Abstract: Adjustable valve, comprising a valve housing and a spindle, provided with a rotary knob, which via a threaded connection is rotatably received in the valve housing, furthermore comprising a valve biased against a valve seat of the valve housing by means of a helical spring, the helical spring being coupled to an axle of the knob, so that by rotation of the knob the spring length can be set to control the closing force on the valve. The threaded connection is provided with varying pitch. The helical spring can have a non-linear spring characteristic, while the variation in the pitch of the screw thread is tuned to the spring characteristic, such that the closing force varies linearly with the rotation of the rotary knob.

Abstract: A device for passive pressure relief and for reducing the volume flow for an electromechanically driven medical gas delivery means (50) in a medical device for respirating a patient (60) with a pressure relief unit (1) with a first and second gas port (2, 3), with a relief valve (4), with a pressure relief outlet (8) with an equalization space (9) and with a nonreturn valve (11) and a valve disk (5), which is arranged in the relief valve (4) and is maintained in a position relative to a valve seat (7) via a bellows (60. The surfaces (51, 52) facing the first and second gas ports (2, 3) have different areas, so that the relief valve (4) opens as soon as an operating pressure (23) at the first gas port (2) exceeds a prevailing (stored) pressure level (24) in the equalization space (9).

Abstract: A mask and harness system for use in providing breathing oxygen and protection from pollutants for the eyes and respiratory system as might be encountered in high altitude aviation environments. In one preferred embodiment, the mask system has a face seal, a soft flexible lens, a pneumatically-actuated harness, and a regulator with microphone to control the flow of oxygen and to facilitate communications in aircraft flight decks and other aircraft compartments. The system is designed for required five-second donning with one hand and because of the flexible lens, is capable of storage in the relatively preferred on crowded flight decks. It is connected to an oxygen source and, optionally, with aircraft communications. The regulator controls the flow rate of oxygen to the wearer based on altitude and physiological requirements. The regulator includes a valve for purging the condensation-prone moist gases from the lens area and provides positive pressure in the mask.

Abstract: A supraglottic airway of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation and the insertion of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments through a patient's laryngeal opening where the shield is designed to have an internal increase in pressure during assisted inhalation such as positive-pressure ventilation.

Abstract: A pediatric headrest for skull stabilization and a method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a horseshoe shaped head support includes first and second wings pivotally coupled to a body to adjust the angle therebetween. A gel pad is superposed on the horseshoe shaped head support. First and second arcuate base members are coupled to the first and second wings, respectively, to accept a plurality of placement subassemblies, which are circumferentially adjustably positioned and secured within the channels. Each placement subassembly is configured to receive a skull pin and provide adjustable horizontal, vertical, and angular positioning of the skull pin with respect to the arcuate base.

Abstract: Liner (100a; 100b; 200a; 200b; 300; 400) to at least partially enclose a body part (205a; 205b; 305) during an imaging procedure, and use of a liner (100a; 100b; 200a; 200b; 300; 400) in a device that simulates the weight acting on the body part (205a; 205b; 305) essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body part (205a; 205b; 305), and the use of a liner (100a; 100b; 200a; 200b; 300; 400) to create a virtual 3D model of the body part (205a; 205b; 305). The liner (100a; 100b; 200a; 200b; 300; 400) is suitable to hold the body part (205a; 205b; 305) essentially in a predetermined shape, wherein the liner (100a; 100b; 200a; 200b; 300; 400) can be placed on the skin surface of the body part (205a; 205b; 305) in an essentially form-fitting manner. The liner (100a; 100b; 200a; 200b; 300; 400) contains a material comprising a base material in which at least one contrast medium is essentially homogeneously distributed.

