Abstract: A fan unit which in use forms part of a gases supply unit, the gases supply unit suitable for use as part of a system for providing heated humidified gases to a user, the fan unit having a casing that has an inlet aperture and an outlet passage, the outlet passage including an exit aperture, the fan unit also including a fan which is located inside the casing and which is adapted for connection to a motor to drive rotation of the fan in use, the fan drawing gases into the casing via the inlet aperture, and forcing these gases out of the casing via the outlet passage as a gases stream, the outlet passage further including at least one bypass vent hole independent of the exit aperture and arranged at an angle to the path of the gases stream through the outlet passage.

Abstract: A system configured to deliver pressurized gas to an airway of a subject in accordance with a predetermined therapeutic algorithm. The system includes a pressure generator that generates a pressurized flow of breathable gas and a circuit that communicates the pressurized flow of breathable gas from the pressure generator to the airway of the subject. In order to facilitate the delivery of the pressurized gas to the airway of the subject in accordance with the predetermined therapeutic algorithm, a resistance of the circuit to gas flow is supplemented so that the overall resistance of the circuit is at or near a predetermined level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the optimized treatment of obstructive sleep apnea includes a controller coupled to an information storage device, a sensor and a pressure source. The pressure source is coupled to a patient airway. The controller reads information from the information storage device that represents a first operating mode defining a first pressure profile. The controller operates the pressure source to apply the pressure profile to the patient airway. The sensor generates a signal in response to changes in airflow in the patient airway. The controller analyzes the signal and selects a new operating mode in response to the analysis.

Abstract: A method of providing pressure support to a patient that includes determining a measure associated with an inspiratory time of the patient during therapy, delivering a flow of breathing gas to the patient at an inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP) level during at least a portion of an inspiratory phase of the patient, delivering the flow of breathing gas to the patient at an expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) level that is less than the IPAP level during at least a portion of an expiratory phase of the patient, and automatically setting a rise time associated with a transition from the EPAP level to the IPAP level based on the measure associated with the inspiratory time of the patient. Also provided is a pressure support system adapted to perform the method.

Abstract: An optimized system for providing medical support to a patient is disclosed. The system has a plurality of modular components that may be assembled to create a connection between a support machine and the patient wherein at least one of the modular components comprises an information tag for the storage of data and at least one of the modular components comprises an information sensor for the reading and transmission of the data. Once read and transmitted by the sensor, the data may be used to optimize the operation of the support machine.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an example of a device configured to be in fluid communication with an article. The device includes an element configured to contact the article to form a variable compression interface between the element and the article. The device also includes a seal disposed on the element and at the variable compression interface. The seal is configured to reduce an amount of unwanted fluid leakage at the variable compression interface. An example seal includes a filter media configured to trap unwanted particles attempting to pass through the variable compression interface. In one example, the variable compression interface can be included within a heat and moisture exchange (HME) unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a respiratory protection mask for a compressed air breathing apparatus comprising a pulmonary machine which is controlled by a control membrane when the wearer of the mask breathes in. According to the invention, the air outlet of the expiratory valve and the control membrane are covered by a common cover, forming a rinsing area on the outside of the control membrane through which homogeneously temperate, clean rinsing air flows from the air outlet to the air discharge openings in the cover, thereby ensuring high functionality and high service life of the membrane-controlled pulmonary machine despite extreme environmental conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating altitude related illnesses and/or injuries are provided. Example embodiments provide a hyperbaric therapy device (“HTD”) which includes a chamber constructed substantially from a light weight, high strength, substantially air impermeable material, such as a flexible composite laminate material, such that the chamber can maintain an internal air pressure that is higher than ambient air pressure. In some embodiments, an opening in the chamber of the HTD may be sealed by way of a roll-down, dry bag style closure. The chamber of the HTD may also include multiple inflation valves, to support multiple pump systems for efficient inflation and pressure maintenance. The HTD may also include a storage bag that doubles as a pump for inputting air into the chamber of the HTD.

