Abstract: A breathing mask with a mask body (3), has a seal (1) at its edge. The seal is placed in contact with the user's face. At least part of the surface of the seal that is in contact with the user's face has an adhesive surface.

Abstract: A passenger oxygen mask for an aircraft with a mask body which is to come to bear on the face in a use situation and which engages over of the mouth and nose in the correct position of use. A lead-through for a drinking tube is provided.

Abstract: A breathing mask to be fastened with a strap on the head with breathing gas supply through the strap. The strap includes areas that have a multilayer design and at least two layers of the material of the strap lying one on top of another are connected with one another such that they form a channel, through which a gas can flow.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube enabling the monitoring of body conditions is described. The endotracheal tube includes a conduit to allow the inflation and deflation of a cuff and simultaneously provide a channel to monitor the auditory conditions of a patient such as the heart or lungs. In addition, the endotracheal tube includes a temperature sensing member to measure the temperature of the patient. The temperature, pressure, and auditory aspects of the endotracheal tube are combined into one conduit. A temperature sensor is placed in the interior of the cuff to provide a temperature reading from the air passing in and out of the lungs and from the surrounding tracheal wall. The conduit may be clamped and opened to assist the physician with ease of preparation and insertion of the device into the trachea.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube enabling the monitoring of body conditions is described. The endotracheal tube includes a conduit to allow the inflation and deflation of a cuff and, in some embodiments, simultaneously provide a channel to monitor the auditory conditions of a patient such as the heart or lungs. In addition, the endotracheal tube includes a temperature sensing member to measure the temperature of the patient. The temperature, pressure, and auditory aspects of the endotracheal tube are combined into one conduit, in some embodiments. A temperature sensor is placed in the interior of the cuff, in some embodiments, to provide a temperature reading from the air passing in and out of the lungs and from the surrounding tracheal wall. The conduit may be clamped and opened to assist the physician with ease of preparation and insertion of the device into the trachea.

Abstract: A method of monitoring breathing of a patient with a nasal cannula. The method comprising the steps of forming the nasal cannula with at least one nare, and at least one nare having a primary inlet/outlet opening formed in a remote end thereof. Coupling the nasal cannula to a detection device for monitoring breathing characteristics of the patient while the patient is sleeping. Detecting breathing characteristics of the patient, while the patient is sleeping, via at least the primary inlet/outlet opening of the nare and sending the detected breathing characteristics of the patient to detection device for evaluation.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods develop static and/or kinetic and/or pressure forces to fixate or brace tissue in targeted pharyngeal structures and individual anatomic components within the pharyngeal conduit.

Abstract: The device includes a band, wherein a forward portion of the band is adapted to be positioned across the mouth, and a rearward portion of the band is adapted to be positioned around the back of the head or neck. The device includes an air passage through at least a forward portion of the band and at least one remote air aperture located on the band remote from the mouth. In one aspect, the air passage has at least one mouth air aperture communicating with the air passage. In a second aspect, an insert is connected to the forward portion of the band, the insert adapted to be positioned to extend into the mouth between the tongue and hard palate but not so far as to contact the posterior pharynx. In a third aspect, the device also includes an air passage through at least a portion of the insert.

Abstract: A draping product (1-4) for surgical interventions, which on its underside is coated with adhesive along at least one edge thereof (5, 6, 7 and 8, respectively), the coating (12) extending fully or partly along the edge. According to the invention, the adherence force against skin of the adhesive is greater than 0.5 N/25 mm and the damage to Stratum Corneum of the part of the skin covered by the adhesive is, after removal of a draping product (1-4) attached to the skin, less than 30 % measured with SCT (Spectroscopic Colour Test).

Abstract: A massage drape for modesty and warmth and a storage system therefore. The massage drape includes an upper and lower portion, which are secured together via fasteners forming a two-ply drape. The drape also includes fasteners that allow the drape to be placed on a user's body in several configurations. Moreover, the drape eliminates the procedure of lifting and rotating a sheet once a user gets on a massage table.

