Abstract: A comfortable low-leak mask assembly for use with Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV) is provided to improve patient compliance and/or treatment. The mask system may include headgear having straps that are substantially inextensible and/or micro-adjustable; and/or a mask and/or cushion that includes various structures to allow enhanced/tailored sealing and/or fit at selected locations on the patient's face.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for calibrating, or adjusting, the level of oxygen in respiratory gas related to the level of oxygen in the blood circulation of the individual, comprising providing a level of oxygen in the gas flow passing into, or out, of the respiratory system of the individual and producing a corresponding first output, providing a level of oxygen in the blood circulation of the individual and producing a corresponding second output, providing a computer for receiving and storing at least two measurements, each measurement being the concurrent output of said first output and said second output within a data structure, in which the two stored outputs are mutually related, in data storage means associated with the computer, the at least two measurements being conducted at respective levels of oxygen in the gas flow passing into the respiratory system, and calibrating the level of oxygen in the gas value in response to a delay between the level of oxygen in the blood circulation of

Abstract: A respiratory interface device is provided that includes a mask (10) and a brace (40) assembly. The mask has a faceplate (12) and a cushion (15), and the brace assembly has a brace body (42) and a lever assembly (44). The brace body is coupled to the mask faceplate, and the lever assembly has at least one lever arm (70) and at least one actuator assembly (72) for each lever arm. The at least one lever arm has a body (76) and a pivot assembly (90). The lever arm body is pivotally coupled to the brace body at the pivot assembly. The lever arm body is structured to move between two positions, a first position, where the lever arm body does not effectively engage a portion of the mask, and a second position, wherein the lever arm body effectively engages a portion of the mask.

Abstract: A breathing mask arrangement includes a mask frame, a sealing structure provided to the mask frame and adapted to form a seal with a patient's face, and a forehead support device movably mounted to the mask frame for adjustable movement with respect to the mask frame. The sealing structure is movably mounted to the mask frame for adjustable movement with respect to the mask frame, and the adjustable movement of the sealing structure is independent of the adjustable movement of the forehead support device.

Abstract: The present application relates to endotracheal tubes and to systems and methods for detecting airway edema and evaluating breathing with an endotracheal tube

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention provide implantable occlusion devices and methods of using the occlusion devices. In an embodiment, the occlusion devices include an openable channel to facilitate reversible female contraception.

Abstract: Described herein are exemplary embodiments of patient positioning systems for supporting and positioning a patient in an inclined position during medical treatment, such as in the Reverse Trendelenburg position. Some embodiments comprise a flexible, air-impermeable shell having a torso portion configured to support the patient's torso and secure the positioner to the support surface, an intermediate portion integrally coupled to an inferior end of the torso portion, and a suprapubic portion integrally coupled to an inferior end of the intermediate portion opposite the torso portion and configured to extend along the patient's perineal-pubic region when the shell is evacuated of air. When evacuated of air, the positioner is configured to hold the patient in an inclined position on an inclined support surface with the patient's head above the patient's hips such that the intermediate and/or suprapubic portions physically block the patient from sliding feet-first down the inclined support surface.

Abstract: The crossing of one's legs while sitting often results in sensations of tingling and discomfort and difficulty in returning to an erect position and walking. The underlying causes of these sensations are often associated with serious health conditions due to the potential of losing balance and falling as well as formation of blood clots in the legs that can lead to premature death. A support device and associated methods for use alleviate the symptomatic effects of sitting with crossed legs by supporting the heels of the user in a position that separates the legs from mutual contact or contact with the surfaces of the support device.

Abstract: Provided herein are oral appliances and methods of using oral appliances for treatment of sleep disorders and conditions.

Abstract: An oral appliance and accompanying tray is provided, where the oral appliance is fitted to the posterior teeth of the upper jaw and a connecting portion extends between the left and right sides of the mouth, with the connecting portion custom-fitted to contact the palate at or near the palatal nerve to reduce appetite. The present tray has a compressible member configured to closely form the connecting portion to the palatal arch. Further, the tray has flexible ends that are configured to bend up towards the gums and guide the oral appliance to fit the buccal side of the teeth. The tray may include a series of protrusions on the occlusal landing areas to prevent the user from biting through the oral appliance.

Abstract: A patient transporter having a deployable expandable support structure that provides “semi-rigid” to “rigid” additional support to the patient transporter is provided. A method of using the patient transporter by deploying the expandable support structure is also provided.

