Abstract: A face mask made of woven or non-woven material that accommodates the anatomical features of the face. It has a nose recess or nose-locating space, extended chin space and close fitting cheek areas, for use in medical environments or for general public use. The mask has been developed with innovations that provide security to the wearer by its to the fitting the face particularly without moving upwards or downwards when moving the jaw. This is unlike all other masks tested which either move upwards to reveal the mouth or slide downward to reveal the nostrils due to the movement of the jaw and face when talking or coughing etc. The stability and secure fit to the face is achieved by following the anatomical configuration of the face and by the positioning of the slightly elastic holding straps—the upper one is positioned level with the upper nose to the top of the ear and the lower strap from the mid point of the mask to under the ear—the straps form a loop around the ear.

Abstract: Mask system includes frame, cushion, cushion clip, swivel elbow, headgear and/or headgear clips configured for use in a clinical or hospital environment. One or more components of the mask system configured to promote single patient use, for example, by providing an age indicator and/or preventing disassembly and/or cleaning.

Abstract: An oral airway device comprising an outer channel housing an oxygen delivery tube and a carbon dioxide exhalation tube connected to the interior of the channel. Channel is shaped for insertion via mouth and to its internal end adjacent to the oropharynx when inserted. A bite block is attached to the channel and positioned between the internal and external ends of the channel for proper positioning of the channel when inserted. External end of channel includes oxygen delivery adaptor on the end of the oxygen delivery tube for connection to external oxygen source, and carbon dioxide monitoring adaptor on the end of the carbon dioxide exhalation tube for connection to carbon dioxide monitoring device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering oxygen to a nasopharynx and withdrawing exhale gas from the nasopharynx to a carbon dioxide monitor. In one embodiment, the apparatus can comprise one or more tubes and an airway fitting forming an airway. The airway fitting can be configured to engage at least one of the tubes and maintain the one or more tubes within the airway, and to provide an outlet to the atmosphere for the airway. In another embodiment, the tube might be in fluid communication with a junction that can direct oxygen from an oxygen supply through the tube and exhale gas from the tube to the carbon dioxide monitor. Further, the tube might comprise an outer tube and an inner tube.

Abstract: Although protective coverings for medical instruments are known in the art, they are difficult or even impossible for the user to remove without risking contamination of the instrument or the user. An improved protective covering provides for an unassisted user to remove it with a single gloved, even contaminated, hand. In some embodiments, the invention provides a disposable protective covering for reusable medical instruments and devices that can be easily and quickly applied during donning of personal protective equipment (PPE), and easily and quickly removed during removal of PPE, without risking inadvertent contamination of the instrument or device. In some embodiments, a disposable protective covering includes a fastening means that secures a sheath to the instrument during instrument use, and that is releasable in a single motion by a moderate force applied toward the distal end of the covering from a point along the distal portion of the covering.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods employ magnetic force to resist tissue collapse in targeted pharyngeal structures and individual anatomic components within the pharyngeal conduit during sleep.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel surgical drape with a first fenestration for an incise film and a collection pouch related to this film for surgical residues according to the state of the art, characterized by the fact that the drape features at least one further fenestration for the reception of a means of cover for a means of reference protruding from the level of the surface of the drape, which is identifiable for a 2- or 3-dimensional measurement system.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a dental appliance, mouthguard and/or divers mouthpiece using an anti-microbial composition that combines the use of an elastomeric polymer composition with micronized or submicron sized particles of metal or organo/inorgano metal complexes. In addition, the use of an anti-microbial composition for use with a diver's air delivery hose to prevent breathing of contaminated air is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making highly crystalline polymeric material, for example, highly crystalline cross-linked and not cross-linked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The invention also provides methods of making additive-doped highly crystalline polymeric material using high pressure and high temperature crystallization processes, medical implants made thereof, and materials used therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic atomization cigarette which only contains nicotine without harmful tar. The electronic atomization cigarette includes a shell and a mouthpiece. The external wall of the shell has an air inlet. An electronic circuit board, a normal pressure cavity, a sensor, a vapor-liquid separator, an atomizer, a liquid-supplying bottle are sequentially provided within the shell, wherein the electronic circuit board comprises an electronic switching circuit and a high frequency generator. A stream passage of the sensor is provided on one side of the sensor, and a negative pressure cavity is provided in the sensor. The atomizer and the liquid-supplying bottle is in contact with each other. An atomization cavity is arranged in the atomizer. A retaining ring for locking the liquid-supplying bottle is provided between one side of the liquid-supplying bottle and the shell, and an aerosol passage is provided on the other side of the liquid-supplying bottle.