Abstract: A custom mouthguard has a resilient U-shaped body with an anterior wall and a posterior wall. A post dam on the posterior wall forms a seal with palatal tissue to increase retention of the mouthguard in a wearer's mouth. The increased retention allows a wearer to speak and open mouth breath while wearing the mouthguarrd. The mouth guard also has an indexed region that serves to mutually stabilize maxillary teeth, mandibular teeth, mandible and TMJ components. Mouthguard methods and processes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Support devices and pods for the head and neck region of patients undergoing radiation therapy are provided herein. The pod generally includes a support shell shaped to generally conform to the shape of the head and neck region of the patient, a foam insert that conforms to the head and neck region of the patient, and an immobilization facemask attached directly to the shell, thereby facilitating close placement of the radiation beam delivery device to the patient and reducing any attenuation and perturbation of radiation doses directed at the patient. The components of the pod are made from materials having properties that reduce any attenuation and perturbation of prescribed radiation doses.

Abstract: An operating room control system including: a first controller connected to a medical device placed in an operating room; a second controller connected to a nonmedical device placed in the operating room; and an operating instruction input device for accepting input of an operating instruction for the medical device and for transmitting the content of the entered operating instruction to the first controller. In this operating room control system, an operating instruction for the nonmedical device is also entered into the operating instruction input device. The first controller transmits a first control signal according to the operating instruction for the nonmedical device entered into the operating instruction input device to the second controller. The second controller converts the first control signal to a second control signal for controlling the nonmedical device and transmits it to the nonmedical device. Thereby, a surgeon can operate the nonmedical device by himself.

Abstract: A decorative nail, having a predefined cavity created between the underneath side of a nail, and a secondary sheet, where the sheet and nail are joined together with their peripheral edges attached to each other. The resulting cavity is accessible through a slit, comprising an unattached length of the sheet and nail. Desired contents are inserted into the nail, and the slit is sealed, creating a permanent cavity that is able to be viewed through the nail. The outer surface of the nail has the ordinary structure and appearance, with the contents of the cavity able to be viewed when worn. A decorative nail may also define a cavity that is created through a manufacturing process, so that the decorative nail is a single piece unit, having an opening to the cavity contained within, and where the cavity is able to be filled with decorative items and/or substances, and the opening plugged to seal in the cavity contents.

Abstract: A relatively narrow, inexpensive, easy to use hair setter which imparts curls to a section of hair is described. A series of setters may be used to curl a long section of hair. An array of setters may be used to curl a relatively wide swath comprised of several sections of hair. The setters in an array may be arranged to cause the hair to be curled with waves extending across the width of the swath, or to cause the hair to be curled with waves appearing at random over the width of the swath.

Abstract: An electric curling iron provides a user's hair with a shape by forming hemispherical projections and recessions in surfaces of heating plates thereof which contact the user's hair, and stretches out the hair and naturally and easily forms waves. The electric curling iron includes upper and lower grips, which contact each other. Upper and lower heating plates are provided in contact surfaces of each of the grips and configured to be heated by the heating portions to discharge heat. Hemispherical projections and recessions are spaced and arranged in the surfaces of the upper and lower heating plates. The projections and recessions are arranged such that the projections are engaged with the recessions when the upper and lower heating plates are contacted each other. Further, both ends of the upper and lower heating plates are finished or end in the form of a straight line.

Abstract: In a hair dryer with a brush emitting minus ion to a hair in brushing, effect of the minus ion for hair treatment is increased. The hair dryer is comprised of a main body and a brush unit detachably engaged with an air outlet of the main body. A plurality of ion outlets is provided on a housing of the main body and disposed outside of the air outlet so that minus ion is emitted toward the brush unit. Since the minus ion emitted from the ion outlet is not shielded by the hair in brushing, the minus ion can be sprayed widely to the hair, and not directly heated by hot air flow blowing from the brush unit.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved hair-stick for people to wear in their hair. The device hold the hair in place but the invention has a unique modification that is lacking in other hair accessories. The invention enables an insertion to be placed within the hair-sticks to allow a perfumed scent to emit from the hair accessories. It is for this reason that the invention is called scented hair-sticks. The invention, scented hair-sticks, differs from other hair accessories because other hair accessories do not emit any kind of scented odor. Furthermore, other hair accessories do not have the ability to hold or emit scent.

