Abstract: A cooking surface for a grill includes a cylindrical fire column. Food placed on the grill surface directly above the fire column will be impinged by the heat of the heat source, made even more intense by the upward, directional flow of air through the fire column. Food placed on the grill surface but not directly above the fire column can be cooked with indirect heat.

Abstract: The rack includes a main section including a primary platform area and a secondary platform area. The primary platform area includes a plurality of elongated support bars and at least one cross member provided across a portion of the primary platform area to provide strength. An auxiliary section has an auxiliary platform area and is adapted to be slidably received by the main section to move between a retracted position and an extended position. The auxiliary platform is adapted to support various items independent of whether it is in retracted position or the extended position. In one example, the auxiliary section is adapted to be slidably received in a recessed area. In addition or alternatively, the auxiliary section is adapted to be removable from the main section.

Abstract: There is disclosed a gas-powered tool. The gas-powered tool includes a barrel, a combustor and a controller. The combustor is installed in the barrel to combust gas. The controller is installed in the barrel to control the temperature by controlling the supply of the gas to the combustor. The overheating of the gas-powered tool is prevented.

Abstract: A thermal heating system, apparatus and method for heating a fluid using thermal radiation, for example, solar thermal radiation. The thermal heating apparatus includes a tank containing a fluid, a plurality of thermal units arranged in a panel and connected to the tank, and a frame supporting the tank and the thermal units. The thermal units may comprise a heat pipe that is receivable within a tube protruding into the tank. The tube may be formed directly with the tank or provided as a separate piece. The thermal units may also include a thermal casing that encapsulates the heat pipe, for example in a vacuum. Providing a thermal heating apparatus as described may allow collection and transfer of thermal energy to a fluid in the tank. The heated fluid may then be circulated for use in other parts of a thermal heating system.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the 24 hours a day conversion of the high difference of temperatures between two working mediums accumulating the Sun-radiation-heat gets concentrated by the parabolical mirror, during light-days, and the cosmic cold, during nights, into electro-power & refrigeration-output which are realized and called for service (under the shadow of this mirror or near this shadow), which method and apparatus provide not only to perform (fulfil) this conversion, but also to intensify the semiconductive thermoelectrical transformer as well as the heat-exchange of these heat-accumulating working mediums with the heat-absorbing and heat-transferring components of the absorption-refrigeration machines and heat-mechanical electro-generating machines.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to concentrating solar radiation using an assembly of at least one clear and one reflective film that inflates into a shape reflecting parallel rays of light to a concentrated focus in the interior or immediate proximity of the assembly. Embodiments of the present invention can be assembled in a substantially flat stack with bonds or welds between the films, compatible with conventional high-throughput film manufacturing processes. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may employ external circumferential rings or a “harness” assembly to support and point the balloon against wind forces and the like without severe stress localization. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may also employ film attachments to facilitate feedthroughs, reduce stress concentrations, and modify the inflated shape. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may also employ film modifiers, including laminated films, adhesives, printing, etc.

Abstract: In a composite translucent thermal solar collector, an upper transparent alveolar slab (4), an inner alveolar slab (3) and a third slab (2) of foam or fibrous material adjusted behind said alveolar slab (3), are kept packed together by elastic means (5) in a way that it allows the expansion of each slab according to its temperature and its coefficient of expansion. The lower face (11) of the inner alveolar slab (3) is black opaque while the other face is clear transparent, in order to obtain the conversion of the visible fraction of the solar radiation in IR radiation in a inner region of the collector, under “greenhouse” conditions.

Abstract: A solar collector which comprises a mineral wool insulation based on man-made vitreous fibers (MMVF) which are bonded by a formaldehyde-free polymeric binder system. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A surgical utility tube, comprising a plurality of members, wherein the plurality of members are joined together to form a continuous first tube, wherein the first tube is bendable to a plurality of angles along a length of the first tube, and wherein the first tube locks at each of the plurality of angles, and a second tube positioned in the first tube.

Abstract: A drug delivery device that aerosolizes a dry powder formulation so that it forms a fine coating in the oral cavity and, more specifically in the sublingual region of the oral cavity is described herein. In the preferred embodiment, the device contains five main parts: (i) a compressed gas canister, (ii) a dispenser body (also referred to herein as the main housing ), (iii) a means for storing one or more doses of a drug formulation, (iv) a means for releasing a dose of the drug formulation such as a gas canister or spring piston and (v) a mouthpiece. Preferred configurations include circular, tubular, and rectangular. The means for storing the drug formulation may be configured to separately store one or more materials. In one embodiment, the means for storing the active agent is in the form of one or more drug discs, where the drug discs contain a plurality of blister packs, each storing one dose of the drug formulation.

