Abstract: A thermal insulator includes a plurality of insulation layers with a first insulation layer spaced apart from a second insulation layer such that there is an open gap there between. At least one of the first insulation layer or the second insulation layer includes a substrate and an infrared-reflective coating on the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a zero-emission renewable heating system utilizing a thermal energy capacitor system using solar power as its source of heat, and more particularly, to a solar thermal capacitor system using an solar concentrators and a molten salt cell with thermal storage capability.

Abstract: The field of invention relates generally to roof systems and particularly to sloped roofs, which can incorporate a ridge vent to exhaust hot attic gases. More particularly, the invention serves not only as an improved roof venting system but also acts as a solar water heater. The invention uses a novel method of utilizing hot escaping gasses from the attic space to heat water from below in its integrated solar collector as well as utilizing a system of baffles to exclude precipitation while also incorporating a clear panel to heat water from the sun's rays while venting hot gases from the attic space below.

Abstract: A multi-section heat-pipe solar collector includes a heat-exchanging pipe and at least one heat-collecting module. The heat-collecting module includes a heat pipe and a plurality of heat-collecting plates serially connected on one side of the heat pipe at intervals. One end of the heat pipe is inserted into the heat-exchanging pipe. The heat-collecting plates are arranged on the other end of the heat pipe in multiple sections and have different heat transfer characteristics respectively.

Abstract: A heating arrangement includes a heater producing radiant heat and a reflector coupled with the heater, wherein the reflector has a reflecting board to reflect and concentrate the radiant heat.

Abstract: Compositions comprising C5 and C6 monosaccharides and low levels of undesirable impurities, such as compounds containing sulfur, nitrogen, or metals, are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions comprising C5 and C6 monosaccharides and low levels of undesirable impurities, such as compounds containing sulfur, nitrogen, or metals, are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a solution formulation for nasal administration comprising azelastine, beclomethasone dipropionate, a co-solvent, an acid and an HFA propellant.

Abstract: A combination stylet and laryngotracheal anesthetizing cannula for insertion within an endotracheal tube during intubation, and which guides the endotracheal tube from its interior during insertion within the patient's trachea, in combination with more efficiently anesthetizing the insertion region both before and during such as the intubation procedure. An attachable vial contains a reservoir of a topical anesthetic or other pharmacological agent, and which attaches to an end of the flexible body in proximity to a stop lock shaped portion, in turn exhibiting an annular end abutment lip or shoulder which, upon insertion within the endotracheal tube, defines an inserting limit to the stylet and outer flexible body. The elongated flexible body defines further includes a narrowed distal extension associated with the topical anesthetizing cannula projecting beyond an end configuration of the main body and, to a limited degree, beyond the distal end of the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: The invention provides for a sorbent composition comprising Fe(IV), Fe(V), Fe(VI), and/or a mixture of thereof. (“the ferrate compound”), wherein upon exposure to CO2 and moisture, the sorbent composition absorbs CO2 and co-generates O2, and materials, systems and methods of using this sorbent composition.

