Abstract: Described herein are devices, methods and systems that regulate the failure of a nasal device by including a pre-determined failure mode, thereby minimizing the risk. Also described herein are nasal respiratory devices that may be remotely activated or inactivated to turn on and off an increased resistance to exhalation compared to inhalation.

Abstract: Registered banded wrapper, cigarettes using that wrapper paper, and methods of making cigarettes with that banded paper result in banded regions of cigarette paper which begin at substantially the same location on each cigarette. With the banded region positioned at a preferred predetermined distance from the end of the cigarette, cigarettes made with such paper exhibit a consistent and improved ignition propensity compared with random or quasi-randomly positioned banded regions.

Abstract: An oral chewable tobacco product includes a gum composition in an amount of about 30% to about 70% by weight based on the weight of the oral chewable tobacco product and tobacco powder in an amount of about 30% to about 70% by weight based on the weight of the oral chewable tobacco product. The gum composition includes at least one environmentally biodegradable polymer in an amount of about 20% to about 95% by weight based on the weight of the gum composition and at least one softener in an amount of about 5% to about 80% by weight based on the weight of the gum composition.

Abstract: The invention provides a filter element of a smoking article having a longitudinal axis and adapted for filtration of mainstream smoke generated by the smoking article, the filter element including a first region extending along the longitudinal axis of the filter element and exhibiting a first pressure drop and a second region extending along the longitudinal axis of the filter element and exhibiting a second pressure drop lower than said first pressure drop, wherein the first and second regions are arranged in a side-by-side configuration such that both regions are visible in a cross-section of the filter element perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and wherein mainstream smoke can move from the second region into the first region, and further comprising a smoke-altering material, such as an oxidation catalyst, positioned in the first region.

Abstract: A fingernail and toenail protection mechanism particularly useful for protecting wet nail polish until the nail polish has dried. The rigid protector fits over the last digit of an appendage, covering the nail. An opening in the rigid protector allows entry of the appendage. The protector is configured to avoid contact with the nail while allowing air to flow to said nail and the wet nail polish. The rigid protector is secured to the appendage using an adhesive contained within said protector which bonds with the surface of the appendage opposite the nail.

Abstract: The nail polish carrier includes a container body containing manicure liquid. A hollow neck is detachably mounted to the container body at one end and includes an integrated applicator at that end. The applicator includes a brush for the user to apply manicure liquid to the user's nails. A cap is detachably mounted to the opposite end of the neck and includes a through hole at a distal end for a key ring. The opposite proximal end of the cap includes a dipstick with a sharp, spongy tip. The hollow interior of the neck contains manicure liquid remover that the user may use to touch up or completely remove manicure liquid from the user's nails. The container body may include a plurality of colored decorations matching and indicating the color of the manicure liquid.

Abstract: A finger positioning device for a printer is provided, having a frame, a finger support supported by the frame, the finger support having a loading position and a printing position; and a release latch adjacent the finger support, wherein the finger support is biased to the printing position and the release latch is configured to releasably retain the finger support in the loading position. The finger positioning device may further be configured such that the release latch is triggered to release the finger support from the loading position to the printing position by the distal end of a finger fully introduced onto the finger support.

Abstract: A comb has a function for preventing slippage occurring when the comb is gripped, and allowing a user to remove a liquid adhered to the fingertips promptly. Further, the comb can be deformed flexibly. The comb has a concave-convex surface formed in a back face part of a comb main body, and the holes are formed in concave parts of the concave-convex surface. Curving surfaces are formed in side face parts on both sides of the comb main body, and through-holes communicating with the holes are formed in concave parts of the curving surface. When the user applies his/her fingers onto the back face part, the concave-convex surface and the holes function as a slippage preventing part. When applying the fingers onto the side face parts, the curving surface and the through-holes function as the slippage preventing part.

