Abstract: A system for managing a supplemental gas supply in a breathing assistance system configured to provide breathing assistance to a patient includes a temperature sensor and a control system. The temperature sensor is configured to measure a temperature associated with a breathing assistance system configured to deliver a first gas and a supplemental gas toward a patient. The control system is configured to automatically control the flow of the supplemental gas based at least on the monitored temperature.

Abstract: The apparatus is equipped with cover unit (1) fixed to a head portion of worker so as to cover at least the regions of nose and mouth of the worker, the cover unit capable of trapping the worker's breath. The cover unit has an exhaust opening and an air supply opening. Further, the apparatus is equipped with moisture recycle unit (2) fitted to the worker so as to simultaneously carry out the two processes consisting of the adsorption process of introducing moist air, effecting adsorption of the water contained in the air on an adsorbent and emitting dry air and the regeneration process of introducing dry air, effecting evaporation of the water adsorbed on the adsorbent into the dry air and emitting moist air. Still further, the apparatus is equipped with exhaust hose (3) connecting the exhaust opening of the cover unit to the moisture recycle unit and with air supply hose (4) connecting the moisture recycle unit to the air supply opening of the cover unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for delivering a supply of gases to a patient. The device includes a patient interface and connecting member. The connecting member is preferably a L-shaped swivelled connector that is capable of being fixed into one of two positions, a first position where the connector is freely rotatable within the patient interface, and a second position where an interference between the interface and connector prevents the free rotation of the connector within the patient interface. The present invention further relates to a connector that has outlet means, which includes at least one outlet vent and a funnel, which in use directs and passes a substantial portion gases expired from the patient through the outlet vent or vents.

Abstract: A bite block for an endotrachial tube includes a hollow body extending between open ends to receive an endotrachial tube such that opposing ends of the tube protrude through the open ends of the bite block. The bite block includes a tether to retain the bite block to the tube to prevent unwanted separation or movement of the tube within the bite block. The tether consists of a flexible arm which protrudes rearwardly from the bite block towards the inlet end of the tube and terminates in a ring configured to encircle the endotrachial tube, thereby effectively tethering the bite block to the tube. The arm and ring are configured such that the arm flexes in an arc when tethering the tube, thereby permitting the ring to engage the tube when fitted to thereto.

Abstract: An airway management device is provided that may adjust the inflation level of a cuff associated with an endotracheal tube. The cuff inflation may be adjusted in response to an increase in carbon dioxide levels above the cuff, which may indicate a poor seal of the cuff against the tracheal walls, as well in response to a measured intracuff pressure. By using information about the seal quality of the cuff together with information about the cuff pressure, the inflation of the cuff can be adjusted to minimize cuff inflation pressure while maintaining a high quality tracheal seal.

Abstract: A medical device tube having opposing support ears for improved coupling of an inner cannula to an outer cannula. The medical device tube comprises an outer cannula having opposing support ears on an outer cannula connector flange attached to a proximal end of the outer cannula. The opposing support ears maintain locking ears of the inner cannula in substantially one position. The opposing support ears substantially prevent the locking ears in contact with the outer cannula connector flange from slipping therefrom by, e.g., rotation, axial displacement, torsional shear, etc.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to a condom packaging apparatus capable of reducing the exposure of physical damage to the condom, and eliminating or significantly reducing the misapplication and misfitment of a condom onto the end user's penis. Furthermore, the present subject matter relates to methods for applying a condom to a penis capable of reducing the exposure of physical damage to the condom, and eliminating or significantly reducing the misapplication and misfitment of a condom onto the end user's penis.

Abstract: A therapeutic cushioning device that encourages its user to sleep on the user's right or left side, instead of on the user's back or chest. Generally, the cushioning device includes a head support, a torso support, a leg support, and a hinge member that movably connects the leg support to the torso support. In some instances, the head support includes one or more air tube management system notches to accommodate a facemask. In some instances, the torso support extends from the head support to form an L-shaped cushion. Moreover, the torso support optionally has a perimeter having a concave portion and convex portion, where the concave portion is placed closer to the head support than the convex portion. By encouraging the user to lie in a side position, the cushioning device can help the user avoid challenges associated with sleeping on the user's back or chest.

