Abstract: A smoking article comprises a first part and a second part movable relative to the first part. A control mechanism comprises a first control surface on one of the first part or second part; and a second control surface on the other of the first and second parts. The second control surface is configured to engage with the first control surface to control relative rotation between the first part and second part.

Abstract: Methods of curing tobacco that reduce the levels of TSNAs and/or improve leaf quality are described herein.

Abstract: High-throughput production apparatuses, systems, and associated methods may include pneumatic dense phase feeding. For example, a method may involve feeding via pneumatic dense phase feeding a matrix material into a mold cavity to form a desired cross-sectional shape, the matrix material comprising a binder particle and an active particle; heating (e.g., via microwave irradiation) at least a portion of the matrix material so as to bind the matrix material at a plurality of contact points thereby forming a porous mass length; cooling the porous mass length; and cutting the porous mass length radially thereby producing a porous mass. In some instances, the matrix material may include a plurality of active particles, a plurality of binder particles (optionally having a hydrophilic surface modification), and optionally a microwave enhancement additive.

Abstract: An airtight liquid cosmetic container is provided. The container includes a body configured to eject liquid contents through an ejection hole, a container inserted into the body through an opening of the body to be slidable and filled with the liquid contents therein, a container cap coupled with an inlet, and a valve unit allowing the liquid contents in the container to be transferred to the ejection hole of the body while pressing the container and blocking the transfer of the liquid contents while releasing a force of pressing the container. The valve unit includes an opening and closing element sliding together with the container and the container cap, allows the opening and closing element to open a transfer path of the liquid contents to be ejected while the container is being pressed, and allows the opening and closing element to block an ejection of the liquid contents.

Abstract: An apparatus, kit and method for applying a French manicure to a user's own nails or those of a customer using a simple finger guide which permits the positioning of a finger relative to a reservoir of acrylic nail polish powder. In one form, the apparatus is comprised of a finger guide which can be removably associated with an acrylic nail polish powder-containing vessel. Alternative embodiments include those with a finger guide being integrally formed with the vessel/jar. A method for applying a French manicure using the apparatus of the invention is also contemplated. The kit includes a supply of one or more acrylic nail polish powders, a finger guide, and the necessary materials to cause the acrylic nail polish powder to be converted to a solid nail polish coating.

Abstract: A cleansing composition comprising the following components (A), (B), (C) and (D): (A) from 1 to 20% by weight of a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate, (B) from 0.02 to 5% by weight of a cation group-containing polymer (B) having a cationic charge density of from 4.5 to 7 meq/g, (C) from 0.02 to 10% by weight of cationized hydroxypropyl cellulose (C) represented by the following formula (1) wherein R1, R2 and R3 each independently represent a substituent group having a cationized ethyleneoxy group and a propyleneoxy group, n represents a number of from 20 to 5000 which is a number representing the average polymerization degree of anhydroglucose, and the substitution degree of the cationized ethyleneoxy group is from 0.01 to 3 and the substitution degree of the propyleneoxy group is from 0.01 to 5, and (D) water.

Abstract: There is provided a cleansing composition for skin or hair which can provide a good rinse feel, enhance combing property of the hair during rinsing to impart softness to the hair, and impart a refreshing feeling upon application to the skin without causing stickiness. A cleansing composition for skin or hair contains the following (A) and (B): (A) an internal olefin sulfonate having 12 or more and 24 or less carbon atoms; and (B) an anionic surfactant having no sulfate group except the internal olefin sulfonate (A) and an anionic surfactant having two or more carboxylic acid groups.

