Abstract: An endoscopic bite block, with teeth position defining regions which guide the subject's teeth to grip the bite block in their natural position, with the teeth of the upper jaw positioned further out than the lower jaw teeth. These teeth position defining regions are also preferably curved to match the curved shape of the jaw. The upper and lower parts of the front plate of the bite block may also be positioned at different distances out, so that upper and lower lip regions both contact the front plate snuggly. The bite block may be used with separate oral/nasal cannulae, or may incorporate breath sampling or gas supply cannulae. A flexible flapped curtain at the outer end of the bite block may be provided to largely enclose the inner volume of the bite block to enable more accurate capnographic sampling under conditions of wide-open mouth breathing.

Abstract: A surgical incision protection device has a body that has a longitudinal dimension and a lateral dimension; the a lateral length is less than the longitudinal length. The body has two ends. The body also has two arcuate surfaces. The arcuate distal surface is convex along the longitudinal dimension; the arcuate proximal surface is concave along the longitudinal dimension. The proximal surface radius of curvature is greater than the distal surface radius of curvature. The proximal surface also has a tunnel portion surface defining a distally-directed and laterally-extending cavity; the proximal surface has at least one skin-engaging portion surface.

Abstract: A method for reducing skin is disclosed, in which a plurality of incisions or removals are made to collectively form a patch of skin to be reduced, instead of making a single large treatment of the patch. Thus, scarring after healing is less noticeable. Preferably, the treated regions of skin are arranged such that a total area of all removed skin segments taken in a direction perpendicular to an axis of said patch changes gradually along said axis. The removed regions of skin are preferably navicular in shape, and the patches are preferably navicular in shape in the event an elongated incision is made. The removal of skin regions can be realized by proper treatment methods such as incisions and laser treatment. The mask may be attached to the patch of skin to be treated after said skin is stretched.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating pelvic organ prolapse in a patient is provided. The apparatus includes a support portion having first and second ends. A first elongated end portion is connected to said first end of said support portion. The first elongated end portion includes a first dilator configured to attach securely with a tip of a needle. A second elongated end portion is connected to said second end of said support portion. The second elongated end portion includes a second dilator configured to attach securely with a tip of a needle. The first and second needles include a straight portion, a tip, a first radius, and a second radius distinct from the first radius. The first radius and the second radius are disposed between the straight portion and the tip. A method and kit for said treatment is further provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a system that determines if a patient has Metabolic Syndrome, and in response provides a disease-management program that helps reduce medical risks associated with this malady. The system features a device configured to collect glucose information and blood pressure information, and then transmit this information to a central computer system. The system also includes a database configured to receive triglyceride information and cholesterol information from an external blood test, and a central computer system featuring: 1) a communication interface configured to communicate with the device to receive glucose and blood pressure information and with the database to receive triglyceride and cholesterol information; 2) a user interface configured to accept patient information; and 3) a processor configured to operate an algorithm that processes the glucose, blood pressure, triglyceride, cholesterol, and patient information to determine if the patient has Metabolic Syndrome.

Abstract: Apparatus incorporating a filter tow processing unit adapted to supply filter tow to a continuous rod forming unit includes an object insertion unit that positions objects within the filter tow to manufacture a filter rod containing objects positioned at predetermined intervals. The apparatus also includes an upper hopper that acts as a reservoir for a plurality of objects, and provides for supply of objects to a lower hopper. The lower hopper is shaped so that objects are stacked therein. The bottom of the lower hopper is shaped so as to cooperate with a portion of upper region of a rotating wheel. The peripheral face of the rotating wheel incorporates a plurality of spaced pockets, each pocket being of sufficient shape and size to accommodate one object. Objects within the lower hopper are aligned in a single line along a portion of the peripheral face in the upper region of the rotating wheel. Each object then is positioned at predetermined intervals within a continuous supply of filter material.

Abstract: An automatic machine for processing articles in the tobacco industry, and relative control method; the automatic machine has a production line along which a number of materials are processed to produce the articles; a number of operating members located along the production line; a control unit for controlling data relating to operation of the automatic machine; and a user interface device connected to the control unit and having a memory device which stores data belonging to the following classes: error messages resulting in automatic stoppage of the automatic machine; report messages; operator-intervention-request messages; production counters; values of analog and digital internal control variables; position/speed signals; format-change requests; end-of-shift requests; and operating parameters of the automatic machine.

