Abstract: An airway positioning device facilitates the maintenance of a patent airway by correctly positioning a patient's head during anesthesia. A flat base supports a supine patient's head. A pair of rails slope downward from a first end of the base to a second end of the base. A track mounts with at least one of the rails. At least one adjustable support arm movably mounts with the track via a locking coupling device at an end of the arm distal to the patient's head. A patient engaging member mounted with an end of the arm proximal to the patient's head supports the patient's head in a desired position during an operation or procedure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fixation device and a method for immobilizing a head of a patient relative a treatment unit or medical device during treatment of the head. The fixation device is provided with an interface unit adapted to be fixated in relation to an adaptor unit for connection to the treatment unit, or to a frame for connection to the medical device. Furthermore, the fixation device is provided with a bite-block for being inserted into a mouth of a patient and a positioning arrangement movably connecting the bite-block to the interface unit. The positioning arrangement is adapted to be fixated by means of an adhesive for fixation of the bite-block such that the head of a patient can be immobilized relative said adaptor unit or frame.

Abstract: An embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention is adapted to be positioned at least partially in a mouth of a user to reduce resistance of air flow in the oral pharyngeal region and to improve anatomic and functional relationships of the oral pharyngeal structure. The device comprises a base unit adapted to be removably mounted on a lower jaw of the mouth, a pair of tongue positioner guides, each tongue positioner guide connected at a proximal end to the base unit, and a pair of tongue positioners, each connected with a distal end of a corresponding tongue positioner guide. When the base unit is mounted on the lower jaw, the tongue positioners are adapted to be arranged beneath a tongue of the mouth so that the tongue is urged against a soft palette of the mouth to thereby reduce resistance of air flow in the oral pharyngeal region and improve anatomic and functional relationships of the oral pharyngeal structure.

Abstract: A head and neck covering is cut from a flat sheet of foam material to form a body portion of the head and neck covering. The foam material has a first surface cut to form an eye region, mouth region and neck region. The foam material has a second surface opposite the first surface which is continuous other than an opening for intubation. The foam material is compliant so that the body portion conforms to contours of the head and neck of the anesthetized patient. A closure mechanism is attached to the body portion for securing the head and neck covering around the anesthetized patient. The foam material reduces a potential for trauma to the head and neck of the anesthetized patient. A plurality of channels is formed in the foam material. Warm fluid is circulated through the channels to reduce heat loss for the patient.

Abstract: The invention is for a bodysuit for clothing of a human to assist in comfortable wearing of an orthotic brace. Trouserette sections, an elliptical sanitary voiding aperture, and a loincloth with a pelvic girdle flap elongated end releasably joined to a body sleeve provide the wearer with comfort, modesty, and convenience in sanitary voiding. Stretch cotton/spandex knit cloth, externally overlocked seaming, coverstitched stitches, flat zigzag stitchery, and hook and loop tape fasteners enhance quality and comfort in various embodiments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for analyzing x-ray images. In particular, devices, methods and algorithms are provided that allow for the accurate and reliable evaluation of bone structure from x-ray images.

Abstract: The invention provides a tobacco smoking apparatus that enables a person to smoke; namely, inhale and exhale smoke and other combustion products from burning tobacco, while isolating and protecting others from a substantial portion of the combustion products, including smoke, smoker's exhale, and odor, that are produced from smoking tobacco.

Abstract: A safety cigarette holding device includes a containing well having a bottom portion and a surrounding portion formed and extended upwardly from the periphery of the bottom portion, and the containing well being in a polygonal or circular shape; at least one carrying platform, installed at the bottom portion and inside the surrounding portion for carrying a cigarette, and having a U-shaped groove, and the U-shaped groove having a number of ditches. In addition, cigarette snuffing unit is installed at the bottom portion for snuffing a burning cigarette. The safety cigarette holding device can prevent the burning cigarette from falling onto a tabletop to prevent damaging properties or causing a fire.

