Abstract: The invention provides an aerosol medication delivery apparatus for use with a pMDI, wherein the pMDI has a discharge orifice from which the medication and propellant can be discharged forming an aerosol. The invented apparatus has a chamber housing having an inlet end and an outlet end and defining an interior space, wherein the inpui end receives the medication discharged from the discharge orifice of the pMDI into the interior space and wherein the medication can be withdrawn from the interior space by inhalation of a patient from the outlet end. The aerosol medication delivery apparatus also includes a valve at the inlet end. The valve is designed in a way that its perimeter surfaces mates with the pMDI internal and external perimeter surfaces when such is inserted, hence sealing it in a way that allows medication to flow freely through the internal cavity of the valve in the natural flow direction but prevents backflow into the pMDI housing and to the open air.

Abstract: A gas delivery apparatus for supplying an oxygen/air mix to a patient is discussed. Besides the conventional ability to adjust oxygen/air ratio independently via changes in the primary and/or secondary oxygen flow tube's flow rate adjustments, a flow meter is provided in the primary oxygen flow tube to give an accurate reading of the total flow of the oxygen/air mix exiting the venturi chamber of the apparatus.

Abstract: An inhaler and a direct current power supply voltage control device with a relatively simple structure that output a predetermined drive voltage according to a specified time interval to a drive object such as a heating resistor. An inhaler 1 is equipped with a liquid ejection head 9, and is set so that a user is able to inhale liquid droplets ejected from the liquid ejection head 9. The inhaler 1 includes: specifying means 4, 5 and 6 for specifying a drive voltage 701 based on preset voltage data 501 respectively corresponding to preset time intervals that respectively specify the drive voltage 701 of the liquid ejection head 9 in synchronization with the start of control of a drive signal 302 of the liquid ejection head 9; and drive means 3 and 7 for driving the liquid ejection head 9 according to the drive signal 302 at the specified drive voltage 701.

Abstract: An inhaler comprising a tubular body (1) defining a tubular air flow passage with a bendable section, preferably a U-shaped section comprising peripherally extending corrugations and means for supplying a dose of at least one active inhalable, particulate substance into the flow passage and a cap (2). According to the invention the dose of the at least one active, inhalable particulate substance is placed in the cap (2) to be released from said cap substantially at the beginning of the corrugations in the intake direction.

Abstract: An inhaler includes a first body member and a second body member fit closely together to form an inhaler body, and an outlet. The first body member has a medicament chamber containing a unit dose of powdered medicament. A seal such as a foil strip seals the medicament chamber and extends outwardly of the inhaler body. In use, one end of the seal can be grasped by a user and withdrawn, fully or partially, from the inhaler body, to release the powdered medicament from the medicament chamber. The second body member includes a medicament collection well in which the medicament is collected upon its release from the medicament chamber. The medicament collection well forms part of an airway connecting into the outlet. In use, air can be drawn by inhalation at the outlet to entrain the powder medicament in the collection well for inhalation by a user.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler having improved aerodynamic properties for diluting, dispersing, and metering drug particles for increasing the efficiency of pulmonary drug delivery to a patient is described. The inhaler comprises, in general, a housing having an air intake, an air flow-control/check-valve, a mixing section and a mouthpiece. A cartridge loaded with a single dose of medicament can be installed in the mixing section.

Abstract: A respiration moistener (1) has an inlet (3), into which incoming gas (2) to be moistened can be fed. Vapor (21) is mixed with the incoming gas (2) in a mixing chamber (4). Moistened outgoing gas (5) flows out of an outlet (6). In cases in which the temperature of the incoming gas (2) becomes so high that the temperature of the outgoing gas (5) is above a desired value, the internal desired value is adjusted. The outgoing gas (5) can then cool to the desired value on its way through the inspiration tube (7).

Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus and method of controlling a breathing assistance apparatus is disclosed. Particularly, the breathing assistance apparatus is controlled such that it has a drying cycle to enable drying of the tubing that supplies gases to a user and prevent the harbouring of pathogens within the tube. The drying cycle is preferably operated automatically by internal controllers in the apparatus. However, it may be manually activated by pressing a button on the apparatus. The drying cycle is preferably activated at the end of a user's treatment session.