Abstract: A smoking device is provided. The smoking device may include a body having a through bore that is configured to house a tobacco product. The body may have grooves in an exterior surface that can direct air flow over the surface of the body under windy conditions. The smoking device may include a cap configured to engage the body near the foot of the tobacco product. The cap and the body may create a cavity there between, the cavity being in fluidic communication with the through bore. The grooves can be oriented to run parallel with a length of the body. The grooves may also be configured to create a space between the body and the cap, such that ambient air may flow into the grooves and thus be channeled into the space and into the cavity and into the through bore to maintain the burn on the tobacco product.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette comprising an outer sleeve is provided, and the electronic cigarette further includes plant leaves enveloping an outer surface of the outer sleeve. In the electronic cigarette, the plant leaves envelop the outer surface of the outer sleeve, and simulate a structure of a cigar. During use, touching the electronic cigarette enables a user to feel better and get a feel like touching a cigar, and the experience of the user is thereby improved.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette comprising an atomizer and a first case configured for accommodating the atomizer is provided; the atomizer includes a heating mechanism, a breather pipe, and oil storage cotton, the heating mechanism is received inside the breather pipe, and the oil storage cotton envelops an outer surface of the breather pipe; wherein, the heating mechanism is positioned along an axial direction of the breather pipe, and has a shape matching an inner surface of the breather pipe. The heating mechanism in the electronic cigarette has a large effective heating area so that more smoke can be generated by the atomizer.

Abstract: An exemplary atomizer includes an atomizing sleeve, a liquid chamber, a liquid stopper, a liquid filling opening, and an atomizing assembly. The liquid chamber is defined in the atomizing sleeve, and configured for storing tobacco liquid. The atomizing assembly is received in the liquid stopper, and capable of moving along an axial direction of the liquid stopper between a first position and a second position relative to the liquid stopper. When the atomizing assembly is in the first position, the liquid filling opening communicates with the liquid chamber, so that the tobacco liquid in the liquid chamber can flow to the atomizing assembly via the liquid filling opening. When the atomizing assembly is in the second position, the liquid filling opening is closed, so that no tobacco liquid in the liquid chamber can flow to the atomizing assembly via the liquid filling opening.

Abstract: A multilayer combustible heat source for a smoking article is provided, including a combustible first layer including carbon; and a second layer in direct contact with the first layer, the second layer including carbon and at least one ignition aid, wherein the combustible first layer and the second layer are longitudinal concentric layers having a density of at least 0.6 g/cm3, and wherein the composition of the first layer is different from the composition of the second layer.

Abstract: An electrically heated smoking system for receiving an aerosol-forming substrate. includes at least one heating element for heating the substrate to form an aerosol, a power supply for supplying power to the heating element, electrical hardware connected to the power supply and the heating element, and an interface for establishing a communications link with a host. The communications link can be a USB link and the host can be a personal computer.

Abstract: A procedure and machine for reconstituting powders of vegetal origin by lamination process, in which the machine includes a lamination device, a set of frontal and posterior drag rolls, a hot air insufflator, a thermal chamber and a conveyor, so that the vegetal mass is pressed by laminating rolls to obtain a pellicle of vegetal material that is deposited over the conveyor circulating inside a terminal chamber for drying the formed pellicle of vegetal material, which can be reinserted in industrial process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a replacement hair strand having a hair-joining element, consisting of a flat thermoplastic platelet having a replacement hair strand embedded in the end thereof, wherein in order to ensure a secure join with a head hair strand at least one rib running obliquely with respect to the strand direction protrudes from one of the two flat sides of the platelet. At the base thereof, the rib can have approximately the thickness of the platelet, and towards the free end thereof, the rib can be tapered. The height of the rib corresponds preferably to at most the longitudinal extent of the platelet extended in the strand direction.

Abstract: A nail printing device recognizes, as a first nail contour, a nail contour from a first nail image obtained by photographing a nail of a specific finger/toe, displays the first nail contour on the basis of data of the first nail contour stored in a storage section, and performs an adjustment of the first nail contour on the basis of an adjustment portion specified to the first nail contour and obtains an adjusted nail contour. After that the device recognizes, as a second nail contour, a nail contour from a second nail image obtained by photographing the nail of the specific finger/toe, reflects the adjustment performed to the first nail contour, in the second nail contour, obtains an adjusted recognized nail contour, and controls a print head to perform printing in a region of the adjusted recognized nail contour.

