Abstract: A respiratory etiquette device in the form of a mask that can be held in a compacted configuration within the pocket or purse of a user. When released, the mask springs open to its erected configuration and can be quickly placed over the mouth and nose of a wearer to contain a cough or sneeze. Rapid springing open of the mask is achieved by using a plastic core having an array of external bubbles that rapidly regain their shape when the mask is released, thereby forcing the entire mask into its fully erected configuration.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a patient interface device, such as a mask (10, 46), nasal pillow (42), or nasal cannula (54, 76, 76?, 78, 82, 90 96), that includes an adhesive layer (40) provided on a surface thereof that is structured to temporarily bond to the skin of a user of the patient interface device. The adhesive layer may include a bonding agent, such as a polymer gel, having a residual extraction force of between about 50 grams and about 200 grams.

Abstract: A condom comprises natural rubber and polyurethane. Preferably, the condom has a single wall thickness of less than 55 ?m. More preferably the condom has a single wall thickness of less than 55 ?m and a burst pressure of 1.0 kPa or above. A process for making the condom comprises mixing polyurethane and natural rubber latex and forming a condom therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for manipulating a shoulder joint, by independently manipulating the upper arm in two directions. One direction is “longitudinal”, wherein the upper arm moves substantially along its longitudinal axis. The second is “lateral”, in which the upper arm moves laterally from a first to a second position, with the second position being spaced apart from the first and such that the longitudinal axes of the upper arm in the two positions are substantially parallel. The apparatus is adjustable, but includes two parts stationary during use; an elongate yet platelike “upper arm supporting plate” configured to be situated under the upper arm of the patient (extending proximate the armpit and extending proximate the elbow) and an elongate “forearm member” configured to be positioned proximate the forearm of the user when the user's arm is in position bent approximately 90 degrees.

Abstract: An intubation pillow formed by a base cushion that forms a torso-support portion and defines a recess sized and shaped so as to provide proper alignment of the oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal structures forming a person's airway. A head-support cushion that is positionable within the recess is provided so as to provide proper alignment of the oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal structures that form a person's airway such that unlabored normal breathing may be maintained both prior to and after an intubation procedure.

Abstract: A patient's pharyngeal wall is treated by inserting an expander member into the airway and positioning an active portion of the expander member in opposition to portions of the pharyngeal wall to be treated. The expander member is activated to urge the wall portions outwardly to an outwardly displaced position. The expander member is then deactivated while leaving the wall portions in the outwardly placed position and the expander member is removed from said airway. A further aspect of the treatment includes stabilization of at least a portion of the pharyngeal wall after compression of portions of the wall.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and article for protecting an ear by reducing intensity of sound audible to an individual using the article and/or by preventing foreign objects from entering an ear canal of the ear. The article includes a surface configured for removably securing the article to a tragus of the ear and urging the tragus to at least partially cover the ear canal, thereby protecting the ear.

Abstract: The present invention is a protective garment underpants having a first liner pad having a foam and polyester layers in the crotch to buttocks area and a second liner pad having an absorbent material and open cell foam layer useful for a male and a second garment for females and children where the absorbent layer is replaced by a pad similar to the first liner pad. The polyester layer and the absorbent material layer each have a directional nap running from the back of the garment forward.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treatment of Insulin Resistance Syndrome (IRS), said method comprising the following steps: i. increasing secretions of hormones and growth factors by physically aggressive activities; ii. normalizing monocyte and neutrophil count by cutaneous immuno-sensory stimulation; iii. stimulating wound healing and angiogenesis mechanisms by physically aggressive activities and skin stimulation exercises; iv. stimulating insulin secretion by intense mental activity and by increased epidermal growth factor (EGF) production which is stimulated by physically aggressive activities; and v. decreasing insulin resistance by isolation of the patient in a serene environment.

Abstract: A crank type cigarette tube injector, for injecting tobacco leaves into a hollow cigarette paper tube, includes a housing having a tobacco cavity for the tobacco leaves disposing thereat, and a feeding opening for the cigarette paper tube alignedly supporting thereat, an electric motor, having an output shaft, received in the housing, and a cigarette filling arrangement, which is driven by the electric motor via the output shaft for feeding the tobacco leaves to the cigarette paper tube through the feeding opening of the housing. The crank type cigarette tube injector not only can make a tight and evenly injection to have a better quality of cigarettes, but also has a length lesser than two cigarette lengths of the cigarette paper tube such that it has a reduce dimension and improved portability.

