Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.

Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.

Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.

Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.

Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit t may simulate a cigarette. A flow of electrical power may be coupled through solderless pressure contacts to activate a heating element. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the liquid to be vaporized may be vaporized by an atomizer assembly. Vapors may then be aspirated by the user through an oral aspiration tube, where they may be inhaled.

Abstract: A connecting system for connecting a ventilation tube to a respiratory humidifier (1) is provided, wherein the ventilation tube comprises an electrical line and the respiratory humidifier (1) comprises a housing (2) and a liquid container (4), the connection system including a first connection element (6) arranged on the liquid container (4); a first electrical contact element (24) arranged on the housing (2); and a second connection element (14), which can be connected to the ventilation tube (7, 9) and comprises a second electrical contact element (16), which can be connected to the electrical line of the ventilation tube (7, 9); wherein the first connection element (6) and the second connection element (14) can be connected to each other in a first connecting direction in such a way that, by establishment of the pneumatic connection of the ventilation tube (7, 9) to the liquid container (4), the electrical connection of the first contact element (24) to the second contact element (16) is produced.

Abstract: A delivery device for and method of delivering a powdered substance, in particular a triptan, such as sumatriptan, to the posterior region of a nasal cavity of a subject, in particular for the treatment of headaches, for example, cluster headaches and migraine, and neuropathic pain, the delivery device comprising: a nosepiece for insertion into a nasal cavity of a subject through which the powdered substance is delivered to the posterior region of the nasal cavity of the subject, in particular the upper posterior two thirds of the nasal cavity; and a substance supply unit which is operable to deliver the powdered substance through the nosepiece.

Abstract: An improved adjustable nasal dilator device (1) insertable within the nasal cavity of a human being to improve the flow of air through the nasal passage. The device includes a body (2) comprising a top (3) and bottom (4) frame ends interconnected by a series of spaced flexible ribs (5). The top and bottom frame ends are open and substantially circular, and the diameter of the bottom frame end is greater than the corresponding diameter of the top frame end to provide a body shape for convenient insertion within a nasal cavity.

Abstract: A device for treating a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea or snoring can include an expiratory valve connected to a manifold. The expiratory valve can include a body portion including a feedback port configured to be connected to an air flow generator. The expiratory valve can include a plunger at least partially disposed in the body portion. The expiratory valve can include a pressurizing chamber positioned between an end of the plunger and an end of the expiratory valve. The pressurizing chamber can be configured to receive air from the air flow generator through the feedback port.

Abstract: A device for treating a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea or snoring can include an expiratory valve connected to a manifold. The expiratory valve can include a body portion including a feedback port configured to be connected to an air flow generator. The expiratory valve can include a plunger at least partially disposed in the body portion. The expiratory valve can include a pressurizing chamber positioned between an end of the plunger and an end of the expiratory valve. The pressurizing chamber can be configured to receive air from the air flow generator through the feedback port.

Abstract: There is provided a device for measuring an inside shape of a vagina, including a device body, operationally connected to one or more movable cheeks, the cheeks movable in a direction substantially transaxially relative to the device body longitudinal axis, and a width indicator, for indicating a distance between opposite faces of the cheeks. There is provided a method for fitting a pessary including inserting a Pessary Caliber (PC) into a vagina, extending cheeks of the PC to press against sides of the vagina, measuring a distance between the cheeks, measuring how deep the PC is inserted into the vagina, and selecting a pessary size based, at least in part, on the measuring. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A system for 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, the implant body includes an adjustment element configured to allow in-situ adjustment of the implant body between first and second tensioning forces applied to the site. Methods of using such systems are also provided.