Abstract: A healthy pleasurable inhalation device for humans comprises a tubular portion containing a flavored powder easily dissolvable in saliva and a mouthpiece configured to distribute the powder in the user's mouth. The tubular portion contains apparatus to meter the mixing of powder with air as the user inhales through the device. A variety of configurations for the device tubular portion and mouthpiece are presented.

Abstract: Electrically heated cigarettes used in an electrical smoking system include a flavoring-release additive and sorbent effective to remove one or more gas-phase constituents of mainstream tobacco smoke. The flavoring-release additive includes gamma cyclodextrin and at least one flavoring. Flavoring is released in a cigarette upon the flavoring-release additive reaching at least a minimum temperature during smoking. The flavoring-release additive can have various forms including, for example, powder and films.

Abstract: A cigarette includes a rod comprising a wrapped tobacco column that is joined to an axially aligned filter by a band of air impermeable tipping paper. The filter end of the rod is inserted into a mouthpiece having an air impermeable outer surface that comprises a ventilation tube and a second filter, separated by a mixing chamber. The ventilation tube has an air permeable annular wall that defines a central axial passage through which the rod extends. In use, the end surface of the annular wall at the rod end of the ventilation tube, which extends radially outward around the rod, acts as a ventilation surface through which air is drawn into the mixing chamber, where it mixes with mainstream smoke from the burning tobacco rod. The air/smoke mixture is drawn through the second filter into the consumer's mouth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition which is oxidatively effective on keratin-containing fibers, in particular human hair, and which, besides at least one oxidizing agent, comprises an active ingredient combination of (a) a selected cationic polymer, (b) at least one mono- or di(C8- to C30)-alkylammonium salt and (c) at least one quaternary ammonium compound which carries at least one selected group on the quaternized nitrogen atom, and to a method of reshaping keratin-containing fibers, in which this composition is used, and to the use of this composition for fixing in the course of hair reshaping. The reshaping is improved through these compositions and the fiber receives excellent care and structure retention.

Abstract: An eyelash curler made of a polymeric material such as plastic or of a non-temperature conducting, light but sturdy and durable material comprising a head section and a body section. The head section includes a curling component having a back side and a front side where an eyelash to be curled is introduced. The curling component has a metal blade at its forming member to form better curls than a plastic blade. The lower end of the body section serves as the handle for the device. A push button controls the curling component and is situated at a position opposite the front side of the curling component thereby preventing the push button from contacting the face of a user.

Abstract: Disclosed therein is a wet-and-dry-type hair iron for curling, which has a moisture discharge structure capable of curling hair in a state where hair is wet when hair is curled by heating hair for permanent wave of hair, so that a user can simultaneously carry out hair drying and curling when hair is curled just after washed, and which has a power line connection member capable of idling and being freely attached and detached to preventing twisting of a power line so that it can provide, convenience in carrying and arrangement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a makeup device comprising a housing 10 provided with a marker face 15 and a plurality of makeup elements 11, 12, 13 permanently secured in said housing 10 and projecting from said marker face 15, the housing acting as a handle. In addition, the marker ends of the makeup elements are coplanar.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaner is provided with a user interface, display, and a solution timer unit that tracks the amount of time cleaning solution has been in use. The solution life is displayed in hours and minutes that can be adjusted or reset by an operator. The ultrasonic cleaner includes a solution reset key conspicuously located on a control panel that is mounted on a housing of the ultrasonic cleaner. An operator may periodically check how long the solution has been in use by simply looking at a screen displaying the time elapsed since the beginning of the period. The display may also indicate cleaning cycle times and status, such as the completion of a cleaning cycle; and the user interface may allow the operator to set cleaning cycle parameters, such as cleaning cycle time.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning method can uniformly removing particles from substrates at a high removing efficiency. The substrate cleaning method includes the steps of immersing substrates W in a cleaning liquid in a cleaning tank 12, and generating ultrasonic waves in the cleaning liquid contained in the cleaning tank. A region in the cleaning tank toward which the cleaning liquid is supplied is varied with respect to a vertical level in the step of generating ultrasonic waves in the cleaning liquid while the cleaning liquid is being supplied into the cleaning tank.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for cleaning test probes used in a semiconductor testing machine of the type having a plurality of test probes configured to contact the surface of a semiconductor wafer to test one or more dies formed thereon. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a roller-support arm and a cylindrical roller supported by the roller-support arm. The roller has an outer surface comprising a sticky material. Debris on the probes will adhere to the sticky material as roller is rolled across tips of the probes. The probes are thereby cleaned.

