Abstract: A laryngeal mask airway installation kit, comprising a laryngeal mask airway comprising a gastric access tube; and a stylet capable of being inserted into the gastric access tube from the inlet end and, when bent, of changing the original shape of the laryngeal mask airway and thus facilitating the installation of the laryngeal mask airway.

Abstract: Apparatus for respiratory anaesthesia of a patient by administration of a gas containing gaseous xenon, with a main gas circuit which is open or closed and has an inhalation branch and an exhalation branch, means for supply of gaseous xenon to the inhalation branch of the main circuit, and means for determining the xenon concentration. The means for determining the xenon concentration comprise at least one hot-wire sensor having at least one electrically conducting wire in direct contact with the gaseous flow containing the xenon, calculating means that cooperate with the hot-wire sensor(s) in order to determine the xenon concentration (Xe %) in the flow, means for generating an electrical current in order to generate a current in at least one hot wire, and means for voltage measurement that can measure at least one voltage value at the terminal of at least one hot wire or at least one resistance arranged in series with at least one hot wire.

Abstract: A mouthpiece (10) for a fluid dispenser device, said mouthpiece comprising a body (11) that is provided with a fluid dispenser orifice (20) through which the fluid is expelled, and said mouthpiece being characterized in that said body (11) presents a substantially convex elongate shape, with a top surface (12) incorporating said dispenser orifice (20) and extending longitudinally on two sides of said dispenser orifice (20), two lateral bearing surfaces (13) being provided laterally on two sides of said dispenser orifice (10) for receiving the lips of the user during inhalation, said top surface (12) being slightly convex and said lateral bearing surfaces (13) being slightly concave.

Abstract: A dry inhaler system includes a vibrating mechanism. A supply of a dry powder is operatively coupled to the vibrating mechanism. A power source communicates with the vibrating mechanism. A sensor communicates with the vibrating mechanism. A feedback control communicates with the sensor and the power source. The feedback control controls power delivered to the vibrating mechanism relative to information provided by the sensor about the performance of the vibrating mechanism.

Abstract: A blister piercing element for puncturing the Hd of a blister containing a dose of medicament for inhalation by a user is disclosed. The piercing element comprising an outlet opening for the passage of medicament entrained in an airflow out of the blister and, a piercing head extending beyond and overhanging the opening that cuts a flap in a lid of a blister and pushes it away from the opening during insertion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering humidified breathing gas to a patient are provided. The apparatus includes a humidification system configured to deliver humidified breathing gas to a patient. The humidification system includes a vapor transfer unit and a base unit. The vapor transfer unit includes a liquid passage, a breathing gas passage, and a vapor transfer device positioned to transfer vapor to the breathing gas passage from the liquid passage. The base unit includes a base unit that releasably engages the vapor transfer unit to enable reuse of the base unit and selective disposal of the vapor transfer unit. The liquid passage is not coupled to the base unit for liquid flow therebetween when the vapor transfer unit is received by the base unit.

Abstract: A filtering face-piece respirator 10 that comprises a mask body 12 and a harness 14. The mask body 12 includes (i) a filtering structure 18, (ii) a plastic support structure 16, and (iii) a nose clip 19 that is secured to the plastic support structure 18 by being molded therein. The inventive filtering face-piece respirator is beneficial in that it eliminates the need for an adhesive or welding step to secure the nose clip to the mask body.

Abstract: There is provided a balloon cuffed tracheostomy tube with a balloon designed so as to enhance the tube's anchorability without sealing the tracheal stoma and to allow for an easier insertion into the trachea than a comparable tube with a thicker balloon. The tracheostomy tube device includes a conventional hollow tube having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a bend region intermediate of the end portions. The distal end portion of the tube is arranged for insertion through a patient's throat and tracheal stoma and into the tracheal lumen. The device further includes an inflatable balloon enveloping a portion of the tube. More particularly, the balloon is equal to or less than 30 microns in thickness, allowing for a greater ease of insertion and insertion through a smaller stoma opening, than a comparable tube with a balloon having a thickness greater than 30 microns.