Abstract: A smokeless pipe comprises a bowl (1), a shank (2), a stem (3) with a bit (4) and an air channel (5) inside of the pipe, which is used for placing a carrier of a nicotine-containing or flavoring agent (10) and a heating unit (7) connected to a power supply (8). According to the invention at least one of elements (7) of a heating unit is arranged in the stem (3) and is shifted to the bit (4). The invention ensures preservation of the health of a pipe smoker while fully simulating the process of smoking.

Abstract: In a process of manufacturing smokeless tobacco articles on a rod-making device, an endless tobacco web (1a), the filler web, is shaped into an endless rod (1b), preferably by use of a funnel-like formatting device (4). Another endless web (5a), the wrapper web, is provided as a wrapper and wrapped around the endless rod (1b). The endless wrapped rod is cut into individual cylindrical portions (11).

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention a method for tobacco delivery is provided comprising: providing tobacco; providing a first solution; contacting the tobacco with the first solution to form a tobacco solution comprising tobacco constituents; and vaporizing the tobacco solution. In other aspects of this embodiment the step of vaporizing the tobacco solution comprises using a low temperature vaporization element to vaporize the tobacco and the tobacco constituents comprise nicotine and at least one monoamine oxidase inhibitor derived from tobacco.

Abstract: A filter material adapted for use as a filter element of a smoking article is provided, the filter material including at least one segment of fibrous tow having a plurality of degradable particles dispersed therein, the degradable particles comprising a starch material. Exemplary starch materials include naturally-occurring starch, hydroxyalkylated starch, starch esters, ionically modified starch, oxidized starch, hydrolyzed starch, plasticized starch, gelatinized starch, grafted starch, crosslinked starch, transglycosylated starch, starch ethers, and mixtures thereof, as well as blends of starch with other polymers. Filter elements and smoking articles, such as cigarettes, that contain the filter material are also provided. A method of preparing polymer fibers for use in filter elements is also provided, the method including adding the starch material to a fiber precursor solution prior to fiber extrusion or dry-blending the starch material with the polymer material to be formed into fibers.

Abstract: A smoking article includes an aerosol-generating section and a filter section attached to the aerosol-generating section. The filter section contains a plurality of flavor-releasing particles each containing a water-soluble matrix containing a flavor component. The plurality of flavor-releasing particles has respective particle diameters ranging from 1 to 100 ?m and has an average particle diameter of 20 ?m or less.

Abstract: A wig and hairpiece extension arrangement is provided with a top wig, an intermediate wig, and a lower wig. The top wig has a generally circular first foundation. The intermediate wig has a second foundation that is arcuate, while the lower wig has a third foundation that is a portion of a semi-circle. The top wig is structured and arranged to be secured to the top of a human head with the intermediate wig located along the upper rear of the head and the lower wig located along the rear of the head below the intermediate wig. The wig arrangement can be worn with different spacings, colors and styles and either with or without the intermediate wig so as to change the look and styling of the wearer's head.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for disguising dermatological blemishes on the skin of a patient. The method includes providing a viscous silicone material in a first container, and a catalyst in a second container. The silicone material, the catalyst, or both, is pre-tinted to match a selected skin tone of the patient. The silicone material may also have a flocking agent dispersed therein to provide texture. In this way, the silicone material will more easily blend in with the user's skin. The method also includes dispensing the silicone material and the catalyst from a dispensing gun, thereby mixing the silicone material and the catalyst into a silicone mixture for application and curing. The mixture is applied to the dermatological area of interest on the skin of the patient. Thereafter, the method includes allowing the silicone material to cure to form a translucent elastic layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to easy-to-use imperceptible hair volumizing accessory to increase hair volume. A hair volumizing accessory for increasing hair volume comprises: a hair roll comprising a tube, a hollow therein, and two openings on both ends thereof to be closed or enclosed; a filler for filling the hollow of the hair roll; a hair comb configured to be curved for fitting to the contour of a head of a wearer and attached to the hair roll by attachment means; and two end caps for enclosing the two openings of the hair roll. The advantages of the present invention are: (1) the hair volumizing accessory is easy-to-use and imperceptible; and (2) the hair volumizing accessory can be manufactured in various sizes and colors for serving the wearer's needs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a diffuser (20) for a shaving foam container (10). The purpose of the invention is to develop a diffuser according to the preamble, intended for finding more easily the different elements required for manual shaving. This purpose is achieved by providing the diffuser (20) with means (25) for attaching a razor blade (40). Accordingly, in the mounted and ready-to-use state, the container can be used as a razor handle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hard surface cleaning, and has as an object to provide a next time cleaning benefit. The invention provides the use of citric acid and/or a salt of citric acid for facilitating the removal of soil, in particular fatty soil, from a hard surface. Therewith the object of the invention has been achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for self-cleaning dust removal. The apparatus may be provided with a brush housing 202 having an opening 204, one or more axles 206 disposed around the opening 204, and a plurality of brush fibers 208 emanating from the one or more axles 206 that rotate inward into the opening 204. In addition, the system may include a scraping edge 106, disposed around the opening 204, farther into the brush housing 202 than the one or more axles 206, that scrapes 1408 dust off of the brush fibers 208 as they rotate inward against the scraping edge 106, and a vacuum cleaner intake port 110 inside the brush housing 202 that draws 1410 dust from off and about the brush fibers 208 as they rotate inward 1406. The system may further include a handle 112 connected to the brush housing 202 and a switch 114.

