Abstract: According to the invention, said probe (I) comprises two channels (1 and 2) in parallel, equipped with unidirectional valves (5, 6) connected head-to-tail.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask airway mainly comprises a flexible tubular portion, an inflatable sealing cuff, an inflation tube, and a belt. The flexible tubular portion has a first opening part and a second opening part; the inflatable sealing cuff is disposed surrounding the first opening part; the inflation tube has one end connected to the inflatable sealing cuff and the other end for directing gas into the inflatable sealing cuff; the belt is secured on the first opening part. Moreover, the present invention discloses an operating piece for controlling the laryngeal mask airway and a gas supply kit comprising the laryngeal mask airway.

Abstract: An inflatable balloon cuff may be adapted to seal a patient's trachea when associated with an endotracheal tube. Configurations of these cuffs that include tapered regions with certain characteristics, such as angle of taper, cuff diameter, and cuff wall thickness, may provide improved sealing of the trachea.

Abstract: An improved female condom apparatus includes a pouch that has a wall, an open end, a closed end and a frame. The frame is positioned proximate the open end of the pouch and extends around a perimeter of the open end. An anchoring device is located within the pouch proximate the closed end to secure the condom in position during use. A harness includes a center strap and may include side straps. One end of each strap is secured to the open end of the pouch. Further, one or more of the straps may be detachable from the pouch. At least the center strap may be constructed of a resilient and/or pliable material. As such, during use the center strap extends between a user's legs and resiliently engages the user's back in a clamping or tensioning action. This clamping action assists in securing the condom in position during use.

Abstract: A condom together with a lubrication composition, the lubricating composition containing a minimal amount of free water, and comprising one or more glycols, such that the glycols in the lubricant release heat and warmth when contacted with compositions containing free water.

Abstract: A cuff shield for a pressure cuff comprises a liquid impervious layer and an absorbent layer. The liquid impervious layer includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface of the liquid impervious layer has an adhesive portion for removably securing the cuff shield to the pressure cuff. The absorbent layer is secured to the liquid impervious layer and includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and a release strip on the outer surface of the absorbent layer. The release strip on the absorbent layer is configured to serve as a protective cover for an adhesive portion on a second cuff shield.

Abstract: An appliance, a system and a method prevent snoring of a patient. The appliance opens an airway of the patient by advancing a lower jaw of the patient. A slot is formed on an upper shell and/or a lower shell of the appliance to receive teeth of the patient for wearing the appliance. A hinge connects the upper shell to the lower shell and resists the closing of the mouth of the patient to maintain the open airway of the patient. Wedges protrude from the hinge between the upper shell and the lower shell to further resist the closing of the mouth of the patient. Stiffer material of the hinge and/or the wedges relative to material of the upper shell and the lower shell requires more force to close the mouth of the patient and maintains the open airway of the patient during sleep. Extended margins may receive liner material to secure the appliance to the dentition. Lingual extensions on the lower arch help to maintain the lower jaw in a forward position relative to the upper jaw.

Abstract: A surgical drape that promotes enhanced protection of the surgical site from pathogens is provided. The surgical drape includes a base sheet and a connecting element in communication with the drape, the connecting element being adapted to enable a male or female fit into a connector of a medical device and further adapted to occlude an opening in the central region of the base sheet.

Abstract: An adapter is disclosed. The adapter is for use with a surgical table having a bed and comprises a base portion and a pair of arm supports. The base portion overlies and is supported by the bed in use. The pair of arm supports project from opposite sides of and are supported by the base portion. The arm supports are adapted to support, in use, the forearms of a patient lying prone on said surgical table when the upper arms of said patient extend downwardly and apart from one another.

Abstract: A partial mouthpiece is made of soft, flexible dental material and is manufactured to conform to the shape and size of a user's lower front biting teeth. The preferred mouthpiece would cover the four lower incisors and two canine teeth, but an acceptable alternative would also cover the lower left and right first molars as well. The mouthpiece is thin and made to conform to the arcuate shape and size of a user's own teeth. The mouthpiece has a thickness of approximately 0.037 inches. The thin structure of the mouthpiece prevents the user from biting his nails, but does not inhibit speech, is hardly noticeable when in use and is aesthetically pleasing. To use the device, the nail biter creates a list of events that have a tendency to trigger nail biting. The mouthpiece is inserted onto the subject's lower front biting teeth whenever the urge to bite fingernails arises. The partial mouthpiece prohibits the subject from biting his nails and the habit is eventually broken.

