Abstract: The invention relates to a small-volume nebulizer with a valve system to provide lung physiotherapy during airway therapy with small-volume nebulizers. The valve system may be incorporated into a small-volume nebulizer. The small-volume nebulizer may be pre-filled with at least one unit-dose of medicine and hermetically sealed until use. The nebulizer may be sealed at the top with a removable cap that may be detached at the time of use and replaced with a patient connector. Likewise, the nebulizer may be sealed at the bottom with a bottom cap that is replaced with a gas source at the beginning of a therapeutic aerosol treatment.

Abstract: A gas delivery system including a gas delivery device, a control module and a gas delivery mechanism is described. An exemplary gas delivery device includes a valve assembly with a valve and circuit including a memory, a processor and a transceiver in communication with the memory. The memory may include gas data such as gas identification, gas expiration and gas concentration. The transceiver on the circuit of the valve assembly may send wireless optical line-of-sight signals to communicate the gas data to a control module. Exemplary gas delivery mechanisms include a ventilator and a breathing circuit. Methods of administering gas are also described.

Abstract: A gas delivery system including a gas delivery device, a control module and a gas delivery mechanism is described. An exemplary gas delivery device includes a valve assembly with a valve and circuit including a memory, a processor and a transceiver in communication with the memory. The memory may include gas data such as gas identification, gas expiration and gas concentration. The transceiver on the circuit of the valve assembly may send wireless optical line-of-sight signals to communicate the gas data to a control module. Exemplary gas delivery mechanisms include a ventilator and a breathing circuit. Methods of administering gas are also described.

Abstract: A basic air flow device includes a flow passage having opposite ends. The flow passage is divided into a plurality of sequential portions between the ends including an inlet portion extending into the flow passage from an inlet end, an outlet portion disposed at the opposite end of the flow passage from the inlet portion, and at least one intermediate passage portion between the inlet passage portion and the outlet passage portion. Each of a plurality of divider sets are positioned in a different sequential portion of the passage to divide that passage portion into a predetermined number of sub passages, whereby the flow passage is sequentially divided into an increasing number of sub flow passages progressing from the inlet portion to the outlet portion. A larger device can be assembled using a parallel plurality of the basic devices.

Abstract: Nebulizer ampoules are labelled by laser-marking or laser-engraving data on a film to produce a data film and affixing the film onto a nebulizer ampoule using a non-migratory adhesive.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electrolysis apparatus that includes an anode electrically connectable to a direct current electrical source. The apparatus also includes a cathode comprising a proximal segment and a distal segment. The proximal segment is electrically connectable to the direct current electrical source. Further, the apparatus includes a hydrogen collector receptacle that limits generation and collection of hydrogen at the cathode to a specified amount. The hydrogen collector receptacle encompasses a portion of the cathode. Also, the apparatus includes a delivery device that receives hydrogen from and is connected to the hydrogen collector receptacle. According to one embodiment, the hydrogen gas generated in the electrolysis apparatus and collected in the collector receptacle is less than about 4.5% of a user's breath.

Abstract: Transmitter and receiver devices and related methods are provided for monitoring air supplies and optionally directions of a group of divers. A transmitter device includes an acoustic transmitter, and may have a housing with two nonconcentric generally cylindrical portions of different diameters. The transmitter device may send brief sonic data packets comprising pressure, identification and error checking portions encoded with an on/off modulation scheme. A receiver device decodes sonic packets received from a transmitter device, and may include a plurality of acoustic transducers for determining a direction of a transmitter device. Both the transmitter and receiver devices may be compact, low cost and have long battery life.

Abstract: Transmitter and receiver devices and related methods are provided for monitoring air supplies and optionally directions of a group of divers. A transmitter device includes an acoustic transmitter, and may have a housing with two nonconcentric generally cylindrical portions of different diameters. The transmitter device may send brief sonic data packets comprising pressure, identification and error checking portions encoded with an on/off modulation scheme. A receiver device decodes sonic packets received from a transmitter device, and may include a plurality of acoustic transducers for determining a direction of a transmitter device. Both the transmitter and receiver devices may be compact, low cost and have long battery life.

