Abstract: An exhalation breath-actuated nasal delivery device for and a method of delivering a substance to a nasal cavity of a subject, the delivery device comprising: a nosepiece (40) for fitting to a nostril of a subject; a mouthpiece (42) through which the subject in use exhales; and delivery unit (64), as one of a mechanical delivery pump (66) or a nebulizer (115), for delivering a substance to the nosepiece (40); and an actuation mechanism (74) for actuating the delivery unit in response to oral exhalation through the mouthpiece, and preferably when at least one or both of the pressure at or the flow rate through the nosepiece exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Dry powder aerosol generators and related methods are provided. The dry powder aerosol generator includes a dispersion chamber having an internal cavity therein capable of receiving a dry powdered drug. The dispersion chamber includes a dosing port defined therein that is in fluid communication with the internal cavity. A dosing chamber for receiving a test subject is attachable to the dosing port, such that, when an airflow is created within the internal cavity, any dry powdered drug contained therein may fluidize and travel into the dosing chamber to provide opportunity for inhalation of the dry powdered drug by a test subject contained within the dosing chamber.

Abstract: An inhaler for powdered, particularly medicinal substances, is formed with a suction air duct that extends to a mouthpiece, a reservoir for the substance, and an at least linearly movable dosing chamber for separating a specific amount of the substance from the reservoir and placing the amount into a transfer position from where it is transferred to a suction air flow. In order to charge the dosing chamber by separating a specific amount of substance from the reservoir, the dosing chamber can be rotationally moved in a superimposed fashion while being arranged eccentric to a corresponding axis of rotation. A closure slide element closes off the dosing chamber in the transfer position. When suction is applied, the closure slide element moves relative to the dipping plunger into a dose-release position, whereupon the dose of the powdered substance is transferred to the suction air stream formed in the suction air duct.

Abstract: An inhalation device is described for use with a medicament pack in which at least one container for medicament in powder form is defined between two sheets peelably secured to one another. The device comprises means for peeling the sheets apart at an opening station to open the container; and an outlet, communicating with the opened container, through which a user can inhale medicament in powder form from the opened container.

Abstract: Methods and Devices for treating airway openings and breathing disorders including obstructive sleep apnea are disclosed. Structures and methods disclosed herein maintain and preserve airway openings against posterior collapse of the tongue.

Abstract: A dispensing valve with admission pressure compensation and a safety device for maximum pressure limitation of the admission pressure. To accomplish the object, a deformation zone (18), which can be brought into contact with a support surface (14) by the admission pressure by admitting pressure in the direction of a reduction of the active area of the compensating diaphragm (10), is provided in the area of a compensating diaphragm (10).

Abstract: A portable gas delivery system includes a mouthpiece, a gas delivery pack and a tubing assembly. The mouthpiece has an upper region and a lower region extending therefrom. The upper region includes a least one nose port. The lower region includes a mouth port. The gas delivery pack has a gas storage region, a gas compression region, or a combination thereof. The tubing assembly operably attached to the mouthpiece and the gas delivery pack for delivering gas from the gas delivery pack to the mouthpiece.

Abstract: A dustproof mask that can be used semi-permanently, allows easy respiration and conversation, improves wear comfort and dust preventing effect, and filters harmful air. A mask main body and wearing band, wherein the mask main body includes an adhering piece formed at an inside edge of main body. A fixed frame forms an exhaust space at an inner center. Multiple exhaust holes are formed on both ends of exhaust space. The exhaust panel is inserted in and fixed with fixed frame, having multiple discharge holes. Multiple shield films are formed on the front side of discharge holes and opened at exhalation. A filter cover is formed on both sides of mask main body as a single body. A removable and replaceable filter case is combined with the filter cover. A dustproof nonwoven fabric, carbon filter, antibiotic nano-silver filter, dustproof nonwoven fabric are included in the filter case.