Abstract: An immobilizing device for immobilizing a body part includes a bag which is filled with a granular material and is placed over the body part, an outer shell in which the bag is mounted and a hollow space formed between the outer shell and the bag for receiving pressured air in order to produce a force on the bag for immobilizing the body part. The device provides combined advantages over conventional devices, such as almost no absorption of x-rays, a perfect fit for every kind of body part, comfort for a patient, reusability, low cost, neutral smell, very light weight and easy application.

Abstract: A self-extinguishing pipe is described for use with tobacco or other smoking material. The pipe is made in three parts; a body, depth control, and the bowl. The end piece includes a bowl for the tobacco or other smoking material at one end which has an adjustable base and locking mechanism for changing the depth of the bowl. The three-part construction and adjustable base facilitate cleaning of the pipe and removal of ash without needing additional tools. The depth of the bowl is adjusted by rotating the bowl piece in relation to the base of the pipe, like the “nut and bolt” concept. A bore throughout the body of the pipe and the components of the end piece communicate with each other. Together they form an air passage from the smoking material to the mouth end of the pipe. This allows smoke to be drawn in to the user's mouth and the depth of the bowl to be controlled at the same time.

Abstract: The invention is a specialty hair accessory device with magnetic fastening properties adapted for magnetically coupling a person's hair in place to provide a desired hair style. In one embodiment, a hair accessory device comprises of a first member that includes magnetic properties and a second member that is coupled to the first member wherein both first and second members comprise of a curved body and a comb-like protrusion spaced out along the concave side of the curved body, and wherein the first and second members are adapted for magnetic coupling.

Abstract: A hair iron is capable of preventing hair under treatment from drying. The hair iron has clamp arms. Heads of the clamp arms are provided with relaxing bodies that face each other. The relaxing bodies have respective thermal plates. The thermal plates heat and correct hair held between the relaxing bodies. A relaxing surface of at least one of the relaxing bodies has a platinum layer formed on a base material. Between the base material and the platinum layer, a titanium dioxide layer is formed. Between the base material and the titanium dioxide layer, a nickel layer is formed. Between the titanium dioxide layer and the platinum layer, a nickel layer is formed. A magnet plate is arranged behind the thermal plate and is extended along the relaxing surface.

Abstract: A hair iron apparatus preferably includes an upper housing pivotally associated with a lower housing. A first heat transfer plate is associated with the upper housing and a second heat transfer plate is associated with the lower housing. A first heater is affixed to the first heat transfer plate by a first adhesive, and a second heater is affixed to the second heat transfer plate by a second adhesive.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention generally provide methods and apparatus for cleaning adhesive residual on a photomask substrate. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a processing cell, a support assembly configured to receive a photomask substrate disposed thereon disposed in the processing cell, a protection head assembly disposed above and facing the support assembly, and a head actuator configured to control the elevation of the protection head assembly relative to an upper surface of the support assembly. A cleaning device is provided and positioned to interact with the photomask substrate disposed on the support assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing films and deposits from stainless surfaces, especially from stainless metallic surfaces such as they are used in process stations and production units in the pharmaceutical, food and biotechnological industries, and to an aqueous cleaning solution comprising a reducing agent, in particular dithionite and/or disulfite, and at least two different complexing agents, wherein one of these complexing agents is a compound comprising diacetic acid groups or a salt thereof, for removing rouging on surfaces of stainless steels that come into contact with media selected from the group of chromium/nickel and chromium/nickel/molybdenum steels in the neutral pH range.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for cleaning a substrate using scrubber brushes. One embodiment of the present invention provides a substrate cleaner comprises two scrubber brush assemblies movably disposed in a processing volume. The two scrubber brush assemblies are configured to contact and clean opposite surfaces of a substrate disposed in the processing volume. The substrate cleaner also comprises a positioning assembly configured to simultaneously adjust positions of the two scrubber brush assemblies, wherein the positioning assembly makes substantially the same amount of adjustment to the first and second scrubber brush assemblies in mirror symmetry.

