Abstract: The invention provides a medicine ejection device which provides stable ejection even when a reservoir with high sealability is used and can eject an appropriate amount of medicine. A medicine ejection portion 1 includes an ejection nozzle 1a for ejecting a medicine and an element 1b which generates energy for ejecting the medicine from the ejection nozzle 1a, and is connected to a medicine storing portion 2 for storing the medicine. The medicine storing portion 2 is blocked from the outside air except a path through the ejection nozzle 1a, so that when the medicine is ejected from the ejection nozzle 1a, a pressure difference is formed between the outside and the inside of the medicine storing portion 2. A pressure unit 3 which is a feature of the present invention pressurizes a movable wall 5 when ejecting a medicine, which is displaced so that the volumetric capacity of the medicine storing portion 2 decreases due to the pressure difference.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a flow generator to generate a flow of breathable gas; a humidifier chamber to contain a supply of water; a first flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the flow generator to the humidifier chamber; a second flow path to deliver the flow of breathable gas from the humidifier chamber to a patient interface; and a wicking element and/or a flat, elongate heating element provided at least in the humidifier chamber. A method of delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes generating a flow of breathable gas; and humidifying the flow by passing the flow over a supply of water.

Abstract: A gas flow regulating device including a housing assembly, an inlet tube assembly, and a biasing device. The housing assembly has a main housing, a valve seat body, and a distal plate forming an outlet orifice. The inlet tube assembly includes a proximal inlet end, a tube forming a lumen, and a flange, and is slidably disposed within the main housing, biased to an open state by the biasing device. The flange separates middle and constant pressure chambers within the housing assembly. The inlet tube assembly is transitionable to a closed state in response to pressure in the constant pressure chamber to generate a relatively constant flow rate of air exiting the device via the outlet orifice.

Abstract: A pressure controller for an artificial respirator according to this invention includes a control valve facing a gas passage between an inspiratory gas inlet and an inspiratory gas outlet, and an elastic biasing means for elastically biasing the control valve against a valve seat. When an adjustment manipulating member moves backward, even the pivotal motion of the adjustment manipulating member does not operate an adjustment operating member. When the adjustment manipulating member is pulled out, the pivotal motion of the adjustment manipulating member operates the adjustment operating member, thereby adjusting the elastic biasing force of the elastic biasing means. This invention provides a pressure controller for an artificial respirator capable of reliably preventing unnecessary operating of the adjustment operating member although the pivoting operation of the adjustment manipulating member is simple as a whole, and there is no possibility that the adjustment manipulating member and the like are broken.

Abstract: A respiratory protection composite facepiece includes a polymeric rigid facepiece body having a first surface and a second surface, and a silicone sealing facepiece element chemically bonded to at least one of the first surface and the second surface. Methods of forming a respiratory protection composite facepiece are also disclosed.

Abstract: A harness for securely positioning a nasal cannula on the face of a person for orally administering oxygen and other gases is described. A flexible chin strap adapted for placement around the chin of the person may be attached to adjustable, flexible straps effective for draping around the ears of the person, which are in turn attached to a central, cannula attachment portion disposed between the cannula and the face of the person. The gas delivery tubes of the cannula are also disposed behind the ears, essentially following the path of the flexible straps of the harness. Once placed on a person, the harness holds the nasal cannula such that the nasal prongs may disposed facing toward the mouth opening in the vicinity of the lower lip thereof, and may deliver gases to a mouth-breathing individual. Another embodiment of the harness may be utilized to position a nasal cannula for nasal administration of gas.

Abstract: A method for treating obstructive sleep apnea includes providing MAD therapy via an adjustable mandibular advancement device structured to advance the position of the patient's lower jaw, providing CPAP therapy via a mask system structured to deliver a supply of pressurized air to a patient, and selectively adjusting the mask system and/or the mandibular advancement device to alternate and/or balance between CPAP therapy and MAD therapy.