Abstract: A cough shield includes a cough shield body expandable from a folded state to an open state and collapsible to return from the open to the folded state. The cough shield body is retained in an unbiased condition in the folded state until acted on by a user to open the cough shield body. An engagement member adhesively fixed to the body is accessible to the user in the folded state. The engagement member defines a cavity between the engagement member outer wall and an outer surface portion of the body. The engagement member slidably receives a user's finger to assist in opening or closing the cough shield body and to temporarily retain the cough shield in the open state in contact with the face of the user to at least partially cover the user's nose and mouth.

Abstract: A forehead support device for a breathing mask includes a forehead support portion adapted to contact a forehead region of a user, a conduit element adapted to couple a respiratory gas conduit to the breathing mask, and a coupling structure provided between the forehead support portion and the conduit element and structured to support the conduit element at a predetermined spacing from the forehead support portion. The forehead support portion is displaceably engaged with the coupling structure such that the forehead portion can be selectively displaced relative to the coupling structure.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a respiratory interface device, such as a mask, that includes a substantially rigid frame member and a cushion device wherein the frame member and cushion device are coupled together using a clip assembly wherein the clip assembly includes a plurality of tabs and a plurality of detents. The detents and tabs engage with one another to removably couple the cushion device to the frame member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a larynx mask comprising a dorsal cover plate with an inflatable cuff integrally formed thereon and a tube connecting connector to a plug region having an adjoining insertion section for connecting to an insertion tube. Two separate lumens are provided in the region of the insertion section, these being the esophageal lumen and a respiration lumen. Said two lumens are separated from each other by a separating or supporting wall. Said separating or supporting wall runs from the insertion section to the tip of the larynx mask. While the esophageal lumen opens into the esophageal outlet at the proximal end, the respiration lumen opens in the ventral direction, while the lumen is closed in the proximal direction close to the tip. Such a larynx mask can be produced in one piece by way of injection molding and at the same time is reinforced by the separating or supporting wall to prevent kinking.

Abstract: Contraceptive methods, systems, and devices generally improve the ease, speed, and reliability with which a contraceptive device can be deployed transcervically into an ostium of a fallopian tube. The contraceptive device may remain in a small profile configuration while a sheath is withdrawn proximally, and is thereafter expanded to a large profile configuration engaging the surrounding tissues, by manipulating one or more actuators of a proximal handle with a single hand. This leaves the other hand free to manipulate a hysteroscope, minimizing the number of health care professional required to deploy the contraceptive device.

Abstract: A uterine implant device suitable for treatment of vaginal vault prolapsed which occurs in a women after a partial or total hysterectomy. The implant device is formed in the shape of a normal uterus and filled with a suitable fluid. The uterine implant device is placed within the pelvic vault and can be held in place by sutured attached ligaments or scar tissue. The implant device can be inserted utilizing surgery or a specialized insertion tool.

Abstract: A method and system for training a patient to improve swallowing, for retraining jaw muscles and for holding or keeping the jaw in a correct bite position. All of this in-turn causing an improvement in posture and increase strength. The system includes a combination of exercise and oral apparatus pieces or mouth-guards to retrain and balance the facial muscles and to develop a correct swallow. The mouth-guards of the present invention can improve biomechanical imbalance, posture and in turn athletic performance. A particular embodiment of an oral apparatus of the present invention includes top and bottom troughs for receiving top and bottom teeth into the apparatus. The troughs can be adapted to hold the upper canine teeth lower than the central and lateral incisor teeth and hold the upper teeth outside the lower teeth from the incisors to the molars. The apparatus can be pre-fabricated or custom made for a particular patient.

Abstract: A local coil positioning arrangement is proposed for positioning at least one local coil at an adjustable distance from a Mayfield head fixing arrangement. The local coil positioning arrangement has a local coil holder for accommodating a local coil and a fixing arrangement for fixing the local coil holder at an adjustable distance to the head fixing arrangement.

Abstract: A mouthpiece for reducing snoring is provided. The mouthpiece includes an upper guard configured to fit over the upper teeth of a user, a lower guard configured to fit over the lower teeth of the user, a spacer assembly provided between the upper guard or the lower guard to provide an air passage at a middle section of the mouthpiece, a first adjustable assembly attached to the left side of the upper guard and the left side of the lower guard, and a second adjustable assembly attached to the right side of the upper guard and the right side of the lower guard. The first adjustable assembly and the second adjustable assembly are operable to move the lower guard relative to the upper guard.