Abstract: A simulated cigarette device (1) comprising an elongate housing (3) having an inhaling outlet at one end (5) and a refill inlet. A reservoir (7) extends along a substantial portion of the housing and has a refill valve (6) adjacent to the refill inlet and an outlet valve (9) adjacent to the inhaling outlet, which is operable to allow gas from the reservoir to pass from the reservoir and out of the inhaling outlet. An air flow passage into the housing downstream of the reservoir leads to the inhaling outlet. A valve opening mechanism having a rotatable valve (16,28) is associated with the air flow passage and is arranged to open the outlet valve (9) as air is sucked through the air flow passage.

Abstract: A wig (10, 30) is made with artificial hairs (12, 13, 32, 33) having bending rigidities depending upon portions attached to respective portions. A wig base (11, 31) is partitioned to a plurality of regions, and the hair (12, 32) having bending rigidity lower than average natural hair is attached to the periphery (11a) of the left and right side head portions and the rear head portion and to the total peripheral region (31A), and blended with the wearer's own hair growing around the wig. On the other hand, in the region toward the center of the wig base (11, 31), the hair (13, 33) having bending rigidity of the same level as natural hair is attached.

Abstract: A support structure and a hair accessory utilizing the support structure are disclosed. The support structure is configured to engage and surround substantially only a rear portion of a user's head, and according to an embodiment the support structure includes a crown segment, a central support member, a crossing member, and a plurality of side segments. The hair accessory includes a plurality of hair strand retention members attached to and extending across the support structure and a plurality of hair strands extending from each hair strand retention member.

Abstract: A system for treating a foot. One system comprises an external container comprising tracks; and an inner appliance comprising foot treating elements. In operation, the foot is placed within the inner appliance and in contact with the foot treating elements, which are associated with the tracks such that moving the foot within the inner appliance back and forth in the external container activates the foot treating elements to apply a foot treatment. In embodiments, the foot treating elements comprise wheels operatively associated with the tracks, brushes, massaging elements, manicure elements and so forth. One system further comprises a double layered pellets' sock arranged to enhance massaging. One system further comprises a lotion sock comprising inbound pores connected to ducts connected to lotion bags with therapeutic lotion, excreted by motion of the foot treating elements.

Abstract: A hair-dyeing comb comprises an outer comb defined on an upper surface thereof with an outer comb-side injection rod receiving groove such that an injection rod can be received in the outer comb-side injection rod receiving groove, and having coupled thereto a plurality of outer comb-side comb teeth which downwardly extend; a receiving part for receiving a hairdye can; biasing means for biasing the hairdye can so that hairdye filled in the hairdye can be received in the receiving part can be injected; the injection rod received in the outer comb-side injection rod receiving groove of the outer comb to inject the hairdye filled in the hairdye can; and a knob section having an injection switch which is installed between the receiving part and the injection rod to switch injection of the hairdye filled in the hairdye can.

Abstract: A brow tool comprises a first extending arm. The first extending arm has a first gear at a base portion. A first straight edge is defined on an inside portion of the first extending arm. The first straight edge is offset in a latitudinal direction in the amount of one half of a gap distance, to provide a latitudinal offset. A second extending arm has a second gear at a base portion. A second straight edge is defined on an inside portion of the second extending arm. The second straight edge is offset in a latitudinal direction to provide a latitudinal offset in the amount of one half of a gap distance. A housing connects the first gear to the second gear so that the first gear is in meshed configuration with the second gear.

Abstract: The wire of the interdental treatment part is inserted into a shaft opening of the injection molding tool, preferably into a strip of the injecting molding tool such that said treatment part projects with a mounting section thereof into a cavity connected to the shaft opening. Preferably, a first cavity section is configured is configured on the strip, and a second cavity section is configured on a cavity body, to with the strip abuts at least during the injection molding process. After injection of plastic into the cavity, and after the at least partial curing thereof, the handle part thus formed is moved by a distance in the direction against the cavity along with the interdental treatment part, and the handle part is removed from the opened injection molding tool.

