Abstract: A physical fitness system incorporating aspects of scuba diving and hyperbaric pressure therapy is described. An enclosure, such as a cage or elevator, is selectively placed in a body of water, such as an ocean, lake, river, or pool, wherein one or more individuals can remain or exercise (e.g., scuba dive) there, for a sufficient period of time and for a sufficient number of times in order to realize a health benefit, such as reduced weight, reduced blood pressure, increased metabolic rate, increased energy levels, and/or the like. Additionally, hyperbaric pressure therapy can also be employed in conjunction with the use of the enclosure. For example, the enclosure, such as a swimming pool, can be situated in a selectively sealable structure. The structure is first sealed and then the pressure inside the structure is raised to a sufficient level to produce a hyperbaric pressure state therein.

Abstract: A headgear connection assembly for a mask assembly includes a pair of clip receptacles provided to respective sides of a mask frame and a pair of locking clips adapted to be removably interlocked with respective clip receptacles. The locking clips are adapted to be removably connected to headgear straps in use. Each clip receptacle includes an upper wall. The upper wall has a recess and a lip adjacent to the recess at the edge of the upper wall.

Abstract: A device for adjusting a lid cover for an oxygen mask dispensing container. The device includes a stationary plate having a cover that is adjustable relative to the plate by means of a spring such that an outermost lid cover is capable of easily mating with the opening in the interior lining of an aircraft. The lid is spring-biased toward the plate such that when the plate is attached to the oxygen mask dispensing container body, the lid is automatically pulled into position relative to the opening in the interior lining of the aircraft.

Abstract: Breathing mask assemblies that include adjustable forehead supports are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a forehead support is adjustably coupled to a central or main body of the breathing mask. A clamp is configured to lock the position of the forehead support relative to the central body and to lock forehead support at multiple different positions. In one exemplary embodiment, the forehead support may be locked at any position along a path of travel between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A supraglottic airway of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation and the insertion of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments through a patient's laryngeal opening where the shield is constructed of a generally single-use blow-molded structure.

Abstract: Occlusion devices and methods for occluding fallopian tubes which take effect promptly after deployment. The occlusion means comprise an occluding element and a fixation element. In one embodiment, the occluding element is deployed within the fallopian tube and in another embodiment, the occluding element is external to the fallopian tube.

Abstract: At least one elongated tension-able body is sized and configured for implantation in a desired orientation in a tissue region in an airway. An array of projections extend from the elongated tension-able body, which are sized and configured to engage tissue and resist a reorientation of the elongated tension-able body within the tissue region out of the desired orientation.

Abstract: At least one elongated body is sized and configured for implantation in a desired orientation in a tissue region in an airway. An array of projections extends from the elongated body and is resiliently coupled to the elongated body. The array or projections is in a normally biased outward extending condition sized and configured to engage tissue and resist a reorientation of the elongated body within the tissue region out of the desired orientation after implantation of the elongated body in the tissue region. The array of projections is sized and configured to resiliently yield by flexing inward against the elongated body during implantation of the elongated body in the tissue region.

Abstract: At least one implant structure is sized and configured for implantation in, on, or near an extrinsic muscle region affecting movement and/or shape of a tongue, e.g., a genioglossus muscle. The position of the implant structure is stabilized relative to the extrinsic muscle region to maintain the tongue in a desired orientation, e.g., to maintain patency of an airway.

Abstract: At least one elongated body is sized and configured for implantation in a desired orientation in an epiglottis and/or in a muscle along an upper respiratory tract. An array of projections extends from the elongated body, which is sized and configured to engage tissue and resist a reorientation of the elongated body within the tissue region out of the desired orientation.

