Abstract: The present invention describes a process for the degradation of cellulose by dissolving the cellulose in an ionic liquid and treating it at elevated temperature, if appropriate in the presence of water.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to enhance the inhalation efficiency by bearing liquid droplets on an air flow at the early stage of inhalation in an inhaler that is used for the user to inhale a medicine ejected from an ejection head. According to one embodiment of the present invention, from an operation in which the user lets out a breath before the start of inhalation, that is, from the exhalation stage, a positive pressure B produced by the exhalation is detected by a pressure detecting unit, and is compared with a standard pattern stored in a storage unit, by which the exhalation profile of the user is prepared. A time difference t between the exhalation finish time and the start time of next inhalation is estimated, followed by the determination of the ejection start time T1 based on these pieces of information.

Abstract: Metered dose inhaler actuators for pressurised aerosol containing a formulation of at least one medicament in a liquefied propellant gas which comprise: a nozzle block 5 having a bore 11 to receive a valve stem 7; a sump 8 in connection with a bore 11, wherein the propellant formulation expands upon actuation of the inhaler; a nozzle channel 6, exiting from the sump 8 and aligned with a mouthpiece 4, wherein the sump 8 has an internal volume between 2 and 12 mm3 prevent the deposition of the medicament during the delivery into the chamber and/or into the nozzle channel. a reduction in the delivered dose, and an increase in the occurrence of the clogging of the inhaler.

Abstract: A nasal dilator capable of introducing separating stresses in nasal outer wall tissues has a resilient member and a pair of spaced-apart end surfaces which can be forced toward one another from an initial flat position of the dilator to thereby substantially reduce the direct spacing therebetween by an external spacing reducing force. This results in restoring forces in the dilator tending to return it to the original direct spacing between the end surfaces. Resilient members, which can be asymmetrical with respect to a centerline of the dilator that is parallel to the long axis of the dilator, have a spring rate which continuously diminishes from the centerline to the end surfaces. The edges of the resilient members are contiguous to the edge of the cushion layer so that adhesive on the cushion layer is at the same level as the bottom surface of the resilient members.

Abstract: A water dissipation device for a breathing circuit is provided, including a bucket-shaped hollow composite structure having walls made of a first inner layer made of water vapor wicking material, and a second outer layer of a water vapor breathable medium surrounding the first inner layer. The device defines a flow space surrounded by the composite structure to provide a superior way of removal of moisture or water vapor from a breathing circuit, due to the greater surface area of flow spaces bounded by a water vapor breathable medium and the use of a water vapor wicking material and relatively long dwell times and flow paths through the device. The result is that when the device is connected to a breathing circuit, rainout or condensation in the breathing tube and collection of water within the breathing circuit is significantly reduced.

Abstract: A breathing gas supply device is provided which can be taken apart for cleaning purposes. The breathing gas supply device has a modular design in the form of a breathing gas module (2) and a blower module (3), which are inserted together into a housing module (4).

Abstract: A patient delivery tube for the delivery of a heated, humidified gas. The patient delivery tube includes an elongated tubing member molded from a flexible polymer, said elongated tubing member comprising a first end, a second end and an axially aligned passageway extending therethrough and an electric heater comprising a conductive material, said electric heater arranged along said axially aligned passageway for perimetrically heating said axially aligned passageway. A method of delivering a heated, humidified gas to a patient is also provided.

Abstract: Operating a respirator with an inspiration pressure-vs.-time curve (1), which has an airway target pressure (paw—target) and a PEEP (3), in which the inspiration pressure-vs.-time curve (1) reaches the airway target pressure (paw—target) on a ramp-like curve (17) starting from a starting airway pressure (paw—Start), which is greater than the PEEP (3).

Abstract: A monitor includes a measurement line segment adapted to be coupled between a patient interface and a positive airway pressure device. The measurement line segment defines a gas flow path. A sensor includes two ports in communication with the gas flow path through the measurement line segment, and a recording device is adapted to record data collected by the sensor.

