Abstract: Generally described, the he present disclosure relates to an electronic cigarette intended to more effectively simulate the feel of a traditional cigarette. In one illustrative embodiment, the electronic cigarette can have a flexible and resilient housing, sufficiently strong to protect internal components and sufficient flexible to provide a more realistic user experience to user's accustomed to the pliability of traditional cigarettes. A paper label may be provided, either affixed to the flexible housing or to a prior art, rigid housing. A plastic coating may be providing of the portion of the paper label intended to be inserted into a user's mouth, so as to prevent degradation of the label while at the same time preserving a realistic feel for those portions of the device not intended to be inserted into the mouth.

Abstract: Generally described, the present disclosure relates to an electronic cigarette intended to more effectively simulate the feel of a traditional cigarette. In one illustrative embodiment, the electronic cigarette can have a flexible and resilient housing, sufficiently strong to protect internal components and sufficient flexible to provide a more realistic user experience to user's accustomed to the pliability of traditional cigarettes. A paper label may be provided, either affixed to the flexible housing or to a prior art, rigid housing. A plastic coating may be providing of the portion of the paper label intended to be inserted into a user's mouth, so as to prevent degradation of the label while at the same time preserving a realistic feel for those portions of the device not intended to be inserted into the mouth.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette (“e-Cig”) may include a controller for providing various operations within an e-Cig. Enhancements for the controller may provide for improved operations and control for the e-Cig. In one embodiment, there may be a communications capability that may allow for the e-Cig to communicate with a consumer device. The consumer may then control smoke properties, monitor operations, adjust settings, and/or receive product notifications or offers through the consumer device's communication with the e-Cig. The communications may enable connections to various websites on the Internet for usage tracking or social networking.

Abstract: A non-combustion suction type tobacco product has tobacco particles made of tobacco material such as leaf tobacco, and at least one kind of stabilizer for stabilizing the delivery of nicotine from the tobacco particles, and the stabilizer has a characteristic where solubility parameter distance with respect to nicotine is 17 or less, and that vapor pressure at a temperature of 25 degrees centigrade is 1 mmHg or less.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette with an illumination function, and that generates an aerosol of a fluid when air is drawn through it, includes a housing with a translucent tip, a mouthpiece, and a battery. A fluid reservoir and an atomizer assembly selectively generate an aerosol of the fluid. A draw pressure sensor generates a draw signal in response to a pressure change induced while air is drawn out of the mouthpiece. A draw control circuit activates the atomizer assembly in response to the draw signal. The draw circuit also outputs a lamp signal in response to the draw signal. A lamp circuit with an actuator, a first color lamp, and a second color lamp that are both aligned to illuminate the tip. The lamp circuit selectively, and alternatively in response to subsequent actuations of the actuator, selects between illuminating the first color lamp and the second color lamp in response to the lamp signal.

Abstract: A method for delivering a composition to the scalp including (a) providing a composition in an applicator assembly, the applicator assembly including (i) a container for holding the composition; (ii) an extended tip actuator in fluid communication with the container, the extended tip actuator including (1) a base portion configured to fluidly connect the extended tip actuator to the container; and (2) a body portion configured to fluidly connect the base portion to a hollow tine; and (iii) an engine for delivering the composition from the container through the extended tip actuator; and (b) dispensing the composition from the applicator assembly directly onto the scalp. The tine includes a face located distally from the body portion. The tine includes an aperture in fluid communication with the container. The tine has a protrusion length of from about 0.5 mm to about 100 mm.

Abstract: A method for delivering a composition to the scalp including (a) providing a composition in an applicator assembly, the applicator assembly including (i) a container for holding the composition; (ii) an extended tip actuator in fluid communication with the container, the extended tip actuator including (1) a base portion configured to fluidly connect the extended tip actuator to the container; and (2) a body portion configured to fluidly connect the base portion to a plurality of hollow tines; and (iii) an engine for delivering the composition from the container through the extended tip actuator; and (b) dispensing the composition from the applicator assembly directly onto the scalp. The tines each include a face located distally from the body portion. The tines each include an aperture in fluid communication with the container. The tines each have a protrusion length of from about 0.5 mm to about 100 mm.