Abstract: Compositions, apparatus, systems, kits, and methods for obfuscating the nucleic acid and/or protein content of an environment.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for improving the performance and design of snorkels (20) that are arranged to reduce splashes of water from entering the snorkel (20) during use. Methods including providing a non-floating active portion (72) and a spring member (54) to move active portion (72) to a closed position (68). Methods are provided for using weighted members (94) and, or floats (44) in conjunction with biasing members (54) exerted with torque across pivoting arms (42) and along longitudinal directions of motion (100). Methods are provided for enabling dry top snorkel devices (38) to automatically achieve, maintain or reestablish a closed position (68) at depth even if little or no pressure differential exists between the inside and outside of the snorkel (20) or if the sealed connection is disengaged at depth, such as can occur during a firm exhale at depth.

Abstract: A drug package comprising a plurality of drug vials containing drugs for delivery to a patient in a drug delivery device; and a data carrier including drug treatment information for use by the drug delivery apparatus.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes but is not limited to: conditioning an inhalent environment; exposing a first organism to the inhalent environment for a first-organism duration of time; and exposing a second organism to the inhalent environment for a second-organism duration of time. In addition to the foregoing, other method embodiments are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present application. In one or more various embodiments, related systems include but are not limited to circuitry and/or programming for effecting the foregoing-referenced method embodiments; the circuitry and/or programming can be virtually any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware configured to effect the foregoing-referenced method embodiments depending upon the design choices of the system designer.

Abstract: A device for manipulating intrathoracic pressures comprises a compressible bag structure, and an interface member coupled to the bag structure. A one way forward valve is coupled to the bag structure to permit respiratory gas to flow to the patient when the bag structure is compressed. A one way exit valve is employed to allow respiratory gases to be pulled from the person's airway upon decompression of the bag structure to produce a negative intrathoracic pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel design for a metering valve that provides improved consistency of formulation delivery. Generally, the metering valve includes (a) a valve stem that generally defines a longitudinal axis and includes a body portion having a metering surface, wherein the longitudinal axis and a plane tangential to at least a portion of the metering surface define an angle from about 2° to about 90°; and (b) a valve body having an internal chamber defined at least in part by the body wall and includes a metering portion configured to substantially conform to the metering surface of the valve stem.

Abstract: A CPAP system for supplying humidified gases to a user is disclosed in which various interfaces are described for gas delivery. A mask cushion including a deformable cushion and thin sheath is described.

Abstract: A respiratory protection air-purifying device that minimizes the area required in front of the face, especially around the mouth area, by locating the heavier filter cartridge behind the head, resting on the lower neck and shoulders, connected by two filtered air tubes around the head and neck partially counter-balancing the valve chamber directly in front of the mouthpiece, forming a ring around the head with the mouthpiece in the mouth and the exhaust port in the bottom of the valve chamber. The valve chamber has the filtered air intake check type valves opposite each other horizontally, an exhaust check type valve down with short exhaust tube and an oval mouthpiece tube passing through the mouthpiece, into the mouth. The respirator is worn around the head and neck with the filter resting on the lower neck and shoulders, the mouthpiece inserted in the mouth.

Abstract: A nasal positive pressure ventilation apparatus which includes a manifold and first and second nasal engagement knobs carried on the manifold, each of the nasal engagement knobs having a central passageway for gas being supplied to the respiratory system of an associated patient; the central passageway of each knob being disposed in fluid communication being with the manifold, each knob having at least a portion of the outer surface manufactured of a material that allows expansion, the first and second knobs having at least a portion of the outer surface thereof disposed over respective first and second chambers, a pump for forcing air into both the first and second chambers.

Abstract: A patient interface includes a sealing arrangement adapted to provide an effective seal with the patient's nose, an inlet conduit arrangement adapted to deliver breathable gas to the sealing arrangement, and a cover that substantially encloses the sealing arrangement and/or the inlet conduit arrangement.

