Abstract: A forehead support for a respiratory mask is disclosed. A forehead pad is connected to the shell of a respiratory mask by two support legs providing increased stability over forehead supports of the prior art. A threaded piece connects one support leg to the shell of the respiratory mask such that turning the threaded piece causes the support leg continuously to move toward or away from the respiratory mask.

Abstract: An intranasal insert of the type having two insert bodies (10) which are then connected together by a transparent non-rigid elongated fiber (24). The transparent fiber provides for comfort to the user and allows the insert to be worn without being visible to others. The insert bodies generally contain a substance (32) for drug delivery or control of foul odors and are placed inside the nose, one through each nostril (26). The design of the insert allows for easy removal from the nose and sanitary disposal by blowing into a clean tissue after use.

Abstract: A nasal assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having an integrally formed first connector portion. A nozzle assembly includes a gusset or base portion and a pair of nozzles. At least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into the frame and nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. A pair of second connector portions are removably and rotatably connected to respective first connector portions of the frame and are in communication with respective inlet conduits, e.g., directly or via angle connectors. A headgear assembly is removably connected to the pair of second connector portions and/or the angle connectors so as to maintain the frame and the nozzle assembly in a desired adjusted position on the patient's face.

Abstract: A tracheotomy apparatus including a cuff, a port and a sensor. The cuff defines a chamber and wraps around a portion of the subject's neck. A fluid delivery system delivers a gas to the chamber through the port as the subject naturally respires. The sensor monitors carbon dioxide in another gas exhaled from the subject as the subject naturally respires. The sensor can be coupled to a controller that monitors pre-selected parameters, and optionally activates an alarm when those parameters are unmet. A related method includes aligning the tracheotomy cuff with a subject's tracheotomy tube; delivering a first gas so that the subject can naturally respire, drawing the gas from the apparatus; and monitoring a second gas exhaled by the subject into the tracheotomy cuff. Optionally, an alarm is activated when the monitored parameters fall outside pre-selected parameters.

Abstract: A device for vaginal insertion that corrects the anatomical defect which is the cause of majority of prolapses is disclosed. Said device comprises a base member (or body), two lateral members (or opposite side arms) attached to two opposing sides of said base member, and a protruding member (or handle) attached to the mid-section of said base member. Two lateral arms re-approximate the detached endopelvic fascia to the pelvic side walls at the site of the Arcus Tendineus Levator Ani. In an embodiment, the base member is elongated or rectangularly shaped and/or is concaved toward the vaginal apex. In another embodiment, the base member reduces the prolapsed uterus. The protruding member extends outwardly from the base member to support the bladder neck, thereby improving urinary incontinence. The device is formed of a biocompatible, flexible material, e.g., medical grade silicone, so that it can be folded, for example at a mid-section for insertion.

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 a lumen-traversing region of the resilient structure which has a helical outer surface, together with a portion of the resilient structure which is biased to form a bent secondary shape, 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. Optionally, permanent sterilization is effected by passing a current through the resilient structure to the tubal walls.

Abstract: A power source for a vehicle includes at least one toroidal ring positioned in a housing. The toroidal ring includes magnetic material such as permanent magnets. The toroidal ring is magnetically levitated in the housing. A propulsion winding is coupled with the housing and energizable via a power signal to move the toroidal ring. Once moving, the magnetic material and the propulsion winding cooperate to produce electrical power and/or provide a stabilizing effect for the vehicle. In some applications, such as in an aircraft application, two or more toroidal rings may be used and rotated at counter directions so as to produce a predetermined net angular momentum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drape product for surgical interventions, comprising an opening (0) intended to be arranged around an operating site on a patient, which drape product, during use, forms a barrier between the operating site and that part of a patient's body lying outside the operating site. The drape product comprises at least one member (10, 11) for receiving and/or securing sutures or the like, through which member a suture or the like can be passed without damaging or destroying the barrier between the operating site (0) and that part of a patient's body lying outside the operating 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: 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 method of controlling a remote navigation system that orients the distal end of a medical device in response to user inputs, includes interrupting the operation of the remote navigation system when the user inputs would navigate the medical device to a location where the impedance exceeds a predetermined value. A method of controlling ablation of cardiac tissue to block an errant signal causing an arrhythmia includes ablating tissue until there is a predetermined reduction in the amplitude of the errant signal or a predetermined reduction in local impedance. Controls remote navigation systems can implement these methods.

Abstract: A device for the administration of basic active agents, such as nicotine, to the human or animal body. The active agents are administered by inhalation. The device comprises a first preparation containing a nicotine base or/and a further basic active agent and, a second or further preparations. At least one preparation contains at least one volatile acid suitable for inhalation.

Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product includes a powdered or granular smokeless tobacco formulation that is contained within a moisture-permeable packet or pouch. The smokeless tobacco formulation includes finely ground particles of tobacco in powder-like form and other ingredients such as sweeteners, binders, colorants, pH adjusters, fillers, flavoring agents, disintegration aids, antioxidants and preservatives. The container has the form of a pouch or bag, such as is the type commonly for the manufacture of snus products. The container is intended to be placed in the mouth of the tobacco user, in order that the dry tobacco formulation within the container may be enjoyed by the user. After the tobacco user is finished using the smokeless tobacco product, the container is removed from the user's mouth for disposal. Alternatively, the container is dissolvable or dispersible in the mouth of the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to smokable filler materials and a process for making same, the smokable filler material comprising a foaming agent, an agent capable of forming chemical cross-linkages, and a cross-linking agent. A combination of the foaming agent in the foamed state thereof, the agent capable of forming chemical crosslinkages and the cross-linking agent provides a stabilised, foamed material. The invention also provides a smoking article incorporating the smokable filler material of the invention.

Abstract: An instrument for applying a liquid or semi-liquid composition on the eyelashes or the eyebrows, comprising a core together with applicator means designed to collect the composition and to apply it on the eyelashes or the eyebrows, the applicator means projecting from the core between respective bases and tips, wherein the applicator means are arranged to form at least one hollow itself defining at least one applicator volume shaped firstly to contain the composition and secondly to enable at least one eyelash or eyebrow hair to pass therethrough in order to be coated in composition, the applicator volume extending from the tip towards the core along a fraction only of the length of the applicator means, the applicator volume being defined by at least first and second substantially solid walls disposed facing each other, each of the first and second walls presenting a nature that is substantially two-dimensional.

Abstract: An instrument for applying a liquid or semi-liquid composition on the eyelashes or the eyebrows, comprising a core extending in an axial direction, and at least first, second, third, and fourth projections projecting from the core, wherein the first and second projections that form a first group of projections are mutually spaced apart by a first spacing to define a first interstitial gap in the form of a sheet extending at least locally in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction, the first interstitial gap being shaped and dimensioned to retain the composition therein for the purpose of being applied to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, the third and fourth projections that form a second group of projections, being mutually spaced apart by a second spacing to define a second interstitial gap in the form of a sheet that extends at least locally in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction, the interstitial gap being shaped and dimensioned to retain the composit

Abstract: A hair barrette includes a decorative outer member, a basic member secured onto the outer member, a tubular sleeve member attached onto the basic member and made of a resilient material having a high coefficient of friction, and a clamping arm having one end pivotally attached to the basic member with a pivot pin, and the other end for selectively latching to the other end of the basic member, for clamping hair of user between the tubular sleeve member and the clamping arm. The tubular sleeve member includes a number of projections which may include either a sharply protruded structure, a smoothly protruded structure, or a wavy-shaped structure.

Abstract: A dental floss device 1 comprises a handle 2 having a head piece 3 and a disposable holder 4 for a length of dental floss 5. The holder 4 comprises a base portion 20 and a pair of spaced-apart jaws 21 extending from the base and which extend to embrace the head piece 3 of the handle 2 when the holder 4 is in a correct alignment configuration with respect to the handle 2. The device has an interlock which ensures that the holder 4 can be interengaged with the head piece 3 only when the holder 4 is correctly aligned with the head piece 3. The interlock comprises a head interlock part provided by interlock grooves 10 and a holder interlock part provided by corresponding interlock tongues 11. There are two interlock grooves 10 and corresponding interlock tongues 11 which slidably interengage when the holder 4 is correctly aligned with the head piece 3.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaning system includes an ultrasonic cleaner and a bubble generator. The bubble generator generates a micro-emulsified liquid containing a plurality of micro-to-nano-sized bubbles. The ultrasonic cleaner communicates with the bubble generator such that the micro-emulsified liquid is able to be outputted into the ultrasonic cleaner for performing an ultrasonic oscillation cleaning procedure.

Abstract: A process for cleaning electrical insulators supporting a contact rail parallel to a rail track comprises moving a vehicle having cleaning stations with cleaning tools (such as water jets) mounted on them, along a rail track adjacent to a parallel contact rail supported by electrical insulators, said cleaning stations being mounted on a positioning arm(s); positioning cleaning tools in proximity to an electrical insulator, while the cleaning stations rotate around at least a portion of the circumference of the insulator; energizing the cleaning tools; disengaging the cleaning tools from the insulator; and returning the cleaning station to the engagement position.

