Abstract: The present invention provides for elements of an improved drug or medicine dispersion and delivery system. The dispersion methods employ curved surfaces to impart rotational motions to one or more fluid flows from a pressurized container to create turbulence and improve mixing of medicament with fluid.

Abstract: A system for mechanical ventilation treatment is described. In one embodiment the system provides advice on treatment and/or weaning of patients from mechanical ventilation based on the patient's conditions. In another embodiment the system includes apparatus to monitor and analyze the patient's data and data from the mechanical ventilator and controls the ventilator automatically.

Abstract: A method of providing a recruitment procedure to a patient includes monitoring at least one derecruitment event. A score is calculated for the at least one derecruitment event. A derecruitment score is aggregated. The derecruitment score is compared to a recruitment threshold. A ventilator is operated with the processor to perform a recruitment procedure. A system for providing mechanical ventilation to a patient includes a mechanical ventilator configured for pneumatic connection to a patient in order to deliver medical gas to the patient. A peripheral system is configured to provide medical assistance to the patient and the peripheral system produces a signal indicative of the operation of the peripheral system. A processor is communicatively connected to the mechanical ventilator in the peripheral system. The processor receives the signal from the peripheral system and calculates a first score from the signal.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a flow of breathing gas to an airway of a patient. The system monitors a characteristic that varies based on variations of the flow of the breathing gas and determines a Target Flow for the gas to be delivered to the patient based on the monitored characteristic. The Target Flow is set to a level sufficient to treat Cheyne-Stokes respiration or a sleep disordered breathing event. The system also alters the Target Flow based on a determination that the patient is experiencing a sleep disordered breathing event. The system further determines a pressure relief component and controls the flow of gas delivered to the patient based on the Target Flow and the pressure relief component.

Abstract: Devices and systems for monitoring weaning of a subject from a respiratory ventilator including a processing logic configured to characterize distinct patterns in a series of CO2 waveforms, the distinct patterns indicative of the effectiveness of a weaning process; and to provide an indication relating to the effectiveness of the weaning process.

Abstract: A process for operating a respirator and/or anesthesia device in the APRV mode with the % PEF criterion which includes a detection of a spontaneous expiratory effort by the patient and initiation of a pressure release phase when the detected spontaneous expiratory effort by the patient falls within a predetermined trigger window (Tfreg). A device is provided that is operated correspondingly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an oxygen breathing device, in particular for cockpit crew member of an aircraft, comprising a pressurized oxygen source for storing pressurized oxygen, an oxygen mask, adapted to fit to nose and mouth of a person to be supplied with oxygen from the pressurized oxygen source, an oxygen supply line connecting the pressurized oxygen source with the oxygen mask, a pressure regulator/safety valve coupled in the oxygen supply line to selectively open or shut off oxygen flow from the pressurized oxygen source to the oxygen mask and/or to control pressure of said oxygen supplied to the oxygen mask.

Abstract: The invention relates to a respiratory device for keeping a patient breathing artificially or support his or her breathing naturally. Said respiratory device comprises an air inlet, an air source, and at least one proportionally adjustable control valve. The control valve is provided with a housing (11) and a rotary valve (12) which is arranged in the housing so as to be twistable about the longitudinal axis thereof and which allows through-holes (11d) of the housing (11) to be entirely or partially closed by twisting the rotary valve (12). The rotary valve (12) and a corresponding support surface (11f) of the housing (11) have a conical shape, the support surface (11f) cooperating with the rotary valve (12). The through-holes (11d) are disposed in the area of the support surface (11f).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of providing oxygen rich gas. Oxygen is separated from ambient air with an oxygen separator in discrete pulses, one pulse at a time. The start of the pulse is synchronized with the beginning of an inhalation of a person. The oxygen rich gas in each pulse is separated from the ambient air in real time during a nitrogen adsorption step concurrent with each inhalation.