Abstract: A system for revisably treating an airway disorder is provided with an implant body configured to conform to an airway-interface tissue site in a manner compatible with normal physiological function of the site. In some embodiments, first and second openings extend through first and second implant ends, respectively, for permitting a tissue plug to grow through each opening. Methods of using and revising such systems are also provided.

Abstract: A system for treating an airway disorder is provided with an implant body configured to conform to an airway-interface tissue site in a manner compatible with normal physiological function of the site. In some embodiments, the implant body includes an adjustment element configured to allow in-situ adjustment of the implant body between first and second tensioning forces applied to the site. Methods of using such systems are also provided.

Abstract: A medical appliance for the treatment of one or more sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea in a patient, the appliance comprising: a biasing member for inserting behind and exerting a force upon the patient's soft palate or tongue, wherein the biasing member is inserted in a reduced or minimized form and then expanded or firms once in place to exert the force. The appliance may be nasally inserted or be placed through the mouth. In a particular configuration, both the soft palate and tongue are biased to prevent obstruction of the flow of air in the nasopharyngeal airway.

Abstract: The creation and implantation of an artificial nail in the treatment of deformed or missing nails includes preparing the nail bed. A polypropylene mesh is applied and anchored to the nail bed. KeryFlex is applied to the polypropylene mesh.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a smoking device that users a laser diode to light a smokable material that is stored within the smoking device. The smoking device is preferably a portable device that allows for insertion of a smokable material, and which ignites the smokable material using a battery-powered laser diode. The smoking device includes a coupling interface that requires all housing components to be secured prior to activation of the laser diode, thereby preventing the surrounding environment from exposure to laser beams and laser radiation.

Abstract: The invention provides transgenic plants, specifically tobacco plants, which accumulate the amino acid threonine in their leaves. The biosynthetic pathway leading to production of threonine is tightly regulated, and previous attempts to achieve a transgenic plant which overproduces threonine has compromised the fitness of the plants. This invention has overcome these difficulties and found a method of increasing the level of threonine in plant leaves above the corresponding wild type level without compromising plant fitness, comprising altering plant metabolism to achieve increased production of threonine after the initiation of leaf senescence. This invention involves a genetic construct comprising a senescence specific promoter operably linked to a coding sequence encoding a polypeptide having threonine insensitive aspartate kinase activity.

Abstract: A machine for sanding, buffing and polishing fingernails and toenails with a flat disc of abrasive, smoothing or polishing material, a disc mount made of flexible material to easily adhere the disc to, a rotationally reciprocating disc mounting platform to affix the disc mount to, a removeable head that can be easily interchanged, a power transmission shaft to transfer power to the removeable head, a motor, a rotationally reciprocating power transmission to change rotational motion of the motor to rotationally reciprocating motion, a battery, a power switch on the body to control the motor on and off, a body to house the power components, a 90 degree power transmission to change rotationally reciprocating motion of the power transmission shaft to rotationally reciprocating motion of the disc mounting platform, and a power transmission shaft receiver in the removeable head to receive the power transmission shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enhancing abrasive, buffing, filing, polishing, shaping and callus removing products for the manicure and pedicure industry by use of a linear motion tool. In particular, the invention provides a method and apparatus that uses linear motion to quickly vibrate a detachable platen by which an abrasive, buffing, polishing and or pumice device can be secured by means of temporary or permanent adhesion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Personal Nail Trimmer comprising a battery-powered nail trimmer designed for use on humans by humans. The unit is cylindrical, approximately four inches in length and one inch in diameter, with the lower portion of the handle containing a chamber for the batteries housing a pair of AA-cells batteries, or in another embodiment, one C-cell battery. A thumb-operated On/Off switch is located on the exterior of the plastic housing just above the battery compartment, and the upper portion of the cylinder contains a small electric motor, powered by the battery and terminating in a driveshaft oriented in the center of, and in line with, the cylinder. This driveshaft terminates in a precision filing wheel, a round emery board which revolves via the driveshaft when the motor is activated.