Abstract: A method of operating a CPAP apparatus in which the interface pressure is controlled to rapidly drop at the start of expiration by an expiratory relief pressure (ERP) that is independent of instantaneous respiratory flow, following which the pressure rises to an inspiratory level at or shortly before the end of expiration, or at the onset of an expiratory pause, if any. The ERP is an increasing function of the inspiratory pressure. The expiratory pressure follows a template that is a function of the expected expiration time, the magnitude of the template being equal to the ERP. The current estimated proportion of expiration is determined by comparing the expiration time of the breath in progress to low-pass filtered expiratory durations measured for a number of the preceding breaths.

Abstract: A respirator device for use in treating obstructive sleep apnea is described, with a pressure generator for generating an artificial atmosphere having a treatment pressure, with a pressure regulating device for controlling the pressure generator, and with a respiratory tube with a breathing mask for supplying the artificial atmosphere generated by the pressure generator to a patient, which is characterized in that it has a control mechanism for the continuous determination of a pressure loss occurring over an airway resistance in the airways of the patient, and for the essentially proportional adjustment of the pattern of treatment pressure to the pattern of the determined pressure loss. The use of a respiratory device of this type for the treatment of sleep apnea substantially decreases the strain on the respiratory musculature of the patient, makes the course of treatment more pleasant, and decreases potential secondary effects of the treatment.

Abstract: A process and system are provided for transmitting monitoring states between respirators. The process includes the detection of and recording of monitoring states of a monitoring unit (5) of at least a first monitoring period (10) of a first respirator (2). There is an assignment of an identification to the monitoring states of the monitoring unit (5) of the at least first monitoring period (10) of the first respirator (2). There is a transmission of the monitoring states of the monitoring unit (5) of the at least first monitoring period (10) of the first respirator (2) to a second respirator (3). This is followed by a setting of the monitoring unit (5) of the second respirator (3) corresponding to the transmitted monitoring states of the monitoring unit (5) of the at least first monitoring period (10) of the first respirator (2). This is then followed by a repetition of steps for the monitoring states of the monitoring unit (5) of each additional monitoring period (10) of the first respirator (2).

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a water dissipation device to remove water vapor from a humidified gas traveling through a breathing circuit between a patient and a ventilator, or a ventilator and a patient. The present invention includes a water dissipation device having a housing defining entry and exit ports for coupling to the breathing circuit and a breathable medium permeable to water vapor and impermeable to liquid water bacteria, viruses and other gases enclosed within said housing.

Abstract: A nasal filter comprising two filter bodies, a connecting portion and two filter materials is provided. The filter body respectively has a top surface, a bottom surface and a first axial hole. The first axial hole penetrates the top surface and the bottom surface, and a first opening and a second opening respectively form on the top surface and the bottom surface. The diameter of the first opening is smaller than the diameter of the second opening. The connecting portion has two ends connected with the two filter bodies respectively. The two filter materials are respectively disposed in the two first axial holes, wherein the diameter of the filter material is greater than or equal to the diameter of the second opening.

Abstract: The present invention is a method by which a bridge band attaches to an interface used to communicate breathing gases to a user. The bridge band contains two opposing recesses towards each end, which create a neck area. The interface contains openings in the nose area that accepts the recesses of the bridge band. There are two parallel openings on each side of the centerline of the mask. One end of the bridge band is inserted into the first opening and then out of the second opening until the recesses are fully engaged in the openings. Accordingly, the second end is laced through the openings in the same manner on the opposite side of the mask. The openings and recesses are sized appropriately such that they will engage together fully and tightly.

Abstract: An emergency pulmonary resuscitation device is described. The device of the present invention provides emergency breathing for use in techniques such as CPR, and is preferably capable of interaction with an automatic external defibrillator. The device is easy to operate and provides feedback so that it may be used by persons without medical training. The device also works through a simple action, making it possible for it to be inexpensively manufactured and widely disseminated.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for decreasing intracranial pressure and enhancing circulation in a breathing person, as well as for increasing the respiratory rate and encouraging spontaneous respiration. According to such methods, a valve system is interfaced to a person's airway. The valve system has a threshold valve and an airway member that interfaces with the person's airway. The threshold valve is configured to prevent respiratory gas flow to the person's lungs during a portion of an inhalation event until the inspiration equals or exceeds an opening pressure of the threshold valve. Also, a small level of external vacuum is constantly supplied at a juncture between the threshold valve and the airway member.

