Abstract: The pack comprises a container defining a containment volume containing pastilles or the like, a lid closing off the said containment volume and dispensing means for the said pastilles or the like; the pack also contains a spray dispenser including a sprayable fluid and pressure operating means for dispensing the fluid; the spray dispenser is inserted within the containment volume of the container with pressure operating means associated with the lid.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention comprises an apparatus or system for withdrawing a cryogenic liquid from a container wherein the liquid may be drawn from the container independent of the orientation of the container. The apparatus comprises a conduit having a flexible metallic hose portion and a metallic head. The flexible hose portion has a first end in fluid communication with an outlet portal of the container and a second end to which the head is attached.

Abstract: A tubular body is operatively coupled to an oral nasal mask and provided with lateral apertures adapted for fluid flow. A flexible valve is mounted onto one end of the tubular body and adapted to seal the lateral apertures under normal operation conditions and expose the lateral apertures for fluid flow during emergency operation conditions. The sealed lateral apertures keep exhaust gases from escaping the oral nasal mask and contaminating the interior of the diving equipment during normal operation conditions. The exposed lateral apertures allow air from an alternate source to reach the mouth and nose of a user covered by the oral nasal mask during emergency operation conditions. The exposed lateral apertures allow excess water to be removed from inside the diving equipment. The valve system may be implemented as an integrated regulator mount nut/valve system.

Abstract: A delivery device, in particular a breath-actuated nasal delivery device, for delivering substance, in particular one of a liquid, as a suspension or solution, or a powder containing a medicament, especially systemic or topical pharmaceuticals, or a vaccine to the nasal airway of a subject.

Abstract: A mechanical inexsufflation device employs a ventilator for generating airflow under positive pressure, a first airflow channel connected to the ventilator, a first gate operative to selectively open or obstruct airflow through the first airflow channel, and a source of negative pressure airflow. The source of negative pressure gas flow may generate negative pressure simultaneously with the generation of airflow under positive pressure by the ventilator. A second gas flow channel connected to the source of negative pressure gas includes a second gate that may selectively open or obstruct gas flow through the second gas flow channel. A control unit operates to open or close the first and second gates in a mutually reciprocal and opposite manner. A patient interface unit conducts airflow to and from a patient's lungs according to the settings of the gates.

Abstract: A method and related system to determine nasal resistance to airflow. Some of the exemplary embodiments may be a method comprising measuring an attribute of airflow through a first naris of a patient without blocking a second naris of the patient, measuring an attribute of airflow through the second naris of the patient without blocking the first naris, and determining a value indicative of nasal resistance to airflow based on the attributes measured.

Abstract: A breathing arrangement includes a patient interface, at least one inlet conduit, and a headgear assembly. The patient interface includes a mouth covering assembly including a cushion structured to sealingly engage around exterior of a patient's mouth in use, a nozzle assembly including a pair of nozzles structured to sealingly engage within nasal passages of a patient's nose in use, and an element connecting the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly. The at least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into at least one of the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. The headgear assembly is removably connected to at least one of the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly so as to maintain the mouth covering assembly and the nozzle assembly in a desired position on the patient's face.

Abstract: A headgear for securing a patient airway interface device to a patient's head, and in particular an infant patient. The headgear includes a central body, first and second forehead straps, and first and second lower straps. The forehead straps extend from opposite side of the central body. The lower straps also extend from opposite sides of the central body, and are inferiorly spaced from a corresponding forehead strap. Upon application to a patient's head, the central body and the forehead straps establish a line of attachment extending from the patient's forehead to a nape of the patient's neck (i.e., adjacent the occipital bone). The lower straps are then available for connecting an airway interface piece to the headgear.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing the flow resistance of pathways in the lung by employing aspiration to establish an artificial convective flow current between compartments in the lung in order to entrain and deliver a clogging agent preferentially to the pathways. This treatment is performed after an area has been properly diagnosed for treatment.