Abstract: A method of preparing colored UV-curable artificial nail gel compositions comprising dispersing a pigment in an organic liquid to form a pigment concentrate and mixing the pigment concentrate with a polyfunctional acrylic monomer and/or a polyfunctional acrylic oligomer, and the resultant highly colored artificial nail gel are disclosed.

Abstract: A shaving kit comprising a personal care article is disclosed. The shaving kit comprises a package containing a personal care composition comprising a surfactant, water and at least about 15% of a hydrophobic moisturizing material and a plurality of razor blade cartridges or a shaving razor. An article of commerce is also disclosed that comprises a personal care article comprising a package containing a visually distinct, multiphase personal care composition and a set of in association with the personal care article. A method of shaving is also disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: wetting a skin surface; dispensing the multiphase personal care composition from the personal care article that comprises a package containing a visually distinct, multiphase personal care composition; contacting a skin surface with the personal care composition, and applying a shaving razor to the skin surface.

Abstract: The present invention defines a method for applying non-coloring hair care products, such as hair styling or hair conditioning products, to specific areas of scalp hair where the benefit is particularly needed. This method efficiently provides the desired hair care benefit while minimizing unwanted effects that could come from broader application of the products to the entire head of hair or scalp. In this method, one or more non-coloring hair care products are applied to the application end of a mascara wand, and that mascara wand is used to apply an effective amount of those hair care products to specific areas of the scalp hair, where needed.

Abstract: Various embodiments of wefted hair extensions 132 using individual hair strands 108 intertwined with each other to form a wefted product with a cornrow braid 120 base or edge 124, one of the two sides 123 of the cornrow braid 120 having at least one groove housing a plurality of individual hair strands. The zone of attachment is rendered invisible. The distal end is secured with a knot or other method. The final product is then flipped over to its non braided, seamless side. Installation is in pairs as parents only, parents and children, or individual wefts scattered throughout the wearer's head. A unique mirror image embodiment places two parent embodiments adjacent to each other such that their edges face each other, separated by a part line. The mirror image embodiment solves hair and scalp imperfections and is available as a hair kit. Embodiments can start right at the edges of a hairline using my technique, even if the wearer is mostly bald, has thinning hair 148, short hair, or has no hair problems.

Abstract: Hair care products for providing long-lasting conditioning, moisturizing, split end repair, body, volume, shine and increased hair strength benefits are disclosed. The products can be in the form of shampoos, conditioners, serums or oils, and comprise a compatible hair care carrier together with an unsaturated oil having an iodine value of at least about 80, and wherein the oil is selected from glycerol triesters of fatty acids wherein the fatty acids have a composition selected from: (a) less than 18% oleic acid (C18:1) and greater than 30% linoleic acid (C18:2); (b) less than 10% oleic acid (C18:1) and greater than 65% linolenic acid (C18:3); (c) greater than 50% eleostearic acid; and (d) mixtures thereof. The method of conditioning hair using the defined products is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cosmetic applicator assembly is shown. The cosmetic applicator assembly includes an applicator head comprising an applicator front portion having at least a first surface, a second surface, and a multiplicity of apertures extending between the first surface and the second surface, at least one applicator component protruding from the at one least aperture and attachable to the applicator front portion, and an applicator back portion fixed to the applicator front portion so as to cover the second surface of the applicator front portion.

Abstract: Provided is a hair iron including a lower case including a lower grill part and a lower heating part in a single body, and a lower heating plate at a front end to heat hair, the lower heating part including a built-in lower heater, and an upper case including an upper grill part and an upper heating part in a single body, and an upper heating plate at a front end to heat the hair, the upper heating part including a built-in upper heater, the upper case being hinged to the lower case. The upper and lower heating plates are coated with a mixed layer in which one of Teflon coating material, anodizing coating material, and ceramic coating material, and an iron removing member attracting and removing iron attached to the hair are mixed in an equal ratio.

