Abstract: An inline vent pipe insert or attachment operating to capture latent heat for living room temperature maintenance. Configured to replace or attach to an exiting vent pipe section and further configured to self-generate power to supply electric current sufficient to operate a blower. The blower configured to draw cool room air through the invention and sufficient to circulate the cool air through a further configured enclosed channel duct with sufficiently configured heat dissipation fins to capture latent heat from the inline vent. Said heat dissipation fins function as cooling heat sink for a thermal electric generator based on the Seebeck principles strategically configured to capture maximum heat from the vent pipe. The invention delivers warmed air to the room through a shroud, capturing latent heat otherwise lost to the external vent without an external power supply. The delivery of warm is configured to the rate at which latent heat is available.

Abstract: An exhaust flue support includes an elongate flue strut having a non-flat channel portion integral with a flat portion; and a mounting strap, these parts formed from a common piece of sheet metal and joined together by plural frangible tabs whereby the strap is easily broken away from the strut. The strap has fastening elements for joining the opposing ends. The flat portion of the strut provides a bendable tab capable of joining the strut to the strap when the strap encircles an exhaust flue.

Abstract: The inventions disclosed herein relate to frame assemblies for gas barbecue grills which incorporate structures for preventing a consumer from storing replacement fuel tanks on the grill, in order to minimize fire and tipping hazards. Because it is known that many consumers never install or even remove prior art tank blockers, the tank blocker of the present invention is adapted to serve as a function of the grill (in addition to the function of blocking a tank) or to support a component of the grill. The preferred embodiment of the tank blocker described herein is adapted to support a component of the grease management system, namely the grease drip pan. Consequently, it is believed that consumers will be forced to install or will be prevented from removing the tank blocker, lest the grease management system become inoperable (or function improperly), causing grease to spill onto the cart.

Abstract: A fireplace configured for reducing the heating, and hence the temperature, of the surface above the front face of the fireplace. The fireplace includes an air management system for separating one or more relatively warm air stream from one or more relatively cool air stream. The relatively cooler air stream exiting the fireplace may be drawn by the relatively warmer air exiting the fireplace into flowing upwards along a surface above the front face of the fireplace. An insulating layer of relatively cooler air may form between said surface and the relatively warmer air exiting the fireplace.

Abstract: A modular assembly for fireplace insert cabinets comprises at least two modules. Each module has a generally planar top and a support bottom. At least one of the modules is adapted for supporting a fireplace insert, and the other module includes a cavity having an opening and containing an article support.

Abstract: A self powered pelletized fuel heating device comprising a thermal electric generator (TEG) unit therein powering a typical collection of low voltage system components including a storage power unit. Non-typically, the heating device requires no external power supply and relies on thermodynamic principles using the pelletized fuel as a heat source. The TEG is configured and positioned optimally for conventional operation and installation requirements without modification to normal form or function.

Abstract: The artificial embers can generally be used in any gas appliance with a gas fired log set that has a burner and are formed of silicon carbide or alumina. A plurality of the embers are placed loosely on a burner in registry with the flames of the burner in order to produce a simulation of actual glowing embers. The plurality of glowing embers simulates an actual ash bed or coals within the gas fired log set. The glowing artificial embers release a minimal amount of NO2 and CO emissions while creating a more realistic and brighter glow.

Abstract: A hot water supply and fire hydrant system includes a plurality of heat-absorber plates (11) arranged on the whole area of the roof of a building in a sloping position for absorbing the radiating energy of the sun, a plurality of collector tubes (12) formed of metal tubes having a high heat transfer efficient and respectively mounted on the heat-absorber plates (11) for transferring heat energy from the heat-absorber plates to water flowing through the collector tubes, and a plurality of pipe connectors (15) respectively connected to the top and bottom ends of the collector tubes (12) for guiding water in and out of the collector tubes.

Abstract: A solar insulation capturing and transporting system includes a solar insulation receiving member configured in combination with a dual walled conduit. Fluid is flowed through one portion of the conduit and into the solar insulation receiving member and thence into a second portion of the conduit. Heat energy captured in the fluid is then transferred, in the flowing fluid, to a use location where the energy may be usefully exploited.