Abstract: A method and system for catheter-based delivery of implants in the body. Implants can include stents, plugs, coils, baskets, filters, valves, grafts, prosthesis', drugs, drug reservoirs, biologics, or pumps. The catheter system comprises a uniquely configured grasper mechanism that allows holding the implant during the unsheathing delivery step prior to full release. With this delivery system, the implant can be unsheathed, positioned, and the position can be evaluated prior to releasing the implant from the catheter. Upon evaluation of the position of the implant, if it is found to be inaccurately placed, then removal of the implant can be done easily and without a device exchange. If the implant is found to be positioned correctly, the grasper mechanism can be actuated to release the implant from the catheter.

Abstract: A device for creating a flattened opening in the neck of a victim for temporary stabilization by creating an air passage for breathing. The device includes a planar knife element and a surrounding flattened tube which is inserted simultaneously to form an air passage after removal of the knife element. The tube element includes laterally-extending flange means for limiting the degree of penetration during installation. In a preferred embodiment, the tube element includes laterally-extending structure for engaging the ends of the created air passage to retain the installed device in position.

Abstract: A coition activated inflatable reservoir condom. The condom comprises a various number of inflatable tubular portions on its shaft and an anterior inflatable dome. A fluid filled reservoir attached to the base of the condom to supply the fluid into the inflatable portions by body pressure between the users. One handheld pump with a tube connected to the reservoir as the source of additional fluid for the reservoir. One receiving empty container with a relief valve also is included to release the fluid from the inflated portions and to reduce the size of the condom during the intercourse per users' discretion. This invention is a condom that provides for an enhanced sexual experience.

Abstract: Systems and methods incorporate implant structures, and/or implantation devices, and/or surgical implantation techniques, to make possible the treatment of physiologic conditions, such as sleep disordered breathing, with enhanced effectiveness.

Abstract: A disposable mask system for positioning a patient relative to a patient restraint board during radiation therapy includes a piece of low-melt thermoplastic material affixed to a rigid, non-thermoplastic frame. A lock-down mechanism is integrally incorporated into the rigid, non-thermoplastic frame, such that a manipulable portion of the lock-down mechanism extends upward from the surface of the rigid frame so that it is accessible by the user. An engagement member extends downward from the underside of the rigid frame such that it can engage corresponding holes in a patient restraint board, such that when the rigid frame is pushed down so that its engagement members fully engage the corresponding holes of the patient restraint board, then the thermoplastic mask system may by tightly secured to the patient restraint board by activating the lock-down mechanism.

Abstract: A pressure ulcer prosthesis (10) having an elongated body (11) to support a patient's limb. The body (11) has a longitudinally extending support surface (13) that is arcuate and concave in transverse cross section. A distal end (12) having a surface (18) extends away from the surface (13) so as to diverge therefrom so that a portion of the limb adjacently surface (18) is released from pressure.

Abstract: A repairing procedure for treating Superficial and/or Perforant Venous Insufficiency of the lower limbs, by means of the application of Clips, Stoppers and/or Artificial Valves. The procedure consists of the strategic and specific closure of different reflux levels in the internal and/or external saphenous veins and perforants veins, in an extravascular way by means of the use of titanium clips, or in endovascular way by means of the use of stoppers or artificial valves. In the case of using Artificial Valves the vascular function is reestablished.

Abstract: A class of molecularly imprinted polymers that specifically recognizes and binds to nitrosamines members of which class are useful, for example, in analysis and separation of nitrosamines from biological fluids. Such molecularly imprinted polymers are also useful in methods of treating and manufacturing tobacco products and materials.

