Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product is provided. A water-permeable pouch containing a tobacco formulation and configured for insertion into the mouth of a user of that product is provided. The tobacco formulation includes granular tobacco and a buffer comprised of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate. An outer packaging material enveloping the pouch is provided and is sealed so as to allow a controlled environment to be maintained within.

Abstract: A device adapted to be worn on a human finger and used to relieve the wearer of the urge to smoke by addressing some of the mentally addictive aspects of smoking. The device has first and second portions that cooperate to define an opening having an axis and sized to receive a human finger. A cylindrical-shaped feature is disposed at the second portion and oriented so that an axis thereof is perpendicular to the axis of the opening. The cylindrical-shaped feature is configured so as not to be capable of securing a cigarette.

Abstract: Smokeable products, such as tobacco, substantially free of pathogens, and methods for the preparation of such products, are disclosed.

Abstract: A smoking article is provided including (a) a tobacco rod comprising a smokable filler material contained within a circumscribing outer wrapping material, wherein the smokable filler material comprises at least about 45% by weight flue-cured tobacco based on the total dry weight of the smokable filler material; (b) one or more inner wrapping strips positioned between the tobacco rod and the outer wrapping material and extending longitudinally along the tobacco rod and including a burley tobacco; and (c) a filter element connected to the tobacco rod, the filter element having an end proximal to the tobacco rod and an end distal from the tobacco rod, wherein the filter element includes at least one fibrous tow section of filter material, a general adsorbent, and an ion exchange resin.

Abstract: The invention is a tool set to use in cosmetic area to cut acrylic powder, to create or design the moon curves, arch lines, and borders, to set different colors and styles of full set or refill of the acrylic nails. The invention is operated and used after the method and process of applying acrylic powder, a mixture of monomer liquid and polymer powder mixed together to sculpture the nail bed for artificial nail enhancement. The invention has several individual shovel sizes that are best match to different fingers to create a natural-looking moon curve and various arch lines design. Each individual shovels has a shovel head and an elongated handle that are constructed together in a single element. Each shovel head is arched upward and convex curve which is attached to the opposite end of the elongated handle.

Abstract: A heated hair styling appliance (1) has a handle portion (2) that is adapted to be locked into a single handle configuration or released into a hinged, two-piece tong configuration. One or more hair styling attachments (11) may be attached to and used with the handle portion (2), the attachments being in the form of any one of a variety of conventional or customized hair styling devices such as flat irons, single barrel curling irons, spiral curling irons, multiple barrel curling irons and others.

Abstract: A hair accessory which allows a user to simultaneously shape and style the user's hair. The hair accessory includes a base, at least one shaping member, and at least one decorative feature. The hair accessory allows for the base, a functional portion of the hair accessory, to be hidden for view while the its decorative features are displayed. The shaping members may be used to shape and place the user's hair into one of a variety of styles, thus reducing the need for multiple hair accessories. The user may position the shaping members in the hair to achieve a desired hair style and the shaping members may include decorative features. The hair accessory may optionally include a band as a base for encircling a portion of the user's hair. Multiple decorative features of varying lengths may be used and the hair accessory may optionally be utilized to shape or contain a pony tail.

Abstract: A makeup compact with one or more detachable leaves for holding cosmetic products that may be detached and replaced when the cosmetic product is depleted or as otherwise desired by the user. The leaves may also be detached from the compact and interchanged with different detachable leaves holding different cosmetic products.

Abstract: A modular makeup storage system is provided which comprises a support assembly and a template attached to the support assembly, said template having a predetermined arrangement of holes for permanent or removable attachment of fixtures. The storage system is of any desired size and shape, and may fit on a table top or may be portable. The user may design the desired configuration of the storage system to allow flexibility for various makeup and other products.

Abstract: A method for in-situ cleaning of a dielectric dome surface having been used in pre-clean processes is provided. Carbon containing deposits are removed by providing a plasma of one or more oxidizing gases which react with the carbon containing films to form volatile carbon containing compounds.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus has a two-fluid nozzle having an inner cylindrical member and an outer cylindrical member. Gas flows in the inner cylindrical member which is a gas passage and the processing liquid downwardly flows in a processing liquid passage constituted of the inner and outer cylindrical members. The gas and the processing liquid are mixed in a mixing area below the inner cylindrical member to generate fine droplets, and the droplets are ejected from an outlet of a lower end of the outer cylindrical member onto a substrate. Charge is induced on the processing liquid by generating an electric potential difference between a first electrode provided in the gas passage and a second electrode provided in the processing liquid passage, to generate charged droplets. In the nozzle, the first electrode is isolated from the processing liquid with a simple construction, and the droplets can be charged efficiently.

