Abstract: A medical support pillow for facilitating tracheal intubation on obese patient comprises a base section, an upper pad, a left arm rest, and a right arm rest. The base section comprises a head section, a back section, and an indentation. The head section and the back section are connected to each other, and the indentation is positioned in between the head section and the back section. The upper pad is positioned within the head section and it can be rotated within the head section. An obese patient is able to position his or her head and neck within the head section and the indentation. Positioning of the medical support pillow allows easy ventilation and intubation on an obese patient as it effectively raises the patient's head and neck above the chest and creates the head in fully stable extension position.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the palatal tissue. An implant is positioned within at least a portion of the soft palate and may be secured to other surrounding, less mobile structures such as the hard palate or the mucosa overlying the hard palate. The implant may be manipulated to displace at least a portion of the soft palate in an anterior or lateral direction, or to alter the tissue tension or compliance of the soft palate.

Abstract: A one-piece molded bruxism treatment device which in upright orientation has top and bottom parts, including: an elongated band having a generally U-shape defining a closed front end part and legs extending rearward and adapted to be positioned around the outer surfaces of a person's upper gums and teeth, and two generally planar resiliently deformable bite pads oriented generally horizontally, each extending from one of the feet of the band medially toward the other.

Abstract: A one-piece molded bruxism treatment device which in upright orientation has top and bottom parts, including: an elongated band having a generally U-shape defining a closed front end part and legs extending rearward and adapted to be positioned around the outer surfaces of a person's upper gums and teeth, and two generally planar resiliently deformable bite pads oriented generally horizontally, each extending from one of the feet of the band medially toward the other.

Abstract: A device for immobilizing a patient for a medical test or operation includes a molding element that is convertible from a flexible, elastic form to a rigid form by the application of a vacuum. The molding element is attached to the patient by an elastic layer while in the flexible, elastic form where it conforms to the contours of the patient's body. Then the molding element is converted to its rigid form thereby immobilizing the patient. Auxiliary devices can be attached to the immobilizing device and these devices, such as a pivot arm suspension can be used to fix the immobilized patient to an operating table.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for positioning a patient. A set of arm positioning sleeves is provided. Each arm positioning sleeve in the set of arm positioning sleeves is wrapped around a portion of an arm of a user lying on an operating table. One end of each body strap in a set of body straps is connected to a set of rails of the operating table. A set of body strap fasteners is provided that includes a set of hook-and-loop fastener material strips attached to an inner surface of each body strap. An opposing set of hook-and-loop material strips is attached to a portion of an outer surface of each arm positioning sleeve. The set of opposing hook-and-loop material strips on the set of arm positioning sleeves fastens to the set of hook-and-loop fastener material strips on the set of body straps to secure each arm of the user lying on the operating table in a desired position.

Abstract: A smoking accessory includes a first member extending between a first end and a second end having an inner surface defining a first passageway extending through the first end and the second end of the first member. A second member extends between a first end and a second end having an inner surface defining a second passageway extending through the first end and the second end of the second member. At least one cooling agent disposed within the first passageway and/or the second passageway.

Abstract: A combination cigar piercing and support device having a handle attached to an elongated member extending to a point at a distal end. The member preferably has a triangular or square cross section to form an exterior circumference of the member which when engaged to and supporting a lit cigar, will prevent spinning thereof which might place the hot ember proximate to the smoker's face. The elongated member additionally provides a tool to form draw passages through the cigar and to clean clogged cigars for easier smoking.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of wrapping smoking article rods with a wrapper. A bobbin comprising a wound web (8) and individual spaced wrappers (2) is provided. The wrappers (2) each have a longitudinal axis (Lw) and are arranged side by side on the web (8). The bobbin is unwound, and an unwound section of the web (8) is guided across a support, preferably a support plate, wherein the wrappers (2) on that section of the web (8) are exposed. Individual smoking article rods (1), which have their longitudinal axes (Lr) generally arranged in parallel, are fed towards the support under an oblique angle (?) between the longitudinal axes (Lr, Lw) of the smoking article rods (1) and of the wrappers (2). Each smoking article rod (1) is rolled over one of the wrappers (2), wherein that wrapper (2) is taken up by that smoking article rod (1) and helically wound about that smoking article rod (1).