Abstract: There is provided a balloon cuffed tracheostomy tube with a balloon designed so as to enhance the tube's anchorability without sealing the tracheal stoma. The tracheostomy tube device includes a conventional curved hollow tube. The distal end of the tube is adapted for insertion through a tracheal stoma and into the tracheal lumen of a patient's throat. The device further includes an inflatable balloon enveloping a portion of the tube. The balloon has a distal portion substantially centered about and attached to the distal end portion of the tube. The balloon also has a proximal portion attached to the bend region of the tube and positioned substantially off-center relative to the proximal portion of the tube and about the bend region below the proximal plane of the device.

Abstract: A contraceptive method including the steps of using a primary contraceptive and administering a secondary, immunocontraceptive to boost overall efficacy of the two contraceptives.

Abstract: An adhesive condom applicable to the male sexual organ to reduce compression and thereby reduce the difficulty of attaining and maintaining erection, improve barrier protection and prevent additional sexually transmitted diseases, to improve the efficacy of contraception (if contraception is desired) and to enhance utilization rates by enhancing sensation. Optimal production geometry and practical modes of application are also described.

Abstract: A valve geometry applicable to the end of condoms to permit re-use with the same partner, or to permit the transmission of semen and thus permit conception as a result of intercourse while retaining the protective effect of barrier type infection control.

Abstract: A system for preventing a patient's shoulders from rising or “shrugging” during a medical procedure is presented. The patient lies on a table and wears a jacket. A number of straps are used to couple the jacket to the table. Each strap has a first end and a second end. The first end of each strap is coupled to the jacket and the second end of each strap is coupled to the table. The straps have sufficient tension to prevent the patient's shoulders from rising or “shrugging” during the medical procedure. The patient's feet rest on foot plate to prevent the patient from sliding toward the foot of the table due to the force exerted on the patient's shoulders because of the tension of the straps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a two-part mandibular protrusion splint (1) for preventing snoring and/or obstructive sleep apnoea, comprising a lower part (2) and an upper part (3), comprising shaping and flexurally rigid trays (2a, 3a) which are open towards the mandibula and maxilla respectively, where the bottom surfaces of the outsides of the two trays (2a, 3a) are connected to one another in such a way that they are continuously adjustable relative to one another in the longitudinal direction, and a corresponding ready-to-use set for the production or restoration of mandibular protrusion splints consisting of (i) shaping and flexurally rigid trays (2a, 3a) with preformed attachment elements on the outsides of each of the bottom surfaces; (ii) one or more adjustment screws (10) for connecting the attachment elements; and (iii) optionally use instructions.

Abstract: Apparatus incorporating a filter tow processing unit adapted to supply filter tow to a continuous rod forming unit includes an object insertion unit that positions objects within the filter tow to manufacture a filter rod containing objects positioned at predetermined intervals. The apparatus also includes an upper hopper that acts as a reservoir for a plurality of objects, and provides for supply of objects to a lower hopper. The lower hopper is shaped so that objects are stacked therein. The bottom of the lower hopper is shaped so as to cooperate with a portion of upper region of a rotating wheel. The peripheral face of the rotating wheel incorporates a plurality of spaced pockets, each pocket being of sufficient shape and size to accommodate one object. Objects within the lower hopper are aligned in a single line along a portion of the peripheral face in the upper region of the rotating wheel. Each object then is positioned at predetermined intervals within a continuous supply of filter material.

Abstract: The lighting end or tip of the smoking article is configured in such a manner that the entire front or upstream face thereof does not lie in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the smoking article. For example, at least a portion of the front face of the smoking article lies in a plane (e.g., a generally flat plane) that is positioned about 40° to about 50° relative to the longitudinal axis of that smoking article. As such, the overall nature or character of the mainstream aerosol generated by a smoking article can be altered. This shape may include an ellipse, or may include a first section in a plane not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a second section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the face of the lighting end may have a shape such that its surface area is greater than the cross-sectional area of the smoking article.