Abstract: A cleaning liquid used in cleaning of a substrate for use in semiconductor devices conducted after chemical mechanical polishing in manufacture of semiconductor devices, comprising a polycarboxylic acid, an anionic surfactant having an aromatic ring structure in a molecule, a polymer compound having an acidic group on a side chain, and a low molecular weight polyethylene glycol, at the cleaning liquid having a pH of 5 or less, as well as a method of cleaning using the same.

Abstract: A cleaning sheet which comprises a porous layer as a cleaning layer; or a cleaning sheet which comprises a sheet material having a porous layer and, formed on one side of the sheet material, an adhesive layer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for optimizing a wash procedure. Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system for optimizing a wash procedure. In a first embodiment, a system comprises: means for collecting a sample of fouling, wherein the sample of fouling comprises one or more contaminates; means for identifying the one or more contaminates; and means for selecting one or more washing products for removing the one or more contaminates from a turbine. In an alternate embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for optimizing a wash procedure. The method comprises: collecting a sample of fouling, wherein the sample of fouling comprises one or more contaminates; identifying the one or more contaminates; and selecting one or more washing products for removing the one or more contaminates from a turbine.

Abstract: A method for producing a battery can including the steps of: (1) making a battery can having a cylindrical body, a bottom, and an opening from a steel plate; (2) cleaning the battery can with water; and (3) heating and drying the battery can by transporting the battery can through a high frequency induction heater after the step (2). In the step (3), the battery can is placed such that the angle between a horizontal plane and the direction extending from the bottom to the opening along the central axis of the battery can in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body is approximately 0° to 90°. The heater has an opening in an upper part of the transport route of the battery can and is placed so as not to face the opening of the battery can.

Abstract: Provided is a manual system for dredging a heavy-turning pipeline, comprising a pipeline dredger and a water-pressure dredge pipe comprising a rocker and a spring-type dredge pipe connected thereto; wherein a spring-type dredge bit is disposed on an end of the spring-type dredge pipe; the water-pressure dredge pipe is a hollow hose having an back end that may be inserted into a pipeline to be dredged; and a cross section of the dredge bit has a cog or a sharp corner. In a process of dredging a pipeline, the cog or the sharp corner may easily winds blocking objects, so that it is possible to quickly dredge the pipeline and improve dredging efficiency. Furthermore, since an opening having a diameter less than the water-pressure dredge pipe is disposed at an end of the water-pressure dredge pipe, water column with higher pressure may be formed, and sprayed water column has enhanced scouring force.

Abstract: A control mechanism of a cleaning apparatus is preset to control the apparatus for a cleaning process or a rinsing process to include delivering a process liquid, which is corresponding one of a cleaning liquid and a rinsing liquid, from a back surface liquid supply nozzle through a liquid delivery port, thereby forming a liquid film on the back surface of a substrate, and then once stopping and then re-starting delivery of the process liquid from the back surface liquid supply nozzle, thereby forming a liquid film also on a portion around the liquid delivery port, so as to process the portion around the liquid delivery port as well as the substrate.

Abstract: A vessel having an implement located in a fluid receiving space inside the vessel. The vessel includes an enclosure for enclosing a closed space around the implement. An actuator actuates the enclosure to and fro between an open position, in which the enclosure does not enclose a closed space around the implement, and a closed position, in which the enclosure forms a fluid tight or at least essentially fluid tight casing that encloses a closed space around the implement so as to prevent fluid in the fluid receiving space outside the closed space from flowing into the closed space. A method for cleaning and/or calibrating an implement located in a fluid receiving space inside such a vessel and a method for removing an implement from or inserting an implement into a fluid receiving space inside a vessel.

