Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering substances to lung tissue through an extra-anatomic passage created in an airway.

Abstract: A respiration appliance (10) is configured to entrain the breathing of the subject. The breathing of the subject is entrained to modulate the autonomic nervous system of the subject to decrease sympathetic nerve activity and/or to reduce sympathetic/parasympathetic balance in order to provide relaxation to the subject. The respiration appliance (10) restricts the exhalation of the subject, while permitting substantially unencumbered inhalation, to impact the breathing of the subject in a manner that enhances relaxation.

Abstract: A breathing assistance device includes a gas regulating valve (1300). The gas regulating valve is operated by a linear actuator (1330). The linear actuator may include a movable member that moves an obstruction member between an open position and a closed position. The linear actuator is isolated from a gas flow path through the valve.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for detecting when respiratory cartridges of a respirator have reached their end-of-service-life. In some instances, two or more respiratory cartridges are removably connectable to a respirator housing, where each of the two or more respiratory cartridges receives ambient air and deliver cleaned air to the respirator housing. One of the respiratory cartridges may be configured to have a lower adsorption capacity than the remaining respirator cartridges. A gas sensor may be situated downstream of the reduced capacity respirator cartridge, and may detect an increased concentration of the targeted gas in the cleaned air delivered by the reduced capacity respiratory cartridge. When detected, an end-of-service-life indication may be provided to the user.

Abstract: An inner type tracheostomy tube has an outer tube and an inner cannula. The outer tube has an airway tube, an inflatable cuff, an inflating tube, a neck mount and a holding mount. The neck mount is mounted around the airway tube. The holding mount is formed on the neck mount around the airway tube and has a holding ring and two holding arms. The holding ring is formed on the neck mount. The holding arms are formed on the holding ring and protrude from the holding ring and each has a holding recess. The inner cannula is connected to the outer tube and has an inner tube, a disk segment and two locking tabs. The disk segment is formed on the inner tube. The locking tabs are formed on the disk segment, are respectively connected to the holding arms and each has a locking portion and a pressing button.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laryngeal mask airway device for insertion into a patient to provide an airway passage to the patient's glottic opening. The device includes an airway tube, a mask attached to the airway tube, a peripheral inflatable cuff, and an outlet for gas. The mask is attached to the airway tube for gaseous communication between the tube and an outlet. The device further includes an oesophaegeal drain that includes a conduit that extends from an inlet at the distal end of the mask to an outlet disposed outside the patient when the device is in place. The conduit includes a mask section and airway tube section, wherein the mask section is formed integrally in the material of the body of the mask.

Abstract: A medical securing device (1) comprising a flexible strap (2) including a longitudinal slot (4) proximal to a transversely narrow bridge section (3) disposed between distal end portions (6, 7), wherein the end portions are connectable to a medical neckband.

Abstract: The stability of an animal joint, especially a knee, is assessed with an arrangement having track arranged about perpendicular to the axis of the distal portion; a cart slidably engaged to the track; a fork positioned on the cart; a support adapted to receive the distal linear portion, the support connected to the fork; a lever arm connected to the support, the lever arm positioned to rotate the support about the axis of the distal portion; and at least one instrumented handle, the instrumented handle detachably engages at least one of the cart and the lever arm. In some embodiments, the fork can rotate freely on the cart. Additionally, in various embodiments, the cart may be selectively locked at a position along the length of the track. In various embodiments, the arrangement further comprises: a bracket rigidly attached to the distal portion and positioned between the support and the joint; and the at least one instrumented handle detachably engages the bracket.

Abstract: A mouthguard has an initial, substantially linear configuration and may be worn in a variety of applications including to protect a person's teeth when the person is engaged in a sports activity such as football, lacrosse, and other contact sports, as well as for concussion protection, user performance enhancement and so forth. The mouthguard includes a first end trough region generally shaped to cooperatively enclose one or more teeth on a first side of a mouth, a second end trough region generally shaped to cooperatively enclose one or more teeth on a second side of the mouth and a connection region spanning between the first end trough region and the second trough region. The connection may include a shaping element for reversibly forming a second, generally non-linear configuration.

