Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a regulating device for regulating an air-fuel ratio of an internal combustion engine (10), wherein an exhaust-gas composition of an exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine (10) is determined by virtue of an actual probe signal, which is dependent on the exhaust-gas composition, being detected by means of an exhaust-gas probe (22) and the exhaust-gas composition being determined as a function of the actual probe signal by means of a characteristic curve or a calculation rule, and wherein the determined exhaust-gas composition is compared with a setpoint value or a threshold value, the attainment or exceedance of which triggers a manipulation of the air-fuel ratio supplied to the internal combustion engine (10), wherein, in order to take into consideration at least one disturbance variable which affects the actual probe signal, a safety margin (?S) is defined which is applied to the characteristic curve or calculation rule, to the actual probe signal or to the set

Abstract: A ribbon dispenser includes a body with a front cover. A cylinder is rotatably located in the body and has multiple chambers in which ribbons are received. An inlet is defined through the rear end of each chamber. A striking unit is located in the body and located behind the cylinder to introduce air into the chambers via the inlets. A revolving unit is connected to the cylinder to revolve the cylinder. A rigger is pivotably connected to the body has a driving portion to drive the striking unit. A stud protrudes from one side of the trigger so as to drive the revolving unit. The ribbons are ejected out from the body when the striking unit introduces air into the chambers. The cylinder is revolved to allow the ribbons in each room are ejected in sequence.

Abstract: A system and method for pitching balls, particularly footballs and other football-shaped balls. The system and method are flexibly designed to simulate different types of pitches including but not limited to passes, punts, kick-offs and snaps. A cradle for use in the system and method holds the ball in any one of a number of positions such that when it is fed into the system, the ball is propelled to simulate a different type of pitch. The apparatus and system for pitching balls includes a support for a ball throwing head, two opposing variable speed motor powered wheels that can be tilted in relation to each other to control the spin and distance, a slide configured to present the ball on the cradle into the wheels at different angles to provide right or left handed spirals and end over end pitches, and adjustments for height and horizontal pivot. A removable throwing head allows balls to be pitched from different heights from ground level to an upright arm motion to simulate different types of pitches.

Abstract: A cutting device for cutting a pile, including a body part, for connecting the cutting device to a working machine and a gripper attached to the body part to drive the cutting device around the pile to be cut, the gripping means having at least two opposite gripping parts to obtain a grip from the pile and to release the gripper from the grips. The cutting device includes at least two sawing parts arranged to move to a sawing position and to a secure position, and the cutting device having a saw connected to the sawing parts to perform sawing operation when at least one sawing part is in the sawing position, and the cutting device includes elastic means to adapt to forces, which arises during sawing movement of the a saw. The saw is arranged to move during the sawing movement substantially horizontally to the pile being cut.

Abstract: A chisel includes an elongate shank portion composed of a first steel, and a working end portion composed of a second steel that is different than the first steel. The working end portion is joined to the shank and configured to chisel a workpiece. The joined shank portion and working end portion has been heat treated to cause the first steel of the shank portion to adopt a first microstructure comprising bainite, the second steel of the working end portion to adopt a second microstructure comprising martensite, and the working end portion to have a greater hardness than the shank portion.

Abstract: Door (1) for a cooking oven (2) for food use, comprising: a frame (6); an internal glass pane (7) and an external glass pane (7) supported by the frame (6) and defining a space; LED lamps (8) arranged in proximity of the internal glass pane (7) for sanitising a cooking chamber (4) of the oven (2) by radiation.

Abstract: A double oven range appliance and a gas burner and floor assembly for an oven appliance are provided. The gas burner and floor assembly includes a cooking chamber bottom panel with a projection defining a plurality of openings. A gas burner is positioned above the plurality of openings. A floor panel is positioned below the cooking chamber bottom panel. An insulation panel is mounted to the floor panel such that the insulation panel is disposed below the plurality of openings. The gas burner and floor assembly can assist with limiting heat transfer along a vertical direction while also providing a suitable flow of air at the gas burner.