Abstract: Provided is a cleansing composition for skin or hair capable of bringing about a good rinse feel and, in regard to hair, imparting softness to hair during rinsing and after towel drying, and further, imparting a sufficient moist feeling also to skin after application. A cleansing composition for skin or hair, comprising the following (A) and (B): (A) an internal olefin sulfonate having 12 or more and 24 or less carbon atoms; and (B) a cationic polymer or an amphoteric polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition, especially a cosmetic composition, comprising: (i) one or more alkoxysilanes, and (ii) one or more starches modified with an acid or an acid derivative. The invention also relates to a cosmetic process for treating keratin materials with this composition, and also to the use of this composition for caring for and/or shaping keratin materials.

Abstract: Hair was coated with polymer-containing fluid and then hot pressed to form a composite of hair and a polymer film imprinted with a nanopattern. Polychromatic light incident on the nanopattern is diffracted into dispersed colored light.

Abstract: A hair curling device includes an elongated heating member, a handle member, a powering arrangement including a motorized unit supported in said handle member, and a clamping arm pivotally moved between an opened position that the clamping arm is tilted from the heating member and a closed position that the clamping arm is in contact with a heating surface of the heating member. The clamping arm is driven to rotate around an axis of the heating member by the motorized unit, such that after the clamping arm is moved at the closed position for retaining a lock of hair between the clamping arm and the heating surface of the heating member, the clamping arm is automatically rotated for guiding the lock of hair being whirled around the heating member.

Abstract: A hair curling device includes an elongated heating member, a handle member, a powering arrangement including a motorized unit supported in said handle member, and a clamping arm pivotally moved between an opened position that the clamping arm is tilted from the heating member and a closed position that the clamping arm is in contact with a heating surface of the heating member. The clamping arm is driven to rotate around an axis of the heating member by the motorized unit, such that after the clamping arm is moved at the closed position for retaining a lock of hair between the clamping arm and the heating surface of the heating member, the clamping arm is automatically rotated for guiding the lock of hair being whirled around the heating member.

Abstract: Provided is a tool for applying cosmetics for mascara and eyebrow cosmetics which allows applying a liquid cosmetic in an appropriate amount to eyelashes or eyebrows, and with which a previously unexperienced feeling of use can be obtained. In an application tool (1) for which a plurality of bristles (30) are fixed in a double-folded manner to the inside of a long groove (12), which is formed at a partial side surface of a brush portion (10) formed at a leading end side of a brush shaft (6), comb teeth (26) are integrally formed at a predetermined pitch in a brush portion axial direction on an exposed surface (21) of the fastener (20). As a result of forming the comb teeth (26) in a space that is wide between two lines of bristle groups (30a, 30b), the liquid pool space is narrowed accordingly, so that excessive pooling of a liquid cosmetic (2) in the brush portion (10) can be prevented.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved hair styling device, and provides a hair styling device for imparting a wave to a tress of hair. The device comprises a tube (110) having a longitudinal axis, the tube being open at at least one of its longitudinal ends whereby the tress of hair can be introduced into the tube. The tube is longitudinally extendable between a non-extended condition and an extended condition. The inside of the tube has at least one barrier (120) which can engage the tress of hair as the tube moves towards its non-extended condition, the barrier controlling the deformation of the tress of hair and thereby controlling the form of the wave produced in the tress of hair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool (1) for separating a hair bundle (11) comprising a number of hair strands appropriate for receiving a hair treatment composition (15) for creating a hair bundle effect. The hair bundle (11) is received into a through hole (10) via a slit (50). The dimensions of the through hole (10) dictate the appropriate size of a hair bundle (11). In one aspect of the present invention, the tool (1) is substantially flat in order to prevent spillages of hair treatment composition (15) onto the scalp. A gripping layer (70) may extend upon at least a portion of the tool (1) for aiding the grip of the tool (1) to the hair bundle (11).

Abstract: A plasma ashing process for removing photoresist, polymers and/or residues from a substrate, the process includes placing the substrate including the photoresist, polymers, and/or residues into a reaction chamber; generating a plasma from a gas mixture comprising oxygen gas (02) and/or an oxygen containing gas; suppressing and/or reducing fast diffusing species in the plasma by adding an atomic oxygen scavenging gas to the gas mixture; and exposing the substrate to the plasma to selectively remove the photoresist, polymers, and/or residues from the substrate, wherein the plasma is substantially free from fast diffusing species.