Abstract: A respiratory device having a respiratory gas source, a control unit and a connecting device for connecting to a respiratory mask. The control unit is connected to a sensor for detecting a measurement parameter. The control unit has a step generator for specifying a stepped modification of the pressure that is generated by the respiratory gas source. The sensor measures a signal that corresponds to the pressure distribution and is coupled to an analyzer that evaluates the temporal distribution of an analysis signal that is dependent on the measuring signal. The step generator increases the pressure by a pressure step in a respiratory cycle that follows the measuring evaluation, if the analyzer determines a deviation of the analysis signal from a limit value after a predeterminable time limit has elapsed following the pressure increase. The deviation must exceed a predeterminable minimum differential in order to trigger a pressure increase.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for monitoring ventilatory parameters, analyzing ventilatory data associated with those parameters, and providing useful notifications and/or recommendations to clinicians. For example, many clinicians may not easily identify or recognize data patterns and correlations indicative of a fluctuation in resistance during mechanical ventilation of a patient. Furthermore, clinicians may not easily determine potential causes for the fluctuation in resistance and/or steps for mitigating the fluctuation in resistance. According to embodiments, a ventilator may be configured to monitor and evaluate diverse ventilatory parameters to detect fluctuations in resistance and may issue suitable notifications and recommendations to the clinician based on potential causes of the fluctuation, ventilatory and/or patient data, etc.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for monitoring and evaluating ventilatory data to provide useful notifications and/or recommendations. Indeed, many clinicians may not easily identify or recognize data patterns and correlations indicative of certain patient conditions or the effectiveness of ventilatory treatment. Further, clinicians may not readily determine appropriate adjustments that may address certain patient conditions or the effectiveness of ventilatory treatment. Specifically, clinicians may not readily detect or recognize the occurrence of fluctuations in compliance during various types of ventilation. According to embodiments, a ventilator may be configured to monitor and evaluate diverse ventilatory parameters to detect an occurrence of and potential causes for fluctuations in compliance and may subsequently issue suitable notifications and/or recommendations.

Abstract: A method for promoting contraception by placing a contraceptive device within a uterus without blocking fallopian tubes may involve advancing a distal end of a delivery device through a cervix, advancing the contraceptive device comprising an elongate shape memory member out of the distal end of the delivery device and into the uterus, and limiting inferior migration of the contraceptive device within the uterus. Inferior migration may be limited by allowing the contraceptive device to assume a shape, when subjected to pressure that tends to cause a downward migration of the device within the uterus, in which an expandable middle portion of the device is expanded to contact the inner wall of the uterus and thus limit the downward migration of the device.

Abstract: A method for promoting contraception by placing a contraceptive device within a uterus without blocking fallopian tubes may involve advancing a distal end of a delivery device through a cervix, advancing the contraceptive device comprising an elongate shape memory member out of the distal end of the delivery device and into the uterus, and limiting inferior migration of the contraceptive device within the uterus. Inferior migration may be limited by allowing the contraceptive device to assume a shape, when subjected to pressure that tends to cause a downward migration of the device within the uterus, in which an expandable middle portion of the device is expanded to contact the inner wall of the uterus and thus limit the downward migration of the device.

Abstract: Articles comprising one or more calcium salts are provided. The articles can contain one or more calcium salts in an amount effective to reduce the production of TSST-1 by at least about 50% when measured by the Shake Flask Method. In certain embodiments, the one or more calcium salts can be substantially non-lethal to Staphylococcus aureus when measured by the Shake Flask Method, and/or to Lactobacillus crispatus, Lactobacillus gasseri, and/or Lactobacillus iners when measured by the Maximum Tolerated Dose Test.

Abstract: A valve assembly adapted for implantation into the vas deferens of a male patient. The valve assembly is operable in a first mode to block the flow of sperm and in a second mode to permit the flow of sperm. The surgeon is permitted to shift the valve assembly between its first and second functional modes by moving a moveable valve member. The valve assembly includes a valve retention feature for releasably retaining the valve member is a selected position associated with each of the two distinct functional modes.

