Abstract: A physiogenomic-based method for predicting the outcome of treatment regimens in human patients based upon association screening to identify genetic markers and related physiological characteristics that influence the disease status of a patient, the progression to disease and response to the treatment. By repeating the analysis quantitatively for each of multiple treatment regimens, a profile can be created for each patient can be used to determine which of several treatment regimens are best suited to the patient's clinical needs.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for practicing telemedicine in the form of software systems acting over a network and kits containing laboratory supplies and equipment to organize the laboratory operations and interpret the results of molecular diagnostic testing are disclosed. At least two computers in communication over the Internet or other network are used, a remote computer located at a remote site and a central server located at a central site. The remote site may be geographically distant from the central site. A specimen is procured from a patient proximate to the remote site. Laboratory operations are conducted on the specimen at the remote site. The laboratory data resulting from the laboratory operations is interpreted by an expert reviewer who may be located at the central site, and a report is then transmitted back to the remote site.

Abstract: This relates to treating an asthmatic lung and more particularly, relates to advancing a treatment device into the lung and treating the lung with the device. This also includes additional steps of treating the airway wall, applying energy or heat to the airway wall in an asthmatic lung.

Abstract: This relates to treating an asthmatic lung and more particularly, relates to advancing a treatment device into the lung and treating the lung with the device. This also includes additional steps of treating the airway wall, applying energy or heat to the airway wall in an asthmatic lung.

Abstract: A finite element model of an ear stored on a computer readable medium having logic representing a three-dimensional geometric model of the ear; logic for meshing individual anatomical structures of the ear accounting for whether the anatomical structures include at least one of air, liquid material and solid material; logic for assigning material properties for each anatomical structure based on at least one physical property of each anatomical structure; logic for assigning boundary conditions for some of the anatomical structures indicative of interaction between such anatomical structures; and logic for employing acoustic-structural coupled analysis to the anatomical structures of the ear to generate data indicative of the acoustic effect on mechanical vibration transmission in the ear. Various embodiments of “one-chamber” and “two-chamber” analyses and models are described.

Abstract: An electrophysiology catheter includes a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therebetween. The tube is preferably comprised of multiple sections of different flexibility, arranged so that the flexibility of the catheter increases from the proximal end to the distal end. There is a first generally hollow electrode member at the distal end. At least one magnetically responsive element is disposed at least partially in the hollow electrode, for orienting the distal end of the catheter with an externally applied magnetic field. Multiple magnets can be distributed over the distal portion of the device. The end electrode can have openings for delivering irrigating fluid, and/or a sleeve can be provided around the tube to create an annular space for the delivering of irrigating fluid. A temperature sensor can be provided to control the operation of the catheter. A localization coil can also be included to sense the position and orientation of the catheter.

Abstract: A system operable to assist in a surgical procedure. The system can include a surgical navigation system that can be used to assist in determining a position of the surgical instrument, an information of an anatomical body, information regarding an anatomical structure, or combinations thereof. The system can further display the positional information or the anatomical or physiological information on a display.

Abstract: A method of applying an electrode on the end of a flexible medical device to the surface of a body structure, the method including navigating the distal end of the device to the surface by orienting the distal end and advancing the device until the tip of the device contacts the surface and the portion of the device proximal to the end prolapses. Alternatively the pressure can be monitored with a pressure sensor, and used as an input in a feed back control to maintain contact pressure within a pre-determined range.

Abstract: A tobacco smoke filter comprising one or more than one metal phthalocyanine, such as a copper phthalocyanine or an iron phthalocyanine, and further comprising one or more than one polycationic polymer.