Abstract: A hair growth method includes repeatedly washing hair using a washing agent that includes a microbubble washing composition and microbubbles, the microbubble washing composition including a protease and a lipase. The hair growth method exhibits an excellent hair growth effect.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an applicator system and in particular, relates to an applicator system capable of moving the applicator head in an irregular motion. The applicator system is provided with a mechanism that gives the applicator an irregular motion during usage thereby resulting in better application. The applicator system of the present invention is configured to move in an irregular motion that has no obvious pattern and may be used for cosmetic and care applications such as mascara application, scrubbing of lips, cleaning of nails, etc.

Abstract: A device for styling hair includes a handle and a barrel extending from the handle. The barrel has a styling surface spaced from the handle, and the styling surface is configured for winding the hair around the barrel. The device further includes a heating element in thermal communication with the barrel to transfer heat to the hair via the styling surface of the barrel, and an ultrasonic transducer configured to generate ultrasonic vibrations. The ultrasonic transducer is disposed within the barrel to transmit the ultrasonic vibrations to the hair via the styling surface of the barrel.

Abstract: The invention refers to a device for curling hair, comprising a handle, a first arm and a second arm. The first and second arm are arranged side-by-side and parallel to one another and they extend substantially along a longitudinal axis (X). The device comprises at least one heating element for heating said first and second arm. The device is characterised in that at least said first arm comprises a fixed hemi-arm solid with the handle and a mobile hemi-arm elastically supported by said fixed hemi-arm.

Abstract: A device for styling hair includes a wand defining a handle grip surface and a first styling surface spaced from the handle grip surface and a plate defining a second styling surface, the plate being pivotally coupled to the wand to clamp the hair between the first styling surface and the second styling surface. The device further includes a heating element in thermal communication with the first styling surface or the second styling surface to transfer heat to the hair via the first styling surface or the second styling surface, respectively, and an ultrasonic transducer configured to generate ultrasonic vibrations. The ultrasonic transducer includes a horn in contact with the wand or the plate to transmit the ultrasonic vibrations to the hair via the first styling surface or the second styling surface, respectively.

Abstract: A knock-type cosmetic vessel includes a button moved in a vertical direction. A knocking unit receives the button in such a way that the button slides in the vertical direction, locks the button such that the button is maintained in a downwardly moved state when the button is pushed once to move down, and moves the button up when the button is pushed once again. A cosmetic applicator is provided under the knocking unit, moved down when the button is pushed once, and moved up when the button is pushed once again. An upper cap has on an upper portion of an inner circumference thereof the knocking unit. A spring is placed on an outer circumference of the knocking unit to provide elasticity to the knocking unit. A lower container is detachably coupled to the upper cap, and contains cosmetics therein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a pen-shape-like gadget. It's actually a 2-in-1 toothbrush plus toothpaste, just convenient for the people on the go, especially those forgetful people like me. Ha, Ha, Ha, so you don't need to look for your toothpaste because it's already attached to your toothbrush. I hope this gadget will be in the market soon.

Abstract: There is provided a substrate processing apparatus cleaning method for removing contaminants adhered on a transfer arm. The cleaning method for the transfer arm that transfers a substrate and has an electrostatic chuck includes a voltage applying process for applying, when electrically charged contaminants are adhered on the transfer arm and the substrate is not mounted on the transfer arm, a voltage of the same polarity as that of the electrically charged contaminants to each electrode of the electrostatic chuck, to thereby remove the contaminants adhered on the transfer arm.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing deposits from a petroleum flow line are disclosed. An embodiment of an apparatus for removing deposits from a petroleum flow line may include a pipe capable of being attached to a petroleum flow line. The pipe may have a pipe axis that defines a direction for fluid flow in the petroleum flow line. The apparatus may also include a first and a second field winding circumferentially disposed around the pipe, and an electric wave generator adapted to electrically communicate an electric wave to the first field winding and the second field winding. In response to the electric wave, the first field winding is adapted to produce a first magnetic field having a first magnetic axis and the second field winding is adapted to produce a second magnetic field having a second magnetic axis. The first magnetic axis may be noncollinear with respect to the second magnetic axis, and at least the first magnetic axis may be noncollinear with respect to the pipe axis.