Abstract: A method and a feeder for increasing the efficiency of the expanding and drying process of organic plant materials, particularly in a jet dryer used for comminuted organic plant materials, particularly tobacco materials. The dryer uses a gaseous expanding and/or drying agent under an absolute working pressure in the range from 2.5 kPa to 10 MPa, such as overheated steam. During transporting the material from the feeding zone to the zone of contact with the expanding and/or drying agent, a feeder, preferably a rotary vane feeder (4) is flushed, preferably in a continuous manner. Openings are formed in the housing of the feeder, delivering the gaseous medium to the moving spaces between the vanes (3). There are additional openings leading out the gaseous medium from the moving spaces between the vanes, the additional openings being arranged respectively in the walls of the housing of the feeder.

Abstract: A multi-function cosmetic device having a first and a second component, each removable from one another wherein the second component has a first section and a second section each of which are removable from one another. The front of the first component and the fronts of the first and second sections are working components, such as, but are not limited to, fingernail brushes, fingernail scrapers/cleaners, fingernail design tips, and make-up brushes. Additional independent stackable components, each having a similar working component at their respective front ends, are removably stackable onto the fronts of either first component or the fronts of the first and second sections of the second component and are removably stackable onto each other.

Abstract: A nail-cleaning tool has a rod, a removing end, a scraping end and a sheath. The scraping end is spatula-shaped. The sheath is an absorbent material mounted over the removing end. Therefore, users can use the removing end to absorb nail polish remover then clean a surface of the nail during removal and application. The users can further use the scraping end to scrap an edge of each nail adjacent to skin. Therefore, the nail can be cleaned thoroughly while minimizing waste and reducing direct skin contact with the nail polish remover.

Abstract: A multi-function fingernail device having a first brush component with a handle and a brush head, the handle having an open end exposing a hollow interior. A second brush component is removably insertable into and out of the hollow interior. The second brush component has a brush at one end and a scraper, with a cleaner/applicator attached to the scraper or a second brush, at the other end. The second brush component may be of a single-piece, or of a separable two-piece, construction.

Abstract: A head band includes an elongate body and a securing device. The body is configured to be placed on and generally conform to the contour of a user's head. The securing device extends between attachment portions of the body so that the securing device and the body cooperatively define a continuous loop. The securing device has flexible teeth that engage the user's hair to comfortably secure the head band to the user's head. In one embodiment, the securing device extends between opposite end portions of the elongate body, in another the elongate body has tail portions that wrap over and conceal the securing device, and in still another an elastic strap is routed through the teeth.

Abstract: A hair clip has a first jaw and a second jaw, mutually pivotable about a hinge having a longitudinal axis, to pivot between an open position and a closed position. Each jaw respectively includes a jaw body provided with a series of teeth, and further includes resilient return means continuously returning both jaws into the open position, and releasable locking means for selectively locking the jaws in the closed position.

Abstract: A detachable device for improved dental hygiene supports and tensions dental floss above and beyond the bristles of the tooth brush so that flossing can occur using the bristle end of the tooth brush and avoid having the bristles interfere with the flossing process. In preferred embodiments the device is mechanically coupled to a sonic toothbrush to transmit sonic energy to the floss for improved cleaning. In other embodiments the device includes a tongue cleaning implement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminants from a workpiece is described. Embodiments of the invention describe placing a workpiece on a holding bracket within a process chamber to hold and rotate the workpiece to be cleaned. A first cleaning fluid is provided to the workpiece non-device side, while a degasified liquid is provided to the workpiece device side during megasonic cleaning. The degasified liquid inhibits cavitation from occurring on and damaging the device side of the workpiece during megasonic cleaning.

Abstract: A method of self-cleaning a plasma reactor upon depositing a carbon-based film on a substrate a pre-selected number of times, includes: (i) exciting oxygen gas and/or nitrogen oxide gas to generate a plasma; and (ii) exposing to the plasma a carbon-based film accumulated on an upper electrode provided in the reactor and a carbon-based film accumulated on an inner wall of the reactor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a method and apparatus for cleaning an integrating sphere, such as an integrating sphere used in an integrating sphere spectrophotometer. One embodiment of a spectrophotometer includes an integrating sphere having a reflective interior surface, a primary light source configured to illuminate the interior surface when enabled, and a secondary light source configured to emit ionizing radiation onto the interior surface.