Abstract: There is herein described an improved contact cleaning surface and an improved method for cleaning surfaces. More particularly, there is described a contact cleaning surface comprising a micro-structured surface adapted to collect and/or remove microscopically sized contaminating material from a contaminated surface.

Abstract: An initial resistivity value of pure water is measured. A lifter is cleaned in a state where the pure water is continuously supplied to the rinsing tank to replenish the rising tank while the pure water is being drained from the rinsing tank. A resistivity value of the pure water in process of cleaning the lifter is measured at predetermined time intervals. A difference value between each of the resistivity values and the initial resistivity value is calculated, and the calculated difference values are integrated. An amount of residual chemical solution of the lifter in process of being cleaned is calculated based on an integration result thus obtained. A period of cleaning time necessary for the lifter to become clean in a state where a flow rate of the drained/replenishing pure water per unit time is maintained is calculated based on the amount of residual chemical solution.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an apparatus and a method for cleaning a semiconductor substrate after a polishing process. Particularly, embodiments of the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for cleaning a substrate using pressurized fluid. One embodiment of the present invention comprises two rollers to support and rotate a substrate in a substantially vertical orientation, a pressure wheel to apply a force to engage the substrate with the two rollers, and a swinging nozzle configured to dispense a pressurized fluid towards the substrate.

Abstract: An LPCVD apparatus is provided with a processing chamber and a reaction cooling apparatus. The reaction cooling apparatus is placed outside the processing chamber and is configured to generate hydrogen fluoride gas by reaction of hydrogen gas and fluorine gas and to cool the hydrogen fluoride gas. The hydrogen fluoride gas cooled by the reaction cooling apparatus is supplied into the processing chamber as a cleaning gas.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for cleaning interiors of passageways in endoscopes or other luminal medical devices by flow of liquid and gas therethrough. The liquid flow may include rivulets, droplets or other liquid entities which move on the internal surfaces of the passageways, and may include a three-phase contact interface between liquid and dry solid and gas.

Abstract: A method, composition and apparatus for cleaning an internal surface of a narrow diameter channel.

Abstract: A dishwasher including at least one cutlery basket for accommodating cutlery items in a horizontal position, wherein the at least one cutlery basket is adjustable at least in sections, and wherein the at least one cutlery basket includes a first subsection having an adjustable clearance height, and a second subsection having an adjustable clearance height.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a plurality of spray arms, a recirculation pump driven by an electric motor and a water diverter. The water diverter is disposed on a pressure side of the recirculation pump and is operable to generate flow from an inlet to at least one of a plurality of selectable outlets associated with the spray arms. The water diverter includes at least one blocking element, a drive element driven together with the electric motor of the recirculation pump and configured to move the at least one blocking element, and a transmission disposed between the blocking element and the drive element. The transmission is configured to convert a continuous movement of the drive element into a discontinuous movement of the blocking element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high-pressure cleaning device having a housing in which a pump and a drive motor are disposed, it being possible for pressurized liquid to be delivered by the pump via a high-pressure hose and it being possible for the high-pressure hose to be wound onto a hose drum which is mounted within the housing such that it can rotate about a rotation axis, and for said high-pressure hose to be routed out of the housing at the rear. In order to develop the high-pressure cleaning device in such a way that it has a shorter structure, the invention proposes aligning the rotation axis of the hose drum parallel to the horizontal axis of the housing.

Abstract: A novel water discharging apparatus contains conventional umbrella functions including stretchers, a canopy, and a runner attached to a hollow shaft. The hollow shaft member contains a pipe to transfer liquids from a deformable squeeze bottle handle member which serves as a reservoir for liquid materials. Liquids are held by a hermetic junction between a lid member for capping and a squeeze bottle handle enabling manual deformation and collapsing abilities of the squeeze bottle handle to emit liquids out a spherical discharging means with multiple perforations means which is connected to the hollow shaft.