Abstract: A dental appliance for maintaining a separation between the occlusal plane surfaces of the posterior teeth in order to avoid or minimize the adverse effects of bruxism, especially while sleeping. The appliance comprises bitepad assemblies, side assemblies for adjustably receiving the bitepad assemblies, and a strap assembly for connecting the side assemblies. Bitepad cores are provided with solid projections and mechanical locks that enhance bonding with associated overmolds for improved durability. Side assembly flanges are divided to achieve independent flexibility and improved conformity for enhanced stability and comfort. A mesial area of the connecting strap assembly is thickened and rigidified to create a flare in the areas of the cuspid roots to minimize irritation and discomfort to the gum tissue.

Abstract: A cardiopulmonary resuscitation device that combines ventilation of a patient's lungs with chest compressions on the patient's sternum area. The device includes a self-inflating bag having an outlet port through which the content of the bag is forced when bag is compressed; target indicia on the bag to indicate the proper position of the bag on the patient's sternum area and to indicate the proper location on the bag for applying force to the top side thereof; a face mask for placement over the patient's mouth and nose; and a tube extending from the bag to the face mask. The device may include indicia for indicating the amount of pressure applied to the self-inflating bag, and a backboard including belt/motor structure for providing repeated and rapid chest compression and forced ventilation of the patient's lungs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for determining the presence or absence of a genetic defect in an IVF embryo prior to transfer comprising identifying a set of informative SNPs in the genotype of the embryo's parents; assaying the genotype of two or more informative SNPs from the set of informative SNPs on one or more chromosomes collected from a cell of the embryo; determining the presence or absence of a genetic defect in the embryo based on the genotype of the two or more informative SNPs on one or more chromosomes of the embryo; and selecting a candidate IVF embryo determined to be without genetic defect for transfer.

Abstract: Reduced risk tobacco-related products and methods of use. These tobacco-related products (e.g., cigarettes or filters) are designed to reduce the biological insult, for example, DSBs, cell death or perturbation of RNA transcriptome or proteome as compared to the amount of biological insult induced by another cigarette, such as a conventional or reference cigarette (e.g., 2R4F), in human cells, and to provide a reduced risk cigarette that meets a cigarette smoker's sensory/perception needs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cigarette holder-type component, which is intended to be attached to a tobacco product and can be adapted to the suction head of the tobacco product so that the smoke travels through the component during smoking. The component contains porous material, into which an aqueous solution containing at least one aldehyde-binding compound has been absorbed to form an aldehyde-binding filter. In the component that is to be attached to the tobacco product, the water content of the material is kept at a level where the aldehyde-binding compounds are capable of reacting with the aldehydes in the smoke, changing them into a harmless form.

Abstract: A personal smoke filter or smoke trap includes a hollow tube having an input opening to receive the smoke exhaled by a user, and an exit opening. The tube contains a paper filter; a first fiber filter; a carbon filter; and a second fiber filter. The fiber may be polyester. The smoke passes through the filters and out the exit opening, thereby filtering the smoke. Also included are end caps to seal the tube.

Abstract: Packaging for moist smokeless tobacco can be provided in the form of a refill unit comprising a base portion (10) configured to fit in the bottom of an existing moist smokeless tobacco product container and a lid portion (30).

Abstract: Provided are a device and a method for styling hair capable of reducing damage to hair, maintaining the elasticity and texture of the hair, and keeping the hair style for a long period of time. The hair styling device is equipped with an arm body 2 having an arm 2A and an arm 2B connected to each other, an oscillation means 3, and an oscillator 9. The arm body 2 is constituted such that it can retain or release the hair. The oscillation generated from the oscillation means 3 has a predetermined frequency from 1 to 20000 Hz. The oscillator 9 is constituted such that it can slide along the length direction of the arms 2A and 2B and at the same time can transmit the oscillation from the oscillation means to the hair retained by the arm 2 while sliding.