Abstract: A tool for use in a hair color or other treatment foiling method, comprising an elongated panel at one end of the tool for supporting foil and hair during a coloring procedure or other treatment. The panel comprises a comb portion on one side thereof with a curved tooth at the end of the panel adjacent to the comb portion. A handle portion is secured to the panel and is tapered inwardly toward the other end of the tool. An elongated pick extends outwardly from the handle portion at the other end of the tool for separating, weaving and preparing hair to be colored or treated. In the method of the present invention, the tool is used with a hair coloring or treatment tool kit comprising a flexible support such as an apron having a plurality of pockets for removably supporting all of the components required for performing a hair color foiling method or other hair treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hair curling iron. The hair curling iron of the present invention includes an iron body and a compression clip assembly. The iron body has a heating body having a bar shape with a circular cross-section, and a handle which is coupled to an end of the heating body. The compression clip assembly has a compression clip having an arc cross-section corresponding to an outer surface of the heating body. The compression clip assembly is coupled to the heating body such that the compression clip detachably contacts the outer surface of the heating body. The compression clip assembly further has a clip cover which is coupled to the compression clip such that a space is defined between the clip cover and the compression clip, and a clip heater which is inserted into the space defined between the clip cover and the compression clip.

Abstract: A multipurpose hair apparel includes an elastic retention band and a non-elastic fabric shelter, having a width substantially larger than a width of the retention band, extended from the retention band in an end-to-end manner to form a wearing loop for adjustably conforming a head of a user. The fabric shelter is adapted to stretch out its width to form a head shield for covering the head of the user and to adjustably reduce the width corresponding to the width of the retention band to form a headband for crowning at the head of the user. The retention band is adapted to repeatedly loop to form a scrunchy for tightening up a ponytail of the user. Therefore, the user is able to multi-use the multipurpose hair apparel to confine the hair in different ways and different styles.

Abstract: An apparatus for wet processing individual wafers comprising; a means for holding the wafer; a means for providing acoustic energy to a non-device side of the wafer; and a means for flowing a fluid onto a device side of the wafer.

Abstract: The present invention is a method, process and apparatus for selective cleaning, drying, and modifying substrate surfaces and depositing thin films thereon using a dense phase gas solvent and admixtures within a first created supercritical fluid anti-solvent. Dense fluids are used in combination with sub-atmospheric, atmospheric and super-atmospheric plasma adjuncts (cold and thermal plasmas) to enhance substrate surface cleaning, modification, precision drying and deposition processes herein. Moreover, conventional wet cleaning agents such as hydrofluoric acid and ammonium fluoride may be used with the present invention to perform substrate pre-treatments prior to precision drying and cleaning treatments described herein. Finally, dense fluid such as solid phase carbon dioxide and argon may be used as a follow-on treatment or in combination with plasmas to further treat a substrate surface.

Abstract: In a method and a unit for cleaning pieces contaminated with organic matter using a cleaning fluid, at least a part of the cleaning fluid circulates in a loop between a unit (1) for cleaning pieces, in which the cleaning fluid is charged with organic material on contacting the pieces and a processing unit in which living microorganisms biologically decompose the organic matter contained in the fluid leaving the cleaning unit (1). The method includes an at least partial sterilisation of at least a part of the cleaning fluid circulating in the installation, for limiting or preventing the presence of living microorganisms in the cleaning fluid serving the cleaning unit (1). The method and apparatus apply to the degreasing of pieces.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying fluid to firearms including assembled firearms. The apparatus seals a target region of the firearm inside a chamber wherein the target region of the firearm contacts the fluid. Moreover, the apparatus seals the surface area of the firearm outside of the target region from fluid contact.

Abstract: A dishwasher is provided that permits the efficient and economical cleaning and drying of the items to be washed in the washing container, whilst reducing the associated energy consumption. To achieve this, in addition to the washing container, the inventive dishwasher also comprises a sorption column, which is connected to the washing container to form an air-conductive link and contains a material that can be reversibly dehydrated, said sorption column being used at least partially to dry the washed items. The thermal energy that is applied in the desorption of the sorption column is used at least partially to heat the rinsing water and/or the washed items in the washing container.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub, a spraying device and a washing liquid supply device. The spraying device is disposed in the tub and includes a number of spray nozzles. The spraying device is rotatable about a first axis, the first axis being approximately vertical when the dishwasher is in a working position. The washing liquid supply device supplies the spraying device with washing liquid. The spraying device includes a rotatable spray control device that opens and closes a flow path of washing liquid to the spray nozzles so as to provide pulsed spray jets.