Abstract: The invention provides a bang hair extension secured along the crown line by means of a lightweight and flexible hair comb, thus creating the illusion of stylish bangs, without requiring the commitment of actually cutting the hair. The invention also provides a bang hair extension having embellishments along the spine of the comb. The invention also provides a bang hair extension for use by non-humans, for example, by pets such as dogs.

Abstract: An ultrasonic manipulator of dental floss is provided with an ultrasonic mechanism and a floss creep controller mechanism to enable periodic floss creep during use and a reverse of creep upon a tension designation. A process controller controls floss driving and an eccentric mechanism, and a user pause function allows a stop of floss motion and a locking of drive motors to allow floss to resist undue stress and to minimize damage to drive mechanism.

Abstract: Adhering ornamental particles to a nail comprises: applying a number of base layers of an adhesive lacquer to the nail; disposing a layer of the ornamental particles over the a number of base layers of the adhesive lacquer; covering the layer of ornamental particles with a number of upper layers of the adhesive lacquer; and covering the upper layer of the adhesive lacquer with a number of layers of a sealant material.

Abstract: A composition for treating hair and, in particular, for defrizzing hair, includes blackstrap molasses and honey. Essential oils can be added to the mixture. A method exists for making the composition. The method of making the composition includes heating the composition, possibly to a boil, cooling the composition, adding the essential oils, and mixing the imbibed composition. The composition is used in methods to treat hair. The composition treats hair by application or through heat treatments.

Abstract: An improved eyeliner applicator comprises a holding tube, an outer cap, and an outer case. The holding tube includes a buffering tube and a liquid feeding core insertedly fixed in the buffering tube. The liquid feeding core has a front end being fitted with a brush tip and a rear end communicating with a chamber of cosmetic liquid. The buffering tube is provided with a plurality of grooves, which communicate with the liquid feeding core via a plurality of through holes such that, when cosmetic liquid fed from the chamber is more than the required, excessive liquid can be diverted to the grooves, when the cosmetic liquid fed from the chamber is less than the required, the liquid stored in the grooves can be sucked back to the liquid feeding core to continuously supply liquid to the brush tip, thereby providing an steady flow to facilitate the operation.

Abstract: The invention provides a cosmetic material applying device which can efficiently apply a cosmetic material by fixing an applying member so as to be prevented from being detached, and making a contact surface with the hair be exposed much, and makes the hair hard to be entwined at a time of combing the hair. In a cosmetic material applying device having an applying member constructed by an elastic material, and a main body portion with an applying portion to which the applying member can be installed, the main body portion is further provided with a plurality of locking members which lock the applying member to the applying portion, comb teeth in a longer direction which are provided in a longer direction of the applying portion, comb teeth in a shorter direction which are provided in a shorter direction in a leading end of the applying portion, and a through hole.

Abstract: A hair styling apparatus includes a body member made in the form of a hair hoop, hair ornament or hair band, and one or a number of hook members bonded to one side of the body member. Each hook member has a plurality of hook pins perpendicularly extended from a base layer thereof and terminating in a semispherical head.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a container with a base for housing matchstick applicators having a cover to fold over the base. In some embodiments, a closure may be attached to the cover and to the base to secure the cover to the base. Furthermore, each matchstick applicator includes a top portion that retains a product and a bottom portion that attaches to a holder. The cover is selectively pivotable relative to the base between an open position in which the plurality of applicators is accessible, from which an applicator is severably removable from the comb-like arrangement and a closed position in which the cover being protective of the plurality of applicators. The applicators are used to apply products such as a lipstick, a lip liner, a fragrance, an eye shadow, an eye liner, a mascara, a brow pencil, a brow gel, a concealer, or a blush.