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 may include finely ground particles of tobacco in powder-like form and other ingredients such as sweeteners, binders, colorants, pH adjusters, fillers, flavoring ingredients, disintegration aids, antioxidants and preservatives. The tobacco formulation may have a dry or moist form. The container has the form of a pouch or bag, such as is the type commonly used for the manufacture of snus products. The container preferably contains at least one capsule, such as a spherical breakable capsule. The container is intended to be placed in the mouth of the tobacco user, such that the 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.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a tobacco article may include tobacco disposed in a porous matrix. The tobacco article may provide tobacco, tobacco constituents, or both tobacco and tobacco constituents to the consumer's mouth in the form of particles, liquid, or vapor so as to provide tobacco satisfaction to the consumer. In some circumstances, the tobacco may be integrally molded with a plastic material so that at least a portion of the tobacco is disposed in pores of the matrix.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a tobacco article may include tobacco disposed in a porous matrix. The tobacco article may provide tobacco, tobacco constituents, or both tobacco and tobacco constituents to the consumer's mouth in the form of particles, liquid, or vapor so as to provide tobacco satisfaction to the consumer. In some circumstances, the tobacco may be integrally molded with a plastic material so that at least a portion of the tobacco is disposed in pores of the matrix.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a tobacco article may include tobacco disposed in a porous matrix. The tobacco article may provide tobacco, tobacco constituents, or both tobacco and tobacco constituents to the consumer's mouth in the form of particles, liquid, or vapor so as to provide tobacco satisfaction to the consumer. In some circumstances, the tobacco may be integrally molded with a plastic material so that at least a portion of the tobacco is disposed in pores of the matrix.

Abstract: A smoking article, which provides lower amounts of total particulate matter in a latter portion of its puff count, includes a cylinder of smoking material, a combustible hollow tube within the cylinder of smoking material, and a heat sink at a downstream end of the hollow tube. The smoking article also includes a filter system attached to the cylinder of smoking material having a sorbent material and at least one downstream segment of filtering material.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for applying cosmetics to the face of a user in a particular sequential order employing various assigned brushes marked with various indicia. The indicia on the brush is used to identify an association with a cosmetic similarly marked with the same indicia. The indicia defines the sequential order in which the cosmetic is to be applied to the face of a user in accordance with a sequential step-by-step cosmetic application process. This system and method may be embodied in a variety of ways including in a kit, a holder, a cosmetic carrying case and a portable and self-contained modular cosmetic unit.

Abstract: A heated eyelash curler comprising a curling head having a heating element, a cover switch engaged with the heated eyelash curler, and a body enclosing operational components of the heated eyelash curler connected to the curling head. The cover switch turns the heating element “on” after exposing the curling head and turns the heating element “off” after covering the curling head instead of the current practice of manually turning the switch “on” and “off”. The engagement between the parts on the cover switch and the heated eyelash curler attaches the cover switch to the body of the heated eyelash curler. The heating element on the eyelash curler can be conventional or it can adopt wiring in a zigzag configuration housed within a conducting tube coated with a non-sticking material.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electric mascara application apparatus comprising a main body holding a battery therein, a motor assembly electrically connected to the battery and fixedly installed to the main body for rotating a brush, a rotator rotatably installed on the circumferential outer surface of the main body, a control board fixed to the rotator for controlling the motor assembly, and a display means installed in the control board for displaying the direction of rotation of the motor assembly.

Abstract: A protective fingernail cover having a top portion, a bottom portion and a retention band. The bottom portion is joined to the top portion define an enclosure that is adapted to at least partially receive a person's fingernail. The retention band extends from at least one of the top portion and the bottom portion. The retention band is capable of extending around the person's finger when the protective fingernail cover is placed over the person's fingernail to thereby retain the protective fingernail cover in a fixed position with respect to the person's fingernail.

Abstract: An applicator 12 and a process for the production of an applicator 12. The applicator serves for distributing a cosmetic preparation on the skin, semi-mucous membrane or mucous membrane and comprises a holding portion 18 and an applicator portion 30 which is injected on to the holding portion 18 in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the applicator 12, wherein both the holding portion 18 and also the applicator portion 30 at least partially comprise plastic material and the plastic material of the holding portion 18 is harder than the plastic material of the applicator portion 30 and wherein the holding portion 18 does not form a core which extends into the applicator portion 30 in the direction of the longitudinal extent.