Abstract: A method for controlling continuous positive airway pressure includes the steps of building up air flow pressure to an initial air flow pressure, increasing the initial air flow pressure to a detection air flow pressure, detecting consistency between the initial air flow pressure and the detection air flow pressure, checking to see if the initial time frame for consistency detection is due, decreasing air flow pressure from the detection air flow pressure to an intermittent air flow pressure and increasing the intermittent air flow pressure to a treatment air flow pressure.

Abstract: A pneumatic oxygen conserving device for supplying oxygen to a user via a single-tube cannula connected to an outlet (12). A main control valve (2) connected to an inlet (1) for gas is controlled by the pressure in a main control volume (14) to open to deliver a pulse of gas at the commencement of inhalation. Inhalation is sensed by negative pressure in an output line (11) which causes a sensing valve (21) to open, thus allowing the volume to vent to atmosphere via vent line (22). The fall in pressure in volume causes the main control valve to open to supply a pulse of gas to the user. This also pressurises the output line which in turn causes the sensing valve to close, thus preventing further venting. A sensing delay valve (35) is incorporated in the vent line from volume to prevent the volume from venting after the first pulse has been delivered, until after the user has finished inhaling. The valve is controlled from a sensing delay volume (32).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatuses and methods to monitor respiration and abnormal respiration events utilizing plethysmography. The apparatuses and methods provide an alternative to conventional respiration monitoring methods while enabling accurate yet minimally interruptive and invasive monitoring of respiration. The methods and apparatuses may be employed in the context of sleep studies to determine respiratory related sleep disorders.

Abstract: An anesthesia machine having an automatic scavenger system is disclosed herein. The anesthesia machine includes a scavenger hose configured to direct the transfer of an exhaled anesthetic agent from a patient, and a valve operatively connected to the scavenger hose. The valve is configured to selectively control the transmission of the exhaled anesthetic agent through the scavenger hose. The anesthesia machine also includes a switch operatively connected to the valve and to a controller. The switch is configured to link an operational status of the anesthesia machine with a position of the valve.

Abstract: The invention provides a nasal cushion for a mask assembly for delivering pressurised gas to the nose of a subject for treatment with continuous positive air pressure. The nasal cushion includes a self-supporting side wall defining a nose-receiving cavity; the side wall extending from a first end to a second end. The side wall is formed continuously with a thin membrane extending inwardly from a second end of the side wall into the nose-receiving cavity for sealingly engaging the nose, upper lip and cheeks of a subject. The side wall has continuously varying thickness. The first end of the side wall is adapted to engage a mask frame. The invention further provides a mask assembly for delivering pressurised gas to a patient, the assembly including a nasal cushion for sealing against the nose, cheek and-lip area the nasal cushion as described, a frame for receiving the nasal cushion, and a headgear, the headgear including a rigid arm for positioning behind the ear of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of spongiform encephalopathy by exposing an individual to a hyperbaric environment having a pressure which is sufficiently increased above atmospheric pressure to dissolve gas in the brain of the individual, thereby reducing the level of gaseous oxygen within the brain of the individual.

Abstract: The bronchus blocker according to the invention comprises an insertion rod and a blocking means. The blocking means is provided near one end of the insertion rod in order to be inserted by means thereof into a bronchus. The bronchus blocker furthermore comprises a support, for supporting the bronchus blocker on a bronchial branching, such as the carina. By supporting the bronchus blocker on a bronchial branching using its support, the inflated balloon only has to seal the bronchus and does not also have to keep the bronchus blocker in its position at the same time. As a result, the risk of the bronchus blocker slipping out of its position is much smaller than with the prior art.

Abstract: A nasal cannula apparatus that is particularly well suited for use with infants and small children. The apparatus includes a soft, close fitting knitted cap that supports elongated flexible oxygen tubes in a comfortable and secure manner about the infant's head. The knitted cap readily adjusts to the size of the infant's head and effectively remains in position about the infant's head as the infant moves about in its crib or infant bed.