Abstract: A fluid delivery connection includes a cuff to engage a port. A finger extends away from the cuff, and the finger is configured to interact with the port. A locking sleeve is movably disposed at least partially about the cuff and the finger. The locking sleeve is selectively movable between an unlocked configuration wherein the finger is movable and a locked configuration wherein the finger is secured to the port. A method of connection to a gas port includes moving a locking sleeve of a connector into an unlocked configuration. A finger of the connector is translated along the gas port and the locking sleeve is moved into a locked configuration.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for providing adaptive base flow scheduling during ventilation of a patient to optimize patient-machine synchrony and accuracy of estimated exhaled as well as inhaled tidal volumes. Further, this disclosure describes systems and methods for providing adaptive inspiratory trigger threshold scheduling during the adaptive base flow scheduling. Further still, this disclosure describes systems and methods for determining an estimated leak flow and adjusting the adaptive base flow scheduling and the adaptive inspiratory trigger threshold scheduling based on the estimated leak flow. Moreover, this disclosure describes systems and methods for determining a change in the estimated leak flow and adjusting the adaptive base flow scheduling and the adaptive inspiratory trigger threshold scheduling based on the change in the estimated leak flow.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for piloting a pneumatic valve using one or more piezoelectric blowers. According to embodiments, the one or more piezoelectric blowers may be coupled to the pneumatic valve to form a small, light-weight pneumatic valve that may be placed proximal to a ventilated patient, e.g., at the patient wye or the patient interface. Due to the close coupling of the one or more piezoelectric blowers, the pneumatic valve has a substantially shorter response time than traditional pneumatically piloted valves. Moreover, when piezoelectric blowers are coupled to the pneumatic valve in parallel, response time may be further decreased. Additionally or alternatively, when piezoelectric blowers are coupled to the pneumatic valve in series, pilot pressure may be increased as a function of the number of piezoelectric blowers in the series.

Abstract: A cast support system for removing a cast and methods of removing a cast described herein have the advantage over prior art devices and methods by permitting hands free, improved immobilization of the cast on a patient's body member, and patient comfort while the cast is being removed from the patient's body.

Abstract: A sterile imaging head protective apparatus includes a radiolucent rigid sheet configured to cover an imaging head of an X-ray imaging machine and a sterile flexible drape attached to the radiolucent rigid sheet. The drape extends away from the radiolucent rigid sheet to an open free end. A member is provided adjacent the open end, wherein the member is operable to maintain the open end in abutment with a portion of the X-ray imaging machine.

Abstract: An aerobic mouthguard having a plurality of treads intermittent to one of a plurality of recesses forming an oral footprint and or an opposite oral footprint for larger oral shock diffusion and larger oral osmotic equilibrium. Each oral footprint may comprise a plurality of ducts and v-cuts that taper toward their posterior end for retaining larger oral fluids. The aerobic mouthguard can comprise a single rigid footprint for stress related contact sports or a double elastic footprint for stress-free dental therapy and treatment. A tab defining a lip footprint can be forwardly part of the aerobic mouthguard, and a tether or a drool cup having one or more drool pads can be forwardly part of the tab for larger oral osmotic equilibrium to prevent tooth loss.

Abstract: Described are surgical drapes and system with universal application to heavy equipment useful in operating room environments. Surgical drape systems of the invention are particularly capable of covering patient support machinery such as hoists, lifts, and slings, whether the equipment is mobile or stationary, or configured as a floor-based or as an over head support/lifting system. The drapes of the current invention provide for protecting the equipment from exposure to surgical biohazard waste e.g.; blood or body fluids, as well as providing the ability to use equipment that is otherwise not presently allowed to enter into an operating room because of the impossibility to render such equipment sterile. The drapes further allow for the holding, lifting and positioning of the patient whole body or limbs while maintaining sterility during prepping and surgical procedures. Also included are support slings for use with the drapes.

Abstract: A heel protection method and device for the protection of heel ulcers includes an inflatable bladder adapted to be positioned adjacent a calf of a patient and a sensor adapted to be positioned adjacent a heel of the patient for detecting pressure at the heel. A microprocessor is adapted to receive a signal related to pressure at the heel, from which it determines whether an allowable level has been exceeded. If an excessive pressure level is sensed, the microprocessor transmits a signal to a separate device that alerts the caregiver to inflate the inflatable bladder or automatically by way of a pump operatively connected to the microprocessor. The method and device avoids excessive pressure at the heel by sensing the pressure at the heel, and redistributing the pressure from the heel to the calf if an allowable pressure level has been exceeded.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a smoking article from a wrapped tobacco rod and a filter material wrapped to form a filter plug. The method utilizes nozzle-applied cold glue adhesive rather than roller-applied adhesive applied to tipping material, which connects the tobacco rod to the filter plug. In other aspects, mechanisms for using the method are provided.

