Abstract: A rolled-up lubricated condom formed by depositing a water soluble lubricant to the rim of a rolled up condom after a surface of the condom has been coated with a surfactant modified powder. Surfactant modified powder, methods of making surfactant modified powder, and methods of preparing a condom with surfactant modified powder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a condom with a wearing aid comprising a natural or synthetic rubber condom and a wearing aid, wherein, when the outer peripheral wall of the condom is rolled up from the open end of the condom toward the closed end thereof so as to be turned inside, a band-shaped elastic material is stacked on the outer periphery near the open end and rolled up together into the inside of an rolled-up part, where the elastic material is selected from (1) a band-shaped elastic high polymer material, as Material A provided with a number of cut off aperture parts or a number of cuts almost orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the band, or (2) an expandable bandage or an band-shaped non-woven stretch fabric as Material B.

Abstract: A physical therapy device that limits undesirable scapula motion and provides tactile feedback to a patient performing shoulder rehabilitation exercises.

Abstract: An adjustable strap includes a flat base having a pair of upstanding tabs and a pair of rectangular slots. A flat rod has opposite ends captured in slots formed in the tabs. A lock member includes a strap-engaging locking part. A harness strap first loop captures a harness swivel hook assembly including a lanyard hook swivelly mounted to a swivel base and a second loop that captures a leading end of the flat base. A handle strap loop engages the second slot. An ambulator swivel hook assembly includes a lanyard hook swivelly mounted to a swivel base that is captured by an ambulator strap loop. The ambulator strap extends through the first rectangular slot, over the flat rod, and back through the first rectangular slot. The leading end cannot pass through the first rectangular slot, preventing the strap from disengaging from the base.

Abstract: A multipurpose site guard for use at all peripheral and central venipuncture infusion sites, sensitive areas, and for pediatric and adult patients. The guard is a hollow plastic member with a base and a sidewall curved upwardly and inwardly to form a cover which is form fitted to the infusion site under finger pressure and which can be taped in place. Improvements to this invention include holding the guard in place with a fabric connector having closure means and cushioning the guard's base with a soft material.

Abstract: A vertical sheet rests against a vertical surface with a bottom base support protrudes away from the device at a bottom edge resting on a horizontal surface supporting a user in a supine position with legs elevated, thighs vertical and calves horizontal. A vertical foot receiving area receives pressure from the bottom of the user's feet against the vertical surface and protects the vertical surface from contact by the feet. A horizontal heel support ledge, adjustably mounted on the vertical sheet, receives the heels to rest on and press down on the ledge.

Abstract: A spatial field effect physical therapy device including a base and 64 equidistant Yijing columns fitted on the base in the form of a square by 8 rows and 8 columns, each Yijing column is at a height of 2 to 18 unit length, in the rectangle consisted of arbitrary 4 Yijing columns, the sums of the heights of the Yijing columns at the ends of each diagonal of the rectangle is equal to each other. This spatial field effect physical therapy device needn't an incoming energy and is able to cure pains in human body effectively.

Abstract: The use of an intravascular cooling element to induce hypothermia in connection with a medical procedure. According to a first aspect of the present, invention, a coronary bypass procedure is conducted in which a patient's blood is oxygenated with the patient's lungs and in which blood is circulated using the patient's heart or using an intracorporeal pump. The procedure preferably comprises: (a) positioning a heat transfer element in a blood vessel of a patient; (b) cooling the body of the patient to less than 35° C., more preferably 32±2° C., using the heat transfer element; and (c) forming a fluid communicating graft between an arterial blood supply and the coronary artery. The body of the patient is preferably heated to about 37° C. using the heat transfer element subsequent to the step of forming the fluid communicating graft.

