Abstract: The MO Oxygen mask is a new and improved design of the traditional Oxygen mask used universally for medical and emergency purposes. The simple modification of the MO Oxygen mask will allow greater comfort to patients and greater ease of use by the practitioner. The modification is to create flap near the bottom of the mask the can snap open or close to allow easier insertion of tubes that may be needed to be inserted in the patients nose or mouth. This modification will more comfort to the patients, who often develop sore from the tube being forced down and held or taped into position. This modification will also make the practitioners job easier by not having to tape or finagle the oxygen mask and tubes into position.

Abstract: The auxiliary breathing flow channel apparatus for an oxygen mask for pilots and crew of an airplane includes a flow control device with closed and open positions to regulate flow through an auxiliary channel. A pressure sensor such as an aneroid capsule automatically closes the auxiliary channel upon a decrease in cabin pressure. A handle also allows a user to manually move the flow regulating means to a closed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for treatment of snoring in adults. The method provides the steps for snoring reduction or elimination through jaw and mouth support, acupressure, magnetic therapy, and optional electronically controlled 9-volt electro-magnetic current applied to and around certain acupuncture points on the wearer's head. The apparatus is a device that is designed to be worn by a snorer while sleeping to aid in reducing or eliminating snoring in adults. In a preferred form of the invention, the user wears an apparatus on the head during sleep which is comprised of two major parts: two composite ear pads, an adjustable elastic head, jaw, chin and lower mouth support system; this apparatus reduces or eliminates snoring in many adults.

Abstract: An intraoral dental device includes an insert for protecting the teeth, dental arches, mandible, maxilla, temporal mangila joint and lips of the wearer from impact that may arise in athletic activities. The insert is an open cell structure which may optionally contain a fluid material, such as hydrogels, amorphous solids, semisolids, liquids and/or gases. The insert may be permanently or resiliently deformable whereby a portion of the fluid material, if present, is expelled from the insert's cells. The inserts are replaceable after they are rendered ineffective from the sustained impact.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved mouth guard (10) for braces having a U-shaped base portion (30) made from EVA or similar plastic having a melting point less than the boiling point of water, and an upper portion (20) extending generally upwardly from the outer perimeter of the base potion with an inner surface (21) made from PVC or similar material having a melting point greater than the boiling point of water, whereby a partially custom-fitted mouth guard is provided for users with braces.

Abstract: A method for incorporating brain wave entrainment into an audio composition by selectively modulating musical elements within the composition. The invention provides a way to specify and modulate individual frequency components in an audio composition, according to the desired brain wave state, allowing brain wave entrainment to be easily and subtly incorporated into an audio composition by disguising the modulations as natural instrumental qualities such as vibrato or reverberation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a methodology for the characterization and determination of mixed-field dosimetry for 252Cf Applicator Tube (AT)-type medical sources, utilizing ionization chambers, GM counters, and Monte Carlo methods. Unlike the previous methodologies, the present invention discloses a specification of dose to muscle, rather than dose to water, for clinical dosimetry of 252Cf medical sources. A dosimetry protocol, similar to that utilized for ICRU-45, with parameters determined specifically for 252Cf brachytherapy is disclosed. Neutron isodose distributions and data necessary for clinical implementation of 252Cf AT sources are also disclosed herein. Additionally, novel methods for the encapsulation, storage, and delivery/implantation of 252Cf radionuclide sources are disclosed.

Abstract: A smoking article including a smokable rod manufactured using a paper wrapping material having an additive material applied thereto as a pattern. The additive material is applied as aqueous coating formulation incorporating an alginate and a sugar.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a reconstituted tobacco material is provided which includes: preparing a heated mixture of water and sugar; providing a liquid flavorant such as menthol; mixing tobacco particles, water and a gum binder with the mixture of water and sugar and with the flavorant to form a reconstituted tobacco mixture; and forming the reconstituted tobacco mixture, such as by casting or extruding the reconstituted tobacco mixture, into a reconstituted tobacco material. Exemplary menthol reconstituted tobacco products provided herein enable high levels of menthol to be retained in a tobacco product.

