Abstract: There is provided an active iron powder which is suitable for a heat generating composition of a heat generating body, is excellent in rising properties and is excellent in economy by using an iron powder which is generally produced at present and modifying its function into an active iron powder suitable as a raw material of a heat generating body. The invention is concerned with an active iron powder to be contained in a heat generating composition capable of generating heat upon contact with air, characterized in that in the active iron powder, a part of the surface of the iron powder is covered by an iron oxide film; and that a thickness of the iron oxide film is from 3 nm to 100 ?m and is not more than 50% of the total thickness of the active iron powder.

Abstract: To provide a heat generating body in which a space can be surely secured in the surroundings of a heat generating composition and heat insulation of the heat generating composition, adjustment of the quantity of air to be taken in and prevention of dispersion of water can be achieved.

Abstract: A damper and overfire air duct in a combustion system having a combustion structure defining a flue gas passage, the damper and overfire air duct including: an inlet to the overfire air duct and an outlet to the duct discharging overfire air into the flue gas passage, and the damper aligned with an axis of the overfire air duct, and having an open position axially distal to the inlet and a closed position at least partially in the inlet and duct, wherein the damper is movable axially between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A pressureless or atmospheric steamer for cooking food with a high cooking efficiency has a cooking compartment with an outlet for steam and condensate that feeds to a tempering tank via an outlet conduit. The outlet conduit is spaced closely from the controlled water level in the tempering tank, and is in fluid communication with the atmospheric vent to create an open steam cooker. A steam generator is adjacent the cooking compartment and has a water reservoir, a heat exchanger secured within the reservoir in a heat-transferring relationship at an exterior surface of the heat exchanger with the water held in the reservoir, and a heater that supplies heat to the interior of the heat exchanger. The tempering tank has a drain and level controls for a water supply held in the tempering tank.

Abstract: Cooking food in a hybrid conveyor with both electric and gas-fired infrared heaters. The heat output from the gas fired infrared heater is controlled by cycling or pulsing the gas supply to one or more burners that emit infrared heat by heating a nichrome screen wire. The electric power supplied to electrically powered heaters is also controlled.

Abstract: A radiant liquid heating device includes a container for holding a liquid. The container includes an opening for dispensing the fluid and a closed bottom. A base member is mounted relative to the closed bottom. The base member is spaced a predetermined distance relative to the closed bottom to provide an air gap therebetween. The base member is exposed to a heat source wherein the base member shields the bottom of the container from being in direct contact with the heat source to provide a source of radiant heat for maintaining a liquid disposed within the container at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: This invention relates to the sun location tracking method and apparatus of solar heat or photovoltaic collectors which are composed of a solar heat comparison collector for tracing the sun, a solar heat collector for reverting the collectors to sunrise position, and a turbine driven instrument of differential gear for mechanical driving of the tracking system so the tracking is accomplished by itself, and a heat exchanger and a water tank are provided to improve efficiency. The sun location tracking is performed by kinetic force of the steam turbine which driven by the steam from the solar heat comparison collector that generating steam with the solar energy only, so the most solar heat or photovoltaic energy to be obtained at the collectors while tracking the sun location from sunrise to sunset as driving one or more solar heat or photovoltaic collector (s) with interlocking movement manner.

Abstract: A solar collector device for mounting on the outside of a support structure and including a fluid circuit for receiving a fluid for heating by solar radiation, the device further comprising a length of connection piping connected to the fluid circuit and moveable relative to the fluid circuit while thus connected thereto from a protected position to an installation position where the distal end thereof extends to the inside of said support structure.

Abstract: A flexible solar power collector includes a flexible transparent outer tube, a flexible black inner tube inserted through the flexible transparent outer tube for guiding water to a water heater, sealing devices that seal the two ends of the flexible transparent outer tube to define a greenhouse within the flexible transparent outer tube around the flexible black inner tube, a flexible photoelectric converter fastened to the bottom side of the flexible transparent outer tube to convert solar energy into electric energy, and a flexible electrothermal converter connected to the flexible photoelectric converter to transform electric energy into thermal energy.