Abstract: A “boil and bite” mouthguard including projections to improve moulding of the mouthguard to the user's teeth is described. The mouthguard also includes a base-wall configuration that acts to minimise thinning of the base during moulding and use of the mouthguard.

Abstract: A system including a support panel and a fixation device for use in radiation therapy is disclosed. The support panel comprises a generally planar member that is arranged to be disposed adjacent an apparatus for producing a radiation beam to support a portion of the patient to which the radiation beam will be directed. The fixation device is arranged to be releasably secured to the support panel to hold the portion of the patient's body at a desired position. The fixation device includes attachment components which enable the releasable securement of the fixation device to the support panel without creating any attenuation discontinuities of a radiation beam passing therethrough.

Abstract: A device for impeding a person from assuming a supine position in bed or other resting support includes a cushion support and movement restriction means fixable at the cushion support and a user. The cushion support designed for being placed on a resting support such as a bed. When user's head is resting on a cushion disposed on or in the cushion support, the user cannot turn from one lateral position to the other lateral position via a supine position but may turn so via an abdominal position. The cushion support includes a flexible cover and a stiffening means disposed in the cover. The stiffening means can be inserted into the cover and removable therefrom. The device includes also first connection means having an extension in the cover in the transverse direction thereof and an extension outside the cover at both sides of the user. The first connection means is coupled with the stiffening means for connection of the movement restriction means.

Abstract: Systems and methods for magnetically charging and discharging a member are disclosed. In certain embodiments, an external apparatus or internal device may comprise the member.

Abstract: A smoking article (10) comprises a rod (12) of smokeable material and a filter (14) attached to one end of the rod. The filter comprises an elongate body of filter material (16) wrapped with a transparent plug wrap (18). A first tipping wrapper (20a) overlies the join between the rod and the filter to attach the filter to the rod. At least one additional tipping wrapper (20b) is provided around the filter, spaced from and separate to the first tipping wrapper such that a portion of the transparent plug wrap is exposed between the first and at least one additional tipping wrapper to define a window portion (22) through which the filter material is visible. A method of producing such a smoking article is also disclosed.

Abstract: An oral tobacco product (1) has a mixture containing, as its main constituent, tobacco particles made from a tobacco material, a pouch (2) filled with the mixture, and product information (4) relating to the mixture and provided on an outer surface of the pouch (2). The tobacco product (1) is contained in a case (14) that can be opened and closed as needed.

Abstract: An insulation plate for hair extension that comprises a base plate, a hair holding plate extending from the base plate and comprising a hair holding slot and a finger holding ring attached to the base plate. The hair holding slot comprises an open end and a dead end that is opposite to the open end, and the distance between the dead end and the finger holding ring is predetermined. The distance between the dead end and the finger holding ring is adjustable. The base plate further comprises a slot that comprises a plurality of notches. The finger holding ring comprises a tooth that moves along the slot and engages with one of the notches, and a ring holding bar that prevents the finger holding ring and the base plate from disassembled. The finger holding ring comprises an aligning groove that is adapted to receive and align strands of hair.

Abstract: A hair extension assembly includes an elongated base being sufficiently flexible to conform to the contours of the wearer's head and including an attachment assembly comprising a plurality of loops extending along one longitudinal side of the base. A collection of extension hair includes a plurality of supplemental strands secured to the base substantially opposite relative to the plurality of loops. As applied, the base and more specifically the plurality of loops are disposed in adjacent, substantially aligned relation to a hair part or seam formed in the natural hair of the wearer. A plurality of natural hair groupings are formed along one side of the seam and the plurality of loops are cooperatively disposed and dimensioned to facilitate passage of the hair groupings therethrough for attachment to one another thereby securing the base and the collection of extension hair in an intended position on the head of the wearer.

Abstract: A system and a method for treating lice and nits on a head of a patient. The system includes a cap for defining an airtight space around the head and a container for storing a mixture of gases for treating lice, a gas release mechanism for delivering the mixture of gases into the airtight space as an aerosol, and a gas distribution device having plurality of gas delivery pins. The mixture of gases causes irreversible damage to essential mechanisms of the lice. According to another embodiment of the present invention the system includes a cap for defining an airtight space around the head and an active agent container. The active agent of the type of acetic acid, stored in a liquid state, and vaporized during use, then circulated toward the cap.