Abstract: Some techniques disclosed herein facilitate cleaning residue from a molecular beam component. For example, in an exemplary method, a molecular beam is provided along a beam path, causing residue build up on the molecular beam component. To reduce the residue, the molecular beam component is exposed to a hydro-fluorocarbon plasma. Exposure to the hydro-fluorocarbon plasma is ended based on whether a first predetermined condition is met, the first predetermined condition indicative of an extent of removal of the residue. Other methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: The plasma reactor defines a reaction chamber provided with a support for the metallic pieces and an anode-cathode system, and a heating means is mounted externally to said plasma reactor. The plasma process, for a cleaning operation, includes the steps of connecting the support to the grounded anode and the cathode to a negative potential of a power source; feeding an ionizable gaseous charge into the reaction chamber and heating the latter at vaporization temperatures of piece contaminants; applying an electrical discharge to the cathode; and providing the exhaustion of the gaseous charge and contaminants. A subsequent heat treatment includes the steps of: inverting the energization polarity of the anode-cathode system; feeding a new gaseous charge to the reaction chamber and maintaining it heated; applying an electrical discharge to the cathode; and exhausting the gaseous charge from the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A golf towel and various methods of folding the towel for cleaning off golf balls are disclosed. The golf towel comprises two layers joined together to form an upper portion and a lower portion thereof. The upper wet section is separated from the lower dry section by a thick border and a water impervious layer that retains water content inside the wet section for relatively long duration. The invention includes various methods of folding the towel, preferably the wet section of the towel in a single triangular, a double triangular, or a square shape thereby forming a pocket like structure. The golf ball to be io cleaned is placed in the pocket like structure of the first section of the towel hung by means of a thread. The moisture content is completely removed by cleaning the ball using the dry section of the towel.

Abstract: A cleaning pad having a porous structure and enhanced thermal resistance is provided. The cleaning pad is made from a fluoropolymer material and includes a cleaning agent and an evaporative agent.

Abstract: A method of washing a gas turbine engine, the method comprising the steps of: providing a gas turbine engine, the engine having an intake and an exhaust, the exhaust having an inner surface and an outer surface; providing a system for washing gas turbine engines, the system including a containment structure; releasably securing the containment structure to the inner surface via a retaining ring; introducing a wash liquid into the intake; and collecting the wash liquid in the containment structure.

Abstract: Described is a process for decontaminating wood treated with preservative such as chromium copper arsenate (CCA) including contacting the contaminated wood with water and inorganic acid at a concentration between 0.05 and 0.8 N at less than 100° C. to leach out the contaminants and then separate the wood from the solution. Also described is a process for extracting metals such as copper from a solution containing chromium, copper and arsenic, such as the leachate solution used to decontaminate CCA-treated wood, by precipitation using a coagulant at a pH favoring precipitation of arsenic and continued solubility of copper, or by ion exchange resins.

Abstract: A method of cleaning an area using an automatic cleaning device may include receiving, from a video camera, information associated with an edge located on a surface, determining, by an automatic cleaning device, a position of the automatic cleaning device on the surface relative to the edge and using the received information to move the automatic cleaning device from the determined position along a path so that the automatic cleaning device cleans the surface along the path. The path may be substantially parallel to the edge, and the edge may be located a distance from a reference point on the automatic cleaning device during movement of the automatic cleaning device.

Abstract: A washing method for a water-conveying domestic appliance is provided. In at least one sub-program step of a first washing operation in a first operating mode, washing liquid is warmed up to a first temperature. After a number of washing operations that are carried out in the first operating mode and/or as a function of process parameters of preceding washing operations, at least one washing operation is carried out in a second operating mode, during which the washing liquid is warmed up to a second temperature. The second temperature is higher than the first temperature.

