Abstract: A solar energy collector includes a frustoconical reflective shell and a light converging lens. The frustoconical reflective shell includes a top opening and an opposite bottom opening. The reflective shell tapers from the top opening to the bottom opening. The reflective shell is configured for reflecting light. The light converging lens is arranged at the top opening and is fixed on the sidewall of the reflective shell. The light concentration lens includes a central lens portion and a periphery lens portion. The central lens portion includes a first light incident portion facing away from the bottom opening. The central lens portion includes a plurality of concentric annular prisms cooperatively forming a Fresnel-lens structure. The periphery lens portion is arranged surrounding the central lens portion. The periphery lens portion includes a convex second lens portion.

Abstract: A concentrating solar power device may include a primary mirror, a secondary mirror, and a thermal storage device. The primary mirror may reflect solar rays from the sun towards the secondary mirror. The secondary mirror may reflect the solar rays reflected from the primary mirror towards the thermal storage device. The thermal storage device, which may comprise a thermal medium such as salt, may collect/absorb energy from the solar rays which may be used to run multiple Stirling engines, and/or an energy storing or energy expending device.

Abstract: Invented is a solar smelter that also manufactures hot air or hot fluids. A curved parabolic-half-shell and curved-overhang focuses the sun's rays, sunlight, unto a crucible, which is buried into a thermal-mass, or the ground. Using a planar-reflector, or heliostat, the sunlight is reflected horizontally unto an interior reflective wall of the curved parabolic-half-shell and curved-overhang. Surrounding the crucible is a thermal-mass with embedded pipes, that manufacture hot and compress air, or heat a gas or fluid. On top of the thermal-mass is a clear transparent-and-insulating floor that captures any stray solar rays, sunlight, adding heat to the thermal-mass. At the foci of the parabolic-half-shell and curved-overhang is a crucible for melting rocks, sand, glass or metals, or processing chemicals.

Abstract: Liquid nebulizer apparatus, systems, and formulation compositions, as well as systems for the nebulized, aerosol delivery of such compositions, for the administration and insufflation of medicinal aerosols into the pulmonary system of a mammal are described. The nebulizing apparatus and system can effectively aerosolize a variety of viscosities of medicinal liquid drug carriers, including those made up of oil, water, or emulsions of oil and water. Drugs dissolved or suspended in the compositions and formulations described and adapted for use herein are not damaged or denatured by the nebulization process when the nebulizer described is used. Further, the nebulization system itself can be adapted for use with both mechanically assisted pulmonary ventilation systems as well as hand-held inhalers and nose/mouth face masks for use in pulmonary drug delivery.

Abstract: An adaptor includes a housing and a plurality of blades disposed inside the housing. The adaptor can be utilized with a breathing assist device such as a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. Air flowing through an air flow path defined by the two ends of the housing is delivered for use. The blades within the housing are aligned in a direction parallel to the air flow path. The blades within the housing can be parallel, zigzag or chevron shape and are designed to facilitate condensation of water from the air flowing over the blades. The adaptor will reduce rain-out effect in the breathing device.

Abstract: A sheet driver for use in a drug dispenser where the sheet driver includes a shaft with a shaft cavity co-axial with a rotational axis of the shaft and a hub that defines a hub aperture, where within the shaft cavity there is an indicator pin having a side member and an indicator pin head that may project through the hub aperture, where within the shaft cavity there is a spring for biasing said indicator pin out of the shaft cavity, and where an engagement member may selectively engage said side member of the indicator pin to prevent movement of the engagement member upon the occurrence of an fault condition of the sheet driver.

Abstract: A portable, low maintenance apparatus is provided for cooling down athletes following strenuous exercise. The apparatus has a repository that holds ice, and a fan configured to blow air through the ice and out of a face adapter part. The face adapter is shaped to provide a cool, breathable stream of air to a user who presses his face up against the adapter.

