Abstract: A method of controlling injection rate shape of gaseous fuel in a dual fuel injector of an engine is disclosed. The dual fuel injector comprises a gaseous fuel needle check, a gaseous fuel control chamber, and a spring chamber. The method includes determination of an injection rate shape based on current operational characteristics of the engine. On the basis of the determined injection rate shape, liquid fuel pressure of the liquid fuel to be supplied to the gaseous fuel control chamber and the spring chamber is determined. The liquid fuel at the determined liquid fuel pressure, is delivered to the gaseous fuel control chamber and the spring chamber. The gaseous fuel needle check is lifted to inject the gaseous fuel based on the determined injection rate shape.

Abstract: A method for learning and determining a minimum injector-specific electric actuation duration for at least one fuel injector of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. Starting with a predefined electric actuation duration which definitely does not result in an injection, the electric actuation duration is gradually increased in each engine stop and/or in each engine start in successive engine stops and/or in successive engine starts of the internal combustion engine up to an actuation duration in which an injection with a combustion occurs, and then this actuation duration may be determined as the minimum electric actuation duration. The invention also relates to a corresponding device.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic device for controlling the compression ratio of a variable compression-ratio engine, includes at least one dual-flow electrovalve (81) with no check valve and capable of opening and closing at least one hydraulic fluid duct (83) between the upper chamber (121) and the lower chamber (122) of a control jack (8), at least one position sensor (82) of a control rack (7), an angular position sensor (88) of the crankshaft (9) of the engine for adjusting the compression ratio, and at least one calculator (84).

Abstract: An ECU executes a program including: a step of executing start control of an engine when a stop operation of the engine is in execution, when a restart request is made and when an engine rotation speed is outside a predetermined range; and a step of continuing the stop operation of the engine when the restart request is not made or when the engine rotation speed is within the predetermined range.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for an exhaust gas recirculation unit is provided. A tube core of the heat exchanger includes a plurality of coolant channels disposed between a plurality of exhaust gas tubes extending from an upstream face to a downstream face. A coolant inlet line and a first coolant outlet line is disposed in a first quarter section of the tube core defined between the upstream face and one fourth of a length of the tube core adjacent to the upstream face. The first coolant outlet line is configured to draw at least a portion of a coolant flow across the upstream face and into the first coolant outlet line. Further, a second coolant outlet line is provided and is configured to discharge a remaining portion of the coolant flow from the plurality of coolant channels that was not drawn out of the first coolant outlet line.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for adjusting an engine powertrain component responsive to ambient humidity, the ambient humidity based on vehicle position in a region, clock time ambient temperature, and historical humidity data for that region for a current time of year. This may be accomplished without relying on a costly, and often, temperamental physical humidity sensor. Training modules and cloud updates may further increase the accuracy of the virtual humidity sensor of the present disclosure.

Abstract: If the pressure in a supply passage drops at a speed greater than a first determination speed in a state in which a first mode for supplying gas fuel to an internal combustion engine is selected, a control apparatus inhibits selection of the first mode. Then, the control apparatus switches from the first mode to a second mode, in energy other than gas fuel is used. In this state, if the pressure in the supply passage drops at a speed greater than a second determination speed, the control apparatus maintains the state in which the second mode is selected. If the pressure in the supply passage drops at a speed lower than the second determination speed, the control apparatus cancels the inhibition of selection of the first mode when it is detected that a manual on-off valve is opened.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine, including a combustion chamber with a first aperture; a compression chamber with a second aperture; and a crossover valve comprising an internal chamber, first and second valve seats, a valve head, and first and second valve faces on the valve head, wherein the first aperture allows fluid communication between the combustion chamber and the internal chamber, the second aperture allows fluid communication between the compression chamber and the internal chamber, the first valve face couples to the first valve seat to occlude the first aperture, and the second valve face couples to the second valve seat to occlude the second aperture.

Abstract: A toy projectile launcher assembly has the form of a crossbow. The crossbow only launches the safety projectiles that are provided. The launcher body has a handle at a first end and diverging support arms at an opposite second end. An adjustment mechanism is contained within the launcher body for selectively adjusting the length of the launcher body. The crossbow has diverging support arms. Bow arms are attached to the support arms. The bow arms pivot from retracted positions to extended positions when a projectile is loaded into the toy crossbow. The toy crossbow has elastic loops that can only engage specialized safety projectiles with side. Furthermore, the trigger mechanism can only engage the safety projectiles provided with the toy. Projectiles without a specific tab and keyhole cannot be loaded into the toy crossbow.