Abstract: A hair dressing foundation having an essentially oval convex shell-like element and an array of comb-like teeth radiating from the edges thereof. The convex shell-like element of this foundation includes an essentially resilient non-porous body that is suitable for use in hair dressing, specifically, un “up-do” hair style. The foundation can be essentially colorless or, alternatively, color-keyed to the customer's hair.

Abstract: Jewelry for fingernails and toenails that is removably but securely attachable to a natural or artificial nail, such as false fingernails. The fingernail jewelry comprises a nail plate that attaches to the distal end and/or sides of the nail. The nail plate has an upper portion and a lower portion defining a cavity at the first end of the nail plate. The distal end and/or sides of the nail is received in the cavity. In one embodiment, the cavity tightly holds the nail to prevent the fingernail jewelry from being easily dislodged. In another embodiment, an adhesive secures the nail plate to the nail. In yet another embodiment, connectors pass through the nail plate and threadably attach to the nail. The connector heads are incorporated into a design element. In a further embodiment, stud members extend downward from the nail plate into apertures on the nails.

Abstract: A device for curling hair. The device comprises a flexible member (12), a fibrous material (14) and a plurality of hook-type fasteners (16). The flexible member has a first position, which is straight and semi-rigid, and a second position, in which the flexible member is curled upon itself. The fibrous material borders the flexible member. The hook-type fasteners are attached to the fibrous material such that the fibrous material is between the flexible member and the hook-type fasteners.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a pony tail holder including a friction member for more effectively engaging the strands of hair in the pony tail to prevent slippage of the pony tail holder during use. The pony tail holder may include a fabric ring having an annular area at least a portion of which comprises a tubular annulus around a central hole in which a pony tail is to be gripped by the pony tail holder, and an elastic core disposed within the tubular annulus of the fabric ring and extending around the central hole. The pony tail holder may further include a friction member woven into the fabric ring proximate an inner edge of the fabric ring such that at least a portion of the friction member is exposed through the outer surface of the fabric ring and engages the pony tail when the pony tail holder is disposed thereon, with the coefficient of friction of the friction member being greater than the coefficient of friction of the outer surface of the fabric ring.

Abstract: A system and method of cleaning a substrate utilizing sonic energy and a film of subambient gasified process solution that assists in reducing damage to the substrate. In one aspect, the invention is a method comprising: a) supporting a substrate in a substantially horizontal orientation; b) applying a solution comprising a liquid and a dissolved gas to a surface of the substrate so as to form a film of the solution on the surface of the substrate, the solution being at a subambient temperature; c) coupling a transmitter to the film of the solution, the transmitter acoustically coupled to a transducer for generating sonic energy; and d) applying sonic energy through the film of the solution and to the surface of the substrate via the transmitter. The method is especially useful in minimizing damage when cleaning substrates with a surface comprising a topography having technology nodes with a width less than 100 nanometers.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for precisely removing dusts from a side edge of a wafer, improving a production yield of wafers, and reducing a manufacturing cost for semiconductor devices. The apparatus includes: a retaining table having a circular top plan view, capable of retaining the wafer disposed on the top surface, and being rotated in the wafer cleaning; a feeding unit for supplying a cleaning solution to a top surface of the wafer; a cup member for recovering the cleaning solution supplied to the wafer, the cup member surrounding a radially outer circumference and a bottom of the retaining table; and a guard member disposed inside the cup member so as to be spaced apart from the retaining table, which surrounds the radially outer circumference of the retaining table.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a substrate is provided. The method initiates with applying an activation solution to a surface of the substrate. The activation solution and the surface of the substrate are contacted with a surface of a solid cleaning surface. The activation solution is absorbed into a portion of the solid cleaning element and then the substrate or the solid cleaning surface is moved relative to each other to clean the surface of the substrate. A method for cleaning the surface of the substrate with a solid cleaning element that experiences plastic deformation is also provided. Corresponding cleaning apparatuses are also provided.