Abstract: An intra-oral dental appliance is provided for treatment of sleep disorders including snoring, sleep apnea and nocturnal bruxism. The appliance is particularly suited for use by patients having class II malocclusion and includes an upper member conforming to the patient's maxillary dentition; a lower member conforming to the patient's mandibular dentition; and a connecting assembly for adjustably coupling the upper and lower members together. The connecting assembly includes a first element mounted on the upper member, the first element having a cavity therein; a second element mounted on the lower member, the second element comprising a posterior portion and an adjustment bar extending anteriorly from the posterior portion and having a plurality of spaced-apart adjustment positions formed therein; and a connector having a first end loosely captured within the cavity and a second end adjustably connectable to a selected one of the adjustment positions located on the adjustment bar.

Abstract: Device (1) for treating breathing problems, comprising a lower part (2) mountable on the lower jaw and an upper part (3) mountable on the upper jaw; and left and right coupling means (4) for coupling the lower part to the upper part close to the back teeth; wherein each of the left and right coupling means comprises an upper coupling element (6) connected to the upper part and a lower coupling element (5) connected to the lower part; which left and right coupling means are adapted to move the lower jaw forward in relation to the upper jaw, wherein the upper coupling element is provided with a stop (13) for co-action with a contact surface (12) of the lower coupling element.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide a mandibular positioning appliance that is fully adjustable (adjustable in all planes). The appliance may be used for the management of sleep disordered breathing (SDB). The full spectrum of SDB, from the mildest snoring to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), may be managed by the stabilization and features that this appliance offers. In embodiments, an appliance may be used by itself or may be used in conjunction with other therapies, such as positive airway pressure and/or a tongue retaining device.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system includes a sterile surgical instrument, a robotic surgical manipulator, and a sterile drape covering at least a portion of the robotic surgical manipulator. The surgical instrument has a proximal interface and a distal end effector. The proximal interface includes a gimbal assembly with two intersecting rotational axes coupled to the distal end effector. The robotic surgical manipulator has a drive plate that bears against the gimbal assembly. The drive plate has two degrees of rotational freedom about a center of motion that is coincident with an intersection of the axes of the gimbal assembly. The sterile drape includes a sterile sheet covers at least a portion of the robotic surgical manipulator, a frame bonded to the sterile sheet, an instrument interface that covers the drive plate of the robotic surgical manipulator, and a diaphragm that connects the instrument interface to the frame.

Abstract: A hand restraint/cloth diaper combination can be used any time an infant needs to have their hands restrained from touching their heads or other parts of their body. The restraint device of the present invention allows for an infant to have muscle exercise and movement, while still allowing the diaper to be changed. The restraint device may be adjusted to keep the arms to be restrained right next to the infant's hips for travel or sitting and may be further adjusted to allow increased movement for laying and exercise. The restraint device may include a cloth diaper, an elastic waistband on the cloth diaper, an extra elastic band adapted to run around the back of the infant, and adjustable arm cuffs.

Abstract: Described is a foot garment device to prevent or help prevent or heal pressure ulcers of the foot. The foot garment device comprises: a bumper for positioning around and below an ankle of an individual, and one or more upper adjustable flap and one or more lower adjustable flaps for removably securing the foot garment to a foot of the individual, wherein the bumper comprises a hollow sleeve for receiving padding therein. Also described is a method for securing such a foot garment device to the foot of an the individual.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sling for treatment of urinary incontinence, consisting of a band which comprises a middle part (2) and two end parts (3), the said sling being such that the said middle part is perforated and the two end parts constitute an autofixing system, the invention also relates to a kit containing, in a sterile manner, at least one sling.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at least three fractions in the apparatus. It also provides for a new method of extracting the buffy coat phase from a whole blood sample. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic atomization cigarette which only contains nicotine without harmful tar. The electronic atomization cigarette includes a shell and a mouthpiece. The external wall of the shell has an air inlet. An electronic circuit board, a normal pressure cavity, a sensor, a vapor-liquid separator, an atomizer, a liquid-supplying bottle are sequentially provided within the shell, wherein the electronic circuit board comprises an electronic switching circuit and a high frequency generator. A stream passage of the sensor is provided on one side of the sensor, and a negative pressure cavity is provided in the sensor. The atomizer and the liquid-supplying bottle is in contact with each other. An atomization cavity is arranged in the atomizer. A retaining ring for locking the liquid-supplying bottle is provided between one side of the liquid-supplying bottle and the shell, and an aerosol passage is provided on the other side of the liquid-supplying bottle.

