Abstract: A respiratory suction catheter assembly includes a manifold supporting a rotatable swivel member for engagement with an endotracheal tube, and a seal support body disposed on a boss of the manifold opposite the part supporting the swivel for supporting a catheter tube seal and a porous filter for filtering air flowing into and out of a flexible elongated sheath enclosing the catheter tube. The sheath includes opposed tapered ends secured to the seal support body and to a boss on a suction control valve housing. The valve housing supports a tapered plug closure member engageable with a resilient actuator and a slide-lock member. Certain components, including the sheath, the seal support body, the filter, the catheter tube seal and the catheter tube may be treated with an anti-microbial agent.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for supplying respiratory oxygen to a patient where the oxygen flow is monitored so as to control and conserve oxygen in response to the pressure in the nasal passages of the patient.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods employ magnetic force to resist tissue collapse in targeted pharyngeal structures and individual anatomic components within the pharyngeal conduit during sleep.

Abstract: An apparatus inhibits hemorrhaging of a wound of a patient. A casing includes a nozzle to be inserted into the wound. A torus-shaped flexible element is disposed in the casing and defines a longitudinal direction. An actuating device moves the flexible element in the longitudinal direction through the nozzle and into the wound.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is related to providing sensing functions that are similar to “human touch” when located in a prosthetic device such as a BION microstimulator that is implanted in a patient. The apparatus includes a power circuit, a communication circuit, and a sensor circuit. The power circuit provides power to the communication circuit and the sensor circuit. The sensor cooperates with the communication circuit, which communicates to the brain. The sensor uses various techniques to detect changes in the environment for the surrounding tissue using criteria such as reflectivity, impedance, conductivity, return signal spectrum, return signal rate, and return signal phase to name a few. For example, the impedance observed by the sensor changes when: the skin tissue is deformed around the sensor, or when the skin is surrounded by water. The sensory information is interpreted by the brain as an analog of touch or feel.

Abstract: A method for balance enhancement through vestibular, visual, proprioceptive, and cognitive stimulation is provided. This method incorporates head movements in three planes and provides a series of programs for enhancing the vestibular ocular reflex (VOR), dynamic visual acuity, visual pursuit, and associated cognition using these head movements. These programs incorporate (1) head movement with stable image identification, (2) head movement with stable image identification with distractions, (3) head movement with stable image identification and varied body position, (4) data/image identification with varied target frequency, (5) data/image identification with varied screen position, (6) data/image identification with varied target position, and (7) task, memory, and cognitive processing requirements.

Abstract: Smokable rods of cigarettes are manufactured using wrapping materials that incorporate at least one fibrous material (e.g., flax fibers, hardwood pulp fibers and/or softwood pulp fibers) at least one filler material (e.g., calcium carbonate in particulate form). The wrapping materials possess multi-layer coatings. The wrapping materials possess coatings in the form of series of spaced apart bands, each band possessing a series of layers. At least one of the coating layers can have a filler material dispersed or suspended within a film-forming material of that layer.

Abstract: A system for applying hair extensions to natural hair growing on the scalp of an individual comprises flared cylindrical tubes, a threading hook and a crimping tool. The threading tool is used to feed scalp hair through the flared tube. The hair extension is then inserted into the flared end or the tube and the tube is crushed flat trapping the threaded scalp hair and hair extension within the crushed structure. The removal of the hair extension is facilitated by use of a removal tool designed to open the crimped flared tube.

Abstract: The description presented herein and illustrated by FIGS. 1 through 8 pertains to the invention that provides temporary securing of track-mounted hairpieces. This device consists of secondary frame 2 that is permanently attached to secondary frame 2 in such fashion as to mildly distort secondary frame 2 across its longitudinal plane. This allows primary frame 2 to be selectively pressed into a convex or compound shape relative to secondary frame 2. A plurality of upwardly projecting teeth 6 allow one or more track-mounted hairpieces to be secured by pressing between said teeth and primary frame 2 or by interweaving between said teeth. Retainer band 10 can also be pressed around upwardly projecting teeth 6 as an additional securing means. Downwardly projecting teeth 4 extending from the horizontal section of primary frame 2 are then inserted into scalp hair closely against the head 14.

Abstract: In a system for coating human skin, a chemical composition, such as a cosmetic or medical formulation, is uniformly coated over the entire body or selected parts of the body of the person being coated. The system includes atomization of the coating composition, containment of the atomized spray, and residual recovery which together yield a novel method for applying chemical compositions.

