Abstract: Non-tracking solar collector device (1) comprising at least an absorber element (2), at least a couple of reflector elements (3) disposed on opposite sides of the absorber element (2) for conveying the solar radiation onto the absorber element itself and said reflector elements (3) comprising at least one fixed portion (8a,8b) and at least one rotating portion (9); the rotating portions (9) being movable between at least a first extreme position (10), in which the rotating portions are moved away from each other and the entire surface of said reflector elements (3) is substantially continuous, and a second extreme position (11), in which the rotating portions are moved close to each other in order to substantially obscure said absorber element (2).

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for generating and superheating steam.

Abstract: In the heat utilization installation (1) according to the invention several heat sources (2) are included which are provided each with a jet pump (16), (17), (18), (19). The heat sources (2) are connected to a heat carrier circuit system (7) which includes a single, central circulating pump or circulating pump unit (20). The individual jet pumps (16) to (19) are so controlled for the respective heat sources (2), the required operating temperatures with respect to temperature difference between the outlet and inlet and the flow volume are maintained or achieved. With the possibility of independent control of the flow volumes at the various heat sources (2), uniform fluid temperatures as required for a buffer store (22) or heat consumers can be maintained.

Abstract: A covering device (1) suitable to realize at least part of the covering of a roof (50) or the like and comprising: a central portion (2) including at least one channelling element (5), suitable to contain a heat exchange fluid suitable to store thermal solar energy, at least one peripheral portion (3) comprising a cavity (15), suitable to contain the heat exchange fluid in fluid communication with at least one channelling element (5), the peripheral portion (3) comprising connection means (19) suitable to connect, in fluid communication, the cavity (15) with a cavity (15) of a further peripheral portion (3) part of a further covering device (1).

Abstract: A solar reflecting mirror having a curved reflective surface includes a plurality of transparent shaped segments held together by securing facilities to provide a shaped transparent substrate having a convex surface and an opposite concave surface, the concave surface having a focal area. A solar reflecting coating is provided over the convex surface of the shaped substrate to reflect visible and infrared waves of the electromagnetic scale to the focal area of the shaped transparent substrate. A method of making the solar mirror is also disclosed.

Abstract: An oven (10) for the thermal conditioning of preforms made of a thermoplastic material, includes at least one cooling circuit (6) with air flow circulation which sequentially extends from the upstream side to the downstream side through at least one cooling air intake area (16a), a heating area (16b) in which a preform heating element (22) and the cooling air flow projected by ventilation elements are provided, and an air extraction area (16c) to which at least one air extraction duct (42) is connected, characterised in that the oven includes a confining housing that extends from the air extraction duct to at least the heating area, and is capable of insulating at least the heating area from the outside of the oven in order to prevent the pollution of the inside of the oven by airborne pollution particles.

Abstract: Methods and systems for aerosol delivery of agents to a patient are described herein. The present system can be used to administer various types of agents, such as a vaccine or other types of pharmaceutical substances. Certain embodiments of the present system utilize an actuator coupled to a disposable aerosolizing element that aerosolizes an agent for delivery to a patient when acted upon by the actuator. The aerosolizing element prevents the agent from contacting the actuator and other non-disposable components of the system so that little or no cleaning or maintenance is required. The present system also can include an aerosolization rate monitor that monitors the rate at which an agent is being aerosolized and provides feedback to the user to ensure that the proper dose is being administered.

Abstract: An apparatus and method deploy a self-expandable bronchial obstruction device in an air passageway. The apparatus includes a catheter configured to be passed down the trachea. The apparatus further includes a capsule for housing the self-expandable bronchial obstruction device in a sterile environment. The capsule is configured to be advanced down the catheter. The capsule further includes a tubular extension. The capsule has a breakable seam so as to release the bronchial obstruction device in the air passageway upon a proximal force being exerted upon the bronchial obstruction device. The method includes guiding a conduit down a trachea into the air passageway. The method further includes advancing a capsule having a bronchial device therein down an internal lumen of the conduit into the air passageway. The method further includes releasing the bronchial device from the capsule. The method further includes deploying the bronchial device into the air passageway.

