Abstract: Methods and devices for inhalation therapy to deliver and embed (deposit) particles less than about 1 ?m in diameter in the lung. High humidity treatment of the lungs causes condensational growth in particle size upon entering the lungs. Increased particle size is conducive to particle embedment (deposition) in deep lung tissue or at a specific targeted lung region.

Abstract: The sleep apnea adapter has many different usages. The usages include medications like nebulizers and “Vicks” to be inhaled. It can also be used with aroma therapies. I.E, Peppermint, lavender, cedar, and many other soothing oils or pastes. The application for this will sooth the patient whatever the case may be. With the ability to distribute through multiple passage ways the patient is able to control the amount of vapor they desire. The air control can be a valve that can be twisted multiple different ways for the amount of vapor to air inhaled.

Abstract: A method of coiling a strip of blisters for insertion into an inhalation device is disclosed. The method includes the steps of taking a preformed strip of blisters in which each blister contains a dose of medicament for inhalation by a user, manipulating the strip to impart a continuous curvature or a series of discrete creases to the strip; that allow the strip to form into a coiled shape. A strip which has been coiled according to the method is also disclosed, as is an inhalation device incorporating means for coiling a strip of blisters according to the invention.

Abstract: An exhaust assembly (1) adapted for use in a respiratory gas delivery system comprises an exhaust vent, an exhaust gas flow passage, a primary gas flow passage, and a moveable member. The exhaust gas flow passage communicated a flow of exhaust gas from a first end of the exhaust assembly to the exhaust vent. The exhaust vent communicates the exhaust gas from the exhaust gas flow passage to ambient atmosphere. The primary gas flow passage communicates a flow of supply gas from a second end of the exhaust assembly to the first end of the exhaust assembly. The moveable member defines at least a portion of the exhaust gas flow passage and the primary gas flow passage, is operable to isolate the flow of exhaust gas from the flow of supply gas, and is responsive to a pressure differential between the flow of supply gas and the flow of exhaust gas.

Abstract: A powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) assembly and kit therefore has an elongated hollow belt body having open first and second ends and multiple inlet openings along its length for mounting one or more filter canisters, one or more filter canisters for mounting in the inlet openings for supplying purified air to the interior of the belt body, a motor and driven fan assembly having a fan inlet in communication with each filter canister through the hollow belt body and a fan outlet; and a power source operably mounted to the belt body and connected to the motor. The PAPR assembly forms a portion of a belt or bandolier to be worn around the user's waist, back, or other location, and at least the belt body can be made of a flexible rubber material, such as a Butyl and Silicone blend, or any other suitable material to conform the PAPR belt to the user's body.

Abstract: A mouth cushion for a mask system includes a side wall, an undercushion extending away from the side wall, and a membrane provided to substantially surround the undercushion and adapted to form a continuous seal around an exterior of a patient's mouth in use. The side wall includes spaced-apart prong support structures that provide annular recesses adapted to support respective nasal prongs, and at least a portion of the undercushion includes a question-mark or sickle-shape configuration when in cross-section.

Abstract: A forehead pad for use in a respiratory mask with a forehead support, which includes a base portion to contact a user's forehead, a support post connected to the base portion, and a head adapted to connect the support post to a forehead support. A pair of forehead pads may be joined with a connector.

