Abstract: A ventilation system (10) ventilates surrounding waste gases or bio-contaminants and the like exhaled from a patient or dissipated nearby in the vicinity of the face of the patient. The system generally comprises an envelope (20) having breathable surface portions (40) for collecting gases therethrough into a hollow interior (28) of the envelope. A suction port (30) coupled to the envelope collects the gases from the hollow interior for removal by a suction device (16). The use of an envelope having breathable surface portions which is at least partly flexible permits the system to be readily applied to a patient by simply placing the envelope under the head of the patient like a pillow.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering a plurality of medication includes providing first and second medicament on a medicament pack in separate containers for preventing either medicament from interfering with the stability of the other. In accordance with the method, the medicaments are preferably delivered in a single inhalation.

Abstract: An improved methodology and systems for delivery of breathing gas such as for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea through application of alternating high and low level positive airway pressure within the airway of the patient with the high and low airway pressure being coordinated with the spontaneous respiration of the patient, and improved methods and apparatus for triggering and for leak management in such systems.

Abstract: A mask mounting mechanism for use in connection with a patient interface device including an extension member with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to a portion of the mask, and the second end extends from and is spacially separated from the mask. The mask mounting mechanism further includes an attachment mechanism on the second end of the extension member for engaging a strap of the mask attachment assembly. The second end of the extension member minimizes the potential for the attachment mechanism and the strap from contacting a user's face.

Abstract: A method for providing a pressure reference level for pressure triggering a ventilator responsive to a spontaneous breathing attempt by a patient. In the method, the patient connection of the breathing circuit is capped or plugged. A gas flow is then provided through the breathing circuit and is altered to an amount that causes the flow resistance properties of the breathing circuit to generate a desired gas pressure in the breathing circuit suitable for use as a reference pressure by the ventilator for pressure responsive triggering. During the operation of the ventilator, gas flow in a corresponding amount serves as a bias flow in the breathing circuit to assist breathing by the patient. The bias flow also generates the reference pressure level in the breathing circuit. A reduction in pressure from the pressure level resulting from inhalation by the patient triggers the operation of the ventilator.

Abstract: A gas delivery system that generates a pressurized flow of breathable gas for delivery to a patient. The system includes a primary gas delivery system for delivering a flow of pressured gas to the airway of a patient and supplemental gas delivery system. The supplemental gas delivery system is in the form of a modular gas regulator assembly that regulates the flow of supplemental gas from a gas source to the primary gas delivery system so that supplemental gas is delivered to the patient concomitant with the pressurized flow of breathable gas. The system allows the user to selectively control the gas concentration level of the supplemental gas, such as oxygen, helium, nitrogen or any combination thereof, and the pressurized flow of breathable gas delivered to the patient concomitantly.

Abstract: A respirator helmet (10?) or other helmet adapted to receive, by means of a plug (66) and socket arrangement (70), a pivotable bar (62) carrying a protective screen (63) such that the screen may be moved between a lowered position in front of the face of the wearer of the helmet and a raised position.

Abstract: A face mask for reducing the amount of microbes to which a wearer is exposed is provided. The face mask includes a body portion that has an outer layer that has been treated with a germicidal agent in an effective amount. The layer may be a nonwoven fabric like a spunbond, meltblown or coform layer and may be a laminate of such layers. The face mask having such a germicidal treatment can result in a reduction in microbial activity as compared to another face mask, identical but for the germicidal agent.

Abstract: A filtering and humidifying face mask is disclosed. The face mask includes a base mask and an outer mask removably secured to the base mask. The outer mask selectively retains at least one filtering layer and at least one humidifying layer. In this regard, upon donning the face mask, a wearer can remove and replace at least one of the filtering layer(s) and the humidifying layer(s) without altering a position of the base mask.

Abstract: A respirator that includes a mask body and a nose clip. The mask body is adapted to fit over the nose and mouth of a person, and the nose clip is placed on the mask body to extend over the bridge of the wearer's nose when the mask is worn. The nose clip has a predefined shape that comprises first and second wings. These wings exert a force resiliently inward on each side of the wearer's nose when the mask is worn. The invention eliminates the need for the wearer to individually shape the nose clip to the wearer's nose.

Abstract: A patient interface of the present invention includes a faceplate including a plurality of headgear attachment elements, a seal member operatively coupled to the faceplate; and an adjustment mechanism coupling the seal member to the faceplate. The adjustment mechanism controls the position of the seal member relative to the faceplate such that the seal member is moveable from a first position to a second position and is maintained in the second position during use of the patient interface after being moved to the second position.