Abstract: A device, applicator and a cosmetic non-therapeutic method of treating at least one area of the human body. The device includes a composition held in a container or a substrate and an applicator configured to apply the composition. The applicator includes an application surface that includes an application surface material with at least one of a thermal inertia of at least 1,000 Jm?2K?1s?1/2 and a thermal conductivity greater than or equal to 1 Wm?1K?1. The method includes providing an applicator, cooling the applicator to a temperature below or equal to 15° C., and loading the cooled applicator with a cosmetic composition at a temperature closer to an ambient temperature than that of the applicator, and applying the composition using the applicator, or before or after the cooling, applying a cosmetic composition, and after the cooling, bringing the cooled applicator into contact with the area to be treated.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a substrate processing chamber that enables formation of an oxide film on a surface of a processing chamber inside component to be prevented. A substrate processing chamber 11 has therein a processing space S into which a wafer W is transferred and carries out reactive ion etching on the wafer W in the processing space S. The substrate processing chamber 11 has an upper electrode plate 38 that comprises silicon and a lower surface of which is exposed to the processing space S. A dry cleaning is carried out on the upper electrode plate 38 using oxygen radicals produced from oxygen gas introduced into the processing space S. An oxide removal processing is carried out on the upper electrode plate 38 using fluorine ions and fluorine radicals produced from carbon tetrafluoride gas introduced into the processing space S.

Abstract: Plasma systems and methods for supplying activation energy to remove cross-linked photoresist crust using ion bombardment of the substrate from a plasma, at reduced temperature, achieved in part by operating the processing chamber at low pressures. Reduced temperatures prevent “popping” of the photoresist which can cause particulate contamination. The gas flow may comprise a principal gas, an inert diluent gas, and an additive gas. Principal gases for HDIS may comprise oxygen, hydrogen, and water vapor at pressures less than about 200 mTorr and a bias may be applied to the substrate support. When low-k dielectric material is present on vertical surfaces, reduced ion bombardment on vertical surfaces may be used, and a protective layer may be deposited on those surfaces.

Abstract: A method is provided, which includes moving a mobile floor cleaning device along a floor; electrochemically activating a liquid on the mobile floor cleaning device, and dispensing the electrochemically activated liquid from the mobile floor cleaning device.

Abstract: A stirring nozzle used in an apparatus for abrasive wire cleaning. The stirring nozzles can be used in series to create multiple cleaning steps wherein fresh cleaning compound contacts the wire to be cleaned. The cleaning apparatus moves both the wire and an abrasive cleaning compound through the interior of the stirring nozzles. At the exit end of each stirring nozzle, cleaning compound is moved outward from the wire path. At the inlet end of each stirring nozzle, cleaning compound is moved inward toward the wire path. The sequential in-and-out movement mixes the cleaning compound.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward an apparatus and method for cleaning trailers of transport trucks, which makes use of an air supply of an air brake system within the transport truck. A portable cleaning apparatus is connected to the air brake system to allow a user to clean soiled surfaces in the interior of the trailer. One embodiment of the cleaning apparatus includes an air supply hose, a wand, and a liquid delivery system which may include a portable container containing liquid and a mixer for combining the air and liquid. As air flows through the compressed air supply line and out of the wand, the airflow siphons liquid from the portable container at the mixer.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a mobile body configured to travel over a surface, a cleaning device carried by the mobile body, a liquid flow path, and an electrolyzing device in the liquid flow path. An indicator provides a humanly-perceptible indication of an electrical operating characteristic of the electrolyzing device.

Abstract: A method is provided, which includes moving a mobile floor cleaning machine along a floor. Onboard the mobile floor cleaning machine, a liquid is sparged by electrolysis. The sparged liquid is dispensed from the mobile floor cleaning machine.

Abstract: This invention includes methods and systems for processing hydrogel lenses using aqueous solutions as leaching aids.