Abstract: The Hot Pic FIGS. 1 and 3, is used to detangle soften and condition coarse or very curly hair by applying moderate to warm heat. The guides FIGS. 4, 5, 14, 15, 16, 24 and 25 that are placed between each heated prong protect the scalp. It is applied by stroking the hair with the device. The hair must be completely dry and free from water before use of the Hot Pic. Afro-textured hair is term used to refer to the typical texture of Black African hair. It is often referred to as thick, bushy, coarse or wooly. Each strand of this hair type grows in a tiny spring-like, corkscrew shape. Its unique shape also renders it very prone to breakage when combed or brushed. The Hot Pic, FIGS. 1 and 3 is intended for natural afro-textured hair not to straighten the hair, but to give ample heat while combing through that will allow detangling and changing the texture for styling. This can prepare the hair for additional hair styling such as a bouncy afro, twists or cornrow. The Hot Pic, FIGS.

Abstract: A mascara application device, comprising a container for mascara a manually operable actuator, feed mechanism carried by the container to feed mascara to a loading station, in response to operation of the actuator, a belt having applicator brushes to receive mascara at the loading station as the actuator is operated, guide means to guide actuator induced belt displacement relative to the container to position the brushes for mascara application to eye lashes.

Abstract: A compact and reusable floss pick having a dispensing supply of dental floss. A floss arm and bridge is provided with two prongs for receiving a length of dental floss removably wrapped around the prongs such that a taut length of dental floss is provided therebetween. A cutting notch is provided for removing an old or used portion of dental floss from the supply. A removable cap is also provided for covering the floss arm when not in use and providing a handle when the device is being used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for applying a composition for treating keratin fibres, comprising a hydrophobic film-forming polymer and a volatile solvent, and also to a process for treating keratin fibres using such a device. The composition makes it possible to obtain a shampoo-fast coating, leaving the treated fibres individualized, with improved cosmetic feel and added body and volume.

Abstract: A method for the application and removal of gel nail polish with an aqueous solution comprising the steps of applying a pre-application coating of an aqueous composition with a ceramide component to the nail to form an intermediate interposing layer on the nail. Thereafter, 1) a gel nail polish layer is applied on the intermediate layer and the gel nail polish layer or layers is light cured; 2) non-UV cured gel nail polish is applied to the intermediate layer; or 3) a gel nail strip is applied to the intermediate layer. The gel nail polish or gel nail strips is removed by soaking the nails with nail polish or gel nail strips in warm water optionally with soap for a sufficient period of time whereby the intermediate pre-application material is sufficiently softened for the physical scraping removal of the gel nail polish. The intermediate and nail polish layers or gel nail strips are removed by scraping.

Abstract: A removal system for sewn-in hair extensions, hair weaves, hair augmentation, and wigs is disclosed. This invention solves issues with respect to facile removal and scalp irritation caused by such extensions through the use of methods using dissolvable thread and dissolving agent, with optional added antipruritic and anti-itch properties or by adding a separate antipruritic agent. The dissolvable thread may be used to either secure hair extension wefts to a wearer's hair or in conjunction with a hair weft constructed of the same dissolvable material comprising the thread.

Abstract: Cosmetic agents, in some embodiments in powder form, containing as component (a) at least one polymer comprising at least one structural unit of formula (I) and at least one structural unit of formula (II), in which X denotes a physiologically acceptable cation (in particular Na+), R1 denotes a hydrogen atom or a methyl group and R2 denotes a (C2 to C6) hydroxyalkyl group, and as component (b) at least one setting polymer, are suitable for temporarily reshaping keratin-containing fibers. When applied to human hair, for example, an elastic hairstyle with volume was obtained. The hair retained its natural gloss.

Abstract: Present invention relates to a hair treatment method for setting hair style and its restyling including a step of application of an anhydrous spray on wet hair. The present invention is a method of treating hair comprising the step of applying a substantially anhydrous composition comprising one or more polymers according to the general structure wherein A is a C2 to C6 alkylene group and n represents an average number of 5 to 1000 and p represents an average number of 5 to 100 and (n×p) units of AO may be the same or not onto wet hair.

Abstract: Present invention relates to a hair dyeing composition comprising an anionic sugar surfactant which delivers long lasting colouration to human hair. The object of the present invention is an aqueous hair dyeing composition comprising one or more oxidative dyes and at least one anionic sugar surfactant. Suitable and particularly preferred anionic sugar surfactant is lauryl glucose carboxylate and its alkali metal salts such as sodium and potassium.

Abstract: Agents for coloring and/or matting keratinic fibers, in particular human hair, include in a cosmetic carrier at least one specific substituted 1,4-diaminoanthraquinone derivative of formula (I), wherein the residues (R2, R4) mutually independently denote a grouping of formula (II). The cosmetic method of using these agents can be for producing intense blue shades and for matting keratin fibers.

