Abstract: A heat storage device is revealed. The heat storage device mainly includes a heat storage tank and a heat conduction unit. A part of the heat conduction unit is arranged in a receiving space of the heat storage tank. The receiving space is filled with heat storage material. The heat storage material can be sand and crushed stone, brick clay, cement, cinder, shell, etc. The heat storage material can also use material or waste easily got from local sources. The heat storage tank is a vacant container. Thus the cost of manufacturing and transportation is reduced. Moreover, the recycling of the material and waste reduces pollutants and improves the environment.

Abstract: The present invention may provide a low-cost and easy-to-operate solution for adjusting the curvature and the focal length of an adjustable reflector, which may include a curved plate, a rotation member, and a contour adjustor. The curved plate may have a curvature. The rotation member may engage the curved plate and rotate the curved plate about an axis and to an angular position. The contour adjustor may have an adjustment surface contacting the curved plate, such that it may cooperate with the rotation member to adjust the curvature of the curved plate according to the angular position of the curved plate. Advantageously, the contour adjustor may have a low manufacturing cost and a low installation cost. The contour adjustor may operate without relying on additional control circuitry because it may perform its intended function while the curved plate is being rotated.

Abstract: A solar receiver assembly includes a tube adapted to carry a heat transfer medium and a glass envelope surrounding the tube and having opposed ends. An interface is disposed between each end and the tube so as to seal and support the tube from the envelope. And the receiver includes a prism disposed over the interface to divert incident radiation away from the interface and toward the tube and/or the glass envelope. The prisms may be provided with reflective and/or anti-reflective coatings to further optimize diversion of radiation from the interface.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for increasing the yields of fermentable C6 sugars from lignocellulosic biomass by using a multistage cellulose hydrolysis and quench, with or without acid.

Abstract: An apparatus (e.g., nebulizer) for aerosol delivery of a substance (e.g., a drug to a patient) has a mouthpiece (36); a chamber (34) holding a substance; a flexible membrane (38) having a plurality of apertures; and a vibrator (20) for vibrating the flexible membrane to form a flow of aerosol droplets of the substance that are ejected through the apertures and to the mouthpiece. The vibrator may be a piezoelectric element. A magnetic member (54) is provided on the flexible membrane and is configured to magnetically couple the flexible membrane to the vibrator. The magnetic member allows replacement of the membrane, without wasting the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A nebulizer (10) comprises a head detachably coupled to a body. The head comprises nebulizing means (42, 40, 44), an air channel (50) and a flow sensor (52). A nebulized liquid is released in an air channel (50) that ends in a mouth piece 70 through which a user inhales (5) and exhales (7). The inhaling and exhaling causes a flow in the air channel which is detected with the flow sensor (52). The nebulizing means are controlled by control means (60, 62) included in the body.

Abstract: A non-invasive ventilation patient interface comprises a frame, a facial skin interface, and a self-sealing tube insertion region. The frame is configured for coupling with a head strap system, where head strap system is configured for supplying a securing force to secure the patient interface in a position over a respiratory opening of a patient. The facial skin interface is coupled with the frame and configured for interfacing with facial skin of the patient and sealing the patient interface about the respiratory opening in response to the securing force. The self-sealing tube insertion region is coupled with the facial skin interface and configured for self-sealing about a tube disposed between the facial skin and the facial skin interface, such that the securing force is diverted around the tube while the tube is inserted in the self-sealing tube insertion region.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical product can include a pressure vessel containing a pressurized gas including at least about 1% nitric oxide.

Abstract: A device for use with an anesthesia machine for automatically identifying patient information, the device comprising an identification card configured to store patient information and to be associated with a patient, a transmitting module configured to transmit the patient information to the identification card, and an identifying module in communicative connection with a control unit of the anesthesia machine, the identifying module being configured to identify the identification card and to provide the patient information stored in the identification card to the anesthesia machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel two-piece metal capsules for accommodating pharmaceutical preparations to be used in powder inhalers as well as a method for producing said capsule. The inventive capsules are particularly impermeable to steam and oxygen.