Abstract: Methods and systems have been developed allowing for increased strain storage in shape memory polymer devices. Larger stored strains allow for smaller and different implantable shapes of shape memory polymer devices. For example, by storing a larger strain, a shape memory polymer device may be implanted at a smaller fraction of its final implanted shape. Benefits include shorter patient recovery times, smaller implantation sites, and flexibility of implantation techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to smoking articles such as cigarettes, and in particular to catalytic systems containing metallic or carbonaceous particles that reduce the content of certain harmful or carcinogenic substances, including polyaromatic hydrocarbons, tobacco-specific nitrosamines, carbazole, phenol, and catechol, in mainstream cigarette smoke and in side stream cigarette smoke.

Abstract: A dry nail tip appliqué for applying nail enamel to a nail tip. The nail tip appliqué is configured to conform to the size and shape of a respective nail tip and allows for a convenient and neat application of a French-style manicure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hairstyling device (10) comprising an elongate arm (12) having a hair receiving surface (14). Within the arm (12) there is an air passageway (16) that carries air injected into it by a fan (18). The air passageway (16) has an elongate air outlet (24) which is parallel to the arm (12). The air outlet (24) is configured to blow air along the length of the hair. Attached to the hair receiving surface (14) are bristles (26) to form a brush.

Abstract: Methods of attaching a weft hair extension apparatus to the scalp hair of a person are disclosed. An illustrated method comprises: passing strands of scalp hair through at least one of a plurality of beads that are affixed to or integral with a seam of the weft hair extension apparatus; passing strands of scalp hair and stands of extension hair through at least one of a plurality of deformable locking beads; and, deforming the at least one of the plurality of deformable locking beads such that the strands of scalp hair and the strands of extension hair passed therethrough are then held captive therein. Weft hair extension apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved hair styling device comprises heating elements and heat retaining clips inside the device's housing. The clips present concave inner faces, and form an enclosed space when in a closed position. A heat retaining means with an elevated heat capacity is incorporated into the clips adjacent the inner surface of the jaws of the clips; and also presents a concave surface to the inside of the clips when in a closed position. The heating elements comprise elongated heating rods with multiple heating locations along their length. Each heating location comprises an enlarged convex area on the surface of the heating rods. The heating locations are complimentary to the shape of the heat retaining means, and therefore heat the clips quickly and evenly.

Abstract: An electric make-up applicator is disclosed. The applicator comprises a rotating shaft and a power supply unit to provide power to a power unit. An electric make-up applicator comprising a body, mounted with a power unit, having a rotating shaft and a power supply unit to provide power to the power unit; and a tooling device mounted onto the rotating shaft and having a make-up tool; thereby, the power unit causes the tooling device to rotate so as to supplement make-up on the face of a user.

Abstract: An applicator device for applying a cosmetic, the applicator device comprising an elongate body adapted to be held in the hand, an applicator head, a feed device adapted to feed the applicator head with cosmetic in solid form, and a heater device adapted to heat the applicator head, thereby causing the cosmetic to melt. The feed device comprises a feed duct provided in the body of the applicator device and communicating with passageways that are provided in the applicator head and that open out to the outside, and the heater device is adapted to heat said feed duct at the applicator head.

Abstract: A first jaw is fixed to the handle of the iron, with a second heated jaw and clamp connected by a pivot to the first jaw. Complementary flat surfaces on the first and second jaws allow hair to be straightened therebetween and complementary curved faces on the clamp and second jaw provide for hair held therebetween to be waved. Both jaws and the clamp have apertures in which a latch is received. The latch is moveable substantially parallel to the transverse axis of the pivot between a first position for connecting the second jaw and the clamp together for pivoting relative to the first jaw and a second position, for connecting the first and second jaws together, while permitting relative pivoting of the clamp.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hair roller (1) having a central roller mandrel (3) and a partially slotted hair roller housing (2) that surrounds the roller mandrel at a distance. Said hair roller fixes the hair in the vicinity of the scalp by means of catch hooks and is positioned approximately at a right angle to the scalp in the final wound position.

Abstract: A carrying case for cosmetics includes a base enclosure hinged to a top lid which includes an internal storage panel that is hinged thereto. A mirror is retained within the top of the lid and is hinged to the lid protected between the storage panel and the top of the lid. The cosmetic case may be unfolded and the compartments thereof will be exposed to not only support the mirror, but to provide ease of access because of the angular relationship between the connection of the top lid and the base enclosure to which that lid is attached.

