Abstract: The gas operated particle feed apparatus may feed particles to an outlet port. There may be a fixed member having a bottom with a particle aperture centrally disposed therein, an annular wall upstanding from the bottom and a plurality of gas apertures. The fixed member may be attached to a base member that may have a central outlet port. A particle outlet element with a constriction aperture may be disposed between the fixed member and the base member. A rotating member with a disk, an agitator, a feed aperture, and a radial disk groove with a ball therein may be disposed in the fixed member and restrained transversally by the wall. Groove apertures may be formed in the disk. A top member may be disposed on the fixed member and may have a central opening. The agitator may protrude through the central opening.

Abstract: Currently there is only two ways to clean a barbeque grill: One way is with messy solvents or cleaners that need to be sprayed on and scrubbed. The problem with this procedure is the labor, the mess, and the removal of the “flavor” of the grill. The other cleaning method is to heat the grill up and scrub with a wire brush, however, because the grill never gets enough heat to bake away the residue, this procedure only partially cleans the grill and does not remove all of the old food remnants. Additionally it is a waste of propane on gas grills.

Abstract: A control system for a cooking appliance enables a consumer to selectively program a cooking appliance through a control panel in a conventional mode based on established cooking times and temperatures, as well as in a simplified mode incorporating a minimal number of programming steps. In the simplified mode, the consumer selects a first, non-temperature related special features button and inputs a cook time. Immediately following input of the cook time, the control system starts a cooking operation. If the selected time is greater than a predetermined value, the control system automatically operates the cooking appliance in a cold start mode. An override is provided to disable the cold start mode if so desired. In addition, the control system allows a consumer to input both minimum and maximum cook times for the cooking operation.

Abstract: A universal condiment rack having a mounting bracket for adjustably securing the rack to cooking grills of many configurations is provided. The mounting bracket pivots to accommodate grills of a variety of dimensional characteristics and has an adjustable protrusion for leveling the rack on grills having different vertical tapers.

Abstract: A warming tray for use with a barbeque grill comprises a substantially planar support having a rear edge defined by an upturned lip. The lip extends upwardly and forward towards a front edge of the support. The tray may include a number of apertures. The warming tray is configured to be located in the housing of a barbeque grill above one or more burner units for warming food items. The lip prevents food items from falling off of the rear of the warming tray into the barbeque.

Abstract: A problem of the invention is to provide a heating cooker capable of producing a uniform baking mark at a total of an object at inexpensive cost by a single piece of a rod-like heater in a heating cooker interposing a face member between the object and the rod-like heater. A heating cooker (100) for heating to process an object placed on a mounting base of a heating chamber (51) including at least a single piece of a rod-like heater arranged along a face member forming the heating chamber (51) and a heat shielding member provided along a longitudinal direction of the rod-like heater between the rod-like heater and the face member (53a) on an outer side of the heating chamber (51).

Abstract: A combustion fan installation structure of a gas radiation oven range is disclosed in which a combustion fan (200) is coupled at a space outside a space where a radiant burner (40) is positioned. Since the temperature of the sucked air for combustion is constantly maintained, an air with a sufficient air density can be supplied. Thus, it can have a stable combustion performance. In addition, an influence of the temperature change generated when the oven or the grill is operated can be excluded. Accordingly, a reliability of a combustion performance of the gas radiation oven range to be mainly used in kitchens or in hotels can be improved.

Abstract: A range hood fan is constituted of a case main body connected partly to an exhaust gas duct and forming an exhaust gas passage inside the case main body, a fan motor supported by a partition wall in the case main body and having a fan on a rotation shaft, and an exhaust gas suction opening formed in a portion open in a hood main body of the case main body. A first filter is provided at the lower part of the case main body. The first filter is formed by net structure through which gas containing oily smoke can be passed and has first grooves which are extended in a rotation direction of the fan and end portions of which are open in the exhaust gas passage. A second filter is provided inside the first filter. The second filter is formed by net structure through which gas containing oily smoke can be passed and has second grooves that are larger than the first grooves and are open in the exhaust gas passage.