Abstract: A medical air tubing and anti-mismatch fluid distribution system is provided for preventing the inadvertent connection of a feed line to an incorrect source of fluid. The fluid distribution system includes an adapter that is connected permanently to the fluid supply and has an outlet end that is compatible with a coupling member on the feed line. The coupling member on the feed line is compatible with the adapter but is not compatible with the other coupling member of the second fluid supply. A feed line assembly includes a feed line with a connector fixed to a first end and a nebulizer or other medical device fixed to a second end to form a one piece, integrally formed unit. The second fluid supply can include an adapter that is different from the first adapter so that the coupling members of the feed lines are compatible only with the appropriate adapter for the desired fluid source.

Abstract: Several embodiments of the invention relate to methods for removing compositions comprising dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or related compounds, or odors associated with same. In several embodiments, systems including activated carbon filters, adsorbents, odor adsorbing fabrics, masks, clean air members and clean air supply assemblies are provided in order to perform said methods. In some embodiments the systems and methods facilitating the treatment of traumatic brain injury, ischemic stroke, atherosclerosis, spinal cord trauma, and neurodegenerative illnesses with compositions comprising DMSO.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the invention relate to systems for removing dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or related compounds, or odors associated with same. The systems include adsorbents, odor adsorbing fabrics, masks, clean air members and clean air supply assemblies.

Abstract: Several embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for removing compositions comprising dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or related compounds, or odors associated with same. In several embodiments, the systems include activated carbon filters, adsorbents, odor adsorbing fabrics, masks, clean air members and clean air supply assemblies. Methods for reducing the concentration of a DMSO metabolite, or the odors associated with said DMSO metabolite are provided in some embodiments. In some embodiments the systems and methods facilitating the treatment of traumatic brain injury, ischemic stroke, atherosclerosis, spinal cord trauma, and neurodegenerative illnesses with compositions comprising DMSO.

Abstract: The invention relates to a powder inhaler for administering moisture-sensitive pharmaceutical formulations.

Abstract: A portable cradle for carrying a PAP device includes a base and a handle that is provided on the base. The base is structured to receive the PAP device and attachments to the PAP device. The base is oriented in a substantially horizontal position when the handle is lifted. A trolley may be provided to easily wheel the PAP device and store multiple accessories. Detachable battery packs may also be provided for attachment to a cradle.

Abstract: A respiratory flow limitation detection device, which can include an airway pressure treatment generator, determines a flow limitation measure (506) based one or more shape indices for detecting partial obstruction and a measure of a patient's ventilation or respiratory duty cycle. The shape indices may be based on function(s) that ascertain the likelihood of the presence of M-shaped breathing patterns and/or chair-shaped breathing patterns. The measure of ventilation may be based on analysis of current and prior tidal volumes to detect a less than normal patient ventilation. The duty cycle measure may be a ratio of current and prior measures of inspiratory time to respiratory cycle time to detect an increase in the patient's inspiratory cycle time relative to the respiratory cycle time. A pressure setting based on the flow limitation may then be used to adjust the treatment pressure to ameliorate the patient's detected flow limitation condition.

Abstract: A manually operated ventilating element such as a bellows for administration of artificial respiration, for example, during anesthesia, has wall sections or pleats of different diameters. When the element is actuated through a small stroke length, the smaller section is actuated. A small volume of gas is delivered and the change in delivered volume per unit stroke length is small, so that the operator can precisely control the delivered volume. When the element is actuated through a larger stroke length, a larger volume per unit stroke length is delivered. The same element can be used to treat children and adults.