Abstract: An adapter tube is provided with a pivotally flexible swivel joint providing an aerosol-conducting airway for use with an inhalation mask with a nebulizer.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention may provide a breathing and/or anesthetic unit that is portable, compact, inexpensive, and convenient, and which may expedite medical procedures by allowing a health care provider to quickly sedate a. patient. Such a unit may be ideal for minor medical procedures needing mild or moderate analgesia/sedation (e.g., <30 minutes) in various fields. Such a unit may include (i) a handheld gas supply container including a therapeutic amount of anesthetic gas; (ii) a mask; (iii) a single-use, uninterruptable flow coupler to couple the mask to the supply container; and (iv) a handheld, self-contained, recovery gas container, including a negative pressure, coupled to the mask.

Abstract: The invention relates to a patient ventilation or breathing device and components therefore for use in all forms of respiratory apparatus ventilation systems including invasive and non-invasive ventilation, positive airway pressure therapy, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), and particularly Bi-Level therapy and treatment for sleep disordered breathing (SDB) conditions such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), and for various other respiratory disorders and diseases. The invention particularly relates to a blower, to a blade, to a gasket, to a cable, to an impeller, to a gas inlet and inlet member, to an improved air path or fluid flow path and components thereof, and/or to a modular ventilation or breathing device as referred to above and particularly incorporating one or more of the other aspects of the invention.

Abstract: A mask for patient ventilation comprises a frame portion, a retention portion, and a connector portion. The frame portion is for surrounding a respiratory opening of a patient. The retention portion is for maintaining positive pressure between the frame portion and the patient. The connector portion is for connecting delivery tubes to the mask. The connector portion is configured such that the connector only couples with compatible components.

Abstract: A system and method for automated inspiratory muscle strength exercise includes software for setting a mechanical ventilator for a pressure regulated breath with an initial pressure target that is at the highest pressure setting a patient can tolerate and increasing the pressure target as tolerated.

Abstract: A non-invasive ventilation patient interface comprises a fresh gas entry port, an exhaust gas vent port, and a filter media disposed in the exhaust gas vent port. The fresh gas entry port is configured for coupling with a fresh gas supply. The exhaust gas vent port is configured for allowing expulsion of exhaust gas from the patient interface in response to exhalation of a patient. The filter media is configured for filtering contagious from the exhaust gas, diffusing the exhaust gas, and controlling an expulsion flow of the exhaust gas through the exhaust gas vent port.

Abstract: A water trapping apparatus includes: a respiratory gas contacting portion that is disposed in a flow path through which a respiratory gas flows, and that is adapted to be in contact with the respiratory gas, the respiratory gas contacting portion that is comprised of a porous body; and an ambient-air contacting portion that is formed integrally with the respiratory gas contacting portion, and that is adapted to be in contact with ambient air, the ambient-air contacting portion that is comprised of the porous body.

Abstract: An air disinfection and cleaning device is provided that includes: a cylindrical reflector having a cylindrical inner surface in which an air flows from an upper end to a lower end and the cylindrical inner surface is subjected to mirror finishing; a rod shaped ultraviolet lamp disposed at the center within the cylindrical reflector parallel to the long side; photocatalytic sheet filters being air permeable photocatalytic sheet filters having a diameter nearly equal to an inner diameter of the cylindrical reflector, provided respectively at one end and the other end in the cylindrical reflector, and being penetrated by the ultraviolet lamp at the center thereof; and a copper sheet filter being an air permeable photocatalytic sheet filter having a diameter nearly equal to an inner diameter of a cylinder member and closing a lower end opening of the cylindrical reflector.

Abstract: An MIE apparatus has a blower, a direction valve, an oscillator, and a mask hose connector. The blower is connected to the direction valve, which is connected to the oscillator, which is connected to the hose connector. During insufflation, a direction valve connects exhaust of a blower to an oscillator, causing positive pressure at the hose connector. During exsufflation, the direction valve connects the blower intake to the oscillator, causing negative pressure at the hose connector. The oscillator is a butterfly valve with a 360° rotating disc. During insufflation, the disc is fixed to steadily modulate the airflow. During exsufflation, the oscillator is inactive or in flutter mode. When inactive, the disc is fixed to allow maximum air flow. In flutter mode, the disc continuously rotates so that the air flow rapidly alternates between maximum and minimum.

Abstract: In a mask for patient ventilation, a frame portion is included for surrounding a respiratory opening of a patient. A retention strap is coupled with the frame portion for maintaining positive pressure between the frame portion and the respiratory opening of the patient. A removable insert is configured to physically attach and detach from the frame portion without requiring removal of the frame or the retention strap from the patient.

