Abstract: A nitric oxide delivery system, which includes a gas bottle having nitrogen dioxide in air, converts nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide and employs a surface-active material, such as silica gel, coated with an aqueous solution of antioxidant, such as ascorbic acid. A nitric oxide delivery system may be used to generate therapeutic gas including nitric oxide for use in delivering the therapeutic gas to a mammal.

Abstract: A drug and device combination system used in a method for treatment of patients suffering from severe and oral corticosteroid-dependent asthma and other respiratory diseases requiring a treatment with orally administered steroids. The method for administration of the inhalable corticosteroid by a flow rate and volume regulated inhalation. The combination system of the inhalable corticosteroid and the device for regulating flow rate and volume of the inhalable corticosteroid and thus achieving delivery of said inhalable corticosteroid into the small airways of the lungs. The individually programmable device that assures safe and reproducible corticosteroid delivery compliant with treatment protocol.

Abstract: An integrated manual/mechanical ventilation driving device comprising a movable or deformable internal chamber comprising a first port for air communication, the internal chamber being at least partially disposed within a movable or deformable external chamber comprising a second port for air communication, wherein when a driving gas enters a space between the external chamber and the internal chamber through the second port, the internal chamber is squeezed so that gas is expelled from the internal chamber through the first port, and wherein the external chamber is configured to be manually squeezed or deformed inwardly to contact and squeeze the internal chamber so that gas is expelled from the internal chamber through the first port.

Abstract: A respiratory device for delivering gas to a patient comprises a gases passageway having proximal and distal ends, and a supplementary gas inlet in a side wall of the gases passageway. The supplementary gas inlet is adapted to direct gas along an interior surface of the gases passageway, such that the gas follows a generally helical path towards the distal end of the gases passageway.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular, portable, air purifier and mask device capable of supplying filtered or otherwise conditioned airflow to an individual. More specifically, the present invention provides a modular air purification system that allows for the selection of multiple types of air treatment modules, power modules and mask devices. Through selective combination of a variety of modules, a desired air quality and condition is achieved.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a device that treats sleep disordered breathing (SOB) during successive treatment sessions, where the device provides continuous positive airway pressure during sleep. The method comprises the steps of applying a constant treatment pressure during a first session and deriving a sleep disorder index (SOl) representative of the number of SOB episodes that occurred during the first session. If the treatment pressure should be increased based upon the derived SOl, it is increased during a second, subsequent session.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement of a plurality of oxygen breathing devices, in particular for providing oxygen to passenger or crew of an aircraft, each oxygen breathing device comprising an oxygen source, wherein oxygen is stored, in particular in chemically bound form or compressed form, an oxygen guiding device for guiding oxygen from the oxygen source to a person. According to the invention, an arrangement of a plurality of oxygen breathing devices is provided, wherein a first one of said plurality of oxygen breathing devices further comprises an integrated transmitter comprising a sender adapted for wireless communication with a receiver of a second one of said oxygen breathing devices and a receiver adapted for wireless communication with a sender of said second oxygen breathing device.

Abstract: A patient interface device (30, 230, 530, 630, 730) that includes a support member (34, 234, 334, 434, 534, 634) comprising a central support portion and of cheek mount supports (70) coupled to the central portion. Each cheek mount support is configured to apply a force a side a user's cheekbone while applying substantially no force over an apex of such a user's cheekbone responsive to the patient interface being worn by a user. A seal member (36, 236, 336, 436, 536, 636, 736) is coupled to the support portion. The seal member is adapted to seal against a surface of a user to communicate a flow of gas with an airway of such a user. A conduit coupling member (38, 355, 438a, 438b, 538) is coupled to the seal member.

Abstract: A tube (23) for inflatable harness (1) of a breathing mask (3), the tube (23) is gas impermeable, supple and has an inner surface (22) and an outer surface (24), wherein the inner surface (22) of the tube (23) includes a plurality of protrusions (30).