Abstract: A nose guard mask made from thin polymeric film has a nostril filter element permanently bonded thereto. The remaining mask portion is coated with a skin nourishing moist cream. When the mask is applied to the nose of the user, the nostril filters line up with nose nostrils of the user. The mask portion is attached to the user's face by surface tension forces of the skin nourishing, moist cream that emits a pleasant fragrance to block unwanted odors. The mask is unobtrusive, having a relatively small size and designed color that make it barely visible. It provides nourishment to the skin of the user, and filters dust, pollen, infectious bacteria and viruses to thereby protect the wearer against infections caused by germs. A nose bridge bendable strip may be adhesively attached to the polymeric film at the bridge location to provide additional support for the mask. The ends of the bendable strip may be adhesively coated on both ends to act as a nasal dilator.

Abstract: An eye and mouth mask unit for escape from dense smoke of fire accident comprises an eye and mouth mask, a liquid bag and a package bag unit. The eye and mouth mask and the liquid bag are sealed in the package bag when not in use. The eye and mouth mask comprises a mouth mask body, an eye mask body and two constriction bands. The eye mask body is connected at the upper side of the mouth mask body. The eye mask body is made of transparent plastic film. The two constriction bands are sewed at end corners of two side peripheries of the mouth mask body for hanging on ears of a user so that the eye mask body and the mouth mask body of eye and mouth mask can cover over his eyes, nose and mouth.

Abstract: A pressure support respiration mask includes an elastic cap body having: a front end wall that is formed with a front opening; a surrounding wall that extends rearwardly from a periphery of the front end wall in a transverse direction relative to the front end wall, that defines an inner space in fluid communication with the front opening, and that has a rear end; a skirt wall that flares outwardly of the inner space from a periphery of the rear end of the surrounding wall, and that has a rear end; and a rear end wall that is constricted from a periphery of the rear end of the skirt wall to define a rear opening.

Abstract: A probe for medical use comprising a tube (1) and a cuff (3) located around the tube (1) in a region of its external wall, the cuff (3) being inflatable through a conduit (5) arranged at the wall of the tube (1), linking the interior of the tube (1) to the interior of the cuff (3), the inflation and deflation of the cuff (3) being determined by the rhythms of the inspiration and expiration of air, respectively.

Abstract: A device and system for delivering breathing gas to a patient is disclosed. The device includes a single nasal prong insertable into a nare. The single nasal prong is sized to allow gas passage between the single nasal prong and the nare. The device also includes a lumen in fluid communication with the single nasal prong. A method of delivering breathing gas to the patient is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a device to assist a smaller person in applying the Heimlich maneuver to a larger person that is sitting, standing or lying prone on his back or in performing the maneuver on himself.

Abstract: An appliance for breathing enhancement that includes a support member and securing mechanism for holding a user's head in a position where the user's mouth is closed and the user's head is tilted to maintain an open airway. The breathing enhancer reduces or eliminates snoring. In at least one embodiment of the invention, the teeth are maintained in a normal closed bite position (1-5 mm open) while the lips are touching or almost touching to eliminate or substantially eliminate open mouth breathing.

Abstract: A composite viscera protector consisting of a silicone layer, a polypropylene mesh layer and an additional silicon layer having a thickness between 0.5 and 2.53 mm, with a repeating series of holes in a pattern over its entire surface or a portion thereof with the holes being slits on one or two planes non-intersecting and being of a size between 1 and 10 mm.

Abstract: The present application relates to methods for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of tendon diseases by administration of calcium dobesilate (2,5-dihydroxybenzosulfonate).

Abstract: A tissue protective system and method having particular application in thermoablative surgical therapies where heat or cold is used to create a kill zone for treating cancer cells as well as malignant or benign tumors in a targeted internal tissue area (e.g., the prostate) of a patient while sparing an adjacent benign internal tissue area (e.g., a neurovascular bundle). One of a hollow sheath or a balloon that is carried by a balloon catheter is located within an access opening that is made by a needle trocar inserted between the targeted tissue area in need of treatment and the benign tissue area to be protected in order to hold the protected tissue area off the targeted tissue area and away from the lethal temperature of the kill zone. The balloon of the balloon catheter is inflated in the access opening via a balloon channel which runs longitudinally through the catheter. At least one temperature sensor is mounted on the balloon and responsive to the temperature near the benign tissue area to be protected.

