Abstract: A mechanism for releasing a mask from a patient's face includes a frame part including a male connection and a frame engagement portion for engaging a cooperating portion on a frame of the mask. A headgear part includes a female connection that is adapted to receive the male connection when the frame part is inserted into the headgear part, and a headgear engagement portion for engaging a cooperating portion on headgear of the mask. A cord has one end secured to the male connection, such that when the cord is pulled by the patient the male connection disengages from the female connection and consequently the frame part separates from the headgear part releasing the mask from the patient's face. A method of releasing a mask from a patient's face includes pulling a cord away from a frame of the mask to release a latch of the mask frame from a latch receiving portion of a headgear of the mask to release the latch from the latch receiving portion.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube comprising a tubular member including a distal portion and a distal end, a radiopaque stripe extending longitudinally along the distal portion of the tubular member, and a radiopaque ring encircling at least a portion of the tubular member at the distal end. The radiopaque ring may be a complete oval, a substantial arc of an oval, or a series of arcs of an oval.

Abstract: An endo-tracheal tube retainer used to facilitate the removal of a laryngeal mask of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation and the insertion of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments through a patient's laryngeal opening is provided. The endo-tracheal tube retainer includes a semi-rigid stylet having proximate and distal ends and a soft curved stylet cap secured to the proximal end. The endo-tracheal tube also includes a connection adapter that is tapered from front to rear for secure insertion within a range of endo-tracheal tubes, removeably secured to the distal end.

Abstract: A mask for delivery of gas, such as oxygen, to a patient and useable in a naso-gastric intubation procedure without disruption of the seal between the mask and the face of the patient. The body of the mask includes an opening through which the naso-gastric tube may be inserted. The opening comprises a vertical lining and first and second coupling members on either side thereof and above a peripheral edge of the mask, which may be closed below the tube to provide an enhanced seal for the mask. The coupling members may comprise hook and loop members, a snap, a button, or interlocking members.

Abstract: A prophylactic device, as one or more embodiments, includes a vibration generator and a switch disposed in a distal end of the device. The vibration generator is capable of being activated by pushing the switch towards a proximal end of the device. As one or more embodiments, a switching apparatus is provided for activating a vibration generator, which apparatus includes a ring including a recess, a switch including at least one arm connected to the ring, and an electrically conductive arm configured to contact a pole of a motor when the ring is in an activated position and to contact the recess when the ring is in a deactivated position.

Abstract: A system and method for immobilization of the human breast in a prone position during imaging and radiotherapy. The system includes a vacuum-assisted breast immobilization cup comprising two layers joined together with an air space between. The inner layer has densely perforated holes while the outer layer is airtight. When a negative vacuum is applied to the intermediate airspace the breast tissue is sucked against the mesh wall of the inner layer to preventing sliding. In addition, the cup assembly is locked into a fixed position against the patient torso via a body fixture, as well as against the patient support structure. The established geometric relationship among the cup, chest wall, imaging/treatment table or couch may be accurately repeated. The system further includes a three-dimensional localization system to uniquely place the breast in a coordinate system having fixed geometric relationship with the breast immobilization cup.

Abstract: An article of clothing that can be worn by suicidal inmates and medical patients is provided. In one embodiment, the article of clothing is comprised of a high-strength fabric consisting of an outer layer of tear-proof material, an inner layer of soft material, and a third layer of insulating material between the outer and inner layers that provides warmth and bulk to the fabric. The three layers are joined together with a nylon thread. The article of clothing is further comprised of at least one sleeve section that is removably attached to at least in part to a torso section, wherein the at least one sleeve section detaches from the torso section to prevent a user from injuring or killing himself. In another embodiment, the article of clothing is comprised of a non-woven cellular material with very low tensile strength that cannot effectively be fashioned into a rope or noose.

Abstract: The present invention provides a smoke filter material, a filter and cigarettes with the filter, as well as methods for their manufacture. The filter material substantially is of an organic material and comprises covalently bound active thiol groups substantially free of complexing agents.

Abstract: A non-polluting smoking device through which smoke is first inhaled and then exhaled, the device containing a filter or series of filters for filtering harmful toxins and unpleasant odors, thereby preventing same from being emitted into the air.