Abstract: A solar collector includes a radiant energy heat exchanging panel having two lateral tube, and a number of intermediate pipes disposed between the lateral tubes and each having a longitudinal bore communicating with the longitudinal bores of the lateral tubes for allowing the longitudinal bores of the lateral tube and the intermediate pipes to be coupled together to form a sealed working fluid flowing system, the lateral tubes and the intermediate pipes are made of synthetic materials and formed with a molding process for allowing the lateral tubes and the intermediate pipes to be easily and quickly made or manufactured. A number of fins may be coupled between the intermediate pipes.

Abstract: A radiant tube heater assembly includes a housing containing a blower and a burner, which is aligned with an opening in the housing through which a flame and products of combustion flow into a U-shaped burner tube. The closed downstream end of the burner tube is in close proximity to the housing. In order to prevent or reduce the likelihood of the products of combustion entering the blower, an exhaust tube is mounted in a downstream leg of the burner tube and extends outwardly through the U-shaped outer end of the tube remote from the housing.

Abstract: A droplet-size reduction system is described. The system in a first embodiment has a catheter having a distal end and a proximal end and a plurality of lumens therein, a chamber at the proximal end of the catheter, the chamber having a first end and a second end and a fluid pathway therebetween, the first end of the chamber being in fluid communication with the plurality of lumens, an aerosol generator between a first one of the plurality of lumens and the first end of the chamber; and a piezoelectric element disposed in the pathway and coupled to an oscillating voltage supply. In another embodiment, the system has a chamber having a first end and a second end and a fluid pathway therebetween, a plurality of catheters in fluid communication with the first end, an aerosol generator between a first one of the plurality of catheters and the first end, and a piezoelectric element disposed in the pathway and coupled to an oscillating voltage supply.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a nebulizer, and more particularly but not exclusively to a compact nebulizer that efficiently utilizes medication.

Abstract: The invention relates to a small-volume nebulizer that is pre-filled with at least one unit-dose of medicine and hermetically sealed until use. The nebulizer may be sealed at the top with a removable cap that may be detached at the time of use and replaced with a patient connector. Likewise, the nebulizer may be sealed at the bottom with a bottom cap that is replaced with a gas source at the beginning of a therapeutic aerosol treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates in general to a respiratory therapy device, and more specifically to an apparatus and method for providing continuous positive airway pressure therapy that may be connected to a small-volume nebulizer in order to provide a combination therapy that requires only a single source of gas. The apparatus of the invention includes a valveless patient interface and a source of pressurized gas which may be split into two streams to provide both continuous positive airway pressure therapy as well as aerosol therapy to a patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus (19) for use in establishing an artificial airway in a patient, the apparatus comprising a tube (19a) for introduction into the patient's trachea for passage of gases to and from the patient's lungs, an inflatable seal (20) disposed upon the tube (19a) to provide, on inflation, a seal between the tube and the trachea of the patient, the seal (20) thereby defining a lung-side portion (19c) of the apparatus and a mouth-side portion (19d) of the apparatus, the apparatus further comprising means (19e) to facilitate removal of fluid from at or adjacent the said mouth-side portion (19d) of the apparatus (19).

Abstract: An HME (heat and moisture exchanger) (10) having a septum (or filter) (15) formed by pleating a sheet (150) of material capable of retaining and releasing heat and moisture. The HME (10) is characterized in that walls (15a, 15b, 15c) of the septum (or filter) (15) are coated partly or completely with sealing material to define at least two exposed areas (A1, A2) through which inhaled gas (F1) and exhaled gas (F2) flow respectively. Moreover, each sheet (150) of material is divided into identical units (150a) “fan-folded”, in use, one on top of another to form a first set of passages (150b) through which only the inhaled gas (F1) flows, and a second set of passages (150c) through which only the exhaled gas (F2) flows.