Abstract: Apparatus for improving the efficiency of a water heater includes a combination damper assembly and heat transfer baffle. The damper assembly includes a plurality of movable damper with each damper leaning outwardly from one another when the dampers are in a closed position. The baffle depends from the damper assembly and includes a truncated conical shape in this position within the flue of a water heater for directing combustion gases from the burner against a flue wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a panel radiator comprising a rectangular steam generation unit having a combustion unit and a heat exchange unit at the lower part thereof, characterized in that the left and right introduction pipes, each having one end coupled with the steam introduction unit, are coupled with the steam introduction unit of a radiation panel body, and a heat pipe is constituted by reducing the pressure at the steam generation unit and the panel body, whereby a small panel radiator integrated with a heating source and capable of transporting heat efficiently from a heating source to a heat radiating unit utilizing the heat pipe principle is provided thereby.

Abstract: A self regulating system and method for heating a swimming pool, using solar energy. There is a cover member which is placed over the surface of the swimming pool and water from the swimming pool is pumped cyclically through flow paths in the cover section. Solar energy directed to the top surface of the cover section heats the water that flows through the cover section. There is a solar power pumping and control system by which solar energy is utilized to supply electrical energy to a battery and also to a motor of a pump. A control section causes the cyclical operation of the pump so that the pumping cycles are related to the intensity of the solar energy which is being transmitted to the system at that time.

Abstract: A self-supporting heliothermal flat collector module includes a sheet metal panel; a register-type arrangement of capillary tubes separated from one another for the flow of a fluid medium that lies on the rear side of the sheet metal panel opposite that to be irradiated; and a thermally-insulating insulation core also positioned on the rear side. According to the invention, the capillary tubes of the register-type arrangement are placed into contact with the surface of the thermally-insulating insulation core, and the thermally-insulating insulation core is attached to the sheet metal panel by means of an elastic adhesive layer, whereby the capillary tubes are at least partially embedded into the adhesive layer between the sheet metal panel and the insulation core.

Abstract: A pressure-resistant tank for liquids includes a plurality of differently shaped diecast parts (1, 2) made of a first aluminum alloy (cast alloy). The diecast parts (1, 2) are connected by means of a closed weld seam welded with an electron beam with the use of a second aluminum alloy (wrought alloy). The second aluminum alloy has especially a hydrogen content of less than 0.2 mL per 100 g of wrought alloy. The tank for liquids is especially an anesthetic tank and the anesthetic is desflurane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining at least one bodily characteristic or condition, such as that of an animal, such as a human, for example. According to an aspect of the invention, the method relates to determining at least one bodily characteristic of a lung or an airway, merely by way of example, by introducing at least one sound to at least one first bodily location, and recording at least one sound from at least one second bodily location. The present invention also relates to an apparatus capable of such determination.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a flow of breathing gas to an airway of a patient. The system monitors a characteristic that varies based on variations of the flow of the breathing gas and determines a Target Flow for the gas to be delivered to the patient based on the monitored characteristic. The Target Flow is set to a level sufficient to treat Cheyne-Stokes respiration or a sleep disordered breathing event. The system also alters the Target Flow based on a determination that the patient is experiencing a sleep disordered breathing event. In a further embodiment, the system determines an apnea detection time (Tapnea) as Tinsp plus a constant, and delivers a machine triggered breath if an amount since the start of inspiration reaches Tapnea. Yet another embodiment, monitors the characteristic during an inspiratory phase of a respiratory cycle, and controls the flow of gas during the inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle based on a result of this comparison.

Abstract: Described is a system including an air pressure supply arrangement, a sensor and a titration device. The air pressure supply arrangement provides air pressure to a patient's airways. The sensor detects input data corresponding to a patient's breathing patterns of a plurality of breaths. The titration device receives and analyzes the input data to determine existence of breathing disorder and corresponding characteristics. The titration device generates output data for adjusting the air pressure supplied to the patient as a function of an index of abnormal respiratory events included in the input data.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the airway, such as to treat obstructive sleep apnea. An implant is positioned within the body with respect to the airway. The spatial orientation of the airway is manipulated, directly or indirectly, to affect the configuration of the airway. In general, the implant is manipulated to displace the trachea in an inferior direction, resist superior displacement of the trachea and/or to alter the tracheal wall tension. The implant restrains the trachea in the manipulated configuration.

