Abstract: Instrument introducers and methods of using the same are provided to facilitate the introduction of a surgical instrument into a cavity or a body opening of a patient. The instrument introducers include a body portion defining a lumen therethrough, a flexible distal end portion having a distal orifice, a proximal end portion having a proximal orifice, and at least one fold formed in at least the distal end portion.

Abstract: A skin-contacting adhesive composition is described which has improved initial tack, long-term adhesion, water uptake and translucency characteristics and may be prepared by melt extrusion. Uses of these compositions are also described, for example, their use in wound dressings, adhesive cushions, and transdermal drug delivery devices.

Abstract: A catheter-based, annulus reduction device and system for cardiac valve repair and method of using the same. The system is usable for treating mitral valve regurgitation and comprises a catheter, a reduction ring carried within the catheter, the reduction ring including a plurality of exit ports formed in a side wall of the reduction ring and filament received in the reduction ring. The filament includes a plurality of radially extendible barbs corresponding to the sidewall openings. The reduction ring carrying the filament is deployed adjacent a mitral valve annulus and the filament is translated relative to the reduction ring to deploy the barbs through the exit ports and into the annulus and to further translate the reduction ring with deployed barbs to reshape the annulus.

Abstract: A anteromedial approach to arthroplasty on a knee joint of a patient. The method of arthroplasty includes an arthrotomy that includes dissecting from medial to the tibial tubercle and around the medial border of the patella and up to the proximal border of the patella.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assessing the viability of tissue such as flap tissue are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for assessing the viability of flap tissue includes obtaining an oxygen saturation level associated with a first location on the flap tissue, determining whether the oxygen saturation level is less than a first level, and identifying the first location as having a poor blood supply if the oxygen saturation level is less than the first level.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems, kits, and methods to perform transgastric procedures to removing visceral fat in the peritoneal cavity are described. Am embodiment includes deliberately breaching a wall of a gastrointestinal tract to enter the peritoneal cavity to physically remove visceral fat adjacent or on outer surfaces of organs located within the peritoneal cavity. A user can identify regions of visceral fat desired to be removed. A user can insert an instrument through the mouth into the stomach of the patient. The user makes an incision in the wall of the organ adjacent the visceral fat to be removed. Using visual guidance for the instrument, the user passes a distal end of the instrument through an opening formed by the incision into the peritoneal cavity. A user utilizes removes the visceral fat from outer surfaces of the organ, the opening is closed, and the tool is removed from the patient.

Abstract: Cigarettes are manufactured using modified automated cigarette making apparatus. Those cigarettes possess smokable rods having paper wrapping materials having additive materials applied thereto as patterns. The additive materials, which can have the forms of liquid or paste formulations, can be applied to the paper web using application apparatus possessing rollers. One of those rollers can have a series of pockets in its roll face to receive additive formulation from a reservoir and to define the pattern of the formulation on the paper. A radiant dryer can be used to dry the additive material that has been applied to the paper web. The radiant dryer can be located on one component of a two component assembly that is used to manufacture cigarettes. Spectrometric techniques can be used to ensure proper registration of the additive material on the cigarette rods so manufactured, and to ensure proper quality of those cigarettes.

Abstract: Da Splitter” is a tool made of plastic, created to make adequate cuts in cigars and cigarillos to provide for additional material to be inserted to enhance the use of the cigar, cigarillos and other objects. Da Splitter was designed to make changing the flavor of a cigar quick and easy. With the razor to cut open the previous cigar, the pick to stuff the new one and a lighter attached to smoke your new flavored cigar this tool provides the convenience of three separate instruments in one.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a smoking article comprising two layers of wrapper material, the outer wrapper having an air permeability of at least 200 C.U. and having a greater permeability than the inner wrapper. Encapsulated flavour is held between the inner and outer wrappers. The encapsulation technique is dependent upon the flavour to be encapsulated and the sidestream to mainstream flavour delivery ratio required. Sidestream smoke may be altered without altering the mainstream smoke, thereby altering room odours.