Abstract: A cleaning article in the form of a sponge body for absorbing and retaining a fluid and an encasement membrane attached to the sponge body. The encasement membrane covers a portion of the sponge body being sized to fit within and be held by the hand of a user while leaving exposed, a portion of the sponge body for engaging a surface to be cleaned. As a preferred embodiment, the encasement membrane is further characterized as being a thermal insulator substantially reducing thermal energy contained within the fluid from passing therethrough. The encasement membrane is also characterized as being impervious to water, steam or other gasses to prevent their escape where they could affect the user's hand. The present invention is ideally suited for cleaning a surface by applying a cleaning fluid, such as water with or without a detergent to the sponge body and placing the cleaning article within a microwave oven.

Abstract: At present, the process of washing and unclogging the machines under maintenance of underground equipment or machinery is carried out manually or using mechanical equipment which means the equipment is stopped for a long time and it is then less available. Due to the above, a robot system and method have been developed for automated washing and unclogging procedures for underground machinery. The robotic system for washing and unclogging the machines under maintenance is composed mainly of an anthropomorphous robotic manipulator of at least 5 degrees of freedom (1), provided with a set of tools (2) which allows to wash and remove the material from the machine (3), all of the system is mounted on a structure specially designed for the activity (4). The operator indicates the beginning of the activity as well as the key parameters for the development of the activity. Due to the above, most of the problems associated to the safety of the personnel and the decrease of available times are eliminated.

Abstract: A blower system for use with a cleaning machine includes a flexible elastic stretch-hose assembly. The assembly includes a length of flexible elastic stretch hose that has an elongation stretch ratio of at least about two to one. The length is fluidly connectable to the working-air outlet of a vacuum motor assembly or a blower motor assembly of a cleaning machine.

Abstract: Textiles are cleaned by first treating soiled areas of the textile with at least one pre-spotter material which is an alcohol polyoxyalkylene derivative or a benzoate ester. The textiles are subsequently dry cleaned in a medium based on liquid C02, typically also including a cleaning additive, particularly a multi-ester. The textile may also be treated with a fabric conditioner, particularly a fatty alcohol or fatty acid branched polyalkoxylate which may be included in the dry cleaning medium or in a subsequent rinse cycle.

Abstract: A cleaning method for removing deposits containing magnetite out of a pressure vessel of a power plant, during which the deposits are treated with an aqueous cleaning solution, which contains a reducing agent and which is heated to an elevated cleaning temperature above ambient temperature, in order to reduce iron III ions to iron II ions. The cleaning solution is introduced into the pressure vessel. This cleaning solution contains an initial substance that releases the reducing agent under the conditions existing during cleaning. Hexamethylenetetramine is preferably used as the initial substance.

Abstract: The invention provides a method capable of suppressing liquid splash at the circumferential edge of a substrate, and preventing liquid droplets due to liquid splash from adhering to the substrate again when moving a discharge nozzle for scanning while discharging a cleaning solution from the discharge nozzle to the surface of the substrate to make spin drying of the substrate. When a substrate W is held in a horizontal posture by a spin chuck 10 and rotated about a vertical axis with a rotation motor 14, while discharging the cleaning solution onto the surface of the substrate from an outlet of a de-ionized water discharge nozzle 20, the rotation speed of the substrate is decreased in a process that the outlet of the discharge nozzle is traveled from a position opposed to a center of the substrate to a position opposed to the circumferential edge of the substrate.