Abstract: A personal easy lifting device has mounting units with adjustable legs forward of handle members and supports to facilitate positioning forward aspects of the supports in close proximity to a firm edge of an article of furniture with which the device is to be used to assist a person in rising, such as from a sitting position, from an article of furniture to a standing position.

Abstract: An adjustable canopy for a wheelchair, and the like, which includes a tubular frame which may be extended to one angular position, and which may be coupled to a tubular back frame of the chair so that the canopy may be set to one front elevation.

Abstract: Closed system heat engines can be used to deliver useful electrical power by harvesting ambient energy in the environment. The present invention provides a means of harvesting these low temperature differences in to useful energy and provides while providing rectification and regulation features.

Abstract: A photovoltaic nanostructure according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an electrically conductive nanocable coupled to a first electrode, a second electrode extending along at least two sides of the nanocable, and a photovoltaically active p-n junction formed between the nanocable and the second electrode. A photovoltaic array according to one embodiment includes a plurality of photovoltaic nanostructures as recited above. Methods for forming nanostructures are also presented.

Abstract: A solar energy conversion device comprises a vertical stack of at least two panels stacked in a hierarchy from an upper panel to a lower panel with each of the panels including a matching array of solar cells having a different energy bandgap from other panels of solar cells in the vertical stack of panels. Each panel in the vertical stack may be arranged with one of the panels having solar cells with a higher energy bandgap situated in the hierarchy and in the stack above others of the panels containing solar cells with a lower energy bandgap. The top surface of the device is adapted for receiving solar energy incident upon the uppermost panel. Each upper panel absorbs a fraction of sunlight with larger solar photon energies larger than the energy bandgap thereof and transmits solar photons with photon energies less than larger solar photon energies to a remaining one of the panels lower in the hierarchy and positioned lower in the stack.

Abstract: A solar module comprising a common substrate supporting a rectifying diode sheet. The rectifying diode sheet comprising at least a back electrode layer, a front electrode layer, and an absorber layer located between the back electrode layer and the front electrode layer. The rectifying diode sheet is divided in first and second sheet parts, whereby the first sheet part comprises at least one solar cell. The second sheet part comprises at least one bypass diode, circuited in an anti-parallel configuration with the at least one solar cell.

Abstract: A solar panel 400 comprises: a base tile 100, a plurality of photovoltaic tiles 10, a connection system 200, for each photovoltaic tile 10 one or more electrical bypass devices 42. Each photovoltaic tile 10 comprises one or more photovoltaic cells 12 electrically connected together to form a photovoltaic cell circuit 40. The connection system 200 is supported by or on the base tile 100, and electrically connects the photovoltaic tiles 10 together in groups of two or more photovoltaic tiles, and mechanically couples the photovoltaic tiles 10 to the base tile 100. At least one bypass device 42 is shunted across a set of one or more of the photovoltaic cells 12 in the photovoltaic cell circuit 40. Each bypass device 42 provides a current path for the photovoltaic cell circuit 40 across the set of photovoltaic cells 12 when an output voltage across the set of photovoltaic cells is less than a predetermined threshold voltage.

Abstract: A tandem photovoltaic cell. The tandem photovoltaic cell includes a bifacial top cell and a bottom cell. The top bifacial cell includes a top first transparent conductive oxide material. A top window material underlies the top first transparent conductive oxide material. A first interface region is disposed between the top window material and the top first transparent conductive oxide material. The first interface region is substantially free from one or more entities from the top first transparent conductive oxide material diffused into the top window material. A top absorber material comprising a copper species, an indium species, and a sulfur species underlies the top window material. A top second transparent conductive oxide material underlies the top absorber material. A second interface region is disposed between the top second transparent conductive oxide material and the top absorber material. The bottom cell includes a bottom first transparent conductive oxide material.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell module and a production method for the same are provided. The dye-sensitized solar cell module comprises a base material; a back side plate; and a plurality of dye-sensitized solar cells provided in between the base material and the back side plate, each of the plurality of dye-sensitized solar cells including a first conductive layer provided on the base material; a second conductive layer; and a porous semiconductor layer provided between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, wherein the plurality of dye-sensitized solar cells are electrically connected in series. In accordance with the present invention, in the dye-sensitized solar cell module, it is possible to prevent a decrease in durability of a film of a counter electrode with regard to thermal expansion and contraction of each of the layers due to the thermal history to a bending, a distortion, etc.