Abstract: One subject of the invention is a method for making up eyelashes, consisting in: a) coating the eyelashes with a deposit of at least one composition comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least one compound enabling the composition to attain, in the at least partially dry state, a modulus of rigidity Gp greater than or equal to 1 GPa, b) in the presence of a stimulus to which said compound is sensitive, placing a shaping tool in contact with the thus coated eyelashes so as to modify the curvature of the eyelashes, said contact being maintained until the modulus of rigidity Gp of the composition is at least equal to 1 GPa, the stimulus being chosen so that the modulus of rigidity of at least 1 GPa is obtained in a time t that is less than the time t0 that would be needed to obtain it by leaving the deposit to dry at room temperature.

Abstract: An oral care device comprises a body, at least one tooth cleaning device and a mirrored or reflective surface. In one illustrative arrangement, the oral care device includes two tooth cleaning devices at opposite ends of the body and the mirrored or reflective surface is disposed on the body in between the tooth cleaning devices. In another illustrative arrangement, the oral care device includes a tooth cleaning device at one end of the body and the mirrored or reflective surface is disposed on the opposite end of the body. The mirrored or reflective surface may be on an enlarged section of the body and further may be substantially planar or convex. The tooth cleaning device or devices enable a user to clean her teeth and the region between her teeth. The mirrored or reflective surface enables the user to inspect her teeth before, during, and/or after cleaning her teeth with the tooth cleaning device or devices, which in turn, enables the user to better clean her teeth.

Abstract: Provided is a plasma processing method capable of removing a Ti-series deposit from the surface of a processing chamber of a plasma processing apparatus without production of a foreign matter such as a boron oxide. The plasma processing method includes carbon-series deposition discharge which succeeds product etching during which a sample containing a Ti material is processed, and during which a carbon-series film is deposited on a Ti reaction by-product deposited on the surface of the processing chamber, and chlorine-series discharge which succeeds the carbon-series deposition discharge and during which the carbon-series film and Ti that are deposited on the surface of the processing chamber are removed.

Abstract: A fiberglass removal pad comprising a sponge and a layer of nylon material, wherein said sponge is covered with said layer of nylon material. A method for using the fiberglass removal pad is also disclosed.

Abstract: A piezoelectric debris sensor and associated signal processor responsive to debris strikes enable an autonomous or non-autonomous cleaning device to detect the presence of debris and in response, to select a behavioral mode, operational condition or pattern of movement, such as spot coverage or the like. Multiple sensor channels (e.g., left and right) can be used to enable the detection or generation of differential left/right debris signals and thereby enable an autonomous device to steer in the direction of debris.

Abstract: An automated process for monitoring and controlling cleaning in a production area comprises tracking or identifying an object the production area, monitoring the movement of fluid in the production area, analyzing the interaction between the object and the fluid to determine a level of cleanliness achieved, and triggering an event based on at least one member selected from the group consisting of: (i) the interaction between the object or body part and the fluid or fluid-like medium and (ii) the level of cleanliness achieved. The event comprises at least one member selected from generating a report, activating an alarm, report, activating an alarm, inactivating equipment in the production area, and blocking access to at least a portion of the production area. The system employing a combination of computer(s), computer vision system(s), RFID tag(s), mechanical and electromechanical, chemical, electrical, or photonic device(s) to conduct the tracking, identifying, monitoring, and triggering.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for filling or packing contents, particularly beverages, food, medications, or the like, into containers. As the containers pass through the device from an inlet to an outlet side, the containers passing through the working chamber have a sterile fluid, particularly sterile air, applied thereto for preventing germ growth. In order to reduce the cleaning effort for lines for the sterile fluid, the invention proposes that a cleaning medium having an internal line is inserted into the line for applying the sterile fluid. The line no longer needs to be disassembled in order to load the sterile fluid. In order to distribute the sterile fluid uniformly throughout the containers in a working chamber, the sterile fluid is distributed in two stages, first by means of the pipe extending into the working chamber, as described above and then through a profile extending over the containers and below the pipe, having openings for passing the sterile fluid.

