Abstract: The invention relates to an adjusting device (10;30;40) for adjusting and/or selecting one or more parameters of an appliance (50), wherein the adjusting device (10;30;40) comprises touch sensitive sensors (14), which are arranged in row, and a processing unit (18) for processing output signals of the sensors (14), whereas the processing unit (18) is designed in such a manner that an adjustment and/or a selection of parameters is realized by touching at least two of the sensors (14) in sequence, whereas the sensors (14) are arranged around a circumference of a torque proof actuation element (12).

Abstract: A CEHB, a furnace and a method of constructing a furnace are disclosed. In one embodiment, the CEHB includes: (1) a fixed orifice configured to regulate air flow through a heat exchanger of the furnace, wherein a combustion air inducer induces the air flow and (2) a negative pressure channel including a negative channel supply port that communicates with an inlet of the combustion air inducer, a negative pressure port configured to connect to a negative input port of a pressure switch and bleed ports configured to reduce a pressure received through the negative channel supply port at the inlet to a targeted range at the negative pressure port, the pressure switch configured to monitor a combustion pressure through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A solar heat collection element includes: a central tube (102) formed from glass-ceramic material; and an outer tube (104) formed from glass material disposed coaxially with respect to the central tube (102) to form a volume therebetween (106).

Abstract: Internally pierced formed blisters containing fluid compositions for use in devices to produce a spray or mist delivery of the compositions include internal piercing nozzles that can have significantly reduced channel volume to increase pressure of the fluid forced through the nozzle and provide finer control of spray geometry.

Abstract: The present invention of one embodiment includes a combined microclimate, thermal management, life-support system for care of patient and system for measurement of vital signs. The system of one embodiment, provides active external heating and simultaneously provides active internal heating.

Abstract: A portable ventilator uses a ROOTS-type blower as a compressor to reduce both the size and power consumption of the ventilator. Various functional aspects of the ventilator are delegated to multiple subassemblies having dedicated controllers and software that interact with a ventilator processor to provide user interface functions, exhalation control and flow control servos, and monitoring of patient status. The ventilator overcomes noise problems through the use of noise reducing pressure compensating orifices on the ROOTS-type blower housing and multiple baffling chambers. The ventilator is configured with a highly portable form factor, and may be used as a stand-alone device or as a docked device having a docking cradle with enhanced interface and monitoring capabilities.

Abstract: This invention relates to medical treatment and monitoring of a living body, and more particularly to a multipurpose apparatus and method for measuring a living body's respiratory airflow, analyzing the composition of a gas exhaled by a living body and/or insufflating a treating gas into the living body.

Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a CPAP apparatus. The apparatus has a blower, a patient interface, an air delivery conduit for delivering air from the blower to the patient interface, a sensor for determining the pressure in the patient interface, and a control mechanism that causes air to be delivered at a desired pressure to the patient interface and that detects transitions between inhalation and exhalation of a respiratory cycle of a patient in order to synchronise the blower output with the patient's efforts. In one form the CPAP apparatus provides pressure in accordance with a bi-level waveform with at least one characterizing parameter of the waveform being automatically adjusted in accordance with indications of sleep disordered breathing. The indications of sleep disordered breathing can be one or more of snoring, apnea, hypopnea, and flow limitation.

Abstract: CPAP treatment apparatus is disclosed having a controllable flow generator (34, 38, 40) operable to produce breathable gas at a treatment pressure elevated above atmosphere to a patient by a delivery tube (32) coupled to a mask (30) having connection with a patient's airway. A sensor (44, 50, 56, 58) generates a signal representative of patient respiratory flow, that is provided to a controller (54, 62, 64). The controller (54, pressure. In one preferred form the increase in pressure is zero if the treatment pressure before the apnea exceeds a pressure threshold. Below the pressure threshold the increase in pressure is an increasing function of the duration of the apnea multiplied by the difference between the pressure threshold and the current treatment pressure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treatment of medical disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea and congestive heart failure are disclosed. A method involves delivering pressurized air, oxygen or other breathing gas to a patient during a respiratory cycle, where pressure of the air is decreased according to an expiratory unloading factor during expiration. The timing and magnitude of the pressure change may be fully automated and responsive to feedback from a motor load sensor, optionally in combination with a pressure sensor.