Abstract: A method for controlling a ventilator, wherein at least one ventilation-dependent parameter is measured and evaluated by a control unit for the control of a ventilator. At least one operating parameter of the ventilator is changed as a function of the measured parameter. At least one constituent of the blood of the user is measured noninvasively as the ventilation-dependent parameter.

Abstract: An adapter for use on a suction lumen of a catheter is disclosed. The adapter is capable of extending the suction capabilities of the catheter to a point distal to a suction port in the catheter. The adapter is at least partially inserted into the catheter. The adapter contains a plug and a duct. The duct has an inlet and an outlet. The duct effectively extends the reach of a suction source and the plug is adapted to seal the catheter between the adapter and the distal end.

Abstract: A multilumen tracheal tube and a method of suctioning fluids through the same are disclosed. The tube includes a rinse lumen and a suction lumen, the rinse lumen enables rinsing of fluids within the suction lumen while simultaneously suctioning the fluids and ventilating the patient.

Abstract: The invention provides intrafallopian devices and non-surgical methods for their placement to prevent conception. The efficacy of the device is enhanced by forming the structure at least in part from copper or a copper alloy. The device is anchored within the fallopian tube by imposing a secondary shape on a resilient structure, the secondary shape having a larger cross-section than the fallopian tube. The resilient structure is restrained in a straight configuration and transcervically inserted within the fallopian tube, where it is released. The resilient structure is then restrained by the walls of the fallopian tube, imposing anchoring forces as it tries to resume the secondary shape.

Abstract: A pair of sheets defining a disposable sheath for covering the electrical leads in a monitoring system used for monitoring patient vital signs and secured together along edges and along spaced seams to define a plurality of longitudinally extending compartments. A plurality of tear lines extend along the spaced seams from the second end to a distance spaced from the first end for laterally separating the compartments into separate arms, and fingers, whereby electrical leads may be bundled together in the open distance at the first end and inserted into the arms and fingers. A seal seals the sheets about the electrical leads at the respective ends.

Abstract: Methods of treating skin in need thereof are disclosed including applying a drug or active agent or formulation thereof to the skin of a user and applying a sealer thereto. The methods are useful in actively enhancing penetration of the actives immediately upon application to skin, sealing the skin surface to prevent removal of the drug or active agent, holding the drug or active agent in a reservoir film, and/or enhancing long term penetration of the drug or active agent.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) generally involve use of a catheter having at least one closure device at its distal end. In some embodiments, the catheter also includes one or more energy transmission members for delivering energy to the closure device(s) and to the tissue adjacent the PFO to induce closure of the PFO. Closure devices may comprise, for example, a bioresorbable matrix or a non-resorbable matrix. In some embodiments, the closure device contains particles dispersed within the closure device to increase conductance and/or to reduce resistance and/or impedance. An exemplary method involves advancing a catheter to position its distal end into the tunnel of the PFO and fixing the closure device within the tunnel of the patent foramen PFO.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a cigarette tube with tobacco includes a base, on which a hopper and a compression chamber are provided. A cutter is provided on the base to be driven to cut the tobacco. A compression member is provided on the base to be driven to compress the tobacco in the compression chamber. A sensor detects a counter force on the compression member when the compression member compresses the tobacco. A sending device has an end received in the compression chamber to be driven to push the tobacco out of the compression chamber, and a central controller is connected to the cutter, the compression member and the sending device respectively to drive the cutter, the compression member and the sending device for movement according to a predetermined procedure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an aqueous preparation derived from leaves of Nicotiana tabacum for the preparation of a medicament for treatment of house dust mite allergy and/or cigarette smoke allergy. The preparation may comprise tobacco extract, ground tobacco leaves or snuff. In a preferred embodiment, the aqueous preparation is a preparation of snuff dispersed in water or an aqueous solution.

Abstract: The NewHair wig features a deliberate gap (3) at the front of the wig (2). Through this gap the wearer brings through his/her own real hair (5), parts and brushes over the wig hair to cover the gap, and in doing so, reveals some of his/her own real hair, natural hairline, scalp and roots (6), so that it looks as if all of the hair is growing out of his/her head. Whether the gap is on the left (7), in the centre (8), or on the right (9), it adds much-needed realism to the traditional wig. This is because traditional wigs use fringes, hair bands and other features to hide the stitching, but in doing so, they conceal the wearer's own roots and hairline, so it is apparent that the hair is not really growing out of the head and therefore the hair is fake.