Abstract: Hair treatment agents include a synergistic combination of selected fatty acid amides and further selected hydroxycarboxylic acids.

Abstract: Hair treatment agents include a synergistic combination of selected fatty acid amides and selected silicones.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hair care appliance comprising a body, a fluid flow path extending through the body from an inlet through which a fluid flow enters the appliance to an outlet for emitting the fluid flow from a front end of the body, and an attachment for adjusting at least one parameter of fluid emitted from the appliance, the attachment comprising an upstream end for attaching to the appliance, wherein one or both of the front end of the body and the upstream end of the attachment comprises at least one magnet. The front end may comprise an end wall extending radially inwards of the body and comprising the at least one magnet or a plurality of magnets radially spaced about the end wall or a ring of magnetic material extending around the end wall. The upstream end may comprise a plurality of magnets radially spaced about an end face.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hair care appliance comprising a body, a fluid flow path extending through the body from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet and a PCB extending about the fluid flow path. The PCB may be annular. The PCB may be isolated from the fluid flow path. The PCB may comprise a first layer and a second layer. The first layer may extend substantially continuously about the fluid flow path and the second layer may extend partially about the fluid flow path. The second layer may be adjacent the first layer and may be downstream of the first layer. The body may comprise a duct and the fluid flow path extends through the duct. The PCB may extend about the duct. The body may comprise a primary fluid flow path extending about the duct which may be in fluid communication with the PCB.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for removing or modifying a portion of a substrate surface, including contaminants thereon, using volatile methyl siloxanes (VMS) treatment fluid containing a controlled level of dissolved ozone (O3) gas and ultraviolet (UV) light is provided.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a substrate processing apparatus including a gas supply part configured to eject a process gas via gas passages formed in the gas supply part, and divided into first and second regions corresponding to first and second in-plane positions of a substrate, respectively, includes cleaning a first one of the gas passages corresponding to the first region with the plasma of the process gas by causing a first flow rate of the process gas supplied to the first region to be lower than a second flow rate of the process gas supplied to the second region and cleaning a second one of the gas passages corresponding to the second region with the plasma by causing a third flow rate of the process gas supplied to the first region to be higher than a fourth flow rate of the process gas supplied to the second region.

Abstract: A substrate cleaning method for removing particles adhered to a substrate includes: acquiring particle information including diameters of the particles adhered to the substrate; controlling, based on the acquired particle information, a factor related to sizes of gas clusters having aggregates of atoms or molecules of a cleaning gas; ejecting the cleaning gas, at a higher pressure than a processing atmosphere where the substrate is provided, to the processing atmosphere and generating the gas clusters by adiabatic expansion; and removing the particles by irradiating the gas clusters in a perpendicular direction to a surface of the substrate. As a result, even if recesses for a circuit pattern are formed on the surface of the substrate, the particles in the recesses can be removed at a high removal rate.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods for removing sulfur from yarn comprising the steps of: a) contacting never-dried polymeric yarn with an aqueous base, the polymer comprising imidazole groups and said polymer comprising sulfur atoms characterized as being in the form of sulfate anions; b) contacting the yarn with an aqueous acid solution of pH 5 or lower; and c) rinsing the yarn.

Abstract: The invention monitors the neutralization process involving hydrogen peroxide solution and a hydrogen peroxide neutralization catalyst and compares measured values with theoretical values. The system monitors the chemical reaction and notifies the user of the neutralization status. In an exemplary embodiment, the initial hydrogen peroxide solution concentration is neutralized with a palladium catalyst after a period of time. A microcontroller analyzes the measurements and displays the neutralization process results using colored LED lights and/or text or images on a LCD display. In one embodiment, an apparatus adapted for use with a cleaning solution used to clean a medical device may include a trigger, a processing device in communication with the trigger, and a display device. The processing device provides a trigger count and the display device communicates with the processing device and displays a message based on the count.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides a dishwasher appliance and a spray assembly for the same. The spray assembly includes a rotatable spray member, a biasing mechanism for rotating the spray member in a first rotational direction, and a plurality of nozzles mounted to the spray member. The plurality of nozzles is configured for directing wash fluid out of the spray member. The spray member rotates in a second rotational direction when wash fluid flows out of the plurality of nozzles.

Abstract: A tubular crutch including a tubular crutch body, a cantilever handle and a ground engaging extension is described. The cantilever handle includes a curved base plate, a plurality of bolts, a tubular member, a plurality of locking nuts, a key, and a contoured component. The tubular crutch also includes a ground engaging extension with a spring loaded button that is received at the bottom of the tubular elongated member. The tubular crutch body includes a tubular posterior stabilizing element, a first concave curve adjacent to the posterior stabilizing element, a second convex curve proximate to the first concave curve, a third concave curve proximate to the second convex curve and a tubular elongated portion adjacent to the third concave curve.