Abstract: An electric toy gun with a plurality of firing modes includes a trigger, a power break holder, a power contact holder, a block member slidably coupled to the power break holder and having a first tooth and a second tooth at one lateral side thereof, a swing bar having an actuation portion and a push block connected to the actuation portion. A control mechanism enables the push block of the swing bar to be shifted to the rear side of the first tooth, the rear or front side of the second tooth. Lowering of the power break holder with the block member drives the push block to move the first or second tooth forward and then to push the first tooth forward. The block member is displaced relative to the stop portion of the link which moves the power break holder.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a paintball marker capable of interchanging between a bolt action firing valve and a spool action firing valve. The present disclosure further provides a method of interchanging between the bolt action firing valve and the spool firing valve.

Abstract: A toy gun includes a toy gun body and a toy gun gas cartridge loading device to be attached to the toy gun body. The toy gun body has a loading device housing located around a gun body coupling valve. When attaching the toy gun gas cartridge loading device to the toy gun body with an end portion of the device inserted in the loading device housing of the toy gun body, a lock of the loading device is locked with a first lock of the gun body, and when detaching it from the toy gun body, the lock of the loading device is locked with a gun body second lock.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a burner (2) for a portable stove comprising a burner head (3), a mixing tube (4), a plurality of primary air ports (7) being disposed on the mixing tube (4) and an orifice (5) through which a gaseous combustible enters into the mixing tube (3) to form a gaseous mixture with ambient air. The burner head (3) is composed of an upper burner part (8) with a plurality of burner ports (11) and a burner lower part (9), the lower burner part being connectable to the mixing tube (4). The invention is characterized in that a dividing means (13) is disposed within the burner head (3). The dividing means (13) and the lower burner part (9) forming a first flow channel (C1) for the gaseous mixture, and the dividing means (13) and the upper burner part (9) forming a second flow channel (C2) for the gaseous mixture being connected to the first flow channel (C1).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vessel attachment system (1) for a portable stove comprising a vessel (2) and a vessel support (3), wherein the vessel (2) comprises a first attaching means and the vessel support (3) comprises a second attaching means. The first attaching means and the second attaching means are configured to provide for a positive locking between the vessel (2) and the vessel support (3). The invention is characterized in that the first attaching means is a polygonal opening (4) in a bottom area of the vessel (2) and the second attaching means is a polygonal supporting means (5), wherein the polygonal supporting means (5) is insertable into the polygonal opening (4). Subsequent relative rotational movement between the vessel (2) and the vessel support (3) after insertion of the polygonal supporting means (5) in to the polygonal opening (4) provides for the positive locking between the vessel (2) and the vessel support (3).

Abstract: An apparatus for boosting fire and collecting ash includes a cup, a grate and a gate. The cup includes an upper chamber, a lower chamber, and apertures in communication with the lower chamber. The grate includes at least one aperture. The grate is placed in the cup between the upper and lower chambers. The gate includes at least one aperture corresponding to the aperture of the grate. The gate is pivotally placed in the cup between a first position and a second position. The aperture of the gate is in communication with the aperture of the grate to communicate the upper chamber with the lower chamber as the gate is in the first position. The gate shuts the aperture of the grate to shut the upper chamber from the lower chamber as the gate is in the second position.

Abstract: A system and method for deployment of a material or desirable product is included. A desirable product can include a combination of a pyrophoric material with a material adapted to be sublimated by pyrophoric effect and produce a desired effect such as, for example, type of dye configured to be an obscurant material with a desired effect after sublimation could be a visual obscurant, electromagnetic obscurant, or some type of pesticide. A system for deploying and storing the material could include a housing configured to seal the combination of dye and pyrophoric materials from the presence of oxygen so that the pyrophoric material does not react until selectively exposed to a gas. A selection and mix of the pyrophoric material with the material, e.g., dye can be accomplished in such a way that the reaction between the pyrophoric material and oxygen is not substantially impeded.