Abstract: A flexible dental appliance a left posterior occlusal pad having a base and an outer wall including a plurality of loops; a right posterior occlusal pad having a base and an outer wall including a plurality of loops; and a support bridge between the left posterior occlusal pad and the a right posterior occlusal pad. The plurality of loops create gaps in the outer wall and extend over a buccal aspect of the teeth of an upper jaw for enhancing retention of the dental appliance. The plurality of loops engage the teeth at interproximal spaces and cementoenamel junctions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and devices for the treatment of airway obstruction, such as obstructive sleep apnea, and devices and methods that facilitate insertion and retrieval of the same. In one embodiment, disclosed is a tissue tensioner that includes an elongate flexible tether having a first end and a second end, a bone anchor configured to be connected to a patient's mandible, a tissue ingrowth implant configured to be implanted in a patient's tongue and connected to the second end of the tether, and an adjustment mechanism configured to be held by the bone anchor adjacent the patient's mandible and configured to receive the first end of the tether and configured to adjust tension in the flexible tether between the patient's mandible and tongue. Various anchors, tethers, securement mechanisms, and adjustment mechanisms that can be used with glossal and palatal remodeling systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system of diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction and orofacial pain, preferably without surgery, comprises preferably a non-invasive evaluation of neuroanatomy, tissue pathology, and tonus of muscles to prescribe highly specialized orthotic therapy, sometimes in combination with physical therapy and arthocentesis.

Abstract: A remotely actuated nail clipping apparatus includes a nail clipper body having upper and lower jaws with opposed cutting surfaces. An actuating lever is remotely disposed from the nail clipper body. A linkage, which operably couples the actuating lever to the nail clipper body, passes through the upper jaw of the nail clipper body and interfaces with the lower jaw and enables the user to pull the lower jaw upward toward the upper jaw into a cutting configuration whereby the opposed cutting surfaces of the two jaws engage one another to thereby clip a nail disposed therebetween. Preferably, a hollow vertical shaft rigidly couples the upper jaw of the nail clipper body to the actuating lever and the linkage extends through the interior of the shaft. A platform is preferably secured to the top end of the shaft and provides a support surface for the actuation lever.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition for the oxidation dyeing of keratin fibers, for example, human keratin fibers such as the hair, comprising, in a medium that is suitable for dyeing, at least one oxidation dye and at least one polymer comprising a repetition of: (i) from 45 mol % to 60 mol % of at least one unit derived from a monomer of acrylamide type, (ii) at least one unit derived from a rnonomer of dialkyldiallylammonium halide type, and (iii) at least one unit derived from a monomer of vinylcarboxylic acid type, wherein the mole ratio of the amount of the at least one unit derived from a monomer of dialkyldiallylammonium halide type to the amount of the at least one unit derived from a monomer of vinylcarboxylic acid type is greater than or equal to 1. The composition disclosed herein makes it possible to prevent or reduce the phenomenon of static electricity at the surface of the hair, while at the same time maintaining good rheological and dyeing properties.

Abstract: Hair care products represent a world-wide multi-billion dollar industry. Pre-formed polymers are commonly used in a variety of hair care products including shampoos, conditioners, gels, and hair sprays. The present invention provides technology for polymerizing monomers on hair in situ to produce desired hair characteristics. This eliminates the solubility and application issues found with some polymers. The polymerization of monomers on hair is typically initiated using a thermal or photoinitiatied free radical initiator. In certain embodiments, the monomers are fluorinated thereby producing a fluorinated polymer on the hair upon polymerization. The invention provides monomers, initiators, methods, and kits for use in treating hair with polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging and applicator device comprising: a receptacle containing a composition for application; a wiper member; and an applicator comprising: a stem; an applicator element at a distal end of the stem; and a handle at a proximal end of the stem; in which device the stem comprises: a first segment that is secured to the handle and that has a portion that comes to be positioned level with the wiper member when the receptacle is closed by the applicator; and a second segment that is fastened to the first, that carries the applicator element, and that is configured so as to enable it to be assembled via either of its ends on the first segment.