Abstract: A mask for delivering steam to the face and neck of a user. The mask includes an outer layer and an inner layer adapted to cover the face and neck of the user. The outer and inner layers are arranged in a spaced relationship to define a cavity therebetween for receiving steam from a source of steam. The inner layer comprising at least one pore to allow the steam to escape from the cavity through said at least one pore. The mask further comprises a seal formed along its periphery to enable the mask to be held off the face and neck thereby enabling the steam to circulate between the outer surface of the inner layer, and the face and neck.

Abstract: An exemplary dust removing apparatus applicable for removing dust or dirt from a surface of an optical lens is provided. The dust removing apparatus includes an ultrasonic oscillation device, at least a dust removing device, and a tray. The ultrasonic oscillation device is configured for causing an ultrasonic vibration of the optical lens so as to weaken an adhesive force between the optical lens and the dust on the surface thereof. The dust removing device is configured for removing the dust from the surface of the optical lens. The tray is disposed on the ultrasonic oscillation device and located between the ultrasonic oscillation device and the dust removing device. The tray is configured for supporting the optical lens. A dust removing method is also provided.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes a vacuum chamber, a processing chamber housed in the vacuum chamber, and a sample stage located in the processing chamber, for supporting on its upper surface a disk-like sample to be processed, wherein plural disk-like samples are continuously processed with plasma generated in the processing chamber and wherein during the idling time between the successive processes the temperature of the sample stage is adjusted to a predetermined value higher than the temperature at which the samples are processed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing two substrates is provided. The apparatus comprises a chamber having an upper opening, a lower process volume adapted to retain a process solution, and an upper process volume, wherein the chamber is proportioned to vertically process two substrates. The apparatus further comprises a substrate transfer assembly adapted to transfer two substrates in and out of the chamber through the upper opening and one or more megasonic transducers disposed in the chamber, wherein the one or more megasonic transducers are configured to direct megasonic energy towards the process solution retained in the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for commissioning steam turbine generator power plants to advance the cleanliness of the complete steam cycle by the conditioned discharge of steam to the plant surface condenser.

Abstract: A method for cleaning oxide from the interconnects of a semiconductor that are comprised of nickel (Ni) silicide or nickel-silicide alloys where nickel is the primary metallic component is disclosed. The cleaning comprises performing an SC1 cycle, exposing the wafer comprising a NiSi contact to an SC1 solution. This removes oxygen atoms from the silicon oxide of the nickel silicide. Next, a rinse cycle is performed on the wafer to remove the SC1 solution. Finally, an HCl cycle is performed. During this cycle, the wafer comprising an NiSi contact is introduced to an HCl solution, removing oxygen atoms from the nickel oxide of the NiSi. The method of the present invention provides for lower contact resistance of NiSi semiconductor devices, facilitating semiconductor devices that have the benefits of miniaturization allowed by the NiSi technology, and higher performance due to the reduced contact resistance.

Abstract: Methods of cleaning plasma processing chamber components include contacting surfaces of the components with a cleaning solution, while avoiding damage of other surfaces or areas of the components by the cleaning solution. An exemplary plasma processing chamber component to be cleaning is an elastomer bonded electrode assembly having a silicon member with a plasma-exposed silicon surface, a backing member, and an elastomer bonding material between the silicon surface and the backing member.

Abstract: Cleaning compositions and methods in connection with cobalt-based capping of interconnects in integrated circuit semiconductor devices.

Abstract: Systematic and effective methodology to clean capacitively coupled plasma reactor electrodes and reduce surface roughness so that the cleaned electrodes meet surface contamination specifications and manufacturing yields are enhanced. Pre-cleaning of tools used in the cleaning process helps prevent contamination of the electrode being cleaned.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides for cleaning and sterilizing a device in one machine. The method comprises the steps of: a) placing the device into a container; b) placing the container into a washing/sterilization apparatus; c) the washing/sterilization apparatus washing the device by applying a washing fluid to an interior of the container to wash the device; d) after washing the device, and without removing the device from the washing/sterilization apparatus, the washing/sterilization apparatus packaging the device in a bacteria impermeable package; e) the washing/sterilization apparatus sterilizing the device by exposing the device to a sterilizing vapor; and f) removing the device while it remains in the package whereby to preserve its sterility until use.