Abstract: Residues are removed from a surface of a substrate processing component which has a polymer coating below the residues. In one version, the component surfaces are contacted with an organic solvent to remove the residues without damaging or removing the polymer coating. The residues can be process residues or adhesive residues. The cleaning process can be conducted as part of a refurbishment process. In another version, the residues are ablated by scanning a laser across the component surface. In yet another version, the residues are vaporized by scanning a plasma cutter across the surface of the component.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a treatment apparatus includes an electrolysis unit, an alkali addition unit, and a treatment unit. The electrolysis unit includes an anode electrode and a cathode electrode. The electrolysis unit is configured to electrolyze a solution containing an alkali containing no metal, hydrochloric acid, and water. The alkali addition unit is configured to further add the alkali containing no metal to a solution that has undergone the electrolysis. The treatment unit is configured to perform treatment of an object to be treated using a solution that has undergone the electrolysis and in which the alkali containing no metal is further added.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the formulation of a chemical, comprised of an ether solvent as the principal solvent, an ether or non-ether cosolvent, an acid, optionally a surfactant and optionally a corrosion inhibitor, dedicated to the complete and selective stripping by pure dissolution of photoresists (novolac and semi-novolac) of all thicknesses used in microelectronic component integration processes. Said solution is optimized to dissolve the polymer matrix while ensuring and protecting the physicochemical integrity of exposed materials such as metal interconnections (copper, aluminum), dielectrics (SiO2, MSQ, etc.) and adhesion and diffusion barriers (TiN, Ti, Ta, TaN, etc.). Furthermore, the singular cleaning properties and performance characteristics of these solutions make it possible to envisage the use thereof in a variety of industrial applications such as single wafer, batch, immersion and/or spray by simple adjustment of process time and temperature.

Abstract: A restaurant cleaning mop includes a color label on the surface of the mop handle to identify the area of the restaurant in which the cleaning mop is to be utilized. The mop handle is detachable from a mop head and the handle bears the indicia. Moreover, since the indicia is provided on the detachable handle, the non-differentiated mop head can be easily replaced as needed and the mop handle remains in the designated area while the mop head is replaced. In another aspect, this invention is directed to an inventory management scheme in which a first detachable part of a cleaning tool, such as a mop handle, bears coded indicia to indicate a particular zone or area of a facility in which the tool is to be used.

Abstract: A moppable floor mat is disclosed comprising a plurality of layers sharing a common peripheral boundary, the layers including an adhesive layer, a liquid impermeable layer, a high-traction layer, and a liquid absorbent layer. The adhesive layer is configured to be releaseably adhered to a floor and capable of being mopped over without causing a movement of the moppable floor mat relative to a surface of the floor. The moppable floor mat further comprises a seal formed adjacent the peripheral boundary of the plurality of layers, wherein the seal is configured to form a fluid-tight barrier preventing liquids from exiting through the seal from the moppable floor mat.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning pad and a grout cleaning tape. The grout cleaning tape can be provided as a replaceable grout cleaning cartridge containing a supply reel of grout cleaning tape that can be rolled across grout line grooves with an applicator roller. The grout cleaning tape can include a composition therein that is configured to be activated or enhanced by steam and transferred into the grout line to be cleaned when steam is applied to the tape.