Abstract: A patient interface for communicating fluids to and/or from a patient's nasal cavity and/or oral cavity is disclosed. In addition, a patient interface for fluid and physiological function monitoring proximate to the patient's nasal cavity and/or oral cavity is disclosed. An apnea monitor and a method for monitoring apnea are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a dental orthosis (1) comprising upper co-operating means (2) adapted to co-operate with the upper jaw (4) and lower co-operating means (5) adapted to co-operate with the lower jaw (5), characterized in that said orthosis (1) includes means (16) for inducing a mandibular advance. More precisely, said lower co-operating means (3) for exerting pressure (16) on the chin bones of said lower jaw (5).

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for determining information about a position of an object within a distribution of materials having different complex conductivities. The method includes: (i) causing current to flow in the distribution; (ii) measuring an electrical signal at each of multiple locations in the distribution of materials in response to the current flow; (iii) providing spatial information about the distribution of materials with respect to a first reference frame, the spatial information indicative of regions of different complex conductivity in the distribution of materials; and (iv) determining the position of the object with respect to the spatial information about the distribution of materials based on measured electrical signals and the spatial information. In certain embodiments, the object is a catheter inserted into a patients heart cavity for cardiac mapping.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tobacco smoke filter production wherein a train of tobacco smoke filtering material, whilst continuously advanced longitudinally, is gathered towards rod shape and then shaped to and secured in rod form, and wherein there is discontinuous pneumatic injection of particulate additive through an injector conduit laterally into the gathering material to form separate additive pockets embedded in and spaced along the continuously produced rod.

Abstract: A novel cigar is provided with an elongated cigar puller device which extends into the interior of the cigar. By removing the cigar puller from the device, the tobacco fill material of the cigar is disrupted so as to improve the draw of the cigar. Some of the cigar puller devices can be used to infuse flavorants into the cigar to alter the taste and/or aroma of the cigar.

Abstract: An ergonomic tangle free hair brush having an integrally attached handle and brush head. The handle is shaped for comfort when being used by a hairstylist. It is generally formed as a surface of revolution and is coated with a soft covering having good gripping characteristics. The brush head is spool shaped to be of a concave surface or revolution having enlarged ends. The surface of hair engaging portion of the brush head contains many bristle sites. These sites may be formed to yield a spiral shaped row of bristles. The adjacent rows of bristles are off set from the previous row to provide maximum contact with the hair being brushed. Each site has two different types of bristles emanating therefrom. The surface of the concave brush surface may be coated with a colour changing thermochromic material. The end of the brush head remote from the handle is flat, producing a natural resting surface for the is brush when not in use.

Abstract: A Velcro-type hair-accessories connector includes a hair holding unit (100) combined with a real hair (310); and a hair accessory (200) like an artificial hair, which is combined to the hair holding unit (100) in a Velcro manner The hair holding unit (100) includes at least one holder (110) fixed to the real hair (310), and a holder combiner (120) combined to the hair accessory (200) in a Velcro manner. The hair accessory (200) includes an artificial hair (210) provided in a lower portion thereof and an accessory combiner (220) provided at a top of the artificial hair (210) and combined to the hair holding unit (100) in a Velcro manner. Using this connector, a user may fix the hair holding unit to the real hair, so the user may attach or detach the hair accessory to/from the real hair for decoration by himself/herself in an easy way.

Abstract: A supporting plate for a cosmetic product (P), includes a hollow region (C) for receiving the cosmetic product, and a retaining part (22; 44; 67; 105; 206, 207) which is protruding from the sidewall of the hollow region (C), for retaining the cosmetic product and avoiding its detachment from the plate. Examples refer to embodiments wherein the supporting plate is made by two or more elements joined together, or molded in a single piece. The main advantageous effect is that glue is no longer required to fix the cosmetic product on the supporting plate.

Abstract: A cosmetic compact configured to hold a loose powder is provided. The cosmetic compact includes a base, a cover, a sifter and an applicator. The cover is coupled to the base and pivotable between an open position and a closed open position. The sifter is supported at the base to provide a chamber configured to receive the loose powder. The sifter has a platform defining at least one dispensing aperture. The applicator is compressed between the cover and the sifter when the cover is in the closed position. The compressed applicator is configured to restrict the loose powder from substantially exiting the chamber.

