Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing sugar, which short-circuits at least one sulfitation step and utilizes means for minimizing microbe/microorganism activity and reducing the impurities in the sugar.

Abstract: An article for storing a pharmaceutical formulation. In one or more embodiments, the present invention comprises a receptacle (125) for an aerosolizable formulation, the receptacle having a wall thickness of between about 100-235 microns, wherein the receptacle is puncturable to allow escape and dispersion of the formulation therein. Also provided are methods of aerosolizing formulations for inhalation, and systems for aerosolizing such formulations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing device, a storage device and a method for dispensing a medical formulation. Multiple doses of the formulation are stored in a carrier having multiple storage members, each storage member containing a single dose. Each storage member comprises one duct or nozzle for dispensing the respective dose. The dispensing direction of the ducts or nozzles is directed in a lengthwise or indexing direction of the carrier. The storage device of the carrier is a peelable blister strip, wherein the ducts or nozzles can be opened one after the other by peeling the blister strip.

Abstract: A breathing system is provided that employs a reservoir for holding oxygen or an oxygen and medicine mixture while the patient is not inhaling. The reservoir generally prevents waste and reduces cost and helps prevent the patient from re-inhaling the previously exhaled gases.

Abstract: A snorkel including a breathing tube having an air inlet at one end and a mouthpiece at the other end, an elastic, self refilling reservoir for holding ambient air coupled in air flow communication to the breathing tube, and a mechanism in the reservoir in air flow communication with the breathing tube for permitting inflow of air from the breathing tube and providing outflow of air to the mouthpiece only from the reservoir

Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.

Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide sensor for use in a respiratory therapy system. The carbon dioxide sensor determines whether a patient interface is fluidly coupled to a patient.

Abstract: Improved respirator fit-test methods and apparatus featuring an automated, respirator wearer-controlled, air-leak measurement system. For fit testing of a respirator positioned on a test subject's face and connected to a controlled negative pressure testing apparatus, the test subject simply holds his breath and then activates a switch in electrical connection with said apparatus, which results in the automatic closure of the breathing port on the respirator and the initiation of a complete fit-testing protocol. The fit-testing apparatus includes a single, self-contained, automated unit that includes a vacuum source, an air-flow measuring device, and an air-pressure transducer for connection to a respirator being tested. By measuring the rate of air exhausted from the respirator in order to maintain a constant challenge pressure, an air leakage rate is determined.

Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.

Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.

Abstract: A package for a dispensing device, comprising a protection pouch arranged to enclose the dispensing device. The protection pouch comprises a base section that is arranged to support the dispensing device in the general vertical direction, and the package comprises a support member arranged to essentially elevate the base section of the pouch from a support surface.

Abstract: Dosage forms containing pharmaceutical compositions for use in devices to produce a spray or mist delivery of the compositions include dosage blister compartments and a dispensing blister compartment, wherein crushing of the compartments delivers the compositions in a desired spray pattern. Certain dosage forms include a plurality of dosage chambers each containing a component or a portion of a pharmaceutical composition, the contents of which are mixed or combined just prior to or during administration.

Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.

Abstract: An open system provides breath-synchronized, flow-targeted ventilation to augment respiration by a self-breathing patient. A sensor detects a physical property of a patient's respiratory cycle. A processor monitors the sensor and controls a gas source to deliver oxygen-containing gas through a tube extending into the patient's airway with the flow rate varying over each respiratory cycle in a predetermined non-constant waveform synchronized with the respiratory cycle to augment the patient's spontaneous respiration. Gas is delivered at a flow rate sufficient to significantly mitigate the airway pressure the patient must generate during spontaneous breathing and thereby reduce the patient's work of breathing.

Abstract: A mask (10) may be used in therapeutic gas delivery to one or more external orifices (e.g., the nostrils and/or mouth) of a subject (12) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The mask (10) may include a mask body (14), a seal portion (16), a source connector (18), and an exhaust valve (20). The mask (10) may be configured to be placed against the face (22) of the subject (12) with a sealed interface there between such that a chamber (24) is formed by the mask (10) and the face (22) of the subject (12) that encloses the one or more external orifices of the subject (12). During use, a breathable substance can be provided into the chamber (24) from a source of the breathable substance through the source connector (18).

Abstract: This disclosure relates to porous frameworks for gas separation and sensing.