Abstract: An oven includes a cooking chamber for housing food to be cooked, a control unit, and a reservoir for containing washing detergent at room temperature. The washing detergent has an activation temperature. The oven also includes a liquid supply arrangement selectively activated by the control unit for supplying the washing detergent into the cooking chamber, and one liquid heating element for heating the washing detergent and to be selectively activated by the control unit. During a washing cycle, the control unit performs the following ordered operations: a) activate the one liquid heating element for a first time period sufficient to increase its temperature to the activation temperature; b) deactivate the liquid heating element; c) when the temperature of the liquid heating element is about the activation temperature, activate the liquid supply arrangement so that the washing detergent is heated by the liquid heating element while supplied into the cooking chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing unwanted build-up in a pipe, such as a water service line, by creating and directing one or more hydraulic pulses toward the build-up. This may be accomplished, for example, by fluidically connecting a piston assembly to the pipe, and then striking or otherwise abruptly moving the piston to produce a hydraulic pulse.

Abstract: A substrate treatment plant includes a process chamber delimited by chamber walls and in the process chamber a substrate conveying unit for the horizontal conveyance of slab-shaped substrates in one conveying plane and in one conveying direction. The substrate conveying unit includes an arrangement of rotatably mounted, cylindrical conveying rollers transversely arranged to the conveying direction, the topmost generatrices of the conveying rollers defining the conveying plane, and at least one substrate treatment unit, which is located above the conveying plane, and at least one gas inlet. In the region of the substrate treatment unit at least one additional heating unit is located below the conveying plane and a condensation unit is located under the substrate conveying unit.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a shiftable rack provided with a washing agent dispersal system including a housing into which washing fluid is delivered. When the rack is shifted to a retracted position within a tub of the dishwasher, a tube feed system is employed to selectively distribute washing fluid from a pump assembly to each of multiple spray arms, the housing of the washing agent dispersal system and an auxiliary spray unit carried by the upper rack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for cleaning tableware using temperatures lower than 80° C. whilst maintaining high hygienic standards by using two alkaline and one acidic cleaning step.

Abstract: An aqueous cleaning composition and method for post-CMP cleaning of a semiconductor device which contains a copper interconnect wherein the cleaning composition contains (A) N,N,N?-trimethyl-N?-(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine; and (B) at least one corrosion inhibitor selected from the group consisting essentially of uric acid, xanthine, theophyline, paraxanthine, theobromine, caffeine, guanine, hypoxanthine, adenine, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle washing system associated with a bay in which a vehicle is parked during the washing operation is equipped with a centering target which can be selectively deployed upon entry of a vehicle to assist the driver in placing the vehicle in the bay. The target may be provided by a vertically-depending spray arm having internal LEDs which are illuminated during vehicle entry and during the washing program. Several alternative target and lighting arrangements are described.

Abstract: A range hood vapor cleaning apparatus has a vapor cleaning module, a control module, an input module and a fan driver module. The control module is electrically connected to the vapor cleaning module, the input module and the fan driver module. The control module is controlled by the input module and executes a vapor cleaning mode. When the control module executes the vapor cleaning mode, the control module controls the vapor cleaning module to generate vapor and meanwhile activates the fan driver module to drive a fan motor to blow the vapor to a fan housing and an exhaust fan and to exhaust the vapor out of the fan housing.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus has a steam distribution manifold located along the leading edge of a foot assembly and configured to apply steam to a surface to be cleaned, in front of the cleaning pad. The cleaning pad trailing the manifold can absorb soil, stains and residual moisture from the cleaning process as the steam appliance is moved across the surface to be cleaned. The cleaning pad can comprise a superabsorbent material. In another embodiment, the cleaning pad can comprise a melamine foam with abrasive particles interspersed therein and configured to agitate the surface to be cleaned in conjunction with steam.

Abstract: A dishwashing machine includes a lower arm disposed at a lower side of a lower rack to spray wash water to the lower rack, a rack fixing unit provided at the lower rack, and a tower nozzle fixed to the rack fixing unit to spray wash water to an upper rack. The dishwashing machine also includes a tower connection unit provided in the lower arm such that at least a portion of the tower connection unit is configured to move from the lower arm. The tower connection unit being connected to the tower nozzle to supply wash water to the tower nozzle based on the tower connection unit moving from the lower arm. The rack fixing unit includes a guide configured to guide movement of the tower connection unit withdrawn from the lower arm to the tower nozzle.