Abstract: A universal portable kitchen package is provided for use with aid relief in a disaster zone. A self-sufficient kitchen package includes: a portable kitchen unit that has a sink attached to a drainage hose, a storage space and a workspace; an external firebox; an external water filtration system; a survival kit; a set of basic kitchen utensils and other additional elements which would be needed for survival of a family of 4-6 persons in a distress zone or inside small housing/infrastructure. The portable kitchen unit comprises three compartments: a utility compartment under the sink area, a food compartment and a supply compartment under the countertop workspace. The portable kitchen unit is disposed on detachable wheels. Undercarriage height provides maximum clearance when the portable kitchen unit is transported on the ground. A push-bar can be provided to aid in the pushing of the kitchen unit, and the bar can also act as a towel rack.

Abstract: A layer material for corrosion protection and to a solar receiver having such a layer material is provided. The layer material comprises a binding agent consisting of a resin containing at least one of the following substances: oligo- or polysiloxane, silicone resin, silicone, silicate, polyphosphate, and which is dissolved in a solvent, a pigment consisting of zinc microparticles having an average diameter of at least 1 um, wherein a further pigment consisting of titanium oxide or silicon oxide nanoparticles having an average diameter of no more than 100 nm is present in the layer material. The layer advantageously has a self-healing effect in addition to the corrosion protection effect thereof owing to the use of zinc particles.

Abstract: The “FLAT TERMO-SOLAR COLLECTOR AND MANUFACTURING PROCESS”, subject of this patent, represents a radical paradigm shift, both in the manufacturing process—whose steps were minimized and subject to any degree of automation—and regarding the shape design of the solar energy gathering tubes and tightness of the metal housing that houses the collecting element. The solar energy gathering tubes in accordance with this patent are manufactured with copper and have reduced costs—as the materials, shapes and manufacturing process—due to three innovative embodiments: 1. The reducing the thickness of the copper plates to only 0.10 to 0.15 millimeters, which reduces the cost of materials and the final weight of the assembly; 2. The molding of the gathering tubes by its stamping in these thin plates, which provide structural stability to the thin plates, thereby balancing the brittleness of their low thickness with increased resistance conferred by stamping; 3.

Abstract: A rotating-air-compressor moves ambient-air into a solar-smelter, which heats and compresses the ambient-air for a wind-chimney. Located in the wind-chimney is a rotating-helix that captures the ambient-air creating rotational energy. An over-spin-valve controls the velocity of the ambient-air to prevent over spinning of the rotating-helix. A rotating-shaft drives a rotating-machine. Attached to a parabolic-half-shell is a parabolic-overhang protecting a crucible in the solar-smelter from rain and wind.

Abstract: A solar tracking system with a plurality of tracking assemblies moved by a single motor. A method and system that prevents overloading the motor or tripping a circuit breaker due to an obstructed or impeded tracker includes sensing movement of the tracker assemblies and entering into obstruction clearing modes. Obstruction clearing mode 1 (OCM1) is a high frequency adjustable mode that prompts movement for an adjustable period of time. If movement commences, the system returns to a normal mode. If there is no movement, the system enters into an obstruction clearing mode 2 (OCM2) with is an adjustable lower frequency series of attempts. If there is no movement, no further attempts are made. Each of these steps are monitored and controlled remotely. There are two types of secure connections for drivelines, torque tubes or affixing driveline linkages for high torque conditions.

Abstract: A gas powered heater (1) for use in a chafing trolley comprises a support element (10) defining a hollow interior region (12) for a disposable fuel gas canister (3), which is coupled to the support element (10) by a coupling element (15). Fuel gas from the fuel gas canister (3) is delivered through a pipe (42) to a fuel gas controller (17) and in turn to a fuel gas burner element (18). A lever (36) operates a control valve (45) in the fuel gas controller (17) for controlling the supply of fuel gas to the burner (18). The fuel gas controller is mounted on a mounting platform (28) and extends downwardly into the hollow interior region (12) of the support element (10) and is located offset to one side and spaced apart from the fuel gas canister (3).

Abstract: There is provided a method of operating a nebulizer, the method comprising controlling an actuator in the nebulizer to operate in a pulsed operation mode; measuring the sound produced by the nebulizer during operation; and using the measurement of the sound as an indication of the performance of the nebulizer. A control unit for a nebulizer that is configured to perform this method is also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of mechanical-ventilation devices, in particular devices that enable drugs to be fed into the airflow, generated by the ventilation device and directed to the respiratory pathways of a patient, using an aerosol dosing device and/or nebulizer. Specifically, the invention relates to an inhalation chamber (1) to be built into a circuit of a mechanical-ventilation respiratory device (100) through which a gas stream is to pass, said inhalation chamber (1) consisting of two portions on either side of the longitudinal axis (A) thereof, and comprising openings that lead into the inner space (Vi) thereof, wherein two openings (10, 11) are to be connected to the circuit of the respirator, i.e.