Abstract: A cigarette protector device used by a person smoking a tobacco cigarette. The device is comprised of a double-walled cylindrical tubular element having a plurality of small apertures and a mouthpiece portion. The device completely encases the smoker's cigarette. The cylindrical encasement reduces the distribution of ash from the cigarette and, further, serves to keep the hot ash or smoldering tip of the cigarette from contacting any flammable or injurable surfaces in the smoker's environment.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a filter of a filtered smoking article, where the filter material includes a fluid-releasing body. The method provides a fluid-resistant barrier between the filter material and plug wrap encompassing the filter material, where the barrier is applied as a hot melt adhesive. In other aspects, mechanisms for using the method are provided.

Abstract: pipe system comprising a bowl aperture, a inhaling aperture and a carburetor aperture is disclosed. said pipe comprising a bowl assembly having a bowl and said bowl aperture. A body portion having said inhaling aperture and said carburetor aperture. A smokeable material in said bowl. A plug capable of covering said carburetor aperture. A fluid passage between said bowl aperture and said inhaling aperture. Said carburetor aperture breaks said fluid passage between said bowl aperture and said inhaling aperture. Said carburetor aperture is capable of opening and closing by applying and removing said plug.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic cigarette with solid tobacco substance, which includes a shell with a mouthpiece at one end; a reservoir in the shell for storing tobacco substance; an atomizing device in the shell having an atomizing cup, an atomizer in the atomizing cup for vaporizing tobacco substance; and an aerosol passage connecting the mouthpiece with the atomizing cup; and a guiding unit for drawing tobacco substance from the reservoir to the atomizing device. The atomizing cup is accommodated in the reservoir, the guiding unit penetrates sidewall of the atomizing cup and extends in the reservoir, and solid tobacco substance encases the atomizing cup and guiding unit therein. The present invention solves the problem of solid tobacco substance melting slowly and uneasy assembly of the cigarette; and obtains to improve the melting efficiency of solid tobacco substance and facilitate the assembly.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes a housing having an opening, an ascending/descending means which is positioned inside the housing in order to move a cartridge up or down, the cartridge which contains a solution therein, and is moved up or down by the ascending/descending means so that the cartridge is positioned inside the housing or protrudes from the housing through the opening, an opening/closing means which opens or closes the opening by operating in cooperation with the ascending/descending means, and an ultraviolet (UV) lamp which is positioned inside the housing, and sterilizes the cartridge by irradiating the cartridge with UV radiation. When the electronic cigarette is not being used, the cartridge can be positioned inside the housing in order to prevent the cartridge from being contaminated by impurities such as dust and the cartridge can be sterilized by UV radiation emitted from the UV lamp.

Abstract: A hair replacement or hairpiece that comprises a base woven with natural human hair, color blended and attached such as to simulate a natural growth pattern, hair density and hairline appearance and a method for making same. The hairpiece comprises a base with a front area comprised of coated lace, a back area comprised of about three pieces and reinforced with polyurethane; a knotting pattern wherein the front and crown areas are comprised of hair fixed to the base with single hair split knots, the side and top areas are comprised of hair fixed to the base with alternating single hair flat knots and single hair split knots and the back area comprises hair fixed to the base with single hair flat knots; and a color pattern wherein the base comprises about three color regions comprising a lighter shade in the front, a medium shade in the top and crown areas, and a darker shade in the back area.

Abstract: An adjustable dual comb hair apparatus configured to engage hair and hold the hair from both sides of a head in an adjustable manner. Provides at least one attachment area per comb that enables interchangeable elements to be utilized between the two combs. Embodiments of the interchangeable elements include at least one elastic member and/or headbands. Embodiments of the at least one elastic member may be translucent or transparent and is generally made from a material that does not tangle hair.

Abstract: A method for mixing substances for the treatment of keratinous substrates may comprise separating a paperboard packaging container into at least two portions. The method may also comprise removing at least two containers containing differing substances from the paperboard packaging container and mixing the at least two substances together in one of the at least two separated portions of the paperboard packaging container so as to form a mixture of the at least two substances for the treatment of keratinous substrates. The method may further comprise applying the mixture to a keratinous substrate.