Abstract: A method for controlling a home appliance is disclosed. The method includes selecting one of a plurality of steam washing modes for washing dishes. Each steam washing mode has a corresponding steam washing pattern. Selecting the number of steam washing pattern cycles for the selected steam washing mode, or selecting the operation time associated with the steam washing pattern that corresponds to the selected steam washing mode.

Abstract: A method for controlling a dish washing machine is disclosed. The disclosed method includes turning off a heater of a steam generator when a water level sensor for the steam generator indicates a minimum water level, supplying water to the steam generator for a first time, to remove air bubbles around the water level sensor, and counting the number of repetition times of the water supplying step when the water level sensor still indicates the minimum water level after the execution of the water supplying step, and again executing the water supplying step, based on the counted value.

Abstract: A dish washing machine and a control method of the same are disclosed. The control method of a dish washing machine includes supplying water into a washing compartment through spray arms, a first supplying steam, generated by a first steam generator, into the washing compartment, and when the abnormal operation of the steam generator is detected, terminating the operation of the first stem generator.

Abstract: A method for controlling a dish washing machine having a steam generator is disclosed. The control method includes initially supplying water into a steam generator to supply stream to dishes and deciding a water replenishment pattern during the steam operation of the steam generator, based on the initial amount of the water in the steam generator, before the steam operation of the steam generator.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a non-electric hand-washing apparatus. The present invention is adapted to be used in connection with a supply of pressurized water. The present invention utilizes the water pressure to power at least a timing mechanism that operates to control a wash cycle. The wash cycle includes at least the delivery of a set amount of water to a user's hands. Embodiments of the present invention include the delivery of a quantity of soap to the user at the beginning of the wash cycle. The delivery of soap is also affected by a utilization of water pressure.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a web-like object to be cleaned, comprising the steps of: a cleaning solution spraying step for spraying a cleaning solution to a surface of a fed web-like object to be cleaned; and a cleaning solution removing step for removing the liquid film left on the surface of the object to be cleaned by ejecting a gas so that at least an ejected gas flow is formed in a direction opposite to the feeding direction of the object to be cleaned, wherein among the air induced by the gas ejection, the air induced from the side of the cleaning solution spraying position to the side of the gas ejection position is shielded.

Abstract: A pool cleaning apparatus includes a housing and a pump for drawing water and debris through an intake port into a filter. A jet-valve housing having a jet valve flap is mounted over the pump to direct a propulsion jet stream from the pump to move the cleaner in a forward direction. A cleaning nozzle is mounted over each of the front and rear portions of the housing, and a pressurized water jet stream is directed at a first pool surface beneath the cleaner through the front end nozzle while moving in a forward direction. When the cleaner engages a second pool surface substantially perpendicular to the first surface, propulsion outlets of the jet valve housing are partially closed to redirect a portion of the propulsion jet stream to the front-end nozzle to lift the front end of the cleaner off the first surface. When the front end of the cleaner disengages from contact with the second surface, the propulsion outlets open to permit the propulsion jet stream to propel the cleaner along the second surface.

Abstract: A cleaning method for a turbo molecular pump, which enables the exhausting ability of the turbo molecular pump to be restored without bringing about a decrease in the productivity of a substrate processing apparatus. A vaporizing gas that vaporizes foreign matter attached to an internal surface of the turbo molecular pump is supplied toward the foreign matter.

