Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method may use a diamond-impregnated wire loop to cut an underwater pipeline. The apparatus may have a frame, a carriage attached to the frame and/or pulleys connected to the carriage. The diamond-impregnated wire loop may be connected to the pulleys. The carriage may move relative to the frame to direct the diamond-impregnated wire loop in a forward direction relative to the frame and/or through the pipeline.

Abstract: An oven appliance is provided having a pair of doors mounted to a cabinet of the appliance and configured for permitting selective access to a cooking chamber of the oven appliance. A mechanism selectively secures the pair of doors in a closed configuration such that access to the cooking chamber is impeded by the pair of doors.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the alignment of a heliostat with respect to a receiver, wherein an image sensor device is arranged on a mirror device of the heliostat, wherein the heliostat is aligned by the image sensor device using image recognition in such a way that a first angle of a first vector pointing towards the sun, relative to a prescribed vector of the mirror device, and a second angle of a second vector pointing towards a prescribed target area of the receiver, relative to the prescribed vector, are in a relationship to each other which is dependent upon the prescribed vector of the mirror device, and wherein images of the sun and the prescribed target area and their position relative to the prescribed vector are determined.

Abstract: A nebulizer kit includes a case body, a flow channel formation member that covers an opening in an upper area of the case body, and a cylindrical aerosol discharge port that passes through a portion of the top surface of the flow channel formation member located toward the outer edge thereof. The case body and/or the flow channel formation member includes a rotation mechanism that, when the case body has overturned and the aerosol discharge port has become positioned on the lower side in the vertical direction of the top surface of the flow channel formation member, causes the case body to rotate in a circumferential direction to cause the aerosol discharge port to move away from a lower side in the vertical direction. Even if the nebulizer kit has overturned, a liquid within the nebulizer kit is prevented from spilling.

Abstract: An emergency ventilation apparatus, system, and method for providing ventilation to patients in emergency situations, the system comprising an angled laryngoscope handle and a ventilation-aid securement device. The handle is configured to hold a laryngoscope blade between approximately twenty and forty degrees relative to a lower portion of the handle for more effective intubation of patients. The securement device fits atop a portion of a ventilating mask and is adjustably secured to the patient fitted with the mask by an adjustable strap or similar device. The securement device fits flexibly over the mask providing a seal between the mask and the patient's face. A version of the securement device includes a thumbscrew for engaging with the mask to secure it. Another version of the securement device is further capable of securing an endotracheal tube to a patient using a thumbscrew to advance a retaining arm for engaging the tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to dry powder inhalation apparatus usually operable by breath of a user which provides for controlled and smooth transfer of medicament during multiple actuations by a user. A mechanism of the apparatus for achieving this controlled and smooth transfer includes a device (4) normally held adjacent a reservoir for receiving medicament in a cup or receptacle (15) and which is generally movable transversely of a longitudinal axis of the apparatus to delivery channels of the apparatus. This bodily shifting of the device (4) is achieved by a yoke acting on an abutment (16) thereof. Spillage of medicament in the apparatus is avoided.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler includes a chamber holding a bead-like actuator to which a powdered medicament is adhered. Air is drawn into the chamber through an inlet flow channel and exits through an outlet flow channel. The bead-like actuator oscillates in response to the air flow, dislodging powdered medicament to be entrained in the air flow and delivered to the patient.

Abstract: An open system provides breath-synchronized, flow-targeted ventilation to augment respiration by a self-breathing patient. A sensor detects a physical property of a patient's respiratory cycle. A processor monitors the sensor and controls a gas source to deliver oxygen-containing gas through a tube extending into the patient's airway with the flow rate varying over each respiratory cycle in a predetermined non-constant waveform synchronized with the respiratory cycle to augment the patient's spontaneous respiration. Gas is delivered at a flow rate sufficient to significantly mitigate the airway pressure the patient must generate during spontaneous breathing and thereby reduce the patient's work of breathing.

Abstract: Internal nose filter mounting devices, methods and kits are provided. The nose filter mounting device includes first and second septum magnets, each septum magnet having two opposing faces and being configured to be inserted into a nostril of a user such that one face is adjacent the nasal septum therein and the first and second septum magnets may magnetically engage across the septum. The nose filter mounting device also includes first and second filter magnets connected to the first and second septum magnets, respectively, each filter magnet being configured to mate with filter elements in the nostrils of the user.