Abstract: An improved method for predicting stability of liquid detergent composition, identifying and designing liquid detergent compositions that provide said desired stability, consumer acceptance and performance.

Abstract: A method for cleaning drywall tools and other objects produces dirty water while collecting the dirty water in a container. The method includes treating the dirty water in the container with a water-clarifying agent to produce settled-out mud and/or other settled-out constituents and clarified water, removing the clarified water from the container, and, preferably, draining the settled-out mud or other settled-out constituents from the container for recycling. An apparatus includes a cart supporting a container that includes an upwardly opening main portion over which the user sprays the object and a lower portion extending downwardly from the main portion. The lower portion has a bottom end that includes a valve-controlled outlet for enabling the user to drain a quantity of settled-out mud or other settled-out constituents from the container after that quantity has settled out of suspension from the dirty water.

Abstract: A fluid nozzle for use in a high pressure water jetting system includes a housing to be fixed to a source of high pressure water. The housing receives a rotating member and an inner peripheral bore. The rotating member includes a shaft received within the housing, and a nozzle extending outwardly of the housing, the nozzle having openings extending along a direction having a component both forwardly along an axis of rotation of the shaft and the nozzle, and radially outwardly relative to the central axis. A central passage within the shaft communicates high pressure fluid to the nozzle. The shaft includes leakage paths to provide leakage fluid from the central passage to an interface between an outer peripheral wall of the shaft and an inner peripheral wall of the bore in the housing. The leakage paths communicate fluid to a forward fluid pressure chamber, and to a rearward fluid pressure chamber.

Abstract: Provided is a parts washer that includes a multi-tiered basin, a cleaning fluid and a biological component, living within the fluid, that breaks down organic waste. The multi-tiered basin includes a sink member with a false bottom, and a support grid and filter are interposed between the false bottom and a bottom panel of the sink member. The false bottom, support grid, and filter are readily removable from the sink member. The tank is partially filled with the cleaning fluid and a pump and conduit assembly direct a flow of the cleaning fluid to the basin. The cleaning fluid discharged into the basin flows through a drain hole in the false bottom, through the filter and support grid, and then through a drain hole in the bottom panel of the sink member back into the tank for reuse. The cleaning fluid includes, at least, a surfactant that functions to remove organic waste from the parts being washed.