Abstract: The compact case including the hinge assembly and snap latch would be made of plastic in an injection molding process requiring the design and use of custom molds. Special modifications and the design of a slightly larger enclosure to hold the batteries and lights may be required. The remaining components of the invention, namely the mirror, the makeup, the lamps, the batteries, the switches, the dimming mechanism and the like, would best be obtained from wholesalers and manufacturers that deal in goods of that nature and assembled at a final location. The relatively simple design of the invention and the materials of construction make the Illuminated Make-Up Compact a cost-effective design due to the relatively low material and labor costs involved. Final production of the Illuminated Make-Up Compact will be performed by manufacturing workers of average skill.

Abstract: A package including a container with a dispensing actuator for carrying and dispensing a primary product also includes an overcap for carrying a secondary product. The overcap includes a primary cap having an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The lower chamber is adapted to releasably attach to the container and cover the dispensing actuator. The upper chamber is adapted to contain the secondary product. The overcap also includes a secondary cap for covering the upper chamber and the secondary product.

Abstract: A single-use disposable toothbrush assembly having an integral supply of toothpaste that is discharged into the bristles in response to the toothbrush head being pressed onto the handle of the assembly. The head includes a plurality of bristles and an internal chamber that contains a supply of toothpaste. A shaft portion of the handle is received in the chamber in sliding engagement therewith, so that in response to the handle member being pushed towards the head member an end of the shaft portion moves through the chamber so as to force the toothpaste out through at least one opening and into the bristles. The internal chamber of the head member is charged with a supply of toothpaste before the head is installed on the handle member and the assembly packaged for subsequent use.

Abstract: A novelty container. The container may comprise a storage area and at least one closure that is configured to provide access to the storage area. The closure may have instructions instructing or implying the opening of the closure for a novelty purpose. The container also may have a mirror having at least one reflective face enclosed within the storage area. The reflective face of the mirror is positioned to reflect at least a part of a face of an individual that opens the closure of the container. In one embodiment, the novelty purpose is satisfied when an individual views a reflection of the individual in the mirror.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an electric oral cleaning device is provided and includes a handle and a power supply contained therein. The device has a motor that drives a motor linkage, which includes a push rod that has one end that engages and moves a dental cleaning head about a center pin to cause an oscillation motion of the head. The entire head assembly is also interchangeable such that a flossing tool and various brushing tools may be utilized by the same device. In one aspect of the invention, the flossing tool includes a piece of slacked flossing material held between two arms defined by the flossing tool.

Abstract: A rinse comprising a water-soluble polymer is suited for use in a lithographic process. In the lithographic process for the fabrication of semiconductor integrated circuits involving the exposure of resist to various types of radiation (e.g., UV, deep UV, vacuum UV, electron beams, x-rays, and laser beams), the invention can prevent resist insoluble components from generating on and attaching to the resist film or substrate, and if insoluble components attach, can effectively remove the insoluble components, thus avoiding a lowering of production yield by defects resulting from the insoluble components.

Abstract: Apparatus (20) for cleaning a window (24) of a vehicle (22), including a vessel (28) having an inlet (32) through which a washing fluid is received from a reservoir and an outlet (34) through which the fluid is discharged for cleaning the window. There is a heating (50) for heating the fluid in the vessel, which element preheats the vessel before the washing fluid is received therein, whereby at least an initial quantity of the fluid is rapidly heated and discharged from the vessel.

Abstract: A method for removal of deposits such as hydrate plugs from a pipeline is provided including inserting a thruster pig connected to a return flow line into the pipeline The pig is then advanced forward into the pipeline by pumping a thrusting fluid into an annulus between the pipeline and the return flow line while removing deposits continuously or intermittently and returning flow as appropriate from ahead of the pig through the return flow line. The return flow line is then disconnected from the pig after sufficient deposit removal and retrieved from the return flow line. Next, the pig may then be transported through the pipeline by the pipeline fluid to a pig receiving location once the pipeline flow is resumed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dishwasher, by which noise and vibration of a wash motor can be lowered and by which endurance of the wash motor can be prolonged and by which an assembly of a wash motor and a sump can be simplified. The present invention includes a sump housing having a heater container containing a heater therein and at least one motor guide rib projected from a bottom of the heater container and a wash motor having a motor housing provided with a rib container containing the at least one motor guide rib therein.