Abstract: A method for cleaning elements of a lithographic apparatus, for example optical elements such as a collector mirror, includes providing a gas containing nitrogen; generating nitrogen radicals from at least part of the gas, thereby forming a radical containing gas; and providing at least part of the radical containing gas to the one or more elements of the apparatus. A lithographic apparatus includes a source and an optical element, and an electrical discharge generator arranged to generate a radio frequency discharge.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for surface treatment of substrates whereby the quality of substrates can be maintained by preventing excessive plasma treatment of substrates. In carrying out the plasma treatment on a surface of the substrate in a reaction chamber, there are provided an emission spectroscopic analysis device or a mass analyzer, and a controller, so that the energy of ions in plasma is controlled to decrease when, e.g., bromine included in the substrate is detected, and the surface treatment to the substrate is controlled to stop when the removal of impurities of the substrate is detected to end. The bromine once separated from the substrate is prevented from adhering again to the substrate and corroding the substrate. Moreover, ions are prevented from being excessively irradiated to the substrate when the removal of impurities ends, thereby reducing damage to the substrate.

Abstract: An electronic device cleaning method includes the steps of: placing, on a processing face, a semiconductor substrate having an obverse face portion in which an electronic device is formed so that the processing face faces a reverse face of the semiconductor substrate; diselectrifying at least the reverse face of the semiconductor substrate by irradiating light to the semiconductor substrate by a light source provided at the processing face; and supplying a chemical solution to an obverse face of the semiconductor substrate after the diselectrifying step starts. Whereby, static electricity present on the processing face is removed reliably.

Abstract: A wafer cleaning process includes the steps of supplying a cleaning liquid while rotating the wafer at a first rotational speed, supplying a rinsing liquid on the wafer at a second rotational speed substantially equal to the first rotational speed, supplying a rinsing liquid on the central area of the wafer while substantially stopping the wafer, and rotating the wafer at a fourth rotational speed higher than the first and second rotational speeds to scatter the stored rinsing liquid by a centrifugal force.

Abstract: Wafer carriers in an integrated circuit fab are tested for residual particle contamination by replacing the standard carrier door by a test cover having a gas inlet and outlet, counting the number of FM particles exiting the carrier during a flush cycle with a test gas having a known concentration of FM particles and either continuing processing if the number of FM particles is below a threshold, performing a purge with the test gas if the contamination is in a purge range, or sending the carrier out for cleaning if the number of FM particles is above the purge range.

Abstract: A method for cleaning an oil strainer in an oil pan of an internal combustion engine from which substantially all lubricant has been drained, the method comprising connecting a first conduit to said oil pan; introducing a cleaning fluid into said oil pan; connecting a second conduit to an opening on said engine; creating a circuit by a pressure pump wherein said cleaning fluid moves from said oil pan, through said opening, through said oil strainer and back into said oil pan; and evacuating the cleaning fluid from the engine.

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

Abstract: The device for dispensing a washing or rinsing agent for a dishwashing machine comprises: a container which has an inlet opening, which is adapted to be closed in a fluid-tight manner, for filling a quantity of a washing/rinsing agent inside the container; an outlet opening which is adapted to be closed in a fluid-tight manner, for dispensing a quantity of washing/rinsing agent during an operating cycle of the device; a feeder screw mounted rotatably inside the container, coaxial with the outlet opening and capable of conveying the washing/rinsing agent towards said outlet opening; transmission members driven by a motor unit and able to impart a rotation to the screw during an operating cycle of the device; and a closing valve unit able selectively to free and close off in a fluid-tight manner the outlet opening.

Abstract: An umbrella frame structured for use in a strong wind conditions such as those conditions frequently encountered on a boat traveling at relatively high speeds. An umbrella frame assembly includes a reinforcing assembly connected thereto in a supportive, operative orientation thereby providing a stable support for an umbrella canopy which can remain open even during travel of the boat. The frame assembly can be modified to support canopies of varying shapes and sizes and the frame assembly can be easily removed, for storage purposes, from a supporting base which may be mounted on or connected to a boat.

Abstract: A flat umbrella improvement structure is comprised of a notch and a runner, both are in flat shapes. A variety of main ribs have one ends thereof symmetrically pivoted on both sides of the curved edges of the notch and have the middle portions thereof that are pivoted to the notch on the same side of the notch designed as curved surfaces and protruded in shape, in addition, a variety of stretchers that are correspondently pivoted to the main ribs have the portions thereof connecting to the runner designed as curved protruded shapes as well. As the umbrella is collapsed, the collapsed middle radial heights of the main ribs and of the stretchers are higher than the collapsed radial heights of the rest main ribs and of the corresponding stretchers. Therefore, the umbrella of the invention is able to be collapsed tightly in a flat collapsed shape with minimum umbrella size, thereby enabling said umbrella to be easily carried and stored.