Abstract: A selectively controllable heated wash system for a vehicle surface includes a wiper system control module operatively disposed in the vehicle and may be adapted to receive at least one sensed input. A fluid heating module is controlled by the wiper system control module, the heating module adapted to heat fluid therein to a predetermined target temperature, or to a preferred temperature determined as a result of recognition and analysis of the sensed input(s). Fluid is dispensed onto the surface from the heating module manually, according to predetermined parameters, or according to predetermined parameters determined at least in part as a result of recognition and analysis of the sensed input(s).

Abstract: A method for cleaning a substrate is provided. The method initiates with disposing a fluid layer having solid components therein to a surface of the substrate. A shear force directed substantially parallel to the surface of the substrate and toward an outer edge of the substrate is then created. The shear force may result from a normal or tangential component of a force applied to a solid body in contact with the fluid layer in one embodiment. The surface of the substrate is rinsed to remove the fluid layer. A cleaning system and apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A dish washer includes a steam generating unit that is configured to control the amount of steam in accordance with the amount of items in the dish washer. The steam generating unit is positioned outside of the tub and is configured to generate and supply steam to the tub. The dishwasher includes a fluid supplying passage that supplies washing fluid to the steam generating unit. A steam discharging passage is configured to discharge steam that is generated from the steam generating unit to the tub.

Abstract: A surface cleaning device has a cleaning chamber for goods to be cleaned with a cleaning medium. At least one tank for the cleaning medium is provided. A cleaning medium circuit is provided that has a supply device that conveys the cleaning medium from the at least one tank to the cleaning chamber and a return device that returns the cleaning medium from the cleaning chamber to the at least one tank. An analytical device for measuring contamination of the cleaning medium is provided.

Abstract: A cleaning device for internal combustion engine by way of suction force generated at the air-inlet tube of the engine is disclosed. The tapered air passage accelerates the air stream to produce a suction force, or a moveable or adjustable valve device to change the surface area of the air passage so as to control the effect of vacuum, and the cleaning solution is sucked into the air-inlet tube to clean away the accumulated carbon and debris in the valves or the internal combustion engine.

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. Improvement of the umbrella frame is that the upper and lower bases respectively have multiple rectangular recesses individually and pivotally engaged pin heads on the front section or the supporting rib of each branch. Thereby, the umbrella frame is be quickly assembled or disassembled.

Abstract: The invention relates to an umbrella with a connected receiver, which includes a cover connecting with an upper joint of the umbrella centrally. A soft receiver, which can be a tubular elastic body, is connected on the upper joint for receiving the closed umbrella. Hence, the umbrella has a clean and clear outlook when it is closed and not in use.

Abstract: The portable collapsible awning provides a main collapsible frame structure for supporting a canopy, which is easily collapsible and portable, providing transportable protection from the elements. The main collapsible frame structure includes a plurality of vertical supports, which are each pivotally joined to one another by collapsible scissors-like crossbars. The vertical supports define a passageway for pedestrians, and are expandable and collapsible simultaneously in both the lateral and longitudinal directions. An auxiliary frame is further releasably attached at a proximal end to the main collapsible frame structure for supporting a walkway awning. The distal end of the auxiliary frame is adapted for overlying a portion of a roof of a vehicle, creating a covered walkway from the vehicle door to the user's destination without vertical supports or frame members intermediate the main canopy and the vehicle.

Abstract: A retractable pet house includes an enclosure frame and an optional top frame. The enclosure frame includes a plurality of poles, foldable connection rod units and locking joints. The upper end and the lower end of each pole are connected to the locking joints. The upper ends and the lower ends of both sides of the foldable connection rod unit are respectively pivoted to the locking joints. The top frame includes a central joint and a plurality of top rods. Each top rod has one end pivoted to the central joint and another end penetrating through the locking joint at the upper end of each pole. One end of each top rod is provided with a threaded hole for receiving a bolt to hold against the central joint. The inclination between the top frame and the central joint is variable by rotating the bolts.