Abstract: A hair extension is disclosed, which can be used repeatedly and has extension hairs that is rarely lost and easy to be attached to and detached from. The hair extension includes a extension hair portion having a plurality of extension hairs and a binding portion for tying one ends of the extension hairs, and the binding portion includes a sheet binding portion for fixing the one ends integrally by melt-and-gluing two synthetic resin sheets with the one ends in-between.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of making up and/or enhancing the appearance of a keratinous substrate comprising (1) forming a film on the keratinous substrate by applying to said keratinous substrate (a) a first cosmetic composition comprising at least one polyvinyl alcohol-styrylpyridinium polymer and (b) a second cosmetic composition comprising at least one complexing agent, and (2) exposing the film to radiation chosen from UV and visible light radiation.

Abstract: A process for reducing curl and/or frizziness of hair comprising: (a) providing a composition for reducing curl and/or frizziness of hair, said composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable carrier: (i) at least one non-hydroxide base; (ii) at least one protein denaturant different from (a)(i); (iii) at least one alkoxysilane comprising at least one solubilizing functional group; and (iv) optionally, at least one fatty substance; (b) contacting the hair with the composition in (a) to form treated hair; (c) optionally, rinsing the composition in (a) from the treated hair; (d) optionally, contacting the treated hair with a conditioning agent; (e) smoothing the treated hair using a combination of heat and means for physically smoothing hair to form smoothed hair; (f) optionally, shampooing the smoothed hair; and (g) rinsing the smoothed hair.

Abstract: A process for altering the appearance of hair, the process comprising the steps of (a) providing a composition for dyeing and reducing curl and/or frizziness of hair, said composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable carrier: (i) at least one non-hydroxide base; (ii) at least one protein denaturant different from (a)(i); (iii) at least one dye chosen from oxidative dye precursors and direct dyes; (iv) at least one thickening agent; (v) optionally, at least one alkoxysilane comprising at least one solubilizing functional group; and (vi) optionally, at least one fatty substance; (b) contacting the hair with the composition in (a) to form treated hair; (c) rinsing the treated hair; (d) drying the treated hair; (e) smoothing the treated hair using a combination of heat and means for physically smoothing hair to form smoothed hair; (f) optionally, shampooing the smoothed hair; and (g) rinsing the smoothed hair.

Abstract: A process for altering the appearance of hair, the process comprising the steps of (a) providing a composition for dyeing and reducing curl and/or frizziness of hair, said composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable carrier: (i) at least one non-hydroxide base; (ii) at least one protein denaturant different from (a)(ii); (iii) at least one direct dye; (iv) at least one thickening agent; (v) optionally, at least one alkoxysilane comprising at least one solubilizing functional group; and (vi) optionally, at least one fatty substance; (b) contacting the hair with the composition in (a) to form treated hair; (c) smoothing the treated hair using a combination of heat and means for physically smoothing hair to form smoothed hair; (d) optionally, shampooing the smoothed hair; and (e) rinsing the smoothed hair.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an aqueous oxidative colouring composition for keratin fibres, especially human hair. The present invention is on an aqueous composition for colouring keratin fibres especially human hair comprising at least one hair dye, at least one oxidizing agent and at least one dispersed particles of a water insoluble polymer. Furthermore, the present invention is on a two part aqueous dyeing composition, wherein the two parts are mixed prior to application onto keratin fibres especially human hair wherein the aqueous first part comprises at least one hair dye and the aqueous second part comprises at least one oxidizing agent and at least one dispersed particles of a water insoluble polymer.