Abstract: Fa-Sho Curlier is a curling iron with an electronically activated rod that rotates to curl hair. To use Fa-Sho Curler, the consumer would plug in the iron and allow the device to heat up as with any traditional curling iron. The individual would then utilize the lever to activate the clamp and insert the desired section of hair into the clamp as with any traditional curling iron. The rotating motion of the curling rod would then be activated by means of the power button and/or directional buttons on the iron. When the desired curl was completed, the power button would be used to stop the curling action and the lever could then be used to remove the curled section of hair.

Abstract: A dental flossing device formed of: a. a handle having proximal and distal ends, b. a flosser head extending from the distal end of the handle, the flosser head comprising a base, two spaced apart arms extending from the base and having distal ends, and a strand of dental floss extending between and secured to the distal ends of the arms, c. a hinge connecting the distal end of the handle to the flosser head, the flosser head having a first position generally co-planar with the handle, the flosser head being bendable about the hinge to a second position that is angled relative to the handle, the arms in the first position of the flosser head being spaced apart a first distance, d. the device including engagement means for securing the flosser head in the second position and urging the distal ends of the arms to be spaced apart a second distance greater than the first distance to thus stretch the strand of dental floss to be more taut.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a personal toothpick having an adjustable inter-teeth inserting portion. The inter-teeth inserting portion is bendable to be formed at any angle. Thereafter, the inter-teeth inserting portion is forced laterally between any of the teeth, such as the back teeth, while the handle is at the front of the jaw, instead of being placed in redial position with reference to the curvature of the jaw. Accordingly, the toothpick can easily remove the foreign matters in small spaces between adjacent teeth, especially the back teeth.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a UV irradiation chamber includes steps of: (i) after completion of irradiating a substrate with UV light transmitted through an optical transmitted window provided in the UV irradiation chamber, generating radical species of a cleaning gas outside the UV irradiation chamber; and (ii) introducing the radical species from the outside of the UV irradiation chamber into the UV irradiation chamber, thereby cleaning the optical transmitted window.

Abstract: The removing solution containing a cerium (IV) nitrate salt, periodic acid or a hypochlorite can be applied to metals containing copper, silver or palladium and also to metals containing other metals having a relatively large oxidation-reduction potential.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate cleaning apparatus including a brush cleaning unit which cleans a substrate by making a roll brush in contact with a surface of the substrate, and a transporting unit which conveys the substrate. The roll brush includes a bristle. At least one of a diameter of the roll brush, stiffness of the bristle, and density of the bristle becomes larger from an end potion of the roll brush to a central portion thereof.

Abstract: A system for removing paint and other coatings from hard surfaces is mounted on a truck for over-the-road travel. The truck bed carries a high power vacuum pump, a self propelled tractor with an attached blast head, a liquid reservoir, a sump or vacuum tank, and a ramp for loading the tractor. The reservoir is connected to a low pressure pump that transfers water to the high pressure pump. The high pressure pump is connected to the blast head by a high pressure hose. A vacuum hose is connected to the sump which has an internal enclosure for separating the waste materials from the liquid for easy dumping of semi dried materials.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus utilizing turbulent fluid flow to wash soiled items. A washing chamber (2) is connected to a pump (10) and contains a baffle (5) that divides or partially divides the chamber (2). The baffle (5) contains one or more openings (12) through which fluid surges in response to pressure generated by the pump (10). By using a reciprocating piston or diaphragm-type pump, back-and-forth fluid flow is generated. The fluid turbulence created by the fluid surging through the baffle openings creates a “scrubbing action” upon the surface of the items being washed.