Abstract: This invention comprises apparatus for assisting in the application of eyeliner. A handle connects to a shaped member, such as a metal rod, which comprises a guide portion for abutting against a user's eyelid. Users may apply eyeliner by drawing an eyeliner applicator along a side of the guide portion. The guide portion may optionally end in a wing, allowing users to draw eyeliner “wings”. A nose bridge may be situated between the guide portion and the handle, allowing the apparatus to be positioned across a user's nose. The handle may comprise a smudger with which a user may smudge eyeliner after it has been applied.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a composition for hair cleansing and conditioning, including at least one anionic surfactant, at least one cationic hair conditioning agent, and an acrylate-based polymer capable of thickening and stabilizing the composition, wherein the composition is essentially free of sulfate-based surfactant and silicone-based hair conditioning agent. In addition, the invention also comprises a method of cleansing and conditioning hair by providing a composition having at least one anionic surfactant, at least one cationic hair conditioning agent, and an acrylate-based polymer capable of thickening and stabilizing the composition, applying the composition to treat the hair of a user and rinsing the treated hair with sufficient amount of water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bleaching composition for keratin fibres, especially human hair, comprising at least one compound with bleaching and/or highlighting effect and a specific chelating agent. The object of the present invention is a substantially water free bleaching and/or highlighting composition for keratin fibres, especially human hair, comprising at least one compound with bleaching and/or highlighting effect and a polyhydroxy carboxylic acid and/or its salt as a chelating agent. Suitable and most preferred is gluconic acid and its salts especially mono valent cation salts such as sodium, potassium and ammonium salts.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved way to accessorizing a hair band without compromising the seal of the band. A system and method for interchanging accessories to hair bands. An illustrative embodiment is a system for attaching a decorative accessory to a hair band, the system comprising of decorative accessory with a secured peg being configured for insertion and removal through an expandable loop in the hair band allowing the decorative accessory to be interchanged.

Abstract: A multi-purpose self-cleaning brush is disclosed which comprises: a base, a brush body optionally installed with a handgrip and a top cover, the top cover has a hollow area, and the base is installed with a handgrip seat capable of being folded with the handgrip; a bristle unit combined with the brush body and including a bottom layer formed on one surface of the base, and plural bristles disposed on the bottom layer and extended out of the hollow area; a propel unit installed between the base and the top cover; and a hairstyling unit moveably combined between the base and the top cover, wherein the hairstyling unit and each bristle are driven by the propel unit. As such, the multi-purpose self-cleaning brush of the present invention is capable of brushing hairs and purposing of hair styling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a casing for a cosmetic article, the casing comprising: a base having an inner surface which accommodates a mirror; a lid rotatably mounted to the base, the lid being rotatable, relative to the base, between a closed position and an opened position; and an intermediate tray located between the base and the lid for accommodating the cosmetic article, the intermediate tray being slidably mounted to the base so as to be movable relative to the base between a retracted position, in which the intermediate tray substantially covers the inner surface of the base, and an extended position, in which the intermediate tray exposes the mirror, wherein rotation of the lid from the closed position to the open position causes the tray to slide from the retracted position to the extended position.

Abstract: An integrated apparatus and method comprises a plasma gun with a water supply, treatment fluid supply, and controls, the combination of which is adapted for directing a plume onto a surface of a three-dimensional part to treat the surface; and for controlling injection of water into the plume with the plume directed onto an adjacent surface to clean debris and undesired material from the adjacent surface; and for subsequently directing the plume (without water) onto the adjacent surface to treat the adjacent surface. The apparatus and method are particularly useful in suspension plasma spray systems, but are not believed to be limited to that.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide methods for cleaning a UV processing chamber. In one embodiment, the method includes flowing an oxygen-containing gas through a plurality of passages formed in a UV transparent gas distribution showerhead and into a processing region located between the UV transparent gas distribution showerhead and a substrate support disposed within the thermal processing chamber, exposing the oxygen-containing gas to UV radiation under a pressure scheme comprising a low pressure stage and a high pressure stage to generate reactive oxygen radicals, and removing unwanted residues or deposition build-up from exposed surfaces of chamber components presented in the thermal processing chamber using the reactive oxygen radicals.