Abstract: Apparatus for hair styling comprising: two handles connected together so as to allow the apparatus to be opened and closed by bringing said handles apart and together, respectively, and two styling elements respectively associated with the two handles, wherein each styling element comprises a roller adapted to rotate about its own longitudinal axis during the styling of the hair, at least one of the rollers comprises a heating element, and at least one of the styling elements comprises elastic means operatively associated with the respective roller, adapted to exert on the roller an elastic force according to a substantially transversal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of rotation of the roller.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and manufacturing method to be used by persons wearing orthodontic braces to simplify the task of flossing their teeth. The device consists of a convenient pre-cut length of dental floss with a first and second end, an elongated guide element fabricated from a semi-rigid material suitable for oral use and configured with an attachment aperture, an optional flex aperture, and optional curvature, and further consisting of pre-attachment of the floss first end to the guide element leaving the second end of the floss unencumbered. Preferentially, the means of pre-attachment is accomplished with a friction knot formed by first inserting a looped length of floss through the guide attachment aperture then folding the tip of the guide element through the loop and retracting the slack in the floss until it gathers tightly and securely around the trailing end of the guide element.

Abstract: A plasma ashing process for removing photoresist, polymers and/or residues from a substrate comprises placing the substrate including the photoresist, polymers, and/or residues into a reaction chamber; generating a plasma from a gas mixture comprising oxygen gas (O2) and/or an oxygen containing gas; suppressing and/or reducing fast diffusing species in the plasma; and exposing the substrate to the plasma to selectively remove the photoresist, polymers, and/or residues from the substrate, wherein the plasma is substantially free from fast diffusing species.

Abstract: A method of removing material such as surface treatments, metal coatings, and other material layers from an edge region of a metal work piece where they could potentially contaminate a nearby weld. According to one embodiment, a scraper tool includes a body having a base portion and a tab portion, and several scraping elements attached to the base portion. During operation, the scraping elements scrape one or more surfaces of the edge region so that the depth to which the scraping element engage the metal work piece is generally affected by the amount of rotation of the scraper tool about a pivot axis.

Abstract: Provided is a cleaning method using a cleaning robot achieving high cleaning efficiency without expensive sensors. The cleaning method using the cleaning robot includes: a first step of traveling and performing a cleaning operation along a path determined by a winding pattern from a cleaning start point by the cleaning robot; a second step of, when the cleaning robot detects an obstacle, traveling and performing the cleaning operation along an outer wall of the obstacle; and a third step of, when the cleaning robot arrives at the path determined by the winding pattern while traveling and performing the cleaning operation along the obstacle, traveling and performing the cleaning operation along the remaining path determined by the winding pattern.

Abstract: The present invention includes a process using environmentally friendly materials for the removal of adhesive residues from hard substrates, particularly vehicles, e.g., cars, trucks, buses, aerospace vehicles including airplanes, and the like. The process uses a novel adhesive remover composition comprising one or more non-halogenated organic solvents, a non-abrasive thickening agent, a surfactant, and a vapor-pressure modulating agent. The total Hansen Solubility Parameter (?t) at 25° C. for each of the non-halogenated organic solvents is from about 14 MPa1/2 to about 24 MPa1/2. The invention provides a cost effective, safe, environmentally friendly adhesive remover composition specifically formulated for removal of, e.g., pressure sensitive adhesive residues from large areas of aircraft composite and aluminum surfaces, as well as others.

Abstract: A system and associated method for removing accumulated debris from a surface of a vessel. The system includes an impulse cleaning device defining a combustion chamber in which combustible fuel and air are mixed and ignited to produce combustion that is directed at the surface to be cleaned within the vessel, and an eductor assembly surrounding a downstream end of the chamber for inducting surrounding atmosphere into the combustion to widen the area being cleaned.

Abstract: This invention concerns a washing machine, particularly for washing out the cages and tanks used in animal laboratories, comprising a wash chamber into which a load of the items to be washed can be inserted and equipped with multiple nozzles and a water collection reservoir situated in the floor of the wash chamber. It is characterised by the fact that it comprises a single hydraulic circuit suitable for carrying out, using the system of supplying water to the load, the entire wash and rinse cycles, without the need for two separate wash and rinse circuits. The object of this invention is also the washing method carried out by this machine.