Abstract: A dispensing device has a storage device and an air pump for dispensing a medical formulation. The storage device has multiple inserts, each insert containing a single dose of the formulation. Each insert is located in a separate and sealed cavity. The cavities can be individually opened for dispensing the respective dose from the respective insert by a connecting element that is moveable relative to the inserts for individually supplying air from a air pump to a respective one of the receptacles. A manually operated actuator is radially moveable to operate the air pump and to rotate the storage device to the next receptacle, and/or radially move the connecting element to individually open the respective receptacle, and to connect the pump to the respective receptacle and/or to push an insert out of the respective receptacle.

Abstract: A dispensing device has a storage device and an air pump for dispensing a medical formulation. The storage device has multiple inserts, each insert containing a single dose of the formulation. Each insert is located in a separate and sealed cavity. The cavities can be individually opened for dispensing the respective dose from the respective insert by a pressurizing gas via a connecting element that is moveable relative to the inserts for individually supplying pressurized gas to a respective one of the receptacles. A mechanism is provided for preventing a back stroke of the connecting element during supplying of the pressurizing gas and dispensing of the formulation.

Abstract: A dispensing device having a storage device and an air pump for dispensing a medical formulation. The storage device comprises multiple inserts, each insert containing a single dose of the formulation. Each insert is located in a separate and sealed cavity. The cavities can be individually opened for dispensing the respective dose from the respective insert.

Abstract: A dispensing device having a storage device and an air pump for dispensing a medical formulation. The storage device comprises multiple inserts, each insert containing a single dose of the formulation. Each insert is located in a separate and sealed cavity. The cavities can be individually opened for dispensing the respective dose from the respective insert.

Abstract: The invention provides an inhaler of the non-reservoir kind (i.e. one which operates by dispensing individually packaged doses) characterised by the feature that a moisture-proof barrier—which may optionally comprise substantially or partly an external region of the inhaler-encloses the dose-storage region of the inhaler without enclosing the doses individually, and incorporates a similarly moisture-proof aperture through which the medicament doses can, in use, be individually dispensed. The invention also provides a method of filling such an inhaler.

Abstract: For the first time ever, a device (1) for shortening the wake-up phase of an anesthetized patient (Pa) is provided. Furthermore, a process is provided for operating a device (1) as well as a process is provided for respirating a patient (Pa) with gaseous anesthetic (17).

Abstract: A ventilator that delivers air at different pressures to a patient during inspiratory and expiratory cycles of breathing and that cycles from inspiratory to expiratory operation when the patient's respiratory flow passes a threshold level. The threshold generally increases from the beginning of inspiration to the end of inspiration. The increase can be linear over all or only a portion of the inspiratory cycle, and the threshold can be adjusted so that cycling is prevented during the initial portion of an inspiratory cycle. The minimum and maximum levels may both be functions of peak flow and the threshold may increase as a function of elapsed inspiratory time. The rate at which the threshold increases from a minimum level to a maximum level may be adjustable for individual patient needs and may be determined from previous breaths.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating breathing using a mechanical breathing gas ventilator is presented. The patient effort is deduced from a measured flow signal and analyzed with respect to the energy in the breathing system comprising the mechanical ventilator and the patient. When a predetermined energy threshold has been reached the ventilator responds to the breathing pattern change.

Abstract: A respiratory component measurement system that includes an airway adapter adapted to be placed in fluid communication with an airway of a patient and a sensor element in physical communication with the airway adapter. The sensor element is adapted to detect an orientation related characteristic of the airway adapter, a motion related characteristic of the airway adapter, or both. A respiratory component sensor is also adapted to be disposed on the airway adapter so as to measure a characteristic associated with a flow of gas through the airway adapter.

