Abstract: A device to improve performance of a spark plug for a two or four stroke internal combustion engine, in order to reduce exhaust pollution, facilitate starting, increase the engine performances and reduce the fuel consumption. The invention relates to a device for creating a circulation of the fuel mixture inside the body via oblique venture shaped holes (1), crossing the spark plug body base (2), a crossing hole (3) which is conical on its upper part on the negative electrode (4), in order to obtain a more homogeneous, broader and more intense spark and to increase the gas mixture density to the spark. This device will also avoid the carbon deposit and decrease the working temperature of the spark plug (like a regulator of the thermal rating).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling the stopping and starting of a heat engine (2) of a vehicle. The invention is of the type in which (i) it is necessary for the vehicle to be in an engine stop request phase, and not in pre-defined operating conditions that oppose the stopping of the engine (2), in order for the engine (2) to be stopped or (ii) it is necessary for the vehicle to be in an engine start request phase, and not in pre-defined operating conditions that oppose the starting of the engine (2), in order for the engine to be started. The invention is characterised in that, for a given engine stop request phase, the engine (2) can only be stopped or started at most a pre-determined number of times.

Abstract: An arrangement for a reciprocating internal combustion engines is provide that includes a reciprocating main piston and a smaller cell piston which works in cooperation with the main piston to vary the compression ratio of and igniting a fuel-air mixture in a homogenous compression ignition engine. An actuator controls movement of the smaller cell piston relative to movement of the main piston.

Abstract: A throttle linkage for a vehicle engine is provided comprising a vehicle engine and a throttle actuation arm secured for pivotal movement about an axis substantially fixed relative to the engine, the throttle actuation arm having an axis extending from the pivotal axis. A throttle control arm extending from the engine and capable of actuation to adjust engine power is also provided, the throttle arm having an axis extending from a point of connection to the throttle and substantially intersecting the throttle actuation arm axis, along with a coupling for engaging the throttle control arm and throttle actuation arm at approximately the point of intersection of their respective axes, the coupling allowing sliding of the arms along their respective axes, relative to each other.

Abstract: A circular column-shaped flywheel rotor 4 that rotates inside a rotor housing 1 in which a cylindrical-shaped hollow section is formed; a piston head 34 that is located on the flywheel rotor 4 so that it can come in sliding contact with the inner peripheral wall of the rotor housing 1 or be released from sliding contact; an intake valve 10 and airtight-sealing valve 21 that are constructed so that they are capable of partitioning and dividing a combustion chamber or opening up the combustion chamber; a spark plug 16; and an exhaust valve 28 that is located so that it is capable of connecting or disconnecting the combustion chamber with the outside; and whereby linking these components with the rotating movement of the piston head 34, performs air intake, compression, combustion expansion (explosion) and exhaust, to obtain rotational power output from the output shaft 6 that supports the flywheel rotor 4.

Abstract: A novel piston design for use in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The piston comprises a piston body adapted for reciprocating movement within the cylinder, and a connected vaporizing ring having top and a bottom surfaces. The piston body and vaporizing ring, together with the inner sidewall of the cylinder, define a vapor chamber. The vaporizing ring has a plurality of generally cylindrically-shaped passages providing fuel/air communication paths from the top surface through the vaporizing ring into the vapor chamber. These passages are evenly-distributed throughout said vaporizing ring.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a plurality of charge motion control devices in the air intake manifold. In a first aspect of the invention, the valves are controlled through a single common drive shaft. In a second aspect, the runners each include an air flow bypass positioned between the valve and the cylinder head mounting end of the runner such that the valve is positioned further away from the combustion chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for actuating an engine valve provided between an engine cylinder and an exhaust manifold to provide compression-release engine braking in combination with exhaust gas restriction and brake gas recirculation are disclosed. In a first embodiment of the present invention, the engine valve used to provide brake gas recirculation and compression-release braking may be maintained slightly open between the brake gas recirculation and compression-release events. In another embodiment of the present invention, the cam closing ramp for a main exhaust event may be extended to terminate near the beginning of a brake gas recirculation event to facilitate refilling a hydraulic valve actuation system used to in association with the exhaust valve.