Abstract: A mask assembly includes a forehead support having a base provided to a frame and at least one, and preferably two upwardly extending support arms. The arms define a fixed or an adjustable included angle that is preferably less than 180° and, in the range of about 100°-150°. The arms can be attached either directly to headgear straps, or the arms can be connected to headgear straps via clips.

Abstract: A ventilation mask comprises a corrugated flexible seal, and a plurality of ridges disposed along the corrugated flexible seal. The corrugated flexible seal is configured for establishing a fluid seal between the ventilation mask and a patient, and for allowing facial movements of the patient while maintaining the fluid seal. The plurality of ridges disposed along the corrugated flexible seal is configured for physical contact with the patient.

Abstract: A face mask which has a fabric body of folded filter material that defines an expandable face pocket, an interior face, an exterior face, a top edge, a bottom edge and opposed side edges. A bendable strip of metal defines a nosepiece that is centrally positioned between the opposed side edges along the top edge. The nosepiece has a length that is not less than 3.50 cm and not more than 6.00 cm, and a width that is not less than 0.30 cm and not more than 2.00 cm. Straps are used to secure the fabric body to a person's head.

Abstract: Contraceptive methods, systems, and devices generally improve the ease, speed, and reliability with which a contraceptive device can be deployed transcervically into an ostium of a fallopian tube. The contraceptive device may remain in a small profile configuration while a sheath is withdrawn proximally, and is thereafter expanded to a large profile configuration engaging the surrounding tissues, by manipulating one or more actuators of a proximal handle with a single hand. This leaves the other hand free to manipulate a hysteroscope, minimizing the number of health care professional required to deploy the contraceptive device.

Abstract: A device for occluding the fallopian tube including a wire composed of a shape memory material and an outer material encapsulating at least a portion of the wire. The device has a first elongated configuration for delivery and a second configuration for placement. In the second configuration, the wire moves toward its shape memory position and has a U-shape defined by a curved portion and first and second leg portions extending from the curved portion, the first and second leg portions extending downwardly from the curved portion and laterally outwardly.

Abstract: The present invention comprises systems, methods and devices for the delivery of compositions for occluding or of means for opening conduits. The implantable occlusive material may be delivered pre-formed or in situ cured and, may be a resorbable material that supports tissue ingrowth that eventually replaces the material leaving little or no original material in place. The delivery system is positioned to allow for placement of the occlusive material into the body conduit. Use of delivery systems, methods and devices for re-opening an occluded body conduit are also included.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods constrain and/or support tissue structures along an airway.

Abstract: An apparatus has a housing that has a first section and a second section. The first section has a first compartment for storing a cigarette and a second compartment for containing a cutting device having a blade. The first compartment is sealed from the second compartment. A slide button on the housing allows the user to move the cutting device within the second compartment. The second section has an opening and a hollow interior that are sized to allow a user to insert a portion of a cigarette through the opening and into the hollow interior. A user inserts the used portion of a cigarette into the opening and hollow interior and then uses the slide button to move the blade into the hollow interior to cut off the used portion of the cigarette. The user then places the remaining portion of the cigarette in the first compartment.

Abstract: A smokeless tobacco product configured for insertion into the mouth of a user of the product is provided, the tobacco product including a water-permeable pouch containing a tobacco formulation, the tobacco formulation including a tobacco material and a plurality of microcapsules dispersed within the tobacco material, the plurality of microcapsules including an outer shell encapsulating an internal payload. The internal payload may include an additive such as water, flavorants, binders, colorants, pH adjusters, buffering agents, fillers, disintegration aids, humectants, antioxidants, oral care ingredients, preservatives, additives derived from herbal or botanical sources, and mixtures thereof. Microencapsulated flavorants include tobacco-containing flavorants, such as tobacco extracts or a particulate tobacco material, sweeteners (e.g., sweeteners containing neotame), and vanillin (optionally in a complexed form).

Abstract: A method of making up the skin or the lips, the method including measuring at least one optical characteristic at least one location of the skin or the lips; and automatically forming on the skin or lips a deposit that has an optical characteristic that varies and that corresponds substantially at said location, to the measured optical characteristic.

