Abstract: A crossbow comprising a body including a longitudinal axis is described, at least one limb affixed on a distal end of the body, the at least one limb being adapted to move between a distal relaxed position and a proximal tensed position for accumulating energy, a string mounted on respective transversal sides of the at least one limb in a substantially orthogonal direction in respect with the body for tensing the at least one limb when proximally longitudinally pulled away from the distal end and blocking the at least one limb in the tensed position for longitudinally propelling an arrow along the longitudinal axis in a distal direction when selectively released, and a stirrup disposed on the distal end of the body, the stirrup including an arrow protector disposed along the longitudinal axis, on the first end of the body, to generally circumvent the arrow, when the crossbow is used in conjunction with the arrow.

Abstract: A vibration dampening crossbow comprising a body including a longitudinal axis is described, at least one limb affixed on a distal end of the body, the at least one limb being adapted to move between a distal relaxed position and a proximal tensed position for accumulating energy, a string mounted on respective transversal sides of the at least one limb in a substantially orthogonal direction in respect with the body for tensing the at least one limb when proximally longitudinally pulled away from the distal end and blocking the at least one limb in the tensed position for longitudinally propelling an arrow along the longitudinal axis in a distal direction when selectively released, and a stirrup disposed on the distal end of the body, the stirrup including a foot-receiving portion for securing the distal end of the body to the ground with a foot applying pressure on the stirrup toward the ground when cocking the string of the crossbow, wherein the foot-receiving portion of the stirrup is configured to damp v

Abstract: A finger-mounted device for launching a projectile in response to a flick of a finger by a user. The finger-mounted device may comprise a securing means for securing a launcher to the finger of the user. The securing means may comprise a strap, loop, or cinch. The finger-mounted device may further comprise a launch guide extending outwardly from a base member. A projectile may be mounted onto or into the launch guide. The projectile is launched in response to the user flicking the finger, using the thumb as a tensioning means. The projectile may take a wide variety of forms.

Abstract: In various implementations, a multi-burner head assembly may include a venturi inlet coupled to burner heads. The multi-burner head assembly may allow control of the flame profile generated by the assembly. For example, burner heads of the multi-burner head assembly may include different characteristics, such as height.

Abstract: An oven appliance is provided. The oven appliance includes a door and a hinge assembly for rotatably mounting the door to a cabinet. The hinge assembly includes features for adjusting a position of the door. At least one of a vertical position and a lateral position of the door can be adjusted with the hinge assembly.

Abstract: A method and system for positive evacuation of water from a solar collector using a bypass line which diverts a portion of water from the feed line of the solar collector to an inlet of a water pump. When the solar water heating circuit is turned off, suction created by the filtration pump rapidly evacuates all or substantially all water present in the solar collector. The system should include a water level switch on the feed line to the solar collector, a drain valve that allows pool water to evacuate from the solar collector and associated piping when water is present, a control mechanism that relays information from the water level switch to the drain valve, a small drain line that connects the solar pool heater feed and return lines to a water pump inlet, and a check valve to prevent by-pass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved solar energy concentrating system and to a preferred way of moving the receiver, along a curvilinear path above the mirror surface to the optimal location where the instantaneous concentration of reflected rays is the largest. The system comprises a fixed, trough concentrating collector formed with a concave curvature, shaped as a section of an spiral, oriented along the East-West axis, with a movable receiver, inclined facing South and capable of adjusting the angle of inclination periodically, preferably twice a year. The invention overcomes some of the limitations and is capable of capturing more solar energy, on a more constant basis throughout the year and at a lower cost than the preferred, state-of-the-art, trough parabolic concentrating collectors oriented along the North South axis.

Abstract: A sun tracking mechanism is provided for solar power generation, including a power unit, a linear actuator and at least two universal joints. The sun tracking mechanism outputs an angle of high precision by two axial directions provided from the universal joints, the power unit and the linear actuator. A solar power module disposed on the sun tracking mechanism generates electricity in the best light incident angle. In addition, the linear actuator provides an auxiliary supporting force to improve the wind-resistant capability.

Abstract: The molten salt solar tower system 100 is provided for controlling molten salt temperature in a solar receiver 130 for effective operation of the system 100 while without degrading physical properties of molten salt. The system 100 includes two circuits, first 140 and second 150. The first circuit 140 is configured to supply relatively cold molten salt in the solar receiver 130 for heating, and the second circuit 150 is configured to supply a predetermined amount of the relatively cold molten salt in the first circuit 140, as and when the temperature of the relatively hot molten salt circulating through the solar receiver 130 exceeds a predetermined set temperature value thereof.

Abstract: Systems for treating biomass for the production of ethanol are disclosed. The systems are configured to treat a liquid component separated from biomass to yield sugars available to be fermented into a fermentation product. The systems comprise a filter configured to remove particulate matter to provide a filtered component and an apparatus configured to remove inhibitors from the filtered liquid component provide a treated liquid component comprising sugars available for fermentation. Methods for treating for treating biomass useful in the production of a fermentation product are also disclosed. The methods include the steps of filtering a liquid component to remove particulate matter thereby yielding a filtered liquid component, and treating the filtered liquid component to remove inhibitors thereby yielding a treated liquid component comprising sugars available to be fermented into a fermentation product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of processing lignocellulosic biomass comprising: providing lignocellulosic biomass feedstock; pretreating said biomass feedstock by continuous hydrothermal pretreatment in a pressurized reactor; measuring xylan number or lignin number in the output stream of pretreated biomass from the pretreatment reactor; and controlling the pretreatment reactor so as to maintain, in the output stream of pretreated biomass, a pre-determined level of measured xylan number or lignin number. The method allows for continuously controlling the digestibility of a lignocellulosic biomass during the step of pretreatment, and accordingly provides a continuous estimate of the severity of the pretreatment.