Abstract: A rotary rinser 1 which injects dual fluids includes a rotary valve 11 in which an admixture of one of the fluids into the other fluid is prevented. A stationary valve member 28 is formed with a chemical liquid supply passage 60 and an air supply passage 48 while a rotary valve member 16 is formed with a chemical liquid discharge passage 18 and an air discharge passage 24. As the rotary valve member 16 rotates, a supply passage and a discharge passage for each fluid move into and out of communication. Sliding surfaces into which the chemical liquid passages 60 and 22a open (sliding surfaces of a chemical liquid stator 34 and a chemical liquid distributor 22) and sliding surfaces through which the air passage 48 and 24 move into and out of communication (sliding surfaces of the rotary valve member 16 and the air distributor 49) are disposed at different radial positions and at different elevations.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for use with a walker having a frame including a pair of fixed tubes, each lower end of the fixed tube being connected to a securer. A securing piece extends from the securer and is embraced by a rotating ring which can be rotated along with a handle bar. Upon rotating the handle bar for operation, the securing piece is compressed by the rotating ring and further secures a supporting leg with its resilience so as to reduce shaking of the supporting leg. Therefore, better stability of the walker is achieved.

Abstract: A structure comprising a supporting pole (1), a plurality of ribs (21) converging onto said pole, a covering canvas (4), fastened on said ribs, means apt to move said canvas (4) from the closed state to the open state and viceversa, a rope or stay rod (6) destined to bend upwards one of the ribs, as well as a jib (9) fastened to the canvas (4) at the position of the rib (21) apt to bend and to the activation rope (6), with said jib (9), when stretched, destined to act as orienting rudder of the covering, so that in presence of wind the umbrella orients and the upward folding of a covering portion, at the inflected rib, allows the continuous exhaust of the air which is pushed by the wind under the covering itself.

Abstract: An umbrella is provided that comprises a support pole, a suspending pole mounted transversely to the support pole, a hub, a canopy, and means for coupling and decoupling the hub from the suspending pole. The suspending pole has first and second ends and a longitudinal axis that defines an arc. The hub is attached to second end of suspending pole. The canopy is suspended in use from the hub. The coupling and decoupling means permits the canopy to be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the supporting pole.

Abstract: There is provided a micro power generator enhanced in efficiency and power generation output, and having an increased temperature range for operation. The micro power generator comprises: a high-temperature heat source; a low-temperature heat source; an enclosed body containing a working substance therein, the enclosed body being deformable by means of a phase change of the working substance between a first shape wherein heat can be transferred from the high-temperature heat source and a second shape wherein heat can be transferred to the low-temperature heat source; a permanent magnet constituting the enclosed body, the permanent magnet being maintained in a first position when the enclosed body has the first shape and in a second position when the enclosed body has the second shape; and a wire in which an electric current is induced by a movement of the permanent magnet.

Abstract: An temperature control apparatus includes a temperature detecting element (50), a control circuit (60), and a thermoelectric unit (70). The temperature detecting element contacts to a first surface (82) of a predetermined target (800). The control circuit is electrically connected to the temperature detecting element. The thermoelectric unit is electrically connected to the control circuit, and contacts a second surface of the predetermined target. The temperature detecting element detects a temperature signal. The temperature signal is input into the control circuit. The control circuit changes the temperature signal into an electrical current signal, and the electrical current signal drives the thermoelectric unit to control the temperature of the predetermined target.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a thermoelectric device (10), in particular a thermoelectric generator (10), comprising a flexible foil (1) on which two groups (2, 3) of series-connected strip-shaped parts (2A, 3A) are formed, where the materials chosen for the two groups of parts (2A, 3A) are materials with a different thermoelectric coefficient and said two groups of parts are formed in a pattern (100) such that the connections (4) between one part (2A) of one group (2) and another part (3A) of the other group (3) are alternately positioned in two spaced apart areas (G1, G2) of the foil (1), and after the formation of the parts (2A, 3A) on a substrate (5), the foil (1) is attached to the stripshaped parts (2A, 3A), after which the substrate (5) is removed.