Abstract: A solar thermal lamp used for heating water inside a tank. The thermal lamp includes a transparent glass bulb with a threaded male coupling for attaching to a female coupling in the tank. The lamp also includes a heat tube with an enlarged water heating condenser. The condenser is received inside the tank. The heat tube can include a copper coil, copper fins, a glass coil, a copper lamp, a glass lamp, and the like for receiving solar energy and conducting the heat to the heating condenser for heating the water inside the tank. Also, the invention can be in the form of a solar thermal globe. The solar globe is self-contained and includes a water tank. Another embodiment of the globe tracks with the daily movement of the sun and change with seasons.

Abstract: A linear solar energy collector system includes reflective lines arranged in parallel in a south-north direction, heliostats mounted on the reflective lines, respectively, each comprised of mirror segments to reflect solar radiation, a light receiving line set above the reflective lines in a east-west direction, a receiver mounted on the light receiving line, to receive light reflected from the heliostats and collect heat from the light, and an angular adjuster to adjust angles of the mirror segments individually to irradiate a same light receiving area on the receiver with the reflected light from east-west neighboring reflective lines and thereby adjust a concentration ratio.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hexagonal parabolic solar concentrator consisting of the union of different radial layers of support cells formed by two types of pre-assembled modules, wherein said pre-assembled modules are made up of bars and connecting elements. Using these pre-assembled modules significantly reduces the time for manufacture of the components and for parabolic concentrator assembling and the adjustment time for the flat mirrors supporting cells in order to generate the curve of parabola.

Abstract: Systems and methods for solar fluid heating in a multi-story building. A system in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure includes solar collectors installed in solar-facing walls of the multi-story building, in which fluid receives thermal energy from the solar collectors. The system also includes fluid storage vessels. The system further includes a circulating pump coupled to the solar collectors to circulate the heated fluid between the solar collectors and the fluid storage vessels on a floor of the multi-story building.

Abstract: An administration method for a medical spray inhaler and the medical spray inhaler, which utilizes an inhaling sensing unit to sense an air flow change for generating an inhaling signal after a user inhales by an inhaler body. A control unit is then used to receive the inhaling signal and calculate a delay time. After the delay time, the control unit outputs a control instruction to control a medicine container disposed on the inhaler body to spray a medical spray and concurrently records the ventilation volume per inhalation of the user.

Abstract: An endotracheal intubation apparatus provides for controlled articulation of tip and central portions of a stylet having an endotracheal tube specifically configured for use therewith mounted thereon. The endotracheal intubation apparatus includes a stylet with tip and central portions that each have a curvature that is selectively and independently adjustable through one or more controls at a handle of the stylet. Through adjustment of the curvature of the tip and central portions of the stylet, a curvature of overlying portions of an endotracheal tube mounted on the stylet can be selectively and independently adjusted. Advantageously, such selectively and independently adjustment of the curvature of the tip and central portions of the stylet allows a contour of the endotracheal tube to be selectively adjusted for accommodating a particular airway anatomy of a patient without requiring removal of the endotracheal intubation apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Laryngectomee Snorkel (100) for allowing a Laryngectomee to breathe while swimming. The Laryngectomee Snorkel (100) comprises a Baseplate (110) is configured to have a water-tight seal with a user while allowing a bidirectional passage of air through the Baseplate (110), a Connector (105) configured to have a water-tight seal with the Baseplate (110) and to allow a bidirectional passage of air with the Baseplate (110), an Elbow Tubing (125) configured to have a water-tight seal with the Connector (105) to have a bidirectional passage of air with the Connector (105), a Flexible Riser Tubing (130) configured to have a water-tight seal with the Elbow Tubing (125) and to have a bidirectional passage of air with the Elbow Tubing (125), and an Air Tube (140) configured to have a water-tight seal with the Flexible Riser Tubing (130) and a bidirectional passage of air with the Flexible Riser Tubing (130) and to allow a water-tight bidirectional passage of air with an open atmosphere.

Abstract: A helmet with an integrated filter includes a helmet; a filter, integrated with the helmet, incorporating a woven mixture of fiber and particles, resulting in an intermediary material that combines the advantages of both the particle-based and fiber-based filters and has a low pressure drop and high adsorption capacity such that the filter captures gaseous contaminants.