Abstract: A manual lung ventilation device and method suitable for acute manual respiratory resuscitation and lung ventilation of a person are disclosed. The manual lung ventilation device includes a nasal interface in fluid communication with a flexible chamber. The nasal interface being held in the proper position on the person by a headgear and at least one securing device adapted to connect the nasal interface to the headgear. The device may be formed as a single component to allow an operator to rapidly position the device on the person to be ventilated and operate the device with one hand.

Abstract: An oxygen delivery apparatus for delivery of oxygen to an infant from a source includes a mouthpiece having a body portion and lip-engaging flange portions which surround the body portion and a nipple which extends to one side of the central body portion for acceptance by the mouth of an infant. The body portion of the mouthpiece includes a pair of internal passageways each having an inlet and an outlet and wherein the inlets of the passageways are adapted to accept oxygen delivered thereto from a source and wherein the outlets of the passageways are disposed at locations along the surface of the mouthpiece so that when the nipple is accepted by the mouth of an infant, the outlets of the passageways are disposed adjacent, but not within, the nostrils of the infant.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for supporting a prolapsed organ. An exemplary device comprises a ring-like body optionally having a naturally occurring substantially flat and substantially planar compact configuration, the ring-like body configured with a size suitable for insertion into a vagina and to be expanded by a support element such that in the expanded configuration an outer periphery of the ring-like body contacts a portion of the vagina and stretches at least a portion of a prolapsed vaginal wall, thereby substantially alleviating prolapse of at least one pelvic organ. The device optionally includes a support element comprising two moveably connected arms configured to support the ring in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A condom, including a non-porous sheath member, having an open end and a rounded end, and shaped to cover the glans and body portion of a penis, and at least one rib having at least one outer portion and at least one inner portion, wherein the at least one outer portion is attachedly fixed to said non-porous sheath member, and wherein an inner cylinder formed by at the at least one inner portion is exclusive from said non-porous sheath member, and including at least one lubricant within the inner cylinder and at least one hole extending from the inner cylinder through the outer portion to provide for flow of the lubricant outwardly from the inner cylinder through the at least one hole pursuant to application of a predetermined pressure, wherein the at least one rib extends at least one of substantially from the open end to the closed end and substantially about a circumference of the non-porous sheath member.

Abstract: Human and mammalian skin undergoes a variety of changes associated with chronological aging. Various environmental factors, disease states and genetic disorders may accelerate both the appearance of aging skin and also the structural and functional changes associated with aging skin. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is one of the classic known and well-defined means of accelerating or worsening the aging of the skin and this is frequently termed photoaging. Other environmental factors, such as oxidative stress, free radicals, environmental toxins such as ozone and cultural customs or habits such as tobacco smoking are other known probe accelerators in photo aging skin. A wide variety of other factors known and unknown contribute to accelerated or premature aging of the skin.

Abstract: A system for producing preferential damage to hair exiting mammalian skin. A agent having an average diameter for enabling the agent to penetrate the hair duct is selected. The agent is designed to attach to, or become physically incorporated into, the hair shaft, the hair follicle, the hair bulb or the hair duct. The agent has an electromagnetic radiation absorption characteristic which enables the agent to absorb a first wavelength of electromagnetic radiation from a skin-penetrating electromagnetic radiation source, such as a laser. The agent is applied to the skin so that the agent penetrates the skin and attaches to or becomes physically incorporated into the hair shaft, the hair follicle, the hair bulb or the hair duct. The agent is exposed to the first wavelength of electromagnetic radiation and absorbs the first wavelength of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: Magnetically responsive therapeutic carriers comprise nanoparticles including single-domain nanoparticles comprising magnetite and having an average particle size ranging between 1 and 50 nanometers, clusters of the single-domain nanoparticles, the clusters having an average cluster size ranging between 5 and 1000 nanometers, and mixtures of the two. The single-domain nanoparticles are encapsulated with a silica coating. A silane coupling agent is bonded to the silica coating and has a specific pendant functional group capable of selectively binding with the therapeutic. Preferably, the bond between the specific pendant functional group and the therapeutic is a covalent bond. The movement of magnetically responsive nanoparticle therapeutic constructs, with concentration and extravasation/endocytosis at a target site, such as cancerous tumors, uses a controllable magnetic field generator adapted to move the therapeutic constructs in three dimensions, and is enhanced using a repetitively-varying magnetic field.

