Abstract: Compositions, methods and systems are provided for pulmonary or nasal delivery of two or more active agents via a metered dose inhaler. In one embodiment, the compositions include a suspension medium, active agent particles, and suspending particles, in which the active agent particles and suspending particles form a co-suspension within the suspension medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inhaler for powdered, particularly medical substances, comprising a suction air duct that extends to a mouthpiece, a reservoir for the substance, and an at least linearly movable dosing chamber for separating a specific amount of the substance from the reservoir and placing the amount into a transfer position in order for the same to be transferred to the suction air flow. In order to further develop a generic inhaler in an advantageous manner, especially so as to charge the dosing chamber by separating a specific amount of substance from the reservoir, the dosing chamber can be rotationally moved in a superimposed fashion while being arranged eccentric to a corresponding axis of rotation.

Abstract: It becomes possible to stably deliver an inhaled particulate medicine to a targeted part for administration while reducing burdens on a patient. When supplying the particulate medicine into a body by an airflow, a multi-layer flow composed of a core airflow (A) and a clad airflow (B) outside the core airflow is used as the airflow. The medicine is dispersed in the core airflow (A) and velocity of the clad airflow (B) is set higher than that of the core airflow (A). The medicine dispersed in the core airflow (A) reaches the targeted part for administration while the medicine is protected by the clad airflow (B) without contacting a larynx and the like. A cross-sectional area of the airflow is set smaller than that of the larynx. The airflow is supplied to an upper side of the larynx.

Abstract: The Stay Put Cannula is a medical device which will be used to place and keep gas (usually oxygen) delivery tubes in the patient's nostrils so that the nostril tubes do not easily fall out or are moved. The Stay Put Cannula can also be used to keep other similar tubes such as intravenous tubes in place as well. The Stay Put Cannula can also save nurses and other medical providers time and effort by not having to frequently check and reinsert the nostril tube.

Abstract: A powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) for delivering a forced flow of filtered air to a wearer is disclosed.

Abstract: A nasal cannula ventilation system is described for treating lung disease or for exercise conditioning, incorporating a Venturi system. The ventilation cannula comprises unique positioning features to positively locate a gas delivery nozzle in an optimal location to optimize Venturi performance, patient comfort and fitment to the patient. The cannula is low profile, making it as realistic to wear and use as a standard oxygen cannula, and is simple rending the cost reasonable. The ventilation cannula uses a simple low cost ventilator as a gas delivery control system which is compatible with existing gas sources. The system is used (1) during stationary use to unrest the respiratory muscles to increase tolerance to activity after a treatment session, or (2) to enable activity within a distance from a stationary gas source, (3) during ambulatory use using a portable gas source to enable mobility, and (4) for enhanced fitness conditioning.

Abstract: A manual emergency resuscitator uses a volume control system having pre-defined setting to accommodate patients of different sizes. An upper plate 305 is attached to a front hinge assembly 103 and a lower housing assembly is attached to the front hinge assembly. The lower housing assembly defines the lower portions of an accordion chamber 206. A selection void 300 is defined within the upper plate 305, with the selection void further defined by voids indexed to a closed position, infant position, child position and an adult position. A volume selector cord 201 has a first end attached to a volume selector, with the volume selector contained within the selection void. Placing the volume selector into one of the predefined positions regulates the amount of air delivered by the resuscitator.

Abstract: Methods are provided for protecting against ventilation-induced lung injury both directly, by lowering surface tension, and indirectly, by promoting equitable liquid distribution in pulmonary alveolar edema, in which liquid- and air-filled alveoli are normally interspersed. Since a pressure barrier is responsible for trapping liquid in discrete edematous alveoli and the magnitude of the barrier is proportional to surface tension at the air-liquid interface, the present invention provides various means for promoting equitable redistribution of edema liquid amongst alveoli to help protect the lung during ventilation, including: i) use of an additive that lowers surface tension; ii) use of active, accelerated deflation during mechanical ventilation; and iii) high frequency (>50 Hz) vibration of the lung.