Abstract: Breathing apparatuses which utilize active scrubbing in a closed loop system providing for scrubbing of air on exhalation, but inhalation to be from a clean air source without the air from that source passing back through an active filter immediately prior to inhalation. The systems and methods may also use endothermic reactions from repressurization of make-up air to cool the clean air source providing further comfort.

Abstract: A three dimensional face mask comprises: a three dimensional cup, a three dimensional soft rubber washer, an elastic tape, and an anti-skid band; it is characterized in that: the three dimensional cup is made by hot pressing of multilayer of filtration material, the three dimensional soft rubber washer is provided with a soft nose cushion and is bonded to an outer periphery of the three dimensional cup by hot pressing, the anti-skid band is bonded to a lower edge of the three dimensional cup, the elastic tape has two ends symmetrically bonded to both sides of the three dimensional cup. The three dimensional non-woven face ensures a good air tightness against the face while leaving a large enough space between the three dimensional cup and the nose and mouth area to ensure conformable wearing, good filtration, making the wearer easy to breathe and talk.

Abstract: A respiratory mask device includes a mask body that has a front gas inlet and a rear abutment end to contact a patient's face, left and right upper connectors disposed on left and right sides of the front gas inlet for connection with an upper head strap, left and right lower connectors respectively disposed beneath the left and right upper connectors, and left and right cantilever arms fixed at a top side of the mask body. The left and right cantilever arms extend downward and sideward from the top side and have bottom free ends carrying respective left and right upper connectors. With the cantilever arms, pulling forces can be dispersed uniformly on the mask body, and uncomfortable pressure experienced by a user may be eliminated.

Abstract: A mask (10) for use with a system for supplying breathable gas pressurised above atmospheric pressure to a human or animal's airways. The mask (10) includes a mask shell (12) which is, in use, in fluid communication with a gas supply conduit and a gas washout vent assembly (20). The gas washout vent assembly (20) includes at least one gas washout orifice (22) extending from a first side of the vent assembly (20) positioned, in use, adjacent the human or animal's face and a second side positioned, in use, adjacent the atmosphere. The cross-sectional area of the orifice (22) at the first side is larger than the cross-sectional area of the orifice (22) at the second side.

Abstract: An airway device (10) for animal or human use, said device (10) comprising an airway tube (11) having a distal end (13) and a proximal end (12), wherein the distal end (13) of the airway tube (11) is surrounded by a non-inflatable laryngeal cuff (14), and wherein the face of the laryngeal cuff (14) is shaped to form an anatomical fit over the laryngeal inlet of an animal or human patient, wherein the face of the laryngeal cuff (14) is a generally elongate substantially elliptical shape, wherein the ratio A/B of the length of the major axis A of the ellipse to the length of the minor axis B of the ellipse is greater than 2+10%.

Abstract: A limb support system for supporting one or more limbs of a patient during surgery is disclosed. The limb support system may include one or more joints formed from electromagnets that move locking mechanisms between locked and unlocked positions to enable a patient's limb to be supported in a desired position. At least one of the joints may be supported by a support arm that is attached to support structure. A limb support device, such as, but not limited to, an armrest or a wrist support may be attached to the housing of the joint.

Abstract: A combination intra oral and extra oral sleep apnea appliance, primarily useful as a protector to limit mouth breathing, which generates a noise caused by soft palate vibration while sleeping. The device is therapeutically adapted to be placed within the mouth of a patient to allow free side-to-side movement of the user's lower jaw during use. The device includes upper and lower mandibular members that at least cover the anterior teeth. The upper mandibular member has a tube incorporated into it, running along the lingual incisal edge of the upper teeth. A retaining wire is threaded through this tube and then extend down to attach to the lower mandibular member, which includes two buccal tubes embedded into it to receive the retaining wire. Additionally, a pair of nasal expansion wires can be anchored to a labial tab, mounted externally on the upper mandibular member.

Abstract: A sterile adapter, a drape including the adapter, and a method of draping a manipulator arm are provided. In one embodiment, the sterile adapter includes a housing configured to receive a distal face of an instrument manipulator having a plurality of manipulator actuator outputs, and a membrane interface disposed at a distal end of the housing, the membrane interface including a plurality of actuator interfaces. The adapter further includes a pair of supports coupled to the housing, the pair of supports configured to retain a surgical instrument having a plurality of instrument actuator inputs so that the plurality of instrument actuator inputs are positioned opposite to corresponding manipulator actuator outputs with an actuator interface between each corresponding instrument actuator input and manipulator actuator output.