Abstract: Provided is a preformed artificial nail designed to conform to the wearer's natural fingernail. The artificial nail includes an elongated nail body (110) that extends between a proximate edge (120) intended to abut against the cuticle and a distal edge (122) intended to extend beyond the wearer's fingertip. To allow the nail body to conform to the curve of the natural fingernail between the sides, the thickness of the nail body increases from the proximate edge to the distal edge. The relatively thinner proximate edge provides that region of the nail body with an inherent flexibility that allows the nail body to deflect and conform to the natural fingernail. The relatively thicker distal edge provides that region of the nail body with an inherent rigidity and, relatedly, additional strength to the portion of the nail body intended to extend beyond the fingertip.

Abstract: A cosmetic tool for lash capable of curling lash concurrently with the painting of eyeblack to reduce labor for cosmeticizing the lash, wherein a pair of operating levers (2) and (3) forming operation parts (1) at one end sides thereof for applying fingers thereto are formed in the form of a scissors/trowel by pivotally mounting these levers at a body part. The other end side (2a) of one operation lever (2) inserted into an eyeblack storage container (5) is formed in a paint brush shape. Hair (3b) for painting the eyeblack (6) on the lash (7) in association with hair (2b) at the other end (2a) of the operation lever (2) is desirably fitted to the other end side (3a) of the operation lever (3).

Abstract: This invention discloses an apparatus and method for cleaning teeth, particularly in individuals undergoing cosmetic and orthodontic treatment. The apparatus includes members having a tooth contact portion and a handle portion. Connected to the tooth contact portion is a floss tip enclosure element capable of receiving floss that is capped. The invention can be used easily and conveniently to enable a person to floss underneath bridges, or orthodontic wiring, without damage to the gingival tissue.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a plasma generating area of a plasma applicator in situ is disclosed and comprises; supplying a by-product cleaning gas to the plasma generating area, and generating a plasma from the by-product cleaning gas in the plasma generating area.

Abstract: In certain aspects, a substrate deposition apparatus, including a gas tube coupled to a gas source, an RF power source and a substrate processing chamber, is provided. The gas tube is adapted to carry process gas and cleaning plasma from the gas source/remote plasma gas source to the substrate processing chamber and the RF power source is adapted to couple RF power to the substrate processing chamber. Furthermore an RF choke coupled to the RF power source and the gas source wherein the RF choke is adapted to attenuate a voltage difference between the RF power source and the gas source to prevent plasma formation in the gas tube during substrate processing. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate rinsing method and apparatus. A wet processed substrate is spun to reduce the amount of process solution on the surface of the substrate. The concentration of the process solution on the surface of the substrate is reduced by applying a cleaning solution to the surface. The cleaning solution may be applied from nozzles on a supply member positioned across from the surface of the substrate. The nozzles may be angled to evenly distribute application of the cleaning solution on the substrate.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a filter component comprises subjecting the component to an atmosphere of superheated steam at a pressure of a least 0.5 bar in a vessel and subsequently decompressing the vessel to achieve a pressure reduction of at least 0.5 bar in at most 5 seconds. The method is particularly useful for the cleaning of filter components that have been used for the filtration of molten polymer (e.g. polyester) and which are at least partially blocked by solidified polymer.

Abstract: A stain removal kit that includes a pad impregnated with a substantially dry cleaning composition is provided. The pad is placed into a sealed, water-impermeable, sealable container. The pad is removable after opening and activating with warmed water. The pad may then be applied to fabric to remove a stain. A method for removing a stain from synthetic fibers is also disclosed. The method generally involves placing heated water into the container for a period of time to allow the pad to absorb the water and to create liquefied cleaning composition in the pad. The pad is then placed onto a stained area of a synthetic fabric for a period of time sufficient for the cleaning composition to act on the stain and the pad. The stain is thereby wicked away.