Abstract: Method of opening a cigarette wrapper including cutting open a cigarette transported in a guiding groove of a feeder of a machine for recovering tobacco from defective and/or substandard cigarettes with at least one revolving disc knife located above the feeder, in which the at least one revolving disc knife is applied to the cigarette in such a way that the axis of rotation on which the said disc knife is perpendicularly mounted lies on a plane parallel to the plane over which the cigarette axis is translated, and the plane of the disc knife does not contain the cigarette axis and is parallel to the said cigarette axis, the possibility of rotation of the cigarette around its axis in the guiding groove is blocked, whereby tensile stress is applied in the cigarette wrapper facilitating its opening. Assembly for applying the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A process for treating a tobacco material comprising: (a) extracting a tobacco material with a solvent to produce a tobacco extract and a tobacco residue; (b) contacting the tobacco extract with an antioxidant; and (c) contacting the mixture of (b) with an antioxidant scavenger, to produce a treated tobacco extract. The treated tobacco extract is reapplied to the tobacco residue to form a treated tobacco material. In addition, a smoking composition, a smoking article and a smokeless tobacco oral delivery product contain the treated tobacco material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental cleaning aid. The aid includes a threader (or leader) including a monofilament. A follower is provided for following the threader and the follower is at least in part wider than the monofilament. Preferably, the aid includes a loop or fold fastening arrangement by which the threader and follower are fastened together. In one embodiment, the arrangement includes a fold or loop of the follower engaged with a fold or loop of the threader.

Abstract: An applicator used to apply a cosmetic composition to the eyelashes or the eyebrows includes a stem having a distal stem portion extending along a longitudinal axis and further includes a brush extending from the distal stem portion. The brush includes a core supporting bristles. The core extends along a longitudinal axis that is entirely contained within a plane. The core further has a first curve that is concave towards a first side of the core and a second curve, different from the first curve, that is concave towards a second side of the core opposite from the first side of the core. The longitudinal axis of the core crosses the longitudinal axis of the distal stem portion at least once. The core of the brush extends along the longitudinal axis of the core towards a free end of the core without turning back towards the distal stem portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hair styling device (10) having a body (12) defining a chamber (16) adapted to accommodate a length of hair (26), the length of hair being styled while it is located within the chamber. The chamber has a primary opening (24) through which the length of hair may pass into the chamber. A rotatable element (34) is provided which is adapted to engage the length of hair adjacent to the primary opening. An elongate member (20) is located within the chamber (16), the length of hair being wound around the elongate member by the rotatable element. The device has a handle (14) which may be gripped by a user, the handle comprising a first handle part (62) and a second handle part (60), the first handle part (62) being connected to the body (12) and the second handle part (60) being movable relative to the first handle part (62). The second handle part can carry a panel (56) which is adapted to close the primary opening (24).

Abstract: A cosmetic powder brush is provided. A brush holder is provided with a brush insertion part in which a brush is stored, and is rotatably coupled to a cap. The brush is stored in the brush insertion part, and then, the brush holder is rotated through a certain angle to prevent a removal of the brush in a closed state, and the brush holder is rotated through the certain angle to an original position thereof to use the brush, and the brush is taken out in an open state. The brush holder is rotatably installed on the cap, and the brush is inserted and stored in the brush holder, thereby effectively preventing the brush from being lost.