Abstract: A collapsible self-supporting structure used in combination with an improved articulating hub assembly. The articulating hub assembly is used as a connector among tubular rod elements which together provide a generally tubular frame matrix used to erect a collapsible self-supporting prefabricated deployable structure where a clear span interior without supporting columns is required.

Abstract: An internal support structure for a tent having a shell is disclosed. The internal support structure comprises at least one internal support structure configured to provide structural support to the shell, the internal support structure having a pair of gussets each having a member extending from the gussets. The members are configured to engage the shell and provide structural support to the shell. The internal support structure is disposed adjacent to the shell without occupying space in the middle portion of an internal space defined by the shell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a thermoelectric device comprising depositing a film of thermoelectric material on a substrate, locating one or more electrodes within the thermoelectric film, partially oxidizing the thermoelectric film to form an oxide layer and melting the oxide layer to form an electrical insulating and protective barrier on a top surface of the film.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating electrical current for a light mounted vehicle such as a motorcycle with thermoelectric modules. The invention includes apparel incorporating thermoelectric modules that cool or warm the body of a user.

Abstract: A combination of Peltier and Seebeck effect provides effective way to convert thermal energy to cooling. The common electrodes are electrically in contact with both devices cells, the cell generating electricity and the cell converting electricity to cooling. Additional factors providing for superior performance are the diced Peltier elements, and possibility of utilizing different material thermoelectric elements to generate electricity. Relatively low operating temperature of Bismuth Telluride may be increased by selecting materials such as CuAgSe, Si—Ge, BiSbTe and other. These materials may operate at temperatures of 1,000° C. or higher. That may prove advantageous in automobile application where the temperature of exhaust pipe gases is high.

Abstract: A method for the startup of a solar power three-phase inverter in which a waiting period is increased between successive attempts to start the inverter. This method allows the inverter to start up in a reasonable amount of time while avoiding excessive cycling during prolonged periods of low light.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoelectric device comprising a film of thermoelectric material deposited on a substrate, and one or more electrodes located within the thermoelectric film, wherein the thermoelectric film is partially oxidized to form an oxide layer, which is melted to form an electrical insulating and protective barrier on a top surface of the film.

Abstract: The device disclosed herein is a double jointed mounting for a solar panel which enables the solar panel to move so that its orientation with the sun is optimal for the collection of sunlight for the subsequent conversion to electrical energy. The double jointed mounting consists of a mount housing which contains two ball and socket joints located at either end of the mount housing. The solar panel can rotate independently about either ball and socket joint to maintain the optimal position for the collection of solar energy.

Abstract: The invention refers to a non-glass and flexible solar power module and the method for its manufacture where the module is provided with a circumferential and flexible frame having integrated through-wiring and socket parts, which are formed face-side into the frame, for module interconnection by means of plug-in connectors. The solar module is thoroughly and completely sealed off on its rear side and has a full-surface smooth texture which is established by the insertion of a thin flexible panel, preferably made of plastic, together with the laminate into the form for the manufacture of the frame by means of RIM (reaction injection moulding). The modules are mounted on the building, preferably by means of bonding/cementing to practically any random roof materials, as well as to curved surfaces and without a backward cable lead.

Abstract: An array of solar powered photovoltaic modules is optimally oriented and operated to provide more electrical energy for uses such as powering an electrolyzer system for hydrogen production. The array is positioned with its light receiving surface at an optimal angle, preferably a continually changing angle determined by two-axis solar tracking, when continually measured solar irradiance indicates suitable sunlight, and at a horizontal position when measured solar irradiance indicates excessive atmospheric cloudiness.