Abstract: Described here are devices for altering the flow of air in a respiratory cavity such as the mouth and nostrils of the nose. These methods and devices may be useful for affecting a physiologic benefit in patients suffering from a variety of medical diseases, particularly those that may benefit from “pursed-lip” breathing and non-invasive ventilation, such as COPD, heart failure, sleep apnea, and other medical disorders. The devices are typically removable devices that may be placed over or in a respiratory cavity to increase resistance to airflow within the respiratory cavity. Resistance to expiration may be selectively increased relative to inspiration. Removable oral and removable nasal devices are described. Oral and nasal devices that filter inhaled airflow of debris and allergens are also provided. A nasal device that increases patency of the nares is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a balloon catheter for the respiratory tract, which serves to widen the lumen of the respiratory tract when stricture or stenosis of the lumen occurs and is configured to enable a patient to breathe even during catheterization. The catheter includes a tube unit having a double structure consisting of an inner tube and an outer tube spaced apart from the inner tube to surround the inner tube, and a cylindrical balloon integrally connected to facing distal ends of the inner and outer tubes. The balloon is inflated to have a hollow cylindrical shape as inflation gas is supplied into the outer tube, thereby acting to widen the stenosed or narrowed lumen of the respiratory tract, and simultaneously, oxygen is supplied into the inner tube to pass through the cylindrical balloon, thereby enabling a patient to breathe and resulting in stability in catheterization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel intrauterine systems and to methods for manufacturing these systems. An intrauterine system according to the invention comprises a reservoir and a continuous, closed and flexible frame.

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: The present invention relates to the field of assisting sleep, including apparatus and methods for assisting sleep. In one form, the invention provides a postural support apparatus comprising a first supporting means (5) adapted to support the head of the user, a second supporting means (15) adapted to support the rib cage of the user, and a recess (3) intermediate the first supporting means (5) and the second supporting means (15), the recess (3) being adapted to accommodate at least part of an arm of the user, wherein the apparatus aligns the head and spine of the user such that the user's airways are kept open.

Abstract: A tobacco filling tube having a cylindrical portion having an outside diameter, an inside diameter, a first end and a second end and a hollow tapered portion having a first end with an outside diameter and a second end with an outside diameter. The first end of the tapered portion adjoins the second end of the cylindrical portion, the outside diameter of the first end of the tapered portion is substantially the same as the outside diameter of the cylindrical portion, the outside diameter of the second end of the tapered portion is less than the outside diameter of the first end of the tapered portion, the outside diameter of the first end of the tapered portion is sized to fit inside a tobacco blank, and the tapered portion is flexible to allow the second end of the tapered portion to expand and thereafter return to its initial outside diameter.

Abstract: A multi-functional hair brush comprising an elongate body including a handle segment and a bristle segment. The bristle segment of the multi-functional hair brush includes at least two types or styles of bristles, each performing a separate and different function in styling hair. In one embodiment, the multi-functional hair brush includes a round brush bristled in two different ways to perform two different functions. The two different brislings may include first bristles on a first half of the round brush to start and straighten a difficult hair, and second bristles on a second and opposite half of the round brush to finish styling the hair. In another embodiment, the handle segment of the hair brush includes an off-set handle. The off-set handle provides improved feel and comfort in handling the hair brush while styling hair.

Abstract: Pre-shave compositions to lubricate skin during electric shaving that comprise at least one carboxy silicone polymer and a volatile component to serve as a carrier to the polymer. The pre-shave composition lubricates the skin to reduce skin friction between the electric razor and the skin surface, provides a closer shave, and provides improved feeling to the skin during and after shaving.

Abstract: A hair extension strip includes a hollow hair extension strip end piece and a number of extension hair strands that are embedded in the hair extension strip end piece. The hair extension strip end piece comprises a hair extension hollow tube having predetermined inner diameter and predetermined length. The hair extension strip is made by a process comprising steps of aligning ends of a predetermined number of hair strands; applying melted thermoplastic resin around the aligned ends of the hair strands, removing excess thermoplastic resin, forming a hollow hair extension strip end piece by wrapping the hair strands around a centering rod, and cooling the hair extension strip end piece with the hair strands embedded.

Abstract: Agent for bleaching keratinic fibers containing hydrogen peroxide, at least one cationic 3,4-dihydroisoquinoline derivate of general structure (I)— and at least one alkanol amine of the following general structure (II)— where n is a natural number from 2 to 6. The invention further relates to use of the agent for bleaching hair and to a corresponding method.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for hot and cold processing (1), the apparatus comprising: a heat pump (74) configured to pump heat from a first part of the heat pump to a second part of the heat pump, thereby cooling the first part of the heat pump for cold processing (73); a first heat sink (72) arranged to be in thermal contact with the second part of the heat pump such that heat may be transferred from the second part of the heat pump to the first heat sink and thereby cool the second part of the heat pump.