Abstract: A system for controlling medical devices, wherein this system can comprise a device having at least one wireless or cellular based communication module. The module can be in the form of a GPRS module associated with a SIM card, or a CDMA module. The SIM card can be adapted such that it contains additional memory for storing a program for controlling the device or the system. Multiple cellular communication modules can also be installed in this system. Additional communication modules such as wireless modules including but not limited to Bluetooth, IRDA, RF, or any other wireless module can also be incorporated into the system. Wired modules can also be used, for example these wired modules can be RS-232 modules, USB, Serial adapters, phone and fax modem.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having a front surface and a rear surface, opposite the front surface, and adapted in use to face the patient. The frame defines an inner wall and an outer wall extending from the rear surface, the inner and outer walls being spaced to define a channel therebetween. A cushion is removably attachable to the frame such that the cushion and frame are repeatably engagable with and disengagable from one another. The cushion includes a side wall to be inserted into the channel of the frame, the side wall having a first interlocking surface that engages a second interlocking surface provided in the channel when the cushion and frame are engaged with one another. The first and second interlocking surfaces interlock with one another to removably attach the cushion to the frame.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of reducing the risk that a medical treatment comprising inhalation of nitric oxide gas will induce an increase in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure in pediatric patients, leading to pulmonary edema. The methods include avoiding or discontinuing administration of inhaled nitric oxide to a pediatric patient determined to have pre-existing left ventricular dysfunction but who otherwise is a candidate for inhaled nitric oxide treatment (e.g., for pulmonary hypertension), and administering inhaled nitric oxide to pediatric patients who are candidates for such treatment and who are determined not to have pre-existing left ventricular dysfunction.

Abstract: Devices disclosed herein relate to humidification systems for making humidified ventilator air. The humidification system provides an elongated air path that increases both the surface area and time for air-water interaction, and thus increases efficiency of humidification. The humidification system also enables even distribution of heat and inhibition of bacterial growth within the system, thus improves comfort and safety for patients receiving respiratory therapy. Device disclosed herein also relates to tubing for delivering humidified ventilator air. The tubing includes an air passage and a heat blanket that envelops and warms up the air passage. The tubing thus prevents or decreases water condensation and loss of humidity of humidified air.

Abstract: A flow control device for blocking the flow of analgesic gas to the mask of an analgesic system includes a bellows-bulb at the distal end of the breathing circuit. The device can be easily operated by hand. By depressing the bellows when the mask is removed, gaseous pollution, such as nitrous oxide or other gas pollution, can be controlled while the system is purged.

Abstract: A respiratory mask for controlling a body temperature of a patient by using a respiratory gas includes a controller for generating the respiratory gas, a gas transfer tube for receiving the respiratory gas and transferring the respiratory gas to a respiratory unit, a heat transfer metallic body configured to connect to the gas transfer tube and for cooling or heating the respiratory gas passing through the gas transfer tube, a thermoelectric element for performing an exothermic reaction or an endothermic reaction to heat or cool the heat transfer metallic body, a power supply unit configured to be located to be parallel to a bottom end of the gas transfer tube and for supplying power to the thermoelectric element via the controller, and a respiratory unit configured to connect to the gas transfer tube and for supplying the respiratory gas passing through the gas transfer tube to a patient.

Abstract: The invention discloses an air circuit adapter that includes an external conduit, an air collector and an internal conduit. The external conduit includes a first interface and a second interface. An exterior surface of the external conduit includes a sampling interface. The interior conduit can affix inside the external conduit. The air collector can be connected with the sampling interface by a sampling air routing. The sampling air path can radially pass through the internal conduit and the external conduit.

Abstract: Described herein is an adapter having a housing defining an internal passageway, a first connecting end portion having a first opening to the internal passageway, a second connecting end portion having a second opening into the internal passageway, and an exhalation valve disposed on the housing. The first connecting end portion is configured to mechanically and fluidically couple with a lung demand valve. The second connecting end portion is configured to mechanically and fluidically couple with a mask of a closed circuit breathing apparatus. Related apparatus, systems, and/or methods of use are also described.