Abstract: A heated eyelash curler comprise a curling head portion having an arcuate top surface on one end and a protection case on the other end. The protection case serves as a handle for the device as well as encloses the power source, for example, a battery. The curling head portion includes a heating element laid on the arcuate top surface caged inside a plurality of bridges or protected between protruding comblike spikes. A pigmented silicone piece which changes in color corresponding to the temperature of the heating element is directly contacted with the heating element for fast and accurate response. The heating element comprises a conducting coil or wire in zigzag configuration inserted into a conducting tube such as a brass tubing coated on the outside surface with a non-sticking material such as teflon. The recommended heating mechanism or circuitry for a battery heated heating element includes a converter for boosting the voltage of the power source.

Abstract: A heatable hair curler includes an elongate casing, an interior cavity, and a heat absorbent material. The elongate casing is made of a flexible material and has an axial length of at least about 7.5 inches and a width of at least about 1.25 inches. The casing has opposite first and second ends that are attachable to each other. The interior cavity is located between the first and second ends and is separated from the first and second ends by first and second seams, respectively. The heat absorbent material substantially fills the cavity.

Abstract: A cosmetic compact includes a cover and a base which is pivotably connected to the cover, and a two-sided mirror is pivotably connected between the cover and the base. Each of the cover and the base includes a heart-shaped recess for receiving cosmetic material therein. The cover can be engaged with the base by engaging a positioning plate on the cover with a protrusion on the base. The two-sided mirror includes two ears extending through two notches in a peripheral wall of the base so that the user may pivot the two-sided mirror by lifting the two ears.

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.

Abstract: A dental floss assembly including a dental floss with terminal ends; a hermetically sealed compartment for containing the dental floss; a first loop and a second loop, each loop attached to a different terminal end of the dental floss, and each loop outlining an open region; wherein at least one loop is separably attached to the compartment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of reducing damage to the substrate support by the cleaning gas during a cleaning process of the processing chamber, such as by reducing aluminum fluoride formation on the substrate support. In one embodiment, a method of cleaning a semiconductor process chamber which is used for processing a substrate disposed on a surface of a substrate support comprises introducing a cleaning gas into a process chamber through an inlet facing a surface of a substrate support. The inlet is spaced from the surface of the substrate support by a clean spacing. Reactive species are provided from the cleaning gas to clean the process chamber. The clean spacing is substantially greater than a process spacing between the inlet and the surface of the substrate support during processing of a substrate on the substrate support in the process chamber.

Abstract: Contaminants from surfaces of temperature sensitive substrates, such as glass substrates are removed by exposing the surfaces to a hydrogen Surface-mixed diffusion flame for a predetermined duration of time. The predetermined duration of time being insufficient to heat up the surfaces substantially thereby causing damage to the temperature sensitive substrates.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning, back-flushing and rinsing a filter comprising a holding tank, a lower compartment, one or more perforated armatures, one or more filters, and one or more screw caps. The lower compartment comprises one or more threaded receivers, and the perforated armatures screw into the threaded receivers. The lower compartment further comprises an inlet and a main drain and is sealed so that water entering the lower compartment through the inlet can only travel out the main drain or up through the threaded receivers and perforated armatures. Each filter is placed over a perforated armature, and a screw cap is placed on top of each filter to hold it in place. The holding tank comprises one or more overflow drains, handles and a lid. A method of using the apparatus described above to clean a filter.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning, back-flushing and rinsing a filter comprising a holding tank, a lower compartment, one or more perforated armatures, one or more filters, and one or more screw caps. The lower compartment comprises one or more threaded receivers, and the perforated armatures screw into the threaded receivers. The lower compartment further comprises an inlet and a main drain and is sealed so that water entering the lower compartment through the inlet can only travel out the main drain or up through the threaded receivers and perforated armatures. Each filter is placed over a perforated armature, and a screw cap is placed on top of each filter to hold it in place. The holding tank comprises one or more overflow drains, handles and a lid. A method of using the apparatus described above to clean a filter.

Abstract: A method for processing a substrate is provided which includes applying fluid onto a surface of the substrate from a portion of a plurality of inlets and removing at least the fluid from the surface of the substrate where the removing being processed as the fluid is applied to the surface. The applying the fluid and the removing the fluid forms a segment of a fluid meniscus on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A high pressure water stream (14) is discharged onto a surface to be cleaned. An ozone/water stream (16) is discharged on the same surface for sanitizing the surface. The high pressure water and ozone/water streams (14, 16) are discharged simultaneously along closely adjacent paths that are either parallel (FIG. 3) or concentric (FIG. 2). The water pressure is at least about 100 p.s.i. and is preferably between 100 p.s.i. and 1000 p.s.i. The nozzles that discharge the streams (14, 16) may be movable relative to the object(s) that receives the high pressure water and ozone/water (FIG. 1) Or, they may be fixed and the object may be movable relative to them (FIG.