Abstract: A vehicle cleaning apparatus and method. The vehicle cleaning apparatus (10) and method can include application of electromagnetic radiation to the vehicle (16). The electromagnetic radiation can be used to break bonds or interactions that may have formed between soil molecules or between soil and an exterior surface of a vehicle. The electromagnetic radiation can also be used to form bonds or interactions between soil molecules or between soil and an exterior surface of a vehicle in a directed manner in order to break down the soil using one or more subsequent electromagnetic radiation applications. The electromagnetic radiation can also be used to break down the soil into benign constituents, or to break down the soil into compounds that can render hazardous chemicals benign. The method for cleaning a vehicle can include irradiating the vehicle (16) with electromagnetic radiation prior to, during, or subsequent to a variety of other cleansing procedures.

Abstract: A “wafer-less” etch chamber cleaning method varies the capacitance applied to radio frequency components of the chuck that is within the etch chamber (varies impedance of the chuck) so as to cause electric field lines within the etch chamber to terminate (bend) away from the chuck. Then the etch chamber can be cleaned using a very aggressive etch chemistry (e.g., NF3) that would otherwise damage the chuck; however, the electric field lines protect the chuck from the etch chemistry. The capacitance is varied according to a pre-established model. Further, the process evaluates the effectiveness of the pre-established model to produce feedback and constantly adjusts the pre-established model to increase the effectiveness of the cleaning process (according to the feedback).

Abstract: A process for cleaning all types of contact lenses by placing each contact lens in individual compartments of a liquid impermeable lens storage container filled with an aqueous medium such as sterile saline or sterile lens cleaning solution, floating the liquid impermeable storage container in an ultrasonic device operating at a frequency of 50-60 Hz and a wattage of 20-117 watts.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing material on a bevel of a wafer is provided. A wafer support with a diameter that is less than the diameter of the wafer, wherein the wafer support is on a first side of the wafer, and wherein an outer edge of the wafer extends beyond the wafer support around the wafer is provided. An RF power source is electrically connected to the wafer. A central cover is spaced apart from the wafer support. A first electrically conductive ring is on the first side of and spaced apart from the wafer. A second electrically conductive ring is spaced apart from the wafer. An electrically conductive liner surrounds the outer edge of the wafer. A switch is between the liner and ground, allowing the liner to be switched from being grounded to floating.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for descaling a metal strip (1), especially a hot-rolled strip of normal steel or a hot-rolled or cold-rolled strip of austenitic or ferritic stainless steel, in which the metal strip (1) is guided in a direction of conveyance (R) through at least one plasma descaling unit (2, 3) in which it is subjected to a plasma descaling. The objective of the invention is to improve the production of this type of metal strip. To this end, the metal strip (1) is subjected to an automatically controlled cooling process in a cooling unit (4, 5) following the plasma descaling in the one or more plasma descaling units (2, 3) in such a way that it has a well-defined temperature downstream of the cooling unit (4, 5). The invention also concerns a method in which the strip is coated with a coating metal after the plasma descaling operation and in which the heating of the strip caused by the plasma descaling operation is utilized in the coating operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of decontaminating an oxide layer-comprising surface of a component or a system of a nuclear facility, wherein the oxide layer is treated with gaseous nitrogen oxide (NOx) as oxidizing agent.

Abstract: A semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus includes a first supporting unit; a first brush configured to brush and clean a substrate fixed to the first supporting unit; a second supporting unit; and a second brush configured to brush and clean the substrate fixed to the second supporting unit. The first supporting unit rotates in a state that the wafer is fixed to the first supporting unit. The second supporting unit comprises a roller configured to contact a peripheral portion of the wafer and to rotate the wafer, and the first supporting unit and the second supporting unit approach to and separate from each other.