Abstract: A filter element (214) for a smoking article comprising a plug of filter material (210) having a longitudinally extending surface (213), a wrapper (220) wrapped around the longitudinally extending surface of the plug of filter material and a tobacco product (240) located between the longitudinally extending surface of the plug of filter material and the wrapper so as to cover at least a part of the longitudinally extending surface.

Abstract: In one configuration of the present invention, a hair extension device for providing a user with the appearance of having longer, fuller hair is disclosed. The device may have a hair cluster having a hair flap which in turn comprises one or more hair wefts. The hair wefts may contain a number of hair strands connected together by seams which composes the band. The device may contain a filament which may be sandwiched between one or more flaps. The hair wefts may be sewn together with thread using a zigzag stitch for example. The hair extension device may be reversible and it may comprise lace and a tension band.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable device that positions itself on any finger in such a way as to protect the edge of the nail without the risk of smudging and enables the nail to be covered with a stencil. Clamp (1) consisting of two jaws (2, 3) hinged about a pin (4) enclosed in a spring (5) for closing the jaws (2, 3) on their stops (7). Pressure on the lever ends (6) opens the jaws (2, 3) and thus allows a finger to be placed between them. When the jaws (2, 3) close again, a guard (9), whose position can be adjusted by sliding sheaths (10) along the bars (8) of the upper jaw (2), which has reference marks (11), covers the end of the selected finger, allowing the nail to appear so that it can be covered with a stencil (13) positioned underneath the guard (9). The device according to the invention is particularly intended for doing work such as varnishing and decoration on the nail.

Abstract: A cosmetic foam applicator product applies cosmetics to the skin and a nail polish foam applicator applies nail polish to fingernails and toenails. Each foam applicator has a stem and an adjacent head. The stem for the cosmetic foam applicator has sidewalls contoured as finger grips and its head has elongated tips that extend away from the stem. The relative length of the tips determines whether the cosmetic foam applicator is soft tipped, firm tipped or medium (soft or firm) tipped. The stem for the nail polish foam applicator has parallel straight sidewalls and its head has a bulge with an elongated tip that extends from the bulge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-therapeutic makeup and/or care process for non-fibrous human keratin matter, such as the skin, the lips and the fingernails, comprising the following steps: placing a heating device on or near an outer surface of a lump of a solid cosmetic composition to heat said lump locally in such a way as to soften essentially only said outer surface and lower its coefficient of dynamic friction and then apply the outer surface of the heated composition to the region to be treated, said solid cosmetic composition comprising in a physiologically acceptable medium at least one semi-crystalline polymer

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to cosmetic compositions in the form of a deformable solid comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one type of hollow particle, at least one starch chosen from modified and unmodified starches, and at least one cationic surfactant, wherein the weight ratio of the at least one cationic surfactant to at least one starch is greater than or equal to 0.3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hair colouring and hair bleaching compositions comprising a first component comprising at least one oxidizing agent and a C6 to C16 alkyl glucoside and a second component comprising an anionic surfactant and a fatty alcohol. The compositions surprisingly provide improved hair colourant and bleaching compositions which deliver lift, lightening and colour, whilst minimizing damage and which provide the required viscosity both pre and post mixing of the first and second components.

Abstract: A method of treating a material, the method comprising applying to the material a composition comprising at least 10 wt % of ammonium carbonate, ammonium carbamate or a mixture thereof; and a source of hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A wrap curling device is disclosed which comprises a triangular or quadrilateral shaped, dual-sided pouch which further comprises a heat absorbent material. The heat absorbent material will preferably gain moisture from the air as it is heated. The exterior of the pouch is preferably constructed of a breathable fabric that is durable enough to withstand slight stretching and rolling after being heated for short periods of time. The wrap is capable of curling an entire head of hair at one time, without prior sectioning of the hair, and can be left in the hair and worn in a bun as a fashion accessory. A method of using the wrap is also disclosed.