Abstract: An eye makeup fallout protector for use in shielding the user's face beneath the eye during the application of eye makeup includes a planar flexible shield member and supporting handle. The shield member is curved to conform generally to the user's lower eyelid. The handle is removable to facilitate cleaning and replacement of the shield member.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method and apparatus for cleaning a substrate, in particular a semiconductor substrate such as a silicon wafer. The substrate is placed in a tank containing a cleaning liquid, at an angle with respect to acoustic waves produced in said liquid. The angle corresponds to the angle of transmission, i.e. the angle at which waves are not reflected off the substrate surface. A damping material is provided in the tank, arranged to absorb substantially all waves thus transmitted through the substrate. A significant improvement in terms of cleaning efficiency is obtained by the method of the invention.

Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of removing particles from over surfaces of semiconductor substrates. Liquid may be flowed across the surfaces and the particles. While the liquid is flowing, electrophoresis and/or electroosmosis may be utilized to enhance transport of the particles from the surfaces and into the liquid. In some embodiments, temperature, pH and/or ionic strength within the liquid may be altered to assist in the removal of the particles from over the surfaces of the substrates.

Abstract: A contamination cleaner for a socket of a charging connector used with a charging station for an electric vehicle wherein the charging connector mates to a charging coupler of the electric vehicle during charging includes a housing mechanically configured generally similarly to the charging coupler enabling the housing to mechanically mate to the charging connector; and a cleaning contact, coupled to the housing and complementary to the socket, for engaging the socket and removing surface contaminants from the socket whenever the housing mechanically mates to the charging connector.

Abstract: A device for treating a target surface, such as occurs when cleaning a window. The device has a substrate. The substrate has plural, alternating zones. One zone may apply a liquid to the target surface, while the immediately succeeding zone removes the liquid from the target surface. The following plural zones may be used to repeat this process.

Abstract: A device for treating a target surface, such as occurs when cleaning a window. The device has plural squeegee blades joined by a head. The head has a slot therethrough. A sheet may be longitudinally move over one or more than one of the blades to renew its surface before, during or after use. Each squeegee blade may have a dedicated sheet. The sheet(s) may travel through the slot to originate from or be stored within the head.

Abstract: Compounds and related methods are present to assist in the collection and/or disposal of polymers and/or coagulants, such as hydrophilic long chain polymers. A compound may be provided as a mixture of a polysaccharide, a salt, and a substrate. Such mixture may be cast over an area including, e.g., a spilled hydrophilic long chain polymer, and the polymer and mixture may be easily swept up and disposed of.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a particle filter, in particular for combustion engines, includes the steps of adding heat to the inner of the particle filter during a certain time period in order to burn off the enclosed particles, to add liquid material to the inner of the filter during a certain time period in order to remove the burnt particles from the particle filter.

Abstract: A method for operating a dishwasher that has a washing container; at least two spray devices disposed inside the washing container; a circulating pump to deliver liquid to the at least two spray devices; a first drive to drive the circulating pump; and a reversing device; wherein, based on a position of the reversing device, the circulating pump delivers the liquid to one or both of the two spray devices. The method includes adjusting the position of the reversing device and detecting the current position of the reversing device based on an operating parameter assigned to the first drive.

Abstract: An automatic toilet bowl treatment device, wherein said device comprises: a fluid reservoir, a pump means, a hanger means, and a fluid spray means wherein the entire device is configured so that it can be suspended from, preferably wholly suspended from, a part of a toilet bowl and in particular, a part of the toilet bowl rim.

Abstract: A thin plate member washing apparatus includes a washing vessel including a lid member and an elongated cylindrical vessel having at one end an opening that is closed by the lid member and in which tap water is contained, and a thin plate member fixing member that is housed in the washing vessel and holds a mesh member whose surface is washed with the tap water by moving within the washing vessel.