Abstract: A hair iron can regulate the surface of hair with the surfaces of correctors and disperse force acting on cross sectional points of each hair that are in contact with the correctors. The hair iron has clamp arms and the correctors that are arranged on the clamp arms, to face each other, hold hair between them, and heat the hair. At this time, correcting surfaces hold and correct the hair. The correcting surface of one of the correctors is roughened with irregularities to increase contact points or contact areas with the hair and the correcting surface of the other corrector is formed to be smoother than the correcting surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a headband that is constructed of a combination of elements. The headband is constructed in layers where by a top layer can be of any material including decorative materials or wicking materials. The bottom layer of comprises a material which functions to cling to the hair of the wearer by friction created at the interface of the material and the hair and of the user. Situated between the top and bottom layer is at least one facing layer providing absorption and/or starchiness or reduced pliability of the band.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flossing device includes a housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion. An engine is disposed within the housing and is configured to convert input energy into ultrasonic energy and an electronic driving circuit is coupled to both the engine and the power source. A power source is electrically coupled to the engine and is configured to deliver input energy to the engine. At least one acoustic transformer is coupled to the engine, the at least one acoustic transformer being configured to amplify the ultrasonic energy. A main fluid reservoir is configured to store a fluid therein, the main fluid reservoir being coupled to the at least one acoustic transformer such that, upon activation, the fluid transmits the ultrasonic energy to a treatment area.

Abstract: A dental flossing device specifically designed to accommodate flossing for persons with common orthodontic braces where the braces consist of metal wires supported by metal or ceramic brackets cemented to the tooth surface. The flosser is a flossing device consisting of an accommodating handle with grip and a U-shaped extension to which dental floss is tensely attached to each end. The flosser includes narrow floss-holding extensions which fit beneath the brace wire and the tooth surface and its angled handle which comfortably permits access to rear teeth.

Abstract: Methods of removing contaminant matter from porous materials include applying a polymer material to a contaminated surface, irradiating the contaminated surface to cause redistribution of contaminant matter, and removing at least a portion of the polymer material from the surface. Systems for decontaminating a contaminated structure comprising porous material include a radiation device configured to emit electromagnetic radiation toward a surface of a structure, and at least one spray device configured to apply a capture material onto the surface of the structure. Polymer materials that can be used in such methods and systems include polyphosphazine-based polymer materials having polyphosphazine backbone segments and side chain groups that include selected functional groups.

Abstract: A laminated wipe comprises an absorbent layer, an upper impermeable layer and a lower permeable layer.

Abstract: Improved aqueous, alkaline hard surface cleaning compositions useful in the cleaning of hard surfaces, particularly hard surfaces bearing greasy stains or soils also provide a disinfecting and/or sanitizing benefit to the treated hard surfaces. Preferred compositions comprise amine oxide as the sole surfactant constituent, an alkalinity constituent, preferably an alkanolamine and as the sole organic solvent constituent, an alkylene glycol phenyl ether, an antimicrobially active constituent, and water, optionally further including a dye and/or fragrance composition. The compositions provide excellent cleaning of greasy soils on hard surfaces and provide a disinfecting or sanitizing benefit thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate cleaning method for prevent damage to a pattern formed on a substrate. The substrate cleaning method includes cleaning the substrate by striking cleaning particulates carried in a flow of dry air or inert gas against a surface of the substrate, and removing the cleaning particulates.

Abstract: An apparatus and method, as shown in FIG. 1, for cleaning barrels (3) by blasting with cryogenic abrasive media through a nozzle (2). The nozzle (2) translates along rail (4) while barrel (3) rotates to completely clean barrel (3). The apparatus provides automated means for blasting barrels (3).

Abstract: A movable trash container cleaning system includes a vehicle with a spray booth and a movable access door for enclosing the spray booth. A manipulating arm is provided for engaging and lifting a container disposed outside a vehicle and inverting a container inside the spray booth. A sprayer is provided and disposed for spraying the fluid onto inside surfaces of the inverted container to clean the container and dislodge the solids. A stationary platform is provided for receiving the dislodge solids wash from the inverted container and the ram packer moves to dislodge the solids from the platform into a storage chamber in the vehicle.