Abstract: Device for cleaning of surfaces under water, such as ship hulls, includes a rotary disc furnished with nozzles for discharge of pressurized liquid against the surface to be cleaned. The nozzles are mounted obliquely in relation to the rotational axis of the rotary disc and are arranged to be supplied with pressurized liquid through a hollow spindle that is concentric with the rotational axis. The nozzles have an inclination that have an orientation involving that the velocity component (Vp) of the liquid jet from each nozzle that is not perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned, has a tangential velocity component (Vt) that has the same direction as the direction of rotation (R) of the rotary disc and optionally a radial velocity component that is positive, i.e. that is directed outwards in relation to the center of the disc.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a wafer includes a rotary chuck for supporting and rotating a wafer, a cleaning solution supply unit for supplying a cleaning solution onto the wafer, a bowl spaced apart from and surrounding the rotary chuck, and a protrusion portion protruded from the rotary chuck and having a slope face with respect to the rotary chuck. The protrusion portion can prevent an ascending air stream from being generated by a vortex when the rotary chuck rotates. A guide member can be positioned between the bowl and the rotary chuck to guide the cleaning solution downwardly to a bottom portion of the bowl. A protector can extend from an inner side surface of the guide member toward the rotary chuck, to prevent an ascending air stream caused by the vortex.

Abstract: An umbrella frame has a main shaft and multiple branches pivotally attached around the main shaft. The main shaft has an immovable upper base and a movable lower base each having multiple retaining slots. Each branch is divided into a front section, a middle section and a rear section and has a supporting rib and a pulling rib both pivotally attached under the front section. The front sections and the supporting ribs have pin heads to respectively engage the retaining slots on the upper and lower bases so that the branches are pivotally attached to the main shaft. Moreover, the supporting rib, the pulling ribs, the front section and middle section perform a quaternary-linkage to make operation conveniently and stably. Additionally, the umbrella frame is made of high-stiffness plastic so that the umbrella frame does not rust and has excellent anti-deforming efficiency.

Abstract: Shading apparatus including: a standpost; a plurality of boom members slidably mounted to said standpost and extending therefrom for movement therealong between selected positions; and a shade canopy mounted to each boom member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foldable corniced tent typically comprised of poles, awning boom frame supported by said poles and awning covering over the strike-up awning boom frame, the each roof brace set of said awning boom frame is fixed on said pole by locating the outside ends on the stay base and sliding base located at the top end and trunk of the pole respectively, wherein on the each roof brace of said awning boom frame, a cornice boom is pivoted on the proper position approaching to the out end with one end, and the trunk of said cornice boom is fit into a guide block located on the stay base fixed on the top end of the pole stretching outward to form cornice. Comparing with the prior art, the present invention saves a sub-cornice and a slider connecting the sub-cornice to the pole, so that the present invention not only simplifies the structure, but also keeps the volume of the folded tent in the original level facilitating to saving and carrying out.

Abstract: A frame for automatic umbrella style canopy tents and a tent including the frame are disclosed. In the tent frame, the spreaders, which expand or collapse the upper ribs in radial directions, are configured as extendible members, thus reliably locking the tent frame in an expanded state and securely maintaining a pitched state of the tent. In the tent frame of the present invention, each of the spreaders includes a first spreader part coupled to the upper rib and a second spreader part which is coupled to a spreader holder and into which the first spreader part is inserted such that the first spreader part is extendible, with a spring installed in the second spreader part and causing the first spreader part to be extended.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a one-touch type foldable tent, and in particular to an improved one-touch type foldable tent in which the poles are concurrently folded and unfolded based on an operation of a connection assembly. The connection assembly is provided at an upper center of the tent for folding and unfolding the poles, and the upper sides of the poles are hinged at the center connection assembly.