Abstract: A wash system for the taillights of a trailer includes at least one wash nozzle directed at the taillights, a fluid supply line connected between a compressed air source and the nozzle, a wash fluid tank, and a pump which pumps a controlled amount of wash fluid from the tank into the supply line. A control valve in the supply line controllably discharges a charge of air under pressure into the supply line such that the charge of air under pressure is arranged to discharge the controlled amount of wash fluid in the fluid line through the wash nozzle. The volume of the charge of air and the amount of wash fluid are independent controlled to provide a high degree of control of the mixture of the resulting wash fluid being discharged from the nozzles to ensure effective washing of the light assemblies regardless of the conditions.

Abstract: A device for treating a target surface, such as occurs when cleaning a window. The device has a squeegee blade or other member to apply pressure to the target surface. A sheet movably covers the blade, to present a fresh covering to the target surface with each use. The fresh surface provides for improved removal of the liquid from, or improved treatment of the liquid on, the target surface. Additionally or alternatively, the sheet may comprise a prewetted substrate to apply the liquid to the target surface.

Abstract: A gravity and flow operated diverter valve diverts liquid flow from one source to either of two output destinations. The valve includes a housing, an inlet opening, a first outlet opening and a second outlet opening. A valve member is located coaxially in the housing interior, the valve member having at least one flow path extending axially therethough, an exterior edge of the valve member and an interior surface of the side wall having a cooperating cam follower structure defining a cyclic path, the path having at least two no flow positions in which the valve member is spaced from the upper wall, and at least two flow positions in which the flow path in the disc selectively allows communication with one or both of the first and second outlet openings, the cyclic path arranged so that on successive liquid flows into the inlet opening the valve member cycles between the at least two flow positions to selectively direct flow out of one or both of the first and second outlet openings.

Abstract: Provided is a processing apparatus for performing a processing of a substrate to be processed using a high-pressure fluid to prevent the generation of particles and ensure airtightness in the processing container. A sealing member is installed to surround a carrying port of the processing chamber, the carrying port is closed by the cover, and the cover is restricted from retreating by the pressure in the processing chamber by a lock plate, thereby processing the wafer in the processing chamber using the high-pressure fluid. Since the sealing member is pressurized by the internal atmosphere of the processing chamber to be pressed toward the cover during the drying process, a gap between the cover and the processing chamber may be airtightly closed. Since the sealing member does not slide with respect to the processing chamber or the cover, the generation of particles is suppressed.

Abstract: A branch conduit is branched from a main conduit. A switching device is provided at a location between an upstream side portion of the main conduit and the branch conduit and is adapted to connect the upstream side portion of the main conduit to one of a rear window wash nozzle and a camera wash nozzle. When the switching device receives an electric signal, which indicates placement of a vehicle in a reverse drive mode, the switching device connects the upstream side portion of the main conduit to the camera wash nozzle through the branch conduit upon disconnecting the upstream side portion of the main conduit from the at least one window wash nozzle.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a gravity-powered, self-opening, and wind-resistant umbrella systems are provided. As evidenced from the teachings provided herein, the systems can be designed in a variety of configurations. The umbrella system can include a counterweight and system of pulleys, where the system of pulleys includes class 1 and class 2 pulleys configured with the counterweight to gain a mechanical advantage in the normal operation of the umbrella. The umbrella can be, for example, a patio umbrella in which the mechanical advantage provides a self-opening of an umbrella canopy and ease-of-retracting of the canopy for a user. And, the system can also be dynamic, such that it's also resistant to external forces, such as the wind.