Abstract: In an engine having at least one cylinder with a reciprocating piston and a connecting rod for driving rotation of a crank disk and a crankshaft, a cam sleeve is moved along the crankshaft in response to a change in engine speed. The cam sleeve is coupled to a cam ring that moves with the cam sleeve and in a spiraling motion about the longitudinal axis of the crankshaft. A follower engages an outer face of the cam ring and is movable against a pushrod that opens an injector valve. The follower is structured and disposed to move in response to contact with a lobe on the outer face of the cam ring to urge the pushrod against the injector valve. The pushrod passes through a throttle control ring that rotates in an arc. Rotation of the throttle ring, with the use of a control lever, shifts the position of the pushrod on the follower relative to a fulcrum of the follower to control the distance the pushrod is driven by the follower and, thus, the amount the injector valve is opened.

Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine including at least a combustion chamber having a piston disposed therein, the method comprising during a first number of cycles after start-up of the engine, supplying at least a first fuel to the combustion chamber, and combusting said first fuel and during a second number of cycles after said first number of cycles, supplying said first fuel and a second fuel to the combustion chamber to form a substantially homogeneous mixture, and compressing said mixture with said piston to cause auto-ignition of said mixture.

Abstract: An engine system, comprising of a combustion chamber selectively communicating with an intake manifold via at least an intake valve and an exhaust manifold via at least an exhaust valve, a turbocharger including a compressor operatively coupled to the intake manifold and a turbine operatively coupled to the exhaust manifold, wherein the turbocharger is configured to selectively boost intake manifold pressure greater than exhaust manifold pressure during at least one operating condition, a direct fuel injector configured to inject fuel directly into the combustion chamber, a spark plug configured to provide an ignition spark to the combustion chamber, a valve actuation system coupled to the intake valve and the exhaust valve configured to vary a relative timing of the intake valve and the exhaust valve and a control system communicatively coupled to the valve actuation system, the direct fuel injector, and the spark plug wherein during said at least one operating condition, the control system is configured to

Abstract: This invention relates to the engine technical field, more particularly, an integrated fuel feed apparatus. The integrated fuel feed apparatus including a driving member 20, a plunger pump 30 driven by said driving member, a fuel injector 90, a fuel intake member 13 and a fuel return member 14, with a return passage 15 always communicating the fuel intake member 13 with the fuel return member 14, with some of the fuel in the return passage 15 being ejected via the fuel injector 90 under the action of the plunger pump 30, featuring that the driving member consists of a solenoid 25, a sleeve 27 and a motion part 10 which can reciprocate in the sleeve 27 driven by the magnetic force of the solenoid 25, the aforesaid motion part 10 generating a flow difference while reciprocating in the aforesaid return passage 15, thus achieving the fuel flow from the fuel intake member 13 to the fuel return member 14.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for controlling an internal combustion engine (C) having an electronic fuel regulation system that provides fuel control for small engines (C) used in garden equipment (B) and small vehicles. An electronic control unit (1) accepts a plurality of signals generated by a plurality of sensors that detect certain environmental characteristics and certain engine operating characteristics. The electronic control unit (1) uses a set of firmware having a number of electronic maps to analyze the plurality of signals to manage operation of a fuel valve (3) and a fuel pump (2) to control the timing and amount of fuel delivered to the cylinder of small internal combustion engine (C) having at least one cylinder.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a canister close valve device for opening or closing a passage of a canister collecting evaporation gas evaporated in a fuel tank and a passage communicating with the atmosphere. The canister close valve device includes a housing which has a first vapor line making the fuel tank communicate with a canister, a second vapor line making the atmosphere communicate with the canister, and a coupling part coupling the first vapor line to the second vapor line. Further, the device includes a first diaphragm valve assembly opening or closing the first vapor line, a second diaphragm valve assembly opening or closing the second vapor line, and a solenoid valve mounted to the coupling part and including a magnetic body which is coaxially and slidably connected to the first and second diaphragm valve assemblies to move the first and second diaphragm valve assemblies.