Abstract: A patient interface device (8) includes a cushion assembly (100) that is customizable to compensate for anatomical variances from patient-to-patient and, therefore, provides an effective seal with the patient's face. The cushion assembly includes a cushion member (102) having a first side structured to engage the patient's face, and a second side disposed opposite the first side, a plurality of plate members (108, 110, 112, 114, 116), and an adjustment mechanism (120, 122, 124). The adjustment mechanism is structured to adjust the position of the plate members, thereby changing the shape of the cushion member to gener ally conform to the patient's face.

Abstract: A mask system has a shroud module with headgear connectors adapted to removably attach to respective headgear straps of headgear; and a cushion module, including a frame defining a breathing chamber; and a cushion to form a seal with the patient's face in a nasal bridge region, a cheek region and a lower lip/chin region of the patient's face. The cushion is constructed of a first, relatively soft, elastomeric material and the frame is constructed of a second material that is more rigid than the cushion, and a nasal bridge portion of the cushion includes one or more folds to provide in use a higher level of adaptability or flexibility to the nasal bridge region of the cushion module relative to another region of the cushion module. The shroud module and the cushion module are configured to be removably coupleable to one another.

Abstract: A cuff for placement on the outside surface of a first tube, for example, a tracheostomy or endotracheal tube, and a method of making the cuff. A pattern of the cuff including first and second end regions by which the cuff is to be attached to the first tube is RF welded onto second tube of a thin pliable RF weldable polymer. Polymer material outside the pattern is removed, leaving the length of the cuff including the first and second end regions. The length of the cuff including the first and second end regions is turned inside out to place the cut edge of the weld of the RF welded seam on the inside. The first end region is slipped onto an end of the first tube. The first end region is turned inside out again to orient the cut edge of the weld of the RF welded seam away from the first tube. The first end region is attached to the first tube.

Abstract: An improved method for securing a tracheal tube, an adjunct tube, and oropharyngeal tube, a nasogastric tube, a laryngeal tube or laryngeal mask airway to a patient utilizing an elongated strip of adhesive tape, which is specifically adapted therefor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dental appliance composed of a thermo-plastic polymer with low compressibility, high toughness, and high tensile strength, with a low softening point. The appliance has perforations that enable it to be easily custom-fitted by the user or a health professional. The appliance begins as a generally U-shaped, unformed dental tray that is significantly thinner than existing dental appliances. Once fitted, the dental appliance provides superior protection against damage to the enamel of the teeth and abrasion of the teeth due to bruxism or other mechanism leading to biomechanical wear of dental surfaces. The perforations facilitate the custom-fitting process by allowing the user to suck air through the perforations, thus applying a negative pressure between the material and the teeth while the material is still soft and pliable.

Abstract: A sterile drape is provided to cover medical equipment. The drape may include an expandable element to open the open end of the drape. A sheath may also be provided to cover the sheath prior to use. The drape may also be held in a container, which may be coupled to the equipment. Furthermore, the drape may include one or more partially deployed positions in which the drape is partially deployed yet the sterile surface of the drape remains unexposed so that the drape may be partially deployed by non-sterile personnel and stored in a non-sterile area.

Abstract: A mask suitable for protecting the face of a patient during surgery comprises a transparent plastic shield which includes a transverse cutout that provides access to the nose and mouth, and a vertical gap which runs from the cutout to the shield's perimeter. Padding affixed to the perimeter of the shield's underside provides a cushion between the shield and face. The padding is discontinuous, enabling the mask to be installed or removed without dislodging tubing inserted into the patient's nose or mouth via the transverse cutout. An attachment mechanism secures the shield to the face. A warming hood may be coupled to the protective mask. The hood preferably comprises outer and inner layers, with an access point at which air can be introduced between the layers; perforations on the inner layer permit warm air to be dispersed onto the patient.