Abstract: A non-nicotine cigarette substitute, maintaining the taste and flavor of seven different plants, is comprised of, but not limited to, leaves of Green Tea. The cigarette substitute has additional beneficial effects of low nicotine emission. The cigarette substitute of also helps smokers to quit smoking. It eliminates the poisons from the blood of a pre-smoker. The additives of six plants are extracts of red berry, kiwi, mango, orange, lime, and peach. Specially treated leaves of green tea are used for the base material.

Abstract: A gold foil cigarette structure is essentially provided on the outer layer of a cigarette rolling paper with a shred of gold foil in the form of flake and crushed powder, thereby presenting the outer appearance of the cigarette aesthetic effect of shining and glittering, and, in turn, enhancing the value and dignity of the cigarette. While the gold foil would not affect the burning of the cigarette, the ember thereof will fall with the ash. Cigarette formed integrally with the gold foil permits the cigarette to present a novel and elegant look.

Abstract: In order to achieve even and effective application of product with a device to apply a flowable product to human scalp hair, with a product dispenser having prongs provided with multiple openings to dispense the product, it is recommended that all openings be aligned laterally with respect to an inner space extending between the prongs and located above the inner area, wherein the inner space contains the prongs.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing comb includes a handle portion and a head portion. The handle portion includes a container and a compressible chamber. The container may be formed from or consists of a collapsible substrate such as a bag and/or bladder, and is operative to store a liquid. The compressible chamber is operative to receive the liquid from the collapsible substrate for delivery to a plurality of nozzles. The head portion includes the plurality of teeth aligned in a row, a plurality of nozzles located, for example, between the teeth and a common delivery channel. The common delivery channel may be operably coupled to the compressible chamber and the plurality of nozzles.

Abstract: A comb for grooming hair includes a spine, a first row of teeth, and a second row of teeth. The spine defines an axis of the comb. The first row of teeth extends from the spine along the axis. Neighboring teeth define a respective space therebetween. The second row of teeth extends from the spine along the axis and overlaps the first row of teeth. Each pair of overlapping teeth, one from the first row and the other from the second row, forms a “combined tooth”. The width of the combined tooth and the space between each combined tooth can be adjusted to match the width of the hair being combed. To adjust the combined tooth width and spacing, the second row can be moved along the axis of the comb relative to the first row in order to adjust the spaces between.

Abstract: In order to be able to sheath a lock of hair (5) using a hose (1) in a simple and easy to manipulate manner, a device is proposed comprising a sleeve (2), a deformable hose (1) that can be placed on the sleeve (2), and a gripper element (8), which can be guided through the sleeve (2) and is longer than the sleeve (2), the gripper element (8) having a hook (4) on one end for grasping a lock of hair (5) and a handle (3) on the other end for manually holding the gripper element (8). In order to apply a hose (1) to a lock of hair (5), the hose (1) is first pulled in cylindrical form over the sleeve (2). Then the lock of hair (5) is grasped using the hook (4) and pulled through the sleeve (2). Then the sleeve (2) and the gripper element (8) are detached from the lock of hair (5) and pulled out of the hose (1).

Abstract: Electrically powered hairstyling implements having heated hair engaging elements that are coated with a specially designed coating compound that comprises a mixture of a ceramic enamel and an ionic mineral. The ionic mineral causes negative ions to be continuously generated from the surfaces of the hair engaging elements which function to reduce or prevent damage to the hair.

Abstract: A toothpick device in the form of an elongated, hollow member having a readily deformable central portion and readily deformable spaced end portions formed by two attached, convexly curved, flexible walls having an elastic memory.

Abstract: An interproximal space cleaning tape is provided. The tape is preferably made of a soft, durable, elastic material with a homogenous texture, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polystyrene (PS), nylon, polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE) or combinations thereof, so that the tape is soft on the gums and will not fray during use. The tape is easy to grip because it is wide and not slippery. The tape's relative thinness allows it to easily move in the interproximal space. Its relative width allows it to clean the interproximal space with one pull i.e., no up and down movement is needed.