Abstract: A power control circuit for an implantable medical device is presented. The power control circuit includes a first high rate cell, a second high rate cell, at least one resistive load, and at least one control circuit. The at least one resistive load is connected between the first and the second high rate cells. The at least one control circuit is coupled to the first and the second high rate cells.

Abstract: A litter disposal device for temporarily storing and containing cigarette ash, butts, and other litter. The litter disposal device includes a cap, a storage system, a pivot system adapted to permit the cap to move between the closed and open positions, and an extinguishing system containable within the storage system and adapted to extinguish the lit end of a cigarette. In the open position, ashes, butts, and unused portions of cigarettes, cigars, and/or other similar products/rubbish can be transported from the outside to the inside of the litter disposal device and vice versa. In the closed position, however, cigarette ash and butts cannot enter or exit the storage system of the litter disposal device. The storage system has a generally flat bottom to enable the litter disposal device to maintain an upright position.

Abstract: A device for comfortably holding, immobilizing, separating and steadying the fingers of a person during a manicure who has suffered a debilitating disease, stroke or accident resulting in trembling, disfigured or paralyzed fingers and hands. The device includes a casing formed from a compressible material such as a foam type disc having rounded ridges about the exterior side edges, and narrow slots cut into the concave portions of the outer rounded ridges. All five fingers of one's hand can be inserted into the slots so that the walls of the slots expand and compress about the fingers locking the device to the hand. The device allows for any size and shaped fingers. The device allows for the hands and fingers to fold inwardly. A second version has an attachment strap that wraps about the exterior of the disc closing off the slots and further locking the finger to the disc.

Abstract: A manicurist air purification apparatus with magnifying glass for improving a manicurist's working environment, which is simple, inexpensive and has efficient air sucking means to remove the toxic fumes, without impairing the manicurist hands movement.

Abstract: There is disclosed a nail file used to trim or polish the fingernails or the toenails. Conventionally, there has been suggested a nail file having attached a abrasive paper with a roughness on the surface of the stick shaped as a flat plate, or attached abrasive papers with different roughnesses partially, however, several problems have been caused, such as they were very inconvenient to use, and new file should be exchanged if any one of the abrasive papers runs out of its durability, so that it becomes a burden economically.

Abstract: A device for applying a product to a lock of hair, comprising two prongs having substantially parallel axes, a common base bearing the two prongs, a member for selecting a lock of hair that is arranged so as to project at the opposite end of at least one prong to the common base, and a member for distributing the hairs of a lock of hair, a duct being formed in the common base to allow the product to pass through.

Abstract: A handheld hair styling appliance 1 has an electric motor 19, electric heat element 21, and hair engaging elements 10, 11, 12 including a set of stationary extending parts with respective shearing edges 40, 41 and a set of movable extending parts having respective shearing edges 31, 32, whereby when the moving parts move relative to and in proximity with the stationary parts, the respective shearing edges of each cooperate to compress strands of hair therebetween. The movable parts are spring-mounted to a carriage 29 and are urged into close proximity with the stationary parts, such that constant pressure is applied to hair strands positioned therebetween.

Abstract: A hair extension removal tool is generally shaped like a pair of pliers with two jaws formed of two elongated members pivotally joined together. A body is attached to the first elongated member and houses a solvent container therein. A tubing extends from the container to an opening on an inside surface of one of the jaws. The container has a pump for ejecting an amount of the solvent through the tubing. A lever attached to the body is provided for activating the pump. In use, a strand of extension hair is placed within the jaws of the removal tool, the lever is pressed to eject an appropriate amount of the solvent through the tubing, and pressure is applied to the hair extension with the jaws of the tool to weaken the attachment, until the bonding material is sufficiently dissolved and the extension hair is detached and removed.