Abstract: A mask that can prevent spaces from forming between a mask body and a wearer's face. In the mask, the top base and bottom base of a left ear loop are joined to the mask body at a top joining part and bottom joining part, respectively. Also, the top base and bottom base of a right ear loop are joined to the mask body at a top joining part and bottom joining part, respectively. In the top joining parts, joining part bottoms, which are at the bottom in a second direction, are shifted away from rims in a first direction with respect to joining part tops, which are at the top in the second direction.

Abstract: A cushion for a full facial respiratory mask assembly includes a frame-connecting portion, a face-contacting portion, and a gusset portion disposed between and joining the frame-connecting and face-contacting portions. The gusset portion is structured to allow relative movement of a mask frame to occur towards and away from a patient's face, and the gusset portion includes a nasal bridge perimetrical region, a mouth perimetrical region and a transition perimetrical region. The nasal bridge perimetrical region comprises a w-shaped or concertina-type fold having little or no projected area relative to the face-contacting portion of the cushion. The mouth perimetrical region extends laterally outwardly to form an increased projected area relative to the face-contacting portion of the cushion. The transition perimetrical region extends laterally outwardly an amount intermediate of the nasal bridge perimetrical region and the mouth perimetrical region.

Abstract: A tracheotomy shield includes a first sheet defining an opening extending therethrough. The opening in the tracheotomy shield is configured to receive a portion of a tracheotomy tube assembly and to establish a liquid-tight seal about the portion of the tracheotomy tube assembly. The first sheet is wholly supported by the tracheotomy tube assembly.

Abstract: A multi-layer inflatable balloon cuff may be adapted to seal a patient's trachea when associated with an endotracheal tube. The outer layer and the inner layer of the balloon cuff may have different material properties that may enhance a cuff's mechanical pressure seal by reducing wrinkles or folds that may form against a patient's tracheal walls.

Abstract: A radial artery of a patient is made accessible to an operator on the right side of the patient for performing a left radial artery accessed cardiac catheterization with a forearm and hand positioning device which includes first and second inflatable air bladders. The first air bladder extends longitudinally with an upper surface that, when the air bladder is inflated, supports and positions the forearm and hand of a patient with a radial artery of the patient remaining accessible to the operator. The second air bladder extends longitudinally beneath and is connected to the first air bladder and when inflated elevates the first air bladder and a forearm and hand of the patient held therein above a support for the patient's arm.

Abstract: An embodiment of a device in accordance with the present invention is adapted to be positioned at least partially in a mouth of a user to reduce resistance of air flow in the oral pharyngeal region and to improve anatomic and functional relationships of the oral pharyngeal structure. The device comprises a base unit adapted to be removably mounted on a lower jaw of the mouth, a pair of tongue positioner guides, each tongue positioner guide connected at a proximal end to the base unit, and a pair of tongue positioners, each connected with a distal end of a corresponding tongue positioner guide. The tongue positioner guides each comprise a bendable material so that the pair of tongue positioners are repositionable relative to the base unit.

Abstract: The Present invention relates to children who have a problem expressing themselves. Boys tend to bottle things up inside. This invention will help them be more expressive in their daily lives. We make this toy by using mold gel alginate; it is placed over one of our models face. When it starts to gel we apply a second coat over the mouth. We, then remove and create airways. The invention comes in various colors.