Abstract: A protective mouth guard primarily for use in contact sports has a handle that is convenient to hold while taking the mouth guard in and out of the mouth and while holding it. Some embodiments have about a ¾? by ¾? area for two-fingered holding; some have a downward extending loop providing for one-fingered holding. Versions also have a loop for being retained on a helmet face guard in addition to a shaft portion that provides a place other than the in-mouth portion for grasping while performing the face guard retention action.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of making a corded earplug, including a flexible cord material having a particular cross-section. An earplug having a nose portion for insertion into the ear and a handle portion extending from the nose portion and lying outside of the ear when the nose portion is inserted into the ear. The handle portion including at least two openings physically displaced from each other. At least one of the openings extends within the handle portion and with at least one of the openings having a cross-section different than the cross-section of the cord material. An end portion of the flexible cord material is inserted into the at least one opening extending within the handle portion.

Abstract: A device for use during a procedure for inserting a medical device into an esophagus of a patient has a first shield attached to a bite block to protect health care providers from fluids emanating from the patient during the procedure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic cigarette soft enclosure holding device, including an electronic cigarette enclosure of a barrel shape and with an opened end and a closure component engaged and pressed against the opened end of the enclosure for closing the opened end; the closure component and enclosure are independent components individually manufactured and then assembled together; the closure component is no less than the enclosure in hardness, the electronic cigarette soft enclosure holding device further includes a holding mechanism disposed at the connection location between the closure component and enclosure and engaged and pressed against the enclosure such that the closure component and enclosure are firmly pressed against each other. The holding mechanism enhances the connection stability between the enclosure and closure.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to electronic cigarette components. As will be disclosed, an electronic cigarette may have a flexible conduit, texture layer, and outer wrapper. The texture layer may be constructed of synthetic or organic material that, together with the outer wrapper will simulate the texture of the tobacco rod and cigarette paper of a traditional cigarette.

Abstract: The invention relates to a smokeless cigarette, cigar, or pipe having at least one depot (10) for storing and for defined release due to external heat input of nicotine and/or compound comprising nicotine to an airflow to be guided through the depot (10). According to the invention the depot (10) comprises at least one heat transfer segment (16) for targeted heat input for defined release of the nicotine and/or nicotine compound to the airflow.

Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.

Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit including a microprocessor, memory, and a wireless communication interface is disclosed. An application may control aspects of the personal vapor via the wireless interface. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acids encoding transcription factors and methods of using these nucleic acids to modulate nicotine production in plants and to produce plants having modulated nicotine production.

Abstract: The illuminated artificial fingernail is made up of a power source in the form of two 1.55 volt mini batteries, that electrify a micro circuit chip that in turn causes the light source, in the form of an LED, to light up intermittently (flash), giving the artificial fingernail an attractive appearance and also attracts attention to the hand of the wearer.

Abstract: A device for applying a haircare product to a lock of hair may include an applicator comprising a container, the containing being configured to hold a quantity of the haircare product. The device may further include a holding member configured to engage with the applicator such that, when the device is moved longitudinally with relation to the lock of hair, the holding member holds the lock of hair in contact with the applicator. The applicator may include an applicator end piece mounted on the container, the end piece comprising an outlet orifice and a moveable closure element. The closure element, in a first position, may close off the outlet orifice and, in a second position, at least partly open the outlet orifice. The closure element may move between the first position and the second position in response to a force exerted on the closure element by insertion of the lock of hair between the holding member and the closure element.

Abstract: A hair brush is disclosed herein that includes a handle, a base and a plurality of bristles, wherein the base and the plurality of bristles are one single continuous component. A method of producing a sanitary hair brush comprises: a) providing at least one curable material, b) injection molding the at least one material into a mold in order to produce a base, a handle, a plurality of bristles or a combination thereof as one single continuous component. Another method of producing a sanitary bristled item includes: a) providing at least two curable materials, wherein a first curable material is chemically different from a second curable material, b) injection molding the at least two materials separately into a mold in order to produce a base, a handle, a plurality of bristles or a combination thereof as one single continuous component, wherein the first curable material is used to form the plurality of bristles and the second curable material is used to form the handle and the base.

Abstract: A hair dryer with conditioning attachment including: a L-shaped body; an emission end; a conditioner attachment end; a conditioner container attached to the conditioner attachment end, where the conditioner container includes a compartment for storing hair conditioner; and a flow of hair conditioner through the emission end during use the hair dryer. The hair dryer may also include control buttons.