Abstract: A disposable oral care implement that provides various oral care functions in a compact form is disclosed therein. The disposable oral care implement includes a body, a polishing block attached to a first end of the body, and one or more oral care tools coupled to a second end of the body. The one or more oral care tools may include a tongue scrapper, an inter-dental pick, a brush, a floss holder, and/or a gum stimulator. The body of the disposable oral care implement may be formed by injection molding. The oral care tool may be formed on the second end of the body by over-molding while the polishing block may be attached to the first end of the body by way of press-fit.

Abstract: A bin washer device for washing bins including a conveyor for moving the bins in a conveying direction, a support and at least two bin holders rotatably supported on the support for rotation about an axis adjacent the conveyor.

Abstract: An external device for cleaning a filtration material and adapted for application to a filtration device, in which the filtration material can be automatically cleaned easily and at low cost without requiring replacement of an existing filtration device with a newly purchased device. An external device for cleaning a filtration material is applied to a filtration device for filtering a supplied unfiltered liquid by layers of a filtration material to remove muddiness in the liquid and discharging the cleaned liquid to the outside.

Abstract: An air cooled sunshade constructed to provide cooling under the canopy of the sunshade. The foldable canopy of the sunshade includes a plurality of segments of elongated panels having embedded solar panels and a plurality of segments of pliable material to allow the canopy to easily stretch when in the open position and collapse in the closed position, typically arranged having one elongated panel connected on foldable material segment arranged around a center piece. In an embodiment disclosed herein, the pliable material is formed as a pipe having an upper layer and a lower layer, the lower layer having pores through which air can flow to the area under the canopy. The air can then flow from a fan or an air conditioner mounted on the center piece and allowing air to flow evenly under the canopy. The solar panels are connected to provide the necessary energy.

Abstract: In a safety structure for an automatic opening/closing umbrella, a completely locked-in condition is provided for determining whether or not the umbrella is closed and stored to prevent an accident caused a partially locked-in condition of the umbrella, such as a sudden pop-out of a handle part of the umbrella that hits any part of a user's body. The safety structure alleviates impacts and includes a mark and the handle part is made of an elastic material. When the rod is pushed into the handle part to enter an entry portion of the umbrella and reach a completely locked-in condition, the mark is labeled noticeably on the rod, and at least one distal portion of the handle part is made of a suitable elastic material such as polyurethane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a walker. The walker includes a first front leg, a first rear leg; and a first handle disposed between and connecting the first front leg to the first rear leg. The walker further comprises a trough region formed in a top surface of the first handle. The trough region has a hole formed therein. The walker further includes a cane having a grip region and a body portion. The body portion of the cane is removably received within the hole and the grip region of the cane is removably received within the trough region.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cane with a novel handle assembly. The handle assembly includes, among other components, an inner frame, an outer cover, and a resilient filler that is positioned between the inner frame and the outer cover to provide the handle assembly with a measure of resiliency to increase the user's comfort during use. In one embodiment of the disclosure, it is envisioned that the handle assembly may include a fluorescent material to facilitate location of the cane in poorly lit, or dim, areas.

Abstract: Methods of controllably creating three-dimensional (3D) combined-flow-interface patterns in multi-lane fluidic devices, and systems, apparatuses and software therefor. In one example, the 3D-pattern is created and varied as a function of one or more of the geometry of the inlets to a main fluidic channel in which the 3D-pattern is formed, the Reynolds number of the flows, the dimensions of the main fluidic channel and the inlets, and the spacing of adjacent inlets. In one embodiment particularly disclosed, differing 3D combined-flow-interface patterns are created using a three-lane fluidic device having a fixed inlet geometry. In another embodiment particularly disclosed, differing 3D combined-flow-interface patterns are created using a five-lane fluidic device having a fixed inlet geometry that can be used to effectively mimic variable inlet geometries.

