Abstract: A medical assistance apparatus, includes a support adjacent to a patient, a flexible shaft with a first end and a second end, with the first end being connected to the support, a housing connected to the second end of the flexible shaft, a shaft movably disposed with respect to the housing, an adjustment device associated with the housing, permitting adjustment of the shaft with respect to the housing, and a cricoid manipulating head connected to the shaft. The cricoid manipulating head is adjusted with respect to the housing along when the shaft is adjusted with respect to the housing.

Abstract: Several embodiments of the present invention provide a container (10) for housing a photosensitive APA compound therein, the container including an outer casing (12), an inner casing (18) disposed within the interior of the outer casing (12), the inner casing (18) configured to house the photo-sensitive APA compound therein, and a viewing window (14) formed through the outer casing (12) to permit viewing of the inner casing (18) from the outside of the outer casing (12), the viewing window (14) including a light-protecting material.

Abstract: A respiratory anesthetic aggregate devised for coupling to a breathing apparatus has an anesthetic gasifier unit that has a breathing gas input port connected to a first point in an inspiratory patient gas delivery path of a breathing apparatus, and a fresh gas output port connected to a second point in the patient gas delivery path downstream the first point. The inspiratory patient gas delivery path is connected via a mainstream connection between the first and second point. Thereby the anesthetic gasifier unit is connected in a sidestream configuration to the patient gas delivery path for adding the gasified anesthetic agent in a desired concentration to the patient gas delivery path at the second point. The When aggregate is coupled to a breathing apparatus, a substantially volume neutral delivery of anesthetic agent is provided a to the breathing apparatus.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical formulations in the form of inhalable dry powder comprising particles of a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor as active ingredient are useful for the prevention and/or treatment of respiratory diseases, such as asthma and COPD.

Abstract: A mask includes a support member, a transparent main body, and a fixing member. The support member includes a main portion, a holding portion, and a resisting portion. The main portion defines a receiving slot and a receiving chamber. The receiving chamber is received in the receiving slot, and the receiving chamber is configured for accommodating spices. The holding portion is integrally formed with the main portion. The holding portion extends away from the transparent main body. The resisting portion is positioned on the main portion. The transparent main body is fixed on the main portion and covers the receiving chamber. The fixing member is connected to the main portion.

Abstract: A brain cooling system includes a gas delivery system and a cooling apparatus. The gas delivery system may include an apparatus for establishing a desired pressure and flow rate for gases to be inhaled by a subject and an interface element. The pressurization element may comprise a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. The interface element may include a breathing mask, such as a nasal non-invasive ventilation (NIV) mask, or a nostril occlusive nasal delivery device. Such a brain cooling system may be used to treat cerebral hypoperfusion, as may occur with a cerebral vascular accident (CVA), such as a stroke, a traumatic brain injury, or cardiac arrest, or with conditions that may lead to a CVA or to cerebral hypoperfusion.

Abstract: A method for enabling transfer of an object from an interior of an airlock to a pressure vessel attached to the airlock and ensuring that an exterior door of the airlock cannot be opened when the interior of the airlock is pressurized includes actuating a first selector from a first position to a second position whereby the first selector causes the exterior door to be locked and sealed. Thereafter, actuating a second selector from a first position to a second position thereby closing a vent from the interior of the airlock to the atmosphere. Thereafter, actuating a third selector from a first position to a second position thereby opening a vent between the interior of the airlock and the pressure vessel thereby enabling a door between the interior of the pressure vessel and the interior of the airlock to be opened.

Abstract: A mask includes a support member, a transparent main body, and a fixing member. The support member includes a main portion, a holding portion, and a resisting portion. The main portion includes a receiving portion mounted thereon for receiving exhaled or expelled material. The holding portion is integrally formed with the main portion. The holding portion extends away from the transparent main body. The resisting portion is positioned on the main portion. The transparent main body is fixed on the main portion. The fixing member is connected the main portion.

Abstract: A synthetic polyisoprene latex emulsion has pre-vulcanization composition and post vulcanization composition. The pre-vulcanization composition comprises soluble sulfur with high S8 ring structure that is catalytically broken by a zinc dithiocarbamate. Surfactants present in the pre-vulcanization composition wets synthetic polyisoprene particles and permeates small sized sulfur and accelerator molecules into the interior of these particles thereby pre-vulcanizing the particles. The degree of pre-vulcanization is verified by isopropanol index test. The latex emulsion has post-vulcanization composition with accelerators that crosslink inter-particle region during post vulcanization cure cycle. The dipped synthetic polyisoprene article is substantially uniformly cured both in the inter-particle and intra-particle regions and reliably exhibits high cross link density, uniform distribution of double bonds in TEM and zinc segregation at the boundaries or original particles by electron microprobe analysis.