Abstract: A device for adapting a transtracheal catheter to a tracheostomy tube includes a plurality of projections for engaging a security flange of the transtracheal catheter. The device provides for proper orientation of a beveled end of the catheter tube when the security flange is oriented as directed with it longest flat side up. A method of adapting a transtracheal catheter to a patient's tracheostomy tube is also provided for providing the delivery of heated and/or humidified gas to tracheotomized patients and/or for weaning a ventilator-dependent patient from the ventilator.

Abstract: Tracheostomy apparatus includes a needle with a doppler ultrasound transducer mounted within it close to its patient end and connected to a monitor. Two electrodes are insulated from one another on the external surface of the needle close to its patient end. The electrodes are also connected to the monitor. The needle supports a catheter on its outer surface. As the needle is inserted through tissue overlying the trachea, the ultrasound transducer detects the presence of any nearby blood vessels and gives an audible indication on the monitor. The monitor also responds to a rise in impedance between the electrodes indicative of entry of the end of the needle into the trachea so that the needle can be removed to leave the catheter in place. A guide is then inserted through the catheter and the path into the trachea is enlarged with a dilator sufficiently to receive a tracheostomy tube.

Abstract: The system and method for preventing snoring includes providing and selecting a perforated oral tape, drying the teeth, clenching the teeth, and applying the perforated oral tape to the upper and lower teeth of the user. The oral tape secures the upper and lower teeth together, thus preventing snoring. The oral tape is a flexible sheet of tear-resistant material having an adhesive back surface and a plurality of apertures defined therethrough. A pull tab is disposed on the front surface of the flexible sheet. The oral tape is adapted to adhere to the teeth of a user and secure the lower and upper teeth together so that the mouth of a user remains closed while the user is asleep. The apertures in the tape allow air and saliva to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A bite-positioner comprises a support body defined by two half-parts developing in opposite directions from a median plane and having a first active surface able to be engaged to the lower arch of a user's mouth and a second active surface able to be engaged to the upper arch of the user's mouth. The first active surface is orthogonal to said median plane, substantially U-shaped and defined by two half-surfaces, each associated to a respective half-part of the support body, the second active surface is orthogonal to said median plane, substantially U-shaped and defined by two half-surfaces, each associated to a respective half-part of the support body. The active surfaces develop substantially parallel to each other and mutually separated by a determined distance defining a useful thickness of said bite-positioner. The useful thickness of at least a bearing portion of one of the half-parts is greater than the useful thickness of the other of the two half-parts.

Abstract: Various embodiments of bulking or cushioning agents or material and related medical devices and methods are disclosed. For example, a method of performing a medical procedure in a tract of a body may include injecting a material in a liquid phase proximate a target site between a first tissue layer and a second tissue layer, allowing the material to transition from the liquid phase to the gel phase in response to a raise in temperature of the material to approximately at or above the predetermined temperature, and performing a surgical procedure on the target site. The material may have the liquid phase at temperatures below a predetermined temperature and a gel phase at temperatures approximately at or above the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for segregating foreign objects out of a tobacco stream. The tobacco stream is fed into a conveyor and conveyed past a foreign-object detecting device which detects a foreign object in the tobacco stream. A diverter is arranged in the conveyor to divert the tobacco stream downstream of the detector. A mechanical valve arrangement in the region of the diverter transfers a portion of the tobacco stream containing the detected foreign object out of the tobacco stream such that the tobacco stream containing the foreign object is not diverted and the remainder of the stream is diverted.

