Abstract: A dive computer with a free dive mode and/or wireless data transmission capabilities. In one embodiment the invention relates to a diving apparatus including a dive computer having a free dive mode, where the dive computer is configured to calculate a nitrogen loading in the free dive mode using a default value which is the fraction of oxygen in air, and where the free dive mode is used when a diver makes a dive without a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus. Another embodiment includes a method of operating a dive computer including recording two or more first identifiers, receiving pressure information from two or more pressure transmitters, the pressure information comprising second identifiers and pressure measurements, determining whether the pressure information contains one of the two or more first identifiers, and displaying a message indicative of the pressure information that contains one of the two or more first identifiers.

Abstract: A pair of solenoid air/oxygen mixing systems used by an adaptive controller for delivering fractional inspired oxygen to a patient is described. The solenoid control system comprises either a bi-modal solenoid or a proportional solenoid air/oxygen mixing system to derive a fraction of inspired oxygen delivered to a patient. In the bi modal solenoid air/oxygen mixing system, a derived fraction of insipid oxygen is delivered to a patient. The bi-modal mixer uses a three-way valve solenoid. The solenoid has two input gas ports and one output gas port. Toggling between the two input port gases generates an output gas oxygen concentration. In contrast with the bi-modal solenoid, variation or proportionality between the two input port gases generates an output gas oxygen concentration. Both solenoid systems use a mini-computer and digital controller with software to control the fraction of inspired oxygen delivered to a patient. Finally, several therapeutic applications are described.

Abstract: A respirator system has a vapor filter which includes a body for holding a vapor filter media, a first integral male connector for attachment to a particle filter, and a second integral female connector on an opposing side for connecting to a respirator mask. The particle filter has a complementary female connector and the mask has a complementary male connector for attachment to the vapor filter body. Alternately, a circumferential lip of the vapor filter and a sealing surface or a retainer sealingly attach a particle filter pad to the vapor filter. A method of assembly includes providing a vapor filter with an integral connector for attaching to a particle filter, providing a complementary connector and connecting the vapor filter to the particle filter.

Abstract: A vent assembly for use with a respiratory mask of the type used in CPAP treatment includes a porous disk portion that is attached to a biasing member such that the disk portion is maintained in a substantially sealed position against a main vent to minimize airflow through at least one side vent of the vent assembly. Debris build-up on the disk portion can cause the biasing member to deflect to provide an additional path for airflow through the at least one side vent. In another embodiment, the vent assembly can also include an anti-asphyxia feature to provide an airflow path from the environment to the user. An oxygen diverter valve may be disposed between the breathing apparatus flow generator and an oxygen injection port.

Abstract: An oral airway includes a first component having a first guiding surface and a second component having a second guiding surface. The first component and the second component are adapted to be removably coupled together such that the first guiding surface and the second guiding surface collectively define and encompass an interior passage through the oral airway that is dimensioned to direct, for example, a fiber-optic scope or an endotracheal tube extending through the interior passage for tracheal intubation. The first and second components are configured to be decoupled and independently removed from a patient's mouth without disrupting an endotracheal tube that has been extended through the conduit for tracheal intubation. The first and second components may be maintained in coupled disposition by an interlocking mechanical structure. The first and second components also may be maintained in coupled disposition by magnetism.

Abstract: A user or assistant operated device for elevation and forward thrusting of the jaw for mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea is disclosed. The device includes a base configured to contact a torso of a wearer, a chin support configured to contact a jaw of the wearer, and a jack extending between the base and the chin support. In this regard, the jack is length adjustable and configured to elevate the chin support relative to the base such that the jaw is thrust forward relative to the torso.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a portion of a patient, the apparatus comprising: at least one attachment means having a flexible elongated portion and at least one bead attached to the flexible elongated portion; a radio lucent portion, the radio lucent portion having a multitude of raised portions forming a multitude of receiving cavities, each of the receiving cavities shaped to removably receive at least a portion of the attachments means, for example the bead or the flexible elongated portion.

Abstract: An implantable device and method for adjustably restricting a selected body lumen such as the urethra of a patient to treat urinary incontinence. The device includes an expandable element or membrane such as a balloon attached pressure-tightly to a flexible conduit at its forward end and includes a rear port portion containing an elastic septum and flow connected to the expandable element by a first passageway. The conduit contains a second passageway which allows it to be slid along an elongated guide probe initially inserted surgically into a patient's body adjacent the body lumen which is to be adjustably restricted. A suitable flowable material is injected from a syringe source into the device rear port sufficient to expand the membrane element and restrict the body lumen to the desired degree. The syringe and guide probe are removed and the skin incision is closed over the rear port end of the implanted device.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for inserting tobacco into an empty cigarette tube. The apparatus comprises a sleeve (15) designed to be inserted into the empty cigarette tube (63); means for retaining the empty cigarette tube (63) in place; a fixed blade (19) and a movable blade (18) facing each other and defining a uniform cavity to receive the tobacco. The movable blade (18) is adapted to be moved towards the fixed blade (19) to compress and cut the tobacco so as to form a uniform tobacco rod. The apparatus further comprises a rod (7) adapted to be inserted into the cavity defined by the fixed (19) and movable (18) blades to push the tobacco rod into the empty cigarette tube (63).