Abstract: A device for the flow rate limitation at low differential pressures, in particular for the limitation of the inhalation volume flow during the inhalation of therapeutic aerosols, comprising a housing with at least an inlet opening, at least an outlet opening and a flow channel arranged therebetween, wherein the flow channel is restricted by a flexible wall extending along the flow channel, characterized in that the flexible wall has a control area of less than 100 mm2.

Abstract: A breathing mask device, a sealing lip device for a breathing mask device, a molding tool and a method for producing a corresponding breathing mask device and sealing lip device are described. An aspect of the invention is to provide ways that make it possible to create a breathing mask device that, with sufficiently strong tightness is distinguished by particular wearing comfort and which moreover can be produced advantageously in times of industrial production standpoints.

Abstract: A ventilator mask having an upper part of an elastic material and a mask body, wherein the upper part of the mask is joined with the mask body of the ventilator mask by a mask connection region. A wall of the upper part of the mask bounds at least in certain regions of the wall a cavity which is filled with a filler at least in certain regions of the cavity and the cavity is formed at least in certain regions of the cavity along the periphery of the upper part of the mask.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a nasal cannula for delivering continuous positive airway pressure (“CPAP”) to a patient's nares during operative procedures or in critical care areas. A malleable metal or plastic is encased in the bridge of the cannula to allow it to be shaped to the patient's face. As a result of contouring the cannula to the face, air leaks are minimized allowing a seal to be provided when an op site is applied to cover the upper lip, nasal cannula and nose. The cannula's nasal inserts can end in nontapered or slightly tapered non-sealing beads, which may be slightly angled out to accommodate various facial anatomies. When approximately several liters per minute of oxygen are flowed through the cannula, CPAP is obtained.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for optimizing the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using an oral appliance. The oral appliance can be configured by non-dental staff to safely conform to the dentition of a patient. The appliance includes configurable trays that include retention material that conforms to the dentition of the patient. The position of the upper and lower trays relative to one another can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically. The position of the upper and lower trays can be locked into place to maintain the position of the trays at a preferred treatment position. Methods for creating an appliance customized for a patient are also provided. Methods for using the customized appliance in combination with sleep study data is also provide. Methods for using the customized appliance to with pre-operative assessments and sleep study data to predict and reduce the risk of perioperative complications are also provided.

Abstract: The oral appliance for the treatment of sleep apnea provides greater comfort to the user and maintains an open air passage through the mouth by preventing the tongue from blocking the windpipe during sleep. The appliance has a mouthpiece including a frame of hard material and a tooth tray of softer material that conforms closely to the tooth pattern of the user. A spoon-like tongue depressor extends adjustably from the forward center of the device, the tongue depressor having a downward convex bowl that holds the tongue away from the windpipe of the user. The tongue depressor has a stein captured by and rotating in the adjuster, so that the tongue depressor may be prevented from rotating as the adjuster is threaded inwardly or outwardly in the front of the device. An air passage is preferably provided to each side of the tongue depressor adjuster.

Abstract: A method and device for use in stress female urinary incontinence. A small, flexible adhesive patch is applied to the clitoris of a person suffering from stress female urinary incontinence. The adhesive is of a type sufficient to stimulate the mechanoreceptors located in the clitoris whereby to inhibit discharge from the bladder. The patch is formed of a backing sheet of an impervious film material containing adhesive on one side. A release liner prevents the adhesive from drying out.

Abstract: Systems and method utilizing microelectronic devices for determining relative positions such as distances and/or angles between at least two points is described. The points may be locations of parts of the body such as the fingers on a person's hand. A first microelectronic device is adapted to emit magnetic signals and at least a second microelectronic device is adapted to receive the magnetic signals, wherein a controller is adapted to communicate with the first and second microelectronic devices. The second microelectronic device and/or the controller are adapted to determine a distance and angle between the first and the second microelectronic devices based on the strength of the magnetic signals received by the second microelectronic device.