Abstract: A breathing assistance system for providing breathing assistance to a patient includes a gas delivery system configured to generate a gas flow, a patient interface configured to interface with the patient, a connection system connected between the gas delivery system and the patient interface and configured to communicate the gas flow to the patient interface for delivery to the patient, and a sensor system remote from the gas delivery system and connected to at least one of the patient interface and the connection system. The sensor system may include a sensor for measuring a parameter, one or more actuators, and a power supply based on a turbine configured to be driven by the gas flow and an electrical generator coupled to the turbine and configured to generate electricity.

Abstract: A respiration apparatus and a method for calibrating respiration parameters thereof are provided. A flow measuring reference component arranged behind the inspiratory valve in the ventilator is used as a flow measuring reference sensor for calibrating the flow sensor so that the flow rates of the gas through the flow measuring reference component and the flow sensor to be calibrated are identical or in a corresponding relation. Electrical parameters output from the flow sensor and the flow measuring reference component are respectively acquired and processed to obtain a relation curve of the gas flow rate and the electrical parameter of the flow sensor on the basis of the read gas flow rate and the electrical parameters of the flow sensor. The present invention enables automatic calibration for a flow sensor without using any measuring instrument.

Abstract: The systems and methods include providing a volume-targeted minimum pressure-control breath type during ventilation of a patient. The system and methods provide a novel breath type that allows an operator to input a tidal volume and receive some of the benefits of utilizing an airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) breath type in combination with some of the benefits of utilizing a volume-targeted-pressure-control (VC+) breath type.

Abstract: Improved methods and devices are described for sensing the respiration pattern of a patient and controlling ventilator functions, particularly for use in an open ventilation system. A ventilation and breath sensing apparatus may include a ventilation gas delivery circuit and a ventilation tube coupled to the ventilation gas delivery circuit. A plurality of pressure sensing elements may be separated by a distance and may produce independent signals. The signals may be used to detect pressure differentials between the plurality of pressure sensing elements. Sensing ports may be located in an airway, and connected to transducers that are valved to optimize sensitivity and overpressure protection. Airway pressure and flow can both be obtained and used to optimize ventilator synchronization and therapy.

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

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

Abstract: Devices and methods for allowing for improved assisted ventilation of a patient. The methods and devices provide a number of benefits over conventional approaches for assisted ventilation. For example, the methods and devices described herein permit blind insertion of a device that can allow ventilation regardless of whether the device is positioned within a trachea or an esophagus.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask airway device for insertion into a patient to provide an airway passage to the patient's glottic opening. The device includes an airway tube, a mask attached to the airway tube, a peripheral inflatable cuff, and an outlet for gas. The mask is attached to the airway tube for gaseous communication between the tube and an outlet. The device further includes an oesophageal drain that includes a conduit that extends from an inlet at the distal end of the mask to an outlet disposed outside the patient when the device is in place. The conduit includes a mask section and airway tube section, wherein the mask section is formed integrally in the material of the body of the mask.

Abstract: Method and devices for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers are described in which a portable support assembly may be worn by a bed-stricken individual around particular regions of the body where pressure ulcers tend to form. The portable support assembly may generally include one or more individual fluid filled pods which are enclosed entirely within an inner fluid pad localized along a central portion. Both the one or more pods and inner fluid pad are then enclosed entirely by another layer of fluid within an outer fluid pad which extends over the entire assembly. Each of the fluid layers may be secured to an outer shell which is relatively stiffer than the fluid layers and may restrict or limit the expansion or movement of the fluid pods and/or fluid pads.

Abstract: A system for revisably treating an airway disorder is provided with an implant body configured to conform to an airway-interface tissue site in a manner compatible with normal physiological function of the site. In some embodiments, first and second openings extend through first and second implant ends, respectively, for permitting a tissue plug to grow through each opening. Methods of using and revising such systems are also provided.