Abstract: A tensile pole tent having improved wind performance, having a polygonal projection in plan view, perimeter catenaries, a flexible canopy continuously attached to the catenaries, corner posts to support the catenaries, a membrane interface or field joint between adjacent membrane modules consisting of, for example, a novel water-shedding keder rail, or a zipper or daisy chain grommets and loops. The membrane interface can be sealed against precipitation by cover flaps that extend upwards from the membrane and come into contact above the interface.

Abstract: An umbrella comprises a vertical support member and a plurality of ribs operatively associated with the vertical support member and extending generally radially outward from a central location. The umbrella further includes a plurality of elongated, laterally flexible members, one of the flexible members being operatively associated with each of the plurality of ribs and extending outward therefrom. A canopy is supported by the plurality of ribs and has a periphery extending beyond the ribs. Receptacles are disposed on the inner surface of the canopy at points proximate the periphery of the canopy and in substantial alignment with a corresponding rib. The outer end of each flexible member engages a corresponding one of the receptacles. The canopy and the flexible members are configured such that the canopy exerts a tension on the flexible member that causes it to flex inward and downward.

Abstract: A one-touch type foldable tent frame including supporting dies, a tent cloth connected to the supporting dies, and a folding unit provided in the center of upper ends of the supporting dies for folding the supporting dies, the folding unit includes a fixing element connected to the supporting dies, and a supporting element mounted in the fixing element for pulling and spreading the supporting dies and fixing the supporting dies. The supporting element has a body part formed with a holding shoulder detachably mounted to a through hole of the fixing element, and a base element having base struts connected to the supporting dies at a lower end of the body part, wherein the body part and the base element are integrated.

Abstract: A collapsible shade structure includes a plurality of foldable frame members each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. A fabric material is provided for substantially covering the frame members to form a side panel for each frame member, each side panel assuming the unfolded orientation of its associated frame member. Interconnecting portions of the fabric material form a hinge portion between each frame member. Alternatively, frame retaining sleeve portions may be used to interconnect and retain two or more frame members from two or more adjacent side panels and to act as hinge portions. The structure may be folded and stored by folding the side panels and their corresponding frame members on top of each other about the hinge portions to have the side panels and frame members overlying each other.

Abstract: A method of preparing a thermoelectric material includes the following steps. A thermoelectric raw material can be filled into a cavity of a first mold so that the thermoelectric raw material filled in the cavity has first and second dimensions. The first dimension can be defined in a first direction. The second dimension can be defined in a second direction. The second direction can be perpendicular to the first direction. The first dimension can be equal to or greater than the second dimension. The thermoelectric raw material filled in the cavity can be cooled in a uniaxial direction that is parallel to the second direction at a cooling rate of at least 600° C./min.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system for an electronic device. The system includes a first photovoltaic cell primarily oriented toward the sun and a second photovoltaic cell primarily oriented toward a light source of the electronic device. The first and second photovoltaic cells are in electrical communication to provide electricity to the electronic device. The second photovoltaic cell recaptures some of the electricity used to power the electronic device and reuses this electricity in the photovoltaic system.

Abstract: A solar panel including a front panel; a photovoltaic material layer deposited either directly on the front panel or directly on an anti-reflective coating formed between the front panel and the photovoltaic material layer; a backing panel; and an adhesive layer disposed between and adhering together the photovoltaic material layer and the backing panel, in which the adhesive layer comprises an adhesive composition, the adhesive composition comprising a low MVTR polymer or copolymer and a silane-modified polymer or copolymer. In another embodiment, the solar panel includes module wire openings which are filled by an adhesive composition comprising a low MVTR polymer or copolymer and a silane-modified polymer or copolymer. A method of making the solar panel is provided.

Abstract: An electrode wire material that can be used in a solar cell is produced without using flattening rolls or endless belts and has excellent solderability. The electrode wire material includes a core material formed of a strip-like conductive material and a hot-dip solder plated layer formed on a surface of the core material. A recessed portion for storing molten solder is formed in the core material along the longitudinal direction and the hot-dip solder plated layer is filled in the recessed portion. The recessed portion for storing molten solder preferably has an opening width in the lateral direction of the core material of about 90% or more of the width of the core material. The core material is preferably formed of a clad material including an interlayer of a low thermal expansion Fe alloy and copper layers formed on both surfaces of the interlayer.