Abstract: It is desirable to provide a kit and method especially useful as to allowing an inexperienced person the joy of forming and applying a decorative and/or identifying long lasting semi-permanent, affordable tattoo (mark, label, number, letter, etc.) particularly to, but not exclusively to your pet's or livestock's coat (hair, feathers, outer shell, etc.) in a safe, fast, easy and affordable no mess kit. The pet tattoo is achieved on your pet and/or livestock by placing an adhesive backed stencil with a distinct shape or image cut out in said stencil, onto the coat, hair, feathers, outer shell etc. of your pet or livestock. The precut, sticky backed stencil is placed onto the pet or livestock in the area that is to be tattooed.

Abstract: Problem: To provide a cleaning liquid and a cleaning method having excellent leaning capability. In a process of liquid immersion lithography, they can preventing the damage to be caused by the component released from the photoresist to photoexposure devices; the waste treatment is easy; the efficiency in substitution with the cleaning liquid for the medium for liquid immersion lithography is high, and the production cost is reduced not detracting from the throughput in semiconductor production. Means for Solution: A cleaning liquid to be used for cleaning a photoexposure device in a process of liquid immersion lithography, which comprises at least 5% by mass of a nonionic surfactant containing at least one group selected from an ethyleneoxy group, a propyleneoxy group and a polyglycerin group, and a balance of water; and a cleaning method using it.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a plurality of cleaning tanks configured to store a cleaning liquid; an object-to-be-processed holder capable of being inserted into each cleaning tank, the object-to-be-processed holder being configured to hold an object to be processed and to immerse the object to be processed into the cleaning liquid; a vibrator disposed on each cleaning tank; a single ultrasonic oscillator configured to make each vibrator ultrasonically vibrate; an output switch interposed between the ultrasonic oscillator and the vibrator of each respective cleaning tank, the output switch being configured to switch the vibrator that is connected to the ultrasonic oscillator; and a control device configured to control the ultrasonic oscillator and the output switch; wherein the control device controls the ultrasonic oscillator and the output switch such that a timing at which the vibrator of one of the cleaning tanks is made to ultrasonically vibrate, and a ti

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating, particularly cleaning, modifying, and/or activating surfaces, using UV/VUV irradiation of a UV/VUV lamp and additional gas discharge. A dielectric barrier discharge lamp (1) is preferably used as the UV/VUV lamp, comprising a planar window segment (7) for emitting the UV/VUV radiation. The lamp (1) extends into a process chamber (17). The additional gas discharge is generated in the region of the outer side of the window segment (7) of the lamp (1). The substrate to be treated is disposed within the process chamber (17), near the window segment (7).

Abstract: A workpiece de-chucking device of a plasma reactor for dry-cleaning the inside of a reaction chamber and an ElectroStatic chuck (ESC) during workpiece de-chucking and a workpiece de-chucking method using the same are provided. The workpiece de-chucking device includes a lifting unit, an ICP source power unit, and a controller. The lifting unit lifts a workpiece mounted on a top surface of an ESC. The ICP source power unit forms a magnetic field in an inductive coil arranged outside a dielectric window. The controller outputs a source power control signal, a lift control signal, and a de-chucking control signal.

Abstract: Methods of cleaning a processing chamber with nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) are described. The methods involve a concurrent introduction of nitrogen trifluoride and a reactive diluent into the chamber. The NF3 may be excited in a plasma inside the chamber or in a remote plasma region upstream from the chamber. The reactive diluent may be introduced upstream or downstream of the remote plasma such that both NF3 and the reactive diluent (and any plasma-generated effluents) are present in the chamber during cleaning. The presence of the reactive diluent enhances the chamber-cleaning effectiveness of the NF3.