Abstract: A parts washing apparatus comprising a basin having a drain, a reservoir located below the drain, and a solvent filtering and recirculating system. This system comprises a centrifuge filter assembly and a solvent recirculating system. The centrifuge filter assembly in turn comprises a centrifugal filter comprising a receptacle and a replaceable filter element, and also a turbine to drive the centrifugal filter. The centrifuge filter and the turbine are positioned in an enclosing structure to enclose the turbulent flow of the solvent from the centrifuge filter and also enclose the fumes associated with the turbulent flow. Thus, there is a discharge of solvent as less turbulent flow while substantially enclosing the associated fumes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning device (1) with a cleaning lance (3) and a holding device (2) for housing the cleaning lance (3), said holding device containing a rechargeable electric energy storage device (9a) for providing electrical users of the cleaning lance (3) and a charging device (9b) for charging the energy storage device (9a). The invention solves the objective of providing the cleaning lance with electrical energy reliably and in a simple manner, in that the cleaning device (1) comprises an electrical energy transfer unit (11) for non-contact transferring of electrical energy between the holding device (2) and the charging device (9b) for charging the energy storage device (9a).

Abstract: A cleaning machine for containers, containing a housing in which various treatment stations, including a feed station and a discharge station, are accommodated, whereby the housing has two side walls located opposite each other. In order to simplify the installation of the cleaning machine, a modular construction is used, whereby at least the discharge station is formed as a module.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for a cleaning apparatus that includes a swash assembly for allowing independent control of the nozzle pitch from the nozzle rotation, and further includes supplying a cleaning fluid through the same apparatus used to rotate the nozzle. The method and system allows cleaning with spray patterns of substantially 360 degrees spherical ranges of motion. The nozzle angle can be controlled by hydraulic cylinders that can reversibly translate a rack along a longitudinal axis of a nozzle assembly to engage a pitch gear coupled to the nozzle. The system is automatically resettable to a default position upon failure of hydraulic pressure. Generally, a plurality of nozzles are used to balance the side forces on the main mast. A remote control system allows an operator to design and control an optimal cleaning procedure, and to adjust the nozzle rotation, angle, and cleaning regime.

Abstract: A dishwasher having water connections and a connection device with an output and inputs, wherein each of the inputs is connected to a respective water connection. The connection device opens the input whose assigned water connection supplies water and automatically seals all remaining inputs when the input whose assigned water connection supplies water is open.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a movable door, an opening mechanism and an opening actuator configured to move the door from a closed position to an at least partially open position. A decorative panel is resiliently attached to the door. A sensor is configured to detect movement of the decorative panel relative to the door. A controller is configured to activate the opening actuator based on movement detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device uses two semiconductor materials, joined together. Each of the semiconductor materials is connected to a heat source, and the combined device creates a thermoelectric effect. At least one of the semiconductor materials is modified to improve the efficiency of the thermoelectric device.

Abstract: A thermoelectric composite including a thermoelectric material matrix, a plurality of ceramic nanoparticles, and a bipolar dispersant, wherein the bipolar dispersant bonds the ceramic nanoparticles to the thermoelectric material matrix.

Abstract: The system of the present invention comprises a fully integrated and self-contained alternating current (“AC”) photovoltaic (“PV”) solar panel device, which features an integral micro-inverter having a compression connector fitting for electrically connecting to the utility grid. The compression connector fitting includes an upper and lower housing, which each include a cavity portion for receiving the main electrical conductor wire. The connector fitting further includes three electrical prong devices, which are designed to penetrate the insulation of the main electrical conductor wire, upon compression onto the main electrical conductor wire. Each micro-inverter converts DC power generated by its respective solar panel to grid-compliant AC power.

Abstract: System, method, and apparatus are provided for harvesting electrical energy from a photovoltaic source of electrical energy. The photovoltaic source has power-generating characteristics defined by a family of voltage-current curves comprising points of maximum electrical power over a respective range of at least one of the following for the photovoltaic source: distinct illumination intensities and distinct temperatures. The apparatus is made up of a switching converter coupled to the photovoltaic source. The converter has an input voltage-current curve having a predefined functional relationship between the input voltage and the input current.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a tracking drive type solar power generation apparatus (1) includes a tracking control portion (20) having a tilt drive portion (21) that controls the tilt position of a module panel (10) (a driving solar cell module (12) and juxtaposition solar cell modules (13) supported by main beam members 22), a swivel drive portion (25) that controls the swivel position of the module panel (10), and a tracking control base (20c) to which the tilt drive portion (21) and the swivel drive portion (25) are integrally connected. The driving solar cell module (12) includes, in a middle thereof in a length direction, inside a bottom plate portion (14b) thereof, a tilt drive housing portion (17) in which the tilt drive portion (21) is housed. A tilt rotation axis (21s) serving as the center of rotation of the tilt drive portion (21) is disposed on the same side with respect to the bottom plate portion (14b) as the center of gravity (CG) of the driving solar cell module (12).