Abstract: A cushion for a patient interface that delivers breathable gas to a patient includes a base wall structured to be connected to a frame, an underlying support cushion extending away from the base wall towards the patient's face in use, and a membrane provided to substantially cover at least a portion of the underlying cushion. The membrane is adapted to form a continuous seal on the patient's face. The underlying cushion has a spring-like connection with the base wall. The underlying cushion and/or base wall define a spring constant that varies along a length of the seal.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly includes a frame, a forehead support, and an adjustment mechanism including a single finger-operated push button to allow selective adjustment of the forehead support relative to the frame. The frame includes a support arm and a housing provided to a free end of the support arm. The housing includes a front side including a closed configuration, a rear side, and a receiving space extending from the rear side and structured to slidably receive a slider of the forehead support. The forehead support is slidably mounted for linear movement in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the support arm. The single finger-operated push button includes a portion that extends through an opening provided in a top side of the housing.

Abstract: A cushion for a patient interface that delivers breathable gas to a patient includes a base wall structured to be connected to a frame, an underlying support cushion extending away from the base wall towards the patient's face in use, and a membrane provided to substantially cover at least a portion of the underlying cushion. The membrane is adapted to form a continuous seal on the patient's face. The underlying cushion has a spring-like connection with the base wall. The underlying cushion and/or base wall define a spring constant that varies along a length of the seal.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods that utilize a tracheal tube with pressure distribution features. For certain patients, the vocal cords may form a seal with an inserted tracheal tube. A pressure distribution lumen may allow fluid communication between tracheal space above and below the vocal cords. This in turn may reduce the formation of a vacuum seal forming around a suction lumen evacuation port. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments provide improved suctioning by distributing the pressure around the evacuation port and the space above the vocal cords.

Abstract: An airway [(10, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1410, 1510, 1610, 710, 1810, 2010, 2110, 2210, 2310, 2410, 2510, 2610, 2710, 2810, 2910, 3010, 3110, 3210, 3310, 3810) device for human or animal use, the device includes an airway tube (12) having a first end (14) and a second end (16), wherein the device further includes a shoulder (26), the shoulder extends laterally from and substantially perpendicular to the airway tube, the shoulder is adapted to contact the faucial pillars of the human or animal patient to prevent over-insertion of the device in use.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a nasal guide. The nasal guide includes a pair of supports adapted to be positioned adjacent nostrils of a nose of a patient. The nasal guide includes a bridge connecting the pair of supports. The bridge is usable to adjust positioning of the pair of supports. Each of the pair of supports forms one or more lumens configured to receive one or more medical instruments. The one or more lumens are shaped for insertion into a nasal cavity of the nose.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a nasal cannula comprising a pair of oxygen tube holders connected via a strap, the nasal cannula securing device being positionable behind the head of a patient and slightly below the patient's ears so as to secure the nasal cannula in place.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for adjusting a support to a body are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn by a bed-stricken individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include adjustable supports which conform the assembly to the patient's body and which also help to distribute one or more fluid pad assemblies relative to the body.

Abstract: An automated tissue retention system generally comprises an oral appliance retractably coupled to a covering which is secured to an anterior portion of the tongue. Once placed within a subject's mouth, the appliance may be maintained in a closed configuration while the subject's mouth remains closed. However, as the subject sleeps and the tongue becomes hypotonic, the subject's month typically opens during a sleep disordered event. The appliance may be actuated by the separation between the mandible and maxilla to have greater tension and thus retract or pull anteriorly the covering adhered to the tongue. As the covering pulls the tongue anteriorly or maintains a position of the tongue, the base of the tongue may be inhibited or prevented from collapsing posteriorly against the phryngeal tissue walls and thereby allow the subject to breathe normally.

Abstract: A drape (600) suitable for covering non-planar surfaces of equipment (1201) is provided. The drape (600) facilitates quick and efficient deployment while ensuring that a sterile field established by a drape portion (601) is not compromised. The drape (600) can include a drape wrapping layer (209) wrapped about a drape portion (601) that is formed initially with two abutting elongated accordion fold stacks (604,605). Non-sterile personnel (801) can handle the drape wrapping layer (209) to position the drape (600) along surfaces of the equipment (1201) without touching the sterile drape portion (601). Sterile personnel can then expand the abutting elongated accordion fold stacks (604,605) to drape the surfaces of the equipment (1201).