Abstract: A solar concentrator includes a first reflective surface formed parabolic along a first axis and a second reflective surface formed parabolic along a second axis which is perpendicular to the first axis. The focal length of the second reflective surface is shorter than the focal length of the first reflective surface for crossing focal lines of the first and the second reflective surfaces at a point. A method of concentrating solar light includes reflecting the light off a first reflective surface having a single parabolic axis to generate a first reflected line, and reflecting the first reflected line off a second reflective surface having a single parabolic axis. The parabolic axis of the first reflective surface is oriented perpendicular to the parabolic axis of the second reflective surface to focus the light to a point.

Abstract: A collector for solar energy is disclosed having a closed hollow partially spherical container with a window for permitting solar energy to enter the container. The container has a reflective inner surface for retaining the energy. The collecting lens focuses the solar energy. Central tubing is provided and a pump circulates fluid through the tubing to a heat exchanger for transferring thermal energy from the fluid in the tubing to a utilization device.

Abstract: A tongue protector coupleable to an inhaler is configured with a grip and an elongated body configured to cover at least a portion of the patient's tongue administering a medicine.

Abstract: A liquid nebulizer utilizes a channel forming element to position a portion of a sonic vibrator and form a channel passing to a medication cup. When the sonic vibrator vibrates up and down, the liquid from the medication cup passes the channel toward a mesh plate for nebulizing the liquid. The liquid nebulizer provides an easily manufactured channel forming element and has a simple structure. Furthermore, the manufacturing cost of the liquid nebulizer is inexpensive.

Abstract: The invention relates to pharmaceutical active substances, active substance mixtures and formulations for use as an aerosol in propellant-containing [1.1.1.2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) or 1.1.1.2.3.3.3-heptafluoropropane(HFC-227)] metered-dose aerosols and the metered-dose aerosols for administering these active substances, active substance mixtures and formulations.

Abstract: A respiration hood assembly is effected from a thin-walled headpiece nested within the periphery of a mating exterior housing that includes a filtered aperture. The nested engagement between the headpiece and the housing is also useful in capturing one edge of a plastic membrane skirt that is thus suspended to drape over the person wearing the headpiece. A battery powered electric fan is deployed within the housing to draw ambient air through the vent aperture into the space shrouded by the skirt. The nested headpiece arrangement is useful in retaining other fibrous towels or tissue to extend the usefulness of the assembly and a parallel connection is provided to a motor vehicle battery to extend the period of electrical excitation.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an ejection liquid (liquid composition) which can be stably ejected as a liquid containing an effective ingredient for treating respiratory disease from an ejection opening provided to an ejection device. A specific surface-active compound is added to an ejection liquid containing an effective ingredient for treating respiratory disease. An ejection liquid which is used for stably ejecting a solution containing an active ingredient for treating respiratory disease according to the principle of an ink jet system, a method which is suitable for ejecting this ejection liquid, and an ejection device are provided. The ejection liquid includes an active ingredient for treating j respiratory disease, a specific surface-active compound, and a liquid medium and is ejected from an ejection opening by an ink jet system.

Abstract: A medication inhaler having an inhaler body with a medication container chamber for receiving a medication container and at least one air passage connecting the medication container chamber with external air and a mouthpiece axially engageable with the inhaler body and having a mouthpiece chamber for communication with a patient's respiratory system and a hollow medication delivery needle communicating with the mouthpiece chamber. The medication delivery needle extends toward the medication container chamber and has at least one opening for passing exterior air and medication from an interior space of a medication container in the medication container chamber through the needle and to mouthpiece chamber.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical product. The pharmaceutical product includes a container constructed from a material containing one or more of polypropylene, polyethylene, and ionomeric resins. The container defines an interior space. A volume of a fluoroether-containing inhalation anesthetic is contained in the interior space defined by the container.

Abstract: Dry powder drug containment packages with tab members and meted dose sealed drug compartments can be used in an inhaler having a flow chamber with a hook member that opens the drug compartments and/or a portion that flexes to vibrate the dry powder to facilitate fluidic active dispersion for inhalation.

Abstract: A nasal comfort device provides humidified air to the nasal passages of a user. The device, which is attachable to a user's face, may include an evaporative surface and a reservoir that is fluidically connected to the evaporative surface. The reservoir may be positioned remotely from the evaporative surface and connected to the evaporative surface with a conduit. A support structure may include one or more support arms which maintain the evaporative surface below the nose. In some embodiments, the device may filter air instead of, or in addition to, humidifying the air. Medications or other agents may be included in the liquid being evaporated or on the evaporative surface.