Abstract: A substrate treatment apparatus according to the present invention includes: a plate to be positioned in spaced opposed relation to one surface of a substrate and having a plurality of outlet ports and a plurality of suction ports provided in an opposed surface thereof to be opposed to the one surface of the substrate; a rinse liquid supplying unit which supplies a rinse liquid containing deionized water to the outlet ports of the plate; a suction unit which evacuates the suction ports of the plate; a drying promoting fluid supplying unit which supplies a drying promoting fluid to the one surface of the substrate to promote drying of the substrate; a substrate holding unit to be positioned on the other surface of the substrate opposite from the one surface for holding the substrate; and a supply controlling unit which controls the rinse liquid supplying unit to discharge the rinse liquid from the outlet ports toward the one surface of the substrate to seal a space defined between the one surface and the oppos

Abstract: Methods are provided for increasing the temperature of a section of conduit used for the production or transmission of hydrocarbon. According to one aspect, the method includes the steps of: (a) forming a treatment fluid comprising: (i) a carrier fluid; and (ii) a first reactant and a second reactant; and (b) introducing the treatment fluid into a section of conduit used for the production or transmission of hydrocarbon. The first reactant and second reactant are selected for being capable of reacting together in an exothermic chemical reaction; and the first and second reactant are in at least sufficient concentrations in the carrier fluid to generate a theoretical heat of reaction of at least 1,000 kJ/liter of the treatment fluid. At least some of at least one of the first reactant and the second reactant is suspended in the carrier fluid in a solid form that is adapted to help control the release of the reactant into the carrier fluid.

Abstract: A method of refurbishing a wall of a plasma process chamber which has a surface with a magnet assembly fitted thereon. The magnet assembly has an expandable hollow collar with a plurality of magnets inside. In the method, the diameter of the hollow collar of the magnet assembly is expanded to remove the hollow collar from the wall. The surface of the wall is cleaned. The hollow collar of the original magnet assembly, or of another magnet assembly, is then snap fitted back onto the surface of the wall.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a spin coater apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a spin coater apparatus having a coater cup comprising a basin with sidewalls, a rotatable platform situated inside the cup adapted for holding and rotating a wafer to be coated, and a solvent dispensing means mounted under the rotatable platform; placing the substrate on the rotatable platform; rotating the rotatable platform; continuously dispensing a cleaning solvent from the solvent dispensing means to rinse the backside of the wafer with the cleaning solvent and to pre-wet an interior surface of the sidewalls; and dispensing a coating material upon the wafer, the substrate mounted on the rotatable platform.

Abstract: A method for treating a substrate using a supercritical fluid as a medium is disclosed. The method includes the steps of mixing the supercritical fluid with a chemical under a pressure higher than a pressure for treating the substrate, and subsequently treating the substrate with the supercritical fluid mixed with the chemical at the pressure for treating the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of cleaning a hard surface, said process comprising the step of applying a liquid hard surface cleaner composition onto said hard surface in the form of a spray, wherein said composition comprises a hydrophobically modified nonionic polyol.