Abstract: A water level sensor and a dishwasher having the same are disclosed, in which water level is sensed for stable supply of washing water. The water level sensor includes a case including a first chamber formed therein, a first floater provided in the first chamber, ascending as water level ascends, and a first switch selectively pressurized by the first floater to avoid excessive supply of water.

Abstract: In the case of a cleaning device having at least one cleaning region, preferably a dishwasher having a dishwashing chamber, comprising a drive for a pump, which drive is regulated in terms of speed of rotation, for a cleaning agent that is to be introduced into the cleaning region, preferably for water, which is passed in circulation through at least one filter, it is provided that the speed of rotation regulator of the drive has at least one monitoring device for determining the speed of rotation of the pump and/or the power consumption of the pump drive assigned to it, and that the monitoring device is linked with the speed of rotation regulator in such a manner as to cause an increase in the speed of rotation. With this cleaning device, its users can be admonished to maintain operation of the cleaning device over a long period of time.

Abstract: A device for water supply distribution to a plurality of consumption elements within a washing machine, e.g., a laundry washing machine, has a first shell, a motor, apparatus for connection to the electronic control board of the washing machine, detection apparatus for detecting the different wash phases, a second shell and a distributor. The distributor is positioned coaxially to said motor.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus which cleans a material at a surface by supplying an ultrasonic wave from an ultrasonic wave application head to a cleaning liquid on the surface, and cleans the surface, wherein the ultrasonic wave application head has an ultrasonic wave transmission member which is provided opposite the surface, and has a curved portion on a first plane placed close to the surface, an ultrasonic transducer which is provided on a second plane placed opposite the first plane of the ultrasonic wave transmission member, and generates and applies an ultrasonic wave to a cleaning liquid on the surface through the ultrasonic wave transmission member, and a preventive portion which is provided in the ultrasonic wave transmission member, and prevents the ultrasonic wave applied to the cleaning liquid and reflected on the surface from entering the ultrasonic transducer through the ultrasonic wave transmission member.

Abstract: A Solomon Rucksack is provided. The Solomon Rucksack comprises a receiving pocket, for receiving articles; an inserting pocket, comprising a space; a flexible component part, set at a side of the space, comprising a plurality of pipes, a plurality of flexible elements set inside the plurality of pipes, wherein a tense arm and a stretchy tube are set on the flexible elements, and wherein one end of each tense arm is connected to a holding part for fixing a flexible supporting element of an edge of the canopy; a tent, disposed in the space, one end thereof comprising a flexible stretchy element inserted into a fixing socket of the holding part for stretching the tent toward the opposite side from the tense arm and enclosed as a hollow room.

Abstract: Embodiments of valve apparatuses are described.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material having enhanced Seebeck coefficient is characterized by a microstructure comprising nanoscale Pb inclusions dispersed in matrix substantially composed of PbTe. The excess Pb is obtained either by adding Pb in an amount greater than the stoichiometric amount needed to form PbTe, or by adding an additive effective to getter Te so as to produce the desired excess. The method is generally applicable to enhance thermoelectric properties of compounds of Pb, Sn or Ge, and Te, Se, or S.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chip card comprising an integrated energy supply. The energy converter is in particular a solar cell, preferably a polymer solar cell.

Abstract: The invention concerns an organic electronic element comprising a conductive semitransparent layer, of the kind that can be used, for example, as an electrode for a photovoltaic element or solar cell. A novel material for the transparent electrode is proposed that is less expensive than the ITO customarily used heretofore and has already achieved similar conductivities in initial tests.