Abstract: A patient positioning apparatus is provided. The patient positioning apparatus includes a positioning table, a transfer plate, which is arranged on the positioning table so as to be moveable relative to the positioning table, and a positioning unit for a positioning of a surgical head securing unit on the transfer plate, wherein the positioning unit exhibits a joint unit with at least one first rotational joint unit, wherein the at least one first rotational joint unit exhibits a predetermined stop position for a rotational movement.

Abstract: An aid against snoring with a slingshot-shaped outer splint which support the jaw angle and fixates the lower jaw to the cheek and upper jaw. The splint is pressure relieving, pressure distributing, bendable and therefore individually adjustable and adheres to the support (skin) (FIG. 1) from the jaw angle to cheek and upper jaw (and alternatively up over the bridge of the nose) (FIG. 4 and FIG. 5) and in that way prevent the lower jaw from falling backwards-downwards and obstruct the air way in the throat during sleep.

Abstract: The mouth guard includes first and second side walls, first and second curved walls, and a central wall having a top and a bottom surface. The curved walls are connected to the sidewalls, such that they define a periphery of the mouth guard. The central wall extends between the first and second sidewalls, and the first and second curved walls. The mouth guard includes top and bottom channels for receiving a patient's upper and lower teeth, respectively. First and second protrusions extend from the top surface of the central wall, and a first tube channel is formed between the first and second protrusions. A second tube channel is formed in the central wall and is connected with the first tube channel. An opening is formed in the curved walls and is in communication with the second tube channel. The first and second channels, and the opening receive an intubation tube.

Abstract: Methods for external anatomical pressure management are described, such as, methods for reducing the loss of lean body mass in a person experiencing anatomical support wherein the support contact pressure which is applied to the anatomy of the person is adjusted to below venous-return blood-flow-occluding pressure of the person.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and apparatuses for enhanced comfort through contact pressure reduction. In particular, the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein prevent or otherwise mitigate pressure by actively orienting a patient over an anatomy-specific pressure-mitigating contact surface on which the patient rests. A pressure-mitigating contact portion of the contact surface includes a plurality of independently pressurized chambers configured in a specific geometric pattern that is designed to mitigate contact pressure between a support surface (e.g., bed or chair) and a specific anatomic region of a patient's body when the specific anatomic region of the patient's body is oriented over an epicenter of the geometric pattern.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and apparatuses for enhanced comfort through contact pressure reduction. In particular, the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein prevent or otherwise mitigate pressure by actively orienting a patient over an anatomy-specific pressure-mitigating contact surface on which the patient rests. A pressure-mitigating contact portion of the contact surface includes a plurality of independently pressurized chambers configured in a specific geometric pattern that is designed to mitigate contact pressure between a support surface (e.g., bed or chair) and a specific anatomic region of a patient's body when the specific anatomic region of the patient's body is oriented over an epicenter of the geometric pattern. Additionally, a plurality of elevated side support portions and a wedge interconnected on the base material are configured to actively orient the specific anatomic region of the patient's body over the epicenter of the geometric pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus for the formation of machine-made tobacco rods for use in the production of smoking articles, such as cigars, from tobacco comprising a tacky material. The apparatus includes a pair of transfer and compression belts for receiving and compressing the stream of tobacco, the transfer and compression; a pair of squeeze bars for compressing the tobacco in a direction perpendicular to the pair of transfer and compression belts, the pair of squeeze bars produced from a material comprising a poly(aryl ether ketone); a tongue for receiving the compressed tobacco, the tongue produced from a material comprising a poly(aryl ether ketone); and a folder for folding a wrapper material around the compressed tobacco so as to form a continuous rod of tobacco, the wrapper material provided from a source of wrapper material, the folder produced from a material comprising a poly(aryl ether ketone).

Abstract: A self-lighting smoking device comprising an elongated smoke canal, where the elongated smoke canal includes a mouthpiece; a bowl at an opposite end of the elongated smoke canal from the mouthpiece, where the bowl includes an inner cavity to receive a smoking product; a lighter attached to the elongated smoke canal of the pipe, where the lighter is positioned by the bowl; and an actuator attached to the lighter, where the actuator ignites a flame to light the smoking product within the inner cavity of the bowl.

