Abstract: The instant invention is a valve for the top end of diving snorkels having a conduit with an open end above the water surface, and an underwater end that terminates in a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece provides a flow path between the conduit and the interior of the diver's mouth. The conduit's above water opening is in-line with the conduit's longitudinal axis. The top valve consists of a soft diaphragm mounted on a compound linkage. The linkage is attached to the conduit adjacent the top opening. A float activates the valve linkage whenever the snorkel descends below the water surface. As the open end of snorkel moves underwater, the linkage moves the diaphragm against the top opening, thereby preventing water from entering. When the top of the snorkel is above the water surface, the linkage moves the diaphragm to the side of the conduit, out of the respiratory flow path.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for air delivery. A formable mask having an oxygen supply port and exhaled air removal components for the delivery of oxygen enriched air to a user. The formable mask includes formable components and materials to increase comfort and minimize chafing of a wearer. The formable mask further includes a harness to hold the mask in position on a user's head, where said harness minimizes chafing of the user. An oxygen delivery system uses the formable mask and oxygen supply components. Oxygen supply components include a flow rate throttling valve and an O2 reservoir to conserve O2 use and insure O2 availability to a patient. A method of using the air delivery system.

Abstract: A nebulizer kit includes a case body, a flow channel formation member that covers an opening in an upper area of the case body, and a cylindrical aerosol discharge port that passes through a portion of the top surface of the flow channel formation member located toward the outer edge thereof. The case body and/or the flow channel formation member includes a rotation mechanism that, when the case body has overturned and the aerosol discharge port has become positioned on the lower side in the vertical direction of the top surface of the flow channel formation member, causes the case body to rotate in a circumferential direction to cause the aerosol discharge port to move away from a lower side in the vertical direction. Even if the nebulizer kit has overturned, a liquid within the nebulizer kit is prevented from spilling.

Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering a dose, such as a medicament, for inhalation. A dose may be stored by a delivery device and dispersed and delivered in a metered fashion to a subject, such as by the subject inhaling via a mouthpiece of the delivery device. One or more chambers of the device may have a toroidal shape and may be arranged to be selectively opened for fluid communication with a flow path of the delivery device, such as by sliding the chamber relative to a portion of the flow path. The flow path may include a restriction that permits air to bypass the chamber, and/or the chamber may be arranged so that fluid entering the chamber interacts with fluid exiting the chamber so as to enhance dispersion of the dose.

Abstract: A dry-powder inhaler device comprising an air inlet (40), an air outlet (4), an assembly comprising a mesh-based package (10) containing a dry-powder drug (16), the assembly being positioned to undergo agitation, the device having an airflow therethrough from the air inlet to the outlet, which airflow at least indirectly causes the agitation and wherein the agitation of the assembly in conjunction with the airflow causes the particles of the dry-powder drug to exit from the mesh-based package and become entrained in the airflow.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for modified air delivery. A formable mask having an oxygen supply port and exhaled air removal components for the delivery of modified air to a user. An oxygen delivery system uses the formable mask and oxygen supply components. Oxygen supply components include a flow rate throttling valve and an O2 reservoir to conserve O2 use and insure O2 availability to a patient. The system modifies the air for delivery using an air modification module to condition the air for delivery of aerosolized particles to the user.

Abstract: A medical system having a ventilator is provided. The medical system includes a memory storing data related to patient and ventilator parameters. A processor is programmed to organize, in time, the data related to the patient and ventilator parameters. A viewer displays the patient and ventilator parameters for an overall monitoring time period on a timeline. A reference marker is displayed on the timeline to select a segment of the patient and ventilator parameters corresponding to a past monitoring time, wherein the segment selected represents a time segment within the overall monitoring time period. The patient and ventilator parameters corresponding to the time segment are displayed.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for air delivery. A cannula having a low velocity airflow and efficient air delivery system. The cannula includes at least one compartment to reduce airflow velocity and nostril inserts. The cannula may further include moldable components and materials to increase comfort and minimize chafing of a wearer. The cannula further may include a head strap to hold the mask in position on a user's head, where said harness minimizes chafing of the user.

Abstract: A medical system having a ventilator is provided. The medical system includes a memory for storing one or more patient and ventilation parameters. A processor is programmed to organize the one or more patient parameters into at least one of past patient and ventilation parameters, present patient and ventilation parameters, or future patient and ventilation parameters. A viewer displays at least one of the past patient or ventilation parameters, the present patient or ventilation parameters, or the future patient or ventilation parameters. The past patient and ventilation parameters, the present patient and ventilation parameters, and the future patient and ventilation parameters are selectable on the viewer.