Abstract: A 12-week method of smoking cessation includes three phases. During the first phase, the subject is habituated to a breathing exercise. During the second phase, cigarette smoking is replaced with a source of nicotine and the breathing exercise. During the final phase, the amount of nicotine and the number of breathing exercises is gradually reduced. During Phases 1 and 2 the subject is provided with a breathing exercise capable of relieving an occasional craving for smoking.

Abstract: A multi-component filter for a smoking article comprises: a first flavour-releasing segment proximate a mouth end of the filter; and a second flavour-releasing segment located immediately upstream of the first flavour-releasing segment. The first flavour-releasing segment comprises at least one flavour-bearing thread and the second flavour-releasing segment comprises flavour-bearing cellulosic particles. The multi-component filter may further comprise a rod end segment comprising filtration material located upstream of the second flavour-releasing segment, distant from the first flavour-releasing segment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed at various apparatus and methods for forming a sealed hollow core tobacco rod. The methods of the invention at least comprise passing a trimmed tobacco column and paper under a tongue that widens and flattens the column and paper; forming the tobacco and paper into a cylindrical shape; forming an inner hollow core; maintaining the hollow core shape; and outputting the sealed hollow core tobacco rod.

Abstract: The invention is a horny layer remover with simple and sanitary structure to be easily made and to prevent the damage of skin and effectively remove the horny layers according to the hardness of the horny layer. The invention includes at least one blade in the shape of circle, curve or closed loop on one or both side of the body. And the blade is integrally formed with the body by means of injection molding.

Abstract: A hairbrush for allowing trapped hair to be easily removed therefrom. The hairbrush comprises a handle for grasping the hairbrush and a head joined to the handle. The head comprises an array of bristles that protrude through a layer having an array of corresponding apertures. In an initial position the bristles fully protrude through the apertures. In a final position the layer is shifted to the free ends of the bristles. By shifting said hairbrush from an initial position to a final position tangled hair is gathered along the layer and easily removed from the hairbrush.

Abstract: A hair styling comb comprising a body having a handle, a release cone, and a guide measuring system that are combined to precisely separate hair in orderly rows for braiding. The guide measuring system facilitates successive measurement of a partial circumference of spaced apart sections of the scalp. Each section is radially measured by successive placement of the comb measuring section upon the scalp, followed by linear movements of the comb until a peripheral measurement is approximated by the combined readings. The spaced apart circumference regions are reduced to increments by dividing their length measurements by the number of desired braid rows the stylist is creating. The release cone is placed in the grooves of the bottom of the braid and ten slid through smoothly upwardly to the scalp of the nape line. The release cone releases the grips of the braids.

Abstract: The invention relates to cosmetic preparations for treating the hair containing exclusively ingredients which are stable up to at least 200 DEG C against thermal decomposition and the use of such preparations for shaping the hair and a method for temporary hair-shaping.

Abstract: A hair extension clip having an upper jaw and a lower jaw connected by a hinged member to move between an open and a closed position to grip hair of the customer. Teeth disposed on an inner surface of the upper jaw engage through slots in the lower jaw and in the process separate hair into strands for hair extension treatments. A platform integrally formed with the lower jaw provides a working area to lift hair strands away from the customer's scalp allowing use of multiple modalities of treatment to lessen risk. The upper jaw, the lower jaw and the platform are arcuately shaped to conform to the customer's head.

Abstract: A powered dispenser is provided for cosmetic sticks. The dispenser includes a case and a cosmetic cup that is disposed within the case and that is dimensioned for holding a cosmetic stick. A powered control mechanism is provided for moving the cup upwardly and downwardly within the case so that a cosmetic stick, such as lipstick, is selectively movable between an extended position wherein it can be applied by the user and a retracted, storage position within the case.

Abstract: The present invention includes monofilament dental tapes that include a core body having a first external face and a second external face opposite the first external face, where at least one of the first and second external faces has a plurality of indentations protruding into the core body of the dental tape, where the plurality of indentations are provided in from about 5% to about 95% of the total area of the at least one of the first and second external faces. The indentations have a depth within the core body, in relation to the at least one of the first and second external faces comprising the plurality of indentations, corresponding to from about 0.1% to about 95% of the thickness of the core body, taken transversally to the at least one of the first and second external faces comprising the plurality of indentations.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method and system for washing a sedimentation device in a water treatment system using ultrasonic. The system includes an ultrasonic transmitting device for transmitting the ultrasonic of a predetermined power and transmitting frequency to the sedimentation device. The system may further include a carrying device positioned inside or outside of the water treatment system for moving the ultrasonic transmitting device over the sedimentation device. The carrying device may include an operation track, a moving car body erected over the operation track, a driving device, and a car body position detection and control device. The carrying device drives the ultrasonic transmitting device to perform a reciprocating scanning movement above the sedimentation device so that the ultrasonic is transmitted substantively evenly to the surface of an inclined tube or a corrugated plate. The effects of the invention are greatly better than that of manual washing with high pressure water.