Abstract: An environmentally acceptable and comparatively safe acid cleaning solution containing sulfuric acid, water and amine containing inhibitors that adequately remove oxidation or contaminants from surfaces without excessively damaging equipment. The sulfuric acid is effective in removing impurities and contaminants, while the amine moieties or amine salts reduce the otherwise damaging effect of sulfuric acid on equipment and on human skin and tissue.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for release of adherent deposits from nonporous surfaces and substrates are provided. The compositions are low volatile organic compound (low VOC) compositions, solutions or mixtures that can be applied in a form that clings to the underlying surface while it is working. Adherent deposits removed using the compositions include grease and oil, and printers ink. The compositions may be used on any nonporous surface or substrate including metals, ceramics and plastics, without harming the surface or substrate. The composition may contain a thixotropic agent to act as an anti-shearing agent.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatuses for cleaning and/or hair gathering. The devices can include first and second components configured to form a liquid dispenser and define a reservoir when operatively engaged. The second component can be configured as a multi-layered absorbent pad wherein one of the layers can comprise a substantially rigid, porous, and/or thick material, and another layer can comprise a less rigid, less porous, and/or thinner layer than the one layer. The present method provides for applying pressure to within a liquid-dispensing reservoir to force liquid from the reservoir to one substantially rigid, porous, and/or thick layer and then to another less rigid, less porous, and/or thinner layer of a multi-layered absorbent pad. The second layer of the multi-layered absorbent pad can be applied to materials for cleaning and/or hair gathering.

Abstract: The present invention provides a containment device comprising a support structure and a container being flexible and removably attached to the support structure. The container has a cavity defined by a base and a plurality of walls. The container has a top perimeter defined by the walls and a bottom perimeter defined by the base, wherein the dimension of the top perimeter is less than the bottom perimeter, and wherein the support structure is substantially disposed within the cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ware washer (40, 50) and to a method for operating a ware washer (40, 50) which is designed as a programmable machine (40) or as a conveyor ware washer (50) and which has at least one pump (11, 11-1, 11-2, 11-3, 11-4, 11-5, 11-6), at least one line system (12, 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, 12-4, 12-5, 12-6) connected to the pump (11, 11-1, 11-2, 11-3, 11-4, 11-5, 11-6), and at least one nozzle system connected to the line system (12, 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, 12-4, 12-5, 12-6) and having at least one nozzle (13, 13-1, 13-2, 13-3, 13-4, 13-5, 13-6, 13-7), a liquid being supplied at least intermittently to the at least one nozzle (13, 13-1, 13-2, 13-3, 13-4, 13-5, 13-6, 13-7) via the line system (12, 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, 12-4, 12-5, 12-6).

Abstract: An automatic coin—or electronic card—operated washing machine and dryer for helmets, which operates as an automatic and autonomous vending service machine and combines the quick and effective washing of a helmet with the protection of its parts and units and comprises a body (1), where the washing chamber (2) is located. The washing chamber (2), where all cleaning operations of the helmet take place, is supplied with a waterproof gate (17) which is connected thereto. The washing chamber (2) is connected to the brush and spraying mechanism, the wring mechanism (11) and the drying mechanism. The invented washing machine is connected to the water supply through a pipe (4), a water discharge pipe (3) the operation thereof is electronically controlled by an operation control system (14) which is connected to a main server (via a modem).

Abstract: Methods for cleaning polymeric microfiltration or ultrafiltration membranes. The membrane may be contacted with a first cleaning solution including at least one oxidising agent. A second cleaning solution including at least one reducing agent may then be introduced to the membrane and first cleaning solution. The oxidising and reducing agents may undergo a neutralisation reaction to form an oxidation-neutral mixed cleaning solution. The membrane may be simultaneously cleaned during the neutralisation reaction.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a component of a domestic appliance for laundry items. During a cleaning process, a rinsing fluid is at least once conducted through the component. Further, foreign bodies are cleansed from the component. The cleaning process is automatically started and a rinse cycle is performed in which the rinsing fluid is at least once introduced into the component. The rinse cycle is performed after a care process and during a process that prevents creases in the dry laundry items. The dry laundry items are still in the domestic appliance.