Abstract: A hair accessory for receiving and retaining a bundle of hair, a method of making such a hair accessory, and methods of styling hair and instructing others to style hair using such a hair accessory are provided. The hair accessory comprises a thin, resilient, continuously formed, ductile metallic member. The continuously formed ductile metallic member is covered by at least one thin sheet-like backing member. The ductile metallic member and the one or more backing members form an opening for receiving and retaining a bundle of hair.

Abstract: A hair extension method and application tool (10) bond a hair-piece, such as a hair braid (4), to an existing lock of hair (22) using an electro-magnetically curable adhesive which may be cured substantially athermally.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool (1) for separating a hair bundle (11) comprising a number of hair strands appropriate for receiving a hair treatment composition (15) for creating a hair bundle effect. The hair bundle (11) is received into a through hole (10) via a slit (50). The dimensions of the through hole (10) dictate the appropriate size of a hair bundle (11). In one aspect of the present invention, the tool (1) is substantially flat in order to prevent spillages of hair treatment composition (15) onto the scalp. A gripping layer (70) may extend upon at least a portion of the tool (1) for aiding the grip of the tool (1) to the hair bundle (11).

Abstract: A process for straightening or relaxing hair involving the steps of: (a) pre-alkalizing the hair by contacting it with an alkaline composition having a pH of from about 8.0 to about 10.5 to form pre-alkalized hair; (b) optionally, rinsing the alkaline composition from the pre-alkalized hair; (c) providing a hair straightening/relaxing composition containing: (i) from about 0.1 to about 50% by weight of at least one weak non-hydroxide base; and (ii) remainder, to 100%, a cosmetically acceptable medium, all weights based on the weight of the hair straightening/relaxing composition; (d) contacting the hair with the hair straightening/relaxing composition to form treated hair; (e) optionally, rinsing the hair straightening/relaxing composition from the treated hair; (f) optionally, contacting the treated hair with a non-volatile oil; and (g) smoothing the treated hair using a combination of heat and means for physically smoothing hair.

Abstract: A method of imparting hair strand effects may include identifying each of a plurality of hair strands to which to apply a hair strand effect product independently and individually, the plurality of hair strands associated with an illustration of at least one type of hair strand effects and one of a plurality of hair styles, and applying the product to each of the plurality of hair strands independently and individually subsequent to identifying the plurality of hair strands. In the alternative or in combination, a hair instruction guide may be consulted, the guide having at least one strand size associated with one of the plurality of types of hair strand effects, and a strand of hair may be identified according to the at least one strand size. A system for creating a hair strand effect may include a hair strand effect product and such a hair instruction guide.

Abstract: A hair styling appliance includes a first arm and a second arm pivotable with respect to the first arm, wherein the second arm is movable between an open position and a closed position. A gap is positioned between the first arm and the second arm, and a lock member is movable into and out of the gap between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the lock member holds the second arm in the closed position.

Abstract: A method for producing a hair-fixing product in the form of a foil is described whereby first a viscous, rollable composition is prepared by dissolving or dispersing a polymer in a liquid carrier medium and then the composition is shaped into a foil by rolling it with the aid of a rolling device and the liquid carrier medium is evaporated. Also described are hair-styling foils that contain at least one hair-fixing polymer and advantageously additional surfactants or polyols and that preferably are treated with an adhering, powdered, hydrophobic release agent.

Abstract: A hair clip and hairpin combining device includes a pin member pivotally coupled to a plate with a pivot axle and for allowing the plate to be rotated relative to the pin member between an open working position and a folded clamping position, and a spring member coupled between the ears and the flaps for maintaining the plate and the pin member either at the open working position as a hairpin or at the folded clamping position as a hair clip, and thus for allowing the hair clip and hairpin combining device to be changeable between the hair clip and the hairpin or for being used as either a hair clip or a hairpin.

Abstract: A dental floss dispenser suited for mounting upon a planar surface surrounding a bathroom sink or wall for instant availability. It includes a reloadable housing having an exit opening, and may be used for dental tape or plural spools of dental floss material. The housing supports a laterally extending cutting blade member having a recess accommodating the thumb and fingers holding a segment of material to be severed.