Abstract: A surgical wound closure device including a substrate having a proximal surface and a distal surface; a drape having a proximal surface and a distal surface, and being disposed proximally to said substrate; and an adhesive layer having a proximal surface and a distal surface; said drape being disposed releasably adherently to said distal surface of said adhesive layer. Also provided is a surgical procedure including the steps of providing a surgical wound closure device positioning the proximal surface of said adhesive layer on a patient; separating said substrate from said drape and adhesive layer to expose said distal surface of said drape; making a surgical incision through said drape; performing a surgical procedure; removing said drape from said adhesive layer to expose said distal surface of said adhesive layer; aligning said substrate and said adhesive layer; and adhering said proximal surface of said substrate to said adhesive layer.

Abstract: An orthosis with at least one holding element (4, 15, 22) for placing on a body part and securing the holding element (4, 15, 22) with at least one securing means (7, 12, 18), with which two ends of the holding element (4, 15, 22) bearing on the body part can be connected to each other with tensioning, wherein the at least one holding element is designed without a stable shaped part and allows the bandage to be applied using one hand, i.e.

Abstract: By placing material made of foam or gel between the heel of the shoes and the heel of your foot, clipped onto the back by a thin metal strip and also held secure by adhesive. This creation is not only is comfortable, but adds style to your outfit or look. The thin metal attachment which is held in place by two equal pieces of material, center, then folded outward to allow the attachment of embellishments, adds not only comfort, but also opens up fashion ideas and options. Presently there is no item that cannot be found in the market today that is a solution to this problem, which cover the top rim of the shoe.

Abstract: Embodiments provide cigarette rolling and forming devices that include parallel cylinders extending between a pair of support plates, and a looped belt trained therearound. One cylinder is moveable relative to the other via a pair of curvilinear slots, and the device is configured for alternately receiving and compressing loose tobacco into a tobacco rod with the belt. In some devices, a nozzle is provided to allow longitudinal displacement of the formed tobacco rod into a pre-formed cigarette tube, and some devices include a pushing device to effect this longitudinal displacement. Some devices include a support trough disposed to prevent sections of the belt from contacting each other, and some devices include a clamping device configured to clamp a pre-formed cigarette tube on the nozzle to prevent its dislodging during use.

Abstract: A device for treating a pincer nail includes a user-controlled rotary wand with grinding tip for passage along the nail bed. The speed of the grinding tip is variably controlled by a rheostat/motor combination. Safety sensors sense the temperature at the nail bed and along the wand so as to either warn the user of undesirable temperatures being approached and/or cease power to the grinding tip.

Abstract: A color ready wig and a method for making the same is disclosed. The color ready wig comprises a substrate having a plurality of hair strands with the hair cuticle being removed from the strands. The substrate accepts any dye or hair coloring for training purposes without bleaching the substrate.

Abstract: A rod for dispensing liquid to enable the penning of hair, wherein the rod comprises: a body around which in use hair is wrapped, said body comprising: a plurality of holes; and a chamber for holding liquid in fluid communication with the plurality of holes; wherein in use liquid is dispensed from the holes of the body thereby contacting the hair wrapped around the rod to enable perming of the hair.

