Abstract: An operational module for a domestic appliance door including at least one operational control received therein, wherein the operational module is configured for at least partial insertion into a recess of the domestic appliance door from the exterior. An operational module for a domestic appliance door, including at least two operational controls received therein, wherein the operational module is configured for at least partial insertion into a recess of the domestic appliance door. A domestic appliance door, especially an oven door, comprises at least one recess for at least partially accommodating at least one of the operational modules.

Abstract: A double-ended blower includes a blower motor assembly supporting opposed first and second shaft ends. The first and second shaft ends have respective first and second impellers attached thereto and enclosed within first and second volutes, respectively. The first volute is connected to an inlet and the second volute is connected to an outlet. The blower motor assembly is at least partially enclosed within a flexible sleeve, with a radially outer inter-stage gas path extending between the first and second volute, and radially inward of the flexible sleeve.

Abstract: Inhalant anesthetics are developed with a number of properties including rapid onset and recovery, controllability, and, ideally, a broad safety profile. The efficacy of these agents is measured by their ability to create anesthesia within the framework of the other desirable properties. The instant invention focuses on the dosage level where analgesia occurs but amnesia or lack of consciousness does not. In addition to identifying the dosage level where pain is sharply reduced or eliminated but awareness remains, a delivery system for safe and effective delivery of the agent is described.

Abstract: An inhaler which comprises a base having a plurality of consecutive sealed cavities containing medicament. Foil portions are on one side attached to the base for sealing the medicament within respective associated cavities. A plurality of separating elements are attached to the other side of the foil portions, each separating element being associated with a respective cavity for separating a foil portion from that cavity. Each separating element can be moved-away from its associated cavity so that the sealing foil portion is separated from the cavity which is thereby uncovered so that medicament contained therein is enabled to become entrained in a fluid flow, and then returned with the attached foil portion to cover its associated cavity. A method of operating an inhaler is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for managing a supplemental gas supply in a breathing assistance system configured to provide breathing assistance to a patient includes a temperature sensor and a control system. The temperature sensor is configured to measure a temperature associated with a breathing assistance system configured to deliver a first gas and a supplemental gas toward a patient. The control system is configured to automatically control the flow of the supplemental gas based at least on the monitored temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a symmetrical face mask suitable for use with one hand that allows an operator to provide a reliable seal with the patient's face with his/her hand and arm in an anatomically favorable position for application of a user's physical strength. In general, a user may reach at an acute angle to the plane of their chest and engage the invention mask with their hand in a manner the user may shake another person's hand, i.e., with a distal portion of their radius and ulna arranged essentially vertically so that side to side motion of the hand translates to forward and rearward motion of a mask shell while a user reserves full bi-directional rotational capability of their arm for forward or rearward rotation compression of the mask shell while, at the same time, reserving full and lever-efficient, bi-directional pushing and pulling range of a user's arm for greater pressure of the mask shell to a right or left side of a user's fleshy cheek.

Abstract: A forehead pad for a breathing mask includes a substantially dimensionally stable first wall element and an elastomer second wall element coupled to the first wall element. The second wall element has a contact zone adapted to contact a surface of a user in use. The first and second wall elements define a filling-material-receiving chamber adapted to receive a filling material.

Abstract: A device for oxygen supply of a user in an aircraft comprising a breathing mask (20), a stowage box (1) for the breathing mask and an oxygen supply hose (22) having one end connected to the stowage box and the other end connected to the breathing mask, wherein the device further comprises means (3) to fix the stowage box in a ceiling of the aircraft, an aperture on the bottom side of the stowage box closed by a door (7) and a leash (28) connected to the stowage box by one end and to the breathing mask by the other end so that, when the door is open, the mask falls and is kept hovered by the oxygen supply hose and the leash.

Abstract: A headgear suitable for wearing a respiratory mask system wearing on the head of a user is provided, wherein it can be easily manufactured, the leakage of the positive pressure gas when pressurized is reduced, and a good wearing feel is achieved. The headgear is adapted to secure a respiratory mask, which contacts the face of the user to supply a positive pressure gas for respiration to the user, to the head of user. The headgear has a head mounted portion which is worn on the occipital of the user and a strap (3) connecting to this head mounted portion. The head mounted portion has at least one closed curved belt (1) which has thereon at least one junction (2). At least one junction provides the closed curved belt with a nonplanar structure adaptable to the shape of the head of the user.