Abstract: The systems disclosed herein relate to medical nebulizer systems, and more specifically interactive nebulizer compressors. In one embodiment an interactive nebulizer compressor includes an air compressor configured to output a pressurized gas. The embodiment further includes an enclosure surrounding the air compressor and a tubing coupler coupled to the enclosure. The tubing coupler can be further coupled to the air compressor and configured to cause the pressurized gas to be output from the enclosure. Lastly, the embodiment can include an interactive surface coupled to the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of ventilators, and, more specifically, to a ventilator system that addresses respiratory distress due to the onset of an epidemic or pandemic disease state. In particular, the present invention is a ventilator system that can be manufactured quickly with minimal skill requirements and employed rapidly in response to epidemic respiratory disease conditions. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed toward a ventilator having a gas input, an inhalation conduit connected to the gas input, a patient flow control valve, operably connected to the gas input via the inhalation conduit, a patient interface, separated from the inhalation conduit by the flow control valve, and a gas shut-off mechanism that senses a pressure state in the inhalation conduit.

Abstract: A method for increasing circulation and providing oxygen to a patient in cardiac arrest includes the step of coupling an interface to the patient's airway, the interface providing access to the patient's respiratory system. A valve system is operably attached to the interface. Oxygen is delivered through the interface a rate of between about 1.0 to about 10.0 L/min to provide a continuous supply of oxygen to the patient. While supplying the oxygen, a body structure of the patient is manipulated to increase the magnitude and duration of the patient's negative intrathoracic pressure.

Abstract: A meter for visual determination of proper oxygen or gas flow to a facemask or cannula from a pressurized gas supply. The device features a body with a central cavity extending axially therein adapted for translation of a piston biased toward an incoming gas stream from the pressurized supply. A cup-shaped endwall of the piston increases the area on which the incoming air stream acts. The incoming air stream is focused to impact a center portion of the endwall at a higher rate of speed using a narrowing incoming conduit resulting in increased force and translation of the piston even under the low pressures in which cannulas operate. The piston translates to a point where it may be viewed alone or adjacent to indica to ascertain proper oxygen flow to the user, by a caretaker from a distance.

Abstract: A system is provided for delivering a flow of breathing gas to an airway of a patient. The system includes a pressurizing flow module that generates a pressurized flow of breathing gas and a patient circuit coupled to the pressurizing flow module configured to communicate the flow of breathing gas to an airway of a patient. The system includes a sensor for monitoring a characteristic of a breathing pattern of the patient a controller that communicates with the sensor configured to increase a fraction of inspired carbon dioxide if the characteristic exceeds an upper threshold value and to provide servo-ventilation if the characteristic is less than a lower threshold value. The upper threshold value and the lower threshold value are changed based on the monitored characteristic of the breathing pattern of the patient.

Abstract: An altitude simulation system is disclosed for simulating an altitude within an enclosure or mask, wherein various improvements are provided, including: (a) a more effective use hypoxpic air generated by the system via recirculating techniques and improvements in air leakage, (b) improvements in determining when a simulated altitude is reached, (c) improvements in controlling hypoxic air generators so that peak electrical power loads are reduced and there are enhanced failsafe features for protecting the health of users, (d) using a pulse oximetry device for measuring oxygen saturation in a user's blood to thereby vary the oxygen content in the air provided to the user.

Abstract: A ventilation mask having a cushioned facial interface and an adjustable support structure. The ventilation mask can have a gas delivery port with a gas delivery tube rotatably coupled thereto. The cushioned facial interface may have one or more interior membranes and an extended lower portion. The support structure may have an adjustable slide allowing a wearer to adjust the mask to increase comfort while maintaining a gas-tight seal between the mask and the face of the wearer.

Abstract: A seal that contacts a portion of a patient to provide a comfortable interface between an external device, such as a respiratory mask, and the patient. The seal includes an elastic casing filled with a soft gel substance having a cone penetration of from about 5 to 200 penetrations.

Abstract: A respiratory mask is provided having an outer shell coupled to a cushion for the delivery of a gas to a user. The cushion of the respiratory mask has a pleat and varied wall thicknesses about the device in order to provide varying degrees of flexibility and support about the cushion.