Abstract: The present invention is a tobacco saving device utilized by a cigarette smoked by a user that includes a hollow elongated tube with a first end to accommodate slight diameter variations in the cigarettes that are placed within the hollow elongated tube and a second end that receives a standard tobacco cigarette that is utilized to connect a cigarette filter at the one end and a half of the cigarette at the other end with a gap between the ends. The tobacco saving device can also utilize a filter pusher that includes a distal end, a proximal end, an elongated stem and a plunger head disposed on the distal end of the elongated stem to remove tobacco residue formed within the elongated tube. The device can also have a tapered end on one of the ends of the hollow elongated end.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the level of nornicotine and N?-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) in tobacco plants and plant parts thereof are provided. The compositions comprise isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides for a root-specific nicotine demethylases, CYP82E10, and variants thereof, that are involved in the metabolic conversion of nicotine to nornicotine in these plants. Compositions of the invention also include tobacco plants, or plant parts thereof, comprising a mutation in a gene encoding a CYP82E10 nicotine demethylase, wherein the mutation results in reduced expression or function of the CYP82E10 nicotine demethylase. Seed of these tobacco plants, or progeny thereof, and tobacco products prepared from the tobacco plants of the invention, or from plant parts or progeny thereof, are also provided. Methods for reducing the level of nornicotine, or reducing the rate of conversion of nicotine to nornicotine, in a tobacco plant, or plant part thereof are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention describes articles, such as smoking articles, that can provide an inhalable substance in a form suitable for inhalation by a consumer. The article comprises a cartridge with an inhalable substance medium therein, control housing that includes an electrical energy source and an electrical power source, and a heating member that may be located in either the cartridge or the control housing. The control housing further may include puff-actuated current actuation components and current regulation components.

Abstract: A simulated smoking device comprising a simulated cigarette having a cigarette-like shape and a refill device. A drawer is provided in the side of the refill device with a recess for the simulated cigarette. A resilient member biases the drawer open to allow access to the simulated cigarette. A latch is releasable by an inward movement of the drawer whereupon the drawer is unlatched and urged by the resilient member to the open position. The latch is automatically engageable upon closure of the drawer to hold the drawer in a closed position against the action of the resilient member.

Abstract: A cosmetic or dermatological system includes a packaging and dispensing device including one or more compositions on the basis of which a product is delivered, an adjustment system coupled or able to be coupled to the packaging and dispensing device, making it possible to modify the amount dispensed and/or at least one property of the product dispensed by the packaging and dispensing device, an electronic means for executing a program and acting automatically on the adjustment system, or for indicating to the user an action to be exerted on the adjustment system, to make the adjustment evolve in the course of the use of the device, the program determining the evolution of the adjustment as a function at least of a quantity representative of the number of uses of said device or of the amount of said product or of at least one of said compositions and already dispensed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for permanent reshaping of keratin fibres, in particular of the hair, comprising: a) a step of applying, to the keratin fibres, a reducing composition containing one or more reducing agents chosen from non-sulphur-containing reducing agents, protective thiols, sulphites, bisulphites or derivatives of sulphinic acid, b) an optional step of rinsing said fibres, then c) an optional step of fixing by oxidation, characterized in that the process comprises a step d) of applying, to the keratin fibres, ultrasonic waves delivered by a generator supplying mechanical vibrations of which the frequency is between 20 kHz and 1000 kHz, step d) being carried out after or during step a), it being possible for the process to optionally comprise a step e) of placing the keratin fibres under mechanical tension by means of a device capable of imposing a shape on said fibres.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of amine and quaternary ammonium compounds for protecting hair colour of artificially coloured hair with respect to the washing, according to general structure R1-A-R2—B wherein R1 is a saturated or unsaturated, straight or branched alkyl group with 8 to 24 C atoms, R2 is a straight or branched alkyl group with 1 to 4 C atoms, A is a group selected from O, COO and CONH and B is selected from R3NR4 and R7N+R5R6X?R3 and R4 are the same or different, H or an alkyl with 1 to 4 C atoms, hydroxyl alkyl with 1 to 4 C atoms and dihydroxyl alkyl with 2 to 4 C atoms, R5, and R6 are the same or different, an alkyl with 1 to 4 C atoms, hydroxyl alkyl with 1 to 4 C atoms and dihydroxyl alkyl with 2 to 4 C atoms, R7 is an alkyl with 1 to 4 C atoms, hydroxyl alkyl with 1 to 4 C atoms or dihydroxyl alkyl with 2 to 4 C atoms or -A-R1 wherein R1, A and R2 have the above meaning and X is an anion such as chloride, bromide, and methosulfate.