Abstract: A preassembled lattice beam formed by a lower rib and an upper rib interconnected by at least one diagonal attached such as to be able to pivot between a transport position and a mounting position, said beam having at least one stationary upright connecting the lower and upper ribs at a right angle in said mounting position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foldable tent with a vent and corresponding rain fly for providing the tent with continuous ventilation while protecting the vent and interior of the tent from adverse weather conditions. The frame of the tent includes a hub, a plurality of roof poles and auxiliary poles pivotally coupled to the hub, and a plurality of leg poles coupled to the corresponding roof poles. Coupled to the frame is a canopy which includes the vent at a top portion of the canopy to allow air from continuously entering and exiting the interior of the tent. The rain fly is integral to the canopy and corresponding auxiliary pole, and is disposed proximate the vent. Thus, the foldable tent of the present invention is provided with secure and continuous ventilation, and is opened and folded without requiring additional assembly of components.

Abstract: A foldable tent includes a frame coupled to a canopy such that the frame and canopy are collectively collapsible from an open configuration to a folded configuration. The frame includes a plurality of spaced apart hubs positioned at an upper portion of the frame, at least one upper roof pole pivotally coupled with two adjacent hubs, a plurality of lower roof poles pivotally coupled to a corresponding hub and extending radially outward from each respective hub and away from the upper roof pole, and a plurality of collapsible side poles pivotally coupled to a corresponding lower roof pole. A canopy fixedly slidably coupled to the frame such that the canopy is positioned within a radially inner space surrounded by the frame when the tent is in the open configuration and collectively collapsed and folded into a compact folded configuration.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating a nanowire array epoxy composite with high structural integrity and low effective thermal conductivity to achieve a power conversion efficiency goal of approximately 20% and power density of about 104 W/m2 with a maximum temperature below about 380° C. Further, a method includes fabricating a self-supporting thick 3-D interconnected nanowire array with high structural integrity and low effective thermal conductivity to achieve a power conversion efficiency goal of 20% and power density of about 104 W/m2 with a maximum temperature of about 700° C., the nanowire array having substantially only air between nanowires.

Abstract: A concatenation of interconnected polymer sockets are provide for accepting and electrically connecting a back-contact photovoltaic cells having at least one set of linearly arranged backface emitter contacts and at least one set of linearly arranged backface collector contacts. A process for manufacturing the concatenation of interconnected polymer sockets for accepting and electrically connecting back-contact photovoltaic cells is also provided.

Abstract: A solar cell module having a solar cell panel with strings of electrically-coupled solar cells arranged in a row includes one or more lead wires that electrically couple the strings and a junction box. The one or more lead wires are arranged such that they do not overlap with each other and such that one or more of the lead wires includes a portion that overlaps and does not electrically connect to interconnector of a string. The lead wires include an interconnector connection part connected to a respective string interconnector, and the interconnector connection parts of the lead wires are arranged in a straight line.

Abstract: A solar cell module is provided. The solar cell module includes: a substrate; a plurality of unit cells including a first electrode, a semiconductor layer, and a second electrode that are sequentially deposited on the substrate; a first sub-module and a second sub-module having the unit cells, respectively; a first longitudinal pattern dividing the unit cells of the first sub-module, and a second longitudinal pattern dividing the unit cells of the second sub-module; a transverse pattern dividing the first sub-module and the second sub-module; and an insulating portion disposed near the transverse pattern, and insulating between the first sub-module and the second sub-module, wherein the unit cells of the first sub-module are connected in series through the first longitudinal pattern, the unit cells of the second sub-module are connected in series through the second longitudinal pattern, and the first sub-module and the second sub-module are connected in series through the transverse pattern.

