings may be automatically selectable in accordance with the time, e.g. time of day, day of week and/or season of year.

Abstract: A manifold with interconnecting, non-threaded modular sections. The connected sections define a fluidic passageway and at least one valved outlet. The valved outlet is reversible to enable the valve to be readily accessible when the modular section is in any orientation. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An improved pressure regulator suitable for use with paint ball guns comprises a hollow valve body, a valve mechanism for selectively releasing gas from a gas source to an output, and an ON-OFF control. The valve body has a coupling portion, a regulator seat, an output port, an inlet opening, and sidewalls defining a transverse spool socket. The valve mechanism includes a regulator seat, a valve plug movable within a plug chamber for sealing engagement with a regulator seat, and a fluid barrier axially movable with respect to the valve body. A spool is received in the socket and movable between a first position wherein an internal passage is defined between the gas inlet opening and the regulator seat, and a second position wherein the flow of gas from the gas inlet is blocked.

Abstract: A sequencing valve and associated hydronic system are provided. The valve has first and second ports, which can be connected to a heat exchange device, and the valve is configured to selectively provide multiple fluids to the heat exchange device. For example, the valve can selectively connect hot and cold water supplies to the heat exchanger so that the heat exchanger can be used alternately to heat and cool air for a refrigeration system. The valve can include check valves that are adjusted by rotatable cams for controlling the flow of fluids into and out of the ports. Each cam can be mounted on a rotatable shaft so that the cams rotate to adjust the check valves between open and closed positions.