Abstract: A canister assembly (30) is provided for canister purge system of a vehicle. The assembly includes a canister (32) constructed and arranged to adsorb hydrocarbon vapor. A vapor blocking valve (34) is integral with the canister and is in fluid communication therewith. The vapor blocking valve has a port (42) constructed and arranged to fluidly communicate with a fuel tank of the vehicle. The vapor blocking valve is constructed and arranged to permit communication between the fuel tank and canister and, under certain conditions, to isolate the fuel tank from the canister. Since the vapor blocking valve is integral with the canister, additional hoses and mounting brackets are not required.

Abstract: A pressure management apparatus (10) includes a housing (30) defining a fluid communication passage between first and second fluid ports (46, 48). A poppet (40) is disposed in the housing and is movable between first and second positions. The first position prevents fluid communication between the first and second ports and the second position permits fluid communication between the first and second ports. The poppet includes a structure (75) translatable along an axis relative to the housing. At least a portion of the structure includes a permanent magnet (72). A member (78) is fixed with respect to the housing and is associated with the structure. At least a portion of the member is of ferrous material such that the magnet is attracted to the member so that at least a portion of the poppet frictionally engages the member to create a dashpot damping of resonance of the poppet in the second position.

Abstract: A fuel economizer comprises a pipeline with thermal conducting elements and having a chamber contained therein, a plurality of magnetic elements each of which having a through hole formed therein and wrapped within a metal element that is formed with a plurality of spacings and disposed within the chamber of the pipeline, and a plurality of elastic elements disposed within the chamber of the pipeline and located at two opposite sides of the magnetic elements, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of operating a dynamic exhaust system of a motorcycle engine. The method includes providing a valve in the exhaust system that is movable to direct exhaust gases between a first flow path through the exhaust system and a second flow path through the exhaust system. The method includes actuating the valve at a first speed to redirect exhaust gases from the first flow path to the second flow path and actuating the valve at a second speed greater than the first speed to redirect exhaust gases from the second flow path to the first flow path.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation valve includes a body including a passageway extending between an inlet and an outlet. The passageway communicates a flow of the exhaust gases. A bearing, disposed in the body, has a bearing passageway. A valve member is located in the passageway between the inlet and outlet and has a portion movably disposed in the bearing passageway such that a clearance path is defined between the portion of the valve member and the bearing. The clearance path is in communication with atmosphere through openings in the body. The valve member is constructed and arranged to regulate the flow of the exhaust gases. Activated carbon is associated with a portion of the body so as to adsorb hydrocarbons associated with the clearance path and thus prevent hydrocarbons from escaping to the atmosphere through the openings in the body.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved compound bow. In particular, the present invention is directed to an adjustable compound bow for hunting and archery with noise reduction features. The preferred embodiment of the bow comprises a riser having a main riser length with two ends, each end attached to an adjustable hub with a limb base. Each limb base preferably has a pocketless flat surface with vibration dampening material. Each hub is secured to the main riser length by an adjustment worm drive and a hub pivot. A limb is preferably secured to each limb base at two points on the pocketless flat surface. A bowstring is strung under tension between the limbs. The bowstring's tension can be adjusted by adjusting the adjustable hubs with the worm drives. The bow preferably has a storage position and an in-use position caused by rotating the limbs around the adjustable hubs. Adjustment of the bow can be accomplished without use of a bow press.