Abstract: A thoracic stabilizer for limiting anterior chest wall collapse includes a platform supporting a patient and a pair of lateral supports contacting opposite sides of the patient's chest wall and applying force to limit collapse of the chest wall. The force applied by the lateral supports is varied depending on the force applied to the platform by the patient. The stabilizer includes a retractometer measuring the collapse of the chest wall. According to one embodiment, the stabilizer includes a controller that varies the force applied to the chest wall in closed-loop fashion based on the chest wall collapse measured by the retractometer using an algorithm of the controller. According to one embodiment, the stabilizer includes motors moving the lateral supports. According to another embodiment, the stabilizer includes a hydraulic system and the lateral supports include expandable fluid-filled members.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an oral appliance includes a first arch adapted to receive at least some of a user's teeth and a second arch adapted to receive at least some of the user's teeth. The first arch includes an anterior substantially planar region. The second arch includes an anterior bearing point that contacts the anterior substantially planar region of the first arch when the user bites down with the oral appliance inserted in the user's mouth and the user's temporomandibular joint in its proper natural position. In a more particular embodiment, the oral appliance may be used to help maintain stability of one or more aspects of the user's masticatory system, including at least helping to maintain proper positioning of the user's temporomandibular joint.

Abstract: A system for compensating a neurally triggered or other self-caused displacement of a tissue of an animal including man comprises a base provided with a means for immobilizing the animal or body part thereof comprising the tissue, one or more displacement means in contact with the base, a means for sampling position data from a marker disposed in or in the proximity of the tissue, a means for sampling source activity data from one or more sources of displacement, microprocessor means for correlating position data and source activity data to generate a predictive correspondence, a means for controlling the one or more displacement means by source activity data based on the predictive correspondence. Also disclosed is a corresponding method and use.

Abstract: In a filter cigarette having a tobacco strand, a wrapping and a filter, the filter possesses at least one gas phase-active filter part which contains at least one gas phase-reducing substance. The gas phase-reducing substances are embedded in a filter material matrix. They are introduced in a quantity of at least 75 mg per filter and at least 5 mg/mm of the length of the gas phase-active filter part. The filter cigarette exhibits a filter ventilation of at most 30% (or of from 30% to 70%). The NFDPM value is between 4 and 10 mg/cigarette (or in the range of from 2 to 4 mg/Cigarette), as measured in accordance with ISO smoking conditions. The gas phase quotient Q1, defined as (?g of benzene per cigarette)/(mg of CO per cigarette) and measured in accordance with ISO smoking conditions, is less than 1.5, preferably less than 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit comprising: an applicator device including a heater; and a composition for application to the eyelashes, said composition presenting at least one property that varies as a function of temperature; the composition being contained in an applicator endpiece of a shape that is adapted to being fitted to the heater, or the composition being contained in a receptacle in the form of a powder in which the heater can be immersed so as to be loaded it with composition.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for firmly and comfortably holding and manipulating dental floss without obstructing blood flow in the fingers. The apparatus provides a high degree of dexterity and tactile control, thereby allowing the dental floss to be easily positioned anywhere within the mouth, and allowing the positioning to be readily guided by touch. The apparatus includes a pair of elastomeric sleeves, each worn on a user's finger. A length of dental floss is tensioned between the sleeves by wrapping each end of the dental floss around a sleeve (each end also preferably being glued to a sleeve) and then separating the sleeves until the floss is pulled tightly between them. The sleeves are then inserted into the mouth so as to pass the floss between the teeth. In preferred embodiments, texturing is provided on each sleeve to inhibit slippage of the dental floss on the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combined cleaner apparatus, a combined cleaner method, and a cleaner system. The combined cleaner apparatus includes a housing element, said housing element having a first housing element portion; a material sprayer and a material dispenser, wherein the material sprayer and the material dispenser are communicably associated to said first housing element portion; at least one material providing body, wherein the at least one of the material sprayer and the material dispenser is in communication with the at least one material providing body.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a diesel particulate filter includes a step of coupling an acoustic generator directly to the diesel particulate filter via a support fixture. Ash deposited within the diesel particulate filter is dislodged with acoustic energy deposited by the acoustic generator. The ash may fall clear of the diesel particulate filter under the action of gravity and/or via pressurized air flow.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus includes an irradiation unit configured to irradiate onto a substrate a laser beam having a pulse width of a picosecond-level or femtosecond-level range, and to clean the substrate via the laser beam.