Abstract: Hair treatment agents include selected esterquats with selected care substances and to the use of said agents for the treatment of keratinous fibers.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for permanent shaping of human hair used both for the permanent waving of human hair with an excellent waving effect as well as for the straightening of curled hair. Accordingly, the first object of the present invention is a process for permanent shaping hair wherein an aqueous composition comprising at least one inorganic salt is applied onto hair and optionally processed up to 20 min and optionally rinsed off and subsequently a composition comprising at least one reducing agent is applied and rinsed off from hair after a processing time of 1 to 30 min and at a temperature of 20 to 45° C. and a composition comprising at least one oxidizing agent is applied and processed for 1 to 20 min at a temperature range of 20 to 45° C. and rinsed off from hair.

Abstract: This applicator comprises a first body (12), formed by a first molded part, which first body (12) comprising a first primary row (22A) of projecting elements (38) and a second primary row (22B) of projecting elements, the first primary row (22A) being angularly spaced apart from the second primary row (22B) with respect to an axis (A-A?) of the body (12). It comprises a second body (14) comprising a first secondary row (51A) of projecting elements (62), arranged between the first primary row (51A) and the second primary row (51B), with the second body (14) being applied against the first body (12) between the first primary row (51A) and the second primary row (51B). The second body (14) is made of a second molded part assembled on the first body (12) after molding thereof.

Abstract: A make-up brush system includes a mandrel having a first end and a second end. The first end includes a gripping surface for engagement with a hand of a make-up artist and the second end being shaped and dimensioned for selective engagement with a plurality of make-up brushes. A plurality of make-up brushes is provided. Each of the plurality of make-up brushes includes a first end and a second end, the first end including a functional component of the make-up brush and the second end including a coupling member shaped and dimensioned for selective engagement with the second end of the mandrel. The system also includes a case both supporting and sanitizing the various components of the present invention. The case includes a tray supporting the plurality of make-up brushes in accessible positions within the case.

Abstract: Lithography mask repair methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of repairing a lithography mask includes providing a lithography mask, exposing a back side of the lithography mask to vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) energy, and cleaning the lithography mask.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a product and method for cleaning outdoor surfaces. The product may include a support member and a cleaning element. The support member may include top and bottom portions, the top portion may include a connector configured and dimensioned for receiving and attaching a pole to the support member. The bottom portion may include a structural support for providing rigidity to the support member. The cleaning element associated with the structural support. The cleaning element may include a cleaning face operatively associated with the bottom portion of the support member. The structural support may transfer cleaning forces to the cleaning element. Examples of the type of cleaning element may be a mitt or an alignment plate. The cleaning element may be made of a material that is washable, durable and absorbent and the structural support may be removable from the cleaning element when not in use.

Abstract: A surface treatment appliance includes moveable members that are driven by a slide crank mechanism. The moveable members, which are driven in linearly reciprocating motion, are attached to guide members such that there is relative movement between the guide members and a stationary support member that is part of an appliance head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a carpet. In some embodiments, the appliance includes a pad attached to a cleaning head, the pad having a non-absorbent portion that agitates the carpet with a reciprocating movement to work an encapsulant or other cleaning agent into the carpet fibers. The pad also may include an absorbent portion to absorb moisture from carpet.

Abstract: The dental position tracking system includes a toothbrush (30) which has a system (20) for determining the orientation of the toothbrush in the mouth of a user relative to the earth, based on measured stored information. Information is stored in the toothbrush concerning target ranges of expected measured toothbrush orientations for each of a plurality of dental zones (22). A processor (24) compares the measured toothbrush orientation information with the target orientation ranges, following conversion of both the target orientation information and the measured toothbrush orientation information to the same coordinate system. The processor then determines which if any of the target ranges matches, within a selected tolerance thereof, with the toothbrush orientation information. Any difference between the target range and the measured toothbrush orientation information is then used to partially adjust the target information range, in order to compensate for a change of position of the user's head.