Abstract: A dish washing machine configured to consume the smallest possible amount of water has a device for storing the washing liquid, in which at least one storage reservoir is provided that is made of a flexible material for holding at least a portion of the washing liquid located inside the dish washing machine. The dish washing machine offers the possibility of removing, at any time during the washing program, at least a portion of the washing bath from the washing circuit, of storing it in the storage reservoir and, when needed, of supplying it once again to the washing circuit. Thus, for example, after completing the last clear rinsing cycle, the washing bath is at least partially retained in the storage reservoir until use of the bath in a subsequent washing cycle, whereby by and large reducing the consumption of water of the dish washing machine.

Abstract: This invention relates to a handheld cleaning device for fabric surfaces, including soft furnishings and carpet that dispenses under pressure a cleaning composition in the form of droplets and subsequently removes a substantial amount of the cleaning fluid and any associated soil.

Abstract: A cleaning system and method for in-process sensors wherein a scouring jet discharges process fluid as the cleaning agent to remove solids and other contaminants from the surface of the sensor.

Abstract: The automated cleaning system is a device that cleans a clarifier without the use of harsh chemicals, brushes and scrappers. The automatic cleaning system uses the force of pressurized water to remove scum, algae and other sediment from the clarifier. The automated cleaning system can be designed to fit square, round, rectangle or dual chamber clarifiers. Various nozzles can be attached for the various cleaning needs for the specific clarifier.

Abstract: There is provided a cover for umbrellas and the like. The assembly includes a nearly cylindrical cover made of a material or materials that can have at least one waterproof layer. The cover is closed at one end to itself or to the article to which it is permanently attached. The opposite end of the cover is open and is bound to a rigid to semi-rigid often-deformable ring-like structure. When not in use or dormant, the cover is considered inside out which is the side that is often most waterproof and it will lay in approximation to the article to which it is attached. When the cover is employed, the ring is disposed over the article and the cover's closed end and urged along the article to the end of said cover. Thusly, the cover is inverted exposing its dry, clean exterior.

Abstract: A comfort cane includes a cane shaft having an upper end and lower end thereof, and a two-piece handle affixed to the upper end of the cane shaft. The handle includes a rigid body portion substantially defining a profile of the handle in a top view of the handle, and a top portion attached to the body portion. The top portion is soft and resilient with respect to the body portion.

Abstract: A handle grip for ambulatory aid appliances has a soft top portion and a rigid body portion. The handle grips may be attached to a wheeled ambulatory aid appliance such as a rolling walker, wheelchair, stroller and the like in a selected position to provide a comfortable and secure hand grip to a user of the ambulatory aid.

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

Abstract: A simulated solar light irradiation apparatus is provided which irradiates light onto a test piece 6, in which a plurality of filters 4 for improvement in the uniformity of light on a surface of the test piece 6 are arranged, between a light emission portion 2 and the test piece 6, on a plane substantially vertical to an optical axis.

Abstract: An optical device includes a first substrate and a sub-wavelength form-birefringent metal oxide retarder plate formed on at least a portion of the substrate. A silicon oxide or silicon oxynitride layer contacts at least a surface of the retarder plate, and a second substrate, having at least one micro-electro-mechanical system device, is bonded to the silicon oxide or silicon oxynitride layer via a second silicon oxide or silicon oxynitride layer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a solar cell and a spectrum converter. By moving the emission spectrum between the peak wavelength of the solar radiation (?=470 nm) and the highest photosensitivity of monocrystalline silicon (?=860˜880 nm), the efficiency of a solar cell can usually reach 14-16%. The present invention provides a spectrum converter to move the short wavelength and visible light of the solar radiation to the range of infrared and red light. The spectrum converter is based on fluorescent powder particles of garnet-structure oxides of elements of the II, III, and IV groups, and uses elements in the III (Ce+3), IV (Cr+3), VIII groups as exciting agents. The chemical composition of the fluorescent powder is (Y,Gd)3A5-x(Mg,Si)xO12(x=0˜3), wherein the actual position of the emission spectrum of the fluorescent powder being moved to between the range of 535 and 780 nm is determined by the ratio of Y, Gd, Mg, and Si.