Abstract: A toothpick made of a flexible flat material, which is non-toxic, not brittle, and will not splinter, which takes the form of a substantially rectangular, elongate strip of said material which is pointed at each end, the points forming the tips of the toothpick. Said ends may be triangular, trapezoidal or hook-shaped. Furthermore, at the centre, the toothpick has a non-slip surface so that the user can get a better grip.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for machine cleaning and disinfecting objects, in particular medical and/or dental instruments and/or work equipment. According to the invention, the objects are ultrasonically cleaned in water in a working area of a cleaning and disinfection system, wherein after cleaning of the objects the water is removed from the working area up to a defined residual volume, The residual volume of water remaining in the working area is subsequently converted into water vapour by means of a heating element arranged in the working area (18). The objects (40) are thermally disinfected in the working area by means of the water vapour, wherein a vapour atmosphere in the working area s subsequently removed from the working area for drying the objects.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymer composition, comprising: water; a water-soluble polymer; and solid particulates of a sequestering agent. The composition may be used for decontaminating, cleaning and/or washing substrates contaminated with contaminants and/or contaminated materials.

Abstract: The technical decision is applied for cleaning exteriority of external male genital organs. The hygienic article consists of the handle made to the shape of a dowel with the possibility of grasping by thumb and index finger of human hand and the sheaf of sliced cleaning material. The handle is made from press paper; sanitary-hygienic paper is used as the sliced cleaning material.

Abstract: A cleaner includes at least one cleaning component, a pump module, a driving module and a control system. The at least one cleaning component and the plate delimit at least one space. The pump module is connected to the at least one space to pump air out of the at least a space to form a negative air pressure in the at least one space so that the cleaner is sucked on the plate. The driving module is connected to the at least a cleaning component to drive the at least a cleaning component. The control system is coupled to the pump module and the driving module and controls the driving module to cause the at least one driven cleaning component to make a movement on the plate.

Abstract: Embodiments of solar panel cleaning apparatuses, solar panel cleaning systems, and solar panel cleaning methods are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the disclosed solar panel cleaning apparatuses, systems and methods do may not require any water or other cleaning liquids in the whole cleaning process, which makes them prominent well suited in for water-deficit environments such as deserts. In one embodiment, the solar panel cleaning apparatus comprises one or more rotatable brushes each having a rotational axis and a drive configured to move each of the one or more rotatable brushes in a direction that is not perpendicular to the rotational axis. The solar panel cleaning apparatus is may be configured such that the angle of the rotational axis of at least one of the one or more rotatable brushes is adjustable relative to the direction of travel.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a workpiece support that includes using a workpiece that has been coated on its bottom surface with a suitable material is disclosed. This specially coated workpiece is placed on the support, and some time later, it is removed, taking with it particles from the support. In certain embodiments, the workpiece undergoes an ion implantation process to increase its temperature, and to increase the tackiness of the coating on the bottom surface. The material used to coat the bottom can be of variable types, including photoresists, oxides and deposited glasses.

Abstract: A system for removing debris from a surface of a photolithographic mask is provided. The system includes an atomic force microscope with a tip supported by a cantilever. The tip includes a surface and a nanometer-scaled coating disposed thereon. The coating has a surface energy lower than the surface energy of the photolithographic mask.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing an imaging lens in which a plurality of layers including one or more wafer lenses each provided with a lens portion that is formed from a curable resin are laminated on at least one surface of a substrate. The method for producing an imaging lens comprises, before lamination of the plurality of layers including the wafer lenses, a first lens portion cleaning step wherein carbon dioxide cleaning of the lens portions is carried out by spouting carbon dioxide so as to form dry ice particles and by causing the dry ice particles to hit on the lens portions of the wafer lenses or the vicinities of the lens portions. Consequently, deterioration of optical performance, changes in optical performance due to moisture absorption, and separation of the resin from the substrate can be prevented.

Abstract: Transferring plural semiconductor substrates under a state being held with predetermined intervals; holding the plural semiconductor substrates with roll brushes provided in plural pieces by each front side and back side of the plural semiconductor substrates, longitudinal directions of the roll brushes being oriented in parallel relative to the front side and the back side; and cleaning the plural semiconductor substrates by rotating the plural roll brushes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, apparatuses, and systems for treating water. The methods, apparatuses and systems reduce scaling associated with solubilized water hardness using a sequence of water treatment agents, including a first threshold agent shedding weak cation exchange resin and a second magnesium compound conversion agent water treatment. The system or apparatus and methods according to the invention provide synergistic reduction of hard water scaling and elimination of cementing on the insoluble magnesium compound.