Abstract: There is provided a system capable of supplying pure water containing almost no dissolved gas and pure water containing dissolved gas without increasing the amount of pure water manufactured in a volume production semiconductor factory. In the present invention, pure water is supplied using a pure water supply system, which includes: a pure water manufacturing means for manufacturing pure water having a dissolved gas concentration of 0.4 ppm or lower; a first pure water supply means capable of supplying the pure water from the pure water manufacturing means; a dissolving means that is coupled to the pure water manufacturing means via a coupling portion and dissolves gas in the pure water transferred from the pure water manufacturing means via the coupling portion; and a second pure water supply means capable of supplying the pure water in which the gas has been dissolved by the dissolving means.

Abstract: The disclosed system, device and method for automated non-contact cleaning of hardware articles generally includes: a cleaning chamber configured to at least partially enclose the hardware article to be cleaned; a plurality of nozzles configured to spray a sublimating agent on the hardware article; an air inlet configured to purge the chamber with a gas; and an air outlet configured to exhaust the purge gas, contaminants and sublimating agent from the chamber. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to realize improved non-contact cleaning function.

Abstract: A closed-loop wash system is provided for use with a washing assembly that includes a collection basin and a self-contained, bioremediation treatment apparatus. A housing assembly defines a plurality of chambers in series flow communication from an upstream collection chamber to a downstream clean wash fluid chamber. A central media chamber is included in upstream flow communication with the upstream collection chamber and in downstream flow communication with the downstream clean wash fluid chamber. An array of media housing microbes is disposed in the media chamber. The treatment apparatus includes a diffusion assembly configured to aerate the washing fluid contained in selected chambers. A first circulation system continuously circulates flow through the bioremediation system, while an independent second circulation system continuously circulates flow from the collection basin to the bioremediation treatment apparatus, and then back into the collection basin.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a culvert includes a rod pushing and pulling machine, a rod string made from a series of extension rods coupled end to end, which rod string is mounted at a proximal end to the rod pushing and pulling machine. A debris removal tool is mounted on a distal end of the rod string. The debris removal tool may comprises a rod having a center longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end, the rod having a coupling at its proximal end. A bucket is mounted at the distal end of the rod, which bucket has an end opening positioned so that movement of the bucket along the culvert scoops debris into the bucket.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a cabinet and a wash system slidably mounted within the cabinet in such a manner that it may be withdrawn horizontally out of the cabinet for loading with dishes. The wash system includes an open top wash chamber having a floor and side walls adapted to accommodate dishes within which wash liquid is sprayed. Two rotating spray arms are mounted in the bottom of the chamber for producing a spray of wash liquid within the chamber. A wash pump for pressurising wash liquid discharges into a manifold located on the floor of the chamber. The spray arms receive wash liquid from the manifold. A drain pump evacuates wash liquid from said chamber. A wash chamber closure is mounted in the top of the cabinet. The closure engages with the wash chamber opening to sealably close off the wash chamber on its retraction into the cabinet.

Abstract: This invention is a steel tempered wire approximately 3/16? in diameter bent to form a clip to hold papers, files, or any item normally carried by hand. The clip has enough tension to hold the items snugly against a crutch so the individual can use both hands to navigate on the crutch. It is positioned under the arm just above the crutch handle. It can be on the inside or outside position, but normally would be used on the outside. The design fits a normal crutch without any crutch alteration. The steel wire is also bent to hold various types of drink containers. It is positioned at the lower part of the crutch where the two sides come together. The wire could be a molded plastic container.

Abstract: A shade producing apparatus for protecting the exterior and interior of an automobile, truck or vehicle as well it's passengers. A shade producing canopy supported by poles extending either from the rear trunk or from on top of the roof of a vehicle. The entire folding or collapsible poles and canopy are stored in a hollow airfoil shaped spoiler that is esthetically pleasing and adds to the appearance of the vehicle. The base of the airfoil shaped spoiler's two risers are attached to the vehicle. The two tie-down bungee cords are the only other parts that touch the surface of the vehicle. An operator may deploy and retract the shade canopy while remaining on one side of the vehicle. The supporting poles may be swiveled 180 degrees to form a shade awning to the rear of the vehicle.