Abstract: A heater fixture for use in an electrically heated cigarette smoking system having a source of electrical energy for heating a cigarette includes an inner wall or barrel having at least one opening through the inner wall extending from an outer peripheral surface to an inner surface of the inner wall, and at least one flow distributing element positioned within the at least one opening and extending inwardly from the inner surface. The flow distributing element or elements are provided with a plurality of openings that are in fluid communication with an interior of the heater.

Abstract: A smoking article holder for cigars or cigarettes and the like includes an elongate curved tray member for placement of the smoking article therein, and a snap fastener socket member to enable the holder to be snapped to a corresponding snap fastener stud, such as on a golf bag or the like.

Abstract: A cosmetic brush and a process of making same. The brush comprises a substantially longitudinal stem and a plurality of bristles, each bristle extending from a base associated with the stem and terminating with a free end, each bristle having external walls and a longitudinal axis, the brush further having a major axis disposed along the stem, wherein the plurality of bristles comprises selected bristles, each of the selected bristles having at least one external depression oriented in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the selected bristle.

Abstract: A toothpick device for cleaning teeth includes a toothpick. The toothpick is comprised of two separable portions and has at least one pointed end. A length of dental floss is provided with each end of the dental floss being secured to one of the two portions of the toothpick. The dental floss is wound for storage between said two portions whereby separating the two portions unwinds the dental floss for use.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of cleaning a processing chamber by introducing supercritical fluid into the processing chamber. A residue over an internal chamber surface is contacted with the supercritical fluid to remove the residue from the surface. The invention also includes a method of removing deposited material from internal surfaces of a processing system. A cleaning agent comprising carbon dioxide is provided in liquid phase or supercritical phase into at least a portion of the processing system. A material deposited on an internal surface of the processing system is contacted with the cleaning agent to solubilize at least a portion of the deposited material and the solubilized fraction is removed from the system. The invention further includes a processing system which includes a supercritical fluid source in selective fluid communication with a processing chamber configured to selectively flow supercritical fluid into the chamber during a chamber cleaning process.

Abstract: A method for rinsing and drying a workpiece includes placing the workpiece into a chamber and spinning the workpiece. A rinsing fluid, such as water, is applied onto the workpiece through a first outlet in the chamber, with the rinsing fluid moving outwardly towards the edge of the workpiece via centrifugal force, to rinse the workpiece. A drying fluid, such as an alcohol vapor, is applied onto the workpiece through the first outlet, with the drying fluid moving outwardly towards the edge of the workpiece via centrifugal force, to dry the workpiece. The drying fluid advantageously follows a meniscus of the rinsing fluid across the workpiece surface. The rinsing fluid, or the drying fluid, or both fluids, may be applied near or at a central area of the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for rinsing a semiconductor wafer in a module utilizing a fluid delivery ring is provided. The method includes providing a process bowl having a generally circular shape bottom wall, a sidewall that extends upwardly from the bottom wall to define a cylindrical chamber, and a plurality of channels in the sidewall that extend from the bottom wall to an upper edge of the sidewall. A fluid delivery ring is attached onto the sidewall of the process bowl. Utilizing the process bowl, a plurality of supply tubes is inserted into the fluid delivery ring. The fluid delivery ring has a plurality of ring inlet and outlet pairs and a plurality of respective slots. Fluid is supplied to the supply tubes, and fluid is directed onto a surface of the semiconductor wafer defined within the process bowl.

Abstract: A method and system is described for introducing chemistry into a high pressure fluid for treating a substrate. In particular, the method includes dispersing the chemistry throughout the volume of high pressure fluid in order to promote mixing of the two or more fluids, while the high pressure fluid is circulating through a high pressure processing system.

Abstract: A cleaning probe capable of providing uniform cleaning to an entire wafer while not damaging the edge portion of the wafer, and a megasonic cleaning apparatus having the cleaning probe are provided. The cleaning probe comprises a front portion located near the center of the wafer, a rear portion connected to a piezoelectric transducer, and a protrusion located between the rear portion and the front portion, located on an edge portion of the wafer, and having a larger cross section width than the front portion.