Abstract: A tent with an air cushion includes a foldable air cushion, a retainer ring, and a tent body. The retainer ring retains around the air cushion to form a cushion body, the tent body is located above and connected with the cushion body, and a tent space for resting is defined by the tent body and the cushion body. Usage of the tent is convenient, and the tent is dampproof so that its applicability is broadened.

Abstract: A solar cell assembly including a first solar cell component, a second solar cell component, an adhesive layer positioned between the first solar cell component and the second solar cell component, and a contact extending through the adhesive layer to electrically couple the first solar cell component to the second solar cell component.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module has a number of solar cells, which respectively include a contact structure on a pre-processed silicon wafer, which has a number of linear contact fingers disposed in parallel in a first direction and at least one bus bar disposed perpendicular to the first direction. The bus bar extends over the contact finger in a second direction and has a respective contact surface in the region of the contact finger, which protrudes above the contact finger in the second direction and is electrically connected to the contact fingers. At least one cell connector is provided for connecting the solar cells, which extends over the bus bar of at least one solar cell and is electrically connected to the contact surfaces of the bus bar, wherein the width of the cell connector is smaller than the length of the contact surface in the first direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a photovoltaic module comprising plurality of solar cells in a thin-layer structure, in which the following are formed consecutively in the structure: an electrode on the rear surface (41), a photovoltaic layer (43) obtained by depositing components including metal precursors and at least one element taken from Se and S and by annealing such as to convert said components into a semiconductor material, and another semiconductor layer (44) in order to create a pn junction with the photovoltaic layer (43); characterised in that the metal precursors form, on the electrode on the rear surface (41), a continuous layer, while said at least one element forms a layer having at least one break making it possible, at the end of the annealing step, to leave an area (430) of the layer of metal precursors in the metal state at said break.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device includes an n-type semiconductor layer and a p-type semiconductor layer, a collecting electrode formed on the n-type semiconductor layer, and a collecting electrode formed on the p-type semiconductor layer, on a back surface opposite to a light receiving surface of an n-type crystalline silicon substrate, and an n-type semiconductor region on a surface on a light receiving surface side of the n-type crystalline silicon substrate, wherein in the n-type semiconductor region, an n-type semiconductor region that is opposed to the n-type semiconductor layer with the n-type crystalline silicon substrate therebetween and an n-type semiconductor region that is opposed to the p-type semiconductor layer with the n-type crystalline silicon substrate therebetween have different average impurity concentrations.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device includes a planar photovoltaic panel including top electrode. A bus bar is affixed to the top electrode. A light scattering structure is affixed to the bus bar. The light scattering structure includes at least one reflecting surface arranged at an obtuse angle to the plane of the photovoltaic panel to reflect light onto the photovoltaic panel.

Abstract: The tracking device of the present disclosure includes a platform, support structure, and a cylinder. The cylinder comprises a plunger, an interior space, an aperture, and a fluid within the cylinder. Forward actuation of the plunger within the interior space the fluid to be pushed through the aperture. The platform is operably connected to the plunger, so that movement of the plunger causes the platform to rotate about a pivot point of the support structure. The tracking device can have a solar panel connected to the platform. The tracking device can also be used in any application where tracking would be of use, such as for surveillance, or time-lapse photography.

Abstract: A system and method for providing real time control of a heliostat array or CPV/PV module that reduces actuation cost, the disclosure reduces the fixed cost of calibrating and repositioning an individual surface. This simultaneously removes the core engineering assumption that drives the development of large trackers, and enables a system and method to cost effectively track a small surface. In addition to lower initial capital cost, a small heliostat or solar tracker can be pre-assembled, mass-produced, and shipped more easily. Smaller mechanisms can also be installed with simple hand tools and do not require installers to rent expensive cranes or installation equipment.

Abstract: A solar panel rack may comprise one or more sheet metal brackets configured to attach solar panels to the solar panel rack. The sheet metal brackets may include clinching tabs configured to be clinched to features on the solar panels to attach the solar panels to the solar panel rack. The sheet metal brackets may further include protrusions configured to facilitate electrical contact between the brackets and the solar panels when the clinching tabs are clinched to features on the solar panels. The sheet metal brackets may additionally or alternatively include positioning tabs configured to contact features on the solar panels to position the solar panels in desired locations on the solar panel rack.