Abstract: The Swivel Flosser comprises of these parts: a handle portion which is used to hold the flosser, a head portion which grasps the dental floss and has a u shaped configuration. The dental floss is part of the head portion. The head and the handle can be assembled by the user, once assembled together the head can rotate with respect to the handle allowing the user to clean the front teeth, the molars and everything in between with ease. The handle as well as the head can both be disposable or reusable according to utility and personal preference.

Abstract: Infrared light is irradiated whose wavelength corresponds to the absorption band of water contained in a chemical agent of a processing fluid introduced into inside a processing chamber of a pressure container. Only during irradiation with the infrared light, the water content of the processing fluid is selectively heated and accordingly activated. As a substrate rotates, the chemical agent on a substrate surface is sequentially activated, thereby accelerating the cleaning function of the water content of the chemical agent. This effectively removes unwanted substances (substances to be removed by cleaning) such as particles and a resist adhering to the substrate surface off from the substrate W.

Abstract: Semiconductor wafers have ashed photoresist residue and/or post-etch residue thereon to be cleaned through the chemical wet station, and a pattern of exposed metal layer. Post-etch residue removing solvent such as EKC-270 is fed into the solvent tank through a first solvent valve and first liquid feeding conduit that connected to bottom of the solvent tank. A circulation conduit connects the solvent tank with the first liquid feeding conduit for circulating the post-etch residue removing solvent. A liquid feeding pump is connected with the first liquid feeding conduit. A liquid drain conduit and a drain valve are connected with bottom of the solvent tank. Replacement solvent such as EKC-800 is fed into the solvent tank through a second solvent valve and second liquid feeding conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure has frame and a debris removal opening within the frame. The frame is secured to the ground by driving a blunt point of the frame into the ground. Further, the apparatus comprises a faucet positioned above the debris removal opening. Thus, a user may turn the faucet on to begin water flow and insert a garden tool into the opening. As the user inserts and/or removes the garden tool from the opening, the apparatus removes unwanted debris, e.g., mud, gravel, grass, etc., that is attached to the garden tool and washes the tool with the water.

Abstract: A dispensing system responds to reading data stored on a container by determining a dose for a chemical stored in that container. Then each time that the chemical is to be fed into a cleaning machine, the dispensing system operates a flow control device to deliver the designated dose. Thus the dispensing system is automatically reconfigured when different concentrations of the chemical are supplied to the dispensing system. Various mechanisms for storing the data on and reading the data from the container are described.

Abstract: A system controls dispensing different chemicals received from containers at a plurality of ports. Each container has data thereon that identifies the chemical within the container. The system reads the data from each container to determine which port is associated with each chemical. When a given chemical is required, the system activates a flow control device coupled to the port associated with that given chemical, thereby supplying the given chemical to a consuming device. Therefore regardless of into which port an operator places a particular chemical, the system automatically knows which port has which chemical and the dispensing is configured accordingly. Various mechanisms for storing the data on and reading the data from the container are described.

Abstract: A method for operating a vacuum cleaner having a fan, an electronic control system for the fan and/or another load, and a dust chamber for receiving an air-permeable dust bag, includes providing the dust bag with an identifier, and providing the vacuum cleaner with an identifying device associated with the electronic control system and configured to identify the identifier. When the identifier fails to be identified, at least one of the fan and the other load is controlled using the electronic control system so as to reduce at least one parameter associated with an intake of dust into the dust bag.

Abstract: A method for car wash and maintenance includes steps for car-washing, post-washing for preparing the car for the driver's riding, and performing a basic car maintenance. The step of performing a basic car maintenance is performed during the step of post-washing. The step of performing a basic car maintenance also includes steps of coordinating in space and time with the step of post-washing, accessing the car, and maintaining the car. The step of coordinating in space and time with the step of post-washing is performed by providing an extra accessing space for the maintenance work. The extra accessing space is provided by a pit below the car. The basic car maintenance includes oil change process. The maintenance work is coordinated to be performed under the car from the opposite underside where the post-washing work is performed.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning device and a substrate cleaning method reduces liquid drops remaining on a substrate to prevent the irregular heating of the substrate by a heating process due to liquid drops or water marks remaining on the substrate. A cleaning liquid is poured through a cleaning liquid pouring nozzle onto the surface of a substrate such that a region onto which the cleaning liquid is poured moves from a central part toward the circumference of the substrate. A gas is jetted radially outward at a region on the surface of the substrate behind a region onto which the cleaning liquid is poured with respect to the rotating direction of the substrate. The gas forces a liquid film of the cleaning liquid flowing on the surface of the substrate to flow in a circumferential direction and a radially outward direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a processing system, a method of processing and products produced by said process. Such system and method can reduce change over time and/or off quality product.