Abstract: A device for submersibly cleaning surfaces inside a nuclear reactor includes a pump and a nozzle connected to said pump. The nozzle is arranged to face surfaces to be cleaned. The device includes cleaning means capable of removing debris on surfaces to be cleaned. The device includes adjustable flotation means, capable of adjusting the flotation capability of the device depending on a type of cleaning application.

Abstract: Cannula and scope cleaning apparatus and associated methods of use are provided which allow for the clearing/cleaning of a cannula and cleaning of a viewing scope during a medical procedure, wherein the apparatus can be configured such that the viewing scope need not be removed from within the cannula in order for debris and/or fogging to be removed from a lens portion of the scope. In particular embodiments, the cannula and scope cleaning apparatus can be deformable, having an adjustable lumen therein such that when the apparatus can be disposed within a cannula, viewing scopes having various outside diameter sizes can be slidably introduced and stabilized within a cannula.

Abstract: The invention contemplates automatic cleaning of an entire toilet bowel using an electrically powered motor that simultaneously spins flexible, but rigid, circular brushes that are substantially the same length as the height of the bowl in both vertical and horizontal directions, not only around the bowl, but also along the height of the bowl, with special attention to the two parts of the bowl that collect the most rust and debris: at the “water line” and “under the rim”. The longer one waits to clean a toilet bowl, the more likely an anti-rust chemical will be required to soak the water line and under the rim for a few minutes prior to brushing; and before administering chemicals, the toilet should be flushed. Automatically flushing, releasing chemicals, and soaking before cleaning (and then repeating until all debris is removed) requires a programmable microprocessor and debris sensor(s) to truly operate automatically.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning fabrication equipment, such as for example wire feed tips provided on welding guns. Equipment of that nature usually includes an outlet through which joining or filling material is dispensed and which may easily become blocked by weld splatter or the like when in such close proximity to the work piece being fabricated. The apparatus provides a support means for holding the equipment, cleaning means for removing debris from the equipment, and control means for effecting relative movement of the support means and cleaning means in a swift and efficient manner.

Abstract: A tank cleaning system for use at a drilling location, including a first cuttings storage vessel comprising an inlet and an outlet, at least one tank cleaning machine configured to clean a tank, a disposal vessel, and a module including a pump configured to facilitate the transfer of fluids from a clean water vessel to the at least one tank cleaning machine, and a fluid connection configured to facilitate the transfer of fluids from the outlet of the first cuttings storage vessel to the disposal vessel.

Abstract: A textile filter system of a pulse jet filtration device that includes a particulate textile filter bag to restrain particles in a gas stream and a textile, chemically active filter sleeve to remove substances from the gas stream. For regenerating a chemically active textile filter, the filter is removed from the filtration device and washed in water along with mechanically treating the textile filter.

Abstract: Vacuum cleaning apparatus (1, 51) includes a vapor generating member (8, 8a, 53, 53a) for generating vapor of a petroleum-based solvent, a cleaning chamber (2) allowing a workpiece to be cleaned under reduced pressure by the vapor fed from the vapor generating member, a condensing chamber (21) that is connected to the cleaning chamber and is maintained in a depressurized state, a temperature maintaining member (22) that maintains the condensing chamber at a lower temperature than the cleaning chamber, and an opening/closing member (20) that provides or cuts off communication between the condensing chamber and the cleaning chamber.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for microsurgical instruments has a flush chamber closed off at one end by a first plug adapted to liquid-tightly grip one end of the instrument, allowing a portion of the instrument to extend past the first plug and out of the flush chamber. The other end of the flush chamber is closed off by a second plug having an inlet port. Liquid injected through the inlet port on the second plug passes through an internal passageway formed in the instrument and exits the instrument through the portion that extends past the first plug. In another embodiment the instrument has an internal passageway and an end cap through which flushing ports are formed which communicate with the passageway. A first plug having an inlet port is liquid-tightly attached to the end cap and liquid injected into the first plug passes through the plug, through the flushing ports and through the passageway to clean detritus from the instrument.