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 (e.g., aqueous formulations incorporating starch or modified starch), 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 a series of roller. For example, additive material is applied to the roll face of a transfer roller due to roll interaction of that transfer roller with a pick-up roller; roll interaction of the transfer roller with an application roller causes transfer of the additive material from the transfer roller to the application roller; and additive material from the application roller is transferred to the paper web that passes between the application roller and a back-up roller.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for manufacture of continuous tobacco rods. At least one continuous rod conveyor, having at least two suction tapes, that transports continuous tobacco rods constructed from tobacco fleece as continuous double rods, at least one separator associated with each suction tape structured and arranged to separate surplus tobacco from continuous tobacco rods, and at least one garniture tape and at least one garniture structured to shape continuous tobacco rods. At least one device is structured to deliver cigarette paper onto each garniture tape, and at least one gluing device is structured and arranged to glue projecting edges of cigarette papers. At least one rod conveyor is structured and arranged to manufacture at least two continuous double rods, which are arranged in pairs. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: The invention concerns a smoking article filter plug (16) for a cigarette, the filter plug being cylindrical and having a plug wrap (18), grooves (20) being impressed into the plug wrap, and a tipping paper (22) for the attachment of the filter plug to the tobacco rod (12). Some grooves are axially extending with respect to the axis of the filter plug and are open on the side of the tobacco rod and extend continuously only over a part of the length of the filter plug. All grooves are covered by a ventilated tipping paper, which allows ventilating air into the axially extending grooves only. In addition the invention concerns the use of such a filter for the reduction of the CO/tar ratio as a function of the filter ventilation.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a novel cigarette filter which filters harmful components of cigarette smoke while at the same time preserving a tobacco taste. A cigarette comprising: (a) a cigarette paper cylinder; (b) a shredded tobacco component occupying one end of the paper cigarette cylinder; (c) a first filter section located adjacent the tobacco section; (d) a second filter section which is comprised of shredded cork and shredded tobacco; (e) a third filter section comprising a porous filter section; and (f) activated charcoal incorporated in the second or the third filter section.

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 (e.g., aqueous formulations incorporating starch or modified starch), 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 a series of roller. For example, additive material is applied to the roll face of a transfer roller due to roll interaction of that transfer roller with a pick-up roller; roll interaction of the transfer roller with an application roller causes transfer of the additive material from the transfer roller to the application roller; and additive material from the application roller is transferred to the paper web that passes between the application roller and a back-up roller.

Abstract: A device for treating hair comprising a first arm and a second arm connected together at one end thereof, wherein each of said arms comprises a utility portion and a base portion, and wherein at least one of said utility portions is releasebly engageable with its respective base portion.

Abstract: There is provided a hair accessory application device essentially having at least two housing or body portions, a first body or ergonomic handle portion suitable for handling by an operator and for accommodating at least a portion of a drive assembly and a second body or head portion suitable for accommodating at least a portion of a threading assembly. The threading assembly is operatively connected to the drive assembly and suitable to allow an operator to effectively and efficiently apply or thread one or more hair accessories over one or more strands of hair as desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hair iron for blocking the transfer of the heat generated from the heating plate to the body portion, and more particularly, to a hair iron which is capable of minimizing direct transfer of the heat generated from the heating plate to the body portion, thereby does not cause a burn and can be more safely utilized. The hair iron has a pair of heating portions, each heating portion is correspondingly formed at the inner surface of a pair of body portions and while the respective heating portions are in contact, hair to be held therebetween is cared.

Abstract: A motorized flosser comprising an elongated body and a replaceable flossing head secured to an end portion of the elongated body is provided. The flossing head oscillates in a rotary or arcuate manner a length of flossing material across the surface of a user's teeth. A battery powered motor drives a drive mechanism which reciprocates in an oscillatory manner. The drive mechanism is coupled to a disk which oscillates in a arcuate or rotary motion. The disk oscillates in an arc of approximately sixty degrees. A removable and replaceable flossing head having a length of floss extending between two tines is removably coupled to the disk. Preferably, a toothpaste holder also forms a part of the flossing head.

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: Devices and methods of cleaning are described. The methods, and devices formed by the methods have a number of advantages. Embodiments are shown that include cleaning using a supercritical fluid. Advantages include a combination of both chemical and mechanical removal abilities from the supercritical fluid. Mechanical energy for cleaning is transmitted in a homogenous manner throughout a carrier fluid. The mechanical energy provided in methods shown also can also be used with delicate surface features.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable cleaning pads for removable attachment to a cleaning implement, the cleaning pad comprising an absorbent structure, and a plurality of reservoirs defined in the absorbent structure, formed by bonding or embossing throughout the thickness of the absorbent structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for collecting particulate contaminants removed using a CO2 decontamination medium from an early step of a decontamination process. The device removes particulate contaminants from a contaminated subject by a decontamination stream, and simultaneously forms another stream for collecting such contaminants into a collecting filter, thus preventing such contaminants from diffusing into the atmosphere. The device forms streams between the nozzles and the surface of the contaminated subject to readily move the nozzles along the surface of the subject without frictional resistance, to reduce the sense of fatigue of the operator.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a frontal frame, a tub having a plurality of walls collectively define a washing chamber, and a door pivotally mounted to the frontal frame for sealing the washing chamber. During a washing operation, sound generated by operation of a mechanical pump escapes from below the dishwasher. To minimize sound from escaping and to provide a more enjoyable environment, a sound sealing system is mounted at a bottom portion of the dishwasher door. The sound seal system includes a sound tray that extends across the frontal frame below a bottom edge portion of the door. The sound tray can be directly, pivotally attached to the door, or an additional flexible seal is employed to span and seal a gap between the sound tray and the bottom portion of the door.