Abstract: Techniques for collecting a large amount of sunlight without overheating the underlying solar cells are disclosed. According to one aspect of the techniques, a housing includes arrays of solar cells, elongated concentrating lenses, and arrays of reflectors. The solar cells are electronically connected to provide an electrical power with a certain magnitude, when exposed to sunlight. Each of the arrays of elongated concentrating lenses is positioned above and focuses the sunlight onto an array of solar cells. Each of the elongated concentrating lenses has an inner surface facing the array of solar cells, wherein the inner surface includes a plurality of elongated toothed edges to reduce heat from the sunlight being focused to the array of cells.

Abstract: To improve weathering and installation performances, a photovoltaic power generation outer surrounding structure comprises a plural long fixing members (1) having protruding portions (1b) in both sides in parallel to a portion (1a) fixed onto a base material (S) of a building, an outer surrounding body (2) arranged on the base material (S) between the fixing members (1, 1) and having fixing portions (2a) extending under the protruding portions (1b) in both ends, a photovoltaic power generation panel (3), and a zipper gasket (4) having pinching and fixing portions (4ac) in both sides for holding the protruding portions (1b) and the fixing portions (2a) together, panel groves (4ab) in both sides for holding the photovoltaic power generation panel (3) and a zipper fitting groove (4aa) and a zipper body (4a) in both sides for tightening the panel grooves (4ab) by insertion of the zipper body (4a) into the groove(4aa).

Abstract: Subwavelength random and periodic microscopic structures are used to enhance light absorption and tolerance for ionizing radiation damage of thin film and photodetectors. Diffractive front surface microscopic structures scatter light into oblique propagating higher diffraction orders that are effectively trapped within the volume of the photovoltaic material. For subwavelength periodic microscopic structures etched through the majority of the material, enhanced absorption is due to waveguide effect perpendicular to the surface thereof. Enhanced radiation tolerance of the structures of the present invention is due to closely spaced, vertical sidewall junctions that capture a majority of deeply generated electron-hole pairs before they are lost to recombination. The separation of these vertical sidewall junctions is much smaller than the minority carrier diffusion lengths even after radiation-induced degradation.

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

Abstract: A dye-sensitized photovoltaic cell including a first electrode, a semiconductor layer formed on the first electrode, a dye formed on a surface of the semiconductor layer, a second electrode arranged opposite to the first electrode and an electrolyte disposed between the first and second electrodes. The second electrode includes a transparent substrate, a photocatalytic layer formed on the transparent substrate, and a metal catalyst layer formed on the photocatalytic layer.

Abstract: A system for automatically and periodically applying moisture to curing concrete that can be transported from one location to another is provided. A portable concrete curing unit receives water from a water source and distributes such water to a moisture applicator that is situated near a curing concrete object. The moisture applicator applies moisture to the curing concrete so as to maintain the concrete object at a desired moisture level during the curing process. The concrete curing unit may contain a power source, a pump, and a controller. The controller is connected to the pump such that the pump will distribute water to the moisture applicator during an activation period. This timing function of the controller allows for a system and method of automatically and periodically curing concrete that can be controlled by the user without extensive need for manual labor during the concrete curing process.

Abstract: A fuel tank for a spacecraft stores a liquid fuel and a pressurized propellant gas that drives the fuel out of the tank through a fuel extraction arrangement including a reservoir or collection container and a tank outlet. The collection container bounds a fuel reservoir space that communicates with the interior space of the tank, and fuel flow channels connect the reservoir space to an outlet pipe. A side or area of the collection container opposite the fuel flow channels is provided with one or more grooves. These structures produce a capillary pumping effect and use the surface tension to separate the fuel from the propellant gas.

Abstract: A fuel cutoff valve is provided with a casing that forms a valve chamber that is connected to a connection conduit, a float mechanism that is housed so as to be able to rise and fall in the valve chamber, and a spring that supports the float mechanism. The float mechanism is structured through an assembly of a first float body and a second float body, where the first float body is provided with a valve portion that opens and closes the connection conduit and provided with a storage chamber that is open on the bottom, where the second float body is housed in the storage chamber to be assembled into the first float body.