Abstract: A mask for patient ventilation comprises a frame portion, a front portion, a retention strap, and a gas delivery orifice. The frame portion is for surrounding a respiratory opening of a patient. The front portion is coupled with the frame portion and covers the respiratory opening region. The retention strap is for maintaining positive pressure between the frame portion and the patient. The gas delivery orifice is coupled with the frame portion and configured such that the gas delivery orifice is lateral to the front portion.

Abstract: A patient interface for patient ventilation comprises a frame portion and a head strap system. The frame portion is for surrounding oral and nasal regions of a patient. The head strap system is configured for coupling from a left lateral portion of the patient interface, around a posterior skull of a patient, and to a right lateral portion of the frame portion such that in response to donning of the patient interface, the head strap system supplies a securing force to secure the frame portion in a position over nasal and oral cavities of the patient, the head strap is also configured to retain a head-shape when not in use to enable intuitive donning on the patient.

Abstract: A non-invasive ventilation patient interface comprises a fresh gas entry port, a frame, and a zygomatic facial interface. The fresh gas entry port is configured for coupling with a fresh gas supply. The frame is configured for coupling with a head strap system, wherein the head strap system is configured for supplying a securing force to secure the patient interface in a position over a respiratory opening of a patient. The zygomatic facial interface is coupled with the frame and configured for spreading the securing force away from a nasal bridge of the patient and onto left and right zygomatic arch regions of the patient.

Abstract: A non-invasive ventilation patient interface comprises a fresh gas entry port, an exhaust gas entry port, and a facial skin interface. Fresh gas entry port is configured for coupling with a fresh gas supply. The exhaust gas vent port is configured for allowing expulsion of exhaust gas from the patient interface. The facial skin interface is configured for eliminating fluid from within the patient interface and for eliminating fluid from facial skin which is covered by the patient interface.

Abstract: In a method for adjusting a ventilation mask, a ventilative state is measured of a ventilation mask that is placed over a respiratory opening of a patient A sealing portion of the ventilation mask is for establishing a fluid seal between the ventilation mask and the patient. The sealing portion comprises a plurality of bladders. An unintentional leak of the fluid seal is determined based on a measured change of the ventilative state. A bladder of the plurality of bladders is adjusted to seal the unintentional leak.

Abstract: A ventilation mask comprises a corrugated flexible seal, and a plurality of ridges disposed along the corrugated flexible seal. The corrugated flexible seal is configured for establishing a fluid seal between the ventilation mask and a patient, and for allowing facial movements of the patient while maintaining the fluid seal. The plurality of ridges disposed along the corrugated flexible seal is configured for physical contact with the patient.

Abstract: A ventilation mask for sealing on a face of a patient comprises a nasal passage opener configured for facilitating in opening the nasal passage of the patient. The nasal passage opener is disposed over a nasal valve of the patient when the ventilation mask is sealed on the face of the patient.

Abstract: A seal for a respiratory mask that includes a first end portion adapted to be coupled to a mask shell, a second end portion for sealing engagement with a face of a patient, and a sidewall extending between the first end portion and the second end portion. At least a portion of the second end portion includes a textured area having a predetermined pattern. The area of increased surface roughness provides the patient contacting portion of the seal with a silky feeling to maximize patient comfort and the effectiveness of the seal without impairing the sealing ability.

Abstract: Described herein are nose-reduced nasal devices configured to reduce or eliminate the unwanted noises associated with use of a nasal device. These noise-reduced nasal devices include a flap-valve airflow resistor and a noise-reduction feature that is a noise-reduction element, a noise-reduction flap valve, or both. The noise-reduction feature typically prevents the flap valve from oscillating or vibrating and producing an audible sound during use, particularly during inhalation through the device. The method and devices described herein may prevent the flap, and particularly the edge region of the flap face or tip of the flap, from oscillating during inhalation.

Abstract: This invention is a device designed to eliminate the discomfort and irritation behind the ears caused from oxygen supply line tubes by having the oxygen supply line tube wrapped on the holster and off the ears and securely in place.

Abstract: Bone fracture reduction devices, systems, and methods couple to a patient platform a mechanical bone fracture reduction fixture, which is sized and configured to be conveyed separate from the patient platform. The bone fracture reduction fixture carries an array of mechanical force reduction assemblies that are sized and configured to independently mechanically manipulate a fractured bone region. Each mechanical force reduction assembly functions independently of the other mechanical force reduction assemblies, to independently apply and maintain one of the prescribed mechanical reduction forces to the fracture and also mechanically reduce the fracture in the desired reduction planes.