Abstract: A machine and method are provided for washing a tote or other container having a bottom wall, and first and second opposed side walls that are connected by first and second opposed end walls to define an access opening. The machine and method involve utilizing an automated washing machine having a housing that includes a wash zone for spraying wash liquid onto the container, a downstream rinse zone for spraying rinsing liquid onto the tote and a downstream drying zone for directing air flow onto the container to promote drying of the container and a conveyor mechanism for moving the container through the housing. The container is placed in an inverted position on the conveyor mechanism with the bottom wall facing upward and the access opening facing downward, and the conveyor mechanism moves the container through the zones for cleaning.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber and a spraying system having a sprayer supplying liquid to the treating chamber. The sprayer may include a liquid passage and at least one spray outlet to emit a spray to wash the dishes and at least one drive outlet to emit a spray to rotate the sprayer. A valve body may adjust the amount of liquid emitted from the at least one drive outlet.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber and a sprayer for spraying liquid to the treating chamber. The sprayer may include a liquid passage provided in the interior of the body, at least one upper outlet extending through the upper surface of the body and in fluid communication with the liquid passage, at least one lower outlet extending through the lower surface of the body and in fluid communication with the liquid passage, and a valve body moveable relative to the body to fluidly couple the at least one upper outlet and the at least one lower outlet to the liquid passage.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a cabinet; a washing tub provided at an inside of the cabinet; a sump provided at a lower side of the washing tub to store wash water; a heater to heat the wash water; a spray nozzle configured to spray the heated wash water that is pumped from the sump toward inside of the washing tub; and a door configured to open and close a front of the washing tub, the door including a drying device configured to cool high-temperature/high-humidity air from the washing tub and then to discharge the cooled air outside of the dishwasher. The drying device includes a condensation duct to condense the high-temperature/high-humidity air from the washing tub; a first fan to draw in air from the washing tub to the condensation duct; and a second fan to draw in external air to the condensation duct.

Abstract: A quick connect system is provided for a shade structure. The system includes a hub and a structural member. The hub has a top surface, a plurality of side walls forming a slot therebetween, and a displaceable retention device having a free end disposed at an elevation below the top surface. The displaceable retention device is moveable laterally away from the slot. The structural member has an end configured to swing in the slot. The end has a laterally extending rotation device. The rotation device extends laterally beyond the free end of the displaceable retention device when the end is disposed in the slot.

Abstract: A canopy system for a swimming pool is provided. The system comprises a canopy frame sized so as to be capable of at least substantially covering the swimming pool. A number of vertical support posts are arranged around the swimming pool. The system further comprises a number of electric motors, each electric motor being arranged to drive an associated actuator arrangement engaging a corresponding one of the support posts. Each electric motor and associated actuator arrangement is attached to the canopy frame. A controller controls each of the motors to drive the associated actuator arrangement. The engagement of each associated actuator arrangement with each corresponding support post causes the canopy frame to be raised or lowered between a maximum and minimum height above ground level.

Abstract: An enclosure for enclosing an area including a frame and a canopy assembly. The frame includes an upper laterally-extending support, a first upstanding support coupled to a first end of the upper support, and a second upstanding support coupled to a second end of the upper support. The upper support is length-adjustable. The canopy assembly is connectable to the frame for defining an enclosed area, and includes a plurality of collars removably connectable to the frame, and at least one panel holdable in a plane defined by the supports of the frame. The circumference of at least one such collar is adjustable so that when the length of the upper support is adjusted, the collar circumference can be adjusted to accommodate the change in length.

Abstract: Provided is nano thermoelectric powder with a core-shell structure. Specifically, the nano thermoelectric powder of the core-shell structure of the present invention forms coating layer on the surface of nano powder prior to sintering of the nano powder. An advantage of some aspects of the present invention is that it provides thermoelectric elements having reduced thermal conductivity and enhanced thermoelectric efficiency without affecting electrical conductivity using the nano thermoelectric powder with the core-shell structure.