Abstract: A sterile drape, a surgical system with the drape, and a draping method are provided. In one embodiment, a sterile drape includes a plurality of drape pockets, each of the drape pockets including an exterior surface to be adjacent a sterile field for performing a surgical procedure and an interior surface to be adjacent a non-sterile instrument manipulator coupled to a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system. The drape further includes a plurality of flexible membranes at a distal face of each of the drape pockets for interfacing between outputs of an instrument manipulator and inputs of a respective surgical instrument, and a rotatable seal adapted to couple a proximal opening of each of the drape pockets to a rotatable element at a distal end of the manipulator arm.

Abstract: A method of treating diverticulitis includes the steps of placing an endoscopic device within a colonic lumen relative to at least one diverticulum and removing undesirable material from the at least one diverticulum utilizing the endoscopic device. The method also includes the steps of injecting a medicating agent into the at least one diverticulum utilizing the endoscopic device and sealing the at least one diverticulum from the colonic lumen.

Abstract: A system for preventing recurrence of diverticulitis includes a semi-permeable sleeve configured to be placed within a colonic lumen relative to one or more diverticulum lining the colonic lumen. The system also includes at least first and second collars disposed on opposing ends of the semi-permeable sleeve. The collars are configured to be selectively expanded radially outward to anchor the semi-permeable sleeve within the colonic lumen. The semi-permeable sleeve is configured to prevent permeation of undesirable material from within the colonic lumen into the at least one diverticulum and allow permeation of desirable material from the exterior of the semi-permeable sleeve into the colonic lumen.

Abstract: A device for storing a cigarette has a first tubular member having a closed end and an open end, and a second tubular member having a closed end and an open end. The tubular members may be fixed to one another in a detachable manner to provide an airtight hollow cylinder with the closed ends of the tubular members disposed at opposite ends of the cylinder. The device is made of a material that is resistant to damage by a burning cigarette.

Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.

Abstract: A multicomponent smoking article filter adapted to be disposed at the non-burning end of the rod of smokable material, comprising: a first plug; a second plug; a first cavity disposed between the first plug and the second plug, wherein the first cavity comprises: (1) a plurality of cellulosic granules containing a flavorant, and (2) either a plurality of cellulosic granules containing a humectant, or containing water, or a combination thereof; and a second cavity comprising a sorbent disposed upstream from the first cavity relative to the direction of mainstream smoke drawn through the filter.

Abstract: A two-part hair dye which is composed of a first part containing an alkali agent, a second part containing hydrogen peroxide, and a non-aerosol foamer container for discharging a liquid mixture of the first part and the second part in the form of a foam, the liquid mixture containing the following components (A) and (B): (A) a polymer or copolymer containing 70% or more mole fraction of diallyldimethyl quaternary ammonium salt monomer, and (B) an N-acylamino acid salt, an N-acyl-N-alkylamino acid salt, or an ether carboxylic acid salt, wherein, an equivalent ratio of the anion site of the component (B) to the cation site of the component (A) (anion/cation) is more than 1, and a viscosity of the liquid mixture at 25° C. is 1 to 300 mPa·s.

Abstract: A dental floss is formed as a yarn, including multifilament strands braided with each other in a multi-looped manner so that forming knobs connecting adjacent quasi-flat sections that, while being stretched in a straight line, are sequentially disposed and twisted relatively to each other, whose cross-sections can be approximated to a rectangle-like figure having a width and a height greater than the width. The heights of two adjacent quasi-flat sections are disposed at a predetermined angle to each other. Due to particular braiding, the quasi-flat cross-sections and the knob's cross-section encompass different numbers of strand pieces, forming a multi-planar surface with bulges, thereby providing for a unique adhesive property increasing the floss cleaning power, grabbing and removing plaque particles from the tooth surface more efficiently than the conventional ones.