Abstract: A dual layer mouthguard with a U-shape polycarbonate/EVA or elastomeric material skeletal base includes channels and ramps to ensure a uniform thickness on the occlusal, buccal and lingual surfaces of the teeth for proper alignment of the jaw and positioning for protection during the placement of the mouthguard. The liner is softer than the base when introduced to heat and remains softer as it is cooled. The base may also include metal/magnetic insertion to serve as a tethering device for temporary storage.

Abstract: A foldable dust mask having a foldable shell suitable for covering the nose and mouth of the wearer, a breathing aperture, and a filter patch overlying the breathing aperture on the foldable shell. The filter patch is constructed from a fibrous material sufficient for trapping air particulates, and is affixed to the foldable shell by an adhesive strip around the edges of the filter patch. The foldable shell is reusable, and is attached to the head of the wearer using a strap. An alternate embodiment of the foldable shell contains a chin loop, which can be used to hold a lanyard for ear protection devices.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette atomization device is built in a disposable electronic cigarette or disposable smoke capsule electronic cigarette. The electronic cigarette atomization device comprises a tar storage (2) between the smoke capsule shell (4) of the electronic cigarette and a hollow tubular bracket (3), a smoking channel corresponding to the hollow tubular bracket (3), and a heating element (5) electrically connected to a battery (10) of the electronic cigarette at outlet of the tar storage in the channel. The heating element (5) and the axis of the hollow tubular bracket (3) form an angle of 10-90°, connection wires (8) at two ends of the heating element (5) are provided between the hollow tubular bracket (3) and the smoke capsule shell (4), electrically connected to the battery (10).

Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes a shell and a mouthpiece. The external wall of the shell has an air inlet. An atomizer and a liquid-supply are in contact with each other. The air inlet, atomizer, an aerosol passage, and a mouthpiece are sequentially interconnected.

Abstract: A process for making patterned cigarette wrapper includes the steps of: preparing a printing solution including the steps of: mixing at least water and a starch to form a starch mixture, heating the starch mixture to a temperature of at least about 180° F. preferably for at least about 30 minutes to release amylopectin and amylose, adding propylene glycol to the starch mixture, and mixing the starch mixture and propylene glycol to form a printing solution, wherein the solution is maintained and applied at elevated temperature (120° F. to 150° F.). The process also includes providing a base web of wrapper and applying the printing solution to the wrapper in a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: The flossing of teeth for users wearing braces is facilitated by a device having a handle attached to side supporting elements and a central tip element where a piece of dental floss is attached to the side supporting elements. The side supporting elements and a central tip element are attached to the handle with a strand of dental floss rigidly connected to the side supporting elements and passing through the central tip element. The central tip element is thin enough to enter the space between the tooth and the brace wire. The user may position the central tip element into the space between a tooth and the brace wire such that one of the side supporting elements is positioned in the mouth and the user may then move the handle in an up and down motion in order to floss between the teeth.

Abstract: Products for dying keratin fibers comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable carrier, at least one oxidation dye precursor and at least one alkanolamine, the product containing at least one zwitterionic surfactant according to formula (I)

Abstract: The Interchangeable Headband Cover is an easily applied and removed material covering that sit on a C Shaped or Horse Shoe Shaped headband. A C Shaped or Horse Shoes Shaped headband typically is used to pull a wearers hair out of their eyes. The exposed area of the design is undecorated. The unexposed outer area of The Interchangeable Headband Cover has two insertion points with overlapping flaps positioned laterally of a fused center. The flaps open wide and enable the user to easily manipulate and apply the covering to a headband without any special tools. As you exam the insertion point closest to the internally fused center the design does not overlap but as you look laterally there is a gradual increase where the materials overlap more and more until there is one portion of the fabric completely covers the other at the internally fused tips.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to methods of removing and/or cleaning a substrate surface having different material layers disposed thereon using water vapor plasma treatment. In one embodiment, a method for cleaning a surface of a substrate includes positioning a substrate into a processing chamber, the substrate having a dielectric layer disposed thereon forming openings on the substrate, exposing the dielectric layer disposed on the substrate to water vapor supplied into the chamber to form a plasma in the water vapor, maintaining a process pressure in the chamber at between about 1 Torr and about 120 Torr, and cleaning the contact structure formed on the substrate.