Abstract: A swivel elbow includes a conduit pathway separated from a vent airflow pathway for conducting respective gas flow streams in use. The swivel elbow further includes baffle structure that separates the respective gas flow streams so that they do not interfere with each other within an interior (e.g., breathing chamber) of a mask to which the elbow is connected in use.

Abstract: A surgical/medical tube such as an endotracheal tube (10) is provided having a tubular body (12) equipped with an inflatable cuff (22) and respective, separate cuff inflation and fluid removal lumens (24, 30). A fluid removal opening (32) communicates with lumen (30) and is located proximal to cuff (22). A projection (38, 38a, 40, or 42) is located in close proximity to the opening (32) and is configured to prevent contact between the opening (32) and the adjacent tracheal wall.

Abstract: An occlusion device for actively occluding orifices of fallopian tubes includes a resilient body having an elongated member with a first end and a second end. The elongated member further includes a first leg ending with the first end of the elongated member, a second leg ending with the second end of the elongated member and a connection member positioned therebetween. A first orifice plug is secured at the first end of the elongated member and a second orifice plug is secured at the second end of the elongated member. The first and second orifice plugs are shaped and dimensioned to seat at the orifices of the fallopian tubes or within the fallopian tubes as the elongated member spreads outwardly with the first end and second end moving apart. A delivery device for delivery of medication or therapeutic agents to a uterine cavity is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a condom (10) for the penis. The condom (10) comprises a flexible condom wall (12). In the condom wall plane a shaft channel (18) is arranged in which a flexible rotary shaft (16) is supported. The rotary shaft (16) is adapted to be driven by a rotary drive. The rotating shaft (16) generates stimulating vibrations.

Abstract: A patient support system particularly suited for pediatric twin separation surgery. The patient support system includes a frame coupled to a swing circle that has a plurality of holes about the perimeter. A patient support structure is coupled to the swing circle, and disposed in a fixed relationship to the frame after rotation of the swing circle relative to the frame. A chain-and-sprocket mechanism is coupled to the frame and swing circle and positioned within the frame. At least one support leg depends from the frame, and may extend or retract relative to the frame. A drape cage is coupled to the frame for supporting a surgical drape thereon. At least one support wheel is connected to the support leg, and adapted to be interchangeably fixed in a static position and rotatable to move the frame. A substantially identical second frame may be connected in series to the frame for operative procedures.

Abstract: An airway implant device for maintaining and/or creating an opening in air passageways is disclosed. Methods of using the device are also disclosed. The airway implant device comprises a deformable element to control the opening of an air passageway. Preferably the deformable element is an electroactive polymer element. Energizing of the electroactive polymer element provides support for the walls of an air passageway, when the walls collapse, and thus, completely or partially opens the air passageway. Methods of treating airway disorders such as sleep apnea and snoring with the airway implant device are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A draping system provides a continuous sterile field between a patient incision area and one or more medical practitioners. The draping system has a quick release system incorporated into the drape that enables a medical practitioner to separate from the continuous sterile field without disrupting the sterile field around the practitioner or the patient. The draping system may include an abbreviated practitioner gown, a drain and an integral patient incision area or a flap for extending the continuous sterile field around to one or more additional operating room tables. A modular drape and gown system extends the sterile field beyond the operating table allowing practitioners to couple to the extended field. A tent provides an enclosed sterile field useful in mobile or other non operating room surgical environments. Integral lighting and information displays facilitate field surgical procedures.

Abstract: A method of turning a medical device, having a magnetically responsive element associated with its distal end, at an operating point within an operating region inside a patient's body from an initial direction to a desired final direction, through the movement of at least one external source magnet. The at least one external source magnet is moved in such a way as to change the direction of the distal end of the magnetic medical device from the initial direction to the desired final direction without substantial deviation from the plane containing the initial direction and the desired final direction.

Abstract: A cigarette making apparatus comprises an application nozzle for applying a flavoring material to a wrapping-paper web supplied continuously to a wrapping machine, a pump for supplying the flavoring material to the application nozzle, and a pump control device for controlling the pump driving speed depending on the wrapping machine operating speed. The pump control device divides the wrapping machine operating speed into a plurality of speed regions and determines an approximation pump characteristic which approximates a relationship between the pump driving speed and the rate of discharge of the flavoring material from the pump in each of the speed regions, in advance, and determines the speed at which the pump should be driven, depending on the wrapping machine operating speed, according to the approximation pump characteristic. Consequently, the flavoring material is applied to the wrapping-paper web in an appropriate amount depending on the wrapping machine operating speed.