Abstract: An aqueous washing system and method of operation for washing of articles such as engineering components, including curing of resin impregnated porous metal components, comprising placing the articles into a process chamber (10) and supplying from a supply tank (11) an aqueous washing fluid at a temperature at or above 100° C. A head of pressure is established above the fluid in tank (11) whereby the fluid may be transferred by a pump (P1) to the process chamber (10). After a washing cycle the articles are rinsed by clean water and then vacuum dried before removal from the process chamber (10).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a process and chemical composition for the removal of adherent niobium-rich second-phase particles (SPPs) from pickled niobium-containing zirconium alloys which includes applying to the alloy surface a chemical composition comprising alkaline hydrogen peroxide; an alkali metal meta-silicate; and a magnesium salt.

Abstract: A rotisserie skewer, basket and parts cleaning assembly is provided. The assembly is located within a wash tank that includes a jet nozzle to expel a stream of fluid into said wash tank. The assembly is rotatably mounted within the wash tank and is capable of holding parts for cleaning.

Abstract: A single-substrate cleaning apparatus and method of use are described. In an embodiment of the present invention, a liquid cleaning solution is dispensed in small volumes to form a substantially uniform static liquid layer over a substrate surface by atomizing the viscous liquid with an inert gas in a two-phase nozzle. In another embodiment of the present invention, after a layer of the cleaning solution is formed over the substrate to be cleaned, acoustic energy is applied to the substrate to improve the cleaning efficiency. In a further embodiment, cleaning solution precipitates are avoided by dispensing de-ionized water with a spray nozzle to gradually dilute the cleaning solution prior to dispensing de-ionized water with a stream nozzle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning diverse types of surface, such as public highways, pavements, squares and so on. The invention also relates to a vehicle for cleaning such surfaces. The invention further relates to a method for cleaning such surfaces.

Abstract: The invention is a method to inhibit the growth of at least one microorganism in an aqueous system capable of supporting such growth. This includes controlling, and preferably preventing, slime formation in the aqueous system. The method mixes a persulfate salt, a bromide salt, and water under conditions sufficient to form an active bromine-containing, [Br+], solution and then adds an effective amount of the active bromine-containing solution to an aqueous system to inhibit the growth of at least one microorganism in the aqueous system. Also, the invention is a method to inhibit the growth of at least one microorganism on a substrate capable of supporting such growth. The method contacts the substrate with an effective amount of active bromine-containing solution to inhibit the growth of at least one microorganism on the substrate. Combining an amine source with the persulfate salt and bromide salts generates an active bromine-containing solution which also contains bromamines.

Abstract: A cleaning composition comprises a water-in-oil emulsion which upon breakdown of the emulsion undergoes a physical change which is accompanied by an increase in the temperature of the composition.

Abstract: The device forms a flow of a back-side gas over a back-side surface of the end portion of the wafer undergoing a cleaning process executed by radiating an electromagnetic wave such as an ultraviolet ray onto the end portion of the wafer. During the cleaning process, a flow of front-side gas directed along a direction matching the direction of the back-side gas is also formed over the front-side surface of the end portion of the wafer. The flow velocity of the back-side gas is set higher than the flow velocity of the front-side gas. As a result, a descending gas current is created to flow from the wafer front side toward the wafer back side at a gap between the wafer end portion and a partitioning plate, which makes it possible to reliably prevent an active species formed on the back side of the wafer end portion from reaching over to the wafer front side.

Abstract: Among the many embodiment, in one embodiment, a method for processing a substrate is disclosed which includes generating a fluid layer on a surface of the substrate, the fluid layer defining a fluid meniscus. The generating includes moving a head in proximity to the surface, applying a fluid from the head to the surface while the head is in proximity to the surface of the substrate to define the fluid layer, and removing the fluid from the surface through the proximity head by a vacuum. The fluid travels along the fluid layer between the head and the substrate at a velocity that increases as the head is in closer proximity to the surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for cleaning articles with liquid or supercritical carbon dioxide consisting of a cleaning chamber, a storage tank, a still with a vaporizer and a tube connecting said still with said storage tank, wherein said tube comprises a condenser. Heat is transferred between vaporizer and condenser by means of an external refrigeration cycle.