Abstract: A method and device for cleaning a hollow article and specifically a turbine blade assembly utilizes a cleaning solution flowed through the turbine blade assembly and a transducer that generates an ultrasonic frequency that is transmitted through the flowing cleaning solution to the internal surfaces of the turbine blade. Ultrasonic waves emitted by the transducer generate energy that is transmitted through the cleaning solution within the internal cavity and against interior surfaces of the turbine blade. Ultrasonic waves that contact the internal surfaces dislodge and remove dirt and grim.

Abstract: In a first aspect, an apparatus adapted to clean a semiconductor device manufacturing component is provided. The apparatus includes an ozone module adapted to (1) obtain Ozone; (2) combine the Ozone with a fluid to generate ozonated fluid; and (3) deliver the ozonated fluid to the semiconductor device manufacturing component so as to clean the semiconductor device manufacturing component. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A method and device for reprocessing used plastic containers, especially PET bottles, by analyzing the degree of contamination of the plastic, determining the decontamination process parameters as a function of the degree of contamination found the analyzing in step, and conducting a controlled decontamination of the plastic according to the decontamination process parameters thus determined. With this method and this device, it is thus possible to perform the decontamination process step in a controlled manner, yielding a more economical reprocessing method.

Abstract: A car wash tire applicator including a movable follower and a sprayer. The follower moves alongside a vehicle and the sprayer sprays a treatment liquid on a tire of the vehicle, optionally toward the bottom portion of the tire of the vehicle as the tire rotates. The sprayer continues to spray until substantially all of an exposed side of the tire is treated. In one embodiment, the sprayer is aimed and sprays a substantially linear region across the tire adjacent the lowermost portion of the rim to which the tire is attached. The sprayer can include a fan nozzle and can be positioned disposed at an angle of about 0° to about 10° from horizontal. A related method includes moving a sprayer, optionally aimed at a bottom portion of a vehicle tire, alongside the vehicle as the vehicle moves on a travel path, and spraying the tire with a treatment liquid.

Abstract: A method of filling a drying system 24 with product comprises providing a washing unit 22, and a drier or driers 26a, 26b arranged such that one at a time the driers 26a, 26b receive product 48 discharged from the output of the washing unit 22. The washing unit 22 is configured to receive product 48 which is continuously weighed 104 as it is delivered to the washing unit. The product is washed in the washing unit 22 by being passed through the washing unit at a substantially constant speed, allowing the arrival time at the drier 26a, 26b to be predicted. The weight of product loaded into the drier is regulated by controlling the flow of product into the drier.

Abstract: A system for removing dust, dirt and like from the surface of a flexible paper substrate and accurately positioning same comprises a transport assembly for conveying the paper substrate along a path of travel. The transport assembly includes a rotating vacuum drum having an outer surface over which the paper substrate is trained in the direction of drum rotation as it moves along the path of travel. Openings are provided in the outer surface of the vacuum drum, and a suction source is connected to those openings so that dust, dirt and the like on the surface of the paper substrate are drawn away by the suction as the paper substrate moves along the path of travel over the drum. The linear speed of the paper substrate is slightly more or less than the surface velocity of the vacuum drum so that the paper sweeps across the drum surface during the cleaning process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stable polymer systems comprising anionic and modified polyamine polymers. When such polymer systems are employed in cleaning compositions, such cleaning compositions exhibit unexpectedly improved anti-soil re-deposition and situs whitening capabilities.

Abstract: An integrated substrate cleaning processes capable of removing residues and particulates from the surface of a photomask is described. In one embodiment, an ozonated de-ionized water treatment is the first wet cleaning operation. In an embodiment of the present invention, the substrate cleaning process includes a wet cleaning operation employing an ammonium hydroxide-based chemical cleaning solution diluted with hydrogenated de-ionized water. In another embodiment of the present invention, the substrate cleaning process uses a plasma treatment prior to the first wet cleaning operation.