Abstract: A pneumatic single-lumen medical gas conserver combines the advantages of typical single-lumen and dual-lumen conservers. In particular, a pneumatic single-lumen conserver can provide a rapid response to patient inhalations without the need for a more expensive dual-lumen cannula hose. In addition, after delivering oxygen the conserver has a specific pneumatically-implemented delay period before being able to detect the next inhalation to inhibit “double pulse” deliveries. In addition to a conserving or pulse flow mode, the conserver can provide a user-selectable gas flow at a continuous or constant flow mode.

Abstract: Double acting respirator pump apparatus including a pump member reciprocable with respect to two pump chambers to deliver air to a patient via a respirator exhalation system, which also facilitates exhalation of the patient. The exhalation system has a pump unit that is operatively connected to an exhalation valve member and configured for selectively generating an air pressure sufficient for pressurizing one side of the valve member for closing the same when said exhalation system is operating in inhalation mode, and may be operated for opening to allow the patient to exhale therethrough.

Abstract: A gas meter for ultrasound measurements in a breathing apparatus has a gas conduit having an inner wall defining an inlet in a first end of the gas conduit and an outlet in a second end of the gas conduit, and an ultrasound transducer arrangement configured to measure the speed of sound in a gas flowing through a part of said gas conduit forming a measurement chamber. The gas meter has a self-draining design to prevent condensation water and other liquids from negatively affecting the ultrasound measurements. To this end, at least a lower surface of the inner wall of the gas conduit is inclined downwardly relative to the horizontal plane in the longitudinal direction of the gas conduit, at both sides of the measurement chamber causing condensation water to be pulled away from the measurement chamber by gravity.

Abstract: A mask for a system, method, and apparatus for air delivery. A formable mask having an oxygen supply port and exhaled air removal components for the delivery of oxygen enriched air to a user. The formable mask includes formable components and materials to increase comfort and minimize chafing of a wearer. The formable mask further includes a harness to hold the mask in position on a user's head, where said harness minimizes chafing of the user. An oxygen delivery system uses the formable mask and oxygen supply components. Oxygen supply components include a flow rate throttling valve and an O2 reservoir to conserve O2 use and insure O2 availability to a patient.

Abstract: A patient interface system for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a patient includes a patient interface structure configured to sealingly engage the patient's nares; a pair of strips configured to be connected to opposite sides of the patient interface structure; and adhesive configured to secure the patient interface structure in sealing engagement with the patient's nares. The adhesive may be provided on the strips, and the strips are configured to be adhered to sides of the patient's nose by the adhesive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a uvula to a soft palate. The uvula may be attached to either the nasopharyngeal side or the oral side of the soft palate with a uvula securement device. The uvula may be secured to the nasopharyngeal side of the soft palate with a suture.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for restraining a patient's leg during knee surgery or similar procedure features and improved restraining member that is attachable to an operating room table. The restraining member has a lower concave portion that engages the upper portion and sides of the patient's leg. The restraining member has an upper convex portion that is reinforced with a plurality of ridges. The concave portion can be fitted with an inflatable bladder. The concave portion in other embodiments is fitted with a belt arrangement that enables different degrees of constriction to be imparted to the leg.

Abstract: A colored smoke module is disclosed that is mountable to at least a portion of a cigarette or other smoking device. The colored smoke module produces colored smoke when burned. Further, the colored smoke module is user mountable to a cigarette or other smoking device.

Abstract: High-throughput production methods for manufacturing porous masses suitable for use in conjunction with smoking devices may include continuously combining a matrix material and a paper wrapper to form a desired cross-sectional shape where the matrix material is confined by the paper wrapper, the matrix material comprising a binder particle and an active particle; heating at least a portion of the matrix material so as to bind the matrix material at a plurality of contact points, thereby forming a porous mass length, wherein heating involves irradiating with microwave radiation at least a portion of the matrix material; cooling the porous mass length; and cutting the porous mass length radially thereby producing a porous mass.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of an electronic hookah. In some embodiments, the electronic hookah comprises a body, a power supply, and one or more smoking units having a smoking device, a connection socket, a tube, an air flow switch, and a power connector. The tube is disposed between the connection socket and the air flow switch, and the smoking device is releasably attached to the connection socket. Further, the power supply proyides power to the connection socket over the power connector, and the connection socket provides power to the smoking device to produce smoke or vapor. The smoking device may comprise an atomizer and smoke juice containing flavorings, coloring agents, nicotine, and/or a vaporizing base.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for capturing carbonylic or phenolic toxicants, or converting these toxicants into less volatile compounds. The toxicants, which may be a component of cigarette smoke, may be captured by physical or chemical adsorption, absorption, or entrapment.