Abstract: The nozzles of a wheel well deicer are connected to the electrically controlled pump motor. The nozzles are located at the top of all four-wheel wells. These nozzles are securely mounted and connected to a rubber line which is connect to the electronic pump to carry thereon electrically conductive plate which is Connectable with a pair of stationary contacts. When an electrical connection is Established between the pair of stationary contacts, a washer pump supplied with electric current is driven to eject a washer liquid through nozzles onto the surface of the wheel well. The conductive plates are so located that the electrical connection between the pair of stationary contacts is established only during time periods in which the power switch located inside the vehicle is put on position which then ejects the liquid deicer through the line into the nozzles that are located in all four wheel wells. Then liquid deicer from the reservoir will be ejected from the nozzles.

Abstract: An ergonomically designed ambulatory walking device comprised of a bicycle seat supported by an offset seat post that can be used for both right and left injuries. Different handlebar configurations can move the user's hands any number of different positions laterally to the right or left, higher and lower in relationship to the seat and closer and farther from the pelvis. Different frame sizes and height and seat to hand spread make it possible to fine tune a person's balance by selecting standardized parts. The dispensing method allows for verification of doctor's orders and the procedure for selecting parts by a trained individual allows for proper body positioning of the user. The new and simplified frame design, along with its various components and stabilizers, help persons needing more assistance.

Abstract: A moisture diversion system is provided for a collapsible structure including a collapsible frame assembly and an outer structure coupled to the collapsible frame assembly. The moisture diversion system includes a guide strip coupled at each of a first edge and an opposing second edge to the outer structure. The guide strip defines a channel between the first edge and the second edge for facilitating diverting moisture from the outer structure.

Abstract: The present invention according to one preferred embodiment provides a thermoelectric element device comprising a first electrode including an electrode member, an elastic member that has electrically conductive and is provided on the electrode member, and a heat uniforming member that has electrically conductive and is provided on the elastic member; a thermoelectric element that is made of a thermoelectric material having thermoelectric effect and arranged on the first electrode so as to contact the heat uniforming member; and a second electrode arranged on the thermoelectric element

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion layer comprising a compound represented by the following formula (1): wherein L represents a divalent or polyvalent connecting group; n represents an integer of 2 or more; and A is a chemical structure represented by the following formula (2): wherein X1 to X8 each independently represents a substituted or unsubstituted carbon atom or a nitrogen atom.

Abstract: A thin film solar module includes a frame-like spacer formed by being adhered to a translucent substrate around a thin film solar cell formed on a rear face of the translucent substrate; a low-resilience resin section filled within the frame of the spacer and covering the thin film solar cell; and a rear side sheet covering a surface (outer side) of the low-resilience resin section. It should be noted that the rear side sheet is adhered to the low-resilience resin section and the spacer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrolyte composition that can simultaneously realize solidification of the electrolyte layer and alleviation of a reduction in photoelectric conversion rate caused by the solidification of electrolyte layers, and a dye-sensitized solar cell having a solid electrolyte layer comprising the electrolyte composition. The electrolyte composition includes nanoparticles with an ammonium group or a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group bound thereto; or a porous inorganic film with an ammonium group or a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group bound thereto. The nanoparticles and the porous inorganic film each are formed of a metal oxide. The nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group is an imidazolium group, a pyridinium group, a triazolium group or a guanidinium group, and the counter anion group is F?, Cl?, Br?, I? or the like. The ammonium group or the nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group chemically modifies the nanoparticles or the porous inorganic film.

Abstract: A template for growth of an anticipated semiconductor film has a deformation textured substrate. The template also has an intermediate epitaxial film coupled to the deformation textured substrate, the intermediate epitaxial film being chemically compatible and substantially lattice matched with the anticipated semiconductor film. A method of manufacturing a template for the growth of an anticipated semiconductor is also disclosed. A substrate is deformed to produce a textured surface. An intermediate epitaxial film, chemically compatible and substantially lattice matched with the anticipated semiconductor film, is deposited. A further disclosed photovoltaic device has a semiconductor layer, a deformation textured substrate, and an intermediate epitaxial film coupled to the deformation textured substrate. The intermediate epitaxial film is chemically compatible and substantially lattice matched with the semiconductor layer. The semiconductor layer is epitaxially grown on the intermediate epitaxial film.