Abstract: A vacuum exhaust method of a substrate processing apparatus, after opening to the atmosphere, depressurizes a vacuum processing chamber having therein a mounting table for mounting a target substrate thereon. The vacuum exhaust method includes covering a surface of the mounting table with a protection member; sealing the vacuum processing chamber; vacuum evacuating the sealed vacuum processing chamber; and adsorbing at least one of foreign substances and out-gases by the protection member.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for fabricating a semiconductor device. The apparatus includes a mechanical structure that is operable to secure a position of a semiconductor wafer. The wafer has a front surface and a back surface. The apparatus includes a wafer cleaning device that is operable to clean a predetermined region of the wafer on the back surface. The predetermined region of the wafer at least partially overlaps with one or more alignment marks. The present disclosure also provides a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. The method includes loading a semiconductor wafer into a wafer handling system. The method includes removing contaminant particles from an edge region of the wafer from the back side. The alignment marks are located in the edge region. The method includes collecting the removed contaminant particles and discarding the collected contaminant particles out of the wafer handling system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing waste from a soiled container that houses laboratory animals and has an opening is disclosed. The apparatus includes a conveyor having a receiving end for receiving containers from a stack of containers. The stack is disposed such that the openings are upwardly oriented. The apparatus also includes a manipulator that aligns with and engages an uppermost container of the stack and causes the uppermost container to be separated from the stack and to be flipped over onto the receiving end of the conveyor such that the opening is downwardly disposed. Waste discarded from the container falls through openings in the conveyor, and a waste receptacle disposed below the conveyor collects the discarded waste. The conveyor advances to transport the container away from the receiving end toward a discharge end of the conveyor.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a filtration system that can be configured in a chopping or filtration only arrangement. A check valve cover attached to an accumulator is inserted into a main intake of a sump and divides the main intake into a fluid recirculation chamber in communication with a recirculation intake port, and a separate fluid draining chamber in communication with a drain port. When a drain pump is actuated, fluid is pulled from the accumulator through the drain port until pressure within the fluid draining chamber drops below the pressure of the sump and a check valve in the check valve cover is forced open, allowing fluid to be channeled out of the fluid recirculation chamber into the fluid draining chamber. Optionally, a fine filter system can replace the convertible filtration system, whereby the main intake is in fluid communication with both the recirculation intake port and the drain port.

Abstract: An appliance is disclosed for improving the accuracy of turbidity measurements. In an exemplary embodiment, the appliance includes a turbidity sensor and at least one processing device in communication with the turbidity sensor. The at least one processing device is configured to conduct a measurement of turbidity with the turbidity sensor exposed to air instead of water so as to provide a reference output from the turbidity sensor exposed to air; measure a turbidity of a fluid in the appliance during operation of the appliance with the turbidity sensor exposed to the fluid so as to provide a measurement output from the turbidity sensor exposed to the fluid; determine a temperature of the fluid; and apply an offset to the measurement output in order to provide an adjusted output, the adjusted output compensating for the difference in output of the turbidity sensor in water instead of air and for the temperature of the fluid.

Abstract: A robot cleaner includes a body to travel on a floor, an obstacle sensing unit to sense an obstacle approaching the body, an auxiliary cleaning unit mounted to a bottom of the body, to be extendable and retractable, and a control unit to control extension or retraction of the auxiliary cleaning unit when the obstacle is sensed, through adjustment of an extension or retraction degree of the auxiliary cleaning unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cleaning wafers while preventing pattern collapse of the wafers in semiconductor device fabrication, the wafer having at its surface an uneven pattern and containing silicon element at least on surfaces of recessed portions. Provided is: a liquid chemical for forming a protective film which allows efficient cleaning; and a method for cleaning wafers, using the liquid chemical. A liquid chemical for forming a water repellent protective film is provided for forming a protective film on a wafer (having at its surface an uneven pattern and containing silicon element at least at a part of the uneven pattern), the protective film being formed at least on surfaces of recessed portions of the uneven pattern at the time of cleaning the wafer. The liquid chemical contains a dialkylsilyl compound represented by the formula [1] and does not contain an acid and a base.

Abstract: A cleaning or care device for the cleaning or care of medical or dental instruments, having a cleaning or care chamber in which at least two connections for the instruments to be cleaned are provided, and a supply device for supplying the at least two connections with a cleaning or care agent. The at least two connections and the supply device can be moved relative to one another in such a way that one of the connections can be connected to the supply device and supplied with a cleaning or care agent, while another of the connections is not connected to the supply device and cannot be supplied with a cleaning or care agent. A corresponding method for the cleaning or care of medical or dental instruments with such a cleaning or care device is also described.