Abstract: A flow control device 4 for a smoking article comprises a body having first and second longitudinally arranged body portions 7, 10 rotatable relative to one another between a first position and a second position. The first 7 and second 10 body portions are configured to define a first smoke flow path through the device 4 in the first position and a second smoke flow path through the device 4 in the second position and to cause an adjustment to the direction of smoke flow upon rotation from the first position to the second position, thereby to allow smoke to pass through the second smoke flow path.

Abstract: A customizable wig can be reversibly altered to create a wide variety of hairstyles. A customizable wig comprises a single base shell having an outer surface, a plurality of fasteners affixed to its outer surface, and a plurality of hair segments that can be fastened to the shell. The hair segments comprise at least one crown segment, at least one mid-section segment, and at least one nape segment. The segments can be removably attached by a variety of fasteners such as hook and loop fasteners or snaps. In order to provide even more options for alternative hairstyles, the crown, mid-section, and nape segments can comprise more than one segment. Enhancements such as feathers, hair wefts, or beaded strings can be easily attached to create additional styles. A box is optimized for protection during storage and transport, as well as for display of the wig.

Abstract: A nail foil application method comprises cleaning a fingernail surface, applying a first coat of nail polish, adhering a nail foil, adhering the nail foil without requiring thermally activated adhesive, heat, friction, heat lamp, blow dryer, or any other heat source, and sealing the nail foil by applying a second coat of nail polish on the nail foil. Further disclosed is a nail foil application system which comprises a nail foil capable of being adhered upon a nail plate, and an adhesive on one side of the nail foil, where the nail foil is made of polyvinylchloride.

Abstract: The invention relates to a detergent composition containing, in a cosmetically acceptable aqueous medium, at least one anionic surfactant and at least one amphoteric surfactant chosen from (C8-C24)alkylamido(C3-C8)alkylbetaines, sulfobetaines, (C8-C24)alkylamido(C6-C8)alkylsulfobetaines, (C8-C24)alkyl amphomonoacetates, (C8-C24)alkyl amphodiacetates, (C8-C24)alkyl amphomonopropionates, (C8-C24)alkyl amphodipropionates and phosphobetaines, in an anionic surfactant(s)/amphoteric surfactant(s) weight ratio of less than or equal to 1; at least one cationic polymer with a cationic charge density of greater than 5 meq/g, and at least 1% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition, of at least one mineral or organic water-soluble salt, the anion of this salt comprising from 1 to 7 carbon atoms, the total amount of surfactants in the composition being less than or equal to 18% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an aqueous conditioning composition for hair comprising at least one alkyl ether alkyl amine or alkyl ether alkyl quaternary amine and at least one compound selected from fatty acid fatty alcohol esters and arylated silicones.

Abstract: A mascara brush is provided, which includes a body part made of a first material; and a brush molding part made of second and third materials and having body part-coupling members each coupled to the outer periphery of the body part and a plurality of bristles arranged vertically and horizontally along the outer peripheries of the body part-coupling members.

Abstract: A process for reducing the content of residual organic substances in mixtures of plastics from durable goods can include separating a feed stream into two or more mixtures of flakes and preforming a cleaning process to remove a portion of one or more of the absorbed organic substances from one or more of the mixtures. Each mixture can contain one or more plastic types and at least one organic substance absorbed into the one or more plastic types. The flakes in the mixtures can have an average particle diameter of less than 10 millimeters.

Abstract: A sprayable homogeneous and high viscosity surface cleaning gel or gel foam composition and method of cleaning is provided. The composition may include from about 70% to about 99% of a liquid carrier; from about 0.002% to about 10% of surfactant selected from the group of non-ionic, anionic, amphoteric, and zwitterionic surfactants, and mixtures thereof; from about 0.005% to about 5% of a water-soluble polymeric thickening agent; and from about 0.001 to about 1.0% of a pH balancing agent. The sprayable gel cleaner composition may be completely clear without any suspended encapsulated particles in it and includes a viscosity range from about 200 centipoise to about 30,000 centipoise at standard temperature and pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the control of a window washer system associated with a system for wiping a glazed surface of a motor vehicle, said wiper system comprising a wiper motor for rotating at least one wiper blade holder arm, and this window washer system comprising a liquid reservoir connected to at least one nozzle designed to deliver, over a wiping cycle, at least one liquid jet for at least a first window washer system activation period defined between an instant (td1) for initiating the spraying of the liquid and an instant (ta1) for stopping the spraying of the liquid, these instants each being determined as a function respectively of a first angular position and of a second angular position of the wiper blade holder arm defining a first angular sector in which the spraying of the liquid is continuous.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for removing filtered substances from combustion processes from a filter under laboratory conditions. In some implementations, this comprises a mount for the filter and a rinsing means for rinsing out the filter in its mount by means of a liquid. It may also relate to a method for removing filtered substances from combustion processes from a mounted filter under laboratory conditions in order to analyse the filtrate, wherein the filter is rinsed out in its mount with a liquid.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a controller controlling a cleaning cycle, a screen system for filtering a wash fluid, a circulation chamber and a collection chamber in fluid communication with the circulation chamber via a screen arrangement, a circulation pump for circulating the wash fluid and a drain pump for pumping out the wash fluid. During the cleaning cycle, to detect blockage in the screen arrangement, a degree of transmission in the circulation chamber filled with wash fluid is determined with an optical turbidity sensor in a first measuring step. The wash fluid is then pumped out of the collection chamber and the degree of transmission in the circulation chamber is again determined in a second measuring step. The change in the degree of transmission from the first measuring step to the second measuring step is then evaluated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool for treating microelectronic workpieces with one or more treatment materials, including liquids, gases, fluidized solids, dispersions, combinations of these, and the like.