Abstract: The present invention features tobacco nicotine demethylase nucleic acid and amino acid sequences, tobacco plants and plant components containing such sequences, including tobacco plants and plant components having reduced expression or altered enzymatic activity of nicotine demethylase, methods of use of nicotine demethylase sequences to create plants having altered levels of nornicotine or N?-nitrosonornicotine (“NNN”) or both relative to a control plant, as well as tobacco articles having reduced levels of nornicotine or NNN.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using a smoking vessel to cool and collect smoke from an ignited combustible material for later consumption using the creation of a vacuum. The apparatus is a smoking vessel, container, a bowl to hold and burn a combustible material, a down-stem to cool and transfer smoke from the bowl to the smoking vessel, and a drilled stopper or bung to create a seal between the bowl and down-stem combination and the smoking vessel. Utilization of vacuum principles facilitates the creation of smoke from a combustible material while simultaneously cooling and collecting the smoke without the need for a person use their lungs. The apparatus and method of use allows multiple smoking vessels to be filled with smoke for consumption by any person at a later time.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a smokable material heater, configured to heat a first region of smokable material to a volatizing temperature sufficient to volatize a component of smokable material and to concurrently heat a second region of smokable material to a temperature lower than said volatizing temperature but which is sufficient to prevent condensation of volatized components of the smokable material. A method of heating smokable material is also described.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette is provided, which comprises a nozzle, a plurality of particles is attached to one end of the electronic cigarette, and the end is far away from the nozzle. The electronic cigarette is closer to the real cigarette, improving the user experience greatly.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette is provided, including a battery sleeve and a lamp cap mounted at one end of the battery sleeve, wherein, the lamp cap includes a contact surface sleeved in the battery sleeve, and at least one strip configured to increase friction is formed on the contact surface.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette is provided, comprising: a suction nozzle cover, wherein, a surface of the suction nozzle cover corresponding to a mouth cavity of a user of the electronic cigarette is concave. In the electronic cigarette of the present invention, because the suction nozzle cover includes a buffering function of concave, when the two sides of the suction nozzle cover are pressed and/or squeezed by the radial force, and the suction nozzle cover generates a tendency of motion to inside body, thereby the suction nozzle cover is prevented from falling off from the electronic cigarette; furthermore, the user will feel more flexible when using the electronic cigarette with that structure, and user's experience is improved; moreover, it can avoid sucking the tobacco oil when a little tobacco oil flows from the suction inlet.

Abstract: An organic cotton electronic cigarette includes a liquid storage component and an atomization device. The atomization device includes a hollow spiral tubular electric heater coil and a liquid guiding member passing through the electric heater coil. The liquid guiding member is made from organic cotton free of glass fiber material. The atomization device further includes a smoke guiding tube passing through the liquid storage component for supporting the same and working as a smoke path. The smoke guiding tube includes an external casing and an internal casing one of which is inserted into another one so as to hold the liquid guiding member between the two. The two ends of liquid guiding member extend out of the smoke guiding tube and are tightly pressed against an inner wall of the liquid storage component. This kind of electronic cigarette is safe to human body and has stable internal construction.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette comprises a battery portion which is operable to provide power to a heating element of the electronic cigarette, and a cartomizer coupled with the battery portion. The cartomizer comprises a liquid container which provides a liquid toward the heating element wherein the liquid is used for producing and flavoring a vapor of the electronic cigarette when the liquid is heated by the heating element, and a memory which is operable to record and store an amount of the liquid remaining in the liquid container.

Abstract: An aerosol generating system includes an aerosol-forming article including an aerosol-forming substrate and a mouthpiece portion for allowing a user to draw air through the substrate; and an aerosol generating device, the device including a housing having proximal and distal ends and including at least one external surface and one internal surface, the internal surface defining an open ended cavity at the proximal end of the housing in which the substrate is received, the cavity having a longitudinal extent between its proximal and distal ends, a heater element within the cavity configured to heat the substrate received in the cavity, and an air inlet; the system including a first air flow channel extending from the air inlet to a distal end of the cavity, wherein the first channel extends between the heater and the external surface of the housing along at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of the cavity, and a second air flow channel extending from the distal end of the cavity to the mouthpiece porti

Abstract: A foot conditioning device can be used to remove dead skin from a user's feet without requiring the user to bend or carefully balance themselves during use. The foot conditioning device can be placed on a floor surface, such as the bottom of a tub or shower. A perforated layer, such as an emery layer, can be attached to a base member that is placed on the floor surface. The perforated emery layer can be used by the user by rubbing their feet along the perforated emery layer to remove dead skin. The user can replace the perforated emery layer as desired or to change between various coarseness. Once in place, the user can use the foot conditioning device without having to bend over or carefully balance themselves.

Abstract: Described herein are tooth whitening strips comprising a hydratable adhesive film with a first side and a second side, the first side having a granular bleaching ingredient attached thereto in an amount effective to whiten teeth, together with methods of making and using the same.