Abstract: Many embodiments of an airway assembly and methods of using an airway assembly are disclosed. In one embodiment, an airway assembly includes an outer tube, an inner tube disposed coaxially with the outer tube, and a seal disposed on the inner tube. The seal is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position where the seal engages an airway. Another embodiment is an airway assembly that includes an outer tube having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and an inner tube disposed coaxially with the outer tube. The inner tube has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion of the outer tube has an outer diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the distal portion of the outer tube.

Abstract: A device for positioning an infant patient in a clinically preferred position for conducting a lumbar puncture includes a board, a positioning member adjustably coupled to the board, and a locking device coupled to the positioning member for locking the positioning member in a position relative to one or both of the board or the patient. The positioning member may be configured to induce the patient into a clinically preferred position for performing a lumbar puncture on the patient.

Abstract: A hand held device generates a predetermined number of pulses of electromagnetic radiation having a predetermined electromagnetic spectrum, a predetermined duration, a predetermined inter-pulse interval, and a predetermined total energy. The pulse sequence is delivered to a skin surface to reduce or eliminate Xray or ultraviolet radiation damage to the skin surface.

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: An improved packaging for rolling papers used in roll your own smoking articles that includes a single member having an inner and an outer surface, the member being folded over towards the inner surface at each end to form a substantially parallel portion at each end and a generally open interior. The unfolded portion of the member extends along a path between the ends. The path includes at least one substantially straight planar portion and a semi-cylindrical portion. The pair of substantially parallel portions are configured such that a plurality of rolling papers may be removably packaged between the pair of substantially parallel portions. The plurality of rolling papers at least initially retains a curved shape after removal from the improved packaging such that a tobacco product may be placed in the curved portion.

Abstract: Immobilized diluents in a smoking article are provided, wherein diluents can be immobilized through absorption and/or adsorption of the diluents into immobilizing materials, such as sorbents like silica gels. By immobilizing diluents, the diluents can be available for vaporization, while still being protected from migration and/or loss of the diluents in a smoking article.

Abstract: A smoking article includes a tobacco rod, a filter located at the mouth end of the smoking article, at least one tipping material, to attach the filter to the tobacco rod, wherein the at least one tipping material includes at least one transparent section, wherein the smoking article further includes a ventilation zone upstream of the at least one transparent section. A tipping material for such a smoking article is also disclosed.

Abstract: A smoking article provides one or more sheets of material that can be rolled to a tube or shell or tube-like shape and then packaged in an unfilled or partially filled condition, one end portion of the tube or shell or tube-like shape being at least partially closed. In one embodiment, multiple sheets are rolled layers that can optionally be wrapped around a form casing (or pre-rolled inside) and then packaged with one end closed or partially closed. In another embodiment, a rod that assists in loading tobacco into the shell cavity is provided. In one embodiment, the plug takes the form of a mouthpiece.

Abstract: A packaging and applicator kit may comprise a receptacle containing a substance for application to nails that has a viscosity of at least approximately 0.3 Pa·s. The kit may also comprise at least one applicator configured to be loaded with the substance contained in the receptacle and to apply the substance to nails. The at least one applicator may comprise at least one flexible blade defining an application face.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to apparatuses and methods for improving sanitary conditions. Certain aspects relate to an apparatus having at least one protrusion for removing visible debris from a nail and at least one nail cleaning region comprising an impregnable material for containing a liquid. In one exemplary embodiment, several nail cleaning elements may be configured to each clean a different nail without cross contaminating any other nail cleaning element on the apparatus. In various exemplary embodiments, the liquid comprises an agent selected from the group consisting of: a biocide agent, moisturizing agent, a cleaning agent, and combinations thereof. Multiple nail cleaning elements may be positioned to permit the simultaneous cleaning of multiple nails without cross-contamination.