Abstract: A flexible solar module is provided sufficient rigidity for use in construction, and comparable rigidity to a glass based solar module, by incorporation of a metal backing to the module, preferably in the laminated module. The rigidity of the construction is enhanced by the inclusion of a corrugation, either in the metal backing, or in a structure that is affixed to the backing. The resulting structure is a modular unit that has connection points and does not need to be connected to other modules to operate. A connection point is provided by an integrated junction box that allows for a simpler installation and the use of standard building techniques for the installation on a roof or wall.

Abstract: Solar modules, with the properties of laminated safety glass, comprising a laminate containing a) a glass pane b) at least one solar cell unit that is located between two PVB-based films, and c) a rear covering and at least one of the PVB-based films has a tensile strength of at least 16 N/mm2, are suitable for use as a facade component, roof surface, winter garden covering, soundproofing wall, or as a component of windows.

Abstract: A plurality of first separation grooves are formed in a back electrode. Second separation grooves having a width smaller than that of the first separation grooves are formed by removing a second photovoltaic conversion layer and an intermediate reflective layer inside the first separation grooves. Third separation grooves having a width smaller than that of the second separation grooves are formed by removing a first photovoltaic conversion layer and a light reflective electrode inside the second separation grooves. Corners of the first photovoltaic conversion layer and corners of the second photovoltaic conversion layer that are exposed in the separation grooves are removed by performing plasma etching, so that the upper surfaces of side ends of the intermediate reflective layer are exposed.

Abstract: A solar cell which comprises a back metal electrode and a light-absorbing layer comprising a p-type CIGS semiconductor on a substrate in this order, wherein the solar cell further comprises a p-type or low carrier concentration n-type semiconductor layer comprising ZnO between the light-absorbing layer and the back metal electrode, and a process for producing the solar cell.

Abstract: The manual gas tap for a cooking appliance is of the type with a conical plug (3) for regulating the outlet gas flow (G), accommodated in a central housing (2a) in the tap body, and has a rotary actuating shaft (4) coupled to the conical regulating plug (3), and a tap cover (5) covering said central housing (2a). The rotary shaft (4) is provided with a transverse pin (6) for rotation thereof from an initial rotation locking position (7) corresponding to the gas supply “OFF”, to two other spaced positions corresponding to the maximum and minimum gas flows. The tap cover (5) is a tubular bushing shaped and comprises a sealing base (5c) with a sliding surface (11) in the form of a circular arc segment (A) provided with a series of indentations (12), which are in friction contact with the transverse pin (6) and produce a tactile and/or acoustic indication of shaft (4) rotation and tap (1) opening.

Abstract: A piston valve assembly for a damper comprises a piston having a central hole and a fluid passageway spaced from the hole. A deflection disc having a central aperture is aligned with the hole. The deflection disc is arranged adjacent to the piston and at least partially blocks the fluid passageway for regulating the flow of hydraulic fluid between the fluid chambers when installed in the damper. A hub, common across different dampers, includes a neck that is arranged in the hole and the aperture of the deflection disc. A retainer abuts an unthreaded outer surface of the hub. During assembly, the retainer is received on the cylindrical outer surface in a slip fit relation. The deflection disc and pistons are loaded to a predetermined clamp load. The retainer is secured to the outer surface by a securing material such as a weld bead.

Abstract: An auto-drain valve of an air compressor is installed at a lower end of an air compressor for draining wasted water within the air compressor. The auto-drain valve comprises a retaining ring locked at the lower end of the air compressor. A receiving ring is locked to the retaining ring. An inner surface of the receiving ring is formed with a stepped edge. A check unit is received within the retaining ring and the receiving ring. The stepped edge of the receiving ring serves for confining the check unit; one end of the check unit is protruded with a small annular surface. A spring is arranged within the small annular surface. A water-stop washer is formed upon the stepped edge. A check disk is placed above the small annular surface; and a pressure accumulating groove is formed at an upper side of the check disk.