Abstract: A surface of a multicrystalline silicon substrate is etched with an alkaline aqueous solution in a condition so that a surface area-to-planar surface area ratio R is smaller than 1.1. A multiplicity of fine textures are formed over the irregularities by dry etching. This allows fine textures to be formed uniformly, and a solar cell with high efficiency can thus be produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to two-compartment or multi-compartment photovoltaic cells, their uses and methods of their production.

Abstract: Polymer photovoltaic cells, as well related modules and methods, are disclosed.

Abstract: A system operating in an environment under a vacuum draw in which liquid accumulates utilizes the weight of the liquid to discharge the liquid from the system. The system includes a first holding tank and a second holding tank interconnected by a liquid passageway and an equalization passageway. First, second, third and fourth valves are provided for controlling flow into and out of the second holding tank. The valves are operated in a sequence to bring accumulating liquid from the first holding tank to the second holding tank in the vacuum environment, and then to discharge the liquid from the second holding tank to the environment outside of the system having a greater air pressure than the air pressure within the vacuum environment.

Abstract: An air transfer tube for transferring air from an inflated tire to a deflated tire is constructed of a tube with a connector attached to either end. The connectors each are adapted to be removably secured to the tire valve stems of the inflated and deflated tires. A valve device within each of the connectors acts to close its respective connector when the connector is removed from the valve stem.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a multi-path joint is disclosed. A housing is formed having a plurality of lead-in ports, a main path, connecting to each lead-in port, and a lead-out port. The housing is formed by connecting a plurality of blocks, each block having at least one lead in port and portion of the main path with at least one block having a lead out port that forms the end-point of the main path.

Abstract: A faucet with temperature control having a replaceable handle comprises a movable conversion mechanism connecting a hollow conversion sleeve thereof, wherein a water passage is hidden. The conversion sleeve further includes a section of teeth that is engaged with a water control knob, and the passage of the conversion sleeve is provided with an inner screw thread for connecting the bottom end of a spindle. The other end of the spindle is connected to a knob or a switch handle. Thereby, the conversion sleeve and the spindle facilitate the replacement of the switch handle, in which only the conversion rod of the switch handle is needed to be changed.

Abstract: When oil pressure of discharged oil of a pump is increased, a plunger moves backward against spring force of a spring to open relief holes. One of the relief holes is opened in advance of the other relief hole. A part of the one relief hole which is opened in advance is set smaller in width to cause no abrupt change in total open area of the relief holes in backward movement of the plunger.

Abstract: Various embodiments described in the application relate to an apparatus, system, and method for generating, within a conduit, discrete volumes of one or more fluids that are immiscible with a second fluid. The discrete volumes can be used for biochemical or molecular biology procedures involving small volumes, for example, microliter-sized volumes, nanoliter-sized volumes, or smaller. The system can comprise an apparatus comprising at least one conduit operatively connected to one or more pumps for providing discrete volumes separated from one another by a fluid that is immiscible with the fluid(s) of the discrete volumes, for example, aqueous immiscible-fluid-discrete volumes separated by an oil.

Abstract: A vacuum vessel wall element is presented and described with a fixed flange element, with a separable flange element and with a line running from the inside of the vacuum vessel to the outside, the separable flange element being separably connected to the fixed flange element, with the line being held in the separable flange element and with an annular sealing area being provided between the fixed flange element and the separable flange element.

Abstract: A gas cylinder dispensing valve having an internal flow path provided with a pressure regulator. An isolation valve is provided within the flow path between the pressure regulator and a gas inlet of the valve and a flow control valve is provided within the flow path between the pressure regulator and a gas outlet to discharge the gas. Both isolation valve and the flow control valve can be manipulated by a single control knob which when set in an off position closes the isolation valve. The control knob can be rotated from the off position to select discrete, calibrated flow rates or an auxiliary position in which gas may be dispensed at a regulated pressure from an auxiliary outlet port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil flow control valve (10) for a cam phaser comprising a spool (18), a spool housing (16) and a check valve (40), wherein the spool (18) comprises a throughbore (60) and the check valve (40) is mounted in the spool housing (16) in that it extends through the throughbore (60) allowing the check valve (40) to be integrated in the housing (16) of the oil flow control valve (10), with the spool (18) reciprocally moving around the check valve (40), in order to avoid any influencing of the equilibrium of a spool (18) when the oil pressure is suddenly changing in the oil flow control valve (10) due to varying efforts in the cam phaser caused by the valve train.