Abstract: A paintball delivery system which includes a container configured to receive, hold and facilitate delivery of paintballs to a paintball marker, and a drive system at least partially housed within the container. The container includes a first chamber configured to hold paintballs, and a second chamber which includes a cavity facilitating advancement of a paintball to a paintball marker along a predefined path. The drive system includes an auger which has an axle and a helical blade, the helical blade defining multiple pockets along the longitudinal length of the auger. The auger is positioned proximate to the second chamber and the cavity therein to facilitate advancement of paintballs to the paintball marker. The drive system also includes a motor configured to selectively operate the auger, and actuation means for selectively operating the motor to in turn operate the auger.

Abstract: Self-contained disposable single-use heat-generating apparatuses and methods for providing heat are disclosed that have adhesive formed on at least a portion thereof. One exemplary apparatus includes a heat-generating pack having a first bag layer defined by a first surface area bonded to a second bag layer defined by a second surface area and creating multiple pouches therebetween. A heat-generating agent is disposed within the pouches and adapted to consume air at a predetermined consumption rate in an exothermic reaction. At least a portion of one of the first surface area and the second surface area comprises an air permeable surface area having a predetermined airflow rate such that the heat-generating agent remains substantially evenly distributed within the pouches.

Abstract: Self-contained disposable single-use heat-generating apparatuses and methods for providing heat are disclosed that have adhesive formed on at least a portion thereof. One exemplary apparatus includes a heat-generating pack having a first bag layer defined by a first surface area bonded to a second bag layer defined by a second surface area and creating one or a multiple pouches therebetween. A heat-generating agent is disposed within the pouch(es) and adapted to consume air at a predetermined consumption rate in an exothermic reaction. At least a portion of one of the first surface area and the second surface area comprises an air permeable surface area having a predetermined airflow rate such that the heat-generating agent remains substantially evenly distributed within the pouches.

Abstract: Self-contained disposable single-use heat-generating apparatuses and methods for providing heat are disclosed that have elastic member formed on at least a portion thereof. One exemplary apparatus includes a heat-generating pack having a first bag layer defined by a first surface area bonded to a second bag layer defined by a second surface area and creating one or a multiple pouches therebetween, an elastic member being disposed between at least two pouches. A heat-generating agent is disposed within the pouch(es) and adapted to consume air at a predetermined consumption rate in an exothermic reaction. At least a portion of one of the first surface area and the second surface area comprises an air permeable surface area having a predetermined airflow rate such that the heat-generating agent remains substantially evenly distributed within the pouches.

Abstract: A smoke exhauster includes a housing having one or more openings formed in a bottom plate and having three or more protrusion extended from the bottom plate and arranged around the opening of the housing, and one or more fan devices engaged in the housing. A net device includes an outer peripheral frame, an inner peripheral frame, and a number of ribs extended between the outer peripheral frame and the inner peripheral frame, the outer peripheral frame is detachably engaged with the protrusions for allowing the net device to be attached to the housing without fasteners. The protrusions each may include one or more notches for receiving the outer peripheral frame of the net device.

Abstract: A smoke exhauster includes one or more rails for attaching to a supporting surface, and a housing having one or more slots for slidably receiving the rails and for easily and readily and detachably attaching the housing to the rail or the supporting surface. The rail includes an anchoring member, such as a projection extended from the rail, and the housing includes another anchoring member, such as a depression formed in the housing for engaging with the projection and for detachably anchoring the housing to the rail. The rail includes one or more securing panels for securing to the supporting surface with fasteners, and a base panel having a number of apertures for engaging the fasteners.

Abstract: A coupling feature for double-walled pipes. A double-walled vent pipe section has an outer wall with corresponding male and female coupling features formed on opposite ends thereof. The inner wall of the double-walled pipe section has a small ridge formed around the circumference of one end. When pipe sections are coupled together, the male and female coupling features on the outer walls engage, and the ridge on the inner wall of one pipe section engages with the bare inner wall of the other pipe section.