Abstract: A manual ventilation feedback sensor for use in clinical and training settings is disclosed. Namely, a manual resuscitator device is disclosed that comprises a bag valve mask, a one-way valve, a manual ventilation bag, and a sensing module, wherein the sensing module can comprise a pressure sensor and/or flow transducer. Sensing module may further comprise a controller for processing information from the pressure sensor and/or flow transducer; namely for determining and indicating a ventilation rate. Indicators are provided to guide the user with respect to a target or desired ventilation rate.

Abstract: A humidification system for delivering humidified gases to a user can include a heater base, humidification chamber having an inlet, outlet, and associated fluid conduit, and breathing circuit including a supply conduit, inspiratory conduit, and optional expiratory conduit. The humidification system can include various features to help make set-up less difficult and time-consuming. For example, the supply conduit, inspiratory conduit, and optional expiratory conduit can be coupled into a one-piece circuit to aid set-up. Various components can be color-coded and can have corresponding structures to indicate which components should be connected to one another during set-up. Such features can also help make the set-up process more intuitive for an operator, which can reduce the need for specialized training and reduce the number of potential errors.

Abstract: Devices and methods for airway management are described herein where a barrier may be delivered and deployed along an endotracheal tube to prevent aspiration or passage of fluids and debris into the trachea in patients who are intubated. Generally, the barrier apparatus may comprise an expandable barrier assembly configured to be positioned over or around an endotracheal tube, a pushing assembly having a handle and a first shaft extending therefrom, and a holding member securable to the endotracheal tube and slidingly engagable with the pushing assembly.

Abstract: A patient interface assembly includes a housing that defines an inlet port and an outlet port. A jet pump receives pressurized gas flow from the inlet port and delivers the gas flow to the outlet port. A nebulizer is fluidly coupled to the outlet port and positioned to introduce medication into the gas flow and deliver medicated gas flow to a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dry power inhaler device wherein during administration of the said device (8), the air from the air hole (1) reaches the blister with the direction of the said air inlet channel (9), mixes with the powder medicament, carries the said medicament through the medicament channel within the mouthpiece (3) and administers to the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving the heart rate coherence and/or heart rate variability of a subject use a respiratory therapy device to provide breathing cues that prompt a subject to breathe such that various respiratory and coronary parameters are aligned, for example in phase.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a positive airway pressure (PAP) system with a head mounted harness assembly with a housing and a head position sensor located within or secured to the housing that detects the position of a patient's head, and communicates this head position information to a controller of the system which may be disposed within the housing having the position sensor or a second housing. The controller varies the output pressure of the pressure source e.g., a rotary compressor, based, at least in part, on the head position information provided by the head position sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the position sensor is an accelerometer.

Abstract: A non-expandable pessary device, the pessary device having a top, a base, a length, a longitudinal axis, a maximum diameter, and a minimum diameter that is less than the maximum diameter. The pessary device has a pressure region adapted to extend between an anterior vaginal wall and a posterior vaginal wall of a user to provide pressure on the user's urethra through the vaginal wall. The pressure region includes the maximum diameter, and the maximum diameter is less than 25 mm.

Abstract: This application relates to a method of covering a pessary device for relief of female incontinence with an overwrap. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods of overwrapping the pessary device.

Abstract: An upper body support device. The upper body support device includes a chest support, wherein the chest support is configured to support the upper body of a user. The upper body support device also includes a leg brace, wherein the leg brace is configured to rest against the legs of the user. The upper body support device further includes a hinge connecting the chest support to the leg brace, wherein the hinge is configured to permit movement of the chest support relative to the leg brace.

Abstract: A garment that is made in the form of underwear, that provides a protective barrier between sex partners. The garment provides protection from HPV (human papillomavirus), and genital ulcer diseases such as; genital herpes, syphilis, and chanchroid, while making sex possible. The garment is made of both a breathable and non-breathable fabric that prohibits the transfer of sexually transmitted diseases (listed above) by way of an infected partner's skin. The garment in the most basic form is a breathable fabric in the form of underwear that has an additional layer of latex in the crotch area, and openings for the insertion of a penis. The garment is made differently for males and females to address the differing locations of female/male anatomy.