Abstract: A walker is disclosed having two sets of handles positioned for rising from and lowering to a seated position in addition to serving as a walking aid. The walker comprises a frame having a front section comprising a pair of front vertical supports and a rigid cross-piece, and two side sections each comprising a rear vertical support having a load-bearing axis formed through a ground-engaging point, rigid connectors connecting the side sections to the front section, a first pair of handles positioned to support a user in a standing or walking position, and a second pair of handles positioned below and to the rear of the first set of handles to support a user in rising from or lowering to a seated position, in which the geometric centers of each of the second pair of handles is positioned to the rear of the load-bearing axis of each of the rear vertical supports.

Abstract: An ergonomic collapsible crutch that may have a shock absorbing device, used to facilitate walking. The crutch has only one supporting member in place of two. The supporting member is ergonomically designed. The hand grip is configured to reduce stress on a patient. The crutch has a length adjustment and a collapsibility feature.

Abstract: An ergonomic collapsible crutch for providing assistance with ambulatory movement of a user, the crutch including a supporting member having an underarm support surface and a hand grip portion, a gripping pad disposed remotely from the underarm support surface generally along a vertical axis and connected to the supporting member to provide stability and grip on surfaces of a walking environment, and a hand grip attached to the hand grip portion of the supporting member so that the handgrip extends from the supporting member at an angle from the vertical axis ranging from about 85° to about 60° and from about 95° to about 120°. The ergonomic collapsible crutch may also include a shock absorbing device and buttons for adjusting the height of the crutch as well as the position of the hand grip. The hand grip may also be ergonomically contoured for improved use by a user.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus comprising a thermoelectric generator thermally coupled to an assembly having a member, wherein the thermoelectric generator is configured to convert heat from the assembly to an electrical energy. The apparatus further comprises a mechanism comprising a motor configured to actuate the member using the electrical energy.

Abstract: A thermoelectric sensor for monitoring biological samples is provided, the sensor comprising a substrate (26) having a plurality of thermocouple sensing junctions (18) arranged circularly about a central region, a number of reference junctions (30) arranged about the sensing junctions (18), and a low thermal mass air cavity (32) provided adjacent to the sensing junctions. A heating element (16) may also be provided. The sensor of the invention may be used to monitor temperature changes from individual cells or groups of cells, or from biologically active compounds or samples, as a result of biological activity. The sensor may thus be used for screening candidate drugs and the like.

Abstract: A thermoelectric composition comprises a material represented by the general formula (AgaX1?a)1±x(SnbPb1?b)mM?1?yQ2+m wherein X is Na, K, or a combination of Na and K in any proportion; M? is a trivalent element selected from the group consisting of Sb, Bi, lanthanide elements, and combinations thereof; Q is a chalcogenide element selected from the group consisting of S, Te, Se, and combinations thereof; a and b are independently >0 and ?1; x and y are independently >0 and <1; and 2?m?30. The compositions exhibit a figure of merit ZT of up to about 1.4 or higher, and are useful as p-type semiconductors in thermoelectric devices.

Abstract: A solar battery and a manufacturing method thereof, which includes a plurality of power generation regions having at least an insulation translucent substrate, a front surface electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer made of semiconductor films being stacked, and a back surface electrode, the front surface electrode and the back surface electrode of adjacent power generation regions being electrically connected, whereby the power generation regions are serially connected. The solar battery and the manufacturing method thereof are characterized in that the back surface electrode has a back surface metal electrode having a thickness of 100 nm-200 nm.

Abstract: Heat-resistant concrete, a method for making such concrete and an electricity-generating system and method using such concrete.

Abstract: 1. The time of the sunrise 2. The time of the sunset 3. The time of the southing 4. The altitude in case of the southing (1) It understands a way of moving the day in the sun from 1, 2, 3, 4 above. (2) To decide the time to set and the position to set is made from (1) above. (3) The control board of “Solar-system Movable Mount” controls two mobiles of the turning-over part and the elastic part. It creates the agenda which controls the mobile of two pieces of the above based on the material which is (2). (4) The power of the control board uses the special solar cell of the control board. (5) When the above-mentioned solar cell doesn't generate electricity, the above-mentioned control board doesn't operate. Therefore, two mobiles of the above doesn't move.