Abstract: A guided medical propulsion capsule driven by strong electro-magnetic interaction between an external AC/DC magnetic gradient-lobe generator and a set of uniquely magnetized ferrous-conductive elements contained within the capsule. The capsule is navigated through the lumens and cavities of the human body wirelessly and without any physical contact for medical diagnostic, drug delivery, or other procedures with the magnetically guiding field generator external to the human body. The capsule is equipped with at least two sets of magnetic rings, disks and/or plates each possessing anisotropic magnetic properties. The external magnetic gradient fields provide the gradient forces and rotational torques on the internal conductive and magnetic elements needed to make the capsule move, tilt, and rotate in the body lumens and cavities according to the commands of an operator.

Abstract: The technology described herein provides systems and methods for combing, drying, and straightening hair with a device having one or more rows of teeth. Additionally, this technology provides for an adjustable tension mechanism that provides for the compression of hair, thus wringing it of water and providing the ability for a user to also straighten his or her hair. Furthermore, this technology provides for combing, drying, and straightening hair without utilizing an electric or heating means.

Abstract: A hair roller system that comprises a hair roller having a heating element, a battery, and a signal receiver is described. In one embodiment, the hair roller system also comprises a signal output device that allows a user to activate a hair roller to heat after being placed in their hair. Activating a heating element in a hair roller after it is placed in a person's hair avoids burns and discomfort from handling excessively hot rollers. In some embodiments, a hair roller may comprise an on/off switch, a temperature set point feature, and/or a heat duration set point feature.

Abstract: An eye makeup fallout protector for use in shielding the user's face beneath the eye during the application of eye makeup includes a planar flexible shield member and supporting handle. The shield member is curved to conform generally to the user's lower eyelid. The handle is removable to facilitate cleaning and replacement of the shield member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid processing apparatus and a liquid processing method, which can process an entire wafer at a sufficiently high temperature and can sufficiently suppress adhesion of particles on a surface of the wafer, when the peripheral portion of the wafer is processed. The liquid processing apparatus includes a holding part to hold the substrate, a rotation driving part to rotate the holding part, and a shield unit. The shield unit includes an opposed plate opposed to the substrate held by the holding part, a heating part to heat the substrate through the opposed plate, and a heated gas supplying part to supply heated gas to a surface of the substrate held by the holding part.

Abstract: Strategies for tool designs and their uses wherein the tools can operate in either closed or open modes of operation. The tools easily transition between open and closed modes on demand. According to one general strategy, environmentally controlled pathway(s) couple the ambient to one or more process chambers. Air amplification capabilities upstream from the process chamber(s) allow substantial flows of air to be introduced into the process chamber(s) on demand. Alternatively, the fluid pathways are easily closed, such as by simple valve actuation, to block egress to the ambient through these pathways. Alternative flows of nonambient fluids can then be introduced into the process chamber(s) via pathways that are at least partially in common with the pathways used for ambient air introduction. In other strategies, gap(s) between moveable components are sealed at least with flowing gas curtains rather than by relying only upon direct physical contact for sealing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dish washing machine including a sump unit capable of supplying, to an injection nozzle, wash water flowing in accordance with operation of an impeller, without using a separate channel member. The dish washing machine includes a body provided with a washing tub, a sump unit arranged in the washing tub, and at least one injection nozzle to inject wash water into the washing tub. The sump unit includes a sump housing, an impeller arranged in the sump housing, to pump wash water from the sump housing, and a guide member, to which the sump housing is mounted. The guide member guides the wash water pumped by the impeller directly to the injection nozzle.

Abstract: So that a drive (38, 50, 52) can be formed in the case of a standing parasol (2) having a mast (12) and a collapsible parasol canopy with canopy and support struts (4, 6), in which the canopy struts (4) and the support struts (6) are respectively connected to an upper or a lower articulation ring (8, 10), and in which the upper articulation ring (8) is connected to a telescopic tube (22) which is guided in the mast (12) and can be raised and lowered and the telescopic tube (22) for raising and lowering is connected to a circulating member (34), it is proposed that the circulating member (34) may be actuated by way of an upper deflection roller (36) and a drive gear (50) that is arranged on the mast (12), and that the upper deflection roller (36) is arranged on a deflection support by means of a deflection roller bearing (28), the deflection support being secured to the mast and projecting into the telescopic tube (22).