Abstract: Head restrainer for immobilising the head of patients for producing NMR images such as those which are based on the application of electromagnetic beams (X-rays, gamma rays) and/or for carrying out surgical procedures, having a C-bend (1), at each end region of which at least one mandrel (3) is attached, these being substantially diametrically assigned with respect to each other, wherein at least one mandrel (3) is coaxially attached to an axially moveable bolt (2) which can be acted upon in the axial direction via a clamping device (11), and a force indicator (12) assigned to the clamping device, wherein fixing means (14) are provided which serve to temporarily set the bolt (2) and the attachment of the clamping device (11) and force indicator (12) to the head restrainer is releasable while the fixing arrangement is retained.

Abstract: The invention provides an accessory for cigarette smokers which provides a portable cigarette accessory device for cutting the end of a partially smoked cigarette and storing the partially smoked cigarette for later enjoyment wherein the device is attachable to a disposable lighter.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nicotine-containing mucoadhesive film, by preparing an aqueous solution at a pH of from 9.5 to 13, the solution including (i) a nicotine salt, (ii) an alkaline pH-regulating agent, and (iii) a film-forming agent including an alginate salt of monovalent cation or a mixture of alginate salts of monovalent cations, the film-forming agent having a mean guluronate (G) content of from 50 to 85% by weight, a mean mannuronate (M) content of from 15 to 50% by weight, a mean molecular weight of from 30,000 g/mol to 90,000 g/mol and being such that a 10% aqueous solution thereof at a temperature of 20° C. has a viscosity of 100-1000 mPas, as measured at a shear rate of 20 rpm by use of a Brookfield viscometer with a spindle No. 2; distributing the solution onto a solid surface; and permitting the solution to dry on the surface.

Abstract: A nicotine tablet that includes a solid solution of soluble fiber and one or more sugar alcohols, the solid solution having a glass transition temperature of less than 40° C., and nicotine or a derivative thereof dispersed in the solid solution such that the nicotine or derivative thereof is released from the tablet when the tablet is chewed or dissolved within an oral cavity.

Abstract: A tobacco tablet that includes a solid solution of soluble fiber and one or more sugar alcohols, the solid solution having a glass transition temperature of less than 40° C., and tobacco dispersed in the solid solution such that the tobacco is released from the tablet when the tablet is chewed or dissolved within an oral cavity.

Abstract: A tobacco lozenge provided herein includes a body that is partially or wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a soluble-fiber matrix and tobacco plant tissue dispersed in the soluble-fiber matrix. In some cases, a tobacco lozenge provided herein includes at least 40 weight percent of soluble fiber. In some cases, soluble fiber in tobacco lozenge provided herein can include maltodextrin. The tobacco lozenge is adapted to release the tobacco plant tissue from the body when the body is received within the oral cavity of an adult tobacco consumer and exposed to saliva. A method of making tobacco lozenges provided herein includes forming a molten mixture of at least 40 weight percent soluble fiber, tobacco, and less than 15 weight percent water, while maintaining a mixture temperature of less than 200° C. and portioning the molten mixture into a plurality of tobacco lozenges. In some cases, the ingredients can be mixed to form the molten mixture in an extruder.

Abstract: A exhausted-tobacco tablet that includes a solid solution of soluble fiber and one or more sugar alcohols, the solid solution having a glass transition temperature of less than 40° C., and exhausted-tobacco is dispersed in the solid solution, and one or more additives dispersed in the solid solution such that at least one additive is released from the tablet when the tablet is chewed or dissolved within an adult tobacco consumer's oral cavity.