Abstract: According to certain embodiments of the invention, a pressure washing system delivers a cleaning fluid under pressure to a surface to be cleaned, and includes a fluid pump unit for supplying the fluid to the surface. A fluid collector captures wastewater runoff of the cleaning fluid on the surface to be cleaned. The vacuum pump unit withdraws the captured waste fluid from the fluid collector.

Abstract: A dishwashing machine for commercial use to clean items cyclically has at least one tank for holding a dishwashing liquid, as well as at least one heating apparatus for heating the dishwashing liquid, and at least one temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the dishwashing liquid. The dishwashing machine also has a controller being designed in order to control heating of the dishwashing liquid in at least one program step in a dishwashing program, with the heating being carried out at least until a predetermined intended temperature is reached. In this case, before or during an initial heating phase, a start temperature of the dishwashing liquid is detected, the minimum heating duration being determined from the start temperature. The heating process is then carried out accordingly with this minimum duration.

Abstract: The inventive substrate treatment method includes a treatment liquid supplying step, a pre-drying liquid supplying step and a vapor supplying step. In the treatment liquid supplying step, a treatment liquid is supplied to a major surface of a substrate. In the pre-drying liquid supplying step, a first lower surface-tension liquid having a lower surface tension than deionized water is supplied to the major surface after the treatment liquid supplying step. In the vapor supplying step, vapor of a second lower surface-tension liquid having a lower surface tension than the deionized water and soluble in the first lower surface-tension liquid is supplied to the major surface after the pre-drying liquid supplying step.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for drying a surface of a disc-shaped article comprising covering said surface with a rinsing liquid, whereby a closed liquid layer is formed, and removing said rinsing liquid, wherein said rinsing liquid containing at least 50 wt. % water and at least 5 wt. % of a substance, wherein the substance lowers the surface energy of water, wherein said removing of the liquid is initiated by blowing gas onto said closed liquid layer, whereby the closed liquid layer is opened at on discrete area.

Abstract: Described are an apparatus and a method for examining the holes in a nozzle strip, in which are provided a unit for cleaning the nozzle strip and a unit that is connected thereto and used to automatically detect the state of the nozzle holes, the holes being automatically examined for impurities and/or signs of wear by use of optical methods and optionally subjected to complete or partial aftercleaning.

Abstract: A self-sticking disintegrating cleansing block to be attached directly to a wall of a toilet bowl or urinal, above the water-line and in the stream of flush water, by pressing the cleansing block to the wall. The cleaning block includes 25% to 99% of a solid surfactant, and 1% to 25% of a liquid component. The cleansing block may include a substrate removably attached to a surface of the cleansing block. In use, the substrate is removed from the cleansing block and the exposed surface of the cleansing block is pressed to a surface in a position above any waterline that is contacted by a rinse liquid that disintegrates the cleansing block. Rinse liquid is then allowed to contact the cleansing block such that an amount of the cleansing block is mixed with rinse fluid to clean the surface or a liquid reservoir adjacent the surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a clinical instrument analyzer system for the automatic analysis of patient samples. In one embodiment, the analyzer may be used to analyze bodily fluid samples, such as blood, plasma, serum, urine or cerebrospinal fluid, for example. Embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus and method, for example, an immunoassay method, for separating out target molecules in a magnetic field and then analyzing those target molecules with a luminometer.

Abstract: An upwardly directed gradient of dropping temperatures is controllably and sustainably created in a wet treatment tank between a cooled and face down workpiece (e.g., an in-process semiconductor wafer) and a lower down heat source. A thermal fluid upwell containing thermally collapsible bubbles is directed from the heat source to the face down workpiece. In one class of embodiments, bubble collapse energies and/or bubble collapse locations are controlled so as to avoid exposing delicate features of the to-be-treated surface to damaging forces. For example, rapid collapse of the thermally collapsible bubbles is caused to occur at a predefined safe distance away from the delicate work face of the workpiece so that the delicate work face is not damaged and yet treatment effective kinetic energies are coupled from the collapsing bubbles to the work face. In one class of embodiments the wet treatment includes ultracleaning of the work face.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system and method of cleaning and/or disinfecting medical equipment. A medical equipment washer system can include an enclosure that receives and substantially surrounds the medical equipment and one or more spray assemblies positioned inside the enclosure. The spray assemblies can automatically emit fluid to clean and/or disinfect the medical equipment. In some embodiments, spray arms of the spray assemblies can oscillate while jets emit fluid.