Abstract: A sterile drape configured for isolating a portion of a surgical device within a sterile environment, comprising: a plurality of drape interface mechanisms comprising: at least one drape/handle interface mechanism comprising a first ring defining a first opening through the sterile drape and configured for coupling with a control mechanism, the control mechanism comprising a surgical device for controlling a surgical instrument; and at least one drape/shaft interface mechanism comprising a second ring defining a second opening through the sterile drape, and configured for sealingly receiving a shaft there through as the shaft moves with a piston and is detachably coupled with the piston, wherein the piston is configured for responding to a first set of control signals sent by a first mechanical manipulation mechanism via a first connector by moving between a proximal end and a distal end of a first mechanical slave cylinder.

Abstract: The in-ear device is shaped to fit a wearer's ear morphology. The device includes a main body having at least three generally convex sides, an innermost face and an outermost face. A first side is shaped to fit the tragus of a wearer's ear, and a second side is shaped to fit an antitragus of a wearer's ear. At least three tips, generally rounded, join respective two adjacent sides. The main body is within an outer ear plane substantially perpendicular to an entrance of an ear canal of a wearer's ear.

Abstract: An effective method for prolonging localization of therapeutics within the rat gastrointestinal tract of at least about 12 hours is provided. Attractive forces between an orally administered magnetic dose and an external magnet were monitored and internal dose motion in real time using biplanar videofluoroscopy was visualized. Tissue elasticity was quantified as a measure of tissue health by combining data streams. The methods address safety, efficacy, and monitoring capacity of magnetically localized doses and show a platform for testing the benefits of localized drug delivery.

Abstract: A filter holder used for smoking has a tubular body (12), which includes a socket portion (14) for receiving a cigarette (C) at one end thereof, a dilution chamber (18) located adjacently to the socket portion (14) in the inside, a chamber (22) for containing a charcoal filter (26), a chamber (24) for containing a flavor generation element (32), an annular groove (42) formed in the outer circumferential surface of the body (12), and a plurality of vent holes (44) formed in the bottom of the annular groove (42) and introduces outside air into the dilution chamber (18).

Abstract: A handheld litter disposal device for temporarily storing and containing cigarette ash, butts, and other litter. The litter disposal device includes a cap, a storage system, a pivot system adapted to permit the cap to move between the closed and open positions, and an extinguishing system containable within the storage system and adapted to extinguish the lit end of a cigarette. In the open position, ashes, butts, and unused portions of cigarettes, cigars, and/or other similar products can be transported from the outside to the inside of the litter disposal device and vice versa. In the closed position, however, cigarette ash and butts cannot enter or exit the storage system of the litter disposal device. The storage system has a rounded bottom or outer surface to prevent the litter disposal device from maintaining an upright position.

Abstract: A hair styling apparatus includes a curling component generally proximate to the hair-heating surface and operatively connected to at least one of first and second arms of the apparatus. The curling component has a curling edge selectively movable laterally with respect to a hair-heating surface of the apparatus to configure the curling component between a retracted configuration, in which the curling edge is spaced a retracted lateral distance from a lateral edge of the hair-heating surface, and an extended configuration, in which the curling edge is spaced an extended lateral distance, greater than the retracted lateral distance, from the lateral edge of the hair-heating surface.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device is provided having a head and a handle. The handle is configured to accommodate a user's hand grip when the head is inserted into a user's mouth. The head is further configured to accommodate, at a distal end of the handle, a proximal end of the head. One of the head and the handle is provided with a cavity configured to receive a supply of floss. The cavity becomes accessible when the head and the handle are at least partially detached from one another.

Abstract: A dental device including a toothpick or a length of dental floss or both of them retains cleaning parts in their containers sanitary and releasably by the user of the device. The device is formed into a closed figure which can be flat or three dimensional. The figure can be changed by the user of the dental device. The device can be placed around another object, for example, a user's wrist or utensils. The device can have decorative elements. The dental device is attractive to young users, safe, user friendly and sanitary to carry.

Abstract: A dishwashing machine includes a sump chamber, a porous sheet enclosing a hollow interior, and a scraper in contact with the porous sheet. A portion of the sheet extends into the sump chamber. The sheet is operable to rotate about an imaginary axis.