Abstract: A tent with a roof section (20) comprises at least one awning section (21) and a linkage structure (10), which can be pulled from a non-use state to a use state and, vice versa which can be pushed together from the use state into the non-use state. The roof section (20) can be arranged on the linkage structure (10). A mechanism is provided that brings the awning section (21) automatically from its non-use state to its use state when the linkage structure (10) is pulled apart and brings the awning section (21) automatically from its use state into its non-use state when the linkage structure is pushed together utilizing the movement of at least one linkage rod (1?) of the linkage structure (10).

Abstract: A photovoltaic module capable of suppressing separation of a tab electrode can be obtained. The photovoltaic module includes a plurality of semiconductor layers including a photoelectric conversion layer, a plurality of photovoltaic elements including a finger electrode for collecting generated currents, formed on the semiconductor layers on a side of a light receiving surface, and a tab electrode for electrically connecting the plurality of photovoltaic elements, in which the tab electrode is electrically connected to the finger electrode in a region corresponding to a power generation region of the photovoltaic element and bonded on the light receiving surface through an insulating bonding material.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system includes a solar module having at least one solar cell. In order to reduce the power loss of the solar module when a solar module is in shade or is defective, a semiconductor switching element is connected in parallel with the solar module and drive electronics block the semiconductor switching element when the solar module is generating power and otherwise switch the semiconductor switching element to low impedance in order to bridge the solar module.

Abstract: A solar cell (100) comprising a semiconductor solar cell substrate (66) having a light receiving surface formed on the first major surface and generating photovoltaic power based on the light impinging on the light receiving surface, wherein the light receiving surface of the semiconductor solar cell substrate (66) is coated with a light receiving surface side insulating film (61) composed of an inorganic insulating material where the cationic component principally comprising silicon, and the light receiving surface side insulating film (61) is a low hydrogen content inorganic insulating film containing less than 10 atm % of hydrogen. A solar cell having an insulating film exhibiting excellent passivation effect insusceptible to aging can thereby be provided.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for high-efficiency solar cells. In one embodiment, the device comprises of a solar cell having a high efficiency backside electrode configuration, wherein the solar cell comprises of: at least one transparent conductor, a photovoltaic layer, at least one bottom electrode, and at least one backside electrode. The device may include a plurality of electrical conduction fingers mounted to the transparent conductor in the solar cell. The device may include a plurality of filled vias coupled to the electrical conduction fingers, wherein the vias extend through the transparent conductor, the photovoltaic layer, and the bottom electrode, wherein the vias have a conductive core that conducts charge from the transparent conductor to the backside electrode. The via insulating layer may separate the conductive core in each via from the bottom electrode, wherein the insulating layer may be formed by a variety of techniques such as but not limited to aerosol coating of the via.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a plasma processing apparatus having enhanced plasma processing uniformity. The plasma processing apparatus comprises a processing chamber 1, means 13 and 14 for supplying processing gas into the processing chamber, evacuation means 25 and 26 for decompressing the processing chamber 1, an electrode 4 on which an object 2 to be processed such as a wafer is placed, and an electromagnetic radiation power supply 5A, wherein at least two kinds of processing gases having different composition ratios of 02 or N2are introduced into the processing chamber through different gas inlets so as to control the in-plane uniformity of the critical dimension while maintaining the in-plane uniformity of the process depth.

Abstract: A fuel cutoff valve comprises a casing and a float mechanism having a float and a seat portion. An upper vent hole is formed in the upper wall portion of the float, and a side portion communication hole is formed in the side wall portion. The passage area of the side portion communication hole is set so as to allow a large volume of vapors entering the float chamber to escape into the valve chamber. The passage area of the upper vent hole is set so that vapor entering the float chamber when the vehicle inclines escapes into the valve chamber, and the float chamber fills with fuel lifting the float, whereas when the vehicle turns sharply, the float is lifted without the float chamber filling with fuel.