Abstract: A vacuum attachment tool is provided for use with one or more vacuum systems and with a source of pressurized cleaning fluid, the tool adapted for removing fluids, solids, debris and produced substances from a hydrocarbon-producing well from a surface, such as a drilling rig floor. The tool can include a brush head having a vacuum orifice, the brush head adapted for loosening fluids and solids from the surface so they can be vacuumed up through the orifice to the vacuum system. The tool can further include an orifice disposed on the brush head for dispensing pressurized cleaning fluid, and a valve mechanism for controlling the flow of the pressurized cleaning fluid.

Abstract: A portable vacuum wand for use with a surface maintenance machine, for collection of debris remote from the machine. The vacuum wand is detachable from a rear squeegee assembly of the surface maintenance machine, and includes a handle and a wand head. A vacuum conduit of the vacuum wand is adapted to be coupled to the rear squeegee assembly when not in use so as to provide vacuum to the rear squeegee assembly. A method of cleaning a floor surface with a surface maintenance machine and a portable vacuum wand is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of preparing and using solid rinse aid compositions. The solid rinse aid composition generally includes a sulfate salt or sulfated surfactant, urea or polyethylene glycol as solidification agents and an effective amount of a surfactant wherein the composition is prepared by extruding. The surfactant may include at least one of an alcohol ethoxylate compound. The solid rinse aid composition may also incorporate a preservative system including sodium bisulfate. The solid rinse aid composition may be phosphate-free, aminocarboxylate-free, and GRAS if desired.

Abstract: A composition and method for the removal of biological fouling from wetted surfaces intermittently or continuously in contact with water is disclosed. The method includes the steps of preparing a cleaning composition of basic pH from a strong base and an active oxygen donor component, applying the composition to the surface to be cleaned, and after a selected residence time, removing any unreacted cleaning composition and all removed fouling by rinsing or flushing with water.

Abstract: Equipment for washing a carpet (M), the equipment (1) comprising in the same frame (10) the conveyor (3) for transferring the carpet (M) between the washing and drying units (4, 2) of the equipment, the control unit (5) for controlling the operation of the equipment, at least one washing unit (4) and at least one drying unit (2) located in the transport direction (K) after the washing unit/washing units, and means for receiving production goods to the equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method are provided for treating a workpiece with a cryogenic impingement fluid. A fixture supports the workpiece in an upright position and operably connects an electrical component of the workpiece to a power source in the supported position. A cryogenic impingement fluid applicator sprays a stream of the cryogenic impingement fluid against the supported workpiece and laterally moves the stream in accordance with a predetermined path. A shield deflects the stream of cryogenic impingement fluid to prevent the stream from contacting at least a part of the workpiece as the stream is moved along the predetermined path.

Abstract: A water-conducting domestic appliance having a connector, a neck, and a connecting element that has at least one section formed by elastic material and an insertion end, wherein the connecting element connects the connector to the neck. A supporting ring is arranged at the insertion end, and the connecting element has an insertion region with an insertion rounding on the insertion end, wherein the insertion rounding runs tangentially into a sealing region.

Abstract: A dishwashing machine executes a washing or rinsing step of jetting hot water accumulated in a tank into a washing room. The dishwashing machine includes a heater for heating the hot water in the tank, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the hot water in the tank, and a heater control unit for controlling the heater so that the hot-water temperature in the tank becomes a set temperature, based on the measured value of the temperature sensor. The heater control unit is capable of controlling the heater so that the hot-water temperature in the tank becomes a waiting temperature that is lower than the set temperature, in a quiescent operating state in which the washing or rinsing step is not executed.

Abstract: A windproof umbrella includes a shank (10); a runner (12) on the shank (10); ribs (20); a canopy (101); stretchers (30); U-shaped first joints (51) each secured onto the rib (20); U-shaped second joints (61) each slidably put on the rib (20); U-shaped third joints (71) each secured onto the stretcher (30); auxiliary rods (40); and sets of first, second, and third pivotal members (52, 62, and 72). The first pivotal member (52) is formed at the other end of the stretcher (30) and is pivotably connected to the first joint (51). The second pivotal member (62) is formed at one end of the auxiliary rod (40) and is pivotably connected to the second joint (61). The third pivotal member (72) is formed at the other end of the auxiliary rod (40) and is pivotably connected to the third joint (71). In response to strong wind, the second joint (61) slides to change an angle between the rib (20) and the stretcher at the first joint (51).