Abstract: In a thermoelectric converter, a division case (28, 29) is divided into first and second case portions (28, 29) to form air paths leading to a plurality of heat exchange members (25) defined into the heat absorption side and the heat radiation side. A waterproof film member (14) forming a waterproof film to prevent wetting of thermoelectric elements (12, 13) is formed on each surface of a first holding plate (11). The division case (28, 29) is so configured that the outer peripheral edge of the first holding plate (11) is held in the coupling surfaces of the first and second case portions (28, 29). At the same time, the first and second case portions (28, 29) are combined and held in such a manner as to press a pair of elastic members (30) against the outer peripheral edge of the first holding plate (11). As a result, wetting of the thermoelectric elements is suppressed and the durability, in terms of vibration resistance of the joints, is improved.

Abstract: The elevation of a solar panel to follow the course of the sun is achieved in a manner to require relatively little power. The elevation mechanism utilizes a system of wires and pulleys which cooperate with springs which are compressed when the panel is in the collapsed position. The springs operate to overcome inertia when panel elevation first commences. The wire and pulley system operates to extend in opposite directions a pair of arms, one connected to the panel base member, the other connected to the top of the panel pivoting member.

Abstract: Techniques for collecting a large amount of sunlight without overheating the underlying solar cells are disclosed. According to one aspect of the techniques, an array of concentrating lenses are provided, each of the lenses having a spherical surface that includes a plurality of concentric V-shaped rings. Such lenses have been proved to be able to focus a large amount of sunlight onto solar cells while at the same time reducing heat caused by the concentrated sunlight. To further heat dissipation, the solar cells are bonded to a metallic board. Various layouts of electrodes are designed to lead out the energy signals in the presence of the metallic board.

Abstract: A photoelectric converter containing a conductive substrate having thereon a dye sensitized semiconductor electrode, a charge transport layer and a counter electrode, wherein the charge transport layer contains a charge transport material and an antioxidant.

Abstract: A fluid line assembly includes an outer fluid line and an inner fluid line. The inner and outer fluid lines each include a slip joint. At least one of the slip joints include a variable volume reservoir in communication with the interior of the corresponding fluid line. The reservoir is at least partially defined by a first tube section, a second tube section having an axially extending portion and radially extending portion, and a radially extending piston connected to the first tube section for movement therewith. The at least one slip joint also includes a resiliently compressible conductive member positioned between and in contact with the piston and the radially extending portion of the second tube section to create an electrical path therebetween.

Abstract: A cylinder apparatus comprises a piston which is displaced along a cylinder tube under the driving action of a driving section provided for a main cylinder body, while the piston is displaced under the pressing action of a pressure fluid supplied to the cylinder tube. The amount of the pressure fluid supplied to the main cylinder body is increased before a workpiece is engaged with a table section arranged at an end of the main cylinder body so that pressing force, which is applied to the piston, is increased. Accordingly, driving load, which is exerted on the driving section when the workpiece is engaged with the table section, is reduced.

Abstract: A shrouded valve apparatus including an outer conduit, an inner conduit disposed within the outer conduit, and a valve member operable to regulate flow through the inner conduit. This apparatus is useful in shrouded aircraft fuel systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in field servicing a choke valve system. The apparatus is used for lifting, manipulating, and handling the heavy components of hydraulic choke valves. The apparatus includes an elongated track, a choke valve support structure, a trolley that selectably reciprocates along a length of the trolley, and an attachment mechanism for attaching a choke actuator to the trolley.

Abstract: The invention is for a safety valve for a piping system. The safety valve has a cylindrical housing, a piston assembly with two disc-shaped pistons, each piston having at least one orifice defined therein, a shaft connecting the pistons, a valve stem, and a stop attached to one end of the valve stem. The safety valve has a valve seat with an opening shaped and sized to receive the stop. The safety valve has a spring positioned in the housing against the piston assembly so that the spring exerts a spring force on the second piston in a direction opposite the direction of fluid flow. When fluid forces acting on the piston assembly exceed a spring force acting on the piston assembly, the piston assembly moves in the direction of flow until the stop engages the valve seat and shuts off flow through the safety valve.