Abstract: A self-dispensing dental floss applicator that has a U-shaped elongated housing (1) with two hollow prongs (4a, 4b) set perpendicularly to the body at one end and a larger opposite end to contain the locking mechanism, the dispensing mechanism, the spool (3) of fresh floss and the spool (18 or 21) of used floss. The locking mechanism composed of a casing (5), an axle (9), two lower grip pads (17a, 17b), two upper grip pads (7a, 7b), two strip springs (8a and 8b) and a lever (6) with two eccentric friction parts is used to hold the floss in position thus creating the right tension on the floss. A tension pin (19) containing a screw (20) is provided to increase floss tension if/when needed by the user. Rotating the lever (6) up unlocks the floss. Further repeated rotations of the lever backward action the sliding mechanism containing a rack-and-pinion gear (23 and 21), together with springs 24 and 26, that in turn causes the spool of used floss (21) to rotate.

Abstract: A system for removing ink from a substrate. The system includes an ink separator configured to separate the ink from the substrate; and a substrate conveyor configured to provide the substrate to the ink separator. Accordingly, the ink can be removed from the substrate such that the substrate can be re-used.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removing particle contaminants from a surface of a substrate includes coating a layer of a viscoelastic material on the surface. The viscoelastic material is coated as a thin film and exhibits substantial liquid-like characteristic. An external force is applied to a first area of the surface coated with the viscoelastic material such that a second area of the surface coated with the viscoelastic material is not substantially subjected to the applied force. The force is applied for a time duration that is shorter than a intrinsic time of the viscoelastic material so as to access solid-like characteristic of the viscoelastic material. The viscoelastic material exhibiting solid-like characteristic interacts at least partially with at least some of the particle contaminants present on the surface.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus having a cleaning system including at least one downwardly directed spray nozzle is supported by the chassis proximal the chassis forward end and in fluid communication with at least one cleaning solution tank. The at least one spray nozzle sprays cleaning solution from the tank onto the floor. At least one ground engaging agitation brush is disposed rearwardly of the at least one spray nozzle for agitating the cleaning solution sprayed onto the floor. At least one vacuum shoe is supported by the chassis rearwardly of the at least one agitation brush, and in fluid communication with the at least one recovery tank. Cleaning solution drawn into the vacuum shoe is deposited into the at least one recovery tank. In one embodiment, the apparatus is drivable. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a second cleaning system including a vacuum squeegee.

Abstract: A surface-cleaning apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes one or more brushes rotatably driven by a motor in order to collect debris without suction being applied by the apparatus. The apparatus is capable of detecting a resistance or friction level of the surface to be cleaned, and can automatically adjust the rotational speed of the motor, and thereby the rotational speed(s) of the brush(es), based on changes in the surface. Additionally, the apparatus is capable of detecting jamming or locking of a brush and turning off the motor in response to detecting such jamming or locking.

Abstract: A water-bearing domestic appliance and method of operating a water-bearing domestic appliance, wherein the domestic appliance includes a water feed system that is controlled by a control device and that supplies a measured volume of water to the domestic appliance. The domestic appliance further includes a total water volume detection device to detect a total volume of water that is supplied via the water feed system to the domestic appliance during its service life.

Abstract: A non-inserted nozzle for washing a container that can increase the washing efficiency, decrease the amount of washing fluid used, and shorten the washing time in sterilizing and washing a bottle container. The upper end surface of a non-inserted nozzle 8 serves as a liquid-receiving surface 10, and a retention wall 11 of a predetermined height is formed on the outer periphery of the liquid-receiving surface, thereby producing a retention recess. A plurality of nozzle holes 13 linked to a fluid channel of a nozzle stem 14 are provided obliquely so as to spread outwardly substantially in the central section of the liquid-receiving surface. The non-inserted nozzle 8 is disposed below the mouth of an inverted container 28 at a distance H from it and the sterilizing fluid or washing fluid is sprayed from below the mouth of the container, without inserting the nozzle into the container.