Abstract: A car wash brush is constructed using permanently pleated synthetic water-carrying material. In one form, radially-pleated fabric discs are stacked on a shaft. In another form, a single length of material is laterally pleated and punched to form a continuous pattern of holes along one edge, and assembled onto a spring or flexible cable which can be wrapped around a rotatable drive shaft. The brush so constructed is quiet in operation contact-washing a vehicle.

Abstract: A high efficiency disposable cellulosic wiper includes (a) pulp-derived papermaking fiber; (b) up to 75% by weight regenerated cellulosic microfiber having a characteristic CSF value of less than 175 ml, the microfiber being selected and present in amounts such that the wiper exhibits a Laplace pore volume fraction at pore sizes less than 15 microns of at least 1.5 times that of a like wiper prepared without regenerated cellulose microfiber. The wipers of the invention exhibit remarkable residue removal efficiency.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for purging and cleaning a semiconductor fabrication system are disclosed herein. In general, the disclosed methods utilize solvents comprising hydrofluoroethers. Hydrofluoroethers are non-toxic and have low moisture content, preventing heat generation from organometallic precursor hydrolysis. In an embodiment, a method of cleaning a semiconductor fabrication system comprises dissolving at least one chemical precursor used in semiconductor fabrication in at least one delivery line with a solvent to clean the at least one delivery line. The solvent generally comprises a hydrofluoroether. The methods and compositions may be used in a variety of semiconductor film deposition processes.

Abstract: A floor care apparatus includes a nozzle assembly having suction inlet. A canister assembly is connected to the nozzle assembly. A suction generator and a dirt collection vessel are carried on one of the nozzle assembly and canister assembly. A height adjustment mechanism is carried on the nozzle assembly. In addition a photo sensor unit is carried on the nozzle assembly for sensing the height of the nap of an underlying carpet or rug being cleaned. The height adjustment mechanism and the photo sensor unit cooperate together to allow the operator to automatically adjust the operating height of the vacuum cleaner relative to the height of the nap of the carpet being cleaned.

Abstract: The method is a method of rinsing an endoscope in an endoscope cleaner placed in a vessel. The method includes a step of charging a surfactant into a vessel in addition to water to fill the vessel with a first rinse water containing the surfactant, a step of rinsing the endoscope placed in the vessel with the first rinse water, a step of supplying only water into the vessel after rinsing with the first rinse water to fill the vessel with a second rinse water that does not contain the surfactant and a step of rinsing the endoscope with the second rinse water. In the method, the action of the surfactant contained in the detergent is effectively utilized in a rinsing treatment of the endoscope while the endoscope is rinsed to thereby ensure that re-deposition of dirt is suppressed to enhance the overall cleaning efficiency.

Abstract: In a method of cleaning a master disk according to the present invention, a self-adhesive surface sticking/peeling operation is performed on dust on the master disk by reciprocatingly oscillating the self-adhesive member while applying external forces in a plurality of directions. Dust on the master disk can be effectively removed by moving the self-adhesive member in this way and by using the adhesion of the self-adhesive member. Since the cleaning method according to the present invention is a removal method using a physical force, it has both the effect of removing organic materials and the effect of removing inorganic materials. Further, according to the present invention, the master disk to be cleaned can be cleaned in a state of being mounted on a disk holding member such as a holder. Therefore an apparatus of a comparatively simple construction can be applied in on-line form according to the cleaning method.