Abstract: A roof cover type solar cell module includes a roof cover base member and a power generating unit. The roof cover base member has a mounting surface to which the power generating unit is mounted, and an underlap that can mate with an adjacent roof cover. The power generating unit is mounted to the mounting surface, leaving a part of the mounting surface uncovered. Thus, a roof cover type solar cell module for which a variety of materials can be used for the roof cover base member, which can be produced at low cost, and which is excellent in stability when placed on the roof surface, and also excellent in workability, weather resistance and design property, is provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a dye-sensitized solar cell including a transparent substrate, a transparent conductive film formed on a surface thereof, and a conductive substrate provided in a position opposed to the transparent conductive film, and further having a porous semiconductor layer, in which a dye is adsorbed, and an electrolyte between the transparent conductive film and the conductive substrate, wherein the electrolyte is a gel electrolyte containing a redox material and a solvent capable of dissolving the same in a network structure formed by crosslinking at least one kind of compound A including an isocyanate group and at least one kind of compound B including an amino group. Otherwise, the electrolyte is a gel electrolyte containing a redox material and a solvent capable of dissolving the same in a network structure formed by crosslinking at least one kind of compound A including an isocyanate group and at least one kind of compound C including a carboxyl group and/or a hydroxyl group.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety shut-off device for sections of fluid circuits, which in case of damage or the like, have to shut off from each other on safety considerations. The safety shut-off device includes two chambers with connections for the sections to be shut off from each other. The chambers are separated from each other by a piston and have two connections each, of which one is dosed by closing elements with sealing force elements, when both chambers have the same pressure. Further, two actuating devices are provided which are functionally connected to the closing elements and the piston. When the piston is moved due to a pressure difference between the connections, the closing element in the chamber with the higher pressure opens the associated connection so that fluid can flow from a section with higher pressure into the other section with lower pressure.

Abstract: A pressure actuated valve is provided including a valve body having a fluid inlet chamber, an actuation chamber, and an outlet. The chambers and the outlet are configured for selective fluid communication with one another. A plunger is disposed within at least a portion of the actuation chamber for selective movement between open and closed positions. A sealing surface is situated adjacent to the actuation chamber and is correspondingly configured to effectively seal with the plunger in its closed position to block fluid communication from the fluid inlet chamber to the outlet. A biasing member is associated with the plunger and is configured to normally bias the plunger toward the open position. The plunger is configured to move into the closed position when pressure in the actuation chamber reaches a predetermined pressure setpoint. A condenser system for a fuel storage tank system having a pressure actuated valve is also provided.

Abstract: A condensate removal system for removing condensate or infiltrate from a fluid reservoir containing a lubricating or scaling fluid. The condensate removal system includes a fluid conduit having a discharge leg with an outlet port. The condensate removal system prevents or inhibits evaporation of fluid within the discharge leg through the outlet port of the discharge leg while allowing fluid within the discharge leg to flow through the outlet port. The location of the outlet port of the discharge leg is adjustable to compensate for different specific gravities of the lubricating or sealing fluid.

Abstract: A valve body is provided that be used as a balanced normally open valve, a balanced closed valve, or as a three way valve. The valve body incorporates a valve plug provided with a pressure port such that pressure chambers are created in the valve body when the valve is being used as either a normally open valve or a normally closed valve.

Abstract: A system and method for simultaneously filling or discharging a plurality of acetylene cylinders. One embodiment provides an acetylene cylinder filling/dispensing assembly comprising a manifold connected to a plurality of acetylene cylinders for simultaneously filling or discharging the plurality of acetylene cylinders, the manifold having an acetylene gas inlet/discharge coupling connectable to an acetylene gas supply to deliver acetylene gas from the acetylene gas supply to the plurality of acetylene cylinders.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve with a closing element which can be moved axially in the opening direction in a bore in opposition to the force of a closing spring acting in the closing direction wherein when the pressure relief valve is closed, the closing element rests against a valve seat and closes an inlet and wherein a piston is integrated into the inlet is connected to the closing element by means of a connecting element and can be moved axially in the inlet.

Abstract: A flow control valve for cylinders of liquefied gases having a gauge for indicating the status of the fluid, comprises a body in which there is a region provided with a shank that is adapted to be connected to a cylinder, a region for connection to user devices, a safety valve, and a movable actuation member, the actuation of which blocks the passage for the fluid from the cylinder toward the user device or clears the passage, a pressure gauge being accommodated inside the actuation member.

Abstract: A submersible turbine pump (STP) is provided. The STP includes a manifold having an integral siphon connection coupled to a fuel flow path in the STP and a siphon cartridge removably inserted into the manifold via the siphon connection. In general, the siphon cartridge includes a nozzle that directs fuel from the fuel flow path through a venturi when the STP is energized, thereby creating a vacuum in a chamber within the siphon cartridge. A connection point of the siphon cartridge is fluidly coupled to the chamber such that a fluid connection is provided from the exterior of the siphon cartridge to the vacuum.