Abstract: An overhead rail system cleaning device 20 has a body 21 with rollers 23 mounted thereon for suspension of and movement along the rail 11, cleaning brushes 41 mounted on the body 21 for cleaning the rail 11, and preferably suction device 61 also mounted on the body 21 and having at least one air intake port 62 adjacent the cleaning brushes 41 for collection of dirt and dust particles removed from the rail. The cleaning device 21 can moved in use along the rail 11 by a drive wheel 51 mounted on the body 21 and resiliently biased against the rail.

Abstract: A drive sprocket for driving a modular belt having a plurality of belt modules with intercalated link ends connected by transverse pivot members to form hinges. The belt modules may have transverse ribs. The drive sprocket is driven by a shaft. The drive sprocket has a central opening for receiving the shaft. The body has a plurality of teeth disposed in pairs along a periphery of the body. The body has a first opening formed between adjacent pairs of teeth and extending toward the center of the sprocket to provide access to the hinge area, when the belt engages with the sprocket, for application of cleaning fluid.

Abstract: Dishwasher in particular a commercial dishwasher and of these, in particular a conveyor dishwasher having an ozone-adding device (70) for adding ozone to the final rinse liquid.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sieve device for a dishwasher with a sieve surface (2) and a plurality of holes made in the sieve surface. According to the invention, the holes in the sieve surface are designed to be different sizes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle wash system that operates in a very short period of time; less than one minute, and operates in a mode different than most carwash systems that utilize high pressure and atomization of the water and soap materials, but in this instance the invention operates with no moving parts which includes nozzles that spray water in a non-atomized form in large volume in a short period of time onto the vehicle. Particularly, the invention utilizes approximately 80 pounds per square inch pressure operating through a ½-¼ inch diameter nozzle, and this provides a high volume of water under sufficient pressure to achieve a very excellent cleaning as it is associated with a soap cycle and a rinse cycle. Further, the apparatus requires no moving parts as the car is placed in position in a tunnel with the water-carrying beams defining the tunnel and the nozzles being associated with the beams.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drain valve which is used in particular in storage tanks of dishwashers, such as single-chamber or multi-chamber dishwashers. The drain valve comprises a sieve insert accommodated on a support which is of tubular design, and in which a contact switch is arranged to sense the presence of the sieve insert. The support can be moved in the vertical direction with respect to the drain opening in the base of a storage tank by means of an electric drive.

Abstract: An appliance comprising a sealable chamber (10) and a door (12) for the sealable chamber (10), wherein in an opened position the door (12) allows access to the chamber (10); and a venting system for allowing air to escape from the sealable chamber (10) when the door (12) is in closed position, wherein the venting system includes a vent flap (11), the vent flap (11) moveable from a closed position sealing the vent system to an open position allowing air to escape. The venting system allows an appliance, such as dishwasher, to expel unwanted air or vapour in a controlled manner whilst the appliance remains closed.

Abstract: The invention adds one ore more vertically-deployable sun shades to an umbrella for selectively providing shade for one or more users of an umbrella. More specifically, the sun shade resembles a conventional shade or set of blinds for covering a window. The size, shape, materials, and arrangement of the sun shade can vary according to user preferences or the intended manner or place of use.

Abstract: Canopy conducting mechanism for hand held umbrellas is disclosed. The canopy conducting mechanism is especially useful for electrical umbrellas although may be used for manually operated umbrellas as well. The canopy conducting mechanism has short movement between open and closed states of the umbrella and is based on pin and slide joints between the umbrella ribs and between canopy conducting member, allowing for strutless canopy (i.e. a canopy without stretchers extending between the umbrella post and the ribs). Umbrella rib having a flexible end especially useful for strutless umbrellas is also disclosed. Strutless electrical umbrella comprising said canopy conducting mechanism and flexible end ribs is also disclosed, including single-folding and multi-folding canopy embodiments.