Abstract: A short force arm deflection device is mounted to a section of a center post of an umbrella between a top cap and a runner and includes an upper deflection member and a lower deflection member pivotally connected to each other, and a barrel receiving a compression spring. The upper and lower deflection members are respectively connected to a lower end of an upper post segment and an upper end of a lower post segment. The barrel, receives the compression spring and goes over the connection portion between the lower deflection member and the lower post segment. To open, the runner is pulled upwardly by a pull cord to contact the barrel causing a relative rotation between the upper and lower deflection members for realizing deflection between the top cap and the runner for inclining a canopy.

Abstract: A stick is provided in which a gripping tube is fixed to a front end portion of an upper connection tube having a large diameter and a circular-arc engagement portion formed by a front-end cut portion of the gripping tube is tightened or loosened with the operation of a cam lever so that the outer periphery of a lower connection tube is fixed in a pressurized and gripped state or the pressurizing force is released, wherein a contracted tube portion is formed in the outer periphery of the lower connection tube at the portion with which the circular-arc engagement portion comes into contact when the lower connection tube is pressed into the upper connection tube so as to reach a shortened position, and when the cam lever is locked at the shortened position, the circular-arc engagement portion comes into contact with the contracted tube portion having a small outer diameter.

Abstract: A vehicle anchored accessory holder may include a base plate, a brace connected to and extending upwardly from the base plate and an angled support connected to the at least one brace. The vehicle anchored accessory holder may also include a female fitting connected to and extending upwardly from the base plate. The female fitting may also be connected to the angled support. The female fitting may have an open top to receive at least one of an extension arm stem and an accessory. A first tube and a second tube may be connected to an upper portion of the female fitting to receive a connector adapted to move the female fitting between an opened position and a closed position.

Abstract: A camping tent assembly having a removable inflatable mattress portion inserted into a floor portion, comprises a two-layered floor comprising a zippered edge which opens to receive the removable mattress, thereby allowing the mattress to occupy a space subjacent to the floor portion to provide a user with more interior space as compared to a conventional tent with a conventional air mattress placed above a floor portion. The mattress is inflated using a manual foot pump. The entire tent, including the deflated mattress, is simply folded or rolled up when breaking camp in much the same manner as a conventional tent. The mattress may be easily removed for repair or replacement as needed.

Abstract: A tent pole assembly that includes first and second pole sections, first and second inserts, and a projection member. Each of the pole sections includes an open end. The first and second inserts are positionable into the open ends of the first and second pole sections, respectively. The projection member is insertable into the first and second inserts to releasably connect the first and second pole sections together.

Abstract: A ground blind that includes a collapsible support structure, a flexible cover, and a window assembly. The flexible cover is mounted to the collapsible support structure. The window assembly defines a window opening in the cover and includes a flexible window panel, at least one follower, and at least one track portion. The at least one follower is carried by the window panel and has at least one follower end portion. The at least one track portion is sized to receive the at least one follower end portion. The at least one follower end portion is adjustably positioned within the at least one track portion to alter the window opening.

Abstract: A collapsible shelter assembly includes legs, a truss system, a cover, cover supporting rods and mounting brackets. Each of the legs has an upper and a lower end. The truss system is configured to link each pair of legs together and define a base perimeter. The brackets are adapted for mounting to the upper ends of the legs, for attaching to the rods at a predefined distance distal to ends of the rods and for defining an outer perimeter greater than the base perimeter. The cover is adapted for attaching about the ends of the rods for covering the outer perimeter.

Abstract: A canopy structure comprises a frame and a canopy. The frame comprises a plurality of arms and legs, where each of the arms extends outwardly from a hub to a leg, each arm and leg being joined by a leg connector. Preferably, each leg is telescopic and is lockable and the hub preferably comprises a releasable locking mechanism. The canopy structure further comprises a mechanism by which the canopy surface can be tilted to angles relative to the ground.