Abstract: Provided is a cleaning method of an apparatus for depositing a metal containing film using a metal organic (MO) source. A fluorine (F)-containing gas and a carbon (C)-eliminating gas are supplied to a reactor of the apparatus so that in-situ cleaning can be performed. A solid by-product is not generated in the method, and after a predetermined quantity of wafers is processed, in-situ cleaning can be performed without exposing the reactor to the air such that productivity of the apparatus is maximized.

Abstract: A pick-up head for a mobile sweeping vehicle comprises a housing defining a substantially hollow interior and a suctioning bottom opening for suctioning dust and small debris. A suctioning front opening is disposed in the front of the housing for receiving debris into the substantially hollow interior of the housing. A door is mounted on the pick-up head for selectively opening and closing the suctioning front opening. A dust and debris outlet in the housing permits dust and debris to be suctioned from the substantially hollow interior. A gutter broom is mounted within the housing adjacent one end, for sweeping dust and small debris inwardly from the selected one of the left end and the right end and towards the dust and debris outlet. An opening in the housing at the selected end permits the gutter broom to extend beyond the end of the housing, thus allowing the gutter broom to sweep against a curb, for sweeping dust and small debris towards a central path.

Abstract: A method of removing hair from a surface laden with hair comprising moving a hair collection element along the surface in a first direction to collect hair, depositing the collected hair at a first location, gliding the hair collection element along the surface in a second direction away from the first location and removing the collection hair from the first location.

Abstract: Methods of removing cooked-, baked-, or burnt-on food soil from cookware and tableware comprising washing the cookware/tableware in an automatic dishwashing machine in the presence of a wash liquor comprising nanoparticles is disclosed herein.

Abstract: A drum-type washing machine that is capable of easily cleaning a tub (110) and a tub cleaning method of the same are disclosed. A drum-type washing machine that is capable of cleaning a gasket (140) along with cleaning of the tub and a gasket cleaning method of the same are also disclosed. The drum-type washing machine includes a tub (110) mounted in a cabinet (101) such that wash water is supplied into a tub (110), a drum (106) rotatably mounted in the tub (110) such that laundry is put into the drum (106), a motor (104) for rotating the drum (106), and a control unit (160) for controlling the driving of the motor (104) such that, when the drum (106) is rotated, the wash water supplied into the tub (110) reaches the upper part of the inner circumferential surface of the tub (110) so as to clean the inner circumferential surface of the tub (110).

Abstract: A wash cylinder or chamber for an automated cleaning station to clean an object or a person's body part includes nozzles on the interior of the cylinder, the nozzles of one embodiment comprising an increasing roll angle providing a novel spray pattern. Additionally, embodiments of the invention include fluid guidance and conveyance structures, angled nozzles, sealing structures, finger guards, nozzle ribs, wash chamber seating mechanisms and drains, and nozzle inlays having a plurality of nozzles. Also disclosed are methods of washing an object or body part using a wash cylinder or chamber and methods of assembling a wash cylinder or chamber.

Abstract: A wash cylinder or chamber for an automated cleaning station to clean an object or a person's body part includes nozzles on the interior of the cylinder, the nozzles of one embodiment comprising an increasing roll angle providing a novel spray pattern. Additionally, embodiments of the invention include fluid guidance and conveyance structures, angled nozzles, sealing structures, finger guards, nozzle ribs, wash chamber seating mechanisms and drains, and nozzle inlays having a plurality of nozzles. Also disclosed are methods of washing an object or body part using a wash cylinder or chamber and methods of assembling a wash cylinder or chamber.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises a substrate holding mechanism for holding a substrate and rotating the held substrate; a process liquid supply mechanism for supplying a process liquid to the substrate; a process liquid acquisition section arranged so as to enclose the substrate holding mechanism and having an acquisition port for acquiring the process liquid scattered by the rotation of the substrate; a movement mechanism for changing a relative position between the process liquid acquisition section and the substrate held by the substrate holding mechanism; and a control mechanism for controlling, when the process liquid scattered by the rotation of the substrate is acquired in the acquisition port, a relative position between the substrate and the acquisition port such that the scattered process liquid is acquired in the acquisition port on the basis of predetermined substrate process condition.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of cleaning the surface (3) of a wafer (1), comprising a hot rinse step in which the wafer (1) is at a temperature that is at least 100C higher than room temperature, the wafer (1) is rotated around an axis perpendicular to the wafer surface (3) and water is dispensed on the wafer surface (3). Thereafter a first drying step is performed in which the wafer (1) is rotated around the axis perpendicular to the wafer surface (3) and in which the humidity of the environment is such that the water on the wafer surface (3) is partially removed while the wafer surface (3) remains covered with a film of water (13). The first drying step is followed by a second drying step, which removes the film of water (13) from the wafer surface (3). The method according to the invention advantageously reduces metal ion contamination on the wafer surface (3).