Abstract: A condom together with a lubrication composition, the lubricating composition containing a minimal amount of free water, and comprising one or more glycols, such that the glycols in the lubricant release heat and warmth when contact with compositions containing free water.

Abstract: A dental device for preventing a sleep disorder is disclosed which comprises a body having a lower teeth engaging surface, a central portion having a tongue engaging surface for holding a tongue down, and a pair of front ball clasps and a pair of back ball clasps for retaining the body to a lower jaw of an individual.

Abstract: An oral appliance intended to treat bruxism, snoring, apnea, TMJ and/or palatal lift with a retention line member that uses the interproximal embrasure space between adjacent teeth of the patient user to secure the appliance within the oral cavity as the patient user sleeps. The shape and position of the inter-proximal embrasure space prevents an attached retention line member from dislodging while the user is asleep but permits removal of the appliance upon waking.

Abstract: A pharyngeal airway having a pharyngeal wall of a patient at least partially surrounding and defining the airway is treated by selecting an implant dimensioned so as to be implanted at or beneath a mucosal layer of the pharyngeal wall and extending transverse to said wall. The implant has mechanical characteristics for the implant, at least in combination with a fibrotic tissue response induced by the implant, to stiffen said pharyngeal wall to resist radial collapse. The implant is implanted into the pharyngeal wall transverse to a longitudinal axis of the airway.

Abstract: A mask includes a support member, a transparent main body, and a fixing member. The support member includes a main portion, a holding portion, and a resisting portion. The holding portion is integrally formed with the main portion. The holding portion extends away from the transparent main body. The resisting portion is positioned on the main portion. The transparent main body is fixed on the main portion. The fixing member is connected to the main portion.

Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product includes smokeless tobacco and a polymeric material in intimate contact with the smokeless tobacco and stabilized in conformance to a surface topography of the tobacco's fibrous structures such that the stabilized polymeric material secures the smokeless tobacco together. The smokeless tobacco product has a moisture-permeable porous surface and an overall oven volatiles content of at least 10 weight percent.

Abstract: A non-tobacco snuff composition for oral use including at least one type of plant fibers with a high dietary fiber content, wherein the fiber dietary content in the composition is 15-90 w/w % based on the dry weight of the composition and a method for manufacturing the non-tobacco snuff composition.

Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product includes smokeless tobacco and structural fibers. The structural fibers forming a network in which the smokeless tobacco is entangled. The structural fibers have a composition different from the smokeless tobacco. The tobacco-entangled fabric can have an overall oven volatiles content of at least 10 weight percent. In some embodiments, the structural fibers form a nonwoven network. In some embodiments, fibrous structures of the smokeless tobacco are entangled with the structural fibers.

Abstract: Wrapper for cigarette manufacture includes transversely extending band regions applied by a printing technique, such as gravure printing. The band regions comprise starch, an anti-wrinkling agent such as 1,2 propylene glycol or glycerin, and optionally calcium carbonate. Any suitable printing technique can be used to apply the aqueous solution to the banded regions. The pattern of banded regions may be bands, stripes, two-dimensional arrays, undulated regions, and the like along and/or around the tobacco rod. The pattern can be applied in one or more layers. The pattern may be configured so that when a smoking article is placed on a substrate, at least two longitudinal locations along the length of the tobacco rod have film-forming compound located only on sides of the smoking article not in contact with the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for shaping body hair (1, 30, 60, 90, 100), comprising a shape-determining member having a circumference for determining the shape of the body hair to be realized. The device also comprises a handle (3, 33, 62, 81, 91) for user to place said shape-determining member on the skin manually. Said device comprises a tightening member (4, 34) for pushing in the skin under the device at a distance from the circumference of the shape-determining member, whereby the skin is pushed in deeper underneath the tightening-member than underneath the circumference of the shape-determining member. The presence of the tightening member reduces the pressure on the skin at the circumference, owing to which a fold is prevented or is less deep and the slope is less steep. This enables a razor to come closer to the circumference of the template, which makes the contour sharper.

Abstract: An aerosol hairspray product for styling and/or shaping hair. The product comprises a container for storing a hairstyling formulation and a propellant, wherein the container wall comprises at least about 80% plastic material by total weight of the container. The product also comprises a hairstyling formulation comprising from about 35% to about 99% water by total weight of the hairstyling formulation and propellant. Furthermore, the product comprises from 15% to 54% volatile organic compound by total weight of the hairstyling formulation and propellant.