Abstract: An electronic faucet (10) comprises a spout (12) having a passageway configured to conduct fluid flow through the spout, an electrically operable valve coupled to the passageway, and a single capacitive sensor (26) coupled to a portion of the faucet. The single capacitive sensor provides both a touch sensor and a proximity sensor for the electronic faucet.

Abstract: An electronic coolant valve with a flexible sealing membrane. The membrane is expanded or contracted radially via a drive screw and an electric motor. The extension and retraction of the drive screw changes the shape of the membrane in the flow passage. The membrane can be adjusted to allow full passage of coolant through a passageway, to completely block off (close) the flow channel preventing fluid from flowing through it, or to allow a restricted or metered amount of coolant to pass through the passageway.

Abstract: To create a valve for aerating and ventilating a tank comprising a closing element, which is fixed against a valve seat in a closed state so as to form a seal and which is lifted out of the valve seat in an open state, wherein provision is made for a blocking element, which can be moved by means of the force of gravity, by means of which the closing element can be fixed at least in the closed state, which overcomes the disadvantages of the state of the art, which ensures a reliable function even in response to a use under rough conditions with impact loads and which is designed in a simple manner, it is proposed for the blocking element to be accommodated on the closing element so as to be movable.

Abstract: A valve actuation mechanism for a high rate discharge valve has a collet with fingers adjacent a valve member that provides restraint against displacement of the valve member at angularly spaced locations symmetrical about the axis of the valve member. Each collet finger has at least one projection adjacent a first end. The valve actuation mechanism also has a collet sleeve release mechanism with a main body portion having a first end and a second end. The main body portion contains an aperture with at least one land portion that secures each projection of the collet fingers. The main body portion also has an actuation pad at the second end, as well as a hinge mechanism for allowing rotational movement of the main body portion connected to the first end of the main body portion, and an actuation device that contacts the actuation pad.

Abstract: A method comprises transporting a first stream of a carrier gas to a delivery device that contains a solid precursor compound. The first stream of carrier gas is at a temperature greater than or equal to 20° C. The method further comprises transporting a second stream of the carrier gas to a point downstream of the delivery device. The first stream and the second stream are combined to form a third stream, such that the dewpoint of the vapor of the solid precursor compound in the third stream is lower than the ambient temperature. The flow direction of the first stream, the flow direction of the second stream and the flow direction of the third stream are unidirectional and are not opposed to each other.

Abstract: An inflow protection device for preventing liquids and other contaminants from entering a water-carrying pipeline through an air valve connected to the pipeline. The inflow protection device includes an adaptor and an elongated vent pipe. The adaptor has a first end for coupling with an outlet of the air valve and second end. The vent pipe has a first end configured for directly or indirectly coupling with the second end of the adaptor and a second end extending out of and above a vault in which the air valve is installed. The vent pipe is of a length sufficient to position its second end above a flood plain level so that the second end allows air to be exhausted from and admitted into the air valve even when the vault in which the air valve is located becomes flooded.

Abstract: A fuel shut-off valve includes a casing defining therein a valve chamber communicating between inside and outside of a fuel tank. A bottom wall member defines a bottom of the valve chamber and has communication holes formed therein, so that the valve chamber communicates with the inside of the fuel tank via the communication holes. A valve mechanism is disposed within the valve chamber and capable of preventing fuel from flowing from the valve chamber to the outside of the fuel tank depending of a fuel level within the fuel tank. A flow area of each of the communication holes decreases in an outflow direction of the fuel from the valve chamber to the inside of the fuel tank.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sanitary automatic water leakage detection and shut-off apparatus installed between a water controlling unit and a water outgoing unit and comprising a water controller, an accumulating unit and a detecting unit; wherein the water controlling unit comprises an inlet, an outlet and a solenoid valve. The solenoid valve is a normally-open solenoid valve capable of closing the outlet to stop water from going out. The accumulating unit is mounted between the water controlling unit and the water outgoing unit and comprises an accumulating hole adjacent to a bottom thereof. The detecting unit is installed on the accumulating unit and electrically connected to the solenoid valve. The detecting unit activates the solenoid valve via an electronic communication method based on a leakage status of the accumulating unit to shut off the water outlet of the water controlling unit and to stop water supply thereof immediately.