Abstract: An improved automatic umbrella including a tube plug fixed to a top of a second tube of a telescopic tube assembly, an inner tube fixed to the tube plug within the second tube of the telescopic tube assembly, a control tube being movably fitted in the inner tube, wherein the control tube is provided with a lower control pulley at its inner bottom end and the inner tube is provided with an upper control pulley at its inner top end, and a control line being provided such that a first end of the control line is fixed to a bullet head in the telescopic tube assembly, whereas a second end of the control line is sequentially looped around the upper control pulley and the lower control pulley, and finally fixed to a top end of the control tube, whereby the umbrella can be easily folded into a fully compact form.

Abstract: A cordlock of a mobility cane is provided including a body having a length greater than the inner diameter, a width less than the inner diameter, a depth less than the inner diameter, and a body opening extending through the depth and sized to accommodate the cord but to prevent passage of the widened portion. The depth of the body sized to accommodate the cord between the body and the inner wall when the cordlock is inserted in the cane.

Abstract: A modified A-frame tent or tarp shelter in which the fly or outer canopy is supported by two upright poles spaced apart on either side of a rectangular footprint. The poles are oppositely offset from the midpoint of the footprint on their respective sides, such that the canopy ridgeline between the poles crosses the footprint diagonally. Two corners of the canopy corresponding to corners of the footprint farthest from their respective (same-side) poles are raised and tensioned by short struts that, in cooperation with the offset poles, create a sidewall effect across the ends of the canopy over the head and foot ends of the footprint. The canopy may further include vestibule portions extending to the sides of the footprint, and the struts may also engage the vestibule portions at their respective corners.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a fluid process control system having a control loop for controlling the flow of a material through a path in the fluid process control system. The control loop a control valve, a valve controller, and a fluid control line. The control valve is disposed in the path and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The valve controller is for controlling movement of the control valve. And, the fluid control line couples the valve controller to the control valve. The method detects a first pressure in the control loop with a first pressure sensor. Then, a second pressure can be detected at a location that is external to the control loop with a second pressure sensor. Finally, the method can include determining a characteristic of the control loop based on the first pressure.

Abstract: A device to clear a blockage from an HVACR condensate drain line. A piston connected to a rod with a handle is inserted directly into the distal or outlet end of a condensate drain pipe and then rapidly withdrawn to create a vacuum or suction within the drain line. When sufficient suction pressure is created, it will dislodge a blockage in the drain line. Typically the piston has a proximal end with a diameter slightly greater than the inside diameter of the condensate drain pipe. Upon removal of the device from the drain pipe, the proximal end is caused to expand to its full diameter, creating an airtight and fluid tight seal with the inner diameter of the drain pipe, allowing for the creation of negative pressure and/or suction upstream to dislodge the blockage.

Abstract: An apparatus and rodding method is disclosed for cleaning particulant matter from the interior high and low pressure fluid conducting conduits of a valve manifold and its mounting neck that are components of a process fluid flow or mass flow measuring assembly. High and low pressure fluid conducting conduits run through the longitudinal length of the manifold body with laterally extending diversion channels that conduct the high and low pressure fluid to a pressure transducer mounted on the back side of the valve manifold. Following shut down of the process fluid flow, plugs at the terminal end of the fluid channels are removed, permitting cleaning rods to be inserted into the fluid channels, without having to remove the pressure transducer and associated data transmitter from the assembly.

Abstract: A spill containment system is attachable to a riser pipe with an axially moveable seal. The spill containment system allows access to a drop tube in the riser pipe via a removable liquid communication assembly. The spill containment system includes a sealed interstitial space, which remains sealed during installation, service and use of the system. The spill containment system is protected by a weather resistant cover assembly.

Abstract: A dual faucet structure includes a main body and two metallic pipes integrally formed with a cold water pipe and a hot water pipe of the main body. The main body has a water outlet between the cold water pipe and the hot water pipe. Each of the two metallic pipes has axial protrusions or grooves around an inner wall thereof. The cold water pipe and the hot water pipe have mating grooves or protrusions on outer walls thereof by injection molding to connect with the two metallic pipes. The present invention uses the environment friendly material to form the main body which connects with the metallic pipes. The dual faucet structure of the present invention is cost-effective and provides stable water flow and is environment friendly and has larger torque.