Abstract: A system for cleaning a container that includes a cleaner positioned inside the container that includes a spray nozzle, an arm configured to move the nozzle, and a fluid recovery device positioned inside the container. The fluid recovery device may include a return line configured to convey a waste fluid from the container and an injection line. The injection line may add a flow additive internal or external to the return line. The system may also include a supply pump positioned outside the container; and a retrieval pump positioned outside the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a liquid composition including 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene and 1,2-transdichloroethylene for cleaning solid surfaces, the 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene and the 1,2-transdichloroethylene being at least 99 wt % of the composition. The invention also relates to a liquid composition containing 1-chloro-3,353-trifluoropropene and 1,2-transdichloroethylene, the 1-chloro-3,3,34triluoropropene and 1,2-transdichloroethylene being at least 99 wt % of the composition and the weight ratio of the 1-chloro-3,3,3?trifluoropropene over the 1,2-transdichloroethylene being between 57:43 and 65:35, preferably between 58:42 and 63:37, and more preferably between 59:41 and 61:39.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving fluid exchange across a microplate. A microplate having one or more internal modifications which aid the introduction and removal of fluids from the wells of the plate and minimize the damage caused to biological matter located therein upon introduction or removal of a pipette tip and/or fluids, and/or an apparatus for inclining the microplate at an angle from the horizontal and retaining the microplate in the inclined position, to facilitate fluid introduction and aspiration from the wells of the microplate.

Abstract: A method for purging a molten thermoplastic material from a blow molding system. The method includes the steps of feeding the molten thermoplastic material into a flow head operably connected to a purge diverter valve including a channel and a closing member; opening the closing member, wherein the opening step diverts the thermoplastic material from the flow head into the channel and causes the thermoplastic material to flow through the channel; and collecting the thermoplastic material flowing through the channel. The method can be used to purge molten thermoplastic materials such as polyethylene terephthalate especially from an upward extruding blow mold system.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning air filters utilizes a pressurized fluid flow, preferably air, to rotate a set of air spraying jets inside a hollow interior of a filter in order to remove particles from the filter. To ensure proper positioning of the jets in relation to the filter the present invention uses a set of plates with slots and pins, wherein the pins secure the apparatus on one end of the filter. The set of plates also at least partially blocks the flow of air out of the ends to more efficiently direct the flow of air from the jets to the filter. The jets then may be moved reciprocated along the length of the filter for cleaning purposes.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of cleaning an electronic device manufacturing process chamber part is provided, including a) spraying the part with an acid; b) spraying the part with DI water; and c) treating the part with potassium hydroxide. Other aspects are provided.

Abstract: A mobile mattress sanitizing and cleaning system. A cleaning chamber and drying chamber may be located within the body of truck which may also carry a water supply and steam generator. The cleaning and drying chambers are dimensioned and configured to receive a mattress therein, and may be separate or combined. The mattress is steam cleaned in the cleaning chamber and air dried in the drying chamber. The cleaning and drying chambers may face the rear of the truck to facilitate loading and may be oriented such that mattresses stand on edge when being cleaned and dried. The system may include a water purifier. Drying may be conducted by blowers mounted to the drying chamber. Drying air may be heated.

Abstract: In order to provide a device for generating a pulsed jet of a liquid fluid comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a blocking element arranged between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, which cyclically closes and opens a fluid passage between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, which device enables an improved mechanical action on an object subjected to the pulsed jet, it is proposed that the device comprises at least one bypass, through which a liquid fluid can also be fed to the fluid outlet during a closing phase of the blocking element.