Abstract: An integral cooling and filtering device designed to be fitted on a smoking end of a cigarette or other smoking article is provided to reduce the temperature of smoke produced by combustion of smoking material and to filter the cooled smoke prior to contact with a smoker's mouth. The device is configured with a receptacle to hold a cigarette or like smoking article and a mouthpiece section that directly contacts the smoker's mouth. A cooling section and a filter section are positioned between the receptacle and the mouthpiece section. Temperature reduction of the smoke is provided by a thermionic cooling means. The filter section can include a substantially permanent cleanable filter or a replaceable filter. The mouthpiece section may be a heat-resistant metal, a plastic, or another appropriate mouth contact material, while the receptacle and cooling and filtering sections are preferably formed of a suitable metal.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette structure is described and relates to the field of electronic cigarette technology. The electronic cigarette structure includes a round tubular cigarette tube and a control board module, a battery, an atomizer base, a fibreglass tube and a sealing ring installed within said cigarette tube from front to back. A diametrical hole penetrates the fibre glass tube, that hole being internally equipped with a glass fibre rope around which heating wire is wrapped, the heating wire being connected to the atomizer base, there being a cigarette mouthpiece installed at the rear end of the cigarette tube on the outside of the sealing ring, said mouthpiece being an acetate fibre filter cotton mouthpiece.

Abstract: A preformed artificial nail assembly comprising a pair of artificial nails sized to correspond to at least a portion of said natural nail, and an application tab assembly extending between the pair of artificial nails. The application tab assembly includes a body portion and a neck portion adjacent each said artificial nail, said neck portion being disposed between the body portion and the lower surface of the free edge of the artificial nail. The application tab assembly may include an area of weakness that allows the assembly to be separated into two separate tabs, one adjacent each of the artificial nails of the pair. The user may utilize the application tab assembly as a single unit to place the nails, or separate the assembly into two separate tabs to allow the user to place the nails utilizing separate tabs.

Abstract: A comb applicator device system for applying hair treatment material to hair. The system include a comb device configured with apertures on the teeth and cavities or tunnels inside the teeth and the comb body. An entry opening is configured on the wall of the comb body to connect a tubing system with a pump. The pump can pump liquid hair treatment material from its container to the comb body and teeth, applying to hair when combing hair.

Abstract: A hair apparatus and hair retention method includes a spine having a longitudinal axis, wherein the spine includes a hole and a peg outwardly protruding from an edge of the spine and substantially along the longitudinal axis of the spine. The spine includes a plurality of protrusions outwardly projecting orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the spine. The hair apparatus further includes a first clip portion including a first connecting mechanism that non-integrally connects the first clip portion with the spine, wherein the first connecting mechanism is positioned at a first end of the first clip portion. The first clip portion includes a first attachment mechanism positioned at a second end of the first clip portion, wherein the first end is at an opposite end from the second end, and thereby the first connecting mechanism and the first attachment mechanism are positioned at opposite ends of the first clip portion.

Abstract: A device and method for braiding hair or other flexible filaments is disclosed herein. The device comprises a set of gears comprising sector gears and elliptical gears, the elliptical gears having a hollow center portion for receiving the hair or other flexible material. The device further comprises a controller, a motor, a power source, and a user interface. The user interface allows the user to select a variety of weaving patterns. The device and method of the present disclosure may be employed to weave four or more strands of material into a braid.

Abstract: A device and method for braiding hair or other flexible filaments is disclosed herein. The device comprises controller and a motor whereby the device may be used to intertwine strands of the flexible filament in a desired pattern. A user interface that allows the user to select a variety of pattern modules for operating the device.

Abstract: A multi-unit cosmetic applicator comprising: a housing body, a first cosmetic unit housed in the housing body, a second cosmetic unit housed in the housing body, an opening in the housing, wherein each cosmetic unit has a means for being independently movable relative to each other from a stored position to an advanced position and back to its stored position. The means may include a ratchet assembly, a squeeze assembly, or a dual twist assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to solid colouring compositions for fibrous materials. The solid colouring compositions comprise a silicone in powder form and a solid colour modifying composition.