Abstract: A structure capable of folding into a compact form for transporting, and for simple unfolding for attachment to a base, the structure including: two or more hingably interconnected solar panel arrays each having a two or more of solar panels, a solar panel support channel, and a support beam; wherein the two or more solar panels are attached to top portions of the solar panel support channel, and a bottom portion of the solar panel support channel is attached to a top portion of the support beam, the support beam having a hinged joint for cooperating in folding into mutual, near coplanar juxtaposition; and where the structure, when unfolded includes a solar canopy and is T-shaped viewed on end.

Abstract: A structure capable of folding into a compact form for transporting, and for simple unfolding for attachment to a base, the structure including: two or more hingably interconnected solar panel arrays each having a two or more of solar panels, a solar panel support channel, and a support beam; wherein the two or more solar panels are attached to top portions of the solar panel support channel, and a bottom portion of the solar panel support channel is attached to a top portion of the support beam, the support beam having a hinged joint for cooperating in folding into mutual, near coplanar juxtaposition; and where the structure, when unfolded includes a solar canopy and is L-shaped viewed on end.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus by which solar energy may be collected to provide heat, electricity, or a combination of heat and electricity are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus by which solar energy may be collected to provide heat, electricity, or a combination of heat and electricity are disclosed herein.

Abstract: An apparatus of solar cell module is provided. The apparatus is large-scaled. A supporting frame is combined with solar cell modules. Thus, the present invention can be easily installed; material cost is saved; and the cost spent on adjusting levelness of the solar cell modules can be reduced.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module has a plurality of interconnected polymer sockets that have accepted and electrically connected a plurality of back-contact photovoltaic cells each having at least one set of linearly arranged backface emitter contacts and at least one set of linearly arranged backface collector contacts. A process for manufacturing such a photovoltaic module is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for stacking a plurality of solar module arrays each having a plurality of solar panels. The apparatus includes a lower portion disposed on top of a first solar panel support channel corresponding to a first solar module array, and an upper portion for supporting a second solar panel support channel corresponding to a second solar module array, wherein the second solar module array is stacked above the first solar module array.

Abstract: A layered compound-metal particle composite 3 is obtained by the addition, to an organically modified layered compound 1 formed by the intercalation of organic ions between layers of a layered compound, of both an aqueous colloidal metal solution 2 in which metal particles are dispersed as a metal colloid in water, and a nonaqueous solvent which is a poor solvent for the metal colloid and has an excellent ability to swell the organically modified layered compound 1.

Abstract: A flexible dye-sensitized solar cell includes: a fiber layer formed of nanofibers; a conductive electrode layer formed on one side of the fiber layer; a photoelectrode layer formed on the conductive electrode layer; a counter electrode layer formed on the other side of the fiber layer; a sealing member for enclosing the fiber layer, the conductive electrode layer, the counter electrode layer and the photoelectrode layer therein so as to seal said layers from the outside; and an electrolyte infiltrated into the fiber layer. A cell body in which an electrode and a photoelectrode are formed on one surface of the fiber that contains an electrolyte therein and a counter electrode is formed on the other side of the fiber is sealed with a polymer film, thus forming a flexible solar cell having an excellent sealing structure for preventing the electrolyte from leaking out of the cell even when pressure is externally applied.

Abstract: Device structures, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed for photovoltaic cells that may be a single junction or multijunction solar cells, with at least one layer comprising a group-IV semiconductor in which part of the cell comprises a second layer comprising a III-V semiconductor or group-IV semiconductor having a different composition than the group-IV semiconductor of the first layer, such that a heterostructure is formed between the first and second layers.

Abstract: Device structures, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed for photovoltaic cells that may be a single junction or multijunction solar cells, with at least a first layer comprising a group-IV semiconductor in which part of the cell comprises a second layer comprising a III-V semiconductor or group-IV semiconductor having a different composition than the group-IV semiconductor of the first layer, such that a heterostructure is formed between the first and second layers.