Abstract: Disclosed is an umbrella rib assembly 100 of a telescopic construction formed of a main rib 110, a first auxiliary rid 120 and a second auxiliary rib 130 which are foldable, which comprises an inner side member 111, an intermediate member 112, a plurality of main ribs 110, a support member 122 rotatably engaged to the first auxiliary rib fixing member 150, a plurality of first auxiliary ribs 120, and a second auxiliary rib 130, the diameter D1 of the engaging part in which the inner side member 111 of the main rib 110 is rotatably engaged to the main rib fixing member 140 is larger than the diameter D2 of the engaging part in which the second auxiliary rib 130 is rotatably engaged to the second auxiliary rib fixing member 160, and then the second auxiliary rib fixing member 160 descends toward the fixed first auxiliary rib fixing member 150, the umbrella rib assembly 100 is unfolded, and when it ascends toward the fixed main rib fixing member 140, the umbrella rib assembly 100 is folded, so various is telesco

Abstract: A tent having a liner and liner including a dead air space region inhibiting convective heat transfer is provided. The dead air space region is provided between first and second layers of the liner. A plurality of dead air space regions may be provided that are separated by baffles. The one or more dead air space regions may include air relief slits that permit selective fluid communication between the surroundings and the dead air space regions to inflate and deflate the dead air space regions. The dead air space regions can be depressurized and/or gravity filling. The dead air space regions are provided, at least, proximate the roof sections of the liner of the tent.

Abstract: The invention provides a thermoelectric conversion module, which can implement a high power generation capacity and high reliability of electric connection between thermoelectric conversion elements and meet various diameters and lengths of a tube as a heat source. The thermoelectric conversion module includes a straight-chain module unit. In the module unit, plural P-type elements and plural N-type elements, which are alternately arrayed, are electrically connected in series by a braided wire A and a braided wire B. The braided wire A connects one end surface of the P-type element and one end surface of the N-type element. The braided wire B connects the other end surface of the P-type element and the other end surface of the N-type element. The braided wire B is shorter than the braided wire A. The thermoelectric conversion module including only the module unit is spirally wound around a tube as a heat source.

Abstract: A solar collection device includes a circular bottom wall; a peripheral sidewall, and a flexible solar cell panel. The peripheral sidewall is extending from a periphery of the bottom wall. The bottom wall and the sidewall cooperatively form a bucket. The bucket includes an opening. The area of the opening is two to three times the area of the bottom wall. The flexible solar cell panel is attached over an entire interior surface of the sidewall in the bucket.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dye-sensitized solar cell module that can appropriately prevent the occurrence of internal short-circuit in its individual dye-sensitized solar cells, achieves high power generation efficiency, has excellent workability, and can be produced with high productivity. The dye-sensitized solar cell module has a first electrode base material having one first base material and a plurality of first electrode layers formed in a pattern on the first base material, a plurality of second electrode base materials each having at least a second electrode layer, a plurality of porous layers provided either on the first electrode layers of the first electrode base material or on the second electrode layers of the second electrode base materials and containing a dye-sensitizer-supported fine particle of a metal oxide semiconductor, and a plurality of solid electrolyte layers.

Abstract: According to example embodiments, a solar cell includes a first unit portion, a second unit portion, and an insulating layer. The first and second unit portions may have different bandgaps, and the insulating layer may be between the first unit portion and the second unit portion.

Abstract: A fission structure type junction box for a solar cell module (6) and the solar cell module (6) including the fission structure type junction box. The fission structure type junction box is provided with a main junction box (1) and a slave junction box (2). A conductor is set in the slave junction box (2) and connected with a bus bar of the solar cell module (6). A bypass diode (12) and a conducting piece (13) are positioned in the main junction box (1). The conducting piece (13) in the main junction box (1) is electrically connected with the conductor in the slave junction box (2). Therefore a fault of a circuit in the junction box does not influence the cell module and the fault circuit is easy to maintain.