Abstract: Electronic devices are formed on a substrate that is advanced stepwise through a plurality of deposition vessels. Each deposition vessel includes a source of deposition material and has at least two shadow masks associated therewith. Each of the two masks is alternately positioned within the corresponding deposition vessel for patterning the deposition material onto the substrate through apertures in the mask positioned therein, and positioned in an adjacent cleaning vessel for mask cleaning. The patterning onto the substrate and the cleaning of at least one of the masks are performed concurrently.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning a nozzle plate of an inkjet print head are provided. A first method includes positioning a cleaning medium proximate the inkjet print head, determining a pressure for a pressure roller to apply against the cleaning medium, contacting the cleaning medium with the pressure roller with the determined pressure, and moving the cleaning medium relative to the inkjet print head so as to clean the inkjet print head. The method also includes purging ink from the inkjet print head prior to the pressure roller contacting the cleaning medium and pre-jetting ink from the inkjet print head after moving the cleaning medium. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A blower cover assembly of a dishwasher includes an attaching cap contacting a door liner, a guide sleeve extending frontward from the attaching cap, and a guide rib formed on an inner circumference to guide flow of washing water.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a cabinet, an upper rack and a lower rack disposed within the cabinet. The upper and lower racks support articles to be cleaned. The dishwasher also includes a first spray arm and a second spray arm rotatably mounted within the cabinet. The first and second spray arms are operated based on a wash cycle. A controller is operatively coupled to the first and second spray arms for controlling the wash cycle.

Abstract: Provided is a mechanism for tying and hanging a folded umbrella or served as a handle of an umbrella bag. In one embodiment, the mechanism comprises a strap including a first fastener at one end, and a second fastener at the other end; and a hanging assembly including a hook, an integral loop member loosely formed between the first and the second fasteners by stitching a half loop element to the strap, and a flexible stop member projected from a joining portion of the hook and the loop member for closing an opening of the hook. Wrapping the strap around a canopy of the umbrella and attaching the second fastener to the first fastener will tie the canopy. Each of the fasteners is one of two constituent portions of a Velcro type fastener or button.

Abstract: A lower nest structure for a collapsible umbrella is provided, which contains a tubular member and a body member. The tubular member is sleeved over the central shaft and contains a tubular section and an operation knob. A pair of guiding holes and a pair of wedges located below the guiding holes are interleaved around the tubular section. The body member has a ring section to sleeve over the tubular section of the tubular member. The ring section is confined by the bottom surfaces of the wedges and the operation knob. A pair of opposing hook elements is configured on top of the ring section which could be flexibly expanded outward, causing a force to clasp inward. On the top ends of the hook elements, reversed hooks are configured to penetrate through the guiding holes of the tubular member and into the positioning holes of the central shaft for fixedly positioning the lower nest.

Abstract: A support structure that is fixed preferably to the ground and that extends above a parking space for a vehicle, boat, airplane or other vehicle. A support region is provided near the front corner of the present invention that serves to support a structure above a parking space, and then canvas, or another conventional material, is attached to prevent water and other elements from falling upon the parking space.

Abstract: A thermoelectric element has a first substrate at a high temperature side, a second substrate at a low temperature side facing the first substrate, a thermoelectric material placed on the second substrate via a silicon layer, a first electrode formed on the first substrate, and a second electrode formed on the silicon layer. The thermoelectric element has a stress releasing section which is formed between the first electrode and the thermoelectric material, and which includes a plurality of columnar portions. The stress releasing section suppresses defects such as cracks that might be produced in the thermoelectric element due to a stress generated in the thermoelectric element.

Abstract: A method for temporarily electrically coupling to each of a plurality of current gathering fingers on a surface of a solar cell, to facilitate testing of the solar cell involves pressing a flexible elongate electrical conductor onto the surface of the solar cell such that an elongate contact surface of the electrical conductor extends across the surface of the solar cell to make electrical contact with substantially all of a surface of a bus connected to the fingers or at least a portion of each of the fingers, or both.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a solar panel, which is made by building up a solar cell layer on a glass base as a covering glass, having a good performance in sealing the solar panel. A solar panel produce by the method is also provided. The production method of the present invention comprises a step of building up a solar cell layer which consists of a plurality of films on a glass substrate which is used as a covering glass, a step of removing a part of the solar cell layer which is built up on the glass substrate, a step of sealing the solar cell layer by using a face, which is exposed by the removing of the part of the solar cell layer, for adhering a sealing material.