Abstract: A face/dust mask constructed from differently-shaped filter media parts, each part having a different function, and each part interconnected so as to form a fitted air filter. Dual filters assist in eliminating from the intake air a substantial amount of the dust and debris encountered by riders of dirt bikes, manual bicycles, All-Terrain Vehicles, and other machines operated over unimproved, dusty terrain. By the nature of the materials and contours of the component parts, the mask fits comfortably and effectively for both adult and child users. The invention is highly resilient so as to adapt itself to the interior shape of a protective helmet or the mouthpiece section of a motorcycle helmet or similar safety helmet which is placed into position over the mask. The mask is of versatile design so as to enable a variety of embodiments with different filtering capabilities.

Abstract: A surgical drape has a fenestration configured to aid in identifying an anatomical point of interest and positioning the fenestration at the surgical site. In one preferred form, the surgical drape has a chevron-shaped fenestration for positioning the fenestration relative to the xiphoid process region of a patient, which is useful for establishing the sterile field in certain bariatric procedures. An anesthesia screen at a head of the drape extends laterally to the sides of the base sheet forming the fenestration and defines integral arm board covers. The lateral ends of the anesthesia sheet are sealed in part to close the ends of the arm board covers. A secondary base sheet defining a smaller, secondary fenestration is releasably attached to the base sheet so that the fenestrations can be aligned with one another. Various instrument and chord management features are also included. A method of making the drape is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mechanical device and/or chemical process is utilized to maintain luminal patency in conduits or other devices implanted in the lung or lungs of a patient. The mechanical device and/or chemical process ensures that air flows freely through a conduit implanted through an anastomosis into a lung. The device is suitable for use in conjunction with ventilation bypass treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract: A delivery system for an implantable medical device including a tether retaining feature having a bore. The system includes a connector having a top surface, a bottom surface, a rail extending in a proximal direction from the connector, and an aperture sized to receive the tether retaining feature and reduce movement of the connector with respect to the implantable medical device in a plane parallel to the aperture. A tether is sized to fit within the bore of the tether retaining feature. The tether acts against the top surface of the connector to retain the bottom surface of the connector proximal to the implantable medical device when the tether is located within the bore of the tether retaining feature. A method for delivering an implantable medical device including a tether retaining feature.

Abstract: A method for making cigarettes comprising feeding tubing piece-by-piece to a vertical duct by opening and closing-timing gate operated by cam, accelerating tubing down to the vertical duct, with the help of vertical accelerator belts until the tubing becomes captured into the hopper holder, picking the tubing with an articulate tubing holder located on a transferring drum, lowering to the garniture, and releasing the tubing under the registration lagged-belt.

Abstract: A disposable cigarette ash bag package includes a set of disposable cigarette ash bags for receiving cigarette ash individually, and an outer bag or box for receiving the set of disposable cigarette ash bags. The disposable cigarette ash bags are smaller one relative another so that they are can be inserted one into another.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for aiding users in packing and clearing a smoking container or bowl. The device comprises a first upper tray comprising an edge region forming a rim and a base region forming a planar surface having a first side and a second side. There is a support element which can be formed as a one-piece support element or formed as a plurality of legs coupled to the first upper tray, and a second lower tray coupled to the support element. This second lower tray is formed as an ashtray and is spaced opposite the second side of the planar surface of the first upper tray. The first upper tray has a channel which extends through the planar surface on the first upper tray. This channel comprises a frusto-conical opening, extending away from the first side on the planar surface and an extending region extending from the second side on the planar surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of forming portions of tobacco, and of removing the same by an conveyor having at least one path of holders for a respective portion, in which the holders are filled with individual portions of the contents at least two filling lines of one or more filling stations, and, prior to the individual filling operations, individual portions of the contents are weighed and weighed portions that satisfy the predetermined conditions—acceptable portions—are filled cyclically into the holders and weighed portions that do not satisfy the predetermined conditions are detected and ejected as defective portions, characterized by components and steps of (a) following detection of a defective portion, that holder which the filling line originally predetermined for filling this holder would have filled with the contents portion, on which the defective portion is based, had the contents portion satisfied the predetermined conditions—defective-portion holder—is sensed, and a filling line other than that ori