Abstract: A fuel system for a mobile platform is provided. The system includes a crossfeed fuel transmission assembly having a single crossfeed valve that controls fuel consumption from a first fuel tank and a second fuel tank. The system additionally includes a balancing fuel transfer assembly fluidly connected to the crossfeed fuel transmission assembly. The balancing fuel transfer assembly includes a plurality of fuel balancing valves for controlling a transfer of fuel to the first and second fuel tanks. The fuel system further includes a fuel balancing controller for automatically controlling the fuel balancing valves to automatically control the transfer of fuel to the first and second fuel tanks.

Abstract: A system for providing water to a marine vessel can include a water source for providing water to marine vessels, a water system of a marine vessel, and a flow control mechanism. The flow control mechanism can include a flow control valve, at least one sensor, and flow control electronics. The sensor can sense a condition relating to water flowing between the water source and the water system. The flow control electronics can automatically determine based upon data provided by the sensor whether a breach exists within the vessel's water system. The flow control electronics can automatically close the flow control valve upon detecting a breach. The flow control electronics can automatically detect a correction of the breach and can resume the flow of water responsive to the correction. The flow control electronics can also detect a user's input to manually override an automated shutdown.

Abstract: The valve includes a body having five surfaces and a plurality of blind holes, grooves and channels interconnected with the blind holes to form communication net. Two rectangular diaphragms are embedded separately into the grooves so as to selectively open and close the blind holes. An internal sliding base with an external sliding base coupled to the external periphery thereof. and comprises a sliding section and an internal press pillar disposed separately on two corresponding ends of the bottom of the sliding section. The two internal press pillars are capable of selectively opening and closing the two diaphragms. The external sliding base includes an external press pillar disposed separately on both corresponding ends of the concave groove. A casing for covering the external periphery of the external sliding base is secured with the body. At least one elastic member is installed between the top surface of the casing and the external sliding base.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon transfer system includes a first structure carrying an articulated arm, having at a free end a first connector part, and a vessel having a second connector part, each connector part including a coupling member. The coupling member of the first connector part supporting at least one fluid duct on its exterior, which duct can be placed into sealing engagement with a fluid duct on the vessel along respective sealing faces, and a locking member for locking the coupling members together. The fluid duct on the vessel has a substantially horizontally directed first and second duct section. The first duct section is connected to piping on the vessel. The second duct section is connected to the fluid duct on the coupling member of the first connector part, the first and second duct sections being mutually connected.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for in-line proportional mixing of chemical cleaning compositions includes first and second venturi provided in sequence for receiving respective cleaning compositions and drawing the compositions into a flow path. A float actuated valve is provided upstream from at least the first venturi. A pressure regulator is provided for controlling the pressure of water reaching the venturi to provide more precise control over the proportioning of the cleaning compositions through the venturi.

Abstract: Pressure vessel assembly for a pressurized fluid system comprises an enclosed outer casing at least one internal tube extending within the casing at least one fluid accumulator disposed within the at least one internal tube, and at least one cooling passage provided within the at least one internal tube and defined by a clearance between the at least one hydraulic fluid accumulator and the at least one internal tube. The pressure vessel assembly further includes a fluid storage compartment formed between the outer casing and the at least one internal tube. The fluid storage compartment is at least partially filled with a working fluid. The pressurized fluid system also includes a cooling fan allowing forced airflow through the cooling passage for forced cooling of the at least one hydraulic fluid accumulator and the working fluid in the storage compartment of the pressure vessel assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manifold for a vehicle transmission. The manifold defines a plurality of laterally extending channels suitable for simultaneously transferring oil at separate flow rates and pressure signals and may be subdivided to provide a plurality of like defined manifolds. The manifold, formed through an extrusion process, is fittable within or around a transmission shaft.