Abstract: A steam mop having a main body having a boiler with a water inlet and a steam outlet positioned therein, a pump having an inlet and an outlet with the pump outlet connected to the boiler inlet, a water container for storing water connected to the pump inlet, and a steam pocket frame connected to the steam outlet, where the activation of the pump pumps water from the water container to the boiler for generation of steam. In an embodiment of the invention, a steam mop having a main body with a boiler, a water container, a mechanical water pump between the boiler and container and at least one side arm connecting the boiler steam outlet to a fabric steam pocket frame. The water pump is actuated by movement of the mop when cleaning to send water to the boiler. The steam pad frame is substantially rectangular with a plurality of baffles in a square grid formation extending outwardly to distribute steam to distribute steam between the baffles.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle washing and drying apparatus (10) that is truly portable, easily stored, and capable of fully independent and automatic operation. The apparatus (10) is self-contained and requires no connection to a water or power source. One or more tanks (175) hold the necessary water, detergent and automotive chemicals used for washing the exterior surface of the vehicle (A). A power source such as a battery (250), fuel cell, or electrical energy generated by an onboard electrical generator powered by a gasoline, ethanol, or hybrid engine provides electrical power for the various electrical components that comprise the apparatus. One or more sensors (210, 212) constantly determine the distance of the apparatus (10) in relation to the vehicle (A). The one or more sensors (210, 212) provide the distance information to an electronic control system (200) for guiding the movement of the apparatus (10) on a circumferential path (P) around the vehicle.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with shade structures, such as umbrellas, particularly large free-standing umbrellas, which have variable geometry. In preferred embodiments, the invention provides umbrellas that comprise multiple sets of ribs supporting a canopy structure and having a mechanism associated with each set of ribs for influencing the angle or elevation of the rib sets.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved multi-folded umbrella having a reduced closed volume, which includes a shaft with a crown secured to its upper end, a slider slidably provided on the shaft, and rib sections pivoted to the crown and the slider consisting of struts, tensions ribs, and spokes. The rib sections of the frame are positioned in side-by-side relationship, either clockwise or anti-clockwise, when the umbrella is closed, wherein the umbrella can be two-folded, three-folded, four folded, five-folded, or more, and between the rib sections, various connecting assemblies are provided. Hence, the present umbrella can be used more conveniently and effectively.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with shade structures, such as umbrellas, particularly large free-standing umbrellas, which have at least one hub that carries a plurality of ribs and which is separable into at least two hub components, each carrying a set of ribs. The hub components of each of the relevant hub(s) are nestable together to provide new combinations of rib geometry that are particularly useful in umbrellas having more efficient operating characteristics and/or variable geometry.

Abstract: An automatic hunting blind is biased open and held shut with a latch. The latch may be remotely released with an electronic remote, control module, and solenoid to automatically open the blind. The automatic hunting blind allows a hunter to open the blind without losing visual contact with the prey and without moving their weapon into a position where the hunter is not ready to shoot the prey.

Abstract: The technology of the present application provides a canopy with an automatic roof structure having improved structural stability. The canopy comprises a plurality of vertical support posts connected by trusses. A plurality of roof support rods extend from the vertical support posts to a central hub. At least one of the roof support rods has a cantilever support extending from the associated slide or thereabouts to a pivot on the roof support rod. The canopy also comprises central truss supports and stubs extending from the connection of the lateral trusses to the central hub. The canopy has an expanded, open configuration and a collapsed, closed configuration.

Abstract: Energy harvesting devices, wherein one illustrative embodiment includes a crease beam, a thermoelectric element disposed in thermally-conductive contact with the crease beam and a heat exchanger disposed in thermally-conductive contact with the thermoelectric element. An energy harvesting system and a method of harvesting electrical power are also disclosed.

Abstract: A selective light absorbing semiconductor surface is disclosed. Said semiconductor surface is characterized by the presence of indentations or protrusions comprising a grating of dimensions such as to enhance the absorption of selected frequencies of radiation. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, said grating is formed on the surface of a doped semiconductor for the purposes of optical frequency down conversion. The semiconductor is doped so as to create energy levels within the forbidden zone between the conduction and valence bands. Incident radiation excites electrons from the valence to conduction band from where they decay to the meta-stable newly created energy level in the forbidden zone. From there, electrons return to the valence band, accompanied by the emission of radiation of lower frequency than that of the incident radiation. Optical frequency down-conversion is thus efficiently and rapidly accomplished.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material has a composition expressed by (TipHfqZr1-p-q)xCoy(Sb1-rSnr)100-x-y (0.1<p?0.3, 0.1<q?0.3, 0.1<r?0.8, 30?x?35 atomic %, and 30?y?35 atomic %), and includes a phase having an MgAgAs crystal structure as a main phase.

Abstract: A representative method involving an optical concentrator for a power generation solar cell includes: providing a Fresnel lens of the optical concentrator, the Fresnel lens having an exit aperture half width corresponding to the width of the solar cell; and providing a secondary non-imaging concentrating element of the optical concentrator, the secondary non-imaging concentrating element exhibiting a hyperbola asymptote angle larger than a divergence angle of the Fresnel lens.