Abstract: A cleaning device is provided, including a top portion, a middle portion, and a bottom portion. The top portion includes a first opening. The middle portion is connected to the top portion, and includes an inlet on a lateral side, an annular channel communicated with the inlet, and a second opening communicated with the first opening. The bottom portion is connected to the middle portion, and includes a reservoir and a third opening. The third opening communicates the second opening and the reservoir.

Abstract: A cleaning system for a photomask unit is disclosed. The photomask unit defines an inner chamber and includes a photomask, a pellicle frame, a diaphragm-like pellicle film, and a ventilation port. The cleaning system includes: a housing defining an outer chamber; and a reduced-pressure generating unit disposed to intermittently generate a reduced-pressure zone in the outer chamber and in proximity to the photomask unit such that a pressure differential is generated between the inner chamber and the reduced-pressure zone to cause a central film portion of the diaphragm-like pellicle film to move toward or away from a central pattern region of the photomask so as to permit the cleaning gas to flow out of or into the ventilation port alternately.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating a wet solid is provided. The apparatus comprises a porous belt and nozzles for applying on or more liquids to the wet solid. The contact with the liquids is achieved in a treatment chamber which is configured for movement between a first position, separated from the belt, and a second position, where the treatment chamber is in sealing contact with the belt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning an outer surface (1) arranged at the bottom of a tank (3), a vessel or similar, said method comprising the steps of: generating and supplying a pressurized cleaning fluid by means of a production source (2) of pressurized cleaning fluid, the fluid pressure being between 3 and 12 bar; conveying the cleaning fluid opposite the said outer surface (1) of the tank (3) by circulating the fluid in a pipe network (4) arranged below the tank (3); cleaning the outer surface (1) of the tank (3) by means of a plurality of rotating jets of cleaning fluid, the said plurality of jets being generated by at least one multi-jet rotating head (10) connected to the pipe network (4), wherein conveying of the cleaning fluid is realized by the pipe network (4) forming a closed loop (5) arranged below and near the centre (6) of the outer surface (1) of the tank (3), the said closed loop (5) being supplied with cleaning fluid by a feed pipe (7) connected to the said production source (2)

Abstract: A method of removing a polymer material from an optical fiber assembly includes: disposing a liquid metallic material proximate to the polymer material, the polymer material being bonded to the optical fiber; heating the liquid metallic material to a temperature sufficient to burn the polymer material and de-bond the polymer material from a surface of the optical fiber; and removing the polymer material and liquid metal from the surface of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A removable multi-stage filter assembly for a dishwasher system is provided, comprising: a plurality of concentric filter stages having a varying degree of filter granularity; and a closed bottom that retains soils for manual collection by an end user, wherein the closed bottom has at least one drain opening. A dishwasher system is also provided that comprises a tub; a fluid circulation system for circulating water in the tub; and a removable multi-stage filter assembly, wherein the removable filter assembly comprises a closed bottom and at least one drain opening, and wherein the removable multi-stage filter assembly retains soils for manual collection by an end user.

Abstract: Provided is a substrate processing apparatus which can efficiently transfer substrates using a conveying mechanism including a plurality of substrate holding members. The substrate processing apparatus transfers a processed substrate to an intermediate conveying unit using a transport mechanism when the processed substrate returns to a substrate receiving unit.