Abstract: A gas diversion device includes a compression coupling having a gasket disposed therein, and a first straight pipe section coupled to the compression coupling. The device further includes a Y-pipe coupled to the first straight pipe section and an electrically conductive pipe. The device further includes a threaded cap having a hole therethrough. The compression coupling is placed over an open end of a broken gas pipe service riser and the first straight pipe section receives a portion of the gas pipe service riser therein. The threaded cap receives an expansion plug tool through the first hole, and the Y-pipe and the first straight pipe slideably receive a portion of the expansion plug tool therein. The expansion plug tool further includes an expansion plug coupled thereto to facilitate positioning of the expansion plug within the open end of the gas pipe service riser.

Abstract: A flush valve for a waste water system comprises a valve including a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a main valve element adapted for movement to allow fluid flow between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet based on a pressure differential across a portion of the main valve element. The valve also includes a vent system comprising a control chamber in flow communication with the fluid inlet of the valve and a vent outlet in flow communication with the fluid outlet of the valve, and a solenoid for venting fluid venting fluid from the control chamber to the fluid outlet. A pressure sensor, such as an electronic pressure transducer, senses the fluid pressure of fluid within the vent system. When a predetermined pressure threshold is reached or exceeded, the solenoid can be energized to release fluid from the control chamber.

Abstract: A gas safety device is provided. An electronic valve connected to a thermocouple is closed to cut off the gas supply when the temperature of radiant heat directly emitted from a surface of a vessel exceeds a preset temperature level while the vessel is heated through the spark ignition of a burner, thereby preventing risks of overheating and thus fire caused due to a user's carelessness when the user cooks the food.

Abstract: A ball within a ball valve comprises a ball, an interior fluid passage extending through the ball, a first flow passage disposed in the ball that allows fluid communication between an exterior fluid and the interior fluid passage, a second flow passage disposed in the ball that extends through a wall of the ball to the interior fluid passage, where the first flow passage and the second flow passage are on opposite hemispheres of the ball, and a flow through device. The flow through device comprises a plug disposed in the second flow passage and configured to sealingly engage the ball, and a shear device configured to engage the plug and retain the plug in the second flow passage.

Abstract: A gas concentration control device for pressure vessel is provided for controlling gas concentration inside an accommodation space that is set in an interior of a chamber formed inside a pressure vessel curing oven. The pressure vessel curing oven includes a gas inlet tube with a first valve and a gas outlet tube with a second valve, which are in communication with the accommodation space. The gas concentration control device includes a gas concentration detection device, which is operative for timed detection of concentration of a gas inside the accommodation space, and a control unit for setting a predetermined concentration, performing a judgment if the gas concentration inside the accommodation space reaches the predetermined concentration according to a detection result of the gas concentration detection device, and thereby controls the first valve and the second valve according to result of the judgment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-way valve for use in medicine or medical technology, having at least one basic housing through which a medium can flow in sections, and having an actuator which is held in said basic housing so as to be rotatable about a central axis, wherein the basic housing has at least two connection points for the inflow and outflow of the medium and forms an actuator receptacle which has a peg arranged concentrically with respect to the central axis and which has, on the inner side of the basic housing, a radially encircling cutout, and wherein the actuator has a control element, a substantially hollow cylindrical section which receives the peg of the actuator receptacle at least in sections, at least one throughflow opening for the fluidic connection between two connection points, and at least one radially encircling molding on the outer side of the cylindrical section, and wherein the peg of the actuator receptacle has at least one counterbearing for the actuator to form a seal

Abstract: A faucet assembly 10 including base 28 configured to be supported by a sink deck 12, a waterway 22 supported by the base 28, and a valve cartridge 18, 20 fluidly coupled to the waterway 112 way 22. A delivery spout 26 is illustratively supported by the base 28 and receives an outlet conduit 46 in fluid communication with the waterway 22.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods for valve insertion and linestopping. In one embodiment, the system comprises a sealing housing having a lower housing portion and an upper housing portion that are each dimensioned to partially surround an exterior surface of an existing pipe in an airtight state. In one embodiment, an integral valve assembly is disposed at least partially within an integral valve housing section of the upper housing portion. The integral valve assembly comprises a valve movable between an open position in which the valve provides an open pathway through an opening in the upper housing portion, and a closed position in which the valve provides a seal adjacent to the opening. The upper housing portion may be adapted to selectively receive each of an adapter plate for a cutting machine, a valve bonnet, and a blind flange.