Abstract: A closure for a keg comprises a housing and a valve element movable within the housing between closed and open positions. A lock mechanism is capable of holding the valve element in the open position, to vent gas from the keg and to thwart unauthorised re-filling after dispensing. The lock mechanism comprises: a first part movable with the valve element that comprises a lock element engageable with the housing; and a second part that is movable with the first part when the valve element moves from the closed position to the open position during filling, and thereafter is separable from the first part as the valve element returns from the open position to the closed position after filling. Separation of those parts enables the lock formation to engage with the housing to hold the valve element when the valve element returns to the open position upon dispensing.

Abstract: A protective cover of the present invention is adapted to be disposed on a wall-mounted faucet. The protective cover includes a cover plate. Two protruding posts, two abutting posts, and two extension posts vertically extend from one surface of the cover plate. Each distal end of the protruding posts is formed with a location hole. Each distal end of the extension posts is formed with a hook portion. Therefore, the protruding posts and the abutting posts can abut against the wall-mounted faucet so as to make the location hole receive the location shafts of the faucet and make the hook portions abut against the faucet. Thereby, the present invention can be firmly disposed on wall-mounted faucets to provide a protective effect.

Abstract: A fuel quality traceable and remote system for monitoring and controlling fuel characteristics during transport from a fuel supply to a supplied device is provided. The system includes one or more subsystems that include at least one sensor monitoring the characteristics of the fuel. The sensor operably sends the data relating to the characteristics to a data register-transmitter which sends the data to a base station that uploads the data to a remote server. The remote server is remotely accessible by a user. The system can also generate warning messages to warn a user when the characteristics are outside a tolerable range. Further, the system can automatically or manually interrupt fuel transport when the characteristics are outside a tolerable range.

Abstract: Disclosed is a check valve of a hydraulic brake system. The check valve includes a valve housing which includes a tapered front end having a smaller diameter than a middle end, the cylindrical middle end extending from the front end by a predetermined length to allow the ball and spring to be accommodated within the middle end, a rear end stepped from the middle end to have a greater diameter than the middle end, and a flange circumferentially bent from the rear end to have a greater diameter than the rear end, and a valve seat having an outer diameter equal to an inner diameter of the rear end so as to be press-fitted into the rear end of the valve housing. The check valve having a simplified configuration achieves size and weight reduction and is manufactured at low cost and high processing efficiency using pressing.

Abstract: A self-sealing valve comprises a valve housing having a fluid conduit, a valve seat, and a retaining member, the valve housing being configured to pass fluid through the fluid conduit, and a flexible diaphragm comprising a flexible material having resiliency, wherein the retaining member and the flexible diaphragm are configured so that the retaining member retains a portion of the flexible diaphragm so as to use the resiliency of the flexible material to bias the flexible diaphragm against the valve seat to a closed position of the self-sealing valve to provide a self-seal of the fluid conduit, and to facilitate movement of the flexible diaphragm under a fluid bias against a first side of the flexible diaphragm in a first direction away from the valve seat to an open position, and wherein the retaining member and the flexible diaphragm are configured so that the self-sealing valve can be contacted to move a portion of the flexible diaphragm away from the valve seat to the open position.

Abstract: Apparatus for conveying waste streams exhausted from first and second chambers is provided. The apparatus comprises first conduit means comprising an inlet for receiving a waste stream exhausted from the first chamber, and an outlet, and a second conduit means comprising an inlet for receiving a waste stream exhausted from a second chamber, and an outlet. The outlets of the first and second conduit means are connected together. The first conduit means comprises means for generating sonic choking of gas being conveyed towards the outlet of the first conduit means in order to inhibit migration of a component of the waste stream exhausted from the second chamber towards the first chamber.

Abstract: A container for an operating liquid or fluid for a motor vehicle includes a container wall which delimits an interior space or chamber of the container. The container has a first wall section, a second wall section and at least one discharge line for discharging the operating liquid out of the container. The discharge line extends from the first wall section to the second wall section and can be adjusted in its length to a distance between the first wall section and the second wall section. A method for producing the container and a motor vehicle having the container are also provided.