Abstract: The dishwasher (1) of the present invention comprises a washing tub (2) wherein items to be washed are placed, a body (4) having two side walls (3) enclosing the washing tub (2), a fan (5) providing the vapor in the washing tub (2) to be discharged to the outside by sucking it during the drying step and thus providing the washed dishes to dry, a water receptacle (6) wherein the water received from the mains is stored before passing to the regeneration unit.

Abstract: The present embodiment relates to a dish washer. A dish washer according to an aspect of the present invention includes a washing tub formed with a washing space; an air break disposed in one side of the washing tub and guiding flow of washing water; and a sump supplying the washing water to the washing tub, wherein the air break includes a water supply passage flowing water supplied from the outside, a water chamber storing the water flown through the water supply passage, an air passage flowing the air in the outside of the washing tub, and a flow adjusting member flowing the air of the air passage into the water chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool for treating microelectronic workpieces with one or more treatment materials, including liquids, gases, fluidized solids, dispersions, combinations of these, and the like.

Abstract: A vehicle washing system associated with a bay in which a vehicle is parked during the washing operation is equipped with a centering target which can be selectively deployed upon entry of a vehicle to assist the driver in placing the vehicle on the longitudinal centerline of the effective washing area in the bay. The target may be provided by a vertically-depending spray arm having internal LEDs which are illuminated in a flashing effect during vehicle entry and in constant colors during the washing program. Several alternative target arrangements are described.

Abstract: The present invention is an umbrella with sheath located within the hollow handle or compartment of the umbrella which can be used as a sleeve, cover or bag. The handle, with a cap, is opened and the umbrella bag is pulled out to cover the closed umbrella, including the handle. When the umbrella is open, the bag is inserted into the hollow handle hiding it from view.

Abstract: Provided is a cane tip which is difficult to slip, exhibiting excellent shock absorbing properties when contacted with the ground; with which the cane tip will not stick in a crevice of a stone pavement; and further, with which the influence of the supporting surface inclination can be suppressed, whereby the walking stability is assured also for an aged user; and which is also well suited for use in rehabilitation. Cane tip has a cane tip main body with leg segments radially extending from a central part, being arranged in an overall shape substantially analogous to that of the five petals of a five-petaled flower, the central part and each leg segment having an elastic structure part exerting an elastic action, a bolt inserting hole in the central part of the elastic structure part, and a bolt inserted into this bolt hole and protruded from that central part.

Abstract: An approach is provided for a collapsible canopy that is expandable during rain fall. The canopy comprises a frame, a propulsive mechanism and a shelter. The frame has a stationary side and a movable side. The stationary side is fixed to ground. The movable side is opposite corresponded to the stationary side and is configured to move forward and backward in a predetermined path, which expands the coverage of the collapsible canopy. The propulsive mechanism drives the movable side to expand the frame. The shelter is expandable and collapsible connected to the frame, wherein shelter forms a collective area to provide sheltering from exterior weather conditions and guides the fluid out when the shelter is expanded and driven by the movable side of the frame.

Abstract: A tent having two joints, multiple frames and a fly. The frames are mounted on the joints and are classified into a stationary frame, a supporting frame and at least one pivoting frame. The frames cooperate to define a parking space for receiving a cycle when unfolding. The fly covers the frames and the parking space. The frames are capable of folding and overlapping one another to facilitate carrying and storage of the tent.

Abstract: A thermoelectric power module capable of withstanding a long time use in a high temperature environment where a temperature (Th) of a higher temperature portion exceeds 250° C. The thermoelectric power module includes: a thermoelectric power element; a first diffusion prevention layer consisting of molybdenum (Mo) and disposed on a surface of the thermoelectric power element; a second diffusion prevention layer consisting of an intermetallic compound of nickel-tin (Ni—Sn) and disposed on a surface of the first diffusion prevention layer opposite to the thermoelectric power element side; an electrode; a third diffusion prevention layer consisting of an intermetallic compound of nickel-tin (Ni—Sn) and disposed on a surface of the electrode; a solder layer containing lead (Pb) at not less than 85% and configured to join the second diffusion prevention layer and the third diffusion prevention layer to each other.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a thermoelectric device includes a plurality of thermoelectric elements that each include a diffusion barrier. The diffusion barrier includes a refractory metal. The thermoelectric device also includes a plurality of conductors coupled to the plurality of thermoelectric elements. The plurality of conductors include aluminum. In addition, the thermoelectric device includes at least one plate coupled to the plurality of thermoelectric elements using a braze. The braze includes aluminum.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material including a thermoelectric semiconductor; and a nanosheet disposed in the thermoelectric semiconductor, the nanosheet having a layered structure and a thickness from about 0.1 to about 10 nanometers. Also a thermoelectric element and thermoelectric module including the thermoelectric material.