Abstract: The base plate of a robotic or manually propelled tank or pool cleaning apparatus includes a transverse conduit positioned on the interior surface of the base plate and is in fluid communication with a source of pressurized water that is also located within the pool cleaner's housing, which pressurized water is discharged from the bottom or lower portion of the transverse conduit through a plurality of openings that extend along a line that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pool cleaner's direction of travel, to produce downwardly-directed water jets that are discharged through and below the base plate towards the surface of the pool or tank over which the pool cleaning apparatus is moving to dislodge and suspend dirt and debris that is then drawn into and retained by the pool cleaner's filter.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub at least partially forming a treating chamber, a dish rack provided within the wash chamber, and a spray manifold. The spray manifold can have multiple apertures and/or sprayers for emitting wash liquid to define a spray zone.

Abstract: Disclosed are a liquid processing device, and a liquid processing method. The liquid processing method includes a first process that includes supplying a first processing liquid to the substrate and discharging the first processing liquid within the processing space from a first discharge path, a second process that includes supplying a second processing liquid to the substrate and discharging the second processing liquid within the processing space from the second discharge path, and after stop supplying of the first processing liquid and prior to beginning of the second process, a nozzle switching operation switching from the first nozzle to the second nozzle and a discharge mechanism switching operation switching from the first discharge path to the second discharge path are performed.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a container sterilization method, washing method, and system which retain food hygiene manufacturing standards and a required production line speed, as well as reducing the amount of treatment fluids used such as pharmaceutical fluid, hot water and aseptic water. The container sterilization method and washing method of the present invention is a method in which a container is sterilized/washed using a treatment fluid, and the sterilization step and/or washing step are divided into at least two parts. By storing and pumping upwards the treatment fluid supplied from one part of the divided sterilization or washing step after use, the treatment fluid can be supplied in series to the other part of the same divided sterilization or washing step.

Abstract: A novel approach to the method of removing and preventing redeposition of protein soils on surfaces using sugar esters is disclosed. Protein deposition and streaking and spotting are common on machine washed dishes. Applicants have found a new method of recycling a sump water composition in an automatic dish machine from a first cleaning cycle into subsequent cleaning cycles using a protein-removing/anti-redeposition agent that can remove and prevent redeposition of protein soils on ware washed surfaces.

Abstract: A teat cup cleaning device having a heating chamber, provided with a discharge which is closable by a valve, and arranged for connection to a teat cup. A filling device is provided for filling the heating chamber with an amount of cleaning liquid, and a heating arrangement is arranged to heat the contents of the heating chamber to a temperature T higher than the boiling point Tk of the cleaning liquid at ambient pressure. The valve opens in this situation to deliver the heated cleaning liquid to the teat cup. The teat cup cleaning device also comprising a connecting line between a liquid supply and the discharge.

Abstract: An improved self-anchoring umbrella, the umbrella comprising a canopy and pole, a retractable auger disposed within the pole of the umbrella. The retractable auger is operated using an electric motor and portable power source, and a switch allowing a user to provide power to the electric motor which rotates a drive head with spiral teeth engaged within spiral grooves in the pole. The umbrella may further include a table portion, and extendable stabilizing legs disposed in the lower portion of the pole. When the auger portion is screwed into sand or other surface and the stabilizing legs are engaged with the surface, the invention provides a stable umbrella for outdoor recreation and other purposes.

Abstract: In a cantilever parasol having a mast, two main arms (18, 32) proceeding laterally from the mast and coupled to each other in a scissors-type manner, and a linkage of bars for supporting a cover, provision is made that a first main arm (18) extends from an upper mast bearing through a slit in the cover to a vertical arm of the linkage of bars. At least one sealing means (50) is provided for sealing the slit in the cover.

Abstract: A safety device provides a retractable gripping device for use in conjunction with walking assistance devices such that a user may safely navigate on slippery surfaces. An activating mechanism is provided for user convenience. A locking mechanism moves into a locked position. To deactivate the gripping device, the user again activates a deactivating device to return the gripping device back to its retracted, deactivated position. The gripping device is configured such that it may be used in conjunction with existing walking assistance devices. The retractable gripping mechanism and locking device are preferably controlled by the user with minimal effort, with the control mechanism positioned at or near where the users hands are positioned during use.