Abstract: An applicator for combing keratinous fibers, in particular eyelashes and/or eyebrows, and/or for applying a composition on the keratinous fibers, in particular the eyelashes and/or the eyebrows, the applicator including a molded applicator member that includes a core having a longitudinal axis; and teeth extending outwards from the core, at least one tooth extending towards the front and at least one tooth extending towards the rear of the applicator; the core presenting a greatest transverse dimension measured perpendicularly to its longitudinal axis, that is less than or equal to the greatest length of the teeth.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning method performing cleaning of a surface of a substrate after a pattern on the substrate is formed by plasma etching, includes: a by-product removal process removing a by-product by exposing the substrate to an HF gas atmosphere; and a residual fluorine removal process removing fluorine remaining on the substrate by turning cleaning gas containing hydrogen gas and chemical compound gas containing carbon and hydrogen as constituent elements into plasma to act on the substrate.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a contoured cooking surface is disclosed. Methods of cleaning a cooking system with the cleaning apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A combination brush and jag (100) comprising a stem (14), a set of short bristles (62) having a first transverse diameter (61); a set of long bristles (64) having a second transverse diameter (63); die set of short bristles (62) and long bristles (64) positioned adjacent to each other and secured in between the stem (14); and a patch (71) to cover the set of short bristles (62). The first transverse diameter (61) is smaller titan the second transverse diameter (63). The first transverse diameter (61) is also smaller than the bore diameter 1 or 8 of a bore (73) so as to define a circular gap (3) approximately the size of the thickness of the patch (71).

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a process for the cleaning oil contaminants from solid particulates. The invention also relates to a process and a surfactant composition for cleaning oil contaminated solids, such as cuttings, from oil and gas well drilling operations, and the separation and recovery of the oil from solid particulates.

Abstract: A cleaning system and method for cleaning die cast metal waste from an interior of a die cast machine riser tube is provided whereby the cleaning system includes a riser tube stand, a heating means, a cleaning tool and leak test materials. The method includes heating the riser tube to a predetermined temperature to melt away the waste and cleaning the remaining residue with the cleaning tool.

Abstract: A micro-nano bubble generating method comprises: introducing a liquid into a microchannel, in which the microchannel is defined by a microchannel wall an entirety or a portion of which is formed by a porous wall having through pores with radii of 10 to 1,000 nm; and supplying a gas directly into the microchannel from outside the porous wall by a pressurized-gas supplying section, to allow micro-nano bubbles to be contained in the liquid.

Abstract: A method of and system for cleaning semiconductor wafers minimizes the exposure of the wafers to the air by washing, rinsing and drying the wafers in one cleaning chamber. The system includes a wafer support by which a plurality of wafers can be supported in the cleaning chamber as oriented vertically and spaced from each other, and tubular de-ionized water supply nozzles extending longitudinally in the direction in which the wafers are spaced from each other as disposed to the sides of the wafers. Each de-ionized water supply nozzle has an inner nozzle passageway, and a plurality of sets of nozzle holes extending radially through the main body of the nozzle from the inner nozzle passageway. Each such set of nozzle holes subtends an angle of 80˜100° in a vertical plane and is directed towards a surface of a respective wafer W.

Abstract: The invention comprises a device and method for surface cleaning of individual wafers or substrates arranged in a stack along a stacking direction, where a jet of fluid is sent towards the stack in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction and it is provided a relative movement between the wafer stack and the nozzle in the stacking direction.