Abstract: An oil removing apparatus and system designed to drain fluids such as hot motor oil from a motor vehicle comprises a tank supported by rolling casters and having handles used to position the tank underneath a motor vehicle. An upper portion of the apparatus comprises an inflatable wall structure which provides vertically adjustable positioning around an oil pan or similar structure. The inflatable structure further includes a heat-resistant glove for accessing and removing a drain plug or similar feature. During typical use, a user removes the drain plug with the glove and drains the oil while the glove and inflatable structure protects the user from the hot motor oil.

Abstract: An excess flow valve (EFV) for installation in a service line of natural gas distribution system serving an existing structure. The EFV has a cylindrical housing having a first length and a second length and a through hole therethrough for passage of gas. The EFV 11 engaged in the through hole of the first length and the second length has an expandable wall which can be expanded and fixed in said service line.

Abstract: A household tap water monitor includes a water meter, an electrical control valve, a single chip micyoco, an LCD, an electrical source circuit, a photoelectric detector connected to a first input port of the SCM, a reset switch connected to a second input port of the SCM and a keyboard connected to a third input port of the SCM. The water meter and the electrical control valve are connected in series between a tap water pipe and a main tap water inlet pipe. A control port of the electrical control valve is connected to a first output port of the SCM, and the LCD is connected to a second output port of the SCM. The photoelectric detector is used for monitoring the rotation of a small impeller in the water meter. The electrical source circuit is used to supply electricity for the components mentioned above.

Abstract: Known fluid dispensers can suffer from the disadvantage of inadvertent disconnection of a connector causing potentially hazardous spillage of fluid. The present invention relates to a fluid dispensing assembly comprising a tap and a connector body. The tap comprises a first valve, movable between an open and closed position to allow fluid flow through; and a first portion of an interlocking coupling, configured for rotational engagement with a second complementary interlocking coupling portion of the connector body by rotation about a first fluid dispensing assembly axis. The connector body also comprises a second valve, movable between an open and closed position to allow fluid flow through. By this configuration, the first and second interlocking coupling portions remain interlocked preventing disconnection of the connector body from the tap unless the first and second valves are both in the closed position.

Abstract: A shaft body (12) is rotatable around an axial line (C-C). A first valve element (13a) is located between a first opening (11a) and a second opening (11b) and it has a first notch (13a1). A second valve element (13b) is located between first opening (11a) and a third opening (11c) and it has a second notch (13b1). By rotating first and second valve elements (13a, 13b) around the axial line (C-C) as a center (O), an operation for opening and closing first and second notches (13a1, 13b1) can be performed.

Abstract: An invention for transporting material is described. The material, which may be or include a liquid or particles, be transported floats on and flows on a more dense fluid. Standing waves may be induced in the more dense fluid, and devices are provided to either force the transported fluid in a direction, or to prevent the transported fluid from flowing in a direction counter to the flow direction. The inventive apparatus and method have the ability to transport fluids long distances with much less frictional losses than convention technology.

Abstract: A check valve (10), including a valve membrane (12), which includes an umbrella-like closing body (14), which in a closed position abuts a housing body (5) in such a way that the closing body prevents the passage of a medium through passage holes (26) provided in the valve body (16), the closing body lifting off the housing body in an open position in order to allow a medium to pass through the passage holes. In the open position and/or closed position the closing element is clamped between the valve body and the housing body at least at one point (31, 32).

Abstract: A one-way fill valve for use in electronic enclosures is disclosed. The one-way fill valve allows an inert gas to be added to an electronic enclosure without contamination and without excessive leakage. A scrim layer is provided between a breathable layer and a sealing element to protect the breathable layer from possible rupture and allow for greater air flow across the breathable layer.