Abstract: In one set of embodiments a selected section of tubular stock has its ends welded together to form a pillow-like pressure sensing device with an entry tube and an exit tube each configured to facilitate insertion of the pressure sensing device into the flow path of IV infusate in an IV administration set or system. Fluid pressure in excess of a predetermined amount reconfigures the pressure sensing device from a generally oval configuration to a generally circular configuration to restrict and/or cut off fluid flow into the device while permitting fluid flow from the device to reduce the fluid pressure again reconfiguring the device back to its generally oval configuration and permitting fluid flow into and through the device.

Abstract: A check valve for an inflatable device comprising a poppet urged by a conical spring to annularly seal uniformly around its entire periphery to assure more uniform cracking pressure about its entire periphery. In one embodiment the check valve comprises a locking key to lock the valve closed irrespective of the cracking pressure that may otherwise may have cracked the valve open. In another embodiment, the check valve comprises a manual dump feature that allows rapid dumping of air from the inflatable irrespective of low cracking pressure that may exist in the inflatable.

Abstract: A top entry check valve including a valve body with an access port. A compressible hanger body engages a portion of the valve body and is positioned in alignment with the access port of the valve body. A clapper is connected to the hanger body so that the clapper is movable between a closed position wherein the clapper engages a valve seat to occlude the passage of fluid through the fluid flow passage and an open position wherein the clapper is moved away from the valve seat to permit passage of fluid through the fluid flow passage. A closure member is connected to the valve body to close the access port of the valve body. The closure member has an abutment surface engaging the hanger body so that the hanger body is compressed between the closure member and the valve body.

Abstract: Mechanical actuation of valves in flexible fluidic structures allows for the regulation of fluid flow. In accordance with the disclosure herein, a fluidic structure is provided wherein mechanical actuation is conferred using a pin to actuate a flexible layer to occlude fluid flow in a fluid channel.

Abstract: A fluid system (4) of a printing machine cleaning device (6) has at least one distributor valve (2) with an inlet (8), at least two outlets (10), a locking element (12) and a locking element seat (14). The at least two outlets (10) are each simultaneously separated, in terms of flow, from the inlet (8) or simultaneously connected, in terms of flow, to the inlet (8).

Abstract: A spool valve system includes a valve main body with, from a first side to a second side, an input port to which an input pressure is supplied, an output port that outputs an output pressure, and a drain port that discharges the input pressure; and a spool that is structured to move freely relative to the valve main body, the spool including, from the first side to the second side, a first land, a groove that is formed adjacent to the first land, and a second land that is formed adjacent to the groove.

Abstract: A low power switching valve array employing two or more actuated microvalves that are arranged to accommodate any desired number of inlets and any desired number of outlets. Fluid entering one of inlets may be directed to any one or more of the outlets. In one illustrative embodiment, a valve body may have a valve array inlet, and two or more pumping chambers defined within the valve body. Each of the two or more pumping chambers have an inlet in fluid communication with the valve array inlet. In another illustrative embodiment, a valve body may have a valve array outlet, and two or more pumping chambers defined within the valve body. Each of the two or more pumping chambers have an outlet in fluid communication with the valve array outlet.

Abstract: A multiway valve contains a housing having several inlets and outlets and a chamber. Several seats are provided and each is respectively associated with one inlet or one outlet. A closure element is provided which can move between the seats and at least one actuator is provided in the form of an element made of a form memory alloy, able to displace the closure element from one of the seats when heating occurs. A spring element presses the closure element against each respective seat that it engages.

Abstract: A flexible collapsible corrugated drain pipe has a corrugation structure that permits a tight bending radius and relatively facile collapsing and expansion of corrugations, thereby permitting convenient manipulation and installation of drain pipe and packaging, display, storage and transportation of the collapsed pipe sections.