Abstract: An interdental treatment device comprises a generator 16 for generating a non-thermal gaseous plasma at a temperature suitable for use in oral treatment and an applicator 18 of the non-thermal plasma. The applicator 18 may comprise a hollow needle member for directing a jet of the non-thermal plasma interdentally. Alternatively the applicator 18 may comprise an interdental brush having a hollow head for receiving a non-thermal gaseous plasma, the head having at least one lateral opening for the discharge of the plasma. The generator 16 and applicator 18 may both form part of a hand-held device 10 having its own gas supply in the form of a capsule 12 containing pressurized gas and its own power supply in the form of a battery 20.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a chamber configured to dispose a substrate to be processed with a substrate holder, a spin chuck to rotate the substrate, a gas discharging head configured to discharge a dehumidified gas to the substrate, a processing liquid supply nozzle, an IPA supply nozzle, and a driving device configured to move the gas discharging head between a retreat position of an upper part of the chamber and an approach position near the substrate. In particular, the gas discharging head is positioned at the approach position when the IPA is supplied to the substrate so that the dehumidified gas is supplied from the gas discharging head to the substrate when the IPA is supplied to the substrate.

Abstract: A water-conducting domestic appliance includes a container with an expansion opening, an expansion component on the container, and an anti-twist device securing the expansion component in its assembly position.

Abstract: An umbrella for use in receiving a golf club is provided that includes a stem and a frame carried by the stem. A canopy is supported by the frame and has an interior surface and an oppositely disposed exterior surface. The canopy defines a canopy aperture that extends completely through the canopy. A club receiving member is configured for receipt of at least a portion of a golf club and is arranged in relation to the canopy aperture such that at least a portion of the golf club is capable of being disposed through the canopy aperture and received by the club receiving member.

Abstract: A tent including an integrated vestibule and a sleeping chamber having a dividable pocket for receiving at least one mattress therein and a plurality of tie-downs for tightening up loose pocket panel material when a mattress is not contained therein. The dividable pocket further includes a fastener for optionally and selectively dividing the pocket into discreet sections or a single section.

Abstract: A portable barrier has a pedestal assembly including (i) a plurality of legs that are movable with respect to each other, the plurality of legs includes a first leg and a second leg, and (ii) a first limiter connected to the first leg and the second leg. The portable barrier further has a cover assembly including (i) a plurality of arms that are movable with respect to each other, the plurality of arms includes a first arm and a second arm, and (ii) a covering connected to the first arm and the second arm. Further, the portable barrier has (i) a second limiter extending between the first arm and the first leg, (ii) a supplemental component movable with respect to the second arm; and (iii) a third limiter extending between the second arm and the supplemental component.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for removing condensate and unwanted gas from vapor/liquid systems while preventing steam loss are provided. The steam trap apparatus replaces the automatic valve type, non-sanitary steam trap with an efficient, controllable, and sanitary steam trap. In addition, the improved steam trap apparatus allows for real-time data collection and eliminates the need for additional piping and actuated valves for sterilization and cleaning purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a tank for receiving fluids in a sanitary system of a rail vehicle, wherein a) the fill level of the tank is registered; b) in the event that the fill level registered in step a) is equal to or greater than a fill level specified for the tank, ice formation is permitted for a time period specified for the tank; c) in the event that the fill level registered in step a) falls below the specified fill level, the tank is emptied; or d) in the event that the fill level registered in step a) falls below the specified fill level, the fill level is increased with fluid from a fresh water tank, and subsequently, steps b) or c) are carried out.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for isolating a section of sewer line. In one embodiment, a chamber is provided that extends into the ground and intersects a sewer pipe. Thereafter, the fluid in the sewer pipe is exposed to an interior of the chamber and a dam is placed in the chamber to isolate an upstream portion of the chamber from a downstream portion. As fluid collects in the upstream side of the chamber, at least one pump is used to control the fluid level in the upstream portion by transferring the fluid from the chamber to a predetermined, remote location.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for generating or depositing a stream of m>1 fluid segments, respectively separated by an intermediary medium which does not mix with the fluid segments. The arrangement includes a molded body having a channel for conducting the fluid stream, from which n?m first access lines and n second access lines branch off. The first and second access lines are configured so to be inserted into n wells. The lengths of the first access lines differ from the lengths of the second access lines, and respectively one first valve is arranged in the channel, between the branching location for each second access line and the branching location for each associated first access line, and wherein respectively a second valve is arranged in each second access line.

Abstract: A fluid supply includes a container (100, 300) containing a bag (102, 302) and a valve (104, 304).