Abstract: A solar energy trap (10) includes a chamber (11) having inlet post (12), such that solar energy (13) entering the chamber (11) through the inlet port (12) is absorbed and reflected within the chamber (11) means until substantially all the solar energy (13) is absorbed by the chamber (11). Preferably, the inlet port (12) is arranged to cause photons of the solar energy (13) entering the chamber (11) to circulate substantially in a single direction within the chamber (11) until absorbed, such that on re-passing the inlet port (12) substantially no photons emerge from the inlet port (12).

Abstract: A light-weight photovoltaic system made from a plurality of substantially rectangular photovoltaic modules consisting of a lightweight support board and a photovoltaic panel disposed in abutting relationship in rows and columns on a substrate and connected to each other by a dovetailing arrangement between frames connecting the support board to the panel with clamping strips holding down the photovoltaic panel on the frame and of at least one tension wire extending along one of the rows and columns at attached to a substructure for retaining the system thereon.

Abstract: This invention relates to photovoltaic devices made with photoactive nanostructures comprising carbon nanotubes and photosensitive nanoparticles.

Abstract: A fluid processing system has a plurality of segments configured to receive flow of a fluid product. Each of the plurality of segments has a line input, a line output, a cleaning input valve, and a cleaning discharge valve. The cleaning input valve connects to the line input and the cleaning discharge valve connects to the line output. A cleaning medium is provided wherein the cleaning medium is injected into a respective cleaning input valve and drained through a respective cleaning discharge valve, such that each segment can be cleaned independently of each other.

Abstract: A housing has a passageway containing a valve seat. A valve element seals against the valve seat to maintain the valve in the closed position. A release rod extends from the valve body and a shell surrounds the release rod, preventing its movement. The shell is formed in several sections, maintained together by a wire. The wire is connected to a frangible initiator which, upon failure, releases the wire from the shell, allowing these sections to move away from one another. When this occurs, the release rod and valve body are able to move, opening the valve, allowing fluid flow between the inlet and outlet of the valve.

Abstract: A pressure tank system including a pressure release valve that releases pressure in the tank if the valve exceeds a predetermined temperature. In order for the pressure release valve to be effective, it must detect heat at all areas of the tank system. The tank system includes a heat conducting device for transferring heat from anywhere on the tank system to the pressure release valve. In one embodiment, the heat conducting device is a heat conducting mesh that is wrapped around and outside of the pressure tank. In another embodiment, the heat conducting device is an aluminum sheet wrapped around the tank. In another embodiment, the heat conducting device includes heat conducting strips that extend along the tank and are connected to the pressure release valve.

Abstract: A pneumatic safety valve prevents dangerously rapid outflow of pressurized air in the event that an air hose ruptures or a pneumatic tool is accidentally decoupled from the hose downstream of the valve. The valve has an internal air conduit in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet ports. The air conduit cooperates with a pivotal flap that selectively closes to prevent a sudden discharge of air in the event of a hose rupture or an accidental decoupling of the pneumatic tool from the hose. By containing the highly pressurized air and preventing the air from rapid discharge, the valve prevents the air hose from flailing or whipping violently, thus eliminating the physical dangers to operators and other personnel in the vicinity of the rupture. This simple and inexpensive valve ensures safe containment of hose ruptures or of accidental disconnections of the pneumatic tool from the high-pressure hose.

Abstract: The Present invention provides a hot water supply device in which the temperature of hot water stored at high temperature in a hot water storage tank or the like can be lowered to a temperature for use at which the risk of scalding is prevented, when supplied to a hot water usage part, without need for cold water to be mixed with the high-temperature hot water. A hot water supply device comprising a hot water storage tank, a cold water supply line for supplying cold water to the hot water storage tank, a hot water supply line for supplying hot water from a hot water storage tank to a hot water usage part, and high-temperature hot water discharge prevention means provided, along a hot water supply channel of these lines, for preventing high-temperature hot water discharge to the hot water usage part.