Abstract: A method for upgrading a crutch, comprising the steps of providing a crutch having a leg, a first saddle, a first handle and a first foot; providing a second saddle different from the first saddle; removing the first saddle from the leg; and attaching the second saddle to the leg, wherein the first saddle has an upper surface that is symmetric about two planes and wherein the second saddle has an upper surface that is symmetric about only one plane, and certain crutches to use therewith.

Abstract: A portable canopy system that has a U-shaped member that pivotably attaches to a hitch of a vehicle. At least one vertical support member is detachably received by and extends from the U-shaped member and receives a canopy assembly. The canopy assembly has a plurality of roof support members that receive a canvas that is attached to the plurality of roof members using a plurality of fasteners.

Abstract: A top support structure of a tent frame includes a top pivot holder (1), to which a plurality of support poles (10) are pivotally coupled. An elastic member (9) is provided between each support pole and the pivot holder. The elastic member folds and stores elasticity energy when the tent frame is folded and automatically springs the support poles when the elasticity energy is released. A control holder (2) is pivotally coupled to the bottom of the pivot holder, and the control holder has lock pieces (211) which can prop the support poles up to limit their rotation and release grooves (212) adjacent to the lock pieces which can release the limitation. On the top of pivot grooves (12) of the pivot holder are provided with position-limited devices (D) to prevent the support poles from rotating upwards.

Abstract: An easy to use, universal, simple, lightweight, compact, portable, dynamically configurable system of concealment and shelter. An operator configures a number of concealment blinds or shelters using shafts and covers or shells. Some embodiments include user adjustable domes. A hubless, dynamic blind or shelter comprises two or more cover shafts and an adjustable strap which provides a freestanding, flexible frame. The frame is covered with a cover or skin. The cover adjusts to the dynamic changes in the frame. In one embodiment the cover is an elastic net that changes shape but maintains tight skin. In another embodiment the cover has expansion panels and lace. Embodiments include layout blinds and boat blinds which incorporate a quick release clip 1260, and which may be used to observe or hunt waterfowl. The system includes a low cost method of tightening the skin on a cover to reduce wind movement and noise.

Abstract: A collapsible shelter is described herein. One embodiment includes at least three leg members, at least three base members, wherein the each base member includes an opening to receive one of the at least three leg members at an angle less than 90° relative to the bottom surface of the base member, at least two accordion-type collapsible truss assemblies connected to each leg via an upper corner connection mechanism and a lower corner connection mechanism, each accordion-type truss including at least four truss members interconnected by at least two pivotal v-joints and at least two pivotal x-joints, wherein the at least two pivotal v-joints each include two truss members coupled together with a coupling mechanism through openings in the two truss members, wherein the openings in the two truss members are configured to reduce shearing forces in the truss members by the coupling mechanism.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator assembly may comprise a frame that may include a first frame member and a second frame member. The first frame member and the second frame member are adapted to retain one or more thermoelectric generator devices in position therebetween for transferring heat energy through the one or more thermoelectric generator devices from a heat source to a heat sink to generate electrical energy. The thermoelectric generator assembly may also include a spacer positioned between the first frame member and the second frame member. A power bus may be included to provide the electrical energy generated by the one or more thermoelectric generator devices for powering an electrical device.

Abstract: The invention provides a photovoltaic power converter that includes a multilayer structure supported by a substrate having a base layer of a semiconductor material of a first conductivity type and a first emitter layer of a semiconductor material of a second conductivity type opposite said first conductivity type forming a p-n junction region therebetween, and a first current blocking layer of a semiconductor material of the second conductivity type interposed between the substrate and the first multilayer structure. The emitter layer is carbon doped.