Abstract: A heat rejection system includes a plurality of panel subassemblies and a solid state heat pipe flex joint. Each panel subassembly includes a fin, a solid state heat pipe manifold, a first solid state heat pipe tube operatively connected to the solid state heat pipe manifold and secured to the fin, a second solid state heat pipe tube operatively connected to the solid state heat pipe manifold adjacent to the first solid state heat pipe and secured to the fin. The solid state heat pipe flex joint operably connects the solid state heat pipe manifolds of two of the plurality of panel subassemblies in a hermetically sealed configuration, and is configured to permit repositioning of the two panel subassemblies relative to each other.

Abstract: A light collection system including a light concentrating device and a reflective curving-surface device is provided. The light concentrating device receives at least a portion of an incident light and forwardly emits the portion of the incident light after concentrating and passing it through a first focal region, so as to obtain a first-stage output light. The reflective curving-surface device has an entrance aperture for receiving the first-stage output light. The reflective curving-surface device includes a reflective inner curving surface, and at least a portion of the reflective inner curving surface has a second focal region. The first focal region and the second focal region are confocal or approximately confocal within a range. As a result, at least a portion of the first-stage output light is confocally converted into a forwardly emitted second-stage output light.

Abstract: This invention relates to a high efficiency hybrid solar cell preferably comprised of a static concentrator, a dichroic mirror, a first cell stack comprising two cells, the first cell being a GaInP cell and the second cell being a GaAs cell and a second cell stack comprising three cells, the first cell being a Si cell, the second cell being a GaInAsP cell and the third cell being a GaInAs cell. The dichroic mirror provides a separation of the solar light into two spectral components, one component of light with photons of energy?Eg that impinges upon the first cell stack and one component of light with photons of energy<Eg that impinges upon the second cell stack.

Abstract: A solar module includes a substrate, a plurality of electrically interconnected solar cells, and an upper separation gap. The solar cells are provided above the substrate. At least one of the solar cells includes a reflective electrode, a silicon layer stack and a light transmissive electrode. The reflective electrode is provided above the substrate. The silicon layer stack includes an n-doped layer provided above the reflective electrode, an intrinsic layer provided above the n-doped layer and a p-doped layer provided above the intrinsic layer. The light transmissive electrode is provided above the silicon layer stack. The upper separation gap is provided between the cells. The upper separation gap electrically separates the light transmissive electrodes in the solar cells from one another such that the light transmissive electrode of one of the solar cells is electrically connected to the reflective electrode of another one of the solar cells.

Abstract: There is described a process for the production of a multilayer body (4) having an electrically conductive layer (421) arranged on a carrier layer (41), in which there is provided a transfer film (5) having a transfer layer (52) of an electrically conductive polymer. The electrically conductive layer is transferred from the transfer film (5) on to the multilayer body (4). There are also provided a transfer film and a multilayer body produced in accordance with the process.

Abstract: A hybrid photovoltaic cell comprising a composite substrate of a nanotube or nanorod array of metal oxide infiltrated with a monomer precursor and subsequently polymerized in situ via UV irradiation. In an embodiment, the photovoltaic cell comprises an electron accepting TiO2 nanotube array infiltrated with a photo-sensitive electron donating conjugated polymer. The conjugated polymer may be formed in situ through UV irradiation polymerizing a monomer precursor such as 2,5-diiodothiophene (DIT).