Abstract: A cooking system for separating and storing fatty liquids away from edible food either during or after cooking. The system includes a cooking apparatus having a body portion for cooking food. A fatty liquid reservoir mounted on the cooking apparatus is in fluid communication with the body portion. A pressure reducing device is in fluid communication with the reservoir and generates a pressure differential of sufficient magnitude to deliver a fatty liquid from the body portion to the reservoir. The system allows a user to cook food while removing excess liquid fat, grease or the like in order to scavenge away the unwanted fatty liquid from the cooking environment to a storage area where the liquid is safely quarantined. Once quarantined, the hot fatty liquid can be allowed to cool so that it can be eventually discarded in an environmentally beneficial manner.

Abstract: The present invention describes the configuration of a porous sheet for improving the efficiency for generating an aerosol from a liquid formulation. This aerosolized liquid formulation can be used for intrapulmonary delivery of pharmaceutically active drugs and diagnostic agents when said invention is used in conjunction with the appropriate device. The individual pores in each array (defined as the rows and columns of pores for example in a rectangular array) are generated such that there is a discrete or continuous variation in the pore size within the plurality of pores on the sheet. The drug is subsequently aerosolized by forcing the liquid formulation through the pores on the sheet. The resulting aerosol will contain a controlled range of particle sizes defined by the properties of the porous sheet and the liquid formulation.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical aerosol formulation comprising formoterol fumarate di-hydrate in suspension, and a steroid in suspension, and a propellant, ethanol, and optionally a surfactant, wherein the formoterol fumarate di-hydrate has a water content of about 4.8 to 4.28% by weight.

Abstract: A method including: providing a device that includes multiple tilted heating elements, and a housing that includes a fluid reservoir inlet that is adapted to receive an inverted fluid reservoir, a gas inlet that is adapted to receive pressurized gas from a gas pipe, a gas-vapor outlet; and activating the device to provide a controller mixture of gaseous medium and fluid. A device including: multiple tilted heating elements, and a housing that includes a fluid reservoir inlet that is adapted to receive an inverted fluid reservoir, a gas inlet that is adapted to receive pressurized gas from a gas pipe, a gas-vapor outlet; wherein the multiple titled elements are placed at least partially within fluid within the housing and are adapted to heat the fluid such as to generate vapors; wherein the device is adapted to output, via the gas-vapor outlet a mixture of gas and vapor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for enclosing a metered, dry powder medication dose comprising at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and a metered dose of at least one dry powder excipient in a common space of a dose container. The deposited doses in the common dose container constitute a medical product. The method and the medical product are effective in raising the emitted medication dose output and improving the therapeutic efficacy when the doses are delivered together from a dry powder inhaler.

Abstract: Devices for delivering an aerosolized drug formulation and methods for using such devices are herein provided. Specifically, the invention relates to a drug delivery device that contains a drug formulation and an actuator for aerosolizing the formulation in preparation for drug delivery. The drug delivery devices of the invention are configured for delivering a single dose of an active agent (e.g., a pharmaceutical compound) or a mixture of multiple active agents and may further be configured so as to be hand-held, self-contained, portable and disposable. Methods of treatment and drugs that are suitable for use in the subject devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A resuscitator has two separate, spaced controls (23) and (30) both of which can be actuated manually to open a valve (100) and deliver a breathing cycle of a maximum timed duration to a patient. One control (23) has a button (24) on the top (13) of the unit (1), which is pushed in to actuate. A ring (25) surrounds the button (24) and has cam profiles (122) that engage with cam pins (120) on the button to push and hold it down when rotated. The other control (30) is on the underside surface (14), facing the patient and adjacent the gas outlet (5). This control includes a toggle lever (31), which can be displaced laterally in two different planes to open the valve (100).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for treating a variety of breathing disorders experienced by patients. The invention is particularly suited to the treatment of atelectasis, the partial or total collapse of the lung, although those skilled in the art will appreciate that it has applications in treating other disorders as well. Treating patients with breathing disorders traditionally has required the use of multiple types of apparatus in order to provide the multiple types of treatment used. The present invention provides for a treatment apparatus that is enabled to provide multiple types of treatment, depending on the needs of the patient.