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of cleaning one or more fluid plenums of an electrode assembly is provided. According to the method, a plurality of fluid ports in communication with the fluid plenum are isolated and differentiated into respective sets of plenum input ports and plenum output ports. The input and output ports are engaged with respective cleaning fluid couplings. A cleaning fluid is directed through the fluid plenum by creating a fluid pressure differential ?P=PIN?POUT across the plenum input and output ports. The pressure differential ?P is large enough to force cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid supply duct to the cleaning fluid waste duct through the fluid plenum. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drum type washing machine and method for removing odor thereof. In the method for removing odor of the drum type washing machine, water is supplied to a drum rotating at high speed and then the water is scattered onto a tub encompassing the drum thus to clean the tub. Accordingly, it is capable of removing the pollutant remaining in the tub, thereby preventing odor from being generated due to rotting of the pollutant. Also, it is capable of preventing odor from being generated due to mold fed on the pollutant in the humid drum type washing machine.

Abstract: A method of removing particles from a wafer is provided. The method is adopted after a process for removing unreactive metal of a salicide process or after a salicide process and having oxide residue remaining on a wafer or after a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process that resulted with particles on a wafer. The method includes performing at least two cycles (stages) of intermediate rinse process. Each cycle of the intermediate rinse process includes conducting a procedure of rotating the wafer at a high speed first, and then conducting a procedure of rotating the wafer at a low speed.

Abstract: Provided are a method for treating a process solution and an apparatus for treating a substrate using the same. The apparatus includes a treating bath, a circulating line, a bypass line, and a filter. A process solution for a substrate is provided in the treating bath. The circulating line is connected to the treating bath, and the process solution circulates through the circulating line. The bypass line branches from a first position of the circulating line and couples at a second position of the circulating line. The filter is installed in a position of the circulating line between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substrate processing apparatus and a substrate processing method suitable for use in an etching apparatus which etches a thin film formed on a peripheral portion of a substrate. The present invention also provides a substrate processing apparatus and a substrate processing method suitable for use in a cleaning apparatus which performs a cleaning process on a substrate which has been etched. The substrate processing apparatus for use in etching includes a substrate holder 11 for holding a substrate W substantially horizontally and rotating the substrate W, and a processing liquid supply unit 15 for supplying a processing liquid onto a peripheral portion of the substrate W which is being rotated in such a manner that the processing liquid is stationary with respect to the substrate W.

Abstract: In an endoscope washer disinfector, a bath comprises a mounting plane on which an endoscope with a duct is mounted and a wall member. A connector has two ends consisting of one end located to penetrate through the wall member and to be secured watertightly to the wall member. The one end faces an opening of the duct of the endoscope mounted in the bath. The other end is connected to a fluid source storing fluid for washing and disinfecting the endoscope. A nozzle is movable in the connector along an inner passage thereof and moved toward the one end of the connector to protrude from the one end to realize a watertight and detachable connection with the opening of the duct. The fluid is supplied to the duct when the fluid is supplied from the fluid source.

Abstract: A fuel injector cleaning apparatus comprises a platform including a delivery channel, a first orifice adapted for connecting to a source of cleaning fluid and in communication with the delivery channel. An outlet device has one end mounted on the platform and another end for coupling to a fuel injector. A switch device mounted on the outlet device is moveable between a first condition so as to allow the cleaning fluid flow out of the outlet device and a second condition so as to stop the cleaning fluid from flowing out of the outlet device. A pumping device has one end mounted on the platform and another end operably moveable so as to introduce the cleaning fluid into the platform and to the outlet device, whereby the cleaning fluid is released from the outlet device at a predetermined pressure so as to clean the fuel injector thoroughly.