Abstract: Alkaline spray-on cleaners that can be delivered by pump or pressurized gas aerosol spray have been made with reduced choking mists are disclosed. The cleaning composition comprises the use of anti-mist components consisting of large anionic copolymer comprised of acrylamide and AMPS (acrylamide-sodium 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonate), and polyethylene oxide polymers that create non-Newtonian solutions. The composition also includes a surfactant, and a source of alkalinity.

Abstract: A hand-held apparatus employing a non-liquid cleaning composition for cleaning touch screen is described. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a hand-held cleaning instrument and a cap. The hand-held cleaning instrument comprises a handle and a replaceable cleaning pad. The cleaning pad comprises an engagement mechanism for removably coupling the cleaning pad to the handle. When not in use, the cleaning pad may be folded and received in the cap in a stowed configuration. When in use, the cap is removed and the cleaning pad is deployed in an extended position. The cleaning composition on the cleaning pad comprises a combination of carbon black and a hemihydrate of calcium sulfate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning system for cleaning parabolic trough collector plants made up of cleaning vehicles with moving means, cleaning means, and operating means thereof. The cleaning vehicles are autonomous and independent of one another, and have navigation means guiding and steering the cleaning vehicle in its movement along the plant. The navigation means are made up of a relative navigation system with an inertial unit and distance sensors which measure the distance of the cleaning vehicle to the parabolic trough collector, and an absolute navigation system with a GPS positioning sub-system. A control system integrates and controls the cleaning means, operating means, moving means and navigation means of the cleaning vehicles.

Abstract: An in-line mixing system provides a process liquid for treatment of wafer-shaped articles. The system comprises a first flow regulator configured to regulate flow of a first liquid stream, a second flow regulator configured to regulate flow of a second liquid stream having a chemical component, a refractive index meter configured to provide a refractive index measurement of a mixture of the first and second liquid streams, a combined flow meter configured to provide a combined flow measurement of the mixture of the first and second liquid streams, and an automatic controller. The automatic controller is configured to operate the first and second flow regulators based upon the refractive index measurement and the combined flow measurement.

Abstract: The substrate cleaning apparatus includes a first process chamber in which a liquid treating process is performed on a substrate by supplying a treating solution, a second process chamber in which a drying process is performed on the substrate, and a carrying unit carrying the substrate between the first process chamber and the second process chamber. The first process chamber includes a liquid treating housing providing a space in which the liquid treating process is performed on the substrate, a spin chuck supporting the substrate within the liquid treating housing, and a liquid supply member supplying the treating solution onto the substrate supported by the spin chuck. The second process chamber includes a drying housing providing a space in which the substrate is dried, a substrate support member supporting the substrate within the drying housing, and a heater heating the substrate.

Abstract: Use of solid formulations with a residual moisture content in the range from 0.1 to 15% by weight, comprising (A) at least one compound selected from aminocarboxylates and polyaminocarboxylates, and (B) at least one cationic (co)polymer with a cationic charge density of at least 5 milliequivalents/g, (C) at least one silicate selected from sodium silicates, potassium silicates and alumosilicates, (D) optionally at least one compound selected from alkali metal percarbonate, alkali metal perborate and alkali metal persulfate, and (E) optionally, polyvinyl alcohol as or for producing formulations for washing dishes and kitchen utensils.