Abstract: The present invention related to a semiconductor wafer cleaning system comprising a preliminary cleaning station for removing particles on a wafer in advance by spraying deionized water thereon; a first cleaning station for cleaning remaining particles firstly by rotating frictionally a pair of brushes disposed to be contacted with a front surface and a back surface of the wafer and by spraying chemicals thereon through a chemical sprayer being provided independently; a first rinsing station for rinsing by spraying a cleaning liquid onto the firstly cleaned wafer at the first cleaning station; a second cleaning station for cleaning particles secondly remained on the front surface and the back surface of the wafer by spraying the chemicals onto the firstly rinsed cleaned wafer at the first rinsing station through a chemical sprayer being provided independently using the same structure and manner as those of the first cleaning station; a second rinsing station for rinsing by spraying the cleaning liquid onto th

Abstract: A container is shown with a sump and a strainer separating the container interior from the sump. The sump is provided with a drain for draining liquid in the container from any solid material.

Abstract: A pad washing system is provided. This system includes a filter device that further includes: a filter component having a textured top surface and at least one baffle formed on the underside thereof; a filter support apparatus adapted to receive the filter device, wherein the filter support apparatus further includes: a base, a plurality of vertical support columns formed integrally with the base, a plurality of caps mounted on top of the vertical columns, and a plurality of biasing members disposed between the caps and the tops of the vertical columns; a bucket for receiving both the filter device and the filter support apparatus; a threaded rim attached to or formed integrally with the top edge the bucket; and a splash guard mountable within the threaded rim.

Abstract: Provided is a dishwasher. The dishwasher includes a sump case forming a space to store wash liquid, and a drain pump provided at one side of the sump case. The drain pump includes a drain impeller that induces a flow of wash liquid, and a plurality of mutually separable cases covering the drain impeller.

Abstract: A method for cleaning semiconductor device is disclosed. The steps include providing a mask-protective device, providing a mask with a defined pattern, and combining the mask-protective device with the cleaned mask layer, such that the space between the mask-protective device and the mask layer can fill with the cleaning gas after combining process. Thus, the mask layer would not be polluted by the particle is generated from the environment, such that the resolution of the image and the reliability can be increased.

Abstract: An improved hand grip for crutches, walkers, canes and other ambulatory devices consists of a body portion and at least one attachment element. The body portion has a base, an upper exterior surface, a generally convex region, and at least one concavity. The at least one attachment element attaches the body portion to the support structure of the crutch, walker, cane and other ambulatory device. The method for traveling along a walking surface includes positioning the heel of the palm region on the base of a hand of an operator upon the body portion, whereby the operator contacts the body portion with the base of his hand and the operator supports himself by engaging the heel of the palm region on the base of a hand on the body portion while walking.

Abstract: A canopy, particularly a pavilion, a pergola, a tent or an awning, having a roof, a support structure for the roof and an illumination device associated with the support structure, is characterized, with regard to the object of achieving reliable operation of the apparatus, a particularly appealing visual impression and the greatest possible protection for the illumination device, in that the illumination device is associated with the support structure essentially integrally.

Abstract: A thermoelectric system includes a first thermoelectric element including a first plurality of segments in electrical communication with one another. The thermoelectric system further includes a second thermoelectric element including a second plurality of segments in electrical communication with one another. The thermoelectric system further includes a heat transfer device including at least a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is sandwiched between the first thermoelectric element and the second thermoelectric element. The second portion projects away from the first portion and configured to be in thermal communication with a working medium.

Abstract: The invention provides a power generation method using a thermoelectric element, a thermoelectric element, and a thermoelectric device that excel in thermoelectric performance and are applicable to a wider range of applications over conventional counterparts. The element includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are disposed to oppose each other, and a laminate interposed between the first and second electrodes and electrically connected to both of the electrodes. The laminate has a structure in which a Bi layer and a metal layer made of a metal other than Bi are alternately layered, and the Bi layer and the metal layer having layer surfaces that are slanted with respect to a direction in which the first and second electrodes oppose each other. The element generates a potential difference between the electrodes by a temperature difference created along a direction perpendicular to the opposing direction of the first and second electrodes in the element.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material includes a composite having a first electrically conducting component and second low thermal conductivity component. The first component may include a semiconductor and the second component may include an inorganic oxide. The thermoelectric composite includes a network of the first component having nanoparticles of the second component dispersed in the network.