Abstract: In the exemplary embodiment, a steam-cleaning apparatus is described for sanitizing and cleaning a surface or object. The apparatus has a first reservoir for receiving water, a heater for heating the water within the first reservoir, a second reservoir for receiving a sanitizing agent, a mixing nozzle, a first actuator for enabling the heated water from the first reservoir through the mixing nozzle at the surface or object for cleaning the surface or object; and a second actuator for enabling the sanitizing agent from the second reservoir to the mixing nozzle for mixing the sanitizing agent with the heated water therein, and for enabling the mixed heated water and sanitizing agent at the surface or object for sanitizing the surface or object deeply into its finest fissures and pores.

Abstract: In order to produce a particularly efficient device for deburring and/or cleaning a work piece that is dipped in a fluid medium comprising a fluid discharge device for producing a high pressure fluid jet, it is proposed that the device should comprise a gas discharge device for the production of a gas flow which at least partially envelops the fluid jet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a backwash system for cleaning an underwater intake filter assembly. The backwash system includes an underwater tank coupled on one end to a source of compressed fluid and on the other end to the intake screen assembly. The backwash system includes a U-shaped release conduit that is adapted to release a predetermined quantity of fluid to the intake screen in order to clean the filter assembly of waterborne debris.

Abstract: A dishwasher comprising liquid lines that guide washing liquor towards spray devices arranged inside a washing receptacle. In an exemplary embodiment, the dishwasher includes a switch-over element, upon actuation of which, the washing liquor may be guided to a first liquid line leading to a first spray device, and/or to a second liquid line leading to a second spray device. The dishwasher may include at least one supplementary filter associated with the switch-over element.

Abstract: A walking cane that can be stored in a novel manner is provided. The walking cane may include a non-articulating handle portion and a shaft portion extending from the handle portion. The handle portion is shaped in such a manner as to allow the walking cane to be self-standing when it is inverted and the handle portion is placed on the ground.

Abstract: The technology of the present application provides a collapsible canopy shelter having reinforced eaves for additional structural integrity, as well as at least one collapsible ventilation flap in the canopy cover that is capable of moving between a closed position and an open position to ventilate air from beneath the canopy cover as desired. Further, the collapsible canopy shelter comprises a canopy frame with a robust, spring-loaded pull latch, allowing the user to quickly and easily assemble and collapse the shelter without risking injury.

Abstract: A high concentrated photovoltaic (HCPV) solar cell module, comprising: a set of Fresnel lenses, a Group III-V semiconductor solar cell, and a substrate used to carry said Group III-V semiconductor solar cell. Wherein, said substrate is made of material of good heat dissipation, for assisting heat dissipation. Said set of Fresnel lenses includes a plurality of stacked-up Fresnel lenses, thus concentrating sunlights to said Group III-V semiconductor solar cell with a significantly higher concentration ratio. As such, in addition to the advantages of small volume, light weight, and cost saving, it is devoid of the problem of a conventional single piece Fresnel lens of insufficient light concentration capability. Therefore, said Group III-V semiconductor solar cell is capable of receiving much more sunlights per unit area, and achieving high photoelectric conversion efficiency; meanwhile, reducing number and area required by said Group III-V semiconductor solar cell, thus achieving reduction of production cost.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a method for enhancing thermoelectric properties in a thermoelectric material including irradiation processing.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a photovoltaic (PV) cell panel wherein each of a plurality of silicon donor wafers has a separation layer formed on its upper surface, e.g., porous anodically etched silicon. On each donor wafer, a PV cell is then partially completed including at least part of inter-cell interconnect, after which plural donor wafers are laminated to a backside substrate or frontside. All of the donor wafers are then separated from the partially completed PV cells in an exfoliation process, followed by simultaneous completion of the remaining PV cell structures on PV cells. Finally, a second lamination to a frontside glass or a backside panel completes the PV cell panel. The separated donor wafers may be reused in forming other PV cells. Use of epitaxial deposition to form the layers of the PV cells enables improved dopant distributions and sharper junction profiles for improved PV cell efficiency.