Abstract: A photovoltaic module having a light transmissive front layer, a back layer, and a plurality of interconnected photovoltaic cells disposed between the light transmissive front layer and the back layer has a CTE-modified composite encapsulant is interposed between the plurality of solar cells and the light transmissive front layer. The composite encapsulant includes a bulk encapsulant transmissive to visible and near visible wavelengths of the solar spectrum and having a base coefficient of thermal (CTE) expansion, and an encapsulant CTE modifier in the bulk encapsulant. The encapsulant CTE modifier is substantially evenly distributed through the composite encapsulant thickness and interacts with the bulk encapsulant to reduce the effective CTE of the composite encapsulant below that of the bulk encapsulant.

Abstract: Provided are novel photovoltaic module structures and fabrication techniques that include a composite encapsulant disposed and substantially filling voids between at least one sealing sheet and one or more photovoltaic cells. The composite encapsulant contains a bulk encapsulant and filler uniformly distributed throughout the bulk encapsulant. In certain embodiments, at least about 30% by weight of the composite encapsulant is the filler. Adding certain fillers into polymer-based bulk encapsulants in such large amounts reduces encapsulation costs and improves certain performance characteristics of the resulting composite encapsulants. In certain embodiments, the composite encapsulants have better temperature stability, UV stability, mechanical integrity, and/or adhesion than traditional encapsulants. Also, in certain embodiments, the added fillers do not substantially alter the optical properties of initial bulk encapsulants.

Abstract: A conducting film or device multilayer electrode includes a substrate and two transparent or semitransparent conductive layers separated by a transparent or semitransparent intervening layer. The intervening layer includes electrically conductive pathways between the first and second conductive layers to help reduce interfacial reflections occurring between particular layers in devices incorporating the conducting film or electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed are a thin film solar cell module and a manufacturing method thereof. The thin film solar cell comprises, from bottom to top, a first substrate, a first electrode, an absorber layer, and a second electrode layer. A current output region with a current output element disposed therein is formed at the thin film solar cell module. The absorber layer in the current output region is removed through a mask, thereby making the first electrode layer contacts directly there with the second electrode layer. The current output region can be formed at the positive electrode, the negative electrode, or both positive electrode and negative electrode simultaneously, of the thin film solar cell module, thereby increasing the contact area between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer at the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The useless current, the resistance and the heat generated there are reduced.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a thin film solar cell module and a manufacturing method thereof. The thin film solar cell comprises, from bottom to top, a first substrate, a first electrode, an absorber layer, and a second electrode layer. A first current output region formed at the positive electrode of the thin film solar cell module. A first current output element is disposed in the first current output region, and the absorber layer further comprises at least a first gap which is disposed in the first current output region to increase the contact between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. The useless current, the resistance and the heat generated there are reduced. The heat generated there is also reduced.

Abstract: Provided is a superstrate type a-Si:H thin film solar cell of which the device characteristics are improved as compared with conventional ones. The solar cell device is manufactured by a process comprising depositing phosphorus on a transparent conductive film formed on a transparent substrate and sequentially forming a p-type layer, an i-type layer, and an n-type layer which are formed of a-Si:H on the transparent conductive film by a plasma CVD method. The phosphorus is deposited, for example, by plasmatization of phosphorus-containing gas. Alternatively, the phosphorus is deposited by etching a phosphorus source provided in a margin region where a plasma excitation voltage is applied but no transparent substrate is placed, with hydrogen plasma at the start of the formation of the p-type layer by the plasma CVD method.