Abstract: An electrical generating device combines solar cells and piezoelectric generators into a single generating system, configured in such a manner that the solar cells or the solar cell supporting structures act on the piezoelectric generators, resulting in an electrical generating system that can produce electricity from both solar energy and from the force of the wind.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element comprising a pair of electrodes containing therebetween a compound represented by Formula (1) or Formula (2):

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment is a semiconductor structure, that can include a semiconductor substrate of one conductivity type, having a front surface and a back surface, a first semiconductor layer disposed on the front surface of the semiconductor substrate, a second semiconductor layer disposed on a portion of the back surface of the semiconductor substrate, and a third semiconductor layer disposed on another portion of the back surface of the semiconductor substrate. Each of the second and third semiconductor layers may be compositionally graded through its depth, from substantially intrinsic at an interface with the substrate, to substantially conductive at an opposite side, and have a selected conductivity type obtained by the incorporation of one or more selected dopants.

Abstract: A stacked photoelectric conversion device includes a first photoelectric conversion layer, a second photoelectric conversion layer and a third photoelectric conversion layer each having a p-i-n junction and made of a silicon base semiconductor, stacked in this order from a light entrance side, wherein the first and the second photoelectric conversion layers have an i-type amorphous layer made of an amorphous silicon base semiconductor, respectively, and the third photoelectric conversion layer has an i-type microcrystalline layer made of a microcrystalline silicon base semiconductor.

Abstract: A light weight photovoltaic device for use in stratospheric and outer space applications. The device includes a protective surface coating on the light incident side thereof. The protective coating does not deleteriously affect the photovoltaic properties of the solar cell, is formed of a material which protects said solar cell from the harsh conditions in the stratospheric or outer space environment in which the photovoltaic device is adapted to be used; and remains substantially unchanged when exposed to the harsh conditions in the stratosphere or outer space. The protective coating is preferably made of a spray coated silicone based material and is between 0.01 and 2 mil thick.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to solar cells and methods and apparatuses for forming the same. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to thin film multi-junction solar cells and methods and apparatuses for forming the same.

Abstract: A valve connector for coupling with inflation valves of vehicle tyres, comprising a housing, within the housing a coupling hole for coupling with an inflation valve, the coupling hole having a central axis and an outer opening, positioning means for positioning the inflation valve when coupled in the coupling hole, and an activating pin, which is arranged coaxially with the coupling hole, for depressing a central spring-force operated core pin of the inflation valve, a cylinder (303) having a cylinder wall provided with a pressure port which is connected to a pressure source, wherein the activating pin is shiftable between a proximal pin position and a distal pin position relative to the positioning means so as to depress the core pin of the inflation valve in its distal pin position and disengage the core pin of the inflation valve in its proximal pin position when the inflation valve is positioned by the positioning means, the activating pin is coupled with a piston (304) and the piston (304) is slidingly a

Abstract: In order to provide, for a grate cooler for cooling hot bulk material, such as, for example, cement clinker, an, in particular, automatically operating cooling air regulator which has a simple construction and can be used without difficulty both for unmoved and, in particular, for moved cooling grate regions or moved cooling grate systems, for example, cylindrical hose sleeve comprised of elastic material be tension-mounted as an actuating member coaxially in the regulator housing which is arranged below the cooling grate, participates in the movements of the latter and has a casing comprised of solid material, the pressure difference inside and outside the hose sleeve and the deformation resistance of the sleeve being set such that the hose sleeve is deformable, in particular, automatically from its maximum flow cross section into its minimum flow cross section and at the same time regulates the volume flow of the cooling air flow from below into the cooling grate.

Abstract: A gas supply piping system suitable for transporting a gas to a machine terminal from a gas supply terminal is provided, which includes a main supply pipe, a plurality of branch supply pipes, a plurality of purifiers, a plurality of first valves and a backup piping. The main supply pipe is connected to the gas supply terminal. The branch supply pipes are connected the main supply pipe and the machine terminal respectively. The purifiers are connected to the branch supply pipes respectively. The first valves are connected to the branch supply pipes respectively and located between the purifiers and the gas supply terminal. The backup piping is connected to the branch supply pipes and disposed between the purifiers and the machine terminal.

Abstract: A micro-machined temperature dependent one-shot valve is provided which has an operation temperature adjustable readily, causing no leakage below the operation temperature even at a high pressure difference, being useful both in a liquid environment and in a gas environment, and being miniaturizable. The micro-machined temperature dependent one-shot valve comprises a silicon substrate 100, a channel 101 penetrating the entire thickness of the silicon substrate, and a low melting point metal member 101 deposited on one face of the silicon substrate to obstruct the channel.