Abstract: A frame for supporting a pressure relief valve located within a frac line connected to high pressure pumps on frac trucks. A metallic base is formed from rectangular tubing in the shape of a box. Saddles on the base support a tee on the lower portion of the relief valve. Brace links are connected at one end to the corners of the metallic base and swivel about clevises to allow access to the pressure relief valve. The other end of the brace links connect to clevises on a flange when assembled. The flange is rigidly connected to an upper portion of the relief valve to stabilize the assembly. Lifting loops on the flange allow the frame to be lifted during assembly.

Abstract: An opening/closing device 1 according to the present invention includes a gate 10 that receives a flow of a sewage W in an upright state, and can fall toward a downstream side of the flow and a first spring 52a that generates a force for bringing the gate 10 into an upright state, wherein the first spring 52 generates a force insufficient for bringing the gate 10 into the upright state if the gate 10 is in a fallen state, and generates a force sufficient for bringing the gate into the upright state if the gate 10 is tilted by an angle equal to or less than a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A manually operable gas regulator includes a knob, an upper cover, a return spring, a movable block, a pressure adjusting spring, a diaphragm assembly, a body, and a lever pivotably mounted to the body. An upper end of the diaphragm assembly abuts a lower end of the pressure adjusting spring whose upper end abuts a lower end of the movable block. An upper end of the movable block abuts a lower end of the movable block securely engaged with the upper cover and the knob. Rotation of the knob causes upward/downward movement of an axle of the diaphragm assembly to pivot the lever. A plug on an end of the lever is moved to accurately control the flow of gas and to accurately close or open an output end of an inlet passage of the body.

Abstract: A system for hydraulically managing fluid pressure between selected set points includes a pilot control system operably coupled to a main valve. The pilot control system includes at least one fluid conduit, a variable orifice assembly, and a control pilot valve apparatus. Fluid is passed through a fixed orifice and into a first chamber of the control pilot valve apparatus. Fluid is passed through the variable orifice of the variable orifice assembly and into a second chamber of the control pilot valve apparatus. The main valve is hydraulically opened or closed in response to a pressure differential between the first and second chambers of the control pilot valve apparatus so as to manage fluid pressure downstream of the main valve between the selected upper and lower set points.

Abstract: A pressure release valve including a holder element provided on the outside of the lid of a pressure cooker, a body packing disposed inside the holder element, a pressure release tube provided in the lower inside portion of the body packing, a valve plunger disposed in the body packing and comprising a shank portion and a beveled portion which is at the lower end of the shank portion and set on the upper end of the pressure release tube so as to allow the interior of the pressure release tube to be an empty space, a coil spring mounted on the valve plunger, a lock nut connected to the holder element, and a filtering cap provided fixedly or non-fixedly within the lock nut.

Abstract: A brine generating system is disclosed for use with an underground storage tank, the system including a main salt delivery channel that branches into two horizontal feed lines through a reducer to deliver salt under pressure to the bottom of the storage tank in a generally equal distribution along the tank floor. The salt distribution system can be combined with a water distribution system to ensure delivery of water at the location of the salt deposits along the tank floor.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are associated with the discovery of methods for operating rotary valves that reduce or minimize wear of the seal sheet, which is often the limiting factor in overall processing capability of the valve. The control of certain parameters associated with the rotary valve operation, and particularly the seating pressure of the seal sheet (e.g., the dome pressure), can extend the useful life of the seal sheet, thereby avoiding excessive maintenance and downtime costs. In preferred embodiments, control is on a real time basis.