Abstract: Formulations comprising (A) at least one aminocarboxylate selected from methylglycine diacetate (MGDA), iminodisuccinic acid (IDA) and glutamic acid diacetate (GLDA), and salts and derivatives thereof, and (B) at least one alkoxylated alkyleneimine polymer with an average molecular weight Mw in the range from 800 to 25 000 g/mol which has a positive charge density of at least 5 meq/g and which has in the range from 2 to at most 80% by weight alkylene oxide side chains, based on total alkoxylated alkyleneimine polymer.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing substrate includes a spin chuck, a first nozzle and a second nozzle. The spin chuck fixes and spins the substrate on which a photoresist layer is formed. The first nozzle is disposed over the spin chuck and provides a treatment liquid on the substrate so as to remove the photoresist layer. The second nozzle is disposed over the spin chuck and provides a mist including deionized water or hydrogen peroxide on the substrate to make contact with the treatment liquid so as to increase a temperature of the treatment liquid. Therefore, efficiency of removing the photoresist layer may be improved.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a substrate processing method and a substrate processing apparatus. The substrate processing method includes: generating an SPM liquid of a first temperature that contains Caro's acid having a separation effect of a resist film formed on the surface of a substrate by mixing heated sulfuric acid with hydrogen peroxide; cooling the SPM liquid to a second temperature at which a reduction effect of film loss occurs; and applying the SPM liquid of the second temperature to the resist film thereby separating the resist film.

Abstract: A blowing assembly for a sealing unit of a packaging device is provided comprising a housing and at least one blowing element which is movable relative to said housing between a first position, in which it is lowered at least partially into said housing, and a second position in which it at least partially projects above a surface of said housing. Also provided is a method for removing excess packing material from a blowing assembly for a sealing unit being provided in a packaging device.

Abstract: In one aspect, a substrate cleaning system is provided. The substrate cleaning system includes a plurality of cleaning modules; a conveyor for transporting a substrate between the cleaning modules; and a partition assembly that isolates the cleaning modules from the conveyor. Apparatus and methods for isolating CMP cleaning modules from a conveyor are provided, as are numerous other aspects.

Abstract: A wash arm arrangement (20) for a dishwasher is disclosed. The wash arm arrangement comprises a central arm (21) adapted to be rotatably connected with a first shaft (23) through which liquid under pressure is fed into the central arm during operation. A second shaft (24) is arranged on the central arm to provide liquid to a satellite arm (22) which is rotatably connected with the second shaft. The satellite arm comprises a collimating nozzle (25) with an exit. The collimating nozzle is arranged for providing a collimated jet for distributing liquid to a washing area of the dishwasher. The inventive concept is based on an understanding that by utilizing a collimated liquid jet with sufficient pressure and flow a good cleaning performance is achieved with a reduced water consumption.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning systems are provided. One system includes a proximity head system for applying a meniscus to a surface of a substrate during a cleaning operation. Also provided is a container for holding the solution, the solution being mixed from at least a continuous medium, a polymer material, and a solid material, the polymer material in the solution imparting a finite yield stress to the material, such that the solution is maintained in a stable elastic gel form. A pump coupled to the container is also provided for moving the solution from the container to the proximity head system, where the pump applies at least a minimum shear stress on the solution. The pump provides agitation that exceeds the finite yield stress causing the solution to flow. A conduit is provided between the container and the proximity head system.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a lawn mower comprises a cleaning tub for positioning the lawn mower. Outflow openings for a cleaning agent are arranged at an upper tub side of the cleaning tub. The outflow openings are connected with a cleaning agent chamber integrated in the cleaning tub at a lower tub side.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a hot dip galvanized steel sheet including: a cleaning liquid spray nozzle which sprays a cleaning liquid to both surfaces of a strip-shaped hot dip galvanized steel sheet which was treated by surface oxidation and which is continuously traveling; and a pure water spray nozzle which sprays pure water to both surfaces of the hot dip galvanized steel sheet a position where the hot dip galvanized steel sheet travels 1 second or more after being sprayed with the cleaning liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible omni-umbrella, comprising: a rod, a flexible wire and an umbrella fabric, wherein two ends of the rod are provided with a through hole portion and a fixing portion, respectively. In the present invention, one point of the flexible wire is fixed on the fixing portion and two terminal ends of the flexible wire are connected to each other after being slidably passed through the through hole portion, therefore the flexible wire is formed to a stereoscopic framework, so as to make the umbrella fabric covering the stereoscopic framework capable of shielding rain comprehensively.