Abstract: A cosmetic applicator includes a handle, a drive coupled to the handle, an applicator head coupled to the drive, and a torque limiter coupled to or within at least one of the drive and the applicator head such that the torque applied via the applicator head does not exceed a predetermined allowable torque.

Abstract: A hair roller designed to divide the curl into layers allowing for better penetration of air throughout the hair. This, in turn, leads to shorter drying times.

Abstract: A flexible sunshade includes an elastic element having a lower end mounted to an upper end of a pole. A hub is fixed to an upper end of the elastic element. A canopy is mounted to a plurality of ribs each having an end pivotably connected to the hub. A runner is slideably mounted to the pole. A first end of each of a plurality of stretchers is pivotably connected to the runner. A second end of each stretcher is pivotably connected to one of the ribs. When the canopy, the ribs, or the hub is subjected to a force at a non-parallel angle to a longitudinal axis of the pole, the elastic element flexes to cause the hub to flex in a direction of the force, absorbing at least a portion of the force acting on the flexible sunshade.

Abstract: An outdoor umbrella includes an umbrella frame and an audio system. The umbrella includes a supporting frame and an awning frame supported by the supporting frame to define a shadowing area under the awning frame. The audio system includes at least a speaker unit supported by the umbrella frame and an audio input operatively linked to the speaker unit such that when the audio input sends an audio signal to the speaker unit, the speaker unit is adapted for producing audio effect within the shadowing area as an additional function for the outdoor umbrella.

Abstract: The present invention includes a walking cane having a handle assembly, a support assembly and foot member. The handle assembly includes first and second generally upright rigid posts. A shaft adaptable for grasping by a user's hand connects to each end of the posts. Pliable mounts dispose between the terminal ends of the shaft and each post. The mounts, biased against the shaft, permit omni-directional movement of the shaft relative to each post. The support assembly connects to the handle assembly and includes three parallel elongated rods spaced apart from one another in a triangular formation. The handle assembly can be adjusted relative to the support assembly by means of two cooperating shims. The foot member connects to the support assembly and contacts the ground. The cane provides a light-weight shaft and a shock absorbing handle assembly to assist in relieving hand, wrist and arm strains.

Abstract: A shade assembly adapted for use with deck and balcony settings. A shade cover piece is supported to a pole. The support pole includes a hub assembly for horizontally varying the diametric displacement of a number of stays and the shade cover and a hinge assembly for adjusting the angle of the shade cover relative to the support pole. Associated fasteners having channel and collar pieces adapted to rails, balusters and deck boards secure the support pole and shade cover to rails, balusters and/or deck boards of a deck, patio or balcony railing system. Split band collars compressively grip the support pole and rigidly anchor the support pole and cover piece to the railing. Alternative stay stops and non-marring fastener liners are also disclosed.

Abstract: The microvalve device includes a pilot microvalve and a pilot operated spool valve. The pilot microvalve includes a pilot input orifice; a pilot output orifice, at least one of the pilot input orifice and the pilot output orifice having a cross-section flow area that changes as the pilot microvalve is actuated; and a passageway providing fluid communication between the pilot input orifice and the pilot output orifice. The pilot operated spool valve includes a spool having a surface in fluid communication with the passageway; a spool input port; and a spool output port, at least one of the spool input port and the spool output port having a cross-section flow area that changes as the spool is actuated. The spool valve is operable by the pilot microvalve such that a ratio of the cross-sectional flow area of the spool input port to the spool output port will substantially equal to a ratio of the cross-sectional flow area of the pilot input orifice to the pilot output orifice.