Abstract: A parasol with a light device includes a light device, a power source and a power switch respectively connected with wires. One ends of the wires are respectively connected with a male and a female connector, and the male and the female connector are possible to fit with or separate from each other. When the male and the female connector are fitted with each other, the two sets of the wires get connected with each other. If the light device is to be replaced with new one owing to disorders, first the male connector and the female connector are separated from each other, then the light device is separated from the power switch for replacing. And the power source is a chargeable battery, enabling the parasol with the light device used anywhere.

Abstract: The present invention is a support system that includes a receptacle mountable to a surface, and a base for providing lateral support to a mountable object. The base includes a skirt and a tube for retaining the mountable object. The tube extends through the skirt and is retained in the receptacle.

Abstract: Traditional umbrella ribs and spreaders comprise a quadrilateral extender device which projects a canopy outwards over greater distances than previously possible so as to facilitate a side-supported umbrella without overhead suspension. Use of two slider-openers enables the concurrent opening of ribs of wide variation in length.

Abstract: The structure of the umbrella comprises improved ribs for engaging with the strip portions of the cover, each rib consists of a metal structural shape (32) and a plurality of saw-tooth components (34) engaged with said structural shape and capable of fixing the strip portions (18) of the cover thereto.

Abstract: A system for improving the balance of a person while in a standing position, transitioning between a sitting and a standing position, or while performing various recreational or other activities which require precise balancing comprises a gyrostabilizer, and a support for holding the gyrostabilizer. The support is either in the form of a belt to be coupled to a user's torso, or in the form of a walking cane to be gripped by a hand of the user in order to steady the user while using the gyrostabilizer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tent pole assembly for shoring up, which comprises a bottom pipe made of iron, a top pipe made of fiberglass reinforced plastic, and a connecting portion for connecting said bottom pipe and said top pipe. Said connecting portion is provided with a insertion portion and a protruding ring disposed along with exterior surface thereof. When said insertion portion inserts into one end of said bottom pipe, said protruding ring shores up said bottom pipe.

Abstract: A foldable enclosure structure containing a fabric cover defining a desired shape when expanded to an expanded position; a first supporting frame fixedly attached to the cover and a second supporting frame provided within the cover and rotatably coupled to the first frame such that the second frame is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The second frame is superposed over the first frame in the collapsed position for ease of storage, but is rotated axially to intersect with the first frame in the expanded position to prop up the cover to the desired shape. To ensure that the structure is stable in the expanded position, fixing means is/are provided for fixedly attaching the second frame to the first frame in the expanded position.

Abstract: A compact collapsible gazebo includes a gazebo frame, which includes a plurality of telescoping legs, configured to rest on a ground surface and to extend and collapse. The gazebo frame also includes a plurality of side scissor structures, each comprising a plurality of scissor members and coupled to a pair of the telescoping legs, where the side scissor structures scissor together to collapse the gazebo frame and scissor apart to expand the gazebo frame. The gazebo frame also includes a plurality of central scissor structures, each having a plurality of scissor members and coupled to a central cover support and a midsection of a side scissor structure, where the central scissor structures scissor together to collapse the gazebo frame and scissor apart to expand the gazebo frame. Advantages of the invention include compactness and ease of transport of the gazebo for the gazebo user.

Abstract: To monitor temperature variations over a surface, the present invention employs a grid of thermoelectric wires imbedded into a carrier or body patch. The thermoelectric wires form a thermopile with “hot” junctions distributed over the central section of the body patch, while the “cold” junctions” are positioned at the periphery of the patch. The patch may be a wound dressing application. The thermopile is connected to an amplifier and subsequently to a threshold detector. Crossing a threshold activates a radio transmitter that sends a signal to a remote receiver. The carrier (patch) is applied to a monitored surface (examples are machinery enclosures and patient skin or wound) in such a manner that the peripheral portion of the patch is outside of the monitored area.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a counter electrode for a dye-sensitized solar cell, and a method of producing the same. In the dye-sensitized solar cell which includes a photoelectrode containing a photosensitive dye molecules, in which the counter electrode is positioned opposite to the photoelectrode, and an electrolytic solution interposed between the photoelectrode and the counter electrode, the counter electrode has an electron transfer layer. The electron transfer layer has a structure in which one or more conductive materials, selected from the group consisting of a conductive polymer, platinum nanoparticles, a carbon compound, inorganic oxide particles, and a conductive polymer blend, are sequentially laminated. In the counter electrode, the electron transfer layer promotes smooth electron transfer through an interface between the electrolyte, containing pairs of redox ions, and counter electrode.