Abstract: A conception aid which places a treatment for the sperm within the vagina of the female. The treatment creates either an alkaline or an acidic environment through which the sperm must pass. This environment encourages either the Y-sperm or the X-Sperm. Delivery of the treatment is through a variety of mechanisms including: specially designed condoms; special diaphragms; vaginal suppositories; and, lubricants.

Abstract: A personal support apparatus for supporting the head and body of a person sleeping in a seated position includes a generally U-shaped collar member for contacting the wearer's neck from the back, with the collar being made from a soft resilient material that retains its shape, and first and second side arm support members permanently or reversibly and adjustably attached to the collar, with the side arm support members being made from a soft malleable material that reversibly conforms to the contours of the passenger's body and/or the vehicle seat or other surface, the first and second side arm support members being characterized by a first level of firmness, and the collar member being characterized by a second level of firmness that is greater than the first level of firmness.

Abstract: An implant system places magnetic structures in or on tissue that develop a magnetic repelling force between a soft palate a posterior pharyngeal wall. The magnetic repelling force has a magnitude F-mag, where F-mag=f (F-sep, F-nat), and where F-sep is a force required to separate soft palate tissue from pharyngeal wall tissue during sleep, and F-nat is a force exerted by native muscle on the soft palate during swallowing and/or drinking and/or speech. In another embodiment, a palate implant uses attractive magnetic force to keep the airway open.

Abstract: The anti-snoring device is a combination of a chin pillow placed under the chin of a wearer and is designed to induce the wearer's mouth to stay closed while sleeping. Included in the combination is a dental appliance that has an upper box to receive the wearer's upper teeth therein. Below the box is an indent to receive the wearer's lower teeth therein to enhance the wearer's proper bite or occlusion when the mouth of the wearer is closed. Included in the appliance are two upper segments that extend under the roof or palate of the mouth of the wearer. From below the box are extending two inclines which follow a line adjacent the position of the lower teeth without touching them. The ultimate aim is to induce a person wearing the chin pillow or the dental appliance or both to keep his or her mouth closed when sleeping to thereby alleviate the incident of snoring.

Abstract: A garment for the treatment of sleep apnea and/or snoring includes a member for attachment to an individual afflicted with sleep apnea and an elongate, position control member at the rear of the garment and extending outwardly therefrom. The elongate member is a continuous member having transversely spaced-apart side surfaces, and the side surfaces are joined to an outer wall of the position control member at elongate side edges. The side surfaces and/or side edges are located to engage a mattress or other sleeping surface when an individual wearing the garment is sleeping in a lateral position to aid in supporting the individual in a lateral position.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of ceramic, plasma-deposited, layers for manufacturing plastic articles whose function requires low-friction surface. The invention further provides a process of manufacturing a polymer object having a low-friction surface, comprising i) providing a mold defining the shape of said object; ii) coating said mold that defines the shape of said low-friction surface with a ceramic layer, the layer being formed by plasma deposition; and iii) molding the polymer in said mold. The invention also provides a polymer article having a low-friction surface created by molding on a plasma-deposited ceramic surface.

Abstract: An electrical smoking system includes a lighter having a plurality of electrical heater elements and a system for electrically actuating the heater elements. The lighter is adapted to receive a cigarette with the heater elements at least partially superposing a portion of the cigarette. The lighter further includes an electromagnet arranged in proximity to magnetic portions of the heater elements, with the electromagnet being actuable to selectively repulse or attract the heater elements.

Abstract: An abrading and smoothing tool includes a handle element that is adapted to be easily grasped by the user and comfortably held in the palm of the hand, and which contains a small electrically-powered multi-speed motor. A segment of abrasive material, such as sandpaper, is removably attached to the hand held portion of the device by hook-and-loop fastener means to be easily removed from the device after use so that the abrasive material can be quickly and easily replaced.