Abstract: An exhausted-tobacco lozenge provided herein includes a body that is partially or wholly receivable in an oral cavity. The body includes a soluble-fiber matrix, exhausted-tobacco fiber, and one or more additives (e.g. nicotine or a derivative thereof) dispersed in the soluble-fiber matrix. In some cases, an exhausted-tobacco lozenge provided herein includes at least 40 weight percent of soluble fiber. In some cases, soluble fiber in exhausted-tobacco lozenge provided herein can include maltodextrin. The exhausted-tobacco lozenge is adapted to release the nicotine or a derivative thereof from the body when the body is received within the oral cavity of an adult tobacco consumer and exposed to saliva. A method of making exhausted-tobacco lozenges provided herein includes forming a molten mixture of at least 40 weight percent soluble fiber, exhausted-tobacco fiber, one or more additives (e.g., nicotine), and less than 15 weight percent water while maintaining a mixture temperature of less than 150° C.

Abstract: A product rod comprising a plurality of individual tobacco smoke filters or filter elements abutted end to end; and a wrapper engaged around the plurality of filters or filter elements, the wrapper including perforations.

Abstract: A kit including a package containing a plurality of preformed artificial nails having an application tab that removably clings to a surface of the nail, the application tab assembly including a body protruding from the nail, an attachment portion, and, optionally, an adhesive disposed between the body and the artificial nail. The clinging portion of the attachment portion, and the adhesive, if utilized, leaves substantially no residue on the artificial nail when the application tab assembly is removed from the surface of the artificial nail.

Abstract: A hair protection, retention and styling apparatus has a triangular shape. The left and right base corners comprise hair protection flaps that extend from either side of a rectangular hair retention channel roll. A top hair retention flap extends from the top thereof to form the top corner. A cylindrical style bar is attached near the top of the triangular body. Once a user places her hair on the channel roll, the hair protection flaps are folded in over the hair, thereby containing, retaining, and protecting the hair. The ends of the user's hair are wrapped around the style bar and the top hair retention roll is wrapped over the bar and the hair and bar are rolled approximately to the user's scalp. First and second wrap ties attach near the top of the triangular body and are used to secure the apparatus to the user's head.

Abstract: A cosmetic product including a pressed cosmetic powder cake is provided. The pressed cosmetic powder cake includes depression formed therein for receiving a liquid to facilitate use of the cosmetic product. The pan defines a recess therein for holding the powder cake. The cosmetic case includes a base portion for receiving the pan and a lid that may be coupled to one another by a hinge.

Abstract: A personal care composition includes a surfactant, a water soluble cationic polymer, a hydrophobic benefit agent, and a hydrophobic cationic polyethylene polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for selectively bleaching or dyeing a plurality of locks of hair. The device basically comprises a selector comb for selecting the locks to be treated from a portion of hair, and a container provided with at least one compartment that can internally house at least one liquid or pasty product for dyeing or bleaching. The selector comb is partially introduced inside the container and is movable inside and along same, being coupled thereto such that in an operating position of the device, the movement of the comb takes place, causing the gradual introduction of an increasingly longer portion of the locks selected by the comb inside the container at the same time as the gradual opening and communication of the inside of the compartment with the portion of the locks introduced therein, said portion being exposed to the liquid or pasty product.

Abstract: A hair straightening and/or hair relaxing method comprising: applying a hair care composition to hair, wherein the composition comprises a sugar, a buffering agent and a cosmetically acceptable carrier; and wherein, where the composition is heated to a temperature of at least 100° C., the composition comprises from about 6% to about 20% reducing sugar; hair drying; providing a hair straightening appliance at a temperature of from about 100° C. to about 280° C. and mechanically straightening the hair with the appliance.

Abstract: A method for reshaping, in particular for straightening, keratin-containing fibers, in particular human hair, includes (i) applying a pretreatment agent including amino-functional silicone(s) with terminal hydroxyl group(s) onto the keratinic fibers and left there, (ii) optionally drying fibers, (iii) treating the fibers in the moist or dried state with a reshaping agent which, relative to the weight of the reshaping agent, includes 0.05 to 20 wt. % of guanidine and/or guanidinium salt(s), (iv) optionally straightening the fibers with a comb or a brush during the reshaping treatment, (v) shampooing the fibers with a shampoo which has a pH of 2.5 to 6.5, followed by rinsing and neutralizing the fibers, and (vi) optionally subsequently additionally mechanically deforming the fibers with exposure to heat. The methos distinctly minimizes the negative consequences of reshaping, in particular electrostatic charging and hydrophilization of the hair.