Abstract: A solar energy device (100) for an electronic device includes a solar energy collecting component (10) and a lens module (20). The solar energy collecting component has a first surface (105) and a second surface. The lens module is rotatably mounted relative to the solar energy collecting component. The lens module is configured to concentrate incident solar radiation onto the first surface of the solar energy collecting component. The solar energy collecting component is for converting incident solar radiation energy to electrical energy. The lens module is movable between a first position in which the lens module is spaced from the first surface of the solar energy collecting component so as to concentrate incident solar radiation onto the first surface and a second position in which the lens module abuts the second surface so as to reduce overall volume of the solar energy device.

Abstract: A multilayer structure comprises a base, a first film, a second film including a plurality of first structure units, and a third film including a plurality of second structure units. The first film is disposed between the second film and the third film. The second film is disposed between the base and the first film. The first film is chemically bonded to one of at least one first structure units out of the plurality of first structure units and at least one second structure units out of the plurality of second structure units. Electron transfer occurs between the second film and the third film in response to energy applied.

Abstract: A flapper valve and a method of making the same that does not require bearing assembly. More particularly, the flapper valve includes a shaft having one or more flap portions and one or more bearing portions molded in place on the shaft as a unitary structure. The bearing portions are separated from adjacent flap portions and/or the shaft thereby forming a bearing that rotates independently of flap portions on the shaft. Accordingly, the flapper valve with mold-in-place bearings does not require bearings to be separately assembled or installed prior to installation of the valve.

Abstract: A safety valve is positioned in supply plumbing that supplies a fluid medium such as natural gas to a point of use structure such as a home. A mechanical actuator is provided remote from the safety valve but mechanically connected to the safety valve. This allows the actuator to be positioned, for example, directly on the point of use structure, avoiding the need for separate bracing for the valve. The valve can be provided with a tee fitting or can be a separate gate valve. The mechanical actuator can be actuated by seismic disturbance, manually, or by activation by remote sensor or home security system.

Abstract: A quick exhaust valve is preferably constructed having a port connector, an input body, and an exhaust body. The input body and exhaust body are preferably arranged in a rotatable relationship with the port connector such that an input port of the input body can be arranged in a desired orientation with respect to a connected device and still permit communication between ports in the input and exhaust bodies and a port in the port connector.

Abstract: A vacuum breaker includes a hollow bushing with an end in communication with the atmosphere and the other end in communication with at least one water outlet, a check plugger moveably disposed in the bushing, and a sealing sleeve disposed in the bushing adjacent to the upper end of the check plugger. The check plugger falls automatically down by gravity. The check plugger has a conical upper end. The upper end has a closing surface. The sealing sleeve is defined with a central hole receiving the upper end of the check plugger. An inner conical surface is formed in the inner wall of the central hole. The inner conical surface is closely abutted against by the closing surface.

Abstract: A system and method for an expandable gas or fluid distribution system is disclosed. The expandable distribution system comprises at least one device, an endcap, and an inlet piece. The electromagnetic switch is removably coupled to the endcap and the inlet piece such that the distribution system can be expanded by adding another device.

Abstract: A unitary water meter setter, preferably provided in an integral brass casting, has a continuous inlet pipe having an inwardly extending inlet service leg with a threaded end, and an inlet meter support leg extending upwardly with respect thereto to a threaded meter inlet end and a continuous outlet pipe having an inwardly extending outlet service leg aligned with the inlet service leg with a threaded end and an outlet meter support leg extending upwardly with respect thereto to a threaded meter outlet end. A central bracing structure rigidly connects spaces and positions the inlet and outlet pipes to receive a water meter and connecting components. The connecting components include a first set of two riser pipes each providing substantially the same rise, one of the riser pipes threadably connected at one end to the threaded meter inlet end of the inlet pipe, and the other riser pipe connected at one end to the meter outlet end of the outlet pipe.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a protective device for a faucet or other protrusion. The protective device includes a housing having a proximal end, a distal end and a lip located at the proximal end. The lip is capable of being attached to a surface such that the housing extends over or covers at least a portion of a faucet. The housing includes a top wall disposed between two side walls, wherein the housing has an inverted U-shape in transverse cross section. The device may include a detachable locking door. The invention is also directed to a method and kit for making the protective device.