Abstract: A filter cigarette comprises a tobacco rod and a filter attached to the tobacco rod by a band of tipping paper. The surface of the band of tipping paper is coated with a solution of cells having at least one flavourant encapsulated therein. In use, when the filter cigarette is placed in the mouth of a consumer, moisture from the consumer's saliva causes the cells provided on the surface of the tipping paper to release the encapsulated flavourant. The cells are preferably yeast cells. The solution of cells may be applied to the band of tipping paper by gravure printing.

Abstract: A filter component cutting system comprises a supply hopper of elongate filter rods and a cutting drum with spaced apart flutes on an exterior surface of the drum for receiving the elongate filler rods. A transfer mechanism receives the elongate filter rods from the supply hopper and delivers the rods to the flutes on the cutting drum. At least one cutter adjacent the cutting drum functions to cut the filter rods in to individual filter components as the cutting drum rotates.

Abstract: Sterilized moist tobacco products and methods for sterilizing moist tobacco products are provided. The moist tobacco is subjected to a thermal stabilization treatment after it has been packaged in its final, consumer-ready container. Such thermal stabilization pasteurizes, sterilizes or otherwise treats the finished moist tobacco so that the concentration of undesirable microflora present within the product is reduced or eliminated. By heating the moist tobacco after is has been packaged, harmful microorganisms are destroyed and spoilage is substantially delayed or does not occur at all without the need for refrigeration of the container. The volatile compounds in the tobacco, such as flavors, are retained in the container. Downstream TSNA production may also be reduced and the shelf life can be extended.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for applying cosmetic products or the like to hair. The device includes a pen-like housing and an applicator that includes a comb-like structure. The device is distinguished in that application means are arranged between the prongs of the comb-like structure and in the longitudinal direction of the comb-like structure.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a hair accessory, such as a scarf, headband, head wrap, ponytail wrap and the like, having a strip of fabric having opposite ends and oppositely disposed longitudinal edges, and a friction member having a coefficient of friction greater than a coefficient of friction of the strip of fabric. The friction member may be stitched into the strip of fabric in a decorative pattern and with at least a portion of the friction member being exposed through one of the surfaces of the strip of fabric and engaging the hair of a person wearing the hair accessory when the hair accessory is worn. Alternatively, the friction member may be adhered to a surface of the strip of fabric in a decorative pattern and engaging the hair of a person wearing the hair accessory when the hair accessory is worn.

Abstract: A hair retaining clip including a first clip member, a second clip member, a hinge, and a latch mechanism is disclosed. The first and second clip members may each include a handle portion and a claw portion. The hinge is disposed between and pivotally connects the first and second clip members. The latch mechanism selectively retains the first and second clip members in a generally open configuration.

Abstract: A hair retaining clip includes a first claw portion, and a second claw portion pivotally connected to the first claw portion. A primary hinge may provide the pivotal connection between the first claw portion and the second claw portion, aligned along a primary hinge axis. At least one deployable handle extends from one of the first claw portion and the second claw portion, and may be movable between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration.

Abstract: A hair retaining clip includes an upper clip portion, and a lower clip portion joined to the upper clip portion via a hinge. At least one of the upper clip portion and the lower clip portion comprises a soft durometer elastomeric member.

Abstract: A hair retaining clip includes clip members that are pivotally connected to one another and movable between a generally open configuration and a generally closed configuration. A hair gripping component is fixedly attached to one of the clip members and is made from a relatively soft material. The hair gripping component is generally shielded from contact with hair within the hair retaining clip when the clip members are in the generally open configuration, and the hair gripping component contacts hair within the hair retaining clip when the clip members are in the generally closed configuration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental floss product comprising a unitary tape of ultra-high molar mass polyethylene having an intrinsic viscosity of at least 5 dl/g, as measured in decalin at 135?C, the tape having a thickness of about 0.02-0.1 mm and a width of about 0.25-6 mm, and a tensile strength of at least 1.8 GPa. The dental floss product has very high mechanical, especially tensile strength, shows high resistance to tearing and has a low coefficient of friction. The tape can be inserted between teeth tightly together without breaking. A further advantage of the dental tape is that it retains most of its initial strength during flossing, even if the tape separates into filaments. The invention further relates to a process of making a unitary tape suitable for use in a dental floss product.