Abstract: When the inner surface of containers conveyed in an inverted posture is sterilized, the sterilization efficiency can be increased, the amount of sterilizing fluid used can be reduced, the sterilization time and washing time can be shortened, the number of drive components of the apparatus can be reduced and the apparatus can be simplified and reduced in cost. A non-inserted nozzle 20 is disposed at a distance of 1-50 mm below the lower end surface 52 of a mouth of a container conveyed in an inverted posture, the sterilizing fluid is mixed with air and the sterilizing fluid is atomized and sprayed intermittently from the non-inserted nozzle toward the inside of the container.

Abstract: An oven is disclosed which includes a heating cavity having a smoker and a steamer in communication with the heating cavity. The smoker and the steamer are operable either alone or in combination for preparation of a food product. The steamer is separately operable to produce steam for cleaning the heating cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions including threshold agents, and methods of use thereof. The threshold agents can include hydroxycarboxylate compounds present at an amount sufficient to control water hardness. The threshold agents are present in the wash solution at a molar amount less than the molar amount of water hardness ions present.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning surfaces of polyolefin-based materials soiled with food, particularly dairy products. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for cleaning materials based on one or more halogenated or non-halogenated polyolefins and soiled with food, particularly dairy products, which method is particularly safe for the environment, but also for the soiled polyolefin-based material with minimal wear and tear. According to the invention, the soiled material is brought into contact with an aqueous composition based on alkane sulfonic acids having between 1 and 4 carbon atoms.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus includes operating a multistage supply pump to induce a flow of the cleaning solution through one or more supply conduits to one or more dispensing devices. The multistage pump contains a plurality of impellers which are driven by a variable speed electric motor. The speed of operation of the multistage pump is varied as a function of variations in the fluid pressure in a supply conduit. A single stage return pump induces a flow of solution from the receptacle. A total organic carbon analyzer is utilized to determine the concentration of organic carbon in a return flow of solution from the receptacle. The electrical conductivity of the return solution is measured and is applied as a threshold value to initiate use of the total organic carbon analyzer. An acoustic sensor is utilized to sense variations in operation of the cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dishwasher, in particular a domestic dishwasher, having a control device in which one or more wash programs for controlling a wash cycle for washing items to be washed can be called, and having a fresh water inlet device for receiving fresh water from an external cold water supply, wherein a fresh water reservoir which can be filled with fresh water by means of the fresh water inlet device is provided in which a volume of fresh water can be stored that is sufficient to cover the fresh water requirements of a wash cycle in the case of at least one of the wash programs.

Abstract: A domestic dishwasher, comprising an attachment device for receiving intake water and an execution control device in which are stored one or more washing programs for controlling an execution of a wash cycle for washing dishes, wherein the execution control device is designed to adapt at least one parameter of at least one of the washing programs to a temperature of the fresh water.

Abstract: The present invention is to lessen work burden on a user, to eliminate determination error, to prevent a substrate from being damaged, and to prevent prolonged working time by automatically determining whether or not a particle to be removed is present. A particle inspection and removal apparatus of the present invention includes a particle information acquisition section acquiring particle information on a particle adhering onto a substrate surface, a particle removal section removing the particle adhering onto the substrate surface, a comparison section comparing a threshold set for each of regions of the substrate surface with the particle information on each of the region obtained by the particle information acquisition section, and a particle removal control section controlling the particle removal section to remove the particle on the substrate surface based on a comparison result of the comparison section.

Abstract: A walking assistance device is disclosed that includes a support member having a first end and a second end. Attached to the support member is a hand grip, and attached to the second end is a base member. The base member includes a rounded surface that is configured to rotatably pivot relative to a walking surface as a user walks. The base member may further include a foot portion that has a toe and a heel. The toe and the heel may be the same length, or alternatively they may have varying lengths. Additionally, a pad is optionally attached to the foot portion and may be configured with tread to engage the walking surface in a way that provides traction to the walking assistance device.

Abstract: A canopy may be attached to two or more blades of a helicopter. The canopy may span between two adjacent blades of a helicopter. The canopy may be modular in design to allow additional canopies to be attached, spanning from the first canopy to the next adjacent helicopter blade. The canopy can be installed and removed by one mechanic and may also provide protection from adverse weather conditions to allow for maintenance to be performed safely and efficiently in a field or flight line environment. Utilization of the canopy may reduce personnel subjected to heat, rain, and snow related injuries.