Abstract: A formulation is disclosed useful for semi-permanent, thermal conditioning and styling of the hair comprising a mercaptosilicone polymer derived from greater than 25 mole percent mercaptosilicone monomer. A method of straightening the hair is also disclosed which comprises the steps of applying the mercaptosilicone polymer formula to the hair and then styling the hair at an elevated temperature with a flat iron to achieve a lasting straight style that remains after more than one shampoo cycle.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for achieving and semi-permanently retaining a hairstyle is provided. This method allows achieving a hairstyle and recovering it after shampooing hair. In another aspect, a kit comprising a film-forming composition and a coating composition is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dyeing composition containing a thiol/disulphide fluorescent colorant comprising a heterocycle, and to a method for colouring keratin materials, especially keratin fibres, particularly human keratin fibres such as hair, with a lightening effect, using said composition. The invention also relates to novel thiol/disulphide fluorescent colorants and the uses thereof for lightening keratin materials. Said composition produces a lightening effect which is especially tenacious and visible on dark keratin fibres.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bleaching composition for hair comprising at least one compound with bleaching and/or highlighting effect and at least one dipeptide.

Abstract: The present invention includes monofilament dental tapes for removing plaque and/or food debris from interdental spaces of a mammal, which dental tapes have a core body with an aspect ratio of greater than about 5:1 and a first cleaning surface and a second cleaning surface opposite the first cleaning surface, where at least one of the first and second cleaning surfaces includes a plurality of ribs disposed along the length thereof, and where the ratio of the width of the dental tape to the thickness of the dental tape is from about 4:1 to about 25:1.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and methods for processing solar cell devices. In one embodiment, a method removing particles from edge regions of the solar cell device by a cleaning module with a constant loading applied onto a back surface of the solar cell device, wherein the cleaning modules has two or more roller-type brushes disposed at opposed sides of a rotation table located before and/or after a quality assurance stage configured to measure and correct defects in the solar cell device, and transferring the solar cell device into an edge deletion station in which an electromagnetic radiation energy is used to remove materials from a top surface of the solar cell device. The roller-type brushes include non-abrasive bristles configured to remove unwanted material from the periphery region of the solar cell device prior to transferring into the edge delete station.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for preventing corrosion of a plasma-exposed yttria-coated constituent from ambient acidic hydrolysis wherein the plasma-exposed yttria-coated constituent includes a hydrolysable acid precursor is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for stabilizing a ceramic contact surface of an electrostatic chuck, wherein the electrostatic chuck can be disposed within a reaction chamber of a semiconductor wafer processing assembly including a radio frequency source and a coolant gas supply are described herein. The method may include: clamping electrostatically a conditioning wafer to the ceramic contact surface of the electrostatic chuck; and cycling an output power of the radio frequency source and an output pressure of the coolant gas supply for multiple hot/cold cycles. Each of the hot/cold cycles includes a hot abrasion state and a cold abrasion state. At the hot abrasion state, the output power of the radio frequency source is relatively high and the output pressure of the coolant gas supply is relatively low to yield a relatively hot conditioning wafer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for cleaning semiconductors used in photovoltaic cells and modules, and methods for manufacturing p-n junctions for photovoltaic cells and modules.

Abstract: One embodiment described herein relates to a system for removing pollutants from a flue gas. The system includes a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system having a SCR reactor containing a NOx reducing catalyst and one or more SCR protective devices. At least one of the SCR protective devices is connected to a rapping hammer system that actively remove fly ash collected on the SCR protective devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a device for cleaning a container such as a toilet bowl. The device includes an expandable member which is operable to seal an opening, such as a drain opening, in the container so as to allow a cleaning agent to be retained in the container.

Abstract: A cleaning system can include a noble gas, and one or more vessels configured to convert the noble gas into a supercritical fluid, and/or receive and clean an article of manufacture with the noble gas in the supercritical fluid state. A cleaning process can include converting a noble gas into a supercritical fluid state; and cleaning an article of manufacture with the noble gas in the supercritical fluid state so as to remove one or more contaminates from the article of manufacture. A cleaning composition can include a noble gas in a supercritical fluid state, and a textile article of manufacture having one or more contaminates located in the supercritical noble gas.

Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of an automatic dishwasher including receiving input for a zonal wash cycle from a user interface to a controller indicating a selection of a first cleaning cycle corresponding to a first wash zone and a second cleaning cycle, different from the first cleaning cycle, corresponding to a second wash zone, and implementing a zonal wash cycle by implementing each of the first and second cleaning cycles during a single cycle of operation of the dishwasher to define the zonal wash cycle.