Abstract: A tobacco taster comprising an inner tube and an outer tube, the inner tube having a slightly smaller diameter than the outer tube, so that inner tube slides into outer tube with a frictional fit, inner tube having a hole, a basket shaped screen having a lip, the screen fitting into the hole in the inner tube, the lip of the screen overlapping the edge of hole, the outer tube having a hole, so that when the inner tube and the outer tube are connected by sliding the outer tube over the inner tube, the two holes are concentric.

Abstract: A smoking article includes a filter system having an upstream plug of filtering material, an impaction filter, and a downstream plug of filtering material. The impaction filter includes at least one plate having at least one orifice.

Abstract: A wig arrangement is provided with a primary wig and a hair piece extension. The primary wig has a first foundation while the extension has a second foundation. The hair piece extension forms a second wig that is removably coupled to the primary wig. The primary wig is structured and arranged to be secured to a human head. The wig arrangement can be worn either with the primary wig or a combination of the primary wig and the hair extension so as to change the look and styling of the wearer's head. Fasteners such as snap fits are used to removably secure the primary wig and the hair piece extension.

Abstract: A powder puff casing includes a bottom casing for receiving therein powder, a positioning cover detachably mounted on top of the bottom casing and having a circular hole defined therethrough to communicate with an interior of the bottom casing, a covering extending through the hole of the positioning cover and having multiple through holes defined therethrough to communicate with the interior of the bottom casing and the hole of the positioning cover, a porous sponge rested on top of the covering, a puff enclosing the porous sponge such that the powder is able to seep through the through holes, the hole and the voids to be evenly distributed on a top face of the puff and a cover detachably connected to the positioning cover to enclose therein the puff, and the porous sponge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental cleaning device, particularly to a flosser device for cleaning teeth gaps. The flosser device according to the present invention removes food particles from different tooth gaps by mounting the flosser element to the flosser element longitudinal connecting slot and the flosser element transverse connecting slot to adjust the position of the flosser. The flosser element base is disposed in the gradually narrowing flosser element connecting slots, so that the flosser element arms diverse outwardly to tension a length of flosser between the flosser element arms. Besides, the center of the flosser element connecting slot is hollow to form a base receiving hole so that the base press-release point projects through the base receiving hole out of the handle after the flosser element base is mounted on the flosser element connecting mechanism, and a user can draw out the flosser element by pressing the base press-release point for replacement.

Abstract: The invention utilizes a multiple frequency ultrasound generator driving a multiple frequency harmonic transducer array to improve cleaning and processing effects while eliminating damage to parts being cleaned. An AC switch and circuitry to modify the output of an ultrasound generator in combination with techniques such as random AM and FM signals are used to produce ultrasound waves that have no single frequency components which eliminates exciting parts being cleaned into resonance. Generator signals that increase cavitation efficiency and that have successive time periods with predominately stable cavitation and predominantly transient cavitation further improve the performance of the cleaning or processing systems.

Abstract: In a single-substrate type apparatus for processing a substrate, the apparatus includes a chamber, a bottom panel, a solution supplying part and a substrate holder. The chamber has an upper portion and a lower portion. The bottom panel is detachably connected to the lower portion. The solution supplying part is connected to the bottom panel to supply a processing solution to the substrate in the chamber. The substrate holder provides the substrate into the chamber, the substrate holder holding both side portions of the substrate such that the substrate is vertically arranged.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning device includes a rotating table that rotatably holds a silicon substrate. A light irradiation device is capable of irradiating at least a portion of a surface of the held silicon substrate with light. A nozzle is capable of selectively supplying at least N2O water and a hydrofluoric acid solution onto the substrate. A control unit controls the supply of the light irradiation device and the nozzle and enables light irradiation by the light irradiation device when the N2O water is supplied onto the silicon substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for cleaning exhaust lines from a reaction chamber used in manufacturing semiconductor devices. In particular, an apparatus is disclosed for receiving an exhaust gas from a semiconductor processing reaction chamber, mixing said exhaust gas with a cleaning gas, exciting the mixture to a plasma state, and pumping the mixture away via an exhaust line. A vacuum pump is provided for pumping the mixture, and a scrubber may be provided to remove particulate and other matter from the gas mixture. Radio-frequency or microwave energy may be used to excite the gas mixture, and the cleaning gas may comprise argon.