Abstract: An umbrella assembly and various embodiments of hub assemblies which provide an umbrellas assembly which is easy to install or remove, is extremely rigid, and is capable of withstanding high wind gusts and other high external forces. A first hub assembly includes a mounting bracket having extended regions for mounting to a hub. A second hub assembly includes securing rings for securely binding mounting brackets to a hub. A third hub assembly includes a mortise-tenon mounting bracket. A fourth hub assembly includes securing rings for securely binding mortise-tenon mounting brackets to a hub. A rib center joint connector having stops is presented. A rotatable fabric connector having a plurality of curved surfaces on the head of the fabric connector is present.

Abstract: An auxiliary device for helping disabled person to get off bed has a handle, a telescopic rod extended directly from a bottom of the handle and a foot support pivotally connected to a distal end of the telescopic rod.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a panel for use in the assembly of a modular hot work habitat so as to form an enclosure to facilitate hot working. The panels comprise a first layer of flexible structural material, and a second layer of flexible fireproof material fixed to the structural layer. A habitat comprising a plurality of interconnected panels is described.

Abstract: A display marker for a portable hunting blind has a height above the blind and can be seen from a distance, even if surrounded by brush or hills. The display marker resembles a hollow vertical tube that cannot be covered with a blanket of snow. The display marker can easily attach and detach from any brand model or style of blind without tools or without causing damage. The display marker can be collapsed to a small size to make it easy for transport and storage. The display marker displays an orange square of the required size in all directions. Because the display marker is always visible, it provides much greater safety for those in portable hunting blinds as compared to conventional blind markers.

Abstract: A collapsible shelter includes an improved attachment of the roof poles to the legs. A shelter frame has a leg at each corner. Each leg may have an angled top edge or surface. A scissor assembly attaches adjacent legs to each other. An offset link pivotally attaches the roof poles to the legs, adjacent to the top of each leg. The roof poles can be rigidly attached to the offset link. Extension poles are attached to the roof poles with a bungee or similar elastic element.

Abstract: A thermoelectric converter for converting quantities of heat into electric energy or electric energy into quantities of heat, or quantities of heat of certain temperatures into quantities of heat of certain other temperatures, includes at least two primary volumes connected to each other by at least one connecting element. Each primary volume includes one gas volume that is suited for receiving gas. One or both of the primary volumes include a liquid volume suited for receiving a liquid. The liquid can be coupled thermally to an external heat reservoir, an external source of heat, or an external heat sink. At least one volume-changing element is provided in at least one of the primary volumes for changing the size of the gas volume. A heat transfer element is provided in at least one of the primary volumes, wherein the proportion of the heat transfer element located in the liquid volume is variable.

Abstract: An energy source for supplying an autonomous electrical load system with electrical energy includes a thermogenerator device configured to generate a thermoelectric voltage to be fed to the electrical load system. The thermogenerator device is under the influence of a temperature difference between a warmer first thermal coupling device and a colder second thermal coupling device. The energy source further includes a microfluidic cooling device having a heat-absorption region, a heat-emission region, and a closed microfluidic circulation system configured to circulate a fluid between the heat-absorption region and the heat-emission region. The heat-absorption region has a thermally conductive connection to the second thermal coupling device.

Abstract: The invention provides a thermoelectric conversion element having a lot of pn junction pairs per unit area and having a thermoelectric material chip which is hardly broken, and a producing method thereof. In the thermoelectric conversion element of the invention, plural substrates in each of which a film-shaped thermoelectric material is formed in a surface thereof are disposed. As a result, because the number of pn junction pairs per unit area is increased, a high output can be obtained. Because the thermoelectric material is formed into the film shape, reliability degradation caused by a breakage of the thermoelectric material can be prevented, even in the thermoelectric material having many pn junction pairs per unit area, namely, a sectional area is small.

Abstract: P-type semiconductor sheets and n-type semiconductor sheets formed by mixing a powder of semiconductor material, a binder resin, a plasticizer, and a surfactant are prepared. In addition, separator sheets formed by mixing a resin such as PMMA and a plasticizer are prepared. Through holes are formed in each of the separator sheets and then filled with a conductive material. Thereafter, the p-type semiconductor sheet, the separator sheet, the n-type semiconductor sheet and the separator sheet are stacked. The resultant laminated body is cut into a predetermined size and then subjected to a baking process.