Abstract: An apparatus for wet processing individual substrates comprising; a means for holding the substrate; a means for providing acoustic energy to a non-device side of the substrate; and a means for flowing a fluid onto a device side of the substrate.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention recites an apparatus and method for anchoring an umbrella in the ground via a combination digging and anchoring base. The umbrella anchoring device is comprised of a base with a first end, a second end and a middle portion disposed between the first and second ends. The first end of the base is configured to allow a human hand to grip the first end, while the second end is fitted with a blade that can be used for digging in the ground. The middle portion of the base includes an aperture that has a dimension larger than the lower portion of an umbrella pole which allows the lower portion of an umbrella pole to pass through the aperture of the middle portion of the base, thereby anchoring the umbrella in the ground.

Abstract: A collapsible tentpole includes a series of hollow shafts, connected by insertion into each other, and an elastic cord arranged in the shafts with both ends secured to the two endmost shafts, wherein at least one groove is arranged on at least one end of the shaft.

Abstract: A Support frame for tarpaulin for use over boats in storage uses easy to assemble tube elements that are easily attached together without the use of tools in order to create a structure that allows for the laying of a tarpaulin.

Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling thermal conductivity and thermoelectric power of semiconductor nanowires are described. The thermal conductivity and the thermoelectric power are controlled substantially independently of the electrical conductivity of the nanowires by controlling dimensions and doping, respectively, of the nanowires. A thermoelectric device comprising p-doped and n-doped semiconductor nanowire thermocouples is also shown, together with a method to fabricate alternately p-doped and n-doped arrays of silicon nanowires.

Abstract: A multi-junction photovoltaic cell includes a substrate and a back contact layer formed on the substrate. A low bandgap Group IB-IIIB-VIB2 material solar absorber layer is formed on the back contact layer. A heterojunction partner layer is formed on the low bandgap solar absorber layer, to help form the bottom cell junction, and the heterojunction partner layer includes at least one layer of a high resistivity material having a resistivity of at least 100 ohms-centimeter. The high resistivity material has the formula (Zn and/or Mg)(S, Se, O, and/or OH). A conductive interconnect layer is formed above the heterojunction partner layer, and at least one additional single-junction photovoltaic cell is formed on the conductive interconnect layer, as a top cell. The top cell may have an amorphous Silicon or p-type Cadmium Selenide solar absorber layer. Cadmium Selenide may be converted from n-type to p-type with a chloride doping process.

Abstract: A device having arrays of semiconductor structures with dimensions, ordering and orientations to provide for light absorption and charge carrier separation. The semiconductor structures are formed with relatively high aspect ratios, that is, the structures are long in the direction of received light, but have relatively small radii to facilitate efficient radial collection of carriers.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting Direct Current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC), comprising a plurality of inverters, each inverter having a separate DC input adapted to be coupled to at least one solar cell defining an area of a solar panel.

Abstract: A solar power generating device includes a first conductive body, a second conductive body and an insulating body sequentially disposed on the first conductive body, and a solar energy converting unit. The first conductive body has a conducting post upward projected from a hollow sleeve portion of the insulating body and a through opening of the second conductive body, so that a conducting section at a top of the conducting post is exposed at the insulating sleeve portion. The solar energy converting unit is mounted on the conducting section of the first conductive body and in electric contact with the second conductive body. With these arrangements, the solar power generating device may be mounted on a circuit board without the need of distinguishing the polarities of electrodes, and can therefore be easily mounted to and dismounted from the circuit board and be conveniently replaced when necessary.

Abstract: Materials, devices, and methods for enhancing performance of electronic devices such as solar cells, thermoelectric conversion devices and other electronic devices are disclosed and described. In one aspect, a diamond-like carbon electronic device may include a conductive diamond-like carbon anode, an amorphous charge carrier separation layer adjacent the diamond-like carbon anode, and a cathode adjacent the charge carrier separation layer opposite the diamond-like carbon anode. Additionally, in another aspect the conductive diamond-like carbon material may have an sp3 bonded carbon content from about 30 atom % to about 90 atom %, a hydrogen content from 0 atom % to about 30 atom %, and an sp2 bonded carbon content from about 10 atom % to about 70 atom %. In yet another aspect, the sp2 bonded carbon content may be sufficient to provide the conductive diamond-like carbon material with a visible light transmissivity of greater than about 0.70.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to solar cells and methods and apparatuses for forming the same. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to thin film multi-junction solar cells and methods and apparatuses for forming the same. Embodiments of the present invention also include an improved thin film silicon solar cell, and methods and apparatus for forming the same, where one or more of the layers in the solar cell comprises at least one amorphous silicon layer that has improved electrical characteristics and mechanical properties, and is capable of being deposited at rates many times faster than conventional amorphous silicon deposition processes.