Abstract: There is provided a method of controlling a dishwasher. The method includes performing a preliminary washing cycle, performing a main washing cycle, and performing a rinsing cycle. Steam is supplied during at least one of the main washing cycle and the rinsing cycle.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for cleaning a surface, such as a wall of a waste boiler of a Kivcet furnace, are described. The invention comprises suspending a pair of spaced apart cables adjacent a surface to be cleaned, attaching ends of the rail to respective ones of the cables with equal lengths of cable between the rail and the roof, the rail being reversibly moveable up and down the surface. A carriage has a nozzle assembly, operative to emit a jet of water, with the carriage reversibly moveable along the rail. The rail is moved from one of a top and bottom of the surface to another of the top and bottom of the surface, and the carriage is moved from one side of the rail to another, cleaning the surface as it moves. The foregoing steps are repeated for each remaining uncleaned surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cleaning a reactor having a tendency of fouling by deposition of solids, wherein a hot solvent, in which the solids are soluble and which has a temperature of at least about 75° C., is applied to the reactor, the solids being substantially dissolved and the dissolved solids being discharged from the reactor, wherein the method is carried out without opening the reactor to atmosphere.

Abstract: Washing plant to perform a washing cycle of objects providing at least a pre-wash operation and a washing and heat disinfecting the objects operation. The plant includes a first battery of pre-wash units, in series one after the other along a first alignment axis and a second battery of washer and heat disinfection machines along a second alignment axis, different from the first alignment axis to operate parallel with each other and perform object washing and heat disinfecting. The second battery is able to receive, along a feed direction transverse to the second alignment axis, the objects subjected to pre-wash exiting from the first battery along the first axis alignment. The second battery feed direction is also transverse to the first alignment axis. Movement members are provided to divert the objects exiting from the first battery and direct them, aligned with the direction of feed, towards the second battery.

Abstract: The invention is an extendable vacuum cleaner. More particularly, an apparatus in accordance with the present invention may comprise a housing for particulate collection, an intake unit for removably attaching to the housing, and one or more extenders coupled to the housing and intake unit, wherein each extender is adapted to extend and retract the intake unit from and to the housing. Exemplary use of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention may comprise of extending an intake unit away from a vacuum housing, moving the intake unit in a variety of directions so as to collect dust and clean underneath low clearance furniture, followed by retracting the intake unit towards the vacuum housing.

Abstract: There is provided a substrate processing method with the use of plural kinds of liquids, capable of, after a process to a substrate by using a process liquid, rapidly and more reliably substituting the process liquid remaining on the substrate with a liquid to be subsequently used. The substrate processing method comprises: processing a substrate W by a process liquid; and supplying a substitute liquid onto the substrate and substituting the process liquid remaining on the substrate with the substitute liquid. The substitute liquid used in the substituting step has a surface tension that is smaller than a surface tension of the water, and a density that is equal to a density of the process liquid.

Abstract: A method for removing liquid from a surface of a disc includes, rotating the disc article about an axis perpendicular to the disc's main surface, supplying liquid from a supply port, moved across the substrate towards the edge of the disc, onto the rotated disc, supplying a first gas flow through a first gas supply port onto the disc article to an area whose centre has a distance to the centre of rotational movement of not more than 20 mm, the area being covered with a liquid layer thereby opening the liquid layer at a discrete area, and supplying a second gas flow through a second gas supply port moved across the substrate towards the edge of the substrate onto the rotated disc wherein the distance of the second gas supply port to the centre is lower than the distance of the liquid supply port to the centre.

Abstract: When, according to the invention, a washing system (1) is made of a pipe of synthetic material, where the pipe is divided into a washing tunnel (5) and a tank (6) separated by a package conveyor (3) and a drain bottom (7), a washing system is achieved, where the system may be advantageously by established by coupling a plurality of pipes together and by introducing a fully mounted drain bottom via an open pipe end. The selection of synthetic material as a pipe material results in great savings of material, while providing a tunnel which is stable and self supporting, and which is sound and heat insulating and hygienic, so that both the initial and the operating costs are reduced significantly.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing contamination from a substrate. The method includes applying a cleaning solution having a dispersed phase, a continuous phase and particles dispersed within the continuous phase to a surface of the substrate. The method includes forcing one of the particles dispersed within the continuous phase proximate to one of the surface contaminants. The forcing is sufficient to overcome any repulsive forces between the particles and the surface contaminants so that the one of the particles and the one of the surface contaminants are engaged. The method also includes removing the engaged particle and surface contaminant from the surface of the substrate. A process to manufacture the cleaning material is also provided.