Abstract: A method for cleaning objects made of organic or inorganic materials, wherein the relevant material is brought into contact with a composition in the form of a fluid nanophase system, comprising a) at least one water-insoluble substance having a water solubility of less than 4 grams per liter, b) at least one amphiphilic substance (NP-MCA) which has no surfactant structure, is not structure-forming on its own, the solubility of which in water or oil ranges between 4 g and 1000 g per liter and which does not preferably accumulate at the oil-water interface, c) at least one anionic, cationic, amphoteric and/or non-ionic surfactant, d) at least one polar protic solvent, in particular having hydroxy functionality, e) if necessary one or more auxiliary substance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for drying a plate-like article; the method including rinsing with an aqueous rinsing liquid with subsequent rinsing with an organic solvent, wherein the organic solvent has a water content of below 20 mass-% wherein the organic solvent is supplied at a solvent temperature, which is at least 30° C. and not higher than 60° C.

Abstract: A washing system for washing equipment in a milking plant includes a closed flow circuit, a washing liquid source (14), a feeding part (7, 16) adapted to supply washing liquid from the washing liquid source (14) to a first portion (15) of the closed flow circuit and circulating part (10) adapted to circulate the washing liquid in the closed flow circuit during a washing process of the equipment (1, 2, 3, 8). The washing system further includes a heating part (7, 23-28) adapted to supply steam to at least a second vertical portion (19a) of the closed flow circuit during at least a part of the washing process for supplying heat energy to the circulating washing liquid. The second portion (19a) of the closed flow circuit is located at a distance from the first portion (15) of the closed flow circuit.

Abstract: A method for wet treatment of plate-like articles includes, a chuck for holding a single plate-like article having an upwardly facing surface for receiving liquid running off a plate-like article when being treated with liquid, wherein the chuck is outwardly bordered by a circumferential annular lip. The chuck has an outer diameter greater than the greatest diameter of the plate-like article to be treated, and a rotatable part with an upwardly facing ring-shaped surface for receiving liquid running off the circumferential lip of the chuck. The rotatable part is rotatable with respect to the chuck, the ring-shaped surface is coaxially arranged with respect to the circumferential annular lip, the inner diameter of the ring-shaped surface is smaller than the outer diameter of the chuck, and the distance d between the lip and the upwardly facing ring-shaped surface is in a range from 0.1 mm to 5 mm.

Abstract: This unit will revolutionize the way hoppers are cleaned. It is no longer necessary to disassemble the hopper to clean the gears. Water pressure through a small tube is used to force filling out of all areas of the gear box. Current methods of cleaning the hopper requires complete dis-assembly of the hopper. During re-assembly extreme care must be taken to prevent damage to the seal or the base. Damage of either one renders the hopper inoperative. The Unique Hopper Cleaning unit reduces time, and thoroughly and efficiently cleans the hopper. No maintenance, easy to store.

Abstract: An apparatus with which areas near surfaces in a water environment that are contaminated by radioisotopes are decontaminated by non-thermal laser peeling without suffering re-melting, re-diffusing and re-contaminating. The apparatus includes a piping structure with which a substance to be irradiated that has been deposited on outer and inner surfaces of a nuclear reactor pressure vessel, and a nuclear reactor container tank, and the internal nuclear reactor structures all having been contaminated with radioisotopes, can be removed in the water environment. The piping structure, to secure a region in a water environment that is gas pressurized to discharge the water and filled with the gas to not interfere with laser irradiation, has a semi-hermetically closed, incomplete water seal that is half-open with a siphon provided downward, a mechanical structure that withstands water pressure in a radial direction, and an extendable bellows-like tube to enable the piping structure to tilt.

Abstract: An assistive walker for assisting a user in going on foot and for reinforcing recommended walker use technique includes a walker frame including opposed leading and trailing ends formed between opposed handled and footed ends and that together define a user-receiving area extending from the trailing end of the walker frame to the leading end of the walker frame, and the walker frame is for supporting a user in the user-receiving area and aiding ambulation thereof. The walker frame is formed with a motion sensor apparatus including a motion sensor assembly to detect user movement at the user-receiving area, and a signal device operatively coupled to the motion sensor assembly to emit the signal in response to a substantial lack of detected user movement at the user-receiving area.