Abstract: The invention provides a photovoltaic power converter that includes a plurality of spatially separated device segments supported by a substrate, wherein the device segments are arranged in a circular pattern wherein a first group of the device segments consisting of one or more of the device segments is centrally positioned and is surrounded by a second group of the device segments comprising at least two device segments and wherein two or more of the plurality of the device segments are connected in series for developing a voltage when radiation of selected wavelengths is incident on the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support (1) for a solar panel (100), particularly for mounting a solar panel (100), having a bottom part which has a base (2) and assembly elements which are provided on an underside of the base (2) and which are intended for the purpose of assembly on an essentially flat foundation, particularly a roof, having a top, which is essentially opposite the underside and which supports the panel, with fastening means which hold the solar panel (100) obliquely with respect to the bottom part or a roof plane in a mounted state, and having a front with a surface which directs the wind (140) and which is oriented obliquely inwards towards the top from a front region of the bottom part in order to direct wind (140) towards the top in the direction of an upper edge of a solar panel (100) mounted on the support (1), wherein the surface directing the wind has an upwardly oriented tangent (W1-W3) which extends in a region around the junction between the front and the top of the support and in a di

Abstract: A photovoltaic module is provided. The photovoltaic module comprises a first solar cell in an electrical series connection with a second solar cell. The first and second solar cells each have an first edge portion, a center portion, and a second edge portion. The photovoltaic module also comprises a flexible diode assembly having an anode side, a first diode, and a cathode side. The flexible diode assembly is in an electrical parallel connection with the first solar cell and positioned so that the cathode side, the diode, and a portion of the anode side are within an edge portion of the first solar cell. The portion of the anode side that is outside of the edge portion of the first solar cell is disposed for electrical connection with the second solar cell. A method of making a flexible photovoltaic module using a flexible diode assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A junction box for a conductor board, in particular for a solar module, including at least one contact device with a conductor terminal element and a contact element, at least one connection cable with at least one electrical conductor, wherein the electrical conductor contacts the conductor terminal element of the at least one contact device, at least one sealing element surrounding an end area of the connection cable, so that the end area is substantially moisture-tight, a housing device, wherein the housing device is designed to be arranged on the conductor board, the housing device surrounds the at least one sealing element in a contact area, and in the contact area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protective backing sheet for photovoltaic modules. The backing sheets of the current invention possess excellent weather resistance, heat resistance, color retention, adhesion between layers and encapsulant, and scratch resistance. The backing sheet can minimize the deterioration in the performance of the solar module due to moisture permeation. It also can achieve desirable photoelectric conversion efficiency over a long period of time. Additionally the described backing sheet, or alternatively referred to backskin, can be made in an aesthetically pleasing form.

Abstract: One photovoltaic module includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells and at least one device selected from a sensor, a data storage device and an indicator. Another photovoltaic module includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells and a flexible circuit configured to act as an antenna for electromagnetic radiation. Methods of using such photovoltaic modules are also disclosed.

Abstract: A photovoltaic structure is provided. The photovoltaic structure includes a photovoltaic module having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a perimeter. The photovoltaic structure also includes a plurality of flexible tabs attached to the photovoltaic module bottom surface, wherein the plurality of flexible tabs extend beyond the perimeter of the photovoltaic module. A method for mounting a photovoltaic module is also provided.

Abstract: The present application provides a solar panel system. The solar panel system may include an aluminum outer frame, one or more photovoltaic panels positioned within the aluminum outer frame, and an adjustable support system connected to the aluminum outer frame such that the aluminum outer frame with the one or more photovoltaic panels includes a number of tilt angles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar energy collector suitable for use in a solar energy collection system. The solar energy collection system includes the collector, a stand that supports the collector and a tracking system that causes the collector to track movements of the sun along at least one axis. The collector includes one or more reflector panels, one or more solar receivers, and a support structure that physically supports the reflector panels and solar receivers. Some designs involve a reflector panel that has a compound curvature. That is, the reflector panel has a convex shape along one direction and a concave shape in another direction. In another aspect of the invention, the collector includes a space frame support structure.