Abstract: An emergency oxygen supply system, particularly in an aircraft, has an oxygen supply conduit with a conduit junction. This conduit junction is formed by a valve, which forms a flow path from an oxygen inlet to two oxygen outlets, wherein the valve is designed in a manner such that one of the oxygen outlets may be selectively closed.

Abstract: A mobile dehydration system that is operable to remove water from a supply of fluid, such as hydraulic fluid. The mobile dehydration system includes a fluid pump that draws the supply of hydraulic fluid from a storage tank. The flow of hydraulic fluid passes through a fluid heater that elevates the temperature of the hydraulic fluid. The fluid heater includes at least one flow restricting orifice that reduces the pressure of the flow of hydraulic fluid, thereby elevating the temperature of the hydraulic fluid. The outlet of the fluid heater is connected to a dehydrator that removes water from the flow of hydraulic fluid. A fluid feedback line is connected between the outlet of the fluid heater and the inlet of the fluid pump to return a portion of the hydraulic fluid flow when the flow rate through the dehydrator is less than the flow rate from the fluid pump.

Abstract: In a hot water system for providing intermittent hot water, a separate holding vessel is provided and disposed in a hot water line between a hot water source and a plumbing fixture for blending of incoming hot water with residual water in the vessel in order to decrease cold water surges at the plumbing fixture upon repeated use of hot water in the plumbing fixture. A bladder disposed within the separate holding vessel accommodates for thermal expansion of the water.

Abstract: A system for adding a fuel additive to a fuel tank. The system includes a container which contains the fuel additive and a pump assembly having its inlet open to the container and an outlet fluidly connected to the fuel tank. A pump controller includes a fuel amount input mechanism for inputting the amount of fuel supplied to the fuel tank. The controller selectively activates the pump assembly in an amount necessary to obtain a predetermined ratio of fuel to additive in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A valve assembly for plumbing installations. The valve assembly has a unitary valve body with three interconnected ports and a fluid control mechanism. Connector portions are formed about each port of the unitary valve body to thereby enable connection of the valve assembly into a fluid supply line and for connecting an appliance and various devices and fluid lines to the valve assembly. The fluid control mechanism of the valve assembly is constructed to direct fluid through the valve body and to enable the fluid flow to be shut off.

Abstract: Disclosed is a check valve for preventing liquid from entering an attached tube. The check valve includes a cylindrical housing having an inner surface and a removable plug that is at least partially within the housing. The plus has a side wall with at least part of the sidewall sloping in an inwardly direction from a top surface to a bottom surface towards a central axis. The side wall is operable to contact the inner surface of the housing and form a seal, thereby preventing liquid from passing through the housing, the housing being fixedly attached to an inner surface of a tube.

Abstract: A time and labor saving device used in the aviation refueling process for holding an aviation style fuel nozzle in place over a open vessel so that the filter screen may be easily inspected while additionally providing for the collection and recycling of fuel that is lost while inspection is made.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid reservoir assembly is disclosed. The reservoir assembly includes a reservoir housing defining a fluid chamber and a baffle member. The baffle member is disposed within the fluid chamber above the inlet and defines a central opening disposed radially inwardly of the reservoir housing. The central opening provides fluid communication between an inlet zone below the baffle and an upper zone above the baffle. The hydraulic fluid introduced through the inlet is directed to flow circumferentially along a radially outer section of the inlet zone whereby air entrained in the hydraulic fluid collects in a central portion of the inlet zone and is communicated to the upper zone thereby deaerating the fluid. A means for forming a substantially fluid tight seal between the reservoir housing and the baffle member is provided along an outer radial edge of the baffle member. A method of manufacture is also disclosed.

Abstract: A Joule-Thompson or other throttling valve comprises an outlet channel (7) in which swirl imparting means (10) impose a swirling motion to the cooled fluid stream discharged by the valve, thereby inducing liquid droplets to swirl towards the outer periphery (7A) of the fluid outlet channel (7) and to coalesce into enlarged liquid droplets (17) which can be separated easily from a gaseous or other carrier fluid.

Abstract: A valve mechanism is disclosed, the valve mechanism including a rotor and stator adapted for selectively providing a flow of hydrogen to and selectively bleeding the hydrogen from a plurality fuel cell stacks.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a gas box module for supplying a process gas into a semiconductor device manufacturing equipment. The gas box module may include a component adapted to supply the process gas into a process chamber and a block part. The component may have a first mating portion, and the block part may have a second mating portion adapted to correspond to the first mating portion, so as to align and secure the component to the block part.