Abstract: A silicon multiple solar cell has at least two subcells (1, 2) each having a p-type layer (p1, p2), an intrinsic layer (i1, i2) and a phosphorus-doped n-type layer (n1, n2). The p-type layer (p2) which is in contact with the n-type layer (n1) of the subcell (1) disposed therebefore is configured to be at least partly nano- or microcrystalline.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for manufacturing a solar cell by forming a pn junction in a semiconductor substrate having a first conductivity type to manufacture a solar cell, including at least: applying a first coating material containing a dopant onto the semiconductor substrate having the first conductivity type; and performing vapor-phase diffusion heat treatment to form a first diffusion layer in a region applied with the first coating material and a second diffusion layer, which is formed next to the first diffusion layer through vapor-phase diffusion, with a conductivity lower than a conductivity of the first diffusion layer at the same time, and provides a solar cell.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device including a rear electrode which may also function as a rear reflector. In certain example embodiments of this invention, the rear electrode includes a metallic based reflective film that is oxidation graded, so as to be more oxided closer to a rear substrate (e.g., glass substrate) supporting the electrode than at a location further from the rear substrate. In other words, the rear electrode is oxidation graded so as to be less oxided closer to a semiconductor absorber of the photovoltaic device than at a location further from the semiconductor absorber in certain example embodiments. In certain example embodiments, the interior surface of the rear substrate may optionally be textured so that the rear electrode deposited thereon is also textured so as to provide desirable electrical and reflective characteristics. In certain example embodiments, the rear electrode may be of or include Mo and/or MoOx, and may be sputter-deposited using a combination of MoOx and Mo sputtering targets.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for manufacturing a solar cell by forming a p-n junction in a semiconductor substrate having a first conductivity type, wherein, at least: a first coating material containing a dopant and an agent for preventing a dopant from scattering, and a second coating material containing a dopant, are coated on the semiconductor substrate having the first conductivity type so that the second coating material may be brought into contact with at least the first coating material; and, a first diffusion layer formed by coating the first coating material, and a second diffusion layer formed by coating the second coating material the second diffusion layer having a conductivity is lower than that of the first diffusion layer are simultaneously formed by a diffusion heat treatment; a solar cell manufactured by the method; and a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell includes a first electrode layer, a photosensitive dye layer, a second electrode layer, an energy-level intermediary layer, a first substrate and a second substrate. The photosensitive dye layer is used to receive sunlight and convert the sunlight to electrons and holes for being released. The first electrode layer is disposed on one side of the photosensitive dye layer to receive the electrons generated from the photosensitive dye layer. The second electrode layer is disposed on the other side of the photosensitive dye layer to receive the holes generated from the photosensitive dye layer. The energy-level intermediary layer is positioned between the first electrode layer and the photosensitive dye layer, so as to improve an injection efficiency of electrons and to prevent the generation of counter current, and thereby enhancing photoelectric conversion efficiency of the cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for distributing chemical products in a factory producing flat screen semi-conductors or light-emitting diodes comprising means for storing said liquid products and means for the distribution and use thereof, wherein the liquid products are distributable from the storage means to the usage means by means of the distribution means.

Abstract: A voting solenoid system and method is configured to selectively apply fluid pressure above and below a threshold value, to a fluid node. The voting solenoid arrangement includes first and second solenoid valve pairs, each pair including first and second solenoid valves. The valve pairs are located in parallel fluid communication with a fluid pressure source, each of the first and second solenoid valves being alternately actuatable between energized and de-energized states. The solenoid arrangement is configured so that a change of state of the first and second valves of either of the valve pairs alternately applies fluid pressure above and below the threshold value, to the fluid node.