Abstract: The invention relates to the cigarette filter containing the microfibres, which contains from 0.5 to 10% by weight of polymeric nanofibres, that are arranged among the microfibres. At manufacturing of cigarette filter containing the microfibres, the nanofibres or shreds of surface nanofibrous textile are brought to the surface of a configuration designated for production of the cigarette filter formed at least of 90% by weight of microfibres, and they are deposited onto the surface and/or into the volume of the configuration in a quantity from 0.5 to 10% b weight.

Abstract: This invention involves artificial nose hair, which improves and reinforces the function of human physiological nose hair. It's designed according to the nature structure of human nose hair. Different than the existing nose filters and mask, artificial nose hair doesn't harms the physiological nose hair and nasal membrane when used. In addition to the filtering characteristic, artificial nose hair also exploit the beneficial possibility of functional fiber when manufactured with specific material. For example, it can be used as medicine carrier or physical therapy.

Abstract: A nail appliqué product for applying dry nail polish to a fingernail. The appliqué has two ends—each of which is functionally useful for coating a fingernail. The two ends are each differently sized so that with each inventive appliqué a user is presented with two different choices of sizes to match to her particular fingernail. In one preferred embodiment, a buffer section also is provided to ensure that the functional and aesthetic integrity is preserved when the appliqué is removed from its backing.

Abstract: A hair clip which includes opposing first (12) and second (14) combs, each of which has a body (18) with an upper side (19) and an underside (20), a plurality of spaced apart teeth (21) which extend from the body (18) and a plurality of attachment brackets (22a, 22b, 22c) on the body (18), each of which has an individual recess formation on the underside (20) and at least two spaced apart apertures which extend in the recess formation and between the underside and the upper side, and a biasing member which is attached to the first and second combs (14) and which is engaged with the plurality of attachment brackets (22a, 22b, 22c).

Abstract: A comb is described having two sets of opposing tines that are connected together by way a biasing hinge. The comb is utilized in styling hair and, in particular, to lift short hair vertically upwardly.

Abstract: A preformed artificial nail assembly comprising an artificial nail sized to correspond to at least a portion of said natural nail, and an application tab extending from the distal end of the artificial nail, the application tab having a neck portion and a body portion, said neck portion being disposed between the body portion and the distal end of the artificial nail, the body portion being disposed at an angle to the artificial nail such that the body may be readily grasped by the user to facilitate placement of the artificial nail on the natural nail. Embodiments includes a tab that twists from the connection to the artificial nail to the tab body, and a tab or gating structure that extends from the bottom surface of the artificial nail.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an applicator for applying a composition to keratinous fibers, the applicator comprising: a stem; a core that extends along a longitudinal axis; applicator elements carried by the core, the distal end of the applicator being defined by the core or by at least one applicator element; the applicator elements defining an envelope surface; wherein the cross-section of the applicator defined by the envelope surface increases, and then decreases, on going towards the distal end of the core along at least two axes that are perpendicular to each other, and defines a peak ridge of maximum radius rmax that is strictly the greatest radius for the entire envelope surface, the peak ridge being spaced apart from the distal end of the envelope surface by a distance measured along the longitudinal axis that is less than or equal to 1.5 rmax; and the angle formed by the slopes of the envelope surface on either side of the peak ridge in at least one longitudinal section being greater than 120°.

Abstract: The cosmetic brush, which is in particular a mascara brush, comprises a bristle portion with a base body and a plurality of bristles that stick out from the base body and serve for the application of a cosmetic product. The bristles have a high bristle density of at least 6 bristles per square millimeter and consist of a plastic material that has a Shore hardness D of more than 40.