Abstract: An assembly structured to clean the head portion of a stethoscope comprising a housing including a path of travel along which the head portion passes during cleaning. A supply of cleaning fluid is associated with a dispensing assembly which is cooperatively disposed relative to an activating assembly. The activating assembly is manually operated due to moveable engagement with the head portion as it travels along the path of travel. The activating assembly is thereby operatively positioned to activate the dispenser assembly when engaged by the head portion as it passes along the path of travel. The dispensing assembly delivers the cleaning fluid to an applicator assembly which distributes the cleaning fluid to the head portion and facilitates the cleaning thereof and removal of excess cleaning fluid there from.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for use in cleaning tubular members of a tube-type heat exchange having a protective coating. A metal nozzle core for communicating with a source of high-pressure water is covered at an exterior portion thereof with a plastic nozzle sleeve for engagement with the heat exchanger. A circumferential ridge of the nozzle core disposed in a circumferential groove of the nozzle sleeve prevents separation of the nozzle core and nozzle sleeve during use.

Abstract: A substrate treating apparatus for treating substrates with treating liquids.

Abstract: A device for attaching an umbrella to a structure is described. The umbrella attachment device includes a device side member, an umbrella side member and a storage member. The storage member is directly attached to a structure and includes an inner compartment and an outer compartment. The storage member is arranged so that the inner compartment is proximal to the structure as compared to the outer compartment. The device allows for alternation between a storage position and a use position. The storage position includes the device side member being attached to the inner compartment and the umbrella side member being attached to the outer compartment. In the storage position, the device side member and the umbrella side member are positioned substantially parallel to one another. The use position is characterized by the device side member being attached to the inner compartment and also attached to the umbrella side member.

Abstract: An apparatus comprised of: a base unit having a top portion and a bottom portion; a leg supporting structure on the top portion at an angle and adapted to receive the lower portion of a user's leg; one or more temporary securing member(s) to temporarily secure the user's leg to the leg supporting platform; and at least one rolling member positioned below the bottom portion, such that the user is able to move using a free leg and the apparatus without the use of hands.

Abstract: A temporary cubicle device can be either fully or partly free-standing or have a part thereof attached to a vehicle. In its free-standing state it is foldable from a stowed state to an erected state by manipulating a foldable support frame which has a pair of support arms pivotally connected to a pair of main link arms which are pivotally connected at their adjacent ends respectively to part of the support frame. The material of the cubicle device is attached to the support arms, whilst in the erected state of the cubicle device a strut formed by links maintains the main link arms unfolded and thus the support arms spaced apart and parallel.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electric power generation method using a thermoelectric power generation element, a thermoelectric power generation element, and a thermoelectric power generation device, each of which has higher thermoelectric power generation performance than conventional ones and can be used for more applications.

Abstract: Methods of forming a microelectronic structure are described. Embodiments of those methods include forming a first plurality of openings through a first surface of a substrate, forming a p-type TFTEC material within the first plurality of openings, forming a second plurality of openings substantially adjacent to the first plurality of openings through the first surface of the substrate, and then forming an n-type TFTEC material within the second plurality of openings.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electric power generation method using a thermoelectric power generation element, a thermoelectric power generation element, and a thermoelectric power generation device, each of which has high thermoelectric power generation performance and can be used for more applications. The thermoelectric power generation element includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are disposed to oppose each other, and a laminate that is interposed between the first and second electrodes and that is electrically connected to both the first and second electrodes, where the laminate has a structure in which SrB6 layers and metal layers containing Cu, Ag, Au, or Al are laminated alternately, a thickness ratio between the metal layer and the SrB6 layer is in a range of metal layer: SrB6 layer=20:1 to 2.

Abstract: A solar panel array that comprises at least two vertical supports, a horizontal support, and at least one solar panel positioned thereon. The vertical supports are provided with a gradual twist, preferably following an extrusion process, so as to permit the supports to rotate as they are pounded into the ground.