Abstract: Provided are a sliding component, such as a mechanical seal ring, which is capable of maintaining superior sliding characteristics even in the long-term continuous use thereof, as well as a mechanical seal, a faucet valve, and a rolling support device, each of which includes the sliding component. The sliding component includes a stationary member, and a movable member contactedly sliding on the stationary member. The stationary member and the movable member are respectively composed of a silicon carbide sintered body containing graphite. The content of the graphite in one of the stationary member and the movable member is at least 4% by mass greater than in the other. Thus, the sliding component includes the stationary member and the movable member which are a combination of those having different contents of graphite. Owing to a high lubricating effect, the superior sliding characteristics can be maintained, permitting a long-term continuous sliding.

Abstract: A mixing valve device includes a stationary valve piece attached to a cover of an outer housing and having two inlet passages for receiving cold water and hot water and having two outlet passages, a movable valve piece movably and rotatably engaged in the housing and having an outlet pathway for selectively aligning with either of the outlet passages of the stationary valve piece and for controlling the mixed water to flow out through either of the outlet passages of the stationary valve piece, the movable valve piece includes an inlet pathway adjustable to different communication area with the inlet passages of the stationary valve piece for adjusting the water temperature of the mixed water.

Abstract: A one piece double membrane diaphragm including an upper (308) and lower diaphragm membrane (310) joined together by a central section (312) is provided. The upper diaphragm membrane (308) seals against a top sealing surface (222) when the diaphragm is in a first position. The lower diaphragm membrane (310) seals against a bottom sealing surface (224) when the diaphragm is in a second position. The diaphragm may also be made from a resilient material and shaped in such a way as to create a spring force holding the diaphragm into a default position in the valve.

Abstract: Embodiments of a gate valve equalization system comprise: a gate valve; a gate; a preloading valve arrangement; a floating coupler assembly; a relief valve arrangement; and a means for control. The preloading valve arrangement permits fluid to enter the valve body from the upstream side of the gate. The means for control serves as a control interface allowing engagement of the floating coupler assembly and opening/closing of the gate valve. Engagement of the floating coupler, engages the assembly relief valve arrangement and allows redistribution of fluid pressure and circulation of fluid from one side of the gate to opposing side of the gate within the gate valve.

Abstract: A valve includes a generally cylindrical housing including first and second end portions that are offset from each other along a longitudinal axis of the generally cylindrical housing. First and second inlet ports are arranged on one of said first or second end portions, and at least one outlet port is arranged on one of said first or second end portions. A disk is disposed in the generally cylindrical housing and is configured to independently control both mixing and flow rate of fluid flowing into at least one of the first and second inlet ports.

Abstract: A micro fluidic probe head includes a first layer, a second layer, and a first tubing port extending from an upper face of the first layer. The first layer has a first via, enabling fluid communication between the first port and a lower face of the first layer. The second layer includes a first aperture on a face, and a first microchannel enabling fluid communication between an upper face of the second layer, facing the lower face of the first layer, and the first aperture. The head enables fluid communication between the first via and the first microchannel. At least a portion of the first microchannel is a groove open on the upper face of the second layer, closed by a portion of a lower face of a layer of the head. The probe head further comprises a second tubing port, a second via, a second aperture and a second micro channel.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.

Abstract: A microfluidic probe head includes a first layer, a second layer, and a first tubing port extending from an upper face of the first layer. The first layer has a first via, enabling fluid communication between the first port and a lower face of the first layer. The second layer includes a first aperture on a face, and a first microchannel enabling fluid communication between an upper face of the second layer, facing the lower face of the first layer, and the first aperture. The head enables fluid communication between the first via and the first microchannel. At least a portion of the first microchannel is a groove open on the upper face of the second layer, closed by a portion of a lower face of a layer of the head. The probe head further comprises a second tubing port, a second via, a second aperture and a second microchannel.