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

Abstract: A substrate holding rotating mechanism is used to hold and rotate a substrate to be processed. The substrate holding rotating mechanism according to the present invention includes at least three spindles, clamp rollers mounted respectively on the spindles for holding a periphery of a substrate, a rotating device for rotating at least one of the clamp rollers, at least one base member on which at least one of the spindles is installed, and a rotational mechanism adapted to allow the base member to be rotatable.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a roll of a steel strip conversion plant is configured to move parallel to an axis of the roll. At least an even number N>0 of parallel spray nozzles are oriented perpendicular to the axis of the roll. A first number N/2 of the nozzles are fixed to a first arm of a supporting member and a second number N/2 of nozzles are fixed to a second arm of the supporting member. The supporting member is coupled to an actuator, and the actuator has a travel of at least 1/N of a length of the roll.

Abstract: In order to provide a device for generating a pulsed jet of a liquid fluid comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a blocking element arranged between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, which cyclically closes and opens a fluid passage between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, which device enables an improved mechanical action on an object subjected to the pulsed jet, it is proposed that the device comprises at least one bypass, through which a liquid fluid can also be fed to the fluid outlet during a closing phase of the blocking element.

Abstract: An appliance includes a housing having top and bottom panels disposed opposite each other and a plurality of walls connected to the top and bottom panels. The top and bottom panels and the plurality of walls define a cavity of the appliance. The housing also has an outermost surface about which a polyurethane foam is disposed. The polyurethane foam reduces noise and vibrations emitted from the appliance during use and has a density of from 20 to 50 pounds per cubic foot (pcf). The polyurethane foam also has a damping factor of at least 0.2 measured at a temperature of from 40° C. to 60° C. Furthermore, the polyurethane foam has a k-factor of less than 2.0 btu-in/hr-ft2-° F. which reduces an amount of energy required to operate the appliance. The appliance is formed by applying the polyurethane foam to at least one of the top panel, bottom panel, and plurality of walls.

Abstract: A crutch having a first side direction, a second side direction opposite the first side direction, a third side direction perpendicular to the first side direction and a fourth side direction opposite the third side direction, the crutch including an elongate leg having a top end, a top portion, a middle portion, a bottom portion, and a bottom end, wherein the elongate leg extends from a saddle to a foot and has a handle disposed on the middle portion, wherein the saddle extends in an elongate shape between the first side direction and the second side direction, wherein the handle extends in an elongate shape between the first side direction and the second side direction, wherein the elongate leg middle portion is to the third side direction of an axis extending between the leg and the foot, wherein the elongate leg middle portion is to the first side direction of an axis extending between the top end of the elongate leg and the bottom end of the elongate leg; and wherein the handle is cantilevered and has a

Abstract: A vehicle anchored accessory holder may include a base plate, a brace connected to and extending upwardly from the base plate and an angled support connected to the at least one brace. The vehicle anchored accessory holder may also include a female fitting connected to and extending upwardly from the base plate. The female fitting may also be connected to the angled support. The female fitting may have an open top to receive at least one of an extension arm stem and an accessory. A first tube and a second tube may be connected to an upper portion of the female fitting to receive a connector adapted to move the female fitting between an opened position and a closed position.

Abstract: Collapsible portable self-supporting shelter structures having from at least two component quad sections to seven or more component quad sections, which joined end to end form the width of the structure; and, said entire component sections optionally being joined side to side form a desired depth of the portable shelter. The resulting structure is a collapsible self-supporting prefabricated deployable shelter having a clear span interior without supporting columns. Some versions of the collapsible portable self-supporting shelter structure due to its configuration may optionally contain a floating hub which is a top element extending above the structure's standard exterior matrix frame. The floating hub forms a high pitch atop the shelter, which high pitch causes the fabric, which covers the matrix frame, to be maintained in a taut downward-sloping condition over the shelter top surface so no rain or snow collects in the fabric at the top of the shelter.

Abstract: A portable and collapsible blind including a door and associated opening that is defined through a side corner and adjacent side walls of the blind to offer easy ingress and egress relative to the blind. The blind can include a hub style frame including sets of bars joined with respective hubs. The door can include a curvilinear closure that extends along one sidewall, across the side corner, and into an adjacent sidewall. The closure and a perimeter of the door can be of a partially circular, elliptical and/or parabolic shape.