Abstract: A directional valve for a respirator product shall be improved with regard to a low flow resistance. To accomplish the object, two diaphragm-like valve disks (12, 13) abutting against one another at a central line of separation (16) that are attached to the valve housing (11) in a point-like manner and can be moved in a flap-like manner by the breathing gas stream are provided. A central web (19) at the valve housing (11), which runs along the line of separation (16) and support webs (21) additionally arranged on both sides, is used as a valve seat.

Abstract: A supplemental gas delivery device is described for a mask assembly having at least one supplemental gas port, the at least one supplemental gas port including an aperture in communication with an interior of the mask assembly. The mask assembly may include an aperture communicating with an interior of the mask assembly, and a cannula for communicating with the supplemental gas port. The cannula is positioned to deliver supplemental gas adjacent to the patient's nares and/or mouth, to increase an efficacy of treatment for the patient by more directly applying the flow of supplemental gas to the patient's nares. An optional bridging portion may be included to provide a connection between supplemental gas port and the cannula.

Abstract: A compact continuous positive airway pressure apparatus and method provide a flatter profile and more compact thickness, including a larger lateral dimension in order to be accommodated in conventional luggage designed to stow laptop computers having a smaller aspect ratio of thickness to length or thickness to width. Air tubing may be coiled within a case or coiled as about a spool-like configuration in the base unit of the device.

Abstract: An effective technique for balancing mask breathability and mask trapping capability at higher levels is provided in a mask to be worn on a wearer's face. A mask 1 has a mask body 10 that covers at least wearer's mouth and nose and a pair of ear straps 20 that extend from both sides of the mask body 10 and are designed to be hooked around wearer's ears. The mask body 10 includes a first fiber sheet and a second fiber sheet which are electret nonwoven fabric sheets formed of polyolefin fiber. The first fiber sheet is a nonwoven fabric sheet having an average fiber diameter of 0.5 to 3 ?m and a basis weight of 1.5 to 5 g/m2, and the second fiber sheet is a nonwoven fabric sheet having a larger average fiber diameter and a heavier basis weight than the first fiber sheet.

Abstract: The disclosed laryngeal mask airway device includes a mask portion and an airway tube. The mask portion includes an inflatable cuff, which defines a central opening when the cuff is inflated. The airway tube defines an internal passage extending from a proximal end of the tube to a distal end of the tube. The airway tube further defines two or more tabs disposed near the distal end of the tube. The mask portion is coupled to the airway tube near the distal end of the airway tube, and the tabs extend from the airway tube into the central opening defined by the cuff when the cuff is inflated.

Abstract: A set of annular sleeves circumferentially mounted along sections of a nasal cannula. The sleeves are protective devices that prevent skin irritation and bed sores from developing after prolonged use of a nasal cannula. Improved stability of the cannula tube is also provided in the form of a sleeve connecting strap between ear sleeves, preventing dislocation of the cannula from the patient. The sleeves comprise tubular sections with an interior and an exterior surface. The interior surface contacts the outer diameter of the cannula breathing tube while the exterior surface contacts the patient under the nostrils, along the neck, and around the ears. The sleeves increase the cross-section of the cannula tube for improved fitment, while the strap reacts pull-off load.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to an improved process for making elastomeric polyisoprene articles. In particular, the process of the invention is a system which produces synthetic polyisoprene articles exhibiting tensile strength properties similar to that of solvent-based processes using natural rubber latex. The process comprises an accelerator composition at the pre-cure stage comprising a dithiocarbamate, a thiazole and a guanidine compound. In a preferred embodiment, the accelerator composition comprises zinc diethyldithiocarbamate (ZDEC), zinc 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (ZMBT) and diphenyl guanidine (DPG), in conjunction with a stabilizer, such as sodium caseinate. The invention also includes an elastomeric polyisoprene product made by the process, such as a surgeon's glove.

Abstract: A condom having an elongated shape with an inner and an outer surface is provided. A barrier or strut is formed on the condom which prevents any liquid exchange between the inner and outer surfaces during the use of the condom.