Abstract: A method for creating a nanostructure according to one embodiment includes depositing material in a template for forming an array of nanocables; removing only a portion of the template such that the template forms an insulating layer between the nanocables; and forming at least one layer over the nanocables. A nanostructure according to one embodiment includes a nanocable having a roughened outer surface and a solid core. A nanostructure according to one embodiment includes an array of nanocables each having a roughened outer surface and a solid core, the roughened outer surface including reflective cavities; and at least one layer formed over the roughened outer surfaces of the nanocables, the at least one layer creating a photovoltaically active p-n junction. Additional systems and methods are also presented.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a process for fabricating multiple devices on a single substrate based on a structure transfer process. During operation, the process starts by forming structures of multiple devices on a first substrate. The process then bonds the structures of the multiple devices onto a second substrate. Next, the process transfers the multiple devices from the first substrate onto the second substrate by fracturing the structures of the multiple devices off the first substrate, wherein the transferred devices preserve physical orientation and material properties of the said fabricated structures.

Abstract: A donor silicon wafer may be bonded to a substrate and a lamina cleaved from the donor wafer. A photovoltaic cell may be formed from the lamina bonded to the substrate. An intermetal stack is described that is optimized for use in such a cell. The intermetal stack may include a titanium layer in contact with the lamina, which reacts to form titanium silicide, a non-reactive barrier layer to check the silicide reaction, a low-resistance layer, and an adhesion layer to help adhesion to the receiver element.

Abstract: An emitter wrap-through solar cell may include a semiconductor substrate having a first side, and a second side opposite the first side, contact structures having at least one emitter contact, and at least one base contact, wherein both the at least one emitter contact and the at least one base contact are arranged on the second side of the semiconductor substrate, and the contact structures have a metallization having nickel silicide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for making a multi-layer structure having transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layers with a textured surface comprising forming a metal-rich TCO layer. The process of the present invention is particularly useful in the manufacture of photovoltaic cells. In the device made by the process of the present invention, the textured surface of TCO layers can maintain high roughness while the interface effects caused by the overetching of the TCO layers are eliminated.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a photovoltaic module may include coating a portion of a substrate with a coating material; depositing a barrier material layer on a least a portion of an edge of the substrate; and curing the barrier material layer, where the barrier material layer is effective as a barrier to the coating material.

Abstract: A solar cell comprises a substrate configured to have a plurality of via holes and a first conductive type, an emitter layer placed in the substrate and configured to have a second conductive type opposite to the first conductive type, a plurality of first electrodes electrically coupled to the emitter layer, a plurality of current collectors electrically coupled to the first electrodes through the plurality of via holes, and a plurality of second electrodes electrically coupled to the substrate. The plurality of via holes comprises at least two via holes having different angles.

Abstract: A photovoltaic power device includes a P-type silicon substrate, a low-resistance N-type diffusion layer diffused with an N-type impurity in a first concentration formed at a light-incidence surface side, grid electrodes formed on the low-resistance N-type diffusion layer, a P+ layer formed on a back surface, and a back surface electrode formed on the P+ layer. The photovoltaic power device has concave portions provided at a predetermined interval to reach the silicon substrate from an upper surface of the low-resistance N-type diffusion layer, and an upper surface of a region between adjacent concave portions includes the low-resistance N-type diffusion layer. A high-resistance N-type diffusion layer diffused with an N-type impurity in a second concentration, which is lower than the first concentration, is formed in a range of a predetermined depth from a formation surface of the concave portions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing the photoactive layer of organic photovoltaic cells using aerosol jet printing. The photoactive layer of the organic photovoltaic cell has high crystallinity and is easily formed into a multilayer structure, thus simplifying the process of manufacturing the organic photovoltaic cells. The solar power conversion efficiency of the organic photovoltaic cells including the photoactive layer is increased, thus facilitating the production of environmentally friendly energy.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a photoelectric conversion device having a high power generation efficiency. A photoelectric conversion device includes a light-transmitting conductive part including a light incident surface and a light output surface, a semiconductor part formed on the light output surface, an anti-reflection coating formed on the semiconductor part, and a dye-sensitized photoelectric conversion body including a charge transport part and a dye that receives a charge from the charge transport part. The charge transport part is in contact with the anti-reflection coating. The anti-reflection coating has a bandgap larger than that of the semiconductor part.