Abstract: A shut off cover removably attachable to a water shut off valve for protecting and decoratively covering the shut off valve.

Abstract: The invention is intended to provide a mass flow control device incorporating a verification tank, in which the mass flow testing operations are conducted by the device itself. A mass flow control device comprises control means 18 for controlling a flow control valve mechanism based on an externally input flow set signal and a flow signal. The mass flow control device is equipped with a mass flow detector means 8 and a flow control valve mechanism 10 both of which are set in a channel 6 through which a fluid flows. The mass flow detector means 8 detects the mass flow of the fluid that flows through the channel and outputs the flow signal. The flow control valve mechanism 10 controls the mass flow by altering the valve aperture by means of valve drive signals. The mass flow control device is also equipped with a verification valve 42, a verification tank 44 and pressure detector means 46 in the channel. The verification valve 42 opens and closes the channel. The verification tank 44 has a certain volume.

Abstract: A fluid pressure restricting device and system to dispense a fluid under pressure. The device, which may be coupled to a pressurized supply and to a control device, includes a piston, a housing, and a spring. The fluid may be dispensed at a pressure determined according to a dimension of the piston and the spring force.

Abstract: A pipeline assembly for transporting a fluid such as oil, gas and water along a fluid path extending in the pipeline has a pressure control device incorporated therein. The pressure control device regulates the pressure of the fluid downstream the pressure control device to a predetermined pressure which is independent of, and less than, the pressure prevailing in the pipeline upstream of the pressure control device.

Abstract: The device comprises a stationary body which has, defined inside it, a passage for a flow of liquid with at least one inlet opening and one outlet opening for the flow and in which at least one valve seat directed towards the outlet opening is defined in the vicinity of the inlet opening and in a middle portion of which a shaped transverse annular surface is formed. A movable body is arranged in the passage and co-operates in the manner of a flow throttling member with the transverse annular surface so as to define for the liquid flowing from the inlet opening to the outlet opening a flow cross section variable depending on the pressure of the liquid at the inlet of the support body. The movable body co-operates moreover in the manner of a obturator with the seat and a return spring tends to push it against this seat away from said shaped annular surface.

Abstract: A check valve has a sleeve threaded to a seat so that an adjusting rod, a valve rod and a spring can be installed therein. The sleeve has a water inlet and a plurality of through holes so that when water flows into the valve body from the water inlet of the sleeve, the pressure of the water flow will press the valve rod to move upwards. Then water will flow out from the through hole of the sleeve. When the valve rod moves downwards, the pressures of the water flow and the spring will seal the water inlet to prevent the water flows reversely. Furthermore, the valve body has an integral structure. No part will lose in maintenance. Moreover the assembly speed will be increased.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing off a path in a fluid delivery system, comprising: a closing assembly providing a first fluid path between a first conduit and a second conduit, wherein the closing assembly comprises a remotely actuatable valve mechanism that closes the first fluid path and provides a second fluid path from either the first conduit or the second conduit to a third conduit, wherein the remotely acuatable valve mechanism closes the first fluid path when a predetermined condition is sensed in the fluid delivery system.

Abstract: A main body section is provided with a filter for removing dust or the like contained in a pressure fluid, and a silencer for reducing an exhaust sound produced when pressure fluid is discharged from an ejector, which functions as a vacuum-generating mechanism. The filter is formed with a substantially elongated circular cross section having a pair of circular arc sections. Further, the filter is formed in a two-layered structure, composed of an inner layer and an outer layer, obtained by winding fiber materials having different material qualities respectively.