Abstract: Described herein are layered nasal devices including layered nasal devices having one or more stiffening members supporting the holdfast region of the nasal device. The stiffening member may be a stress-distributing member or a separate stress-distributing element or member may be included. In some variations the layered nasal device includes a stress distributing element to help prevent wrinkling, de-laminating, buckling, or otherwise disrupting the shape and/or activity of the nasal device. Also described herein are delayed resistance adapters that may be used with a nasal devices that inhibit exhalation more than inhalation (including, but not limited to the adhesive nasal devices described herein). A delayed resistance adapter may be activated to suspend or bypass the increased expiratory resistance of the nasal device. Suspending the increased expiratory resistance may allow the user to allow a user to acclimate to the use of the nasal device.

Abstract: A smoking article includes a carbon monoxide reducing agent including particles including a calcium aluminate represented by the formula (CaO)m(Al2O3)n, where 1/6?m/n?4/1, wherein the particles have a BET specific surface area of 2 m2/g or more and less than 20 m2/g.

Abstract: Our invention is a combined cutting and storage device designed for use by a smoker who can not or chooses not to finish an entire cigarette. The device contains a cutting mechanism and a sealed storage compartment with a vertical pop-up lid for use with a single unfinished cigarette. A smoker can simply cut an unfinished cigarette or smoking material with the cutting means and place it in the sealed storage compartment for later use. The sealed storage compartment may be inserted into a box or pack of cigarettes.

Abstract: A pouched non-tobacco product includes a lined pouch material of a web and a water-soluble liner adjacent the web and a non-tobacco flavorful component contained within the lined pouch material. The water-soluble liner is interposed between the web and the non-tobacco flavorful component. The liner preferably reduces staining of the web by the non-tobacco flavorful component. Additionally, the liner may include a flavorant.

Abstract: A delineating nail for creating quick, consistent, and high quality nail treatments is disclosed herein. The delineating nail may have a substrate with a base end and a tip end. A guide of various configurations may extend from the substrate at the base end. The delineating nail may be attached to a natural nail such as with one or more adhesives. One or more decorative coatings may then be applied to the substrate, natural nail, or both. The guide may shape the decorative coatings to produce various designs on the natural nail. In this manner, the delineating nail may be used by nail technicians of virtually any skill level. With the delineating nail, even inexperienced technicians can provide consistent and high quality nail treatments in a rapid manner.

Abstract: A hair extension removal tool is generally shaped like a pair of pliers with two jaws formed of two elongated members pivotally joined together. A body is attached to the first elongated member and houses a solvent container therein. A tubing extends from the container to an opening on an inside surface of one of the jaws. The container has a pump for ejecting an amount of the solvent through the tubing. A lever attached to the body is provided for activating the pump. In use, a strand of extension hair is placed within the jaws of the removal tool, the lever is pressed to eject an appropriate amount of the solvent through the tubing, and pressure is applied to the hair extension with the jaws of the tool to weaken the attachment, until the bonding material is sufficiently dissolved and the extension hair is detached and removed.

Abstract: A powder hair dye composition containing sodium percarbonate with an active oxygen amount within a range of 12.0 to 15.3% by mass as a component (A), additionally containing a sequestering agent as a component (B) preferably and still additionally the sulfate salt of an oxidation dye as a component (C) more preferably. In accordance with the invention, the dyeability and bleaching ability of the powder hair dye composition can be enhanced, together with the resulting good hair feeling after application; additionally, the increase of oxygen gas pressure in the storage package can be suppressed, and the storage stability of the powder hair dye composition can be retained in a secure fashion.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and kits for coloring the hair involving a lifting composition capable of lightening the natural hair color, a color base composition comprising at least one primary dye intermediate, and a developer composition comprising an oxidizing agent chosen from persulfates, perborates, percarbonates, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A radially adjustable barrel, a barrel-adjustment assembly, a radially adjustable heater assembly, and a radially adjustable distal-tip assembly. The barrel is radially adjustable between expanded and contracted positions having different diameters. The barrel-adjustment assembly includes a rotary ring defining a spiral cam guide and includes a cam follower attached to the barrel. The heater assembly includes a post, at least one heater, and at least one spring mounting the heater to the post and biasing the heater radially outward. In use, rotating the ring rotates the spiral cam guide, which displaces the cam follower radially inward or outward, which in turn displaces the outer end of the barrel radially inward or outward to decrease or increase the diameter of the barrel. As the diameter of the barrel is adjusted, the heaters remain in contact with the barrel due to the outwardly biasing influence of the spring.