Abstract: A hair accessory and method of use and construction is disclosed. The hair accessory is primarily for use in forming a simple, compact, and secure hair bun by a single person. In a particular embodiment, the hair accessory is comprised of a tube formed into a main ring, combined with a plurality of supplemental or secondary rings formed by straps. The straps wrap around the outside of the tube, forming intermittent changes in the exterior surface of the device. Each strap has a series of grasping hooks used to secure hair passing through the center of the main ring. The device is then rolled down toward the head to secure the hair in place. Various other aspects of the device and details of its potential use and construction are disclosed.

Abstract: A cosmetic applicator for highlighting or imparting color to a user's hair includes upper and lower halves attached together by a hinge. Each half includes a rigid outer cap and a flexible connector surrounding and connecting the outer cap to a perimeter of the respective half. The cosmetic applicator further includes an applicator pad arranged in an interior of one of the upper and lower halves and a coloring material arranged in an interior of the other of the upper and lower halves. The flexible connector permits the outer caps of the respective upper and lower halves to be pressed inwardly toward one another so as to bring the applicator pad and the coloring material into engagement with one another.

Abstract: A flossing device and a method of manufacture thereof, consisting of a first elongated member and a second elongated member that is removably coupled to the first elongated member along an interior side of a top region of the first elongated member. The flossing device includes a floss member coupled to the second elongated member and extending through an aperture of the first elongated member. The floss member includes a first enlarged stop member at an end distal from the second elongated member and sized to fit within a countersunk enlarged channel but not fit through a narrow channel in communication with the enlarged channel.

Abstract: Methods of treating a device such as an endoprostheses or a batch thereof include first soaking the device in nitric acid for greater than 1 hour; after first soaking the device, first sonicating the device in deionized water for between about 5 minutes and about 20 minutes; and after first sonicating the device, repeating, at least once, soaking the device in nitric acid for greater than 1 hour, and, after soaking the device in the nitric acid, sonicating the device in deionized water between about 5 minutes and about 20 minutes. Methods may further include soaking in a mild acid for between about 30 minutes and about 45 minutes. The methods may form a protective oxide having a thickness between about 30 ? and about 100 ?.

Abstract: An active electroadhesive cleaning device or system includes electrode(s) that produce electroadhesive forces from an input voltage to adhere dust or other foreign objects against an interactive surface, from which the foreign objects are removed when the forces are controllably altered. User inputs control the input voltage and/or designate the size of foreign objects to be cleaned. An active power source provides the input voltage, and the interactive surface can be a continuous track across one or more rollers to move the device across a dirty foreign surface. Electrodes can be arranged in an interdigitated pattern having differing pitches that can be actuated selectively to clean foreign objects of different sizes. Sensors can detect the amount of foreign particles adhered to the interactive surface, and reversed polarity pulses can help repel items away from the interactive surface in a timely and controlled manner.

Abstract: A system and method for an extreme ultraviolet light chamber comprising a collector mirror, a cooling system coupled to a backside of the collector mirror operative to cool a reflective surface of the collector mirror and a buffer gas source coupled to the extreme ultraviolet light chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for cleaning a semiconductor wafer, in which the method includes cleaning steps of HF cleaning, ozonated water cleaning and HF cleaning in this order at least one time, wherein in the HF cleaning carried out last in the method for cleaning the semiconductor wafer, cleaning is so carried out that an oxide film formed on a surface of the semiconductor wafer by the ozonated water is not entirely removed and to remain a part of a thickness thereof on the surface of the semiconductor wafer. As a result, a method for cleaning a semiconductor wafer in which a metal impurity level and a particle level can be reduced simultaneously in the cleaning of the semiconductor wafer is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cleaning implement comprising elastic compressed foam and to a method of cleaning a hard surface with said cleaning implement.