Abstract: A high pressure water stream (14) is discharged onto a surface to be cleaned. An ozone/water stream (16) is discharged on the same surface for sanitizing the surface. The high pressure water and ozone/water streams (14, 16) are discharged simultaneously along closely adjacent paths that are either parallel (FIG. 3) or concentric (FIG. 2). The water pressure is at least about 100 p.s.i. and is preferably between 100 p.s.i. and 1000 p.s.i. The nozzles that discharge the streams (14, 16) may be movable relative to the object(s) that receives the high pressure water and ozone/water (FIG. 1) Or, they may be fixed and the object may be movable relative to them (FIG.

Abstract: A filter system for dishwasher with a sump having inlets leading to a wash pump and a drain pump in the bottom wall. The filter assembly includes a vertical filter retainer an overlying perforate hood, a multiple porosity filter element carried on the filter retainer and a back wash sprayer rotatably mounted inside the filter retainer with at least one backwash nozzle directed toward the filter assembly. The inlet leading to the wash pump is positioned inside the filter element and the inlet to the drain pump is located outside the filter element. The filter element has openings that vary in size from the top to the bottom of the filter element. The filter element openings can be arranged in bands of different porosity openings including fine, medium and coarse porosity openings. The perforate hood can have coarse porosity openings.

Abstract: A high pressure water stream (14) is discharged onto a surface to be cleaned. An ozone/water stream (16) is discharged on the same surface for sanitizing the surface. The high pressure water and ozone/water streams (14, 16) are discharged simultaneously along closely adjacent paths that are either parallel (FIG. 3) or concentric (FIG. 2). The water pressure is at least about 100 p.s.i. and is preferably between 100 p.s.i. and 1000 p.s.i. The nozzles that discharge the streams (14, 16) may be movable relative to the object(s) that receives the high pressure water and ozone/water (FIG. 1) Or, they may be fixed and the object may be movable relative to them (FIG.

Abstract: A washout container to which are mounted inclined ramps that allow a transit mixer, concrete pumping truck or other concrete handling vehicle to drive up over a portion of the container for dumping excess concrete and washing out waste concrete. The container cross-section may be rectangular to semi-circular, and is preferably fabricated with a steel structure. A watertight latching door assembly is coupled to the container to prevent leakage of collected liquid concrete waste material while allowing solidified concrete materials to be unloaded at a disposal site. The interior of the container is preferably lined with a material to which concrete will not adhere. The liner may be applied as a coating to the interior of the container or as a solid material retained within the container. In this way, solidified waste concrete can be easily removed from the container at the disposal site and preferably crushed for recycling.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning latex paint rollers with A pressure molded bucket-like round container, 12 inches tall, fully open at the bottom which is 10 inches in diameter, A 3 inch aperture, offset 1 inch from the side in the 6 inch diameter solid top. The latex paint roller on it's handle is inserted downward into the container, suspended and freely able to spin, and Container has a side opening, 1½ inches wide and 10 inches long, extending vertically from top to bottom with a 1 inch gap of solid plastic at each end of the side opening for stability. The side aperture allows the user to insert a garden hose on full flow to be inserted into the container and direct water onto the suspended latex paint roller, spinning the roller and thereby removing the latex paint by the fast spinning of the roller and the water.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an outdoor umbrella structure concurrently having illumination and decoration functions, which comprises a support rod vertically disposed at the center of the umbrella body, an upper tier disposed at the top end of the support rod, an umbrella top rib stretched outward from the upper tier, and an illuminating member having one end pivotally coupled to the umbrella top rib and the other end pivotally coupled to a movable lower tier; wherein a direct current battery is installed at the top of the upper tier and an electric cable extended from the bottom of the battery.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an umbrella with an elastomeric tie strap. The tie strap is capable of stretching in length upon pressure by the user applied to the strap to lengthen it while securing the umbrella cover folds and rib linkages around the centerpost of the umbrella. The present invention also provides for an umbrella with an elastomeric carrying strap.

Abstract: A lawn or patio umbrella with an integral lighting system that utilizes cold cathode ray tubes, light emitting diodes (LED's), or florescent lights, to provide relatively bright outdoor light for reading and other activities that require relatively high light intensities is provided. In one embodiment, a modular, electrically powered lawn or patio umbrella in which lighting systems, such as those utilizing cold cathode tubes, LED's, or florescent lights; cooling systems, such as those utilizing electric fans or misting systems; and motorized retraction systems; can be selectively interchanged is provided.