Abstract: There is provided an AMTEC (alkali metal thermal-electric converter) with a heat pipe and more particularly, to an AMTEC with a heat pipe minimized a heating part and a condensation part of the AMTEC and improved in efficiency of thermal to electric conversion through installing the heating and cooling heat pipes in the AMTEC, in which a metal fluid is heated by latent heat of an operating fluid of the heat pipe, instead of the heat conduction from a heat source, thereby reducing a temperature difference needed for heat transfer to vaporize the metal fluid even by a heat source of a lower temperature than a conventional heat source; improving a cooling performance in a condensation part to result in the high efficiency of thermal to electric conversion; using no additional driving components for driving the heat pipe.

Abstract: In a power electronics system of a next generation vehicle, a power module is provided including a thermoelectric device which is provided in a thermally conductive path between a power device and a cooling plate such that the thermoelectric device creates useful electric power from the waste heat of the power device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoelectric device. The thermoelectric device may include a thermoelectric object disposed as a horizontal structure between a high-temperature region and a low-temperature region. Also, disclosed is a thermoelectric device array where a plurality of thermoelectric objects are disposed between the high-temperature region and the low-temperature region.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion module including a pair of substrates facing each other and forming a space for containing an electrolyte therein, a sealing member placed along the edges of the pair of substrates to seal the electrolyte, defining a plurality of photoelectric cells between the pair of substrates, and having an open portion to form an electrolyte inlet, and an inlet sealer formed along the electrolyte inlet. The photoelectric conversion module has improved durability, reliability, and mass-productivity.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a plurality of solar cells connected to each other, each solar cell of the plurality of solar cells independently includes a semiconductor substrate, one n+ region and one p+ region disposed on one side of the semiconductor substrate and separated from each other, at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode, in which the at least one first electrode is electrically connected to the n+ region and the at least one second electrode is electrically connected to the p+ region, and a first trench and a second trench disposed on each of the plurality of solar cells, wherein the first trench is disposed on the one side of the semiconductor substrate and the second trench is disposed on the other opposite facing side of the semiconductor substrate, the first and second trenches are separated from each other.

Abstract: The present invention is a single face corrugated plastic solar collector. The invention incorporates an air flow with a unique cross-over pattern to maximize surface coverage. The solar collector creates energy by forcing air through a single-sided corrugated plastic or aluminum sheet, which is exposed to the sun for the purpose of heating buildings, appliances, pools and other areas and equipment. Air flow is initially powered by multiple photovoltaic cell powered blower motors to maximize aft flow with minimal air pressure. Air volume is kept high within the corrugated plastic with minimal pressure verses atmospheric pressure to seal the aft within the area of the corrugations. The solar collector allows for maximum solar coverage, low cost per square foot coverage, ease of shipping and simplicity of installation.

Abstract: A junction box is disclosed for a solar panel. The junction box can have a base portion and cover portion nesting together. The base portion can have an extending skirt portion and be secured to the solar panel and have one or more contacts for making electrical contact with the solar panel. All other electrical components of the junction box can reside in the top portion for ease of accessibility in making cable or wire connections and/or maintaining the electrical components therein. The cover portion can have one or more terminals for connecting to the one or more contacts of the bottom portion when the cover and base portion are brought together. The terminals can be configured and mounted to the cover to provide connection with cables, to be electrically connected to each other with electrical components, and to dissipate heat produced by the electrical components.

Abstract: System, methods and apparatus for coupling photovoltaic arrays are disclosed. The apparatus may include a first input adapted to couple to a neutral line of a first photovoltaic array; a second input adapted to couple to a neutral line of a second photovoltaic array; a contactor configured to switchably couple the neutral line of a first photovoltaic array to the a neutral line of a second photovoltaic array, the contactor being controllable by an electric control signal; and a control input adapted to couple the switch to a remotely located controller so as to enable the controller to control the first switch by sending the electric control signal.