Abstract: Hair dyeing and treatment tongs that emit supersonic energy, which comprise: an upper shaft and a lower shaft, wherein the supersonic circuit boards, transducer chips and guiding boards are all mounted in said upper and lower shafts. The supersonic circuit boards, the transducer chips and the guiding boards of the upper and lower shafts are connected with power lines via conducting wires, and one end of the upper shaft and the lower shaft are connected and pivot together. When the power is on, electricity is conducted to the transducer chip by virtue of the supersonic circuit board where it is converted to supersonic energy to be transferred to the guiding board and finally conducted to the user's hair. Meanwhile, hair color and hair conditioner can be applied to the user's hair, which achieves the functions of convenient use and saving space.

Abstract: A hair styling apparatus includes a pair of mating surfaces which engage one another and a handle which guides them into engagement at the manual control of a user. Hair to be styled is placed between the engaged surfaces. A plurality of pins extend from both of the surfaces and engage holes in the other of the surfaces. One or both surfaces may incorporate a source of dry heat. In another aspect of the invention, a source of steam is provided together with a trigger for discharging the steam through holes in at least one of the surfaces as an aid to hair styling.

Abstract: In one embodiment a device for styling hair includes a first housing having a first face, a second housing having a second face, a hinged frame coupled to the first and second housings and hinged to permit a user to bring the first face and the second face together into a closed position where the hair is engaged between the first and second faces. A first plate coupled to a first section of the first face defines a first covered zone and the remaining area left uncovered by the first plate is referred to as a first uncovered zone. A second plate coupled to a first section of the second face defines a second covered zone and the remaining area left uncovered by the second plate is referred to as the second uncovered zone. Pins extend from the first uncovered zone to engage holes in the second uncovered zone.

Abstract: A headband (10) is provided as a unitary body comprising a top portion (20) and two side portions (30). The side portions (30) include curvilinear ear portions that generally follow a contour behind an ear of a wearer. The top portion (20) may include a non-planar surface that faces the head of the wearer, providing space between the headband and the head of the wearer and allowing the hair of the wearer to “lift” away from may include hinges (42) in the joints between the top portion (20) and side portions (30), allowing the headband to be folded. Other features may be included to provide comfort, convenience, security of fit, or aesthetics. The headband may be comprised of any material, including synthetic or natural such as, but not limited to, an elastomer or foam. The headband may be translucent, transparent, or opaque.

Abstract: One embodiment of a head-switchable brush, comprises a brush head, a ferrule, and a brush handle. The ferrule has the head at one end and the handle at the other end. There is a piece of magnet attached to the brush handle and ferrule respectively where the two parts connect. The brush head can be switched and assembled with the handle easily whenever needed. The ferrule can be kept firmly on the handle by the action of the magnet inside. The head-switchable function of this brush kit can greatly enlarge the brush applying space and also avoid the material wasting since this brush kit has one handle only but with various brush head.

Abstract: Taught herein are a method and apparatus for removing sediments, fouling agents and the like from fluid, in particular liquid, ducts and/or tanks, characterized in that the method comprises applying an ultrasound vibration to a plurality of points of the structure, duct or tank to be treated, said ultrasound vibration being continuously applied outside the structure at a given frequency and power.

Abstract: A device and method are provided to allow the removal of unset or generally plastic concrete from the surfaces of mixing and transportation devices by the application of vibrational energy with a liquid to mix and achieve solubilization of the generally plastic concrete into a solution.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus has a pressure-reducible reaction chamber, a substrate support provided in the reaction chamber, a gas inlet port provided in a wall portion of the reaction chamber to introduce a gas into the reaction chamber, a first plate provided between the substrate support and the gas inlet port in the reaction chamber and having a plurality of first holes for dispersing the gas introduced from the gas inlet port into the reaction chamber, and a second plate provided between the substrate support and the first plate in the reaction chamber in opposing relation to the first plate and having a plurality of second holes for further dispersing the gas dispersed by the first plate. The first and second plates can be moved relatively to each other such that a spacing between the first and second plates is variable.