Abstract: A hunting blind and method of use thereof, comprising a cylindrical mount having a tube disposed therethrough. The cylindrical mount attaches to a tree or other suitable object via straps, bungee cords and/or a hook. The tube comprises angled holes into which support tubes supporting screen panels are inserted. The support tubes are sectioned so as to enable disassembly for packing into a compact arrangement by rolling up same within the screen panels. The screen panels have extensions that can be secured together via cords. Alternate embodiments are directed to the addition of a mesh panel above the screen panels and extensions; a ground-based stand, wherein the screen panels and extension are secured to the ground via tent stakes; and a wheelchair stand, wherein a framework on the wheelchair carries the support tubes, panels and extensions of the preferred embodiment.

Abstract: A lightweight vertical attachment shield that forms a canopy like structure for protection from falling rain when the vertical attachment shield is attached underneath any conventional umbrella in an open arrangement. The vertical attachment shield is attached about the circumference of the conventional umbrella via spring-loaded plastic clips and elastic nooses. When attached to a conventional umbrella, the vertical attachment shield has a length that extends a few inches from the ground. The vertical attachment shield includes a clear view window, as well as vent and hand openings for added convenience and comfort for the user. Alternatively, the vertical shield attachment shield attaches to unique designed umbrella via snap buttons located around the upper rim of the vertical attachment shield and on the underside of the unique designed umbrella. A vertical umbrella stand is utilized to aid in assembling and disassembling the present invention.

Abstract: Collapsible structures include at least first and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. The first panel has a first retaining mechanism that defines an adjustment space, and the second panel has a second retaining mechanism that is movably received inside the adjustment space of the first retaining mechanism to couple the second panel to the first panel. The second retaining mechanism is movable within the adjustment space to allow the relative positions of the first and second panels to be adjusted. Other collapsible structures include at least first and second panels, each panel having a foldable frame member that has a folded and an unfolded orientation, and a material covering portions of the frame member when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion module for generating power by using a temperature difference and realizing a large-size module with soundness to improve substantial filling density of a thermoelectric semiconductor, including a sliding member having high heat conductivity intervening at least between a heating plate of a high-temperature heat source side and a heat source side electrode portion of a thermoelectric semiconductor and a coupling plate for coupling the heating plate to the cooling plate, wherein the thermoelectric semiconductors and the electrode portions are integrated by being sandwiched between the cooling plate and the heating plate via the sliding member, and the sliding member in the pressurized state accepts relative sliding between the sliding member and the heat source side electrode portion or the heating plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing thin film photovoltaic panels (TFPP). Instead of utilizing a conventional EVA based adhesive layer, material, the present invention uses an adhesive layer that may be applied in a liquid form and cures rapidly to form the TFFP. In one embodiment, the method provides for applying an adhesive layer in a liquid form along at least a portion of the exposed photovoltaic layer and substrate. In another embodiment, the method provides for applying a first layer adhesive in liquid form along at least one edge of the substrate and second layer of adhesive in liquid form generally bound by the first layer of adhesive. After application of the adhesive layer(s), a force may then be applied to adhere the front panel (or substrate), photovoltaic material layer, adhesive layer and backing panel and the adhesive layer transforms from a liquid to a solid.

Abstract: A modular apparatus and method for safely and securely storing horizontally stacked photovoltaic modules includes a plurality of molded, plug-in components. Each of the components has an inwardly facing load-bearing support portion configured to abuttingly supporting thereon a photovoltaic module, a lower portion with at least one downwardly extending projection, and an upper portion with at least one cavity shaped to closely receive therein said projection on a vertically adjacent one of said components, such that the components are stacked in a vertical column to support portions of the horizontally stacked photovoltaic modules.

Abstract: Photovoltaic cells, facilities, systems and methods, as well as related compositions, are disclosed. Embodiments involve associating various photovoltaic cells and facilities with various mobile communication facilities.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dye-sensitized oxide semiconductor electrode comprising an electrically conductive substrate, an oxide semiconductor film provided on a surface of said electrically conductive substrate, and a sensitizing dye adsorbed on said film, wherein the oxide semiconductor film has been further treated with at least one silanizing agent comprising the partial structure R1—Si—OR2, wherein R1 and R2 are each independently alkyl groups, or R1 is an alkyl group and R2 is hydrogen or aryl. Also disclosed are solar cells comprising said electrode and a method for improving the efficiency of the solar cells. The solar cells exhibit improved efficiency and other beneficial properties compared to similar cells not having the passivated electrode.