Abstract: A light pipe that can be employed for a Concentrator Photo-Voltaic (CPV) system is provided. The light pipe homogenizes light by diffusion and/or refraction, and can be embodied in a structure that has a low aspect ratio. The diffusion and/or refraction can be effected by concave or convex surfaces of a transparent medium that forms a body of the light pipe, by light diffracting particles, and/or by a diffracting surface. Optionally, multiple transparent media can be employed with a refracting and/or diffracting interface therebetween. The reduced aspect ratio of the light pipe can improve reliability of mechanical alignment in the CPV system as well as reducing the cost of manufacturing and/or aligning the light pipe within the CPV system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods related to photovoltaic energy are provided. A device includes electrically conductive supports in electrical contact with one or more photovoltaic cells. The photovoltaic cells are secured with respect to the supports by a clamping force soldering or other means. Optics concentrate and guide photonic energy onto the photovoltaic cells. Generated electrical energy is coupled to a load using the conductive supports. Heat is rejected from the photovoltaic cells using at least one of the supports and a fluid flow, thermal conduction, and so on.

Abstract: A method for designing a diffractive optic includes identifying an initial performance metric for the diffractive optic, the diffractive optic including a substrate. A test cell is selected from an array of cells on the substrate. A height of the test cell is changed by a predetermined height unit. Images are computed at a plurality of discrete wavelengths or using a continuous spectrum using diffraction-based propagation through at least a portion of the array of cells. A wavelength metric is determined for each of the images. The wavelength metrics for each of the images is consolidated into a perturbed performance metric. The perturbed performance metric is compared to the initial performance metric and the method identifies whether the perturbed performance metric is an improvement over the initial performance metric.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking a position of the Sun includes a solar tracker controller that generates directional control signals responsive to sensing signals. A solar tracking algorithm controls operation of the solar tracker controller responsive to the sensing signals. The solar tracking algorithm includes a rough tracking mode of operation for causing a pointing axis of at least one solar receiver to point generally in a direction of the Sun as indicated by the sensing signals. A searching mode of operation positions the at least one solar receiver such that sunlight falls on at least one solar cell of the receiver. A fine tracking mode of operation positions a pointing axis of the at least one solar receiver responsive to the feedback signal from the at least one solar receiver.

Abstract: Spectral modification devices and methods are described. For example, an apparatus for spectral modification of incident radiation includes a substrate and Raman shifting material embedded in or on the substrate, the Raman shifting material selected based on a desired optical or electrical performance of a light absorbing structure.

Abstract: The collector/concentrator includes a primary concave reflector (1) supported on a base body (3) obtained by injection moulding, which defines a central support (5) supporting a region around a central opening (6) of the primary reflector (1), a plurality of peripheral legs (7) supporting respective peripheral regions of the primary reflector (1) and first integral connection members (8) connecting said peripheral legs (7) with the central support (5). The peripheral legs (7) have bottom ends (7a) leaning on a substantially flat supporting surface and top ends (7b) located above the peripheral regions of the primary reflector (1) that are in contact with a substantially flat transparent panel (15) supporting a secondary convex reflector (2) that concentrates the solar radiation reflected by the primary reflector (1) towards a receiver unit (18) through the central opening (6).

Abstract: A solar power generation apparatus includes a solar cell panel body formed in a tube shape, and a reflection plate installed such that reflected light is incident to the solar cell panel body, wherein the solar cell panel body can be rotated around a shaft center of the tube shape.

Abstract: To improve the efficiency of a wavelength conversion film, and improve the photoelectric conversion efficiency of a solar cell. In a solar cell module having a front glass, a sealing material, a solar battery cell and a back sheet, a wavelength conversion material is mixed into the sealing material. In the wavelength conversion material, a fluorescent substance whose surface is coated with polymer which emits green to near infrared light when excited by near ultraviolet to blue light is sealed. This reduces the quantity of light in sunlight which is not oriented toward the solar battery cell, thereby achieving high efficiency of wavelength conversion as well as improvement of the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the solar cell.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes solar cells encapsulated in a high resistivity encapsulant. A protective package is created by forming together the high resistivity encapsulant, the solar cells, a transparent top cover and a backsheet. The protective package is mounted on a frame that is electrically isolated from the solar cells. The protective package may be created by lamination. The transparent top cover may comprise glass or a high resistivity material.