Abstract: Methods for operating a plasma processing chamber for a cleaning operation of an internal region of the plasma processing chamber are disclosed. The method is performed when a semiconductor wafer is not present in the plasma processing chamber. The plasma processing chamber has a bottom electrode assembly that includes an inner bottom electrode and an outer bottom electrode, and the inner bottom electrode and outer bottom electrode are electrically isolated by a dielectric ring. The method includes configuring the inner bottom electrode to be set at a floating potential and supplying a process gas into the plasma processing chamber. And, supplying RF power to the outer bottom electrode. The supplying of RF power to the outer bottom electrode is conducted while maintaining the inner bottom electrode at the floating potential and is isolated by the dielectric ring. The RF power produces a plasma that is generated substantially outside of the inner bottom electrode and over the outer bottom electrode.

Abstract: An escalator step cleaner for cleaning escalator steps having a plurality of parallel tread ridges separated by tread grooves has a cleaning pad assembly configured to extend generally perpendicular to the direction of motion of the escalator steps and clean the escalator steps while the escalator is in motion. The cleaning pad assembly has a rigid upper plate and a flexible disposable bottom pad having a cleaning contact surface. The contact surface carries a plurality of spaced parallel pad ridges separated by pad grooves that matingly engage between the tread ridges of the escalator steps and cause dislodgement of the accumulated debris. The cleaning pad assembly can be secured on a hand-held cleaning tool or on a motorized cleaning tool with rotating brushes and a vacuum.

Abstract: Disclosed are aqueous, acidic hard surface cleaning compositions particularly effective in the removal of greasy stains and soapscum from hard surfaces. The compositions have a pH of not more than 2, preferably not more than 1, comprising: one or more anionic surfactants; a nonioinic surfactant constituent which preferably comprises both a first alcohol ethoxylate nonionic surfactant derived from monobranched alkoxylated C10-fatty alcohols and/or C11-fatty alcohols and about a second alcohol ethoxylate nonionic surfactant, preferably a C10-C14 linear alcohol ethoxylated surfactant having at least about 8 mols ethoxylation, an organic solvent constituent, which preferably comprises or consists of a phenyl containing glycol ether solvent, an acid constituent, which most preferably comprises, or consists of, a ternary acid system comprising each of: sulfamic acid, formic acid and oxalic acid in a respective weight ratio of sulfamic acid:formic acid:oxalic acid of 1-8:1-5:1-3.

Abstract: A multi-surface sponge product includes a foraminous portion adhered to an abrasive portion to form a unitary product, each portion and the resulting product having a pair of sidewalls and in cross-section or side elevation having the form of a parallelogram. The sidewalls form gripping areas and the angled forward and reward end opposite ends of the parallelogram shaped body form wedges. The multi-surface body is low profile and various edges and corners thereof enable the foraminous and abrasive portions to be selectively used to engage corners of many differently configured surfaces to be cleaned, to either scrub the surface or simply clean or absorb fluid, depending on which portion of the product is emplaced in the edge or in a corner.

Abstract: A cleaning device for a medical implement is disclosed. The cleaning device includes a cap having an opening to an inner cavity, the opening being adapted to receive a site of the medical implement. The cleaning device further includes a compressible cleaning material that contains a cleaning agent prior to receipt of the site of the medical implement, i.e. the cleaning material is pre-loaded with the cleaning agent. The compressible cleaning material is at least partially secured in the inner cavity and adapted to swab and clean the site with the cleaning agent.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and materials for making a brush or pad for removing materials, particles, or chemicals from a substrate. The brush or pad includes a rotatable base for supporting a porous pad material. The base include an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of channels in the base for interlocking the porous pad material with the base. A porous pad material covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the base and is used for removing material from various substrates. The porous pad material fills one or more of the channels in the base and interlocks the porous pad material with the base. Preferably the channels fluidly connect said inner surface with the outer surface of the base and aid in the alignment of porous pad nodes and the distribution of fluid within the porous pad.

Abstract: To provide a process for removing water, which is free from formation of stains due to transfer of an article among dipping sumps, with which the water removal performance will not be decreased even for an article having a complicated shape, which can suppress suspension of water in a water removal solvent in a dipping sump, and which can maintain stable water removal performance continuously for a long period of time only with one dipping sump.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for cleaning paint equipment comprising applying to at least a portion of the paint equipment a cleaning composition comprising a non-aromatic mono-alcohol polyether compound.

Abstract: A touchless, automatic spray-type car wash system includes one or more arms delivering washing fluids wherein the arms are constructed with translucent plastic sleeves which can be illuminated from within by LEDs. Different colors for the arm or arms can be coordinated with wash process steps. Signage can be provided in the bay and can include panels which are illuminated in a sequential fashion coordinated with arm illumination colors to inform the driver as to each step being performed.