Abstract: The invention described relates to a composition for a multilayer tube having an inner and an outer layer. Preferably the inner layer of the tube has at least one at least partially crosslinked, preferably polyethylene, which is less flexible than the adjacent more flexible outer layer, which is preferably a thermoplastic elastomer. The inner and outer layers are typically coextruded during manufacture, with at least one overmolded end, preferably crosslinked, which generally has an internal diameter which is essentially the same as the internal diameter of the multilayer tube. The multilayer tube is typically crosslinked, preferably by electron beam.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with ducting for mounting upon elongate members such as cables, tubes etc and particularly for such members which are deployed under water. A duct constructed in accordance with the invention has an internal service 14 defining an elongate internal chamber for receiving the elongate member. Means are provided, such as tension bands 21, for applying tension around the duct to urge it toward the elongate member within. The duct is characterised by provision of internal spaces such as fins 30 which are interposed in use between the internal surface 14 of the duct and the external surface of the elongate member. The spaces are resiliently deformable and so are able to embrace elongate members having a range of different lateral dimensions.

Abstract: A gaseous composition particular suitable for inflating the tires of vehicles with a high heat transfer capacity that results in tires having a longer life and better performance. In one aspect, this composition is based on hydrofluorocarbons, and is capable of effectively conducting the heat generated during the rotation of the tire to the wheel rim and at a more or less constant pressure. In one aspect, the wheel rim acts as a radiator, exchanging the heat with the outside air, maintaining the tire temperature low and preventing it from overheating.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an inkjet cartridge refilling system. The system may include a drill station configured to drill at least one refilling hole in an inkjet printer cartridge. The system may include an evacuation station configured to remove excess ink from the inkjet printer cartridge. In some embodiments, the excess ink is removed via a vacuum source. The system may also include a filling station configured to provide any of a plurality of inks into the cartridge. Some embodiments provide the ink to the inkjet cartridge via a hole drilled in the cartridge. Other embodiments provide the ink via inkjet nozzles of the inkjet printer cartridge. The system may also include a test station configured to test the refilled cartridge to determine whether it is functioning properly after being filled with ink.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for reducing the threat of environmental pollution in both the private and industrial arenas by safely exchanging oils and other liquid lubricants, fuels, and anti-freeze from internal combustion engines, differentials, transmissions, gear boxes, filters, and/or any other reservoirs found in, but not limited to, automotive, excavating, industrial, and farming equipment and machines. The system and method of the present invention rely on the use of either a fluid transport gallery (FTG) that is cast into the reservoirs contained within the operational structure of a device powered by an internal combustion engine, electric motor, or any other power source, or a pipe or tube installed in these devices at the time of assembly, or retrofitted to them.

Abstract: A high pressure fuel flow control device wherein pressure sensors are interposed on either side of the main restriction point of a refueling depot when the vehicle tank(s) to be refilled are interconnected in a flow circuit that connects the refilling depot and the vehicle tanks. The sensors measure pressure on the side of the depot tank[s] and pressure on the side of the vehicle tank at a restriction point in the gas flow circuit. Flow from a tank is complete and a tank is switched when the difference in the pressures sensed on opposite sides of the restriction point approaches zero or slightly greater than zero.

Abstract: A liquid reclamation apparatus for use in changing automobile oil includes a container, a portable receptacle within the container and dimensioned to hold a volume of oil sufficient to perform an oil change and a cover releasably secured to the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering a plurality of containers to a plurality of filling machines for filling of the containers with a substance. The apparatus includes a feeding assembly including a first staging area aligned with a first filling machine of the plurality of filling machines for facilitating delivery of containers of the plurality of containers from the first staging area to the first filling machine, a second staging area aligned with a second filling machine of the plurality of filling machines for facilitating delivery of containers of the plurality of containers from the second staging area to the second filling machine, and a receiving area adjacent a supply of the plurality of containers. The feeding assembly is configured to move containers of the plurality of containers from the receiving area to the first staging area and to move containers of the plurality of containers from the receiving area to the second staging area.