Abstract: A flossing tool for persons wearing braces. A floss support head is attached at an acute angle with respect to a handle. The head includes two spaced-apart support elements where the first support element closest to the handle is thinner than the distance between the teeth and the arch-wire. A disposable plastic embodiment includes a floss strand affixed in an injection molding process to ends of the support elements; a tapered portion of the first support element which allows the device to pivot without interference from the arch-wire; and a broadened spatula tip for securing an end of the floss strand. The end of the first support element may be curved outwardly. Another embodiment includes a wire head with floss support loops.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes: a mounting table to have the substrate placed thereon in a process chamber; a first temperature adjusting mechanism temperature-adjusting the substrate placed on the mounting table; a lifter mechanism lifting up the substrate from the mounting table in the process chamber; and a second temperature adjusting mechanism temperature-adjusting the substrate lifted up from the mounting table by the lifter mechanism, wherein the first temperature adjusting mechanism and the second temperature adjusting mechanism temperature-adjust the substrate to different temperatures respectively.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes: a support member supporting a substrate in a process chamber; a first temperature adjusting member in thermal contact with the support member; and a second temperature adjusting member capable of thermally coming into contact with and separating from the support member, wherein the first temperature adjusting member and the second temperature adjusting member are temperature-adjusted to different temperatures respectively.

Abstract: Apparatus to clean silicon electrode assembly surfaces which controls or eliminates possible chemical attack of electrode assembly bonding materials, and eliminates direct handling contact with the parts to be cleaned during acid treatment, spray rinse, blow dry, bake and bagging. Aspects of the apparatus include a kit including an electrode carrier to hold an electrode assembly, a treatment stand to allow access to the electrode assembly, a spider plate to clamp the electrode assembly in the electrode carrier, a nitrogen purge plate to supply nitrogen gas to the backside of the electrode assembly during acid cleaning of the electrode, a water rinse plate to supply water to the electrode face, a blow dry plate to supply nitrogen to dry the electrode assembly and a bake stand to support the electrode assembly during a bake before placing the clean electrode assembly in a bag.

Abstract: The disk-shaped substrate manufacturing method is provided with: scrub-washing a first surface and a second surface of a disk-shaped substrate by respectively using a first porous roller and a second porous roller that have a cylindrical shape and are rotationally driven. The process of the scrub-washing determines a distance between axes of the first porous roller and the second porous roller that sandwich the disk-shaped substrate in between, and performs scrub-washing while the determined distance between the axes is under control.

Abstract: A portable system (8) for handling gases when treating a surface within an interior space of an object. The object has one or more openings (20a, 22) that can be used as an inlet opening (26) and one or more openings that can be used as an outlet opening (28). The portable system includes a seal assembly (30) configured to substantially seal the outlet opening and an evacuation unit connected to the seal assembly. The seal assembly has the capability of being moved to the object. The evacuation unit (44) is configured to establish a flow of gases within the interior space of the object. The evacuation unit has the capability of being moved to the object. The flow of gases within the interior space of the object substantially removes particulates and/or volatiles from the interior space. The portable system also includes a filtering unit (50) which is configured to treat the gases. The filtering unit has the capability of being moved to the object.