Abstract: A method of determining one or more operational parameters of a washing system having a wash tank to which water and material are added. In one embodiment, the method includes monitoring a concentration of material, which is decreased at least partially due to water being added to the wash tank. The method also includes maintaining the concentration of material by dispensing material into the wash tank during a material dispensing operation. Additionally, the method includes generating a parameter indicative of a rate at which the material is dispensed during the material dispensing operation. The method also includes determining a presence of a water flow abnormality based at least partially on the generated parameter.

Abstract: There is provided a substrate cleaning method capable of cleaning a substrate on which a fine pattern is being formed in a short time with a simple configuration without having a harmful influence on the fine pattern. In the method, the substrate is transferred from a processing chamber for performing a process on the surface of the substrate therein to a cleaning chamber for cleaning the substrate therein. The substrate is cooled to a temperature in the cleaning chamber. A superfluid is supplied to the surface of the substrate, and contaminant components in the fine pattern are flowed out along with the superfluid as the superfluid flows over from the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: In closed cooling water systems of the kind where deionized and usually deaerated cooling water comes into contact with copper or copper alloys, the formation of scales, depositions due to general copper corrosion is eliminated by the addition of H2 to the cooling water system. The product formed in anoxic (O2-free) water may be described as CuOyHx, but this product can be reduced and, thus, avoided if a sufficient amount of hydrogen is supplied. The life of the stator coil copper pipe for cooling water in an electric generator can be extended significantly by this invention, which is applicable also to other fields, such as closed cooling water systems for particle accelerators and nuclear fusion reactors (such as ITER), for example. In addition, the maintenance cost for such water cooling systems in contact with copper metal will be reduced drastically.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for cleaning the shell side of the core of a heat exchanger formed of a set of tubes passing through transverse plates which include two end plates and at least one baffle plate. A hole is first formed in an end plate in a region between core tubes. A lance is next inserted into through the hole and used to jet the section of the core between the end plate and the first baffle plate. A boring tool inserted through the hole in the end plate is then used to drill a hole in the baffle, allowing the cleaning process to be repeated for further sections of the core.

Abstract: The invention relates to machine for treating parts, for example for cleaning metal parts with solvents, transported in a basket in a treatment station, said machine including a plurality of treatment stations and a cylinder including a number of chambers at least equal to the number of stations, said chambers receiving at least one basket with said parts, the cylinder including sealing means and transporting the baskets into the chambers in the consecutive treatment stations of the machine.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning and drying apparatus includes a first substrate transfer unit operable to transfer a substrate in a horizontal direction at an upper part of a base frame, a second substrate transfer unit operable to receive the substrate from the first substrate transfer unit and transfer the substrate in a vertical direction, a third substrate transfer unit operable to receive the substrate from the second substrate transfer unit and transfer the substrate in a horizontal direction at a lower part of the base frame, and a substrate processing unit operable to receive the substrate from the third substrate transfer unit and perform a cleaning and drying process on the substrate to clean and dry the substrate. The second substrate transfer unit includes a plurality of first hand forks operable to support the substrate.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted high pressure exhaust duct cleaning system is disclosed. The vehicle mounted high pressure exhaust duct cleaning system includes a van-type truck, an internal combustion engine; a fluid reservoir, a high-pressure fluid pump, and a fluid heater. A method of cleaning exhaust ducts is also disclosed.

Abstract: Mobile cleaning equipment comprising a powered wheeled vehicle (50) with an integral driver's cab (51) containing vehicle drive controls and a water supply tank (52) carried by the vehicle (50). The vehicle (50) also has a ground- or floor-engageable cleaning head (88) having, outlet jets and also a peripheral suction channel. A powered pressure pump (60) connected between the water supply tank (52) and the outlet jets of the cleaning head (88), and a rotary suction device (84) is connected between the suction inlets and the water supply tank (52). The mobile cleaning equipment also comprises at least one filter (85, 74, & 75) arranged between the water supply tank (52) and said powered pressure pump (60).

Abstract: A substrate cleaning apparatus, comprises a process tank that holds a mixture containing a hydrogen peroxide solution and sulfuric acid and is used for cleaning a substrate immersed in said mixture; circulation piping that extends between a primary side of said process tank on which said mixture is injected into said process tank and a secondary side of said process tank on which said mixture is discharged from said process tank and has a pump for causing circulation of said mixture; a heater disposed in said circulation piping configured to heat said mixture to a predetermined temperature; a chemical injection pipe configured to inject a hydrogen peroxide solution into said circulation piping at a position between the primary side of said process tank and a secondary side, which is a downstream side, of said heater; and a filter disposed in said circulation piping configured to remove particles in said mixture.