Abstract: A cleaning solution and method for removing submicron particles from the surface and/or the bevel of an electronic substrate such as a semiconductor wafer. The cleaning solution comprises a polycarboxylate polymer or an ethoxylated polyamine. The method comprises the step of contacting a surface of the substrate with a cleaning solution comprised of a polycarboxylate polymer or an ethoxylated polyamine. Additional optional steps in the method include applying acoustic energy to the cleaning solution and/or rinsing the surface with a rinsing solution with or without the application of acoustic energy to the rinsing solution.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a wafer is disclosed in the present invention. This method is particularly suitable for cleaning the metal layer on the wafer. First, a wafer having a metal layer is loaded into a cleaning chamber, wherein a plurality of particles are inlaid in a surface of the metal layer. Later, a first clean stage is performed to rinse the wafer by jetted liquid introduced with megasonic energy. After the first clean stage, a second clean stage is performed to scrub the wafer. Finally, the wafer is dried.

Abstract: A wafer cleaning method includes: (1) providing a wafer cleaning apparatus comprising a sponge for scrubbing a surface of a semiconductor wafer to be cleaned; (2) implementing a pre-conditioning flow to pre-condition the sponge using a dummy wafer; and (3) performing a regular cleaning flow to scrub the surface of the semiconductor wafer to be cleaned using the pre-conditioned sponge. The dummy wafer has a plurality of upward protruding features on a surface of the dummy wafer for removing residual fibers or unwanted substances from the sponge.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus (10) comprises a drive arrangement (16). A discrete holding means (12) is mountable on the drive arrangement. The holding means comprises a flexible elongate cleaning member (14) and a housing (18) for housing at least a portion of the elongate cleaning member. The cleaning apparatus further includes a transmission arrangement (20) for transmitting drive from the drive arrangement to the elongate cleaning member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the directional movement of a self-propelled robotic pool cleaner having at least one pair of rotational support members for propelling and cleaning a surface of a pool. The method includes accelerating the at least one pair of rotational support members of the pool cleaner from a stopped position to a first predetermined rotational rate in a first predetermined time period; rotating the at least one pair of rotational support members at said first predetermined rotational rate for a second predetermined time period; and increasing the first rate of rotation to a second greater predetermined rotational rate, wherein said pool cleaner is propelled at a normalized rate for cleaning said pool.

Abstract: The present invention is a dust elimination attachment device used in combination with a container and a vacuum hose that includes a two pronged tubular body with a top and a bottom with two sides, a securing loop disposed on the top of the tubular body to receive and secure the vacuum hose and a pair of open ended prongs to receive an edge of the container disposed on the bottom of tubular body. The prongs are utilized to receive an edge of the container to secure the device and the vacuum hose to the container. There is also a method for using a dust elimination attachment device in combination with a container and a vacuum hose.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for cleaning interiors of passageways in endoscopes or other luminal medical devices by flow of liquid and gas therethrough. The liquid flow may include rivulets, droplets or other liquid entities which move on the internal surfaces of the passageways, and may include a three-phase contact interface between liquid and dry solid and gas.

Abstract: [Problem] An object of the present invention is to provide pipe cleaning means that can effectively control introduction of viable bacteria to an inside of an apparatus and contamination occurring in the apparatus and particularly provide a pipe cleaning method and a pipe cleaning mechanism in a luminescence measurement apparatus. [Solution] A cleaning method of a pipe of a luminescence measurement apparatus (10) according to the present invention includes a bacteriolytic process of supplying a sterilization reagent into a supply pipe for hot water or a reagent in the luminescence measurement apparatus (10) and sterilizing an inside of the supply pipe, an ATP removal process of supplying an ATP removal reagent into the supply pipe after the sterilization of the inside of the supply pipe and removing ATP inside the supply pipe, and a process of replacing the ATP removal reagent in the supply pipe with pure water.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a shiftable rack provided with multiple, distinct washing fluid spray arms connected to a common, rack supported manifold. When the rack is shifted to a retracted position within a tub of the dishwasher, the manifold mates with a coupling of a fluid distribution system including a multi-tube feed arrangement configured to selectively distribute washing fluid from a pump assembly to the multiple spray arms.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a rack provided with interior and exterior corner nozzles to direct washing fluid onto interior and exterior surface portions of an object placed in a corner of the rack.