Abstract: A method for photolithography processing includes forming a photoresist layer on a surface of a substrate, baking the substrate to remove solvents from the photoresist layer, cleaning an edge of the substrate with a tape, and exposing the photoresist layer with radiation energy. The tape includes a cleaning material. The tape is positioned proximate to or in contact with the edge of the substrate while the substrate is rotating.

Abstract: A cleaning liquid for an electronic material, in particular, a silicon wafer, uses ultra-pure water or hydrogen water as raw material water, and performs cleaning in combination with ultrasonic irradiation under the presence of hydrogen micro-bubbles. The method enables efficient cleaning and removal of particle components and the like on the wafer surface and prevention of re-contamination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently exhausting harmful vapors and fumes from a substrate processing chamber is described. The processing chamber includes a lower volume configured as a liquid atmosphere, and an upper volume configured as a gaseous atmosphere to at least partially contain vapors or fumes above the liquid. The apparatus includes a lid member configured to seal the processing chamber and a lid assembly adapted to provide processing liquids while exhausting the vapors or fumes from the processing chamber. Switchable valves and/or a variable source of negative pressure may be coupled to the lid assembly to provide a controlled exhaust. A method of preventing or minimizing the escape of fumes or vapors is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cleaning a silicon wafer, including (S1) a first cleaning step for cleaning surfaces of a silicon wafer using an SC-1 cleaning solution according to standard clean 1; (S2) a second cleaning step for cleaning the surfaces of the silicon wafer, cleaned in the first cleaning step, using an SC-2 cleaning solution according to standard clean 2; (S3) a third cleaning step for cleaning the surfaces of the silicon wafer, cleaned in the second cleaning step, using a hydrogen fluoride (HF) solution; and (S4) a fourth cleaning step for cleaning the surfaces of the silicon wafer, cleaned in the third cleaning step, using an ozone water. The present invention removes effectively metallic impurities on the surfaces of the silicon wafer and improves the surface roughness of the silicon wafer, and thus is capable of providing a silicon wafer with a remarkably improved physical characteristic.

Abstract: A device for treating a surface to give a cleaning benefit comprises a container (302) containing a cleaning liquid. The liquid can be delivered to an outlet zone (306). By virtue of the outlet zone and a separate defining means (322) which may be provided the cleaning liquid is accurately discharged onto the desired area of the surface. Suitably the cleaning liquid forms a gel patch, which can be peeled away, to remove a stain.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus has an indexer block and a processing block. One side of the processing block has a vertical stack of a plurality of top surface cleaning units and the other side of the processing block has a vertical stack of a plurality of back surface cleaning units. Reversing units for reversing the substrate W are provided one above the other between the indexer block and the processing block. For example, one reversing unit is used for reversing the substrate before a back surface cleaning processing by the back surface cleaning unit or for other purposes, and the other reversing unit is used for placing the substrate W after a top surface cleaning processing by the top surface cleaning unit or for other purposes.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a method for reactively cleaning a contact mechanism. The method comprises measuring contact resistance (CRES) associated with a plurality of electrical contacts of the contact mechanism. The method also comprises generating at least one statistic of the measured CRES associated with the plurality of electrical contacts of the contact mechanism, and comparing the at least one statistic of the CRES associated with the plurality of electrical contacts of the contact mechanism with at least one CRES threshold parameter associated with an unacceptable level of CRES. The method further comprises cleaning the plurality of electrical contacts of the contact mechanism based on the comparison of the at least one statistic of the CRES and the at least one CRES threshold parameter.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing haze in a photo mask includes sealed chamber having a bake module disposed therein to support a photo mask, a reactant gas feed line to feed a reactant gas into the chamber, and a discharge device to discharge impurities in the chamber to the outside.

Abstract: A cleaning system for removing contaminants from a catalytic converter includes a vibrator for vibrating the catalytic converter when the converter is placed in a cleaning liquid. The vibrator is mounted on a lift-connector of the system. The lift-connector defines a pair of forklift-openings for receiving forks of a forklift.