Abstract: Hydraulic fill and drain of a clutch chamber is controlled with a blocking valve and a trim valve. The blocking valve selectively provides pressurized fluid to the trim valve which in turn selectively provides the pressurized fluid to the clutch chamber. Exhausting of the clutch chamber is effected through one of two alternate paths utilizing deactivation of one of the trim and blocking valves. Back up exhausting of the clutch chamber is effected through the other of the alternative paths. Such system allows for determination of valve failures and continued operation until such failures can be rectified.

Abstract: A flow rate control valve comprising a valve body having an input port, an output port and an exhaust port, a valve means that is arranged in the valve body and controls the communication of the ports, and an electromagnetic operation means for driving the valve means. The valve means has a first valve body having a first valve portion that is seated on a partitioning plate disposed in a communication chamber formed between the input port and the output port and a first valve portion provided at one end portion, and a second valve body having a valve portion that comes in contact with the second valve portion.

Abstract: A mixing valve has a housing, hot- and cold-water valves in the housing having respective valve stems rotatable about respective parallel axes, respective drive gears fixed on the stems, respective hot- and cold-water control elements pivotal on the housing, and respective coupling gears each connected to a respective one of the control elements and meshing with a respective one of the drive gears. The coupling gears each have a pair of gear segments of different effective radii, one of the gear segments of each coupling gear meshing with the respective valve drive gear and the other gear segment with the respective control element. The radii are such that the coupling gears create a step-down ratio of about 1:1.6.

Abstract: A male coupling half includes a male valve and a male body and the female coupling half includes a female valve and an inner body. The inner body is slidingly movable with respect to a housing or manifold. The female coupling half further includes a valve seated against a dump valve body which relieves pressure in the female half of the coupling to enable easy connection of the coupling halves. The male and female valves are locked in their open positions when the coupling halves are fully connected and the female half is pressurized which prevents reverse flow checking in either flow direction. During the disconnection process the male valve is closed before the coupling halves are separated which traps pressure in the male coupling half.

Abstract: A control solenoid and valve includes a valve bodying having a magnetic assembly, hydraulic assembly, and a pressure regulation member. The magnetic assembly and pressure regulation member are formed respectively on offset axes preferably substantially parallel to one another. The hydraulic assembly exchanges forces created by the magnetic assembly and pressure regulation member. This design accomplishes a more compact arrangement. The pressure regulation member includes longitudinal cavity within the valve body situated on its corresponding axis. Within this cavity, a spool valve reciprocates relative to fluid pressure interacting with the spool valve and forces generated by the magnetic assembly. To accurately sense pressure of the fluid within this cavity and acting on the spool valve, a pressure sensor is positioned at an end of the longitudinal cavity bounded by an end of the spool valve.

Abstract: A guide ring of a sanitary spout fitting having a swivelling spout which can be fitted swivellably on a fitting body via a swivelling sleeve which forms part of the swivelling spout, has material projections on both cylindrical faces. Through these material projections the guide ring is in contact both with the inner cylindrical surface of the swivelling sleeve and with the outer cylindrical surface of the fitting body. The guide ring thus ensures good radial guidance of the swivelling sleeve of the swivelling spout on the fitting body. Because of the material projections the contact faces between the guide ring, the swivelling sleeve surrounding same and the fitting body are small, whereby only small frictional forces can arise when swivelling the swivelling spout around the fitting body.

Abstract: A connector apparatus designed for use in a bioprocessing assembly, and a method for coupling a piece of bioprocessing equipment to a media source in a sterilized environment. The connector apparatus includes a coupler including an end and at least one outlet, and a connector valve connectable at a first end to a fluid source, the connector valve including a valve member, the valve member being partially disposed within the coupler. The connector apparatus further includes a flow passage being actuatable from a closed configuration to an open configuration when the coupler and the connector valve are engaged, as well as being actuatable from an open configuration to a closed configuration.

Abstract: A vacuum container having a vacuum producing means, mounted on a vehicle, a trailer, or skid mounted with options chosen from an articulating boom, a water jetter system, a liquid pressure dissipating means, a valve actuator, a drive motor for the valve actuator being either hydraulic, air, or electric powered, a global positioning system to determine and log the position of work, service or hardware, controls and measuring devices and de-chlorinator.

Abstract: In a safety device for a tank system with a tank pipe 1 which has a pliable region and a rigid region, a reinforcing element 7 is allocated to the rigid region of the tank pipe 1. The reinforcing element 7 is hollow and is in contact with the entire circumference of the tank pipe 1 with its interior contour.