Abstract: A walking aid has a safety assembly installed on a main frame for helping a brake assembly stop a rotation of a wheel set thereof. Namely, by means of a brake handle of the brake assembly being secured by the safety assembly, the wheel set is firmly fixed to prevent the walking aid from instability in case of any unintentional collision.

Abstract: A mechanical assembly (1) for the connection between a first modular element (3) and a second modular element (6) of telescopic poles having a diameter (D1) lower than the other (D2) and being slidingly coupled each other, in such a way as to axially protrude one (6) from the other (3) at a common end (4); the mechanical assembly (1) comprises a grasping device (2; 51), fixed to a modular element (3) at the end (4) and, in particular, a cursor (5) operable by the user, axially movable along the modular elements (3, 6) and cooperating with an elastically yielding portion (7; 52), belonging to the grasping device (2; 51) and protruding from the end (4), in order to set the elastically yielding portion (7; 52) between a rest position, in which the elastically yielding portion (7; 52) is released and the modular elements (6) are free to slide, and an operating position, in which the elastically yielding portion (7; 52) is compressed by the cursor (5) in such a way to block the relative movement between the modula

Abstract: A shelter structure arranged to be deployed from a stowed configuration above a vehicle to a deployed configuration, having a number of elongate stays for supporting a flexible awning, the stays being movable to fan out from a stowed configuration to a fanned out configuration when deployed. The structure is provided with a mounting permitting the structure to move with respect to the mounting when deployed to selectively cover alternative sheltered zones in a deployed configuration.

Abstract: A canopy system comprising a shading element, a support element, and an attachment element member. The canopy system is adapted to provide shade over at least a portion of an above-ground container. The canopy system is configured to maintain its structure during slightly windy and mild weather conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for an umbrella mechanism with an outer and inner shaft, a plurality of ribs connected with the outer shaft and a canopy supported by the plurality of ribs are provided. The plurality of ribs are configured into a substantially “V” shape when the umbrella mechanism is in a closed position, such that upon opening the umbrella into an open position, the plurality of ribs opens vertically before expanding horizontally, thus avoiding inadvertent contact of the umbrella with a user during the opening operation. The umbrella mechanism may be handheld or mounted to a structure such as a backpack, chair, table, patio or house, and may be operated by an enclosed motor. The motor may be powered by a battery, solar panel embedded into the canopy or an outside power source.

Abstract: Detent actuators may comprise an elongate arm member, a detent button actuating surface, a receiving region, and a mounting structure. The detent button actuating surface may be sized and configured to actuate a detent button. The receiving region may be sized and configured to receive at least one of a finger and a thumb. The mounting structure may be sized and configured to facilitate mounting of the elongate arm to a structure that is selectively slidable relative to a structure comprising the detent button. Additionally, foldable apparatus may comprise a post comprising a detent button, a fitting slidably coupled to the post, and a detent button actuator coupled to the fitting. Methods of operating a detent button may comprise applying a force to a receiving region of a detent button actuator and depressing the detent button with a detent button actuating surface.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for detecting and locating an arc fault in a photovoltaic solar power array. A plurality of capacitors divide strings of photovoltaic cells into a series of magnetic loops. When an arc fault occurs within one of the loops, a time-varying magnetic field is produced, with flux lines emanating from the area enclosed by the loop. At least three magnetic field sensors arranged at locations in or around the solar power array detect the spectral signature of the arc fault, and send related data to a computer via a communication network. The computer analyzes the data from the sensors to determine the location of the arc fault.

Abstract: A thin film solar cell module according to an embodiment of the invention includes a substrate, a plurality of solar cells each including a first electrode on the substrate, a second electrode on the first electrode, and a photoelectric conversion unit between the first electrode and the second electrode, a ribbon positioned on each of first and second outermost solar cells among the solar cells, and a conductive adhesive part positioned between the first outermost solar cell and the ribbon and between the second outermost solar cell and the ribbon. The conductive adhesive part positioned between the second electrode of the first outermost solar cell and the ribbon includes a first connector, which is electrically connected to the first electrode, the photoelectric conversion unit, and the second electrode of the first outermost solar cell.