Abstract: Disclosed are a dish washer and a method of controlling the same, in which the amount of water consumed is reduced and a washing time is maintained while assuring a washing performance. The dish washer includes a washing tub; dish baskets provided in the washing tub to accommodate dishes; and a plurality of nozzles to spray washing water to the dish baskets, where spray holes to spray the washing water are formed through each of the plurality of nozzles, and the spray holes formed through the plurality of nozzles have areas different from one another.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for automatically cleaning and decontaminating medical instruments. The method comprising the steps of: a) placing the medical instruments into a container after their use in a medical procedure; b) closing the container to seal the instruments inside whereby to prevent personnel contact with the instruments and any contaminants which might be thereon; c) inserting the sealed container into a washer/decontaminator and sealing the washer/decontaminator; d) the washer/decontaminator automatically opening the container and applying a washing fluid thereto to wash the instruments within the container; and e) the washer/decontaminator automatically applying a disinfectant to the container to disinfect the instruments whereby to allow safe handling thereof by personnel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for removing smudges (506, 706, 806, 906) including oils and dust from portable electronic displays. The apparatus comprises a display device (110, 150, 500, 700, 800, 900, 1000) positioned within a housing (102, 104, 808), comprising a transparent cover (302, 502, 702, 802, 902, 1002) having a surface (508, 908) viewable through an opening in the housing (102, 104, 808) and a susceptibility to receiving contaminants (506, 706, 806, 906). A vibration device (504, 704, 804, 904, 1004) is positioned against the transparent cover (302, 502, 702, 802, 902, 1002) to provide motion (510) in a direction parallel to the surface, thereby causing the contaminants to move (708) across the surface (508, 908). The contaminants (506, 706, 806, 906) may then be hidden by the housing (102, 104, 808) or ejected by a motion (912) perpendicular to the surface by another vibrating device (911).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and devices for cleaning welding torches, for example in automated welding lines, on welding robots and in single-piece production, by means of a cold medium, preferably CO2 dry ice, the CO2 snow produced by expanding the pressurised liquid CO2 being directly applied with low density in a uniform or intermittent manner to the surfaces to be cleaned of the contact pipe and gas nozzle by means of a cleaning head that fits the burner.

Abstract: A substrate processing system that enables foreign matter adhered to a rear surface or a periphery of a substrate to be completely removed. A substrate processing apparatus performs predetermined processing on the substrate. A substrate cleaning apparatus cleans the substrate at least one of before and after the predetermined processing. A jetting apparatus jets a cleaning substance in two phases of a gas phase and a liquid phase and a high-temperature gas towards the rear surface or the periphery of the substrate.

Abstract: A steam mop having a main body with a boiler, a water container, a mechanical water pump between the boiler and container and at least one side arm connecting the boiler steam outlet to a fabric steam pocket frame. The water pump is actuated by movement of the mop when cleaning to send water to the boiler. The steam pocket frame is substantially rectangular with a plurality of baffles to distribute steam disposed substantially perpendicular to a steam channel having openings to distribute steam between the baffles. A replaceable fabric pocket fits snugly over the frame to distribute cleaning steam to the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dishwasher. A dishwasher includes a washing tub in which dishes are placed, a steam generator that generates steam and a nozzle part in which a flow direction of the steam is diverted at least one time to allow the steam exhausted to the washing tub.

Abstract: A dishwasher is provided which can reduce the discharge of noise produced by the dishwasher, thereby preventing a user from being upset due to the noise and achieving not only a comfortable use environment but also an improvement in productivity. With the dishwasher, it is possible to prevent the noise, caused during operation of the dishwasher, from being discharged from a lower side of a door, by use of a sound-insulation member with a simplified configuration. In the manufacture of the dishwasher, improved assembly productivity can be accomplished.

Abstract: A dishwasher pump apparatus includes a liquid pump member, a motor operably connected to the liquid pump member and a cooling fan configured to cool the motor. The cooling fan includes an outer fan housing. Example dishwasher pump apparatus can further include an outer sound absorbing layer at least partially encapsulating at least one of an outer motor housing and the outer fan housing. Further examples, the outer fan housing can include an exhaust portion defining an exhaust path. An inner sound absorbing layer can line an inner area of the exhaust portion.

Abstract: A substrate treating apparatus for treating substrates with a treating liquid includes a treating tank having an inner tank for storing the treating liquid, and an outer tank for collecting the treating liquid overflowing the inner tank. A supply pipe interconnects the inner tank and the outer tank for circulating the treating liquid. A first branch pipe is shunted from the supply pipe, and a separator is mounted on the first branch pipe for separating deionized water and a solvent in the treating liquid, and discharging the deionized water. A second branch pipe interconnects positions upstream and downstream of the separator, and a deionized water remover is mounted on the second branch pipe for adsorbing and removing deionized water from the treating liquid. An injection pipe is connected to the supply pipe for injecting deionized water in a position downstream of the separator. A solvent injector injects the solvent into the injection pipe.

Abstract: A telescopic umbrella, such as a sunshade, that includes a lower upright stand pipe and a telescopic pipe arranged in a displaceable and arrestable manner therein. The telescopic umbrella also includes a canopy articulated on the telescopic pipe, it being possible for the canopy to be opened and closed by means of a sheathed cable or Bowden control running within the telescopic pipe and controlled by a control device. The control device is attached to the telescopic pipe so that the opening/closing movement of the umbrella canopy is uncoupled from the telescopic mechanism of the umbrella.