Abstract: A novel medical ambulatory assistive device with improved visual safety. The frame set of an ambulatory assistive device is coated with photo luminescent pigments for visibility in poorly lighted surroundings. An automatically controlled LED lighting unit is mounted on the frame set to provide sufficient visual safety for walking around in poorly lighted area with the device.

Abstract: A canopy system for increasing the coverage of multiple coverings has been disclosed. The canopy system includes a canopy portion and at least one fastener for removeably attaching the canopy portion to a first and second covering. The fastener can attach to unmodified portions of a covering so that the canopy system may be used with existing coverings and coverings not especially manufactured to couple with a canopy. The canopy system may advantageously include a support structure for supporting the canopy portion in a desired shape. The length of the canopy system can be adjustable and the system can be easily collapsed for storage and portability.

Abstract: A support apparatus includes a rectilinear central pole having axially opposed end portions. The pole includes a plurality of oppositely spaced female portions and a male portion slid ably engageable therewith. Each female portion has a plurality of apertures equidistantly spaced along a longitudinal length thereof. The male portion is medially nested between the female portions wherein the female portions are telescopically movable. The apparatus further includes first and second pairs of telescopically adjustable and rectilinear leg members connected to the opposed end portions of the pole and extending away therefrom, respectively. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for independently pivoting each of the first and second leg members about a fulcrum axis centrally registered with the pole and extending parallel thereto. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for independently pivoting the first and second members along a unique arcuate path and about a fulcrum axis.

Abstract: A portable hunting blind which is easily set up to provide the hunter with a sit or stand to search position, and a stand to shoot position. The blind includes a frame which is foldable into a collapsed position and expandable into a support position. A shaped cover is supported by the frame to provide a plurality of front panels, a pair of side panels, and a rear panel. The front panels include horizontal slits for searching and vertical slits for shooting.

Abstract: The energy conversion efficient thermoelectric power generator includes a p-type thermoelectric element and an n-type thermoelectric element positioned adjacent the p-type thermoelectric element defining a gap therebetween, and first and second conductive members electrically connecting opposed top and the bottom ends of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements, respectively. The first conductive member forms a hot junction with the top ends of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements, and the second conductive member forms a cold junction with the bottom ends of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements. The materials and dimensions of the p-type and n-type thermoelectric elements are selected such that a slenderness ratio X of each falls within the range of 0?X?1.

Abstract: A solar cell module having a reduced thickness using a flip-chip approach includes a transparent substrate, a transparent electrode interconnection disposed on the transparent substrate, and a plurality of solar cells disposed on the transparent electrode interconnection, each solar cell having at least one protrusion formed on one surface of the solar cell, the protrusion being bonded to the transparent electrode interconnection.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a solar cell panel that includes a front-side cover, a back-side cover, a number of solar cells situated between the front-side cover and the back-side cover, and a number of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) devices situated between the front-side cover and the back-side cover.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) combination of a target integrated circuit (TIC) and a plurality of thin film photovoltaic cells (PV) connected thereto. The IC comprises a target integrated circuit (TIC) having a top surface and a bottom surface; a plurality of thin film photovoltaic (PV) cells formed over at least one of the top surface and the bottom surface of the TIC, each PV cell includes at least a lower conducting layer (LCL) and an upper conducting layer (UCL); and a conducting path connecting at least a UCL of a first PV cell to at least a LCL of a second PV cell, wherein at least a first array of PV cells comprised of at least a first portion of the plurality of PV cells is connected by the respective UCL and LCL of each PV cell to provide a first voltage output.

Abstract: A solar battery includes: a plurality of rear electrode patterns, a light absorption layer, a front electrode, an interconnection, a separation pattern, and a dummy layer. The rear electrode patterns are disposed on a substrate and spaced apart from each other. The light absorption layer is disposed on the rear electrode patterns. The front electrode is disposed on the light absorption layer. The interconnection is a part of the front electrode penetrating the light absorption layer and electrically connected to the rear electrode patterns. The separation pattern penetrates the light absorption layer and the front electrode for defining unit cells. The dummy layer is disposed between the interconnection and the separation pattern. The dummy layer has a top surface lower than that of the front electrode.