Abstract: A solar cell module and a method for the production thereof, are used in particular in the field of concentrating solar technology. The solar cell module has a large number of two-dimensionally disposed solar cells. These solar cells are applied on a substrate which is coated with a metal layer on the surface orientated towards the solar cells. The metal layer is thereby structured in such a manner that it is subdivided into individual two-dimensional portions which are assigned respectively to one solar cell. The metal layer in each of the portions has two regions which are electrically insulated from each other, the first region extending under the assigned solar cell and contacting the latter in an electrically conductive manner. The second region is likewise connected to the other electrical contact of the solar cell.

Abstract: A photodetector, comprises a first section comprising at least one p-n junction that converts photon energy into a separate charge carrier and hole carrier; and another section of semiconductors of opposing conductivity type connected electrically in series and thermally in parallel in a heat dissipating and electric generating relationship to the cell to augment generation of electric energy of the first section.

Abstract: A method for generating energy from concentrated solar radiation by photovoltaic and thermally useable solar cells in which the absorbed heat radiation evaporates a fluid which drives a turbine connected to a generator.

Abstract: A photovoltaic system includes a photovoltaic device that includes a lower photovoltaic cell fabricated from semiconductor material having a first bandgap, and having first electrical contacts for extraction of current from the lower cell; an electrically insulating layer monolithically fabricated on the lower photovoltaic cell; and an upper photovoltaic cell monolithically fabricated on the electrically insulating layer from semiconductor material having a second bandgap larger than the first bandgap, and having second electrical contacts for extraction of current from the upper cell. The photovoltaic system also includes one or more first photon sources operable to supply photons to the photovoltaic device, the photons having wavelengths in a first wavelength range associated primarily with the first bandgap.

Abstract: A lighting system is described herein that may be energized by a plurality of sources. In one embodiment, a solar cell is capable of receiving light and converting the light into electrical signals. An energy conversion device may be included that converts movement of the energy conversion device into electrical signals. Additionally, an energy storage device receives and stores the electrical signals from the solar cell and the energy conversion device. The energy storage device is also adapted to supply energy to a lamp that emits light.

Abstract: Disclosed is a solar cell module that reduces entering of moisture into a solar cell module from a side surface SF thereof, and has high moisture-resistant properties. The disclosed solar cell module is a solar cell module in which solar cells 13a to 13d are sealed by a sealing member 21 between a transparent front surface protective member 11 and a back surface protective member 12, wherein the sealing member 21 includes at least a first sealing member 14 and a second sealing member 15, the first sealing member and the second sealing member are different in type, and the sealing member 21 exposed to a side surface SF of the solar cell module is the first sealing member 14.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, the dividing grooves 8 are formed so as not to be parallel to cleavage planes of the semiconductor substrate 1, and the semiconductor substrate 1 is bent along the dividing grooves 8, whereby the semiconductor substrate 1 is fractured along the dividing grooves 8.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, the method for manufacturing the solar cell includes: forming a dividing groove 8a that reaches a n-type single crystal silicon substrate 1 in a thickness direction of a photoelectric conversion part 10; and fracturing the photoelectric conversion part 10 along the dividing groove 8a, wherein the dividing groove 8a is formed continuously in an inside of an outer circumference portion of the photoelectric conversion part 10.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell holder to hold a photovoltaic cell and interconnectors for soldering the interconnectors to top and bottom surfaces of the photovoltaic cell has an upper holder and a lower holder. The upper holder includes an upper retainer to press the interconnectors against the top surface of the cell. The upper retainer includes multiple elastic stick-shaped members and one or more flange parts provided at one end of the stick-shaped members. The lower holder includes one or more bar-shaped lower supports to support the interconnectors against the bottom surface of the cell. The lower supports extend parallel to the interconnectors, and a surface of each lower support that contacts the interconnectors has either a groove or a hole. The photovoltaic cell holder holds the interconnectors tightly over substantially all areas to provide uniform welding quality while allowing flux gas to escape to prevent the cell from bending during soldering.

Abstract: A printing mask includes a mask frame and a mesh extended on the mask frame, in which a mask portion is formed by filling the mesh with resin to leave a pattern forming portion in a region corresponding to an electrode pattern to be formed on a printing object. The mask portion has a raised part on a surface of the mesh to be opposed to the printing object. The thickness of the raised part is such that a difference in average film thickness between the end and other parts of the electrode pattern formed with the printing mask is equal to or less than 5 micrometers.