Abstract: A method for determining the endpoint of a cleaning process in which a metallic residue is removed from an underlying surface which comprises a metal by contacting the residue with a cleaning agent which volatilizes the residue and which tends to attack the metal of the underlying surface and volatilizes it if the cleaning process is not terminated timely, and in which the metal comprising the underlying surface is more reactive with the cleaning agent than the metal of the metallic residue, the improvement which comprises terminating the cleaning process at a time when the ratio of the amount of volatilized metal to the amount of cleaning agent increases from a lower to a higher value.

Abstract: A substrate treating apparatus for stripping photoresist on a substrate includes a support part for supporting the substrate, a dry-type treating part for stripping the photoresist on the substrate, and a wet-type treating part for stripping the photoresist on the substrate. While the substrate is supported by the support part, the photoresist on the substrate is primarily stripped by means of the dry-type treating part and secondarily stripped by means of the wet-type treating part. The dry-type treating part includes a plasma supply unit configured to supply plasma onto the substrate and a moving unit configured to vary a relative position of the plasma supply unit and the substrate.

Abstract: A mass flow controller is connected to an exhaust path of a reaction chamber. A controller detects cleaning completion in accordance with a change of an output signal of the mass flow controller in cleaning the reaction chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for wet processing individual wafers comprising; a means for holding the wafer; a means for providing acoustic energy to a non-device side of the wafer; and a means for flowing a fluid onto a device side of the wafer.

Abstract: A substrate processing method can form highly-reliable interconnects with little current leakage between interconnects without causing significant damage to the interconnects. The substrate processing method comprises heating and reacting a contaminant on a substrate with a carboxylic acid in an atmosphere containing the carboxylic acid, thereby removing the contaminant.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a diffraction grating preferably includes exposing the grating surface to an aqueous base to remove an organic photoresist mask thereon; rinsing the grating surface with de-ionized water; oxidizing acid solution (such as Nanostrip™ or Nanostrip™ 2X) to remove metallic contaminants and residue organic compounds; rinsing the grating surface with de-ionized water; exposing the grating surface to an oxygen plasma ashing process using reactive oxygen species to oxidize and remove fluorinated hydrocarbon residue; exposing the grating surface again to an oxidizing acid solution to remove metallic contaminants and residue organic compounds; and rinsing the grating surface with de-ionized water.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus which can efficiently and satisfactorily clean component parts facing narrow spaces. A mixture of a substance in gaseous form and the same substance in liquid form or solid form as the former is jetted out from a jet pipe toward deposits attached to a structural object. The jetted mixture and the deposits to which the mixture has been jetted are sucked into a suction pipe.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for abating effluent from a process tool. The invention includes one or more process tools; one or more abatement systems; and an interface manifold adapted to establish effluent fluid communication between the one or more process tools and the one or more abatement systems, wherein the interface manifold is configured to selectively direct one or more effluents from between the one or more process tools to the one or more abatement systems in response to a control signal. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A closed-loop system for cleaning tanks and other enclosures utilizing adjustably mounted nozzles for spraying water, other wash fluid and/or beneficial chemical additive within the tanks or other enclosures to be cleaned. Effluent wash fluid leaving a tank is directed to a separator unit for separation of liquids and solids. Solids are disposed of or otherwise removed, while recovered liquids are directed for re-use. Exposure of personnel to the inside of such tanks or other enclosures to be cleaned is minimal.

Abstract: Dishwasher and method of operating it, wherein a wash operation is followed by a hot post-wash operation during which a hot post-wash liquid has a higher temperature than a final-rinse liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for wafer cleaning includes an enclosure. A stage is within the enclosure. At least one first wall is within the enclosure, around the stage. A plate is within the enclosure and above the stage, operable to enclose a first region between the stage and the first wall. The apparatus further includes an exhauster fluidly coupled to the first region between the stage and the first wall.

Abstract: A cleaning device comprising an enclosure, a cover allowing it to be opened in order to place an object to be cleaned within the enclosure, a supply of cleaning fluid, the enclosure comprising a piston that can move thanks to a motor, a geometry allowing a contact with an external fluid reservoir when the piston occupies a certain position within the enclosure in order to generate a sudden release of pressure, the device comprising an outlet valve remaining closed when the piston increases the volume of the enclosure so as to cause the pressure reduction within the enclosures.