Abstract: A control valve for an air cushion bed includes a first main body, a membrane plate, a second main body, a sensor, and a depressurization unit. The membrane plate is clamped between the first main body and the second main body. The second main body at one side of the membrane plate is connected with the sensor. The sensor is used to detect the inputted air pressure. When the air is over, the air can be depressurized by the depressurization unit. The control valve of the present invention is applied to input and control the air of the air cushion bed, having depressurization and air detection functions.

Abstract: A plastic faucet body with copper connecting legs contains a plastic member including two seat portions, a connecting portion, and two support feet; each support foot having an inlet and a channel; the connecting portion having at least one exit and a tunnel; two copper connecting legs, each being engaged on the each support foot and having a threaded section; wherein a bottom end of the each copper connecting leg extends a predetermined distance from the each support foot so as to define a fitting section on the each copper connecting leg; a lower coupling portion is formed on a connection zone of the each support foot and the each copper connecting leg; a plastic sleeve has at least one seal element to provide a sealing effect and to prevent water from leakage via the lower coupling portion and has a seal inner face formed on the plastic sleeve.

Abstract: Tap safety devices are disclosed. The tap safety devices may include a shield which is positioned between the fluid supply line and an operator space such that in an occurrence of an unintended break in the fluid supply line in which a first portion of fluid exits the fluid supply line and travels towards the operator space the shield substantially redirects the first portion of fluid away from the operator space.

Abstract: A draining tool useful for controlled draining of a fluid container, such as a threaded spin-on type oil filter. The draining tool includes a piercing pin having a tapered point, striking head, resilient spring, resilient spring retainer assembly, and piercing pin retainer assembly. The draining tool includes a central block having an axial bore housing the piercing pin, and an internal chamber having a channel permitting drainage of fluid from the internal chamber. One end of the central block provides an attachment assembly suitable for holding the tool against the fluid container allowing the fluid container to be pierced by the piercing pin and the internal chamber to receive fluid flowing from the fluid container.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flow rate adjusting unit is disposed on a gas passageway and includes a valve that adjusts the flow rate of a gas and an actuator that controls the displacement amount of the valve. A displacement amount storage unit stores displacement amount information in which a displacement amount of the valve, used when a gas flows into the gas passageway at a flow rate defined according to a process procedure before performing the process procedure, is obtained in advance for each process procedure. A setting circuit acquires the displacement amount corresponding to the process procedure from the displacement amount storage unit, and controls the actuator on the basis of the acquired displacement amount.

Abstract: A faucet includes an annular body (101), a throttle valve (102) constituting a seat and an annular metal gasket positioned therebetween while being accommodated in a recess, the movable sealing element being connected by a plate to a static sealing element gripped within the recess, the plate is flexible and there is play between the recess and the part of the main surfaces of the dynamic sealing element closest to the seat (102) when said element is remote from the seat (102).

Abstract: A gas manifold system includes a plenum that receives a gas at a positive pressure and a manifold having at least one exit port. One or more valves are disposed between the plenum and the manifold. When opened, the valve(s) permit a stream of the gas at positive pressure to flow from the plenum into the manifold. A baffle is disposed in the manifold between the valve(s) and the exit port(s). The baffle obstructs each stream of gas entering the manifold such that the gas is reduced to substantially zero pressure in the manifold at the exit port(s).

Abstract: An apparatus for creating sheathed flow includes an inlet section comprising an array of tubes including at least one sheath inlet port and a sample inlet port, a flow focusing section downstream from the inlet section, an optical access section downstream from the flow focusing region and comprising opposing flat surfaces, and an outlet section downstream from the optical access section, wherein the apparatus is operable to create a sheathed flow around a fluid introduced into the sample inlet port and to maintain the sheathed flow through the optical access section. Applications of the apparatus and method include bead/particle counting, flow cytometry, waveguiding, and fluid control.

Abstract: A valve includes a body, a plug and a diaphragm defining an aperture and a seat. The diaphragm is substantially movable in response to a force applied to the seat by the plug. The valve can be cycled between an open state in which the plug is free of the seat, a closed state in which the plug is seated against the seat, and a third state in which the plug is seated against the seat and substantially deflects the diaphragm.