Abstract: A frame assembly for supporting an extendable wall member of a portable shelter on a foundation. The frame assembly includes a plurality of frame members that are operably secured together. The frame members are positionable between a first configuration, in which the wall member is extended, and a second configuration, in which the wall member is retracted. At least one frame member includes an end that is disposed adjacent the foundation. Furthermore, the frame assembly includes a foot member with a support portion. The foot member is pivotably coupled to the end of the frame member to pivot between a first position, in which the support portion is disposed between the end and the foundation to support the frame member on the foundation, and a second position, in which the support portion is disposed away from an area between the end and the foundation.

Abstract: A floatable hunting blind shaped like a muskrat but includes a roof portion pivotally attached to a base portion to rotate between a closed position and an open position. A biasing member urges the roof portion towards the open position. A latch is provided that can be adjusted to retain the roof in the closed position or release the roof to be pivoted to the open position by the urging of the biasing member.

Abstract: A freestanding, collapsible shelter is disclosed. The shelter includes a roof structure having a roof hub, a ridge poles pivotable from a deployed position to a stowed position, gable poles pivotable from a deployed position to a stowed position. The shelter further includes a freestanding leg section that supports the roof structure over a supporting surface when the shelter is disposed in its deployed position. The shelter may also include a canopy.

Abstract: A solar power conversion system includes a collector that is adapted to collect and focus solar radiation into a concentrated beam of radiation. A spectral splitter is adapted to receive the concentrated radiation beam and separate the concentrated radiation beam into a plurality of radiation sub-bands. A laser is adapted to receive the radiation sub-band and to generate a coherent laser beam corresponding to a frequency band of radiation.

Abstract: A high-efficiency generator of controlled-spectrum radiation, comprising: an adiabatic hollow body (12) with an internal reflecting surface (14) having a paraboloidal shape; a black body (18) set in the focus of said paraboloidal reflecting surface (14); means (26, 28; 30) for heating the black body (18) to a temperature of emission of electromagnetic radiation; a non-dissipative plane filter (20) orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (16) of said paraboloidal reflecting surface (14), designed to transmit radiation with a wavelength comprised in a pre-set band and to reflect towards said paraboloidal surface (14) radiation with a wavelength external to said pre-set band; and a mirror (22) with a paraboloidal reflecting surface set between the black body (18) and said filter (20), said mirror (22) being set to prevent the radiation emitted by the black body (18) from reaching said filter (20) directly.

Abstract: Alumina as a sublimation suppression barrier for a Zintl thermoelectric material in a thermoelectric power generation device operating at high temperature, e.g. at or above 1000K, is disclosed. The Zintl thermoelectric material may comprise Yb14MnSb11. The alumina may be applied as an adhesive paste dried and cured on a substantially oxide free surface of the Zintl thermoelectric material and polished to a final thickness. The sublimation suppression barrier may be finalized by baking out the alumina layer on the Zintl thermoelectric material until it becomes substantially clogged with ytterbia.

Abstract: A long life, low cost, high-temperature, high efficiency thermoelectric module. Preferred embodiments include a two-part (a high temperature part and a cold temperature part) egg-crate and segmented N legs and P legs, with the thermoelectric materials in the three segments chosen for their chemical compatibility or their figure of merit in the various temperature ranges between the hot side and the cold side of the module. The legs include metal meshes partially embedded in thermoelectric segments to help maintain electrical contacts notwithstanding substantial temperature variations. In preferred embodiments a two-part molded egg-crate holds in place and provides insulation and electrical connections for the thermoelectric N legs and P legs. The high temperature part of the egg-crate is comprised of a ceramic material capable of operation at temperatures in excess of 500° C. and the cold temperature part is comprised of a thermoplastic material having very low thermal conductivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photovoltaic device through a lateral crystallization process and a fabrication method thereof, and in particular to a high efficiency solar cell module and a fabrication method thereof. The present invention comprises a first solar cell having an amorphous silicon layer formed on a first substrate, a second solar cell having a microcrystalline silicon semiconductor layer formed on a second substrate, and a junction layer junctioning the first solar cell and the second solar cell, making it possible to obtain a solar cell with high efficiency, low fabricating costs, high product characteristic, and high reliability.