Abstract: An oil pressure control device includes a plurality of solenoid valves, and a foreign matter discharge unit which carries out foreign matter discharge treatment for a treatment period composed of a first period T1 in which a current smaller than a predetermined value is supplied to one of the solenoid valves and a second period T2 in which a current equal to or larger than the predetermined value is supplied to the one of the solenoid valves, and makes timings for varying the current values different from one another so as to start supplying a current equal to or larger than the predetermined current value to another one of the solenoid valves at the beginning of the first period T1, and to start supplying a current smaller than the predetermined value to the another one of the solenoid valves at the beginning of the second period T2.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a housing having a valve bore, a valve seat, and at least one port communicating with the bore. A moveable plunger resides in the valve bore and selectively seals against the valve seat. A bobbin integral with the housing has a solenoid bore adjacent to and coaxial with the valve bore. A moveable armature resides in the solenoid bore and has an operating rod connected to the plunger. A pole piece resides in the solenoid bore adjacent the armature. A solenoid coil is wound about the bobbin. A flux conductor partially surrounding the bobbin, pole piece, and armature. An assembly method includes flowing air through the port, inserting the plunger or another sealing element into the bore while monitoring the fluid flow; and stopping the plunger or sealing element when the flow is at a preselected condition.

Abstract: An apertured rupture disc support member (32, 90) is provided for use in a rupture disc assembly (70). A rupture disc (30, 30a) comprising one or more embossed segments (80) that are complemental with the support member apertures (56) is also disclosed. The pressure relief assembly (12) is particularly suited for use in sanitary pressure relief applications.

Abstract: A control valve has a pressure chamber 24 causing a pressure to act on a valve element 21 of a check valve 20, an oil chamber 39 around the valve 21, a slot 40 formed in the valve element 21 and interconnecting the oil chamber 39 and the pressure chamber 24with each other and, a control valve 25 connected directly to a divergence portion 17 and the oil chamber 39 and capable of permitting or cutting off communication between the divergence portion 17 and the oil chamber 39 and changing an opening degree of the communication, an intra-valve-element passage 42, a slot 41 formed in an outer peripheral wall of the valve element 21 and communicating the passage 42 and the chamber 39 with each other, and a spring-return auxiliary check valve 43 for allowing pressure oil to flow from a supply passage 15 into the intra-valve-element passage 42.

Abstract: A tire air valve having the function of indicating tire pressure includes an air valve casing having an inner center post orderly installed thereon with a lower locking block, a first spring, an upper locking block and a second spring. A fixed member is secured on the upper locking block, and a cap is covered on the air valve casing and provided with an upper indicating member, a third spring, a lower indicating member and a locking ring. The upper indicating member has an outer wall formed into a low pressure region and a warning region, while the lower indicating member has an outer wall formed into a safety region. The upper and the lower locking block can completely seal up the air valve to prevent air from leaking, and a driver can judge whether tire pressure is normal by visual observation through the cap on the air valve casing.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and methods for introducing additives into a fluid flow. An additive vessel, with chambers for one or more additives, is attached to a primary flow fixture in a configuration that permits a diversion of part of the primary flow through the additive vessel then back to the outlet of the primary flow fixture. When the apparatus is engaged, a part of the primary flow is diverted to the additive vessel, combines with the additive, and then is re-introduced to the fluid stream, exiting the primary flow fixture.

Abstract: The Dual Automatic Dryer and Washing Machine Protective Basin is a drip pan sized to fit both a washer and dryer, and to contain leakage from both appliances. The position of the washer and dryer can safely be swapped, and the pan can optionally be provided with an opening directly over a floor drain, which now need not be located under the washing machine. The front wall of the basin can be sized to clear a door or pedestal drawer; alternatively, the basin can have raised spots supporting the feet of the appliance or pedestal, so as to lift doors or drawers above the front wall.

Abstract: Known water supply systems are fed from a source of water such as a tank (6) via a pump (5) to outlets which are occludable by means of a cock (C1-C3). A water pressure sensitive electrical switch (S1) is located downstream of the pump (5) and upstream of the outlets. The switch (S1) is connected in series with an electrical supply for the pump and turns the pump on in response in a drop in water pressure downstream of the switch. Similarly the pump is turned off in response to water pressure downstream to the switch reaching a predetermined minimum pressure, A control system is disclosed in the form of a timer (T) connected in parallel with the pump (5) and energized via the switch (S1). A normally closed safeguard switch (S2) is connected in series with the pump and rendered non-conductive by the timer (T) being energized for a predetermined period.

Abstract: There is provided a hydraulic fluid control line connector including first and second couplings configured to automatically seal shut when the members are disengaged. There is further provided a method for blocking contamination or pressure transfer of hydraulic fluid control lines by securing first and second couplings to corresponding ends of a hydraulic line and automatically sealing the couplings shut when the couplings are disengaged.