Abstract: A fuel additive system of a fuel delivery system of a vehicle includes an additive tank assembly, and a dosing unit in communication with the additive tank assembly to control the amount of additive dosed to the fuel tank. The additive tank assembly includes a pressurized tank of generally torispherical or ellipsoidal shape, a tank conduit with one end in communication with a sump in the pressurized tank and an opposite end extending out of the pressurized tank, and a valve in communication with the tank conduit near the opposite end thereof and being normally closed under pressure from the pressurized tank. The dosing unit includes a housing having an inlet passage in communication with the tank conduit, and a valve actuator in the inlet passage to displace the valve of the additive tank assembly to an open position once the dosing unit is assembled to the additive tank assembly.

Abstract: A reduced gain thrust control valve for use in a rocket engine has a housing with a fluid inlet and a piston and cylinder unit for controlling a fluid output of the control valve. The fluid inlet is formed by at least one metering element formed in the housing. The at least one metering element has a rectangular portion for producing improved control stability, a tee and slot portion for controlling thrust during a start transient engine phase, and a fixed turbine bypass portion for accommodating a retainer. The retainer incorporates at least one fluid channel so as to produce repeatable fixed bypass flow metering.

Abstract: A fluid valve has a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port. A fluid flow path extends between the inlet port and the outlet port. A valve member is located in the housing in the fluid flow path. The valve member is moveable among a series of positions. The valve member and the housing have a plurality of apertures arranged such that a varied selection of the apertures is in the fluid flow path according to the indexed position of the valve member. In at least one indexed position of the valve member no apertures are in the flow path.

Abstract: A dual-poppet valve comprising a valve body having spaced-apart coaxial valve seats and being arranged such that first and second poppets both open into the primary chamber. A first pintle shaft engages the first poppet, and a second pintle shaft engages the second poppet. A motorized actuator having a gear transmission includes a pinion gear. The pintle shafts include opposing gear racks, and the pinion gear engages both racks. Thus, rotation of the pinion gear in a first direction causes both poppets to be lifted from their seats simultaneously, in opposite directions; and counter-rotation engages each poppet with its respective seat. In closing, one poppet engages its seat slightly before the other poppet engages the other seat. The first pintle slides through the first poppet until the second poppet is fully seated by the actuator. The force of the spring fully engages the first poppet with the first seat.

Abstract: A microfluidic device that comprises one or a plurality of microchannel structures each of which comprises a microconduit for transport and/or processing of liquid, the inner surface of which comprises a hydrophilic liquid contact surface area (surface area 1) that is delineated in at least one direction by a boundary to a hydrophobic surface area (surface area 2). The characteristic feature is that surface area 2 comprises a rough part that stretches along the boundary.

Abstract: A microfluidic system includes a bubble valve for regulating fluid flow through a microchannel. The bubble valve includes a fluid meniscus interfacing the microchannel interior and an actuator for deflecting the membrane into the microchannel interior to regulate fluid flow. The actuator generates a gas bubble in a liquid in the microchannel when a sufficient pressure is generated on the membrane.

Abstract: A feature of the present invention is it is adaptable to any pre-existing storm catch basin system. Another feature of the present invention is that it permits empirical analysis and verification of the draw down rate. Another feature is the present invention can be adjusted or modified to increase or decrease the rate of draw down after it has been installed to insure regulatory conditions are precisely met without difficulty. Changes in future regulatory draw down rates can be easily implemented. A flow restriction device has an orifice plate, the orifice plate having a frontal surface area A and at least one opening for the passage of fluid of an area Oa, wherein Oa is less than A. The flow restriction device may also employ a screen debris plate, the screen debris plate having a plurality of spaced openings for the passage of fluid; the sum area of the openings being ?Osp wherein ?Osp is greater than Oa.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method for installing a liner to repair a pipeline. The method involves placing a flexible lining hose that is coated with a thermosetting resin into the pipeline. A quick setting resin is also applied to the interior walls of the pipeline wherein the resin has a high contrast pigment agent therein in order to facilitate identification of and reopening of the various service laterals. A calibration hose is introduced into the lining hose and pressurized fluid is injected therein. The fluid presses the lining hose against the interior surface of the pipeline and cures the first and second thermosetting resins. The curing of the resins bonds the lining hose to the pipeline to form a rigid monolithic composite structure having high mechanical strength.