Abstract: A tandem photovoltaic device and a method for fabricating the photovoltaic device is disclosed. The tandem photovoltaic device comprises two or more photovoltaic layers laminated to each other, each of which including a semiconductor electrode, an electrolyte layer and a counter electrode. A counter electrode of the upper photovoltaic layer is patterned in a grid shape so as to include a plurality of light-transmitting portions, which permit transmission of light to the lower photovoltaic layer. The tandem photovoltaic device has the advantages of high power conversion efficiency and degree of integration. Advantageously, the tandem photovoltaic device can reduce electric power generation costs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing an optoelectronic semiconductor device having a p-n junction diode, which includes the steps of: (a) etching at least one surface of the p-n junction diode in a depth direction to form a plurality of continuous, isolated or mixed type electrode pattern grooves with a certain array; and (b) filling the formed grooves with a conductive ink containing a transparent conducting particle through an inkjet and then performing heat treatment to form a buried transparent electrode, the optoelectronic semiconductor device, and an apparatus for manufacturing the optoelectronic semiconductor device. In the present invention, covering loss is significantly reduced due to a buried transparent electrode so that the high efficiency of photoelectric conversion can be implemented, and there can be provided the easiness of a manufacturing process and the enhancement of productivity through the unification of etching and electrode forming processes.

Abstract: A method for reducing shunt-related defects is described for hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) thin film photovoltaic modules with thin active a-Si:H absorber as required by building integrated photovoltaic windows and sun-roofs with adequate transmission of sunlight. Without shunt-passivation, p-i-n type large area photovoltaic modules with very thin a-Si:H i-layer will suffer excessive performance, yield, and reliability losses due to electrical shorting through i-layer defects. Wide-bandgap a-Si:H based alloy films of sufficient resistivity are deposed between the active solar cell and the conductive back electrode to provide a barrier to leakage current flow. Such a-Si:H based barrier films of high optical transparency are dummy films that do not directly contribute to energy conversion. The shunt-passivation films are entirely produced by the same conventional manufacturing process for a-Si:H photovoltaic devices without invoking complicated or exotic materials or procedures proposed in prior arts.

Abstract: A method of disordering a layer of an optoelectronic device including; growing a plurality of lower layers; introducing an isoelectronic surfactant; growing a layer; allowing the surfactant to desorb; and growing subsequent layers all performed at a low pressure of 25 torr.

Abstract: Various embodiments described in the application relate to an apparatus, system, and method for fluidically controlling, 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 combinations of detectors, controllers, valves, and fluid supply units to control the spatial size, location and/or fluidic composition of 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: The fuel cutoff valve comprises a valve support on the upper part of the float, and the seat member is mounted on the valve support. The valve support has the bending space that has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the seal part. The seat member is formed from a rubber material, has a side wall formed in a cylindrical shape from the outer periphery of the seat part and a stopper on the side wall, forming the mounting space by being formed in an almost a rectangle shape cross section, and being supported on the valve support by fitting the valve support on the mounting space. The seat part is elastically deformed in the bending space direction when set on the seal part and closes the connection path.

Abstract: In present-day aircraft a drain mast is used on the underside of the fuselage in order to discharge grey water to the external environment. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention there is no need to provide such a drain mast in that a transfer unit is used as a connection unit, and buffer storage spaces are used between the wash basins and the vacuum waste-water system. The transfer unit comprises a self-opening valve with a floating body for automatic discharge. This purely mechanical function and the simple design result in low susceptibility to malfunction and in a long service life.

Abstract: Systems and methods for filling a vessel with a compressed process gas. In a particular embodiment the process gas is a dry gas, such as ozone and a dry pressurizing gas, such as carbon dioxide, is used to drive the process gas through an intermediate gas piston unit and then into a process vessel. The pressurizing gas may be selected to be nonreactive with the process gas.

Abstract: A fluid passage is emergently-closed in a short time without causing a water hammer by an extremely simple device and operation. A water hammerless closing device includes an actuator operated valve provided in a fluid passage, an electro-pneumatic conversion device for supplying a 2-step actuator operating pressure Pa to an actuator operated-type valve, a vibration sensor removably secured to the pipe passage on the upstream side of the actuator operated-type valve, and a tuning box receiving a vibration detection signal Pr from the vibration sensor and delivering a control signal Sc to the electro-pneumatic conversion device for controlling the step operating pressure Ps? of the 2-step actuator operating pressure Pa so that, with the control signal Sc being regulated, the electro-pneumatic conversion device outputs the 2-step actuator operating pressure Pa with the step operating pressure Ps? capable of bringing the vibration detection signal Pr substantially to zero.