Abstract: A transducer for monitoring the position of movable bodies and in particular for monitoring the position of valve flaps and other elements in connection with systems for fire extinction, is composed of a pipe (4) which is closed at one end and thus forms a hollow body with a bottom (4). The pipe is made of a magnetically inert material and accommodates an inductive sensor (5) of an ordinary type. The sensor is movable inside the pipe, but engages the internal bottom of the pipe in its normal position of use. The transducer is kept in this position by a compression spring (17) which presses against the free end of the cylindrical sensor. With its other end, this compression spring (17) engages a plug (2) at the free end of the pipe. In its position of use, the transducer is arranged such that the bottom of the pipe, and thereby the active face of the sensor, is positioned in the immediate vicinity of the body, e.g. a valve flap, whose position is to be monitored.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid reservoir and hydraulic pump combination has at least one hydraulic fluid port and includes a container with a hollow body having a top and a conduit having a bottom within the container and a top above the bottom. The conduit has an opening adjacent to the bottom of the conduit. The opening is spaced apart below the top of the container. A closure member is releasably, sealingly connected to the top of the conduit. Hydraulic fluid can be added to the container via the conduit up to the level of the opening of the conduit. Addition of further hydraulic fluid fills the conduit to the top thereof and the conduit overflows if additional hydraulic fluid is added after the top of the conduit is reached by the fluid. Preferably the container has a main interior chamber and a smaller chamber which is adjacent to one of the side walls of the container. The smaller chamber is has a bottom opening near the bottom of the smaller chamber which communicates with the main interior chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electromagnetic valve in which a force due to a working fluid from an inflow hole acting perpendicularly with respect to the axis of a shut-off valve is reduced to thereby reduce the sliding resistance of the shut-off valve. An electromagnetic valve according to the present invention includes: a housing (10) having an inflow hole (11), an inner flow path (12), and a discharge hole (13); a valve seat (15) secured in position inside the housing (10); a shut-off valve (16) adapted to abut one surface of the valve seat (15) to shut off the working fluid flowing into the inner flow path (12) through the inflow hole (11); and a pressure regulating valve (17) provided coaxially with the shut-off valve (16) and adapted to control, through adjustment of the dimensions of a gap between itself and the other surface of the valve seat (15), the amount of working fluid flowing to the exterior of the housing (10) through the discharge hole (13).

Abstract: A control-reliable lockout valve system has an inlet port for coupling to a source of pressurized fluid and an outlet port for coupling to a downstream fluid-actuated device. A double valve unit includes a pair of valve elements each controllably moving between a respective actuated position and a deactuated position to control a first flow path between the inlet port and the outlet port in response to a pilot pressure applied to the valve elements. The first flow path provides the pressurized fluid to the outlet port only if both of the valve elements are in the respective actuated positions. The double valve unit further includes an exhaust port, and the valve elements control a second flow path for coupling the outlet port to the exhaust port unless both of the valve elements are in the respective actuated positions.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic valve apparatus includes a flow channel, a hydraulic control channel defining an electro-hydraulic valve junction where the hydraulic control channel is adjacent to the flow channel, a flexible wall between the flow channel and the hydraulic control channel at the electro-hydraulic valve junction, and Peltier devices adjacent to the hydraulic control channel on opposite sides of the electro-hydraulic valve junction for controllably applying a hydraulic force against the flexible wall repositioning the flexible wall in relation to the flow channel to selectively close or open the electro-hydraulic valve apparatus.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a substrate including multiple electro-hydraulic valves and/or electro-hydraulic pumps that each include a flow channel and one or more hydraulic control channels, actuators for controlling the electro-hydraulic valves and/or electro-hydraulic pumps, and a hydraulic pressure source operatively connected to the hydraulic control channels.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a valve assembly is provided that includes a valve assembly output adapted to output at least one of DI water and a chemical. A first valve of the valve assembly includes (1) a first input adapted to receive the chemical; (2) a first output adapted to circulate the chemical to a chemical return; and (3) a second output adapted to output the chemical to the valve assembly output. The valve assembly also includes a second valve positioned downstream from the first valve. The second valve includes (1) an input adapted to receive deionized (DI) water; and (2) an output adapted to output DI water to the valve assembly output. A check valve is coupled between the second output of the first valve and the output of the second valve, and the first valve, second valve and check valve are included in a single manifold.