Abstract: Hair styling accessories include a flexible body and are configured to hold and style hair and to carry decorative accessories. A hair extension securing apparatus is adjustable between an open and a closed position, to allow a wearer to selectively fasten a hair extension to the wearer's hair.

Abstract: The present invention enables a person to brush and floss his/her teeth using a single device. The present invention comprises a handle having two ends, a dental floss support near one end of the handle for holding dental floss for flossing teeth, and bristles near the other end of the handle for brushing teeth. The dental floss support is removable from the handle and can be secured onto the handle in a parallel position with the handle when not in use.

Abstract: An oral hygiene kit, comprising: at least one toothpick (16); a mirror (14); and an envelope (12), enveloping the at least one toothpick and the mirror. Preferably, the mirror is stiff, and the length and width of the mirror are greater than the length and width of the at least one toothpick, thereby preventing a user from being jabbed by the toothpick before using the kit. Preferably, the envelope is sealed, thereby keeping the mirror and the at least one toothpick under hygienic conditions until use. Preferably, the length of the mirror is less than about 8 cm, for allowing holding thereof in a user's palm. Preferably, the width of the mirror is about between 1 and 2 cm, for providing a sufficient viewing area.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to methods of removing and/or cleaning a substrate surface having refractory metal portions disposed thereon using water vapor plasma treatment. In one embodiment, a method for cleaning a surface of a substrate includes positioning a substrate in a processing chamber, the substrate having a refractory metal disposed thereon, forming a process gas comprising water vapor, maintaining a process pressure in the processing chamber above about 0.5 Torr, forming a plasma in the process gas to form an activated water vapor and exposing the refractory metal to the activated water vapor.

Abstract: A method for cleaning quartz reaction tube is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: introducing a quartz reaction tube to a cleaning chamber, wherein the quartz reaction tube comprises a first end and a second end; sealing the first end and the second end of the quartz reaction tube with a first sealing element and a second sealing element respectively, wherein the first sealing element is coupled to an input pipe and a cleaning rod, and the second sealing element is coupled to an output pipe; supplying a first cleaning agent into the quartz reaction tube from the input pipe; utilizing the cleaning rod to perform a cleaning process; and expelling the first cleaning agent from the output pipe.

Abstract: A brush-cleaning apparatus is disclosed for use in cleaning a semiconductor wafer after polishing. Embodiments of the brush-cleaning apparatus implemented with a multi-branch chemical dispensing unit are applied beneficially to clean semiconductor wafers, post-polish, using a hybrid cleaning method. An exemplary hybrid cleaning method employs a two-chemical sequence in which first and second chemical treatment modules are separate from one another, and are followed by a pH-neutralizing-rinse that occurs in a treatment module separate from the first and second chemical treatment modules. Implementation of such hybrid methods is facilitated by the multi-branch chemical dispensing unit, which provides separate chemical lines to different chemical treatment modules, and dispenses chemical to at least four different areas of each wafer during single-wafer processing in an upright orientation.

Abstract: A grill rod scraping tool for cleaning the top, sides and bottom side of grill rods. The tool comprises of a neck with concave contours and a U-shaped end that enable the prongs and scraper of the tool to scrape the top, sides, and bottom side of the grid iron rods. The concave contours of the neck also allow both left and right handed individuals to operate and rotate the tool with ease. The prongs are angled away from the neck to enable the tool to be used while the grid iron rods are still hot. The grill tool is applied to the grill rod and pushed and pulled along the length of the grill rod to clean residue from food and hardened char.

Abstract: A holder for a cleaning pad or the like can include a base and one or more features to inhibit damage to a surface adjacent a surface being cleaned. For example, the holder can include a lip extending downwardly from an edge of the base along one or more sides to inhibit the pad from being coupled to the holder so that the pad extends beyond the edge of the base. The holder can also include one or more contacting features extending outwardly from the base on the side(s) including the lip to space the base and lip from the adjacent surface during use. The contacting features can be one or more wheels horizontally disposed on a top surface of the base.