Abstract: Inventive methods and systems of cleaning patterned integrated circuit (“IC”) substrates are described. The cleaning methods of the present invention include: (1) providing the patterned integrated circuit substrate having thereon poly silicon lines adjacent to each other; (2) charging a solution, which contains at least a solute selected to promote cleaning of the patterned integrated circuit substrate, to produce a charged solution, wherein at least a portion of the solute is present as clusters in the charged solution; and (3) conveying the charged solution for cleaning the patterned integrated circuit substrate.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus exposes a substrate through an exposure liquid with exposure light. A cleaning liquid is provided to the exposure apparatus, in order to clean at least part of the exposure apparatus. In the clearing liquid, a prescribed gas of an amount that is greater than or equal to the saturation concentration is dissolved.

Abstract: A reversing unit includes a fixed plate, a first movable plate provided so as to face one surface of the fixed plate, a second movable plate provided so as to face the other surface of the fixed plate and a rotary actuator. The rotary actuator rotates the first movable plate, the second movable plate and the fixed plate around a horizontal axis. A distance between the first movable plate and the fixed plate and a distance between the second movable plate and the fixed plate are set to be substantially equal to a difference in height between two hands of a main robot that carry a substrate in and out.

Abstract: A dish washer capable of washing dishes of various sizes is provided. The dishwasher includes a rack assembly having a plurality of dish holders into which dishes may be inserted and by which the dishes supported are separated from each other on the rack assembly. The plurality of dish holders includes first and second dish holders having different heights disposed adjacent to one another.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to a modular, configurable system in which distinct cleaning and drying modules can be arranged in different combinations selectable by a user of the system. In one embodiment a configurable system for substrate cleaning is provided. The configurable system provides a frame including first and second bays, the first and second bays each adapted to hold one or more cleaning or drying modules, and a transfer area positioned between the first and second bays including a robot adapted to move substrates to and from the one or more modules positioned within the first and second bays, wherein the frame is adapted to hold a user selectable set of one or more cleaning or drying modules in the first and second bays.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to semiconductor device manufacturing, and more particularly to a horizontal megasonic module for cleaning substrates. In one embodiment an apparatus for cleaning a substrate is provided. The apparatus comprises a tank adapted to contain a cleaning fluid, a movable housing having a first side adapted to be placed in the cleaning fluid, a plurality of rotatable rollers coupled to the first side of the housing, the rollers positioned and including grooves to securely hold the substrate in a horizontal orientation, and one or more transducers adapted to direct vibrational energy through the cleaning fluid in the tank toward the substrate, wherein at least one of the transducers directs vibrational energy toward the substrate and substantially parallel to a major surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A reversing unit includes a fixed plate, a first movable plate provided so as to face one surface of the fixed plate, a second movable plate provided so as to face the other surface of the fixed plate and the rotary actuator. The rotary actuator rotates the first movable plate, the second movable plate and the fixed plate around a horizontal axis. In the reversing unit, a substrate before a back surface cleaning processing is reversed while being held by support pins of the first movable plate and support pins of the fixed plate, and the substrate after the back surface cleaning processing is reversed while being held by support pins of the second movable plate and the support pins of the fixed plate.

Abstract: A dishwasher is provided in which heights of basket(s) of a rack assembly may be easily changed. The dishwasher may include a frame configured to be inserted into and withdraw from a washing tub and plurality of basket positioning device configured to receive and support basket(s) at different heights.

Abstract: A walking aid apparatus comprising a sitting member which a user sits astride and leg links each coupled to a connection provided on the undersurface of the sitting member in such a way as to be free to swing in the forward/backward direction, which improves the stability of the sitting member. The connection is adapted in such a way that a forward/backward swinging fulcrum of the leg links is located above the sitting member. More specifically, the connection is provided with an arc-shaped guide track longitudinal in the forward/backward direction and having the center of curvature above the sitting member, so that each of the leg links swings along the guide track in the forward/backward direction. If the leg links are allowed to swing freely also in the lateral direction, preferably the lateral swinging fulcrum of the leg links is also located above the sitting member.

Abstract: A thermoelectric film is disclosed. The thermoelectric film includes a substrate that is substantially electrically non-conductive and flexible and a thermoelectric material that is deposited on at least one surface of the substrate. The thermoelectric film also includes multiple cracks oriented in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for improved large-scale solar installations. In one embodiment, a photovoltaic module is provided comprising of a plurality of photovoltaic cells positioned between a transparent module layer and a backside module layer. The module includes a first electrical lead extending outward from an edge of the module from between the transparent module layer and the backside module layer, wherein the lead is couplable to an adjacent module without passing the lead through a central junction box or an opening in either the transparent module layer or the backside module layer. The module may include a second electrical lead extending outward from an edge of the module from between the transparent module layer and the backside module layer, wherein the lead is couplable to another adjacent module without passing the lead through a central junction box or an opening in either the transparent module layer or the backside module layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for solar cell having graded energy wells is provided. The active region of the solar cell comprises nanostructures. The nanostructures are formed from a material that comprises a III-V compound semiconductor and an element that alters the band gap of the III-V compound semiconductor. For example, the III-V compound semiconductor could be gallium nitride (GaN). As an example, the “band gap altering element” could be indium (In). The concentration of the indium in the active region is non-uniform such that the active region has a number of energy wells, separated by barriers. The energy wells may be “graded”, by which it is meant that the energy wells have a different band gap from one another, generally increasing or decreasing from one well to another monotonically.