Abstract: A short stroke flow control device or valve which is adapted to provide velocity control trim in a short stroke. The valve constructed in accordance with the present invention comprises multiple disk stacks or cages which are separated from each other by intervening spacers, and are placed axially in a valve gallery clamped between a seat ring and bonnet of the valve. The fluid passageways in the cages are throttled in a controlled manner by a plug which defines multiple throttling elements or plug lobes, the number of plug lobes defined by the plug preferably being equal to the number of cages included in the valve. The plug lobes of the plug control the flow of fluid through the disk stacks or cages in tandem. All of the throttling elements or plug lobes of the plug, with the possible exception of the plug lobe which contacts the seat ring for closure, is larger in diameter than the remainder of the plug and has at least one kidney bean shaped flow passage extending therethrough.

Abstract: A device for controlling fluid motion in a micro/nanofluidic structure of channels by means of surface acoustic waves is described. The device comprises a structured volume of material bearing a predetermined configuration of micro/nanofluidic channels for holding and transferring amounts of fluids adapted to define at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet and presenting a hydrophobic behaviour for the fluids to be handled and a substrate made of material with piezoelectric properties coupled to the micro/nanofluidic channels.

Abstract: A method of making a system for transferring fluidic media may include placing a reservoir body in an aseptic environment; filling an interior volume of the reservoir body with fluidic media; placing a plunger head into the reservoir body, the plunger head adapted to be movable in an axial direction within the reservoir body; removing the reservoir body from the aseptic environment; and attaching a casing adjacent to at least a portion of the reservoir body with the reservoir body outside the aseptic environment, the casing configured to envelope at least a portion of a plunger arm operatively connected to the plunger head, the casing further configured to allow the plunger arm to move in the axial direction relative to the reservoir body and at least partially within the reservoir body.

Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a system for recalculating a formula previously used in preparing a mixture made from adding at least two components. The system includes a control apparatus and scale. The control apparatus has a memory for storing the mixture formula. The scale, in communication with the control apparatus, allows the control apparatus to monitor a weight on the scale, such that a final weight of the mixture is stored on the memory. When an end weight of the mixture, defined to be the final weight of the mixture previously prepared minus an amount used by a user, is positioned back on the scale and when the control apparatus receives a recalculation signal, the control apparatus calculates the amount used, recalculates the mixture based on the amount used, and stores a new mixture for subsequent use.

Abstract: A dual-purpose railcar is provided, designed for hauling of bitumen or diluent, optimized to provide transport of bitumen to a destination and transport of diluent in the return trip of the car.

Abstract: A portable system for transferring liquids such as fuels from a first tank to a second tank. The first tank may be, for example, a railcar and the second tank a transport trailer. The portable system is separated into multiple compartments with an engine compartment and a pump compartment. A wall separates the engine and pump compartments and may be sealed to prevent the passage of air or vapor therethrough. The pump is utilized to transfer liquid from the first tank to the second tank.

Abstract: A receptacle for the weighing-in of free-flowing substances has a fill opening, a tubular-shaped circumference wall, and a bottom part. The bottom part is connected to the tubular-shaped circumference wall, which it tightly closes off in the direction of gravity when the weighing receptacle is in its operating position. The weighing receptacle can be set on the weighing pan of a balance and can be filled like a beaker with free-flowing substances without allowing the latter to escape therefrom. The bottom part can be opened either by an outside force acting on the weighing receptacle and/or through the influence of a solvent acting on the weighing receptacle, forming an outlet orifice in the bottom part. The weighing receptacle, otherwise tightly sealed in the direction of gravity, can be flushed out with a fluid when the outlet orifice is opened.