Abstract: A direct acting pressure reducing valve includes a valve-inlet pressure introduction port; a valve-outlet pressure output port; a main valve for opening and closing a communicating conduit; a pilot pressure chamber formed with a flexible diaphragm member; a communicating hole; a connecting rod inserted in the communicating hole; and a biasing member for biasing the flexible diaphragm member in a direction to open the main valve. An insertion portion of the connecting rod has a partly-deformed circular cross section, a distance from a deformed portion thereof to a center of an imaginary circle corresponding to the communicating hole being shorter than a radius of the imaginary circle. A non-deformed portion of the partly-deformed circular cross section guides the connecting rod along the communicating hole, while the deformed portion serves as an air passage via which the communicating conduit and the pilot pressure chamber are communicatively connected.

Abstract: A non-return valve includes a flap and a valve body. The flap has one side formed with a pivot connector pivotally connected with the valve body and the other side formed integral with a weight. After the flap is pushed open by the pushing force of fluid and the pushing force of the fluid vanishes, the flap without being pressed by any force will be actuated by its own weight to quickly move down and tightly close the valve port of the valve body, having excellent effect of stopping fluid from flowing reversely and leaking out of the port.

Abstract: A valve having a valve member, which cooperates with a valve seat formed in a housing part in order to control a connection, and the valve seat has an at least approximately conical seat face, which is located at a transition of the connection from a portion of small diameter to a portion of large diameter. The seat face is adjoined, on its side oriented toward the portion of large diameter, by at least one face which is more markedly inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the connection than the seat face, and on its side oriented toward the portion of small diameter, the seat face is adjoined by at least one face which is less markedly inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the connection than the seat face.

Abstract: To reduce cost and size of a throttle valve control device, one end 3a of a throttle valve shaft 3 fixedly has a throttle valve lever 5 energized in valve opening direction by a throttle valve lever open spring 8, and rotatably has a drive gear 6 connected to a motor gear 9, a limp opening control lever 15 is fixed at another end 13b of a drum shaft 13 axially supported by a first cover 12, an accelerator drum 14 energized in valve closing direction by a drum close spring 16 is fixed at one end 12a, a first opening directional end face 5a of the throttle valve lever 5 is provided facing a limp opening control end face 15b, and a second opening directional end face 5b of the throttle valve lever 5 is provided facing a drive pin 6a of the drive gear 6.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a cross over nozzle (10) is provided of two parts (22,24) which, when joined, define a housing (20) having a passage (30) extending therethrough, a tapered valve seat (50) extending about the passage and a valve member (60) having a tapered valve head (62) disposed in the passage for engaging the valve seat. The two parts (64,66) are axially separable at an interface (68) extending through the valve seat/valve head. In order to open the valve, both valve parts are first joined and then moved together as one member in the same direction relative to the housing axially away from the valve seat. Similarly, the valve members are jointly moved into engagement with the valve seat before the cross over nozzle is separated. Accordingly, unlike the valve gate design, the valve interface between the two parts of the valve head isn't exposed to molten resin and therefore molten resin isn't trapped therebetween to cause a string upon opening.

Abstract: A motor-driven hydraulic valve cartridge is used for controlling a flow of fluid through a cavity in a fluid circuit external to the valve cartridge. The valve cartridge includes a valve apparatus and a motor joined into a unitary structure adapted for removable attachment to the external fluid circuit. The unitary structure has a wetted portion thereof including a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet of the valve cartridge, with the wetted portion being disposed to extend into the cavity when the valve cartridge is attached to the external fluid circuit. The valve apparatus has a rotatable element for controlling fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet of the valve cartridge. The motor is fixedly attached to the valve apparatus, and operatively connected to the rotatable element of the valve apparatus for selectively controlling a flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet of the valve cartridge.

Abstract: A valve includes a one piece, Y-shaped body including a main member, a first branch having a first branch flow passage and a second branch having a second branch flow passage. The first and second branches extend outwardly from the main member. A single ball is rotatably disposed within the body. The ball includes a common flow port alignable with the first flow passage in a first rotated position and with the second flow passage in a second rotated position. A ball first flow port open to the common flow port is alignable with the main member in the first rotated position. A ball second flow port open to the common flow port is alignable with the main member in the second rotated position. First and second branch longitudinal centerlines define an included angle less than 90 degrees.