Abstract: There is described a device for cleaning of a climate conditioner indoor part (1), where a form stable enclosure box (6) forms a tight chamber around the indoor part (1) and is arranged to be able to be supplied with air at a pressure of 8-12 bar via a compressed air device (13) as a compressed air pipe (10) is provided with an opening and closing valve (15) arranged to be able to affect a high, pulsating air speed and reduced air flow, and is also provided with a suction device (14) having a capacity exceeding the amount of supplied air for thereby to provide an underpressure. Also described is a method for cleaning of a climate conditioner indoor part (1).

Abstract: A system and method for low temperature hydration of food soils allows for hydration of food soils between washing cycles in a dishwasher. A user selects a hydration button to actuate a hydration cycle between dishwashing cycles. During the hydration cycle, a plurality of spraying devices are periodically actuated in accordance with a desired amount of hydration selected by the user. Water is supplied from a dedicated water supply line to the spraying devices, preferably without being heated, and is distributed throughout a dishwasher chamber utilizing spray nozzles or fans. The hydration cycle ends when deactivated, or when a dishwashing cycle is initiated.

Abstract: Phosphate-free automatic dishwashing agents are disclosed that comprise (a) builder; (b) bleaching agent; (c) hydrophobically modified copolymer comprising at least one of mono- and polyunsaturated sulfonic acid monomers; (d) non-hydrophobically modified copolymer comprising at least one of mono- and polyunsaturated sulfonic acids; and (e) nonionic surfactant. The agents in accordance with the present invention are distinguished by excellent film deposition inhibition along with good washing and rinsing performance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) comprising a washing chamber (3) arranged for holding soiled items to be washed, a filter (11), a circulation pump (37), which is operable to create a circulation flow (43) of washing liquid through the washing chamber (3), through the filter (11) and back to the washing chamber (3). The washing chamber (3) is such arranged that, when the flow (43) of washing liquid passes through the washing chamber (3), soil (31) is released from the items to be washed and caught in the flow (43). The filter (11) is such arranged that, when the flow (43) of washing liquid with soil (31) passes through the filter, soil (31) is separated from the flow (43) of washing liquid and caught at the filter (11). The dishwasher (1) further comprises a soil trap (15), which is located separate from the circulation flow (43), and a soil removing unit (25, 26) comprising a transport unit (25) for transport of the soil (31) caught at the filter (11) into the soil trap (15).

Abstract: An exemplary apparatus for wet processing a substrate includes a wet processing system and a water supplying system. The wet processing system includes a preliminary rinsing device, a final rinsing device, and a conveyor. The preliminary rinsing device includes a first tank and a first spraying system above the first tank. The final rinsing device includes a second tank and a second spraying system above the second tank. The conveyor is configured for conveying a substrate from the preliminary rinsing device to the final rinsing device. The water supplying system includes a supply pipe configured for supplying water to the second spraying system, a connecting system communicating the second tank and the first spraying system, and a drain pipe communicating with the first tank.

Abstract: A device has a housing with a spindle installed therein. A carrier can be rotated around this spindle while moving along it. There are two nozzles installed in the cylinder wall of the device, which nozzles comprise a connecting piece to which a water hose can be connected. For having the water jet rotate a carrier-mounted filter the nozzle openings seen in axial direction of the spindle, are directed at the filter beside the spindle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) wherein an ozone generator (8) that generates ozone is used for increasing the washing performance and to provide hygiene. The ozone gas generated by the ozone generator (8) is delivered directly on the objects in the tub (2) by means of an ozone supply line (9) without mixing with the wash water.

Abstract: A cleaning composition comprising: (i) a buffering system comprising a strong base and an organic acid; (ii) an alkanolamine; (iii) at least one surfactant chosen from a zwitterionic surfactant, a non-ionic surfactant, an ionic surfactant and mixtures thereof; and (iv) an organic solvent chosen from lower alkanols, glycol ethers and diethers, and mixtures thereof; wherein the pH of the composition is about 9 to about 13. These alkaline cleaning compositions are useful to remove burnt-on and/or baked-on soil deposits and grease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a household appliance (1) comprising a control unit (2) which provides the amount of energy consumption in the stand-by mode to be reduced.