Abstract: A valve arrangement has several valve clusters which are designed for different nominal flow rates. Each valve cluster (1c) comprises a valve base (2) fitted with valve units (4), the valve units (4) respectively having a control portion (13), which is connected by way of electrical interface means (23) with internal signal transmission means (22) of the valve base (2). Irrespectively of the flow rate category the overall height of the valve bases (2), the width of the component mounting sites and of the valve units (4) and also the electrical interface means (23) are identically configured in the case of the valve clusters of all flow rate categories. The modification of the nominal flow rates is performed more especially by the choice of different overall lengths of the valve units (4).

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve comprising casing, a coil and a mobile nucleus, sliding axially across the entire extension of the coil, between two operative positions wherein there is an interface with a powering body and a discharging body. The configuration of the electromagnetic valve guarantees a precise guide of the mobile nucleus free from sticking and enables speed and precision in the assembly of the electromagnetic valve.

Abstract: A flow modulating device comprises flow modulating elements 8 of a shape memory alloy, which are acted upon by resilient elements 10. The flow modulating elements 8 and resilient elements 10 are mounted on a common support ring 6. At one temperature, the flow modulating elements 8 overcome the resilient force of the resilient elements 10 to lie against the wall of a duct 4 in which the device is situated. The flow modulating elements 8 thus offer a relatively low resistance to flow in the duct 4. At a second temperature, the force of the resilient elements 10 overcomes that of the flow modulating elements 8 to deflect them inwardly of the duct 4, so increasing the flow resistance of the device.

Abstract: A device for shutting an aircraft jettisoning circuit includes a coupling endpiece. The endpiece carries a sealing gasket and means suitable for modifying a dimension of the gasket.

Abstract: A valve cap includes an internally threaded cap; a sleeve including external threads and an internal passage; a flexible, spring biased insert including a conic top in the passage of the sleeve for blocking, and a transverse bottom groove; a hollow first cylinder including external threads threadedly secured to the cap, internal threads secured to the external threads of the sleeve, and an internal passage; a hollow second cylinder including external threads, lower internal threads, and an internal passage; a moveable, flexible insert member including a conic top, a stem, and a transverse bottom groove; and a hollow, cylindrical positioning member including an axial channel and external threads threadedly secured to the internal threads of the insert member. Groove of the insert member communicates with both the channel of the positioning member and inside of the second cylinder.

Abstract: A kit, apparatus, and method for sealing a junction between a manhole and a pipe within a sewer system are provided. In a first embodiment, the end of a pipe adjacent a manhole is sealed by the use of a pipe liner and a tubular sleeve made of a hydrophilic material. The tubular sleeve is held in place by a mechanical fastener and a pipe liner is installed or otherwise placed through the tubular sleeve and against the wall of the pipe. In a second embodiment, a majority of the area surrounding a junction of a pipe and a manhole is sealed by the use of a tubular sleeve made of a hydrophilic material including a flange portion, a mechanical fastener, a pipe liner, and a manhole liner.

Abstract: The different embodiments of the cable stand-off serve as a thermally inslutative protector. In one embodiment, the cable stand-off includes an elongated member defining a lumen therethrough, and a plurality of fins extending from an outer surface of the elongated member, wherein the plurality of fins includes sets of fins, each set of fins being spaced a longitudinal distance from one another and being positioned around a circumference of the elongated member. Another embodiment of the cable stand-off comprises an elongated member having a helical shape and surrounding at least a portion of a length of at least one energy transmission conduit. In yet another embodiment, a cable stand-off comprises an elongated surrounding at least a portion of a length of an energy transmission conduit, wherein the elongated member is made of a non-flammable, low particulate, flexible fiber material.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to an apparatus which can be used to increase the bending strength of a tube in its connection region. The apparatus may include an adapter unit, the shape of which is matched to a cross-sectional shape of a tube end in such a manner that on the one hand the adapter unit can be fitted to a tube connection of a device instead of the tube end and on the other hand the tube end can be fitted to the adapter unit. The apparatus may also include at least one spring element made of glass fiber reinforced plastic, which is connected to the adapter unit, projects out of the adapter unit in the direction of the tube and has a termination element at the projecting end, against which termination element a fitted tube abuts when subjected to bending, so that the rigidity of the spring element increases the bending strength of the tube in the region between the adapter unit and the element.