Abstract: Encapsulating material for solar cells which facilitates fabricating solar cell modules and has excellent transparency, heat resistance, flexibility, etc., and a solar cell modules. More specifically, the present invention provides encapsulating material for solar cells comprising a non-crystalline or low-crystalline a-olefin-based copolymer or its composition (I). In a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned copolymer or its composition (I) is a resin composition (C) containing 50 to 100 parts by weight of non-crystalline ?-olefin polymer (A) meeting the following requirements: (a) the ?-olefin having 3 to 20 carbon atoms is not less than 20 mol %, (b) practically no melt peak as measured by a differential scanning calorimeter is observed, and (c) the Mw/Mn is not more than 5, and 50 to 0 parts by weight of crystalline ?-olefin polymer (B) (the total of (A) and (B) being 100 parts by weight).

Abstract: Nowadays in aircraft so-called on-board inert gas generation systems (OBIGGS) are used to generate inert gases, to which OBIGGS cooled bleed air of engines or auxiliary power units is fed. According to an embodiment of the present invention, an air cooling device for an OBIGGS system in an aircraft is proposed that comprises a bleed position. By way of the bleed position, cooling air from an air conditioning unit on board the aircraft can be bled, which cooling air can subsequently be used for cooling supply air for the OBIGGS system. Thus, there is no need for an additional ram-air inlet channel for cooling the supply air. Air resistance and weight are thus reduced, and the stability of the primary structure is enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bellows (5) for use in a fluid container (1), wherein the fluid container (1) is arranged so as to contain a first fluid comprising a liquid phase (7?) and a gas phase (7?), and wherein the bellows (5) is arranged so as to separate said first fluid (7?, 7?) from a second fluid (9) transported into the bellows (5) from the exterior of the container (1). In a preferred embodiment, the bellows (5), when filled, is arranged so as to occupy a volume portion of the second fluid (9) and, when emptied, is arranged so as to contain substantially no volume portion of said second fluid (9). The invention also concerns a method related to transport and/or discharging of a container (1), wherein the volume of said first fluid (7?, I1?) of the container (1) is replaced by a second fluid (9) filled into the bellows (5).

Abstract: A compressed gas storage system with an incorporated pressure relief device is disclosed. The compressed gas storage system comprises a tank for storing a compressed gas, a battery in the direct surroundings of the tank, and a relief valve in communication with the tank. The relief valve is configured to be responsive to electrical current generated by the battery. The battery is configured to define an electrically active state when it reaches a temperature above a maximum safe operating temperature of the compressed gas storage system The electrically active state of the battery is characterized by the generation of sufficient electrical current to open the relief valve which permits gas to escape from the tank. In another embodiment, a thermocouple in combination with a conducting metal may be substituted for the battery.

Abstract: A pressure washer system having a pump for pressurizing a fluid from a fluid source and selectively supplying pressurized fluid through a discharge line. The pressure washer system includes an unloader valve positioned between the pump and the discharge line. The unloader valve includes a fluid inlet, a discharge outlet, a bypass outlet, a first passageway establishing fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the discharge outlet in a first position of the unloader valve, and a second passageway establishing fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the bypass outlet in a second position of the unloader valve. The unloader valve is configured to maintain the pressurized fluid at the fluid inlet, the discharge outlet, and the bypass outlet at a substantially equal pressure when the unloader valve is in the second position.

Abstract: The invention concerns a dual float rollover valve for use in a vehicle fuel tank assembly. The rollover valve may include a housing having an upper portion with a top end defining a vapor passage and an opposed bottom end, and an outer wall extending between the top and bottom ends and defining a channel extending therethrough; and a lower portion having a first end engaging with the bottom end of the upper portion, an opposed second end including a vent hole therethrough, and an outer wall extending between the first end and the second end and defining a chamber therein. An inner seal may be mounted between the channel and the chamber and include a seal bore extending from the channel to the chamber, with an upper float mounted in the channel, and a lower float, mounted in the chamber, having a buoyancy relative to fuel such that it is adapted to float on the fuel and selectively seal against the seal bore.