Abstract: A convertible endotracheal tube apparatus includes an outer lumen member, an inner lumen member, an outer lumen cuff, and an inner lumen cuff. The outer lumen member has a round tubular cross-section and is adapted to provide a first fluid path between a first external fluid source and both a left and a right lung of a patient. The inner lumen member has a semi-round tubular cross-section, is located at least partially within the round tubular cross-section of the outer lumen member, and is adapted to selectively provide a second fluid path between a second external fluid source and a chosen one of the left and right lungs. The outer lumen cuff encircles a portion of the outer lumen member and selectively provides a single lumen operation mode. The inner lumen cuff encircles a portion of the inner lumen member and selectively provides a double lumen operation mode.

Abstract: A lung volume reduction system is disclosed comprising an implantable device adapted to be delivered to a lung airway of a patient in a delivery configuration and to change to a deployed configuration to bend the lung airway. The invention also discloses a method of bending a lung airway of a patient comprising inserting a device into the airway in a delivery configuration and bending the device into a deployed configuration, thereby bending the airway.

Abstract: An elongated anti-snoring device has adhesive areas at each end of the device and a central region of the anti-snoring device is designed to exert pressure. In use, the adhesive areas exert a pulling force on two areas of the neck causing these areas of the neck to expand outward from their normal position. The central portion of the anti-snoring device presses on a specific part of the neck to generate the pulling force. The forces on the neck open a blockage in the throat of a sleeping person, thereby reducing both snoring and sleep apnea.

Abstract: An earplug (10) of the type that is molded of elastomeric material and that has a flange (14) that seals to the walls of a person's ear canal as a stem (12) is pushed forward into the ear canal. Instead of using three or four flanges, applicant's earplug has a single very long main flange (14) with a maximum diameter (D) that is at least 80% of the length (L) of the main flange, and at least 55% of the entire length (B) of the earplug except for the stem. This allows the outside of the long flange to extend at a very small angle (C) to the axial direction, and apply a constant force against the walls of the ear canal, for good and comfortable sealing to the ear canal.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to actively control at least one of the position and direction of the imaging field in a subject and to observe a desired observed region in the subject certainly in a short period of time. A body-insertable device system according to the present invention includes a capsule endoscope 1 introduced into a subject and a permanent magnet 3. An imaging unit of the capsule endoscope 1 for taking an image inside the subject is fixed in a casing. The capsule endoscope 1 includes a drive unit for changing at least one of the position and posture of the casing in the liquid 2a which is also introduced in the subject 100. The permanent magnet 3 controls the operation of the drive unit for changing at least one of the position and posture of the casing in the liquid 2a.

Abstract: The present invention is a receptacle for receiving cigar and cigarette butts and filters (the “butts”), consisting of a hollow base section for retaining discarded butts. The hollow section supports a grill section that provides a conduit for the butts to the base section while rejecting other refuse. The base section includes an access door to permit removal of the butts from the receptacle to permit proper disposal of the butts.

Abstract: A material disposed in the tobacco burning path of a smoking article's ember at a pre-selected point, the material producing a visual and/or audible warning indication in response to encountering the ember for alerting the smoker that the ember is at or in close proximity to the pre-selected point. The warning indicator material is preferably in the form of a sleeve that is disposed around the tobacco cylinder of the smoking article, but can be deposited on or impregnated into a wrapper of the article's cylinder. Alternatively the sleeve can be disposed within the wrapper. Alternatively the indicator material may also be in the form of selectively placed integrated or stick-on patches.

Abstract: This description provides cooling compositions that deliver a prolonged physiological cooling sensation to the skin or a mucous membrane. The cooling compositions may be present alone or in product such as a chewing gum or a confection. In some embodiments, the cooling compositions include menthyl glutarate and at least one additional cooling agent, which may be WS-3 or WS-23, and optionally menthol. The cooling compositions may be in a liquid form at room temperature.

Abstract: A set of artificial nails is disclosed, in which when an artificial nail is detached from a tree, an edge of the artificial nail, which appears on a nail surface when it is adhered to a nail, is not ruptured, so that the artificial nail body can be directly adhered to the nail surface without the necessity of carrying out a process of finishing the artificial nail. The set of artificial nails includes a tree having plurality of branches branching off from both sides of the tree, and a plurality of artificial nails each detachably coupled to each end portion of the branches at a proper position on a bottom surface of a free edge of the artificial nail body. An upper surface of the artificial nail does not directly contact an upper surface of the branch.