Abstract: A dishwasher comprises a wash chamber and a water-collecting sump member which is fastened to an opening in a lower end portion of the wash chamber by means of a water-tight connection, wherein the sump member is made at least in part of plastics material and comprises at least one water inlet or outlet opening that is formed as an integral part of the sump member. The dishwasher comprises a water softening device and the sump member comprises a water inlet and an integrated first passage which is formed at least in part of plastics material as an integrally formed part of the sump member for passing water from the water inlet to the water softening device.

Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning a substrate adhering to a support film, including a protective film forming measure for forming a protective film on an exposed surface of the support film, wherein the exposed surface is a portion of a surface of the support film to which a first surface of the substrate adheres, but the substrate does not adheres to the exposed surface; and a cleaning measure for cleaning the substrate by use of a cleaning liquid, the substrate adhering to the support film covered with the protective film. The cleaning device can effectively clean a wafer supported by a dicing tape.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning measuring probes (18) of a gas turbine engine (1). The invention further relates to a method for cleaning measuring probes (18) of an gas turbine engine (1). The apparatus comprises distribution means (30) comprising a plurality of supply means (31, 32, 33), each comprising connection means (33) arranged for connection to a probe (18), and each supply means (31, 32, 33) being arranged to, when connected to a probe (18), distribute pressurized cleaning liquid to said measuring probe (18), wherein a substantially simultaneous cleaning of probes connected to said distribution means (30) via said supply means (31, 32, 33) can be obtained.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for use with dentures and other dental appliances includes a housing having a tablet storage area and a tank positionable in and removable from the housing, the tank being sized to respectively receive the dentures and other dental appliances. The cleaning apparatus includes a dispenser to move a tablet from the tablet storage area to the tank. A stirring assembly includes a first portion in the housing and a second portion in the tank. The first portion includes a first magnet, the second portion includes a grate, a rotor, and a second magnet fixed to the rotor and complementary to the first magnet. Rotation of the first magnet about an axis of rotation causes the second magnet to rotate about the axis of rotation when the tank is positioned in the housing.

Abstract: An umbrella has a canopy, a main shaft and a plurality of ribs pivotally attached to the main shaft, each rib being of adjustable length and including a pair of outer rib elements, wherein the outer rib elements are flexible and normally adopt a straight configuration aligned with the main shaft in a closed position of the umbrella, and in an open position of the umbrella, flex so that outer ends of the outer rib elements extend generally circumferentially with respect to the canopy. The umbrella can have ribs that would normally be of one piece, in which case accommodation is made for an effective change in the radius of the ribs as the outer rib elements flex. The umbrella may be a folding umbrella with two part ribs. The outer ribs can have a non-uniform cross-section and may taper.

Abstract: A cane includes a rod, a primary handle, a ring, an auxiliary handle and a skid-proof device. The rod includes a first end for contact with the ground. The primary handle extends from a second end of the rod. The ring is provided on the rod in a rotatable and movable manner. The auxiliary handle extends from the ring. The skid-proof device is provided between the rod and the ring. The skid-proof device includes annular ribs on an internal side. A diameter of the annular ribs is at least equal to a diameter of the rod. The auxiliary handle is rotatable about and movable along an axis of the rod due to little friction between the rod and the annular ribs as the auxiliary handle is not pivoted toward the first end of the rod. The auxiliary handle is locked on the rod due to friction between the rod and the annular ribs as the auxiliary handle is pivoted toward the first end of the rod.

Abstract: The present invention features a lightweight compact pump design, a cloaking pouch to block wireless signals, a rescue enclosure for a litter basket, a sliding mechanism for a tent, a shoulder strap for a sleeping bag, a holding device for a tent pole, an interchangeable fly or cover for a tent and a modular sleep system.

Abstract: A method for converting heat to electric energy is described which involves thermally cycling an electrically polarizable material sandwiched between electrodes. The material is heated by extracting thermal energy from a gas to condense the gas into a liquid and transferring the thermal energy to the electrically polarizable material. An apparatus is also described which includes an electrically polarizable material sandwiched between electrodes and a heat exchanger for heating the material in thermal communication with a heat source, wherein the heat source is a condenser. An apparatus is also described which comprises a chamber, one or more conduits inside the chamber for conveying a cooling fluid and an electrically polarizable material sandwiched between electrodes on an outer surface of the conduit. A gas introduced into the chamber condenses on the conduits and thermal energy is thereby transferred from the gas to the electrically polarizable material.