Abstract: The present solar energy collector includes a substrate and a plurality of plates assembled on the substrate in a roof manner, wherein the plates include a plurality of protrusions capable of collecting a penetrating solar ray on a solar cell positioned at a predetermined region on the substrate. The solar energy collector may include two trapezoid plates and two triangular plates assembled on the substrate in an inclined manner to form a hip-roof. The solar energy collector may include four trapezoid plates positioned on the substrate in an inclined manner and one rectangular plate positioned on the trapezoid plates to form a mansard roof. The solar energy collector may include six first rectangular plates positioned on the substrate in a hexagonal manner, six second rectangular plates positioned on the first rectangular plates, and a hexagonal plate positioned on the second rectangular plates.

Abstract: CIGS photovoltaic cells, as well as related components, systems, and methods, are disclosed.

Abstract: A semiconductor electrode comprises a substrate having optical transparency, a transparent conductive layer provided on a photo-receptive surface of the substrate, and a porous semiconductor made of a metal oxide provided on the transparent conductive layer. The porous semiconductor has at least dye and a thiophene-ring-containing organic compound adsorbed thereon.

Abstract: A system comprising a plurality of organic photovoltaic cells arranged in a stack disposed between a first electrode and a second electrode, and a resistive load electrically connected across the first electrode and the second electrode. Each cell comprises a rectifying junction at an interface of organic semiconductor materials. There is metal or metal substitute disposed in the stack between each of the cells. At least a first cell and a second cell of the plurality of organic photovoltaic cells have different absorption characteristics. Photocurrent from the plurality of organic photovoltaic cells energizes the resistive load.

Abstract: A solar cell regulator in a nanosatellite includes a pulse width modulated DC-DC boost converter and a peak power tracking controller for converting solar cell power to bus power for charging of system batteries and powering loads while the controller controls the pulse width modulation operation of the converter for sensing solar cell currents and voltages along a power characteristic curve of the solar cell for peak power tracking, for determining any power data point, including a peak power point, an open circuit voltage point, and a short circuit current point along the power characteristic curve of the solar cell, and for communicating the power data to a satellite processor for monitoring the performance of the solar cell during operational use of the satellite.

Abstract: A yard hydrant having a valve body with a valve seat and a drain port. A closure valve disposed within the valve body and engaging the valve seat. The valve body having a conduit in fluid communication with the drain port and a hollow interior of the valve body. A check valve disposed within the conduit to prevent fluid flow from the drain port through the conduit to the hollow interior.

Abstract: A waste water and hazardous chemical collection system is provided. The system includes a bottom pan having a plurality of vertically disposed walls, a multitude of outwardly horizontally projecting ledges and a plurality of downwardly depending lips. Each pan further includes a drainage waffle inserted within said pan. A work surface is applied to a top surface of said drainage waffle. A plurality of holes is formed in said work surface permitting any liquids that make contact to the work surface to drain there through and into an area of the bottom pan. A pump is connected to said pan for withdrawing liquids therefrom. The system includes a water source for each pan thereby creating a shower system.

Abstract: A wall hydrant assembly with a faucet head mounted to an exterior wall of a building and connected to an outlet pipe that extends through the exterior wall to a motor located in an interior area. An inlet pipe is connected to a water supply at one end and the motor at the other. A power means is operatively connected to the motor for controlling the motor to allow the flow of water from the water supply to the faucet head when energized.

Abstract: An improved liquid infiltration adapting structure for preventing liquid infiltration around a gate valve box. The structure has an annular tube structure that is tapered to more easily receive a mating pipe. The tube structure may also comprise at least one bead for further securing the mating pipe. The adapting structure is also improved by providing a stepped inner flange for ease of installing the structure around the gate valve box.

Abstract: A valve assembly generally including a valve base having a plurality of internal conduits formed therein, at least one valve mounted to the base and in fluid communication with at least one internal conduit of the base and an override cover removably attached to the valve base. The valve has a manually activatable override element for actuating the valve and the cover has a label holder portion defining a pocket adapted to retain a label therein and a planar cover plate portion extending from the label holder portion over the override element of the valve. Thus, the cover plate portion forms a barrier for preventing accidental activation of the override element.

Abstract: A device for metering and controlling fluid flow includes a variable orifice and is configured to use a pressure sensor. The device includes a fluid flow conduit having at least one planar inner wall that extends along a portion of the fluid flow conduit length, and an element having a linear edge configured to mate with the at least one planar inner wall of the fluid flow conduit. The element is movable in a direction transverse to an axis of the conduit between an open position wherein fluid flows through the conduit and a closed position wherein the element substantially shuts off fluid flow in the conduit.