Abstract: A drop tube type particulate crystalline body producing device is a device for creating a substantially spherical crystalline body by solidifying a particulate melt of an inorganic material while allowing it to free-fall inside a drop tube. This device 1 has a melt formation device 2, drop tube 3, gas flow formation means for forming inside the drop tube 3 a gas flow of cooling gas, and recovery mechanism 5 for recovering a crystalline body 25a from the lower end of the drop tube 3. The drop tube 3 comprises an introducing tube 30, cooling tube 31, and solidification tube 32, where the cooling tube 31 is configured such that the cross sectional area thereof becomes smaller toward the bottom such that the cooling gas flow speed becomes substantially equal to the free fall speed of the particulate melt, and the solidification tube 32 is connected to the lower end of the cooling tube 31 and has a cross sectional area enlarged discontinuously from the lower end of the cooling tube 31.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present application, a solar photovoltaic cell is disclosed. The semiconductor material of the solar photovoltaic cell includes an inter-digitated nanostructure of a charge transport material and an optical absorbing material. The charge transport material is formed by anodization of a metal, preferably a transition metal. The resultant charge transport material has an array of discrete, substantially parallel and cylindrical pores formed therein. These pores are filled with the optical semiconductor material, which can include a solution of organic semiconducting materials or an inorganic semiconducting oxide material.

Abstract: A roll-up pool combines a collection basin and an elevation grid system into one unit that can be set up for use in seconds. The roll-up pool includes a bottom portion and wall portions, as well as an upper surface. A set of elevation pieces are located between the upper surface and the bottom portion, and are bonded to these components. All of these components are made of a material which is sufficiently flexible to allow the structure to be wound into a roll. When decontamination is required, the roll is unwound to provide a collection basin having an elevation grid system. In another embodiment, the rolled structure includes only the elevation grid system, and is intended for deployment in a collection basin that already exists. The invention substantially reduces the time and effort required to decontaminate victims of industrial accidents or chemical or biological attack.

Abstract: A valve body comprises two inlet ports for receiving fluid at respective different pressures, an outlet port for delivering said fluid, a valve member mounted for limited movement within said body, and biasing means for biasing said valve member to move to one limit of its movement, said valve member being operable to move in response to the difference in pressure at said first and second ports in response to said biasing means for causing the valve member to vary the respective contributions of fluid delivered to the outlet port from the inlet ports. The valve body can contain a further movable valve member which is operable for receiving fluid from isolating control means and, in response thereto, for moving to obstructions one of said inlet ports and for urging the first mentioned valve member to obstruct the other inlet port.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling discharge of fuel vapor from an interior region in a fuel tank and preventing unsatisfactory liquid fuel levels within the interior region of the fuel tank. The apparatus includes a buoyant fill-limit valve movable to open and close a vapor outlet opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrant system that is projected over the ground while being buried in the underground.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drain water discharge structure for an air conditioning apparatus in which at least any one of an internal drain pipe (12) and an external drain pipe (14) is formed from an antibacterial metal pipe, thereby to inhibit the generation of slime in the external drain pipe (14) and to make the external drain pipe (14) less apt to deterioration.

Abstract: A method and valve assembly adapted for remote controlled mounting of the valve assembly on a subterraneously positioned pipe. The valve assembly is used to regulate flow of fluid through the pipe. The valve assembly includes a clamp having a base and jaw secured to the pipe. A stand tube is mounted on the clamp and receives a plunger. A resilient seat is mounted on the plunger to move selectively the plunger into and out of the pipe for regulating flow of fluid through the pipe.