Abstract: A hair colorant container in the form of a flexible sachet having a laminate structure for storing a hair colorant component comprises: a reservoir with an internal volume for storing the hair colorant component, a pouring spout being in fluid communication with the internal volume and having an dispensing end for dispensing the hair colorant component, the pouring spout being integrally formed with the reservoir and projecting from an upper side of the reservoir and having an elongated shape with a width being smaller than the width of the reservoir, and a removable tear tab at the dispensing end for sealing the container before the container has been opened.

Abstract: A hair colorant container in the form of a flexible sachet having a laminate structure for storing a hair colorant component comprises: a reservoir with an internal volume for storing the hair colorant component, a pouring spout being in fluid communication with the internal volume and having an dispensing end for dispensing the hair colorant component, the pouring spout being integrally formed with the reservoir and projecting from an upper side of the reservoir and having an elongated shape with a width being smaller than the width of the reservoir, and a removable tear tab at the dispensing end for sealing the container before the container has been opened. The pouring spout further comprises at least one re-sealing element for reclosing the dispensing end once the tear tab has been removed. The re-sealing element has a stiffness being greater than the stiffness of the laminate structure.

Abstract: A hair accessory includes an elastic member with two ends threaded through openings in a locking member such that a loop is formed between a central portion of the elastic member and the locking member to accommodate a user's hair. The locking member is movable relative to the elastic member to change a size of the loop to accommodate more or less hair, as desired.

Abstract: A composition for removing photoresist and bottom anti-reflective coating from a semiconductor substrate is disclosed. The composition may comprise a nontoxic solvent, the nontoxic solvent having a flash point above 80 degrees Celsius and being capable of dissolving acrylic polymer and phenolic polymer. The composition may further comprise Tetramethylammonium Hydroxide (TMAH) mixed with the nontoxic solvent.

Abstract: A protective device designed to absorb condensation occurring on stemmed glassware. The protective device comprises a surrounding member having an outside surface and an inside surface, where a slit element substantially transects the protective device between the outside surface and the inside surface, and a method of using the same.

Abstract: Floor grinding- and cleaning body (1) for machine-based processing of structured floorings (2) comprising a base body (10) which is provided on a first side (12) with a resilient, textured surface (14), a processing layer (20) that is arranged on the textured surface (14) of the base body (10) and a hook-and-loop adaption layer (30), which is arranged on a second side (16) of the base body (10) opposed to the first side (12), wherein the textured surface (14) comprises a resilient burling structure, wherein the burls (18) thereof are designed to be able to treat deep areas (4) of a structured surface (3) of a flooring (2).

Abstract: Methods of pressure cleaning a target surface of an article comprising one or more passageways include fluidly connecting a pressure masker comprising pressurized masking fluid to a first side of at least one passageway, passing the pressurized masking fluid through the at least one passageway from the first side to a second side comprising the target surface, and, cleaning the target surface using a cleaning material, wherein the pressurized masking fluid passing through the at least one passageway prevents the cleaning material from permanently altering a cross sectional area of the at least one passageway.

Abstract: Stacked inner and outer discs are mounted over an air blower inlet opening of each blower in a car wash system drying zone with matched sets of radial slots and spokes formed in each disc. An actuator rotates one disc between positions in which the set of slots in one disc is aligned with the set of slots in the other disc to allow air flow into the blower inlet to dry a car in the dryer zone to a position in which the set of spokes overlie the set of slots in the other disc to thereby block inlet air flow to reduce the load on a blower motor when a car is not in the dryer zone.

Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatus and machine readable media are disclosed to reduce biological carryover. An example method includes generating an alternating electromagnetic field and introducing an aspiration and dispense device into the electromagnetic field. The example method also includes inductively heating the aspiration and dispense device with the electromagnetic field to at least one of denature or deactivate at least one of a protein or a biological entity on a surface of the aspiration and dispense device.