Abstract: The dishwasher (1) of the present invention comprises a washing tub (2) wherein items to be washed are placed, a receptacle (3) located at the lower portion of the washing tub (2), wherein the water in the washing tub (2) is collected during the washing process, a microfilter (5) located in the middle of the receptacle (3), which allows the passing of the water which passes from the washing tub (2) to the receptacle (3) but which holds the residues carried by the water, a circulation pump (4) which returns the water accumulated in the receptacle (3) to the washing tub (2), a suction hose (7) one end of which opens to the circulation pump (4), the other to the receptacle (3), a suction hole (9) to which the end of the suction hose (7) which opens into the receptacle (3) is mounted, and which opens to the receptacle (3) wall facing the microfilter (5) such that the water accumulated in the receptacle (3) can pass to the suction hose (7), and a supply hose (6) one end of which is connected to the mains and the o

Abstract: A combination earth anchor and shovel capable of being used as an earth excavating tool and anchoring device having a particular application to secure an outdoor umbrella in soil.

Abstract: The present invention provides a structure of shaft of automatic umbrella, which includes a shaft assembly including a second section having a top end fixed to an internal plug. An inner tube is fixed at a top end thereof to the internal plug and receives therein an operation tube having a bottom coupled to an operation plug. The inner tube receives in a top portion thereof a pulley around which an operation cable wraps. An end of the operation cable is fixed to the bullet-like member and an opposite end fixed to the operation plug. To open the umbrella, a push button is depressed and an expansion spring pushes upward the second section so that the runner cable and the operation cable drive the runner and a third shaft section upward to completely open the umbrella.

Abstract: A retractable awning. The retractable awning may include a screen that may be extended and retracted, a first motor arranged to extend the screen, a second motor arranged to retract the screen, and a control unit arranged to control the first motors and the second motor.

Abstract: A collapsible portable structure which may provide a play environment for children has side walling defining an upright corner region with a free side edge and a canopy which straddles the corner region. The canopy may provide a roof-like cover or at least a partial enclosure. The side walling is formed by at least one continuous loop of a flexible coilable rod supporting a flexible fabric panel. Thus there may be one curved or angular panel, or two adjoining panels or panel sections. The canopy is of flexile fabric and is attached to the fabric of the side walling at a location spaced inwardly from the free edge of the side walling. The canopy is supported separately from the side walling panels by at least one separate pole. A ground sheet may optionally be provided extending across the corner region between the lower edges of the side walling.

Abstract: A novel and effective structure of a stackable element (A1,A2) or more generally adapted to be associated modularly to other similar elements to form a septum of relatively large dimensions for a Seebeck/Peltier thermoelectric conversion device, may be fabricated with common planar processing techniques. The structure basically consists of a stack (A1, A2) of alternated layers of a first dielectric material (2), adapted to be deposited in films of thickness lesser than or equal to about 50 nm, of low heat conductivity and which is etchable by a solution of a specific chemical compound, and of a second dielectric material (3) of low heat conductivity that is not etched by the solution.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module which has at least one thermoelectric element for converting energy between thermal energy and electrical energy. The at least one thermoelectric element has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The thermoelectric module further has a first electrode, the first electrode having at least a first region which is arranged directly on the first surface and a second electrode, the second electrode having at least a second region which is arranged directly on the second surface. At least one of the first region and the second region has a metal alloy which exhibits an Invar effect.

Abstract: A solar energy collector system (32) has a fixed array (34) of reflectors (40) extending in parallel rows, and a common focal receiver (36) located above the fixed array (34) and extending parallel to the rows of reflectors (40). Incident solar radiation from all of the reflectors is reflected upon the receiver (36) which includes a heat absorbing medium adapted to absorb heat from the reflected radiation. There is an elevated support structure (38) for the fixed array (34) of reflectors and the receiver (36). The support structure (38) orients each row of reflectors at a respective fixed angle relative to the support structure. The support structure (38) is pivotally mounted to an upright elevation assembly (77) to allow controlled rotation of the fixed array (34) and receiver (36) simultaneously about a pivotal axis (39) extending parallel to the rows of reflectors (40) so as to track the movement of the sun.