Abstract: Solar power and other renewable energy systems are useful for generating electrical energy with no environmental effects. Example embodiments of the present invention provide for mobile transport of power generation systems, such as a solar power energy collection system, that can be transported via a mobile system, such as a truck, trailer, or railway transport system, and positioned anywhere the mobile transport system can travel to provide temporary or permanent energy producing capacity.

Abstract: Energy collection systems, such as solar power generation systems, are useful for many applications. Existing support structures for solar panels are either static or arranged on a vertical pole or other assembly that enables rotation of the solar panels to track the sun about one or two axes. An embodiment of the present invention includes a multi-tower assembly, such as a dual tower assembly, that supports a solar panel assembly having a lower height-to-width ratio of the solar panel assembly than may be supported by a single tower design and includes a mount configured to rotate upon which the dual tower assembly is supported. A base support structure that may support the dual tower and solar panel assembly may be provided such that the system may be mounted on a ground treatment assembly on an unstable ground, such as a landfill, or other ground surface, to use the unstable ground as a venue for producing renewable energy.

Abstract: A light concentrator assembly includes a Fresnel lens, a plano-concave lens, and a CPC. The CPC is aligned with the Fresnel lens and the plano-concave lens. The Fresnel lens unit is configured for converging parallel light transmitted the Fresnel lens. The plano-concave lens is configured for further concentrating the light from the Fresnel lens before the light converged at a point. The CPC is configured for reflecting and directing the light beams from the plano-concave lens to exit through a light output opening of the CPC. The light concentrator assembly has a large incident acceptance angle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable racking system for transporting and mounting one or more solar panels to, for example, a rooftop.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device is adhesively mounted to a support structure such as a roofing member or building panel by the use of a body of foamed adhesive. The foamed adhesive is resilient and accommodates differences in the thermal expansion and contraction of materials comprising the photovoltaic device and the structure upon which it is mounted and thereby prevents delamination and other stress-related damage to the photovoltaic installation. The adhesive may comprise a contact adhesive, a hot melt adhesive, or a curable adhesive. Further disclosed are methods for affixing photovoltaic systems to building structures and the like through the use of foamed adhesives.

Abstract: A method for producing a photovoltaic roofing tile includes providing an open compression tool and placing an undulated formed polymeric substrate in the open compression tool as well as placing a substantially flat photovoltaic laminate in the open compression tool proximate the substrate. Heat and pressure are applied to the photovoltaic laminate to simultaneously bond the photovoltaic laminate with the substrate and impart undulations to the photovoltaic laminate which correspond to undulations in the substrate. The heat and pressure are applied by closing the compression tool to apply heat from the compression tool to the photovoltaic laminate and to compress the photovoltaic laminate and the substrate against one another.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a circuit board, a plurality of solar cells disposed on a first surface of the circuit board, a plurality of metal terminals formed on the first surface of the circuit board, and a plurality of wires electrically connecting the plurality of solar cells and the metal terminals. The circuit board has a second surface opposite to the first surface, the rear surface comprising openings corresponding to the metal terminals, the openings exposing the metal terminals to an exterior of the solar cell module, thus forming contact terminals for the solar cell module.

Abstract: Snap-in mounting systems for laminate solar panels are provided. The laminate solar panels can include laminate strips that can be snapped into mounting rails. The mounting rails may be coupled to racking rails for structural support and may include locking mechanisms for additional support and theft deterrence. An entire system may include a number of racking rails, mounting rails, and solar panels.

Abstract: An attachment device for a module for collecting energy originating from solar radiation to a structure, such as a roof, a facade, or a mounting structure of a ground-mounted structure, wherein the module includes on its rear face at least one reinforcing profiled section. The attachment device includes at least one support secured to the structure. The support includes a snap-fastening mechanism with respect to the reinforcing profiled section of the module, which snap-fastening mechanism can be activated by applying a one-way thrust force pushing the module in the direction of the structure.