Abstract: A solar cell module is provided and includes a first solar cell and a second solar cell. The first solar cell includes a first metal substrate, a first photoelectric conversion layer, a first top electrode layer, a first P-N junction semiconductor, and a first bottom electrode layer. The second solar cell includes a second metal substrate, a second photoelectric conversion layer, a second top electrode layer, a second P-N junction semiconductor, and a second bottom electrode layer. The first photoelectric conversion layer and the first P-N junction semiconductor are respectively located on two opposite sides of the first metal substrate. The second photoelectric conversion layer and the second P-N junction semiconductor are respectively located on two opposite sides of the second metal substrate. The second bottom electrode layer is located on the second P-N junction semiconductor, and is electrically coupled to the first metal substrate.

Abstract: A process can be used for producing a thin layer solar cell module with a plurality of segments that are electrically connected in series and arranged on a common substrate. The process has steps for application of layers onto the substrate to form at least one electrode and one photoactive layer sequence and has steps for structuring the applied and/or to be applied layers to form the plurality of segments. At least one electrode and one photoactive layer sequence are applied before structuring steps are carried out.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a wiring member arranged on a back surface of a solar cell. The solar cell module comprises a wiring tab connected to a soldering region of an electrode portion of the solar cell, and an insulating sheet sandwiched between the wiring tab and the solar cell. The wiring tab includes: a flat portion being a region to be soldered; a rising portion rising from the flat portion to a height corresponding to the thickness of the insulating sheet; and an extension portion bending from the rising portion and extending in parallel with the flat portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photovoltaic device 1 including a plurality of cluster power generation sections G (G11, G12, G21, and G22). Each cluster power generation section G includes unitary power generation sections D (D1, D2) connected in series via connection points CP12. The cluster power generation sections G each have at least a predetermined one of the connection points CP12 designated as a specific connection point SP12. The specific connection points SP12 are connected together to link the cluster power generation sections G.

Abstract: A solar-cell-integrated roll screen having a high durability against winding/unwinding. The constituent material and thickness of each section of a solar-cell-integrated roll screen are determined so that the tensile strength in the winding direction is less than or equal to 75 MPa. The constituent material and thickness of each section of the solar-cell-integrated roll screen are also preferably determined so that the Young's modulus in the winding direction is equal to or less than 650 MPa.

Abstract: To provide a solar cell having improved photoelectric conversion efficiency and a solar cell module. A solar cell (10) is provided with a photoelectric conversion portion (20), a light receiving surface electrode (21a) and a back surface electrode (21b). The light receiving surface electrode (21a) is arranged on the light receiving surface (20a) of the photoelectric conversion portion (20). The back surface electrode (21b) is arranged on the back surface (20b) of the photoelectric conversion portion (20). The back surface electrode (21b) includes metal film (21b1) and an electrical connection electrode (21b2). The metal film (21b1) at least partially covers the back surface (20b). The electrical connection electrode (21b2) is arranged on the metal film (21b1).

Abstract: A solar collector having two axis control and cogeneration capabilities is provided. The solar collector may have a primary collecting mirror, a second reflecting mirror, and a solar collector positioned adjacent to the primary mirror. The collector may realize both direct solar to electricity production via photovoltaic cells or the like, as well as heat collection generated by the collected solar energy. The collected heat may be transferred to a fluid which may be transferred for productive uses such as electricity production, heating, cooling, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a solar photovoltaic-thermal system, combined with a solar heat collection assembly and a solar cell assembly, so that solar energy utilization is more efficient.

Abstract: A solar cell module according to an embodiment includes a solar cell panel including at least one solar cell; and a frame positioned at a periphery of the solar cell panel. The frame includes at least one fixing hole to receive an output cable.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes a solar cell panel including at least one solar cell; and a frame positioned at a periphery of the solar cell panel. The frame includes an align mark for alignment. An apparatus for generating photovoltaic power includes a solar cell module including a solar cell panel including at least one solar cell and a frame positioned at a periphery of the solar cell panel; and a supporter where the solar cell module is fixed by a fixer. The frame includes an align mark to align the solar cell module with at least one of the supporter and the fixer.