Abstract: A dishwasher with a height-adjustable upper rack carries a spray arm having a horizontal manifold tube that engages in a port of a check valve assembly coupled with a vertical main feed tube for supplying wash water to the spray arm. The check valve assembly defines a plurality of ports such that the manifold tube can engage a different one of the ports depending on the vertical position of the rack. The check valve assembly has flapper valves that pivot about horizontal axes and hang downwardly therefrom such that gravity tends to move the flapper valves toward their closed positions when the manifold tube is withdrawn from the ports.

Abstract: An appliance for washing articles such as clothing or utensils, comprises a wash chamber, a wash aid dispensing pump fluidly connected to the wash chamber, multiple wash aid reservoirs and at least one wash aid coupler to fluidly couple the multiple wash aid reservoirs and wash aid dispensing pump. Wherein the wash aid coupler acts as a valve to selectively dispense the wash aid in at least one of the wash aid reservoirs to the wash aid dispensing pump to achieve a more complex cycle of the appliance.

Abstract: A dishwasher is a type in which a part of wash water contained in a wash water tank is replaced with rinse water every washing cycle. The dishwasher determines whether a present washing cycle is in timing of executing a detergent increase supply processing or in timing of executing a detergent normal supply processing (S304). Based on this determination result, by the execution of the detergent increase supply processing, a supply amount of the detergent is increased (S309). Consequently, in the dishwasher, the detergent concentration in the wash water is properly adjusted.

Abstract: A motorized umbrella fan whereby a motor drives the rotation of an umbrella assembly, which is comprised of an umbrella skeleton and a canopy, stretched over the skeleton. The canopy functions as a sunshade and plurality of fan blades each of triangular shape radially extending from a hub. A leading edge of each of the plurality of blades has a unshaped portion that is attached to a trailing edge of a preceding blade in a manner that creates vertical spacing between the leading edge and trailing edge of adjacent blades. This creates a slope within each fan blade and a channel between adjacent blades through which air flows. The air flow pushes stale hot air from underneath the canopy, providing a cooling breeze.

Abstract: A lawn or patio umbrella with an integral lighting system that utilizes cold cathode ray tubes, light emitting diodes (LED's), or florescent lights, to provide relatively bright outdoor light for reading and other activities that require relatively high light intensities is provided. In one embodiment, a modular, electrically powered lawn or patio umbrella in which lighting systems, such as those utilizing cold cathode tubes, LED's, or florescent lights; cooling systems, such as those utilizing electric fans or misting systems; and motorized retraction systems; can be selectively interchanged is provided.

Abstract: A frame is formed of two laterally spaced rods. The rods have forward ends and rearward ends. The frame has a plurality of cross tubes. The cross tubes have opposed ends. The opposed ends are coupled to the rods. Forward retaining components couple the forward ends of the rods to a vehicle forwardly. Rearward components couple the rearward ends of the straps to a vehicle rearwardly. A flexible canopy fabric has pockets receiving the rods and cross tubes.

Abstract: The tent (1) comprises a flexible fabric (11) and reinforcing means. This fabric (11) comprises sleeves, each of said sleeves being designed to accommodate a flexible hoop belonging to said reinforcing means. The tent (1) has a deployed position in which it comprises completely rectangular lateral faces (3, 6) arranged in a cylinder whose directrix is a regular polygon having an even number of sides, each of said sleeves extending round the periphery of a said respective face (3, 6), each of said hoops being in a working position in said sleeves, and said tent (1) has a flat position in which said sleeves are superposed.

Abstract: A telescoping pole assembly for an erectable, collapsible shelter, includes first and second hollow telescoping sections slidably connected together, the first telescoping section being slidably disposed within the second telescoping section, and a spring loaded detent pin mounted to the second telescoping section. A weighted internal stop member is slidably disposed within the first telescoping section for movement between a first position and a second position. The internal stop member blocks the spring loaded detent pin in the first position, and the internal stop member does not block the spring loaded detent pin in the second position.