Abstract: A package for delivering a cleaning solution to a surface to be cleaned includes a sealed packet having a cleaning solution therein with at least a portion of an outer lower surface thereof having at least one weakened, frangible area that is adapted to rupture when a predetermined pressure is applied to an upper surface of the packet. The cleaning solution in the packet can be discharged through the frangible areas when the packet is positioned on a surface and the predetermined pressure is applied to the packet to rupture the packet.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a precision component which includes the steps of immersing the component in a heated solvating agent disposed in a pre-clean module tank to thereby remove an adherent contaminant; treating the component with a rinsing solvent to remove any remaining contaminants and residual solvating agent in a separate rinse degreaser whereby contaminants removed from the component collect in the rinse degreaser; and removing contaminated solvent from the rinse degreaser to a micro-still to separate the contaminants from the rinse solvent and direct the purified rinse solvent to the rinse degreaser. An apparatus is also provided for cleaning contaminants from a precision component including a pre-clean module tank containing a heated solvating agent, a degreaser containing a rinsing solvent, and a micro-still which separates the contaminants from the rinsing solvent and directs the purified rinsing solvent to the rinse degreaser.

Abstract: A method for autonomously driving a motor vehicle in a car wash as well as a corresponding car wash is proposed in order to enhance the comfort and safety when autonomously driving through the car wash. The position and the orientation of the motor vehicle are detected by a sensor system of the car wash and transmitted to the motor vehicle. This makes it possible to automatically enter and move the vehicle onward in a car wash.

Abstract: A detergent composition comprises a hydrophobic polymer, a sulphonated polyacrylate, a pyrrolidone derivative and an anionic surfactant. The compositions find particular application in dishwashing applications and exhibit reduced tendency for spotting on the articles to be cleaned.

Abstract: The present inventions are directed to portable cleaning apparatuses adapted for use on mobile cleaning carts useable, for example, for cleaning hospital rooms. Each apparatus comprises a pre-filter module, a vacuum source module, and a secondary filter module, releasably securable to one another, the entire apparatus being configured provide high efficiency cleaning at low noise levels.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of carrying out machine dishwashing, using a cleaning composition, the method comprising delivery of the cleaning composition into the machine, characterised in that the cleaning composition is delivered to the machine from a pressurised aerosol canister as a foam or as a foam precursor which forms foam before the machine is operated.

Abstract: A method and system for cleaning a surface of a substrate after an etching operation includes determining a plurality of process parameters associated with the surface of the substrate. The process parameters define characteristics related to the surface of the substrate such as characteristics of the substrate surface to be cleaned, contaminants to be removed, features formed on the substrate and chemicals used in the fabrication operations. A plurality of application chemistries are identified based on the process parameters. The plurality of application chemistries includes a first application chemistry as an emulsion having a first immiscible liquid combined with a second immiscible liquid and solid particles distributed within the first immiscible liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid processing method, apparatus, and storage device for cleaning a member disposed at holding part-side of a substrate, such as a lift pin plate (including a lift pin) or a holding plate, with a rinsing liquid, thereby preventing a chemical liquid adhered to such a member from having a bad influence on the wafer. The liquid processing method includes holding the substrate by a holding part, rotating the substrate held by the holding part through a rotation driving part, and supplying a chemical liquid to a holding part-side surface of the substrate by a chemical liquid supply part. After the supply of the chemical liquid, rinsing liquid droplets are generated and supplied to the holding part-side surface of the substrate by supplying gas toward the holding part-side surface of the substrate through a gas supply part and supplying a rinsing liquid toward the holding part-side surface of the substrate through a rinsing liquid supply part.

Abstract: A portable sun screen and cooling apparatus for shading a user from direct sunlight while circulating cooled air. The portable sun screen and cooling apparatus provides a domed canopy with an air conditioning element that circulates cooled air throughout the domed canopy. The domed canopy comprises a hollow framework for redirecting the cooled air toward a user's upper body. An indicating element demonstrates a user's position should they become lost or separated from their companions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and system for producing electrical current based on a temperature differential. The system comprises of at least one unit having a plurality of chips sandwiched between a higher temperature layer on one side and a lower temperature layer on an opposite side. Chips are preferably thermoelectric solid state chips that produce an electric current when there is a temperature differential created across the chips. There are a plurality of chips in each unit and the chips within each unit are electrically connected to one another in series. Preferably, there are a plurality of units.