Abstract: A valve including a body that defines first and second ducts that open out into a third duct. The first duct is provided with a first shutter and the second duct is provided with a second shutter connected to drive means arranged to move the shutters in a normal mode of operation in which the second shutter is in the closed position and the first shutter is adjustable in position between an open position and a first closed position, a stop mode in which the second shutter is in its closed position and the first shutter is in its first closed position, and a secondary mode of operation in which the second shutter is in its open position and the first shutter is in a second closed position.

Abstract: A micromechanical pressure relief valve arrangement comprises a stack of wafers. An active pressure relief valve is realized within the stack of wafers. A passive pressure relief valve is also realized within the stack of wafers, arranged in parallel to the active pressure relief valve. A check valve, also realized within the stack of wafers, is arranged in series with both the active pressure relief valve and the passive pressure relief valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a quick connect coupling (15) for connecting hydraulic lines, especially in earth moving machines and the interchangeable add-on devices and tools thereof. The quick connect coupling (15) comprises a first and a second connecting part (15a or 15b) which can be releasably coupled along a coupling axis to transfer a hydraulic liquid. In order to avoid axial forces during coupling, the hydraulic liquid to be transferred, in the coupled state, emerges from the one connecting part (15a or 15b) at a right angle to the coupling axis and enters the other connecting part (15b or 15a) at a right angle to the coupling axis.

Abstract: A cryogenic valve includes a first port and a second port, a valve body, a valve stem, a sealing member, a valve element and a housing. The valve body includes a valve seat defining a fluid orifice in fluid communication with the first port. The valve stem is configured to engage with the valve body, wherein at least one of the valve stem and valve body form an inner valve cavity. The valve element is positioned within the inner valve cavity. The valve element is also configured to bias the sealing member against the orifice to substantially block flow through the orifice and the first port. The bias is controlled in response to control of the valve element by a valve actuator. A channel is configured to allow fluid flow through at least one of the valve stem and valve element along a longitudinal axis. A housing is configured to substantially seal and enclose at least a portion of the valve body and valve stem.

Abstract: A poppet valve assembly includes a body having a first axial end portion and a second axial end portion. The first axial end portion includes a tapered surface adapted for sealing engagement with a valve seat. The second axial end portion defines a metering orifice. The body defines a passage that includes an opening in the first axial end portion and is in fluid communication with the metering orifice. The passage includes a check valve seat. A check valve is disposed in the passage. The check valve is adapted to sealingly engage the check valve seat.

Abstract: A slide-type pressure control valve having an improved damping behavior is described.

Abstract: A shower assembly with supporting arm has: a water inlet connected to the supporting arm and to a descending pipe; a switching valve body fixed and connected to the end of the pipe through an outer water inlet and having an outer and a inner water outlet connected to a ascending inner tube in the pipe; and an upper branch pipe fixed to the location of the water inlet and connected to the inner tube, of which the end has one or at least one upper water outlet, wherein the switching valve body has a valve core inside, which makes the pipe connected to the outer and the inner water outlet respectively or simultaneously. The switching valve body that is at the end of the pipe controls the current export from the upper and the outer water outlet beneath the switching valve body.

Abstract: Roughness is added to the surface of a bluff body in a relative motion with respect to a fluid. The amount, size, and distribution of roughness on the body surface is controlled passively or actively to modify the flow around the body and subsequently the Vortex Induced Forces and Motion (VIFM). The added roughness, when designed and implemented appropriately, affects in a predetermined way the boundary layer, the separation of the boundary layer, the level of turbulence, the wake, the drag and lift forces, and consequently the Vortex Induced Motion (VIM), and the fluid-structure interaction. The goal of surface roughness control is to decrease/suppress Vortex Induced Forces and Motion. Suppression is required when fluid-structure interaction becomes destructive as in VIM of flexible cylinders or rigid cylinders on elastic support, such as underwater pipelines, marine risers, tubes in heat exchangers, nuclear fuel rods, cooling towers, SPAR offshore platforms.

Abstract: A control valve (14) for a device (1) for altering the valve timing for gas exchange valves (110, 111) of an internal combustion engine (100) is provided. A non-return valve (54) is located within an annular groove (44) formed on one of the components of the control valve (14) and pressurized medium flows through the annular groove. The assembly of the device is facilitated.