Abstract: An automated vehicle wash system including vehicle wash equipment, a mechanical room and a control module, such as a control pod. The control pod is positioned outside the mechanical room and adjacent the vehicle was equipment so that an operator of the control pod can directly view the wash equipment as the operator adjusts controls of the control pod to precisely regulate materials, such as chemicals and other treatment liquids, delivered by the wash equipment to a vehicle as the vehicle passes along a path.

Abstract: A dishwasher (1) (30) having a box-shaped casing (2) having an inner wash chamber (3) communicating externally through an opening (4) formed in one of the lateral walls of the casing (2); and at least one dish rack basket (6) housed inside the wash chamber (3) to house dishes/cutlery within a hold volume (7) bounded by two predetermined boundary planes (A, B); the dishwasher (1) having an alarm device (9) which generates, inside the wash chamber (3), at least one light beam in a direction coplanar with a reference plane (R) lying in one of the predetermined boundary planes (A, B); and the alarm device (9) alerting the user to incorrect positioning of the dishes/cutlery inside the basket (6) when the light beam is interrupted by the dishes/cutlery.

Abstract: A nozzle for forming a jet stream in a tank filled with a liquid, including a first injection hole for obliquely generating a first jet stream with respect to a bottom of the tank and a second injection hole for generating a second jet stream at an angle shallower than an angle at which the first jet stream is generated with respect to the bottom of the tank.

Abstract: An elongated solution injection bar operable in a cleaning system as a combination dry vacuum and fluid carpet cleaner. The elongated solution injection bar having an upper solution distribution and pressure equalization chamber in fluid communication with a lower solution discharge chamber through a solution flow restrictor structured for distributing hot liquid cleaning solution in a substantially uniform flow along substantially the entire length of a cleaning head operating surface. The hot liquid cleaning solution being discharged from the lower solution discharge chamber at a volumetric flow rate of or about 1 gallon per minute (gpm) or less, so that the liquid cleaning solution is discharged to the operating surface as a flood under pressure.

Abstract: Methods of removing contaminant matter from porous materials include applying a polymer material to a contaminated surface, irradiating the contaminated surface to cause redistribution of contaminant matter, and removing at least a portion of the polymer material from the surface. Systems for decontaminating a contaminated structure comprising porous material include a radiation device configured to emit electromagnetic radiation toward a surface of a structure, and at least one spray device configured to apply a capture material onto the surface of the structure. Polymer materials that can be used in such methods and systems include polyphosphazine-based polymer materials having polyphosphazine backbone segments and side chain groups that include selected functional groups.

Abstract: A sunshade includes a coupling seat mounted to a top face of a base. A gear is rotatably received in the coupling seat and includes a plurality of positioning grooves spaced in a circumferential direction. A supporting rod for supporting a canopy is fixed to the gear. An operative member includes an end pivotably coupled to the coupling seat. A pawl extends from the end of the operative member. The other end of the operative member is operable to move the operative member between a coupling position releasably engaged in one of the positioning grooves of the gear to fix the gear relative to the coupling seat and a release position disengaged from the positioning grooves with the supporting rod and the gear rotatable relative to the base about a vertical axis perpendicular to the circumferential direction, allowing adjustment of an angular position of the canopy relative to the base.

Abstract: A fully automatic collapsible and multi-foldable umbrella includes an umbrella rib, an upper nest, a lower nest, a middle rod and a compression spring disposed between the upper and lower nests or a tension spring disposed on the umbrella rib. The middle rod has upper and lower internal plugs. A fastener fastening an external tube of the middle rod is disposed in the upper internal plug so that the middle rod may extend to open the umbrella. The umbrella further includes first and second pull wires. The first pull wire has one end coupled to the lower internal plug and the other end connected to the upper nest after the wire wraps around pulleys on the upper and lower nests. The second pull wire has an upper end connected to the fastener and a lower end connected to a runner on a handle so that the runner drives the fastener.