Abstract: A multijunction solar cell including an upper first solar subcell having a first band gap disposed adjacent the top surface of the multijunction solar cell; a middle second solar subcell adjacent to the first solar subcell and having a second band gap smaller than the first band gap; a graded interlayer adjacent to the second solar subcell; the graded interlayer having a third band gap greater than the second band gap; and a lower solar subcell adjacent to the interlayer, the lower subcell having a fourth band gap smaller than the second band gap such that the third subcell is lattice mismatched with respect to the second subcell; a metal contact layer adjacent to the lower solar subcell for making an electrical contact thereto; and a cut-out extending from a peripheral edge along the top surface of the solar cell to the metal contact layer to allow an electrical contact to be made to the lower subcell from the top surface of the solar cell.

Abstract: Photovoltaic devices are disclosed that have built in shunt resistance. The devices comprise shunt isolation lines in the electrodes such that shunts will not degrade the efficiency of each individual unit cell. The device is easy to manufacture and the invention is suitable for use with most photovoltaic device architectures.

Abstract: Different systems to achieve solar power conversion are provided in at least three different general aspects, with circuitry that can be used to harvest maximum power from a solar source (1) or strings of panels (11) for DC or AC use, perhaps for transfer to a power grid (10) three aspects can exist perhaps independently and relate to: 1) electrical power conversion in a multimodal manner, 2) alternating between differing processes such as by an alternative mode photovoltaic power converter functionality control (27), and 3) systems that can achieve efficiencies in conversion that are extraordinarily high compared to traditional through substantially power isomorphic photovoltaic DC-DC power conversion capability that can achieve 99.2% efficiency or even only wire transmission losses. Switchmode impedance conversion circuits may have pairs of photovoltaic power series switch elements (24) and pairs of photovoltaic power shunt switch elements (25).

Abstract: An assembly, solar panel, and solar panel protection system have a deployable and retractable flexible resilient mesh barrier which can be extended to cover and protect a surface which is vulnerable to hail and other airborne projectiles. The mesh barrier can be attached to a frame so as to occupy a plane over the surface. The mesh can be held on a powered or unpowered reel and extended on demand. The reel can have an automatically acting controller which extends the mesh responsive to a remote signal such as a warning signal from a weather announcing authority. The mesh barrier can incorporate a heating element to remove accumulated ice.

Abstract: A solar cell and a solar cell module are disclosed. The solar cell includes a substrate of a first conductive type, a plurality of emitter layers of a second conductive type opposite the first conductive type, a plurality of first conductive members partially connected to the substrate, and a plurality of second conductive members partially connected to each of the plurality of emitter layers.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a solar cell module includes a rear-surface-side protection member having a metal layer sandwiched between a plurality of resin layers, the method comprising the steps of: forming a pair of first slits and a second slit in the rear-surface-side protection member to form a pair of movable portions on both sides of the second slit, the second slit extending between and communicating with the pair of the first slits; opening each of the pair of movable portions; performing an insulating treatment on at least a part of the metal layer exposed to the surface of each of the pair of movable portions; and sealing a solar cell between a light-receiving-surface-side protection member and the rear-surface-side protection member, wherein one end portion of an output lead is drawn out from between the pair of movable portions, the output lead being configured to draw electric power from the solar cell.

Abstract: A device for the support of photovoltaic modules such that the tilt angles of the photovoltaic modules can be varied to modify the exposure of the photovoltaic modules to sunlight for the purpose of generating solar electricity. The device allows for the reversible attachment and detachment of photovoltaic modules, serves as the storage for the photovoltaic modules when the photovoltaic modules are detached, and is easily portable by a single person.

Abstract: A solar concentrator is described. The solar concentrator includes a plane including a plurality of concentrating elements, wherein each concentrating element includes a hollow taper including a first opening; and at least one photoelectric conversion layer covering inner side surfaces of the concentrating elements.