Abstract: Afoot sanding disc includes a hub; a concentric abrasive disc having a diameter smaller than the hub diameter. A shaft concentrically attached to the bottom surface of the hub has a free end and a central cavity of a determined shape extending from the free end to a determined depth into the shaft. The shaft is shaped, sized and configured to matingly receive within the cavity a portion of a mandrel attached to an output shaft of a motorized rotary tool, thereby operably coupling the disc to an output shaft of the motarized rotary tool. A circular recess concentrically formed in a top surface of the hub receives the abrasive disc. The abrasive disc is devoid of a central aperture. The hub may include a thermochromic material in a concentration effective to cause a change in color when the hub reaches a predetermined temperature. The hub may also be rigid or flexible.

Abstract: Hair extension apparatus and methods adapted to permit a user to rapidly style and reconfigure the styling of their hair. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a coupling member having an inner and an outer surface. A plurality of hair sections is attached to the outer surface of the member and extending substantially therefrom. A restraining element is attached to the outer surface of the member and configured to accept a fastener that secures a hair section in a desired style position. The desired style position is rapidly configurable to adapt to the activity for which a user participates.

Abstract: A hair extension apparatus and methods capable of providing increased hair volume. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a coupling member having an inner and an outer surface. A plurality of hair sections are attached to the outer surface of the member and extending substantially therefrom. A plurality of spaced apart fastener is operatively attached substantially along a perimeter of the inner surface. The coupling member and the plurality of hair sections are configured to substantially blend with at least one hair supplemental extension apparatus to achieve a substantially undetectable boundary region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a composition to the eyelashes or the eyebrows, the applicator comprising: a stem extending along a longitudinal axis; and a brush fastened to the stem, the brush comprising: a core having a substantially rectilinear portion that slopes relative to the longitudinal axis of the stem; and bristles extending from the substantially rectilinear portion of the core, the bristles having free ends that define an envelope surface that presents at least one face having a generator line that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stem.

Abstract: A device for applying artificial color to selected stands of human hair, the device comprising a handle, a means for selecting strands of human hair, and a hair color applicator. The device allows a user to quickly, accurately, and predictably apply artificial color to selected strands of human hair using only one hand.

Abstract: First and second holders for styling a person's hair in a selected form with respect to at least a portion thereof which holders can be used individually or in combination. In combination, protuberances in one holder can be forced into openings in the other to thereby be held together as a unit. There are provisions to aid fastening these holders in a person's hair and to hold decorative items therein.

Abstract: A support structure and a hair accessory utilizing the support structure are disclosed. The support structure is configured to engage and surround substantially only a rear portion of a user's head, and according to an embodiment the support structure includes a crown segment, a central support member, a crossing member, and a plurality of side segments. The hair accessory includes a plurality of hair strand retention members attached to and extending across the support structure and a plurality of hair strands extending from each hair strand retention member.

Abstract: A method for cleaning and polishing a rusted iron-containing metal surface is disclosed. The metal surface is contacted with a composition containing fluorometallate anions of a Group IVB metal.

Abstract: A method of removing metal scale from surfaces that includes contacting the surfaces with a first aqueous solution of a chelating agent, allowing the chelating agent to dissolve the metal scale, acidifying the solution to form a precipitant of the chelating agent and a precipitant of the metal from the metal scale, isolating the precipitant of the chelating agent and the precipitant of the metal from the first solution, selectively dissolving the precipitated chelating agent in a second aqueous solution, and removing the precipitated metal from the second solution is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a scouring cloth (1) comprising a support material (2) which is made of a planar textile structure (3), is formed by a fleece material that is compacted by water jet, and is provided with at least one cleaning area (4) with an embossed pattern (5). The cleaning area (4) is covered with a scouring agent composition (6) that is disposed on the cleaning area (4).

Abstract: A brush, as well as a method for cleaning a process surface using the brush, having: a hollow cylinder having a closed first end, a closed second end, and a peripheral wall with an internal and external surface; with bristles arranged on the external surface of the peripheral wall thereof; wherein the hollow cylinder has a plurality of apertures formed in the peripheral wall for permitting a gas or liquid to emerge from the interior of the hollow cylinders to the vicinity of the bristles; wherein the apertures are arranged in a staggered multi helical pattern having from about 3 to about 15 helix; and wherein the peripheral wall has a surface area ratio of from about 6 to about 30.

Abstract: In a scrubber adapted to clean a semiconductor wafer, the torque of a brush rotation motor is monitored while a scrubber brush is in contact with the wafer and is being rotated by the motor. The position of the brush relative to the wafer may be adjusted based on the monitored torque to regulate the pressure applied to the wafer by the brush. Open loop positioning or closed loop control may be employed.