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: A valve device for automatically closing a gas pipe when a fire breaks out. The valve device includes a gas thermosensitive generating composition, which decomposes and generates a large amount of gas within a short period when exposed to a high temperature. The valve body is driven with pressure of the gas generated by the gas generating composition.

Abstract: A hose apparatus used as part of an air and water supply system to deliver water and air to a firefighter. The hose apparatus includes an air hose and a water hose with an adaptor at each end of the air and water hoses. The adaptors have an inner passageway with an air groove. The adaptors have a first air hole in fluid communication with the air hose and the air groove and a second air hole in fluid communication with the air groove and the air supply or breathing hose for the firefighter. The second air hole has a coupling which prevents air from exiting the adaptors when the hose apparatus is not in use.

Abstract: The present invention is an enclosure device for attachment to a fluid withdrawal valve on a chemical storage tank to prevent unauthorized access. The enclosure device comprises a first and second housing pivotally attached with a hinge to pivot between an open and closed position. In addition, the first and second housing define a cavity for receiving the fluid withdrawal valve. In the closed position, a fastener locks the enclosure device to prevent unauthorized access.

Abstract: Systems and methods for flow verification and validation of mass flow controllers are disclosed. A mass flow controller may be commanded to a specified flow and flow measurement commenced. Gas is accumulated in a first volume and while measurements are taken within this volume. Gas may then flow into a second volume while measurements are taken. The various measurements taken during the two intervals may then be used to calculate the flow rate. The flow rate, in turn, may be used to determine the accuracy of the mass flow controller relative to a setpoint. Additionally, these systems and methods may utilize only one volume to perform flow verification by flowing gas into this volume, taking measurements, and calculating the flow rate based only upon this set of measurements.

Abstract: A flow restrictor with a first disk having at least one inlet and at least one outlet and a flow path and a second disk having no flow path. The first disk and the second disk being stacked together. A mass flow controller comprising with an input, an output, a flow path, a pressure transducer and the above flow restrictor.

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 poppet valve arrangement is provided and has a poppet slideably disposed therein. The poppet has an odd number of integral guide legs formed thereon about the periphery of the poppet. The odd number of integral guide legs are evenly spaced from one another and are of a size sufficient to permit fluid to freely flow thereby when unseated. The integral guide legs also function to permit the poppet to freely slide, without binding, within a bore of the poppet valve arrangement. The poppet having integral guide legs is compact, versatile, cost effective to produce and has good strength.

Abstract: What is provided is a flow shut-off element, particularly for use in the medical field of peritoneal dialysis, consisting of a valve body (2) having an inner cavity (3) and a plurality of accesses (4, 5, 6); a selector having a projecting portion inserted into the inner cavity of the valve body and movable relatively to the latter into a predetermined number of operating positions to create predetermined paths in which the fluid flow is permitted and/or shut off between the said accesses. Also provided is an auxiliary element interposed in a removable way between the valve body and the selector, this element having positioning means to enable an operator to determine when one of the said predetermined operating positions of the selector has been reached.

Abstract: A two stage air regulator is disclosed wherein both stages are contained in a single billet, extruded, or machined housing. The first stage receives an input pressure of about 5000 PSI from an air tank or other source. The first stage reduces the pressure which is received by the second stage having a user adjustable output of between 0 PSI to about 150 PSI. Further, the output of the second stage is received by a pneumatically operated tool such as a nailer or other tool that operates in the output pressure range.

Abstract: A flow control apparatus includes a housing. A valve is rotationally installed in the housing. A bolt includes a first end connected with the valve in the housing and an opposite second end inserted to the exterior of the housing. A joint is connected with the housing in order to keep the valve in the housing.

Abstract: A main steam valve with improved flow characteristic and enhanced reliability comprises a valve seat, a main valve body, and a bypass valve body. A side surface of the bypass valve body slidably fits into the inner surface of the main valve body and forms a steam inlet comprised of a plurality of rows of inlet openings arranged along the side surface. The openings are diametrically symmetrically arranged in the bypass valve, and the positions of the openings in each of the rows are shifted from the positions of openings in the next row.

Abstract: A flow control valve includes a valve body defining fluid inlet and outlet sections interconnected by a connecting port. A valve unit is disposed in the valve body and is operably connected to an actuator to be moved thereby for opening and closing the connecting port. The valve unit includes a valve element which has a bleed passage extending therethrough for communicating the fluid inlet and outlet sections with one another. A bleed piston is operably connected to the actuator and is movable thereby relative to the valve element for opening the bleed passage when the valve unit is in a port-closing position. The valve unit also includes a pressure balancing passage which communicates front and rear ends of the valve element with one another and tending to aid in statically and dynamically balancing the fluid pressures acting on the valve element.