Abstract: A multi axis robot is mounted in a fuel transfer housing. A programmable controller is connected to the robot. A control console receives instructions, from a vehicle operator who remains in an operator's station, and transmits instructions to the controller. Cameras locate the vehicle fueling port. A tube is extended from the transfer housing toward the fueling port. The port is opened by robot arm and tools extending through the tube. The cap is stored. A fuel discharge is connected to the port. A fuel pump is activated and then deactivated. The fuel discharge is removed from the port. The robot retrieves the fuel cap, closes the port and closes other port covers. The tube is retracted into the transfer housing. During fueling air and fuel vapors are sucked into the housing. Filters separate air. Captured fuel is returned to storage. The operator and vehicle separate from the fuel housing.

Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a system for recalculating a formula previously used in preparing a mixture made from adding at least two components. The system includes a control apparatus and scale. The control apparatus has a memory for storing the mixture formula. The scale, in communication with the control apparatus, allows the control apparatus to monitor a weight on the scale, such that a final weight of the mixture is stored on the memory. When an end weight of the mixture, defined to be the final weight of the mixture previously prepared minus an amount used by a user, is positioned back on the scale and when the control apparatus receives a recalculation signal, the control apparatus calculates the amount used, recalculates the mixture based on the amount used, and stores a new mixture for subsequent use.

Abstract: In, for example, a direct methanol type fuelcell, fuel is allowed to be injected little by little when the fuel is injected and supplied from the outside to a fuel receiving part reduced in the amount of remaining fuel on the fuelcell body side and an electromotive part can be prevented from being damaged by keeping the pressure in the fuel receiving part at a fixed level or less when the fuel is injected. Specifically, when a fuel CL filled in a refuelling container C is injected into a fuel receiving part T in several lots, a fuel injecting operation is repeated in which the volume of the refuelling container C is shrunk and reduced to supply the fuel into the fuel receiving part T in a proper amount and then the original volume of the refuelling container is restored to thereby absorb the atmospheric gas in the fuel receiving part T, which makes it possible to inject fuel continuously without any hindrance to the injection of the fuel.

Abstract: A tread is configured to have three rows of tread elements, a center row and a pair of shoulder rows, the center row forming a circumferential rib positioned at an equatorial centerplane of the tread. Each shoulder row has a repeating circumferential array of upwardly extending elongate groove fingers, adjacent groove fingers within the repeating array of each shoulder row of groove fingers being connected by at least one laterally extending channel. An array of serrations line each longitudinal side of the channels, each serration defined by inward tapering serration sidewalls extending to a serration base surface. Each channel is submerged below an outward tread surface such that the submerged channel will emerge as the tread wears down.

Abstract: A tire tread comprising a plurality of sipes (30), each sipe being delimited by two opposing main walls (31, 32), each of the said walls consisting of a mean surface of which the intersection with the tread surface in the initial condition forms an edge, the mean width of each sipe measured as the mean distance between the edges formed by the opposing main walls (31, 32) of the said sipe on the tread surface in the initial condition is at least equal to 1.5 mm, each of the main walls (31, 32) comprising at least one locking region (310, 320), each locking region collaborating with a locking region opposite in such a way as to mechanically block relative movements of the said walls at least when the tire is in contact with the road surface.

Abstract: The energy efficient wheel product substantially reduces energy loss due to tire flex and energy loss from a conventional automotive drive train. The wheel product includes an axis, a hub, two sidewalls, a low pressure inner chamber with shock absorbing hub protector, an outer ring with at least one high pressure pneumatic chamber with tread, and at least one restraint band radially restraining the outer ring to the hub. The hub can include an electric hub motor which rotates the hub, propelling the vehicle. The restraint band, sidewalls and pressurized chambers enable the wheel to simulate an energy efficient high pressure pneumatic wheel, experiencing little deformation when under smooth road conditions. When road conditions are rough, the band, sidewalls and outer chamber can temporarily buckle in response to the increased road forces, simulating a low pressure conventional tire having ample space for deformation.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite structure by compacting layers of laminate material within a mold and then curing the layers of laminate material within the mold.

Abstract: A labeling machine for labels printed on continuous film, comprising, in an intermediate position between a motorized reel and a feed roller, a tunnel provided with suction elements adapted to determine on the film in transit inside it an attraction that gives it a bent configuration, elements being provided which are adapted to control the depth of the bend, the tunnel being provided with a bottom and a lid that are adapted to align the film at a constant height.