Abstract: A carbon nanotube-based solar cell and fabricating method thereof are provided. The method is achieved by applying carbon nanotube film (1) photoelectric conversion material and an upper electrode simultaneously. The method improves photoelectric conversion efficiency and life time of the solar cell, the fabricating method of the solar cell is simple, and the fabricating cost is low.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a silicon substrate, an anti-reflection coating (ARC) layer, an embedded electrode and a back-side electrode. The silicon substrate has a front side and a back side. The silicon substrate has a P+ silicon layer near the back side, an N+ silicon layer near the front side and a P-type silicon layer disposed between the P+ silicon layer and the N+ silicon layer. The ARC layer is formed on the front side of the silicon substrate. The embedded electrode penetrates through the ARC layer and the N+ silicon layer, projects out of the ARC layer, and is electrically connected to the N+ silicon layer and the P-type silicon layer. The back-side electrode is formed on the back side of the silicon substrate and electrically connected to the P+ silicon layer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solar cell, including: forming a first conductivity type semiconductor layer extending along a predetermined direction on aback surface of a semiconductor substrate that has a light-receiving surface and the back surface opposite to the light-receiving surface, the first-conductivity-type semiconductor layer being divided into plural island-shaped sections arranged side by side in the predetermined direction; forming a semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type in the predetermined direction on the back surface; and forming conductive layers respectively on the first-conductivity-type semiconductor layer and the second-conductivity-type semiconductor layer by using a conductive paste, the conductive layer to be formed on the first-conductivity-type semiconductor layer being formed by a printing method such that the conductive layer to be formed on the first-conductivity-type semiconductor layer extends on a line of the plural island-shaped sections to bridge adjacent two of

Abstract: A solar battery, which contains a transparent conductive layer having an average transmittance of 80% or more with an electromagnetic wave having a wavelength of 1,100 nm to 2,000 nm, and a sheet resistance of 20 ohm/sq. or less, in which the transparent conductive layer contains metal nanowires.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device includes one or more unit cells between a first electrode and a second electrode, in which a semiconductor junction is formed by sequentially stacking: a first impurity semiconductor layer of one conductivity type; an intrinsic non-single-crystal semiconductor layer including an NH group or an NH2 group; and a second impurity semiconductor layer of opposite conductivity type to the first impurity semiconductor layer. In the non-single-crystal semiconductor layer of a unit cell on a light incident side, the nitrogen concentration measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry is 5×1018/cm3 or more and 5×1020/cm3 or less and oxygen and carbon concentrations measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry are less than 5×1018/cm3.

Abstract: A solar cell includes a p-n junction formed by joining a p-type semiconductor and an n-type semiconductor. The p-type semiconductor is a chalcopyrite compound semiconductor with a band gap of 1.5 eV or more within which an intermediate level exists with a half bandwidth of 0.05 eV or more. The intermediate level is different from an impurity level. The chalcopyrite compound semiconductor includes a first element having first electronegativity of 1.9 or more in Pauling units, the first element occupying a lattice site of the semiconductor. A portion of the first element is substituted with a second element having second electronegativity different from the first electronegativity, the second element being a congeneric element of the first element. The intermediate level is created by substituting the first element with the second element.

Abstract: A semiconductor component, especially a solar cell comprises a semiconductor substrate of a planar design having a first side and a second side lying opposite thereto, at least one contact structure arranged on at least one side of the semiconductor substrate, the at least one contact structure exhibiting a diffusion barrier to prevent the diffusion of ions from the contact structure into the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A conjugated polymer has a repeated unit having the structure of formula (I) wherein A1, A2, R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of a proton, an alkyl group comprising up to 18 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group comprising up to 18 carbon atoms, cyano, nitro, aryls and substituted aryls, and wherein Ar is selected from the group consisting of ethenylene, ethynylene, monocyclic arylene, bicyclic arylene, polycyclic arylene, monocyclic heteroarylene, bicyclic heteroarylene, polycyclic heteroarylene, and one to five such groups one of fused or linked.

Abstract: An organic solar cell device comprising a substrate, a power-generating laminate and a barrier laminate provided on at least one side of the power-generating laminate, wherein the power-generating laminate comprises a pair of electrodes and an organic layer disposed between the electrodes, and the barrier laminate comprises at least one organic polymer layer and at least one inorganic layer, is flexible and highly-durable.