Abstract: The appliance includes a two-piece elongated handle with first and second handle pieces rotatably hinged via a locking stop which locks the handle upon full extension. A head piece rotatably mounted on the second handle piece with a coupling rotatably linking the head to the handle. The head piece is biased to a set position with a spring or torsion loadable stem such that upon rotation, the head returns to the set position. The front face of the planar plate has spaced hook ended pins upon which is releaseably mounted a removable cream bearing pad. The bearing pad includes a sponge pad for the lotion, soap or cream and a thin interfacing cloth attached to the rear of the bearing pad. The interfacing cloth has a multiplicity of loops which cooperate with the hooked pins for removable attachment of the bearing pad on the head piece.

Abstract: An interdental cleaning device that is easy to handle, especially for kids and disabled people, including a frame supporting four zones for removing food and plaque between the teeth. Each zone having a particular thickness combined with cleaning substance and cleaning surface for a thorough teeth cleaning.

Abstract: A dental floss holder. The dental floss holder includes a body having a spool case for holding a length of dental floss, a cover for the spool case, a neck extending from the spool case along a first axis, and first and second fingers extending outward from said neck at an arcuate angle. In an embodiment, the fingers may be parallel. A manually engageable clamp is provided with threaded fastener that engages a threaded nut having a compressing flange, so that the compressing flange works against a land provided on the outside of the cover. A pivot post is provided to prevent dental floss from becoming entangled with the threads of the fastener.

Abstract: A vacuum processing system with a vacuum chamber has an inlet, at least first and second outlets, exhaust means at a first of said outlets and a remote plasma source RPS, wherein the RPS is attached to a connecting point to the second of said outlets. In a method for remote plasma cleaning of a vacuum processing system with such an arrangement a flow of radicals is generated by said remote plasma source and directed to the first of said outlets whilst operating exhaust means via the second of said outlets.

Abstract: Embodiments disclose a method for cleaning a mask having a mask film that is of a surface to which a foreign substance containing silicon oxide adheres. In the method, the mask is retained in a cleaning gas containing diluted hydrofluoric acid vapor at a temperature at which an etching rate to the foreign substance becomes higher than an etching rate to the mask film. Further, in the method, the cleaning gas is supplied to the surface of the mask to etch the foreign substance.

Abstract: A device for processing products such as fruit or vegetables includes at least one hydraulic channel (11) for transporting the products, and elements for producing a liquid flow in each hydraulic channel, at least one cleaning carriage (20) carrying guiding members (19), members (30, 32) for brushing the walls of each cleaned channel, and at least one hydraulic drive blade (34) capable of extending in the liquid flow flowing in at least one cleaned channel (11) in order to drive the cleaning carriage (20) in translation in each cleaned channel (11) under the effect of this liquid flow.

Abstract: An improved mop bucket with an integrated water filtration system. A manual or electric pump may be utilized to circulate water from the bucket through the filtration system. The pump may also be utilized to provide water pressure to nozzles that emit streams of water for rinsing the mop head. The filtration system may include one or more filters capable of removing particles and microbes from the water. A germ-killing light, such as an ultraviolet light, may be incorporated into the filtration system to kill any microbes in the water. The mop bucket may be mounted to a wheeled cart to facilitate movement. A re-chargeable battery may be used to provide power to the pump and the germ-killing light.