Abstract: A comb formed of a unitary body comprising a longitudinally extending straight section having opposite sides, a multiplicity of teeth projecting transversely from the straight section and a level detector assembly disposed in said straight section at one end of the comb for providing the user of the comb with a true indication of the vertical and horizontal position of the comb. The level detector assembly comprises two transparent members spaced apart and aligned on opposite sides of the straight section between an opening in said straight section extending between the opposite sides and a ball disposed in the opening. At least one of said transparent members includes an intersecting vertical and horizontal line on a surface thereof such that the vertical and horizontal position of the comb can be determined based upon the position of the ball relative to the position of the intersecting lines.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a kit for making up and/or caring for the eyelashes, comprising at least two cosmetic compositions (i) and (ii) for making up and/or caring for the eyelashes, wherein: at least one of the compositions (i) and (ii) comprises an oily continuous phase, and the difference between the dry extract content of composition (ii) and the dry extract content of composition (i) is greater than or equal to 2% relative to the total weight of the composition, and further comprising an eyelash fringe applicator comprising: a plurality of application members arranged along a support in at least one row having a length such that the applicator can at most simultaneously contact not more than a quarter of the eyelashes of the fringe. Also disclosed herein is a process for making up and/or for the non-therapeutic care of the eyelashes, using the kit disclosed herein.

Abstract: ‘French-style’ hair barrettes typically require a two-piece frame and tension bar to create the necessary tension to hold the barrette in place when closed around hair. Attempting to hold such barrette in place in hair requires the barrette to be constructed out of rigid yet flexible material, like metal or plastic. However, in reality, such barrettes constructed out of metal or plastic typically slip out of hair due to the poor friction level between metal and hair, as well as plastic and hair. In accordance with embodiments of the invention the tension bar, or frame of the barrette that comes into contact with tension bar, is covered with suede, ultra suede or leather. The effect is that of providing a non-slip feature to any ‘French-style’ barrette used to hold hair in place.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for securing hair are disclosed. The apparatus may include a first arm, a second arm, a first locking member, and a second locking member interconnected to one another to form a space for receiving hair and to secure the hair within the space. The first locking member and the second locking member may be overlapped to close an opening and secure the hair within the space. A coating may be provided on one or more of the first arm, the second arm, the first locking member, and the second locking member. The coating may be a high friction material and may assist in retaining hair within the space and retaining the first locking member and the second locking member in an overlapped and locked position.

Abstract: A method for removing a contaminant from a surface of a glass substrate, which comprises a step of irradiating a portion of the glass substrate surface where the contaminant is present, with at least one type of high energy beams selected from the group consisting of laser beams having a wavelength of at most 350 nm, X-rays, electron beams, neutron beams and ?-rays, to induce a stress due to a structural change of constituting material of the glass substrate at the portion irradiated with the high energy beams, and a step of wet-etching the glass substrate surface after the irradiation with the high energy beams.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes (1) an interface adapted to analyze information about an electronic device manufacturing system that produces an effluent having an undesirable material, and provide information about the effluent, and (2) an abatement system adapted to receive information about the effluent, receive the effluent, and attenuate the undesirable material. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: Method of wet cleaning a surface of at least one material chosen from silicon, silicon-germanium alloys, A(III)/B(V)-type semiconductors and epitaxially grown crystalline materials, such as germanium, in which method the following successive steps are carried out: a) the surface is brought into contact with an HF solution; b) the surface is rinsed with acidified, deionized water, then a powerful oxidizing agent is added to the deionized water and the rinsing is continued; c) optionally, step a) is repeated, once or twice, while optionally reducing the contacting time; d) step b) is optionally repeated, once or twice; and e) the surface is dried. Process for fabricating an electronic, optical or optoelectronic device, such as a CMOS or MOSFET device, comprising at least one wet cleaning step using the said cleaning method.