Abstract: The invention provides a fluoropolymer coated film comprising: a polymeric substrate film; and a fluoropolymer coating on the polymeric substrate film, the fluoropolymer coating comprising a vinyl fluoride copolymer comprised of about 40 to about 90 mole % of repeat units derived from vinyl fluoride and about 10 to about 60 mole % of repeat units derived from monomer selected from the group consisting of (a) and (b) below and mixtures thereof, with the proviso that about 0.

Abstract: The present invention has a photodiode and a circuit used to amplify the output of the photodiode. Two terminals are formed over the photodiode and circuit with an insulating layer interposed therebetween, and a dummy electrode with a larger area than that of either of the two terminals is formed thereover, adjacent to the two terminals. The dummy electrode is not connected to the photodiode or to the circuit of the semiconductor device. Because the dummy electrode has a wide area, damage due to electrostatic discharge occurs in the dummy electrode more easily than in the two terminals; thus, damage due to electrostatic discharge can be prevented from occurring in the semiconductor device.

Abstract: An active layer utilized in a solar cell. The active layer includes a polymer film having a plurality of hollow column array structures formed therein and a semiconductor material filled in the hollow column structures. The invention also provides a method of fabricating the active layer utilized in a solar cell.

Abstract: A heterocontact solar cell in a layer structure. The solar cell includes an absorber made of a p-type and/or n-type doped crystalline semiconductor material. The cell also includes an emitter made of an amorphous semiconductor material that is oppositely doped relative to the absorber. Also included is an intrinsic interlayer made of an amorphous semiconductor material between the absorber and the emitter. The cell includes a cover layer on the side of the absorber facing a light. A first ohmic contact structure including a minimized shading surface on the side of the absorber facing the light and a second ohmic contact structure on a side of the absorber facing away from the light are also included.

Abstract: A first population of semiconductor nanocrystals to create electron transport conduits, a second population so semiconductor nanocrystals to create hole transport conduits; and a third population of semiconductor nanocrystals to be used for either light absorption or light emission can be combined to form an inorganic nanostructure layer.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell module of see-through type and a method of fabricating the same are provided. First, bi-directional openings are formed in the transparent electrode material layer to avoid problems that affect the production yield such as short-circuit resulted by the high-temperature laser scribing process. Moreover, the thin film solar cell module of see-through type has openings that expose the transparent substrate without covering the transparent electrode material layer to increase the transmittance of the cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to fluidic oscillators including compressed gas driven pumps and liquid piston and thermoacoustic heat engines and heat pumps in which the intention is to generate large amplitude oscillations by eliminating the dependence of the oscillations on inertia. According to the principle embodiment represented by circuit 200 pressure or temperature variations 27? drive pressure variations in vessel 11? causing a flow of further working fluid between vessel 11? and load 12? wherein useful work is consumed. Said flow varies out of phase with said pressure variations in vessel 11? by a first phase angle determined by inter alia the dissipative load 12?and the capacity of vessel 11?.

Abstract: A breather device includes: a breather path with a first end open to the atmosphere and a second end in communication with the inside of a housing; and a valve mechanism that blocks the first end of the breather path when the water pressure of water flowing toward the breather path acts on the valve mechanism, but that otherwise leaves the first end of the breather path open.

Abstract: An outlet connector for a container is provided through which a product can be introduced into the container through the outlet connector. The outlet connector preferably includes a sealing mechanism that can burst once a threshold pressure is exceeded, for example, by the flow of products toward the container. A sealing mechanism is described herein having two layers, wherein one layer is perforated to provide a defined tearing of the sealing mechanism. A method of producing an outlet connector is also provided herein.

Abstract: An air nozzle for an automatically inflatable air cushion includes a mounting seat, a connecting pipe having a first end mounted on the mounting seat and a second end formed with a passage connected to the mounting seat, a control valve including a valve body movably mounted on the connecting pipe and a valve cap mounted on the valve body and provided with a protruding seal portion that is movable to seal the passage, and an elastic member to push the seal portion outwardly relative to the passage. Thus, the air nozzle can be locked quickly and exactly to interrupt the air flow to prevent the air flow from being returned into the automatically inflatable air cushion.