Abstract: In a method for operating a dishwasher, a desorption process of a reversibly dehydratable dry material of a sorption-drying system is initiated at least at times. A parameter that influences the desorption process is hereby evaluated for determining an instant for performing the desorption process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing, in particular cleaning, objects in a cleaning fluid comprising dense phase carbon dioxide wherein said processing is carried out in a cleaning chamber and wherein at least a part of said dense phase carbon dioxide is withdrawn from said cleaning chamber and transferred back into said cleaning chamber, characterised in that gaseous carbon dioxide is withdrawn from said cleaning chamber, said gaseous carbon dioxide is compressed and said compressed carbon dioxide gas is injected into said cleaning chamber by means of an ejector wherein the passage of said carbon dioxide gas through said ejector causes a suction which sucks in said dense phase carbon dioxide withdrawn from said cleaning chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dishwashing system (100) comprising at least one conveyor system (101) for feeding washware to one conveyor dishwasher (2, 2?) and a conveyor system (101) for feeding dishware to the at least one conveyor dishwasher (2, 2?) In order to further reduce the consumption of fresh water, chemicals and energy during operation, the invention provides a washware detector apparatus (51) which is designed to detect the number of units of washware, which are fed to the at least one conveyor dishwasher (2, 2?) with the aid of the conveyor system (101) per unit time, in a prespecified or prespecifiable region of the conveyor system (101). Furthermore, a control device (50) is provided which is designed to select a predefined or predefinable treatment program.

Abstract: A device for processing products such as fruit or vegetables includes a plurality of hydraulic channels (11) for transporting the products, elements for producing a liquid flow in each hydraulic channel, at least one cleaning carriage (20) guided and driven in translation along a cleaned channel (11), and a device (41, 42) for transferring the cleaning carriage (20) from one hydraulic channel to another hydraulic channel (11). It covers a cleaning method implemented in a device according to the invention.

Abstract: A production line system includes a cooling processing step of cooling a coolant for processing machines (lathes) of work, and a heating processing step of heating washing fluid for a washing machine which washes the work after processing by the lathes. The heating processing step and the cooling processing step are performed by a heat pump in one heat pump cycle. Further, a heat balance between heating in the heating processing step and cooling in the cooling processing step is adjusted with the setting temperature of the washing fluid and the setting temperature of the coolant.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a washing chamber and at least one spray arm rotatably mounted in the washing chamber. The at least one spray arm is provided with a plurality of nozzles, each configured to spray wash water in a respective spray jet. The plurality of nozzles are supplied with wash water by a pump. A flow obstacle is disposed in the spray arm upstream of a first nozzle of the plurality of nozzles and configured to change a geometry of the respective spray jet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) wherein ozone water is applied to improve the washing performance and to provide hygiene. The ozone gas that is generated by an ozone generator (7) located in the dishwasher (1) is mixed to the wash water by the Venturi device (8) and by means of an ozone water line (9) extending into the tub (2), of branch pipes (10, 110, 210) and of spray nozzles (N), ozone wash water is sprayed to the lower dish rack (3) or the upper dish rack (103).

Abstract: An apparatus for vertically separating stacked pallets a sufficient distance such that each pallet in the stack can be cleaned, with the pallets then immediately restacked after cleaning.

Abstract: An apparatus for vertically separating stacked pallets a sufficient distance such that each pallet in the stack can be cleaned, with the pallets then immediately restacked after cleaning.

Abstract: An automatic dishwasher, comprises a wash chamber, a rotating spray arm having an outer periphery or rotation and having at least one outlet for introducing a stream of liquid into the wash chamber, a disperser located within the wash chamber and exteriorly of the outer periphery of the rotating spray arm where during at least a portion of one revolution of the rotating spray arm the disperser is fluidly connected such that the stream of liquid is transferred to the disperser, and a liquid volume controller to control the volume of liquid transferred from the rotating spray arm to the disperser. Wherein the disperser provides an additional source of water spray to utensils in the wash chamber and the liquid volume controller controls the amount of such additional spray.