Abstract: A chemical liquid supply system that prevents the generation of heat during operation in a pump and allows downsizing the discharge pump for instilling a chemical liquid from a tip nozzle. Compressed air is supplied to an upper space of a resist bottle and the chemical liquid is conferred positive pressure and sent out to a pump chamber of a discharge pump, thereby the pump chamber is filled with a resist liquid. This eliminates the need of a conventional construction where a spring or others are used to drive a flexible membrane of the discharge pump to the operation chamber side to take in the resist liquid. As a result, no electric motor is used, so there is obviously no risk of heat damage to a semiconductor wafer and the discharge pump itself can be further downsized.

Abstract: Liquid discharge apparatus, particularly useful as a portable inoculation gun for anti-virus inoculation of plants, includes a housing having a handle at one end configured for convenient grasping by a user, a nozzle at the opposite end for discharging liquid from a discharge opening therein, and a maniputable member manually actuatable to produce a discharge of liquid from the nozzle. The nozzle includes a gas passageway communicating with the discharge opening, and a liquid passageway communicating with the gas passageway. A gas delivery system is actuatable by the maniputable member to discharge gas at high-velocity through the discharge opening via the gas passageway. A liquid source communicates with the liquid passageway in the nozzle such that each high-velocity discharge of gas from the nozzle via the gas passageway draws a quantity of liquid from the liquid source into the gas passageway and discharges it at high-velocity with the gas through the discharge opening.

Abstract: A valve for a snorkel has a body, a floating cylinder and a seat. The body has a floating cylinder chamber. The floating cylinder chamber is formed inside the body and has a top opening, a bottom and a tracking extension. The tracking extension is formed at the bottom of the floating chamber. The floating cylinder is slidably mounted inside the floating cylinder chamber and has a bottom and a channel. The channel is formed at bottom of the floating cylinder and receives the tracking extension of the floating cylinder chamber to guide the floating cylinder toward to certain direction. The seat is mounted at the top opening of the floating cylinder chamber and has a cushion. The cushion is bellows-shaped and is mounted on the seat. When the cushion abuts against the floating cylinder, the cushion is adjustable at angle to seal tightly the floating cylinder chamber.

Abstract: A shock valve assembly for a hydraulic system includes a fluid path extending between a first port and a second port with a shock valve disposed in the fluid path to normally block fluid flow through the fluid path between the first and second ports. The shock valve temporarily opens to permit fluid flow between the first port and a second port through the fluid path when a fluid pressure differential between the ports exceeds a predetermined threshold. Fluid flow occurs in a first direction from the first port to the second port through the fluid path when the shock valve is temporarily opened and fluid pressure in the first port is greater than the second port. Fluid flow occurs in a second, reverse direction through the fluid path from the second port to the first port when the shock valve is temporarily opened and fluid pressure in the second port is greater than the first port.

Abstract: A check valve adapted to open only at a predetermined positive pressure, and to open fully and abruptly when said pressure is exerted.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an apparatus for efficient, durable, reliable, and cost-effective fluid injection. In particular, the present invention provides an unpowered device for automatic fluid injection dictated by pressure differential in the line. More specifically, the present invention provides a device for injecting a degreasing chemical into air relief valves in municipal wastewater systems, which operates off of the differential pressure in the pumped lines resulting from the pump operating cycles.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system includes a filter 19 for filtering fuel. The filter 19 has an internal wall 20 defining a pocket 14. A fuel pump 12 is provided in the pocket 14 for pumping filtered fuel to an engine. A pump spacer structure 10 surrounds at least a portion of the fuel pump and positions the fuel pump within the pocket The pump spacer structure 10 has a portion 18 that engages the internal wall 20 of the filter 19. Dampening structure 22 is provided between the pump spacer structure 10 to dampen vibration generated by the fuel pump.