Abstract: A method for disinfecting a volume or surfaces bounding a volume comprising nebulizing a solution comprising a sterilizing agent in a solvent having a lower boiling point than the sterilizing agent, for example ultrasonic nebulization of aqueous hydrogen peroxide, to form a nebulant. The nebulant is subjected to energy of a kind and for a duration sufficient to vaporize solvent in preference to sterilizing agent, eg heating element means, infra red, laser, microwave, RF or other radiation generating means; induction heating means; heat exchanger means; conduction means; convection means; or mechanical energy transfer means to increase the concentration of the agent in the nebulant particles. Vaporized solvent is removed from the gas stream at or above atmospheric pressure and, if necessary, the nebulant is cooled to below 7O0C. The volume or surfaces are exposed to the nebulant for a time sufficient to sterilize said volume or surfaces. Also, apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing a vehicle having a first lateral side, a second lateral side, and a top side between the first lateral side and the second lateral side. The apparatus comprises a portal for allowing the vehicle to pass therethrough. The apparatus also comprises at least one nozzle mounted to the portal for directing liquid toward the vehicle. The apparatus further comprises a control apparatus for controlling the at least one nozzle to direct liquid toward the vehicle to progressively wash a limited portion of the first lateral side of the vehicle, a limited portion of the second lateral side of the vehicle, and a limited portion of the top side of the vehicle. Also provided is a method for washing a vehicle using such an apparatus.

Abstract: A method for cleaning objects is disclosed. The method includes placing the objects into a cleaning chamber and contacting them with a dense phase gas. After draining the dense phase gas from the cleaning chamber, the pressure in the cleaning chamber is changed at a rate of at least 1 bar per minute, preferably at a rate of 5 bar per minute, more preferably at a rate of 10 bar per minute.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle assembly having a suction inlet and a rotary agitator. A canister assembly is pivotally connected to the nozzle assembly. The vacuum cleaner also includes a suction generator and a dirt collection vessel. Still further, the vacuum cleaner includes a clutch assembly for controlling power transmission from the drive motor of the suction generator to the rotary agitator. The clutch assembly includes a pulley driven by the drive motor, a first clutch element connected to the pulley, a second clutch element connected to the rotary agitator and an actuator for displacing the second clutch clement between a first, engaged position and a second, disengaged position.

Abstract: A system & Method for Preventing Scaling in a Flue Gas Desulphurization System is provided. The system includes an injector configured to direct a barrier fluid toward a surface that is otherwise susceptible to scaling when it comes in contact with super-saturated alkaline solutions such as slurry used to capture CO2 from a flue gas stream.

Abstract: An in situ cleaning system is disclosed for use with semiconductor processing equipment. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the cleaning system provides for dynamic cleaning of the semiconductor processing system by varying the pressure of the cleaning gas over time during a cleaning cycle. In particular, the cleaning gas is applied to the semiconductor processing system in repeated pressure cycles. Each pressure cycle begins with the pressure of the cleaning gas at PMIN. The pressure of the cleaning gas is increased to a maximum pressure PMAX during a fill portion of the pressure cycle and maintained for a dwell time selected to allow the available reactants to generate the desired end products. The pressure in the chamber to be cleaned is then reduced during a vent portion of the pressure cycle to permit venting of the reaction products.

Abstract: The fluid supply apparatus includes a plurality of supply lines (308), each line having an outlet control device (328) configurable to either allow or prevent fluid in the line flowing to a shared outlet conduit (326). A controller (332) sets the outlet control devices of one or more of the plurality of supply lines in accordance with the output of a monitoring device (336), which monitors the concentration of cleaning fluid passing through the outlet conduit, to control the fluid delivered by the delivery device and the one or more outlet control devices.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus of a simplified structure, which is capable of decreasing an amount of a process liquid to be used, and of restraining change in temperature of the process liquid is provided. The substrate processing apparatus includes: a processing unit that holds one substrate and processes the substrate held by the processing unit; a processing bath capable of simultaneously accommodating a plurality of substrates, the processing bath storing a process liquid into which a substrate is immersed so as to be processed, the process liquid being circulatingly supplied to the processing bath; and a transfer unit that simultaneously transfers substrates whose number is less than the number of substrate that can be accommodated in the processing bath. The transfer unit transfers, at least, to the processing bath in which the process liquid is stored. A substrate is processed with the use of at least one of the processing unit and the processing bath.

Abstract: A substrate support unit supplies a swirl flow to a substrate to rotate and float the substrate from a chuck plate during a process. A process is performed while rotating and floating the substrate. Thus, the substrate is supported and rotates at a process speed while floating form the chuck plate with a non-contact manner.