Abstract: Provided is a cleaning processing device that is for a biological implant and that is capable of quickly eliminating ozone generated by ultraviolet-ray radiation after completion of ultraviolet-ray radiation towards the biological implant. The cleaning processing device for a biological implant performs cleaning processing of the biological implant by means of radiating ultraviolet rays at the surface of the biological implant and by causing ozone to contact the surface of the biological implant, and the cleaning processing device is characterized by being provided with a housing, an ultraviolet-ray radiating lamp that is disposed within the housing and that radiates ultraviolet rays at the biological implant, an ozone-removing filter disposed within the housing, and a fan that introduces the ambient gas within the housing to the ozone-removing filter, and is further characterized by the fan being driven in response to the end of cleaning processing of the biological implant.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for cleaning jacks in portable electronic components. In one embodiment of the present invention, an adaptor plug is designed having a hollow shaft and the end of the plug is designed with holes that communication with the hollow shaft. The plug can be inserted into a jack, which can operate to open one or more switches within the jack, thereby freeing any debris that may have accumulated under the switches. Compressed air can then be applied down the hollow shaft and out the holes in the plug to displace the debris and clean the jack. In another embodiment, the end of the plug can be constructed such that it rotates about an axis to increase the likelihood that the jack will be cleaned.

Abstract: A first container treatment device includes a container feeding unit, a container removing unit, a feed line for a product, and a cleaning device for cleaning exterior surfaces using a cleaning fluid. The cleaning device has a track that runs at least in an angle range around an axis of rotation thereof. The track has a portion shaped as a hollow body such that some of said cleaning fluid can be guided along a section in the track. A robot is arranged on this track.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus (1) includes a bath body (11), cover members (12), processing liquid nozzles (31) for ejecting an SPM liquid like a shower, and gas nozzles (32) for ejecting nitrogen gas. The processing liquid nozzles eject a processing liquid (91) onto substrates (9) from sidewalls (111) of the bath body (11). By ejecting gas toward lower surfaces of the cover members from the gas nozzles before the substrates are loaded into the bath body, it is possible to remove droplets of the processing liquid deposited on the lower surfaces of the cover members during the previous processing of the substrates or during a temperature control where the processing liquid is ejected from the processing liquid nozzles. It is thereby possible to prevent or reduce deposition of droplets of the processing liquid dropped onto the substrates immediately after being loaded into the bath body.

Abstract: In a substrate processing apparatus, a liquid film of a supercooled liquid of pure water is formed on the upper surface of a substrate and then cooled with cooling gas into a frozen film. The temperature of the liquid film is lower than the freezing point of pure water, and thus the liquid film is in an easy-to-freeze state. Thus, the time required to freeze the liquid film can be shortened. Even if the temperature of the cooling gas is increased, the liquid film can be speedily frozen as compared with the case in which a liquid film is formed of pure water having a temperature higher than its freezing point. Thus, heat insulating facilities such as piping that supply cooling gas can be simplified. This results in a reduction of the cooling cost required to freeze the liquid film.

Abstract: A dynamic cyclic nucleation transport (D-CNX) process is disclosed, including cyclically changing the volume of a process chamber, for example, through a piston or bellows. A D-CNX process and system can include a dynamic chamber volume that can instantly change from vacuum to pressure conditions and eliminates vacuum pumps.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed to create and employ the use of non-vapor, non-condensable gas bubbles inside a process chamber. These non-vapor gas bubbles may be rapidly expanded and compressed in pressure-controlled cycles and can assist in the transport of fluids, particles, and by-products to and from surfaces. The gas bubbles can be generated from dissolved gas to the liquid medium, by mixing two liquids that can react with each other to generate gaseous by-products, or by using a liquid medium that can react with the surface of the object to generate gaseous by-products. The gaseous generation can be used with cyclic nucleation transport (CNX) process, such as vacuum CNX, hyperbaric CNX, or dynamic CNX.

Abstract: A hyperbaric cyclic nucleation transport (H-CNX) process is disclosed, including pressure cycling liquid and/or vapor from pressure higher than atmospheric pressure or vapor across the boiling point of the liquid. The higher pressure can be accompanied by higher temperature, which provides additional benefits of more efficient cleaning and cheaper liquid medium.