Abstract: The crutch includes a lower pole with a handgrip near the upper end thereof, and may include a forearm cuff above the handgrip in the case of a forearm type crutch. The distance between cuff and handgrip is adjustable, as is the lower pole length. A resilient limb or bow is rigidly affixed to the lower end of the pole, with its upper attachment end being rearwardly offset from the pole. This results in a forward torque or moment when the user applies a downward force upon the crutch during use, thereby assisting the user in forward travel. The lower or distal end of the limb also absorbs shock for the crutch user when the limb contacts the underlying surface. The springback of the limb returns a considerable portion of the energy imparted by the user as weight was applied to the crutch, thereby facilitating user mobility.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material, and a thermoelectric element and a thermoelectric module including the thermoelectric material are disclosed. The thermoelectric material may have improved thermoelectric properties by irradiating the thermoelectric material with accelerated particles such as protons, neutrons, or ion beams. Thus, the thermoelectric material having excellent thermoelectric properties may be efficiently applied to various thermoelectric elements and thermoelectric modules.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a photovoltaic cell array of the type comprising a primary electrode array and a counter-electrode array together defining a series-connected sequence of cells, each containing electrolyte which is insulated from direct electrical contact with the electrolyte of neighbouring cells, the method comprising: (a) depositing electrolyte into the cells; and (b) sensing the level of electrolyte deposited.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use, in the manufacturing of materials or devices for photonic applications, of chalcogenide-type compounds having an octahedrally coordinated indium element and wherein a transition element is introduced in octahedral position generating a partially occupied intermediate band separate from those of valence and conduction of the initial semiconductor, according to quantum mechanics calculations. This enables, by absorption of two photons having energy lower than the prohibited bandwidth of the initial semiconductor, a result equivalent to that achieved, without said intermediate band, by the absorption of a higher-energy photon. The use of such a material can thereby improve yield and performance of various photovoltaic, photocatalytic, photoelectrochemical, optoelectronic or photonic conversion devices. Indium sulfide substituted in part with vanadium or titanium is one of the specific materials having these properties that is synthesised according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to low-concentration photovoltaic modules. The photovoltaic modules may comprise a flexible backsheet having a plurality of electrically conductive circuit elements that have been embossed or imprinted to create optical features in the electrically conductive surface. The solar cells are then in electrical contact with the electrically conductive circuit elements to complete the photovoltaic module. By imprinting/embossing the electrically conductive circuit elements, incident solar radiation that would normally not reach the solar cells may be reflected and collected by the solar cells. Thus, substantially all of the solar radiation that is exposed to the photovoltaic module is collected by the solar cells of the photovoltaic module.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an analog photovoltaic power circuit, comprising: a photovoltaic device group for receiving photo energy to generate an input voltage; a power stage circuit for converting the input voltage to an output voltage; an optimum voltage estimation circuit for receiving a predetermined voltage and estimating an optimum voltage according to a direction of variation of the input voltage and a direction of variation of the power generated by the photovoltaic device group; and an analog comparison and control circuit for comparing the optimum voltage with the input voltage, to thereby control the operation of the power stage circuit.

Abstract: A mobile power system provides a housing, such as a container having at least one door at a first end. From the first end a first set of arrays can extend from a stowed configuration inside of the housing to an extended configuration through the first end. Slides and rollers can facilitate this transition. Once in the extended configuration, the first set of arrays can then transition to a deployed configuration such as by rotating at least one auxiliary array relative to a main array. A control panel, preferably accessible from outside of the housing, can automatedly transition the first set of arrays from the stowed to at least the extended, if not deployed configuration. A similarly operating set of second arrays can be utilized with some embodiments.

Abstract: A photovolataic cell powered by artificial lights, wherein photovoltaic cell and artificial lights use a light guide to distribute light onto the photovoltaic cell while maintaining an overall compact shape.

Abstract: A rotational trough reflector solar-electricity generation device includes a trough reflector that rotates around a substantially vertical axis. A strip-type photovoltaic (PV) device is fixedly mounted along the focal line of the trough reflector. A tracking system rotates the trough reflector such that the trough reflector is aligned generally parallel to the incident sunlight (e.g., in a generally east-west direction at sunrise, turning to generally north-south at noon, and turning generally west-east at sunset). A disc-shaped support structure is used to distribute the reflector's weight over a larger area and to minimize the tracking system motor size. Multiple trough reflectors are mounted on the disc-shaped support to maximize power generation.