Abstract: There is provided a liquid processing method for performing a liquid process on a front surface of a substrate by using a processing solution and then performing a rinse process on the front surface of the substrate by using a rinse solution having a temperature lower than a temperature of the processing solution. The liquid processing method includes performing an intermediate process between the liquid process and the rinse process, for adjusting a temperature of the front surface of the substrate to a temperature higher than the temperature of the rinse solution and lower than the temperature of the processing solution.

Abstract: A fill protection algorithm for determining whether the water level in a dishwasher is sufficient to enable operation of the wash pump of the dishwasher without burn-out or other damage to the wash pump and/or heating element of the dishwasher due to insufficient water level. A change in water temperature TEMPDELTA is detected and is compared to a predetermined water temperature change level or amount, TEMPMIN—DELTA, and if the detected change in water temperature TEMPMIN—DELTA is greater than or equal to the minimum water temperature change TEMPMIN—DELTA, operation of the dishwasher is allowed to proceed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a washing apparatus comprising a cylindrical holding tank, a tumbler cage within the cylindrical holding tank adapted to rotate around a longitudinal axis within the cylindrical holding tank, and a support assembly comprising a plurality of axles which engage the cylindrical holding tank, such as through rollers, and allow the cylindrical holding tank to rotate around the longitudinal axis. Further disclosed are methods of using the apparatus to wash material, such as lightweight expanded clay aggregate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of cleansing skin having an impaired barrier function. The method of this invention utilizes cleansing compositions that have the characteristic of minimally perturbing or interacting with the skin barrier by applying to the skin a cleansing composition comprising (i) at least one low molecular weight, non-cross-linked, linear acrylic copolymer and (ii) at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and combinations of two or more thereof, the cleansing composition having a ?ST(65) of greater than about 2 mN/m.

Abstract: A car wash system comprising at least one rotatable spray arm depending from an overhead carriage. The arm is equipped with a detent-type compound breakaway knuckle which permits the arm to be displaced upwardly from a lowest potential energy orientation by disengaging the detent but thereafter permitting a smooth essentially unresisted movement whereby when the force tending to cause angular displacement and the arm is removed, the arm returns to the normal operating, low potential energy position. A shaker function or a high pressure spray burst may be used to complement the gravitational resetting function as needed.

Abstract: A drill cuttings sample washer according includes a frame-mounted wash bath and degreaser bath. A slide bar is mounted across one end of the frame and adjacent the baths. A spray arm is mounted on the slide bar. Sieve holders are mounted in the baths. A vibrator vibrates at least the degreaser bath. The spray arm is slidably and pivotably mounted on the slide bar. The spray arm pivots for selective raising and lowering of the spray arm from a lowered position over the wash bath to an elevated position allowing access into the bath. Samples contained in mesh-bottomed sample sieves are mountable into each of the sieve holders.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and system for cleaning and washing containers, including open containers such as carts or tanks, and closed containers such as casks and drums, for virtually any industry. The device is used in combination with any hot water pressure washer. The container washing device and system according to the invention is able to wash a container in under one minute using less than 3.2 gallons of water. The containers are loaded in a horizontal position onto a platform or portable table while maintaining a low profile. A wash head driver by a power head translates in and out of the cart to bring a turbo nozzle in close proximity with all interior cart surfaces. Advantageously a gear train in the wash head has a tooth ratio that produces a non-repeating path for the wash head which rotates the turbo nozzle in two different planes, while reciprocating linearly in and out of the container.

Abstract: A telescopic sunshade includes an outer tube having upper and lower positioning holes. An inner tube is slideably received in the outer tube and includes an upper end beyond the outer tube. Ribs are pivotably mounted to a hub fixed to the inner tube. Stretchers are pivotably mounted between the ribs and the outer tube. The sunshade is in a folded state when the inner tube is in an upper position. The sunshade is in an unfolded position when the inner tube is in a lower position. The protruded length of the inner tube in the upper position is larger than that in the lower position. A sleeve is slideably mounted around the outer tube and engaged with the inner tube to move therewith. A positioning button is engaged in the upper or lower positioning hole to retain the sunshade in the folded or unfolded state.