Abstract: A series solar system with current-matching function includes a plurality of solar modules. The plurality of the solar modules is electrically connected in series. Each solar module includes a DC/DC converter and a solar panel electrically connected in parallel. The photocurrent generated by the solar panel is matched with the current generated by the solar panel operating at the optimum operating point by means of adjusting the duty cycle of the DC/DC converter, so that the solar panel can generate maximum output power. Therefore, in the series solar system, even a solar module is covered, causing the received light intensity of the solar module is reduced, and the series solar system still can generate maximum output power.

Abstract: A semitransparent photovoltaic film is provided, including a flexible substrate that integrates a plurality of first and second planar portions, and a plurality of photovoltaic cells. An angle is also included correspondingly between the first and the second planar portions. The photovoltaic cells are formed on a plurality of surfaces of the first planar portions of the flexible substrate. According to a design of the semitransparent photovoltaic film, most directly incident sunlight is absorbed and then converted into electricity, and most of the lights progressing horizontally or on a upward slant can pass through the film, thereby achieving the transparent visual effect.

Abstract: A photovoltaic panel (10) comprising a back plate (12), a front sheet (20) and a photovoltaic cell (30) disposed between the back plate (12) and the front sheet (20), wherein the photovoltaic panel (10) comprises a protective element (22, 24) which extends along an edge of the front sheet (20) without extending beyond an uppermost surface of the front sheet (20).

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining a photovoltaic panel on a rooftop includes a vessel having a first side, second side, front, bottom, and top panels, wherein the panels are attached to define a void within the vessel. A fill port is disposed on the vessel. A first hole is adapted to receive a screw on the top panel, wherein the first hole is aligned with a second hole disposed on the bottom panel, wherein the first and second holes are adapted to be aligned with a third hole on a first mounting cross arm. The top panel is inclined at an angle relative to the bottom panel.

Abstract: The invention teaches novel structure and methods for producing electrical current collectors and electrical interconnection structure. Such articles find particular use in facile production of modular arrays of photovoltaic cells. The current collector and interconnecting structures may be initially produced separately from the photovoltaic cells thereby allowing the use of unique materials and manufacture. Subsequent combination of the structures with photovoltaic cells allows facile and efficient completion of modular arrays. Methods for combining the collector and interconnection structures with cells and final interconnecting into modular arrays are taught.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a photovoltaic device. The method includes: forming a first electrode on a substrate; forming a first unit cell converting light into electricity on the first electrode; forming an intermediate reflector on the first unit cell, the intermediate reflector including metallic nanoparticles arranged therein; and forming a second unit cell converting light into electricity on the intermediate reflector.

Abstract: The assemblies of the present invention comprise an electrode, an absorber layer and a polyimide film. The polyimide film contains from about 40 to about 95 weight percent of a polyimide derived from: i. at least one aromatic dianhydride, at least about 85 mole percent of such aromatic dianhydride being a rigid rod type dianhydride, and ii. at least one aromatic diamine, at least about 85 mole percent of such aromatic diamine being a rigid rod type diamine. The polyimide films of the present disclosure further comprise a filler that: i. is less than about 800 nanometers in at least one dimension; ii. has an aspect ratio greater than about 3:1 ; iii. is less than the thickness of the polyimide film in all dimensions; and iv. is present in an amount from about 5 to about 60 weight percent of the total weight of the polyimide film.

Abstract: An assembly for retaining a plurality of photovoltaic modules in a three-dimensional array, the assembly including a plurality of overlapping vertically spaced grid layers each defining a plurality of horizontally spaced positions, wherein the photovoltaic modules are arranged and retained in the positions of successive grid layers in substantially non-overlapping vertical relationship so that none of the photovoltaic modules in any grid layer substantially vertically occludes any other of the photovoltaic modules in any other grid layer.

Abstract: A process for forming a cadmium-free thin film includes the steps of forming a first liquid precursor, forming a second liquid precursor, mixing the first and second liquid precursors in a vessel to form a coating material having no cadmium present, and dispensing the coating material from the vessel to a substrate to form the cadmium-free thin film.