Abstract: A wound treatment/cleaning device is described as having a sprayer portion and a brush portion each designed to be used with standard sized fluid bottles. The sprayer and brush can be packed with and/or sterilized with the fluid bottles, or packaged/sterilized separately. When the sprayer and brush are used in conjunction with the fluid bottle, the sprayer allows the fluid to be sprayed directly onto the wound to numb the wound while the brush can be used to clean the wound after it has been numbed.

Abstract: Examples of the invention include inhalation systems, breathing apparatuses, and methods for administering a solution by inhalation to a patient. Example breathing apparatuses described herein may be configured to minimize loss of the solution to the environment. Additionally or instead, example breathing apparatuses may be configured to recirculate exhaled solution to increase an amount of the solution available to a patient while minimizing exhausted solution. In some examples, breathing apparatuses may deliver nebulized platelet rich plasma (“PRP”).

Abstract: A respiratory protection composite facepiece is disclosed and includes a polymeric rigid facepiece body portion having a first surface and a second surface and a silicone sealing facepiece element chemically bonded at least one of the first surface or the second surface. The first and second surfaces can be opposing major surfaces. A second silicone element is chemically bonded to at least one of the first surface or the second surface. Methods of making the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus is operable in self-contained and filtered modes of operation. In the self-contained mode of operation, a breathable gas is delivered to a user from a self-contained source of breathing gas. In a second, filtered mode of operation, a suction source draws ambient air through a filter removing contaminants and delivers filtered ambient air to the user. A method of delivering air to a subject is also provided.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device including a body and a reservoir, and an opening mechanism. The device includes an inhalation piece and an inhalation trigger system that has a deformable air chamber and a trigger element, such that during inhalation through the inhalation piece, the air chamber is deformed and the trigger element actuates the opening mechanism. The air chamber has a deformable side body; an open first end including a peripheral edge that surrounds an opening forming the inlet of the hollow pouch; and a second end forming the bottom of the hollow pouch. The said second end includes a connection mechanism for connecting the air chamber to the trigger element. The side body is in the form of a bellows having bellows portions arranged axially one after another, the bellows-forming side body has bellows portions having outside and/or inside diameters that are different.

Abstract: A mask is included. The mask includes: a tubing portion having a fastener portion; and a face receptacle portion having a valve portion. The face receptacle portion is coupled to the tubing portion for facilitating the transfer of one or more fluids to a patient. The face receptacle has a semi-filled shape.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for storing a NO/N2 mixture in a packaging container (6) comprising an inner volume, characterized in that it holds a NO/N2 gaseous mixture containing between 1200 and 4500 ppm by volume of NO, the remainder being nitrogen, at a pressure of at least 100 bar in the inner volume of said container (6), the inner volume being less than or equal to 12 litres (water equivalent).

Abstract: A therapy system configured to wash out or flush out the oral and/or nasal cavity to reduce the effective dead space and reduce the work of breathing. The system may displace the expired air in the oral and/or nasal cavity with atmospheric air, or air with altered concentrations, for example, increased humidity, or oxygen levels. A sealed oral interface is provided to the mouth of a patient to supply a volume of pressurized gas. A control system to synchronize the supply of pressurized gas with the patients respiratory cycle. The supply of respiratory gas may be provided during only a portion of the respiratory cycle.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of operating a breathing apparatus comprising measuring a baseline breath flow parameter being respiratory rate and/or tidal volume or a parameter derived therefrom, varying the flow rate provided by the breathing apparatus, measuring a current breath flow parameter being respiratory rate and/or tidal volume or a parameter derived therefrom, comparing the baseline and current breath flow parameters, and altering operation of the breathing apparatus based on the comparison. The invention also comprises a breathing apparatus that implements the above method.

Abstract: A device for dispensing individual doses of powder from respective pockets of a disc-shaped carrier by outwardly rupturing a lidding foil by means of pressure on an opposite side surface, the device providing individual respective deaggregation flow paths for each pocket, split airstreams allowing improved entrainment of powder, a cam mechanism for outwardly rupturing the pockets, an indexing mechanism linked to the cam mechanism and a dose counter.

Abstract: A breathing tube for conducting a gas mixture in a ventilation system is provided, the tube including a tube portion; a coupler connectable to the tube portion; a connecting piece connectable to the coupler and which is attachable to a tube or a machine; wherein a filter element for filtering the gas mixture is arranged between the coupler and the connecting piece. The coupler includes a first integral electrical heating device which surrounds the filter element and which is adapted to heat the filter element effectively.

Abstract: A patient interface that provides breathable gas to a person has a face engaging cushion that includes an internal cavity. In the internal cavity fluid is located, and a control means that is capable of communicating with the fluid can incite change to a property or to properties of the fluid.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask airway device inserted in the pharynx of an unconscious patient to ventilate the lungs includes an airway tube and mask portion with cuff formation shaped to fit the actual and potential space surrounding the circumference of the inlet to the larynx. A piriform-fossa conduit is included in a cuff formation of such mask to facilitate insertion of orogastric tubes. Anatomically the piriform-fossa conduit travels around the laryngeal inlet through the piriform fossa to reach the upper esophagus. Structurally the piriform-fossa conduit travels through the lateral cuff formation with the inflatable cuff element. The distal orifice of the piriform-fossa conduit is on the outer perimeter of the cuff formation near the tip of the mask, does not intersect the medial line at the tip, and does not increase bulk in the distal cuff formation along the medial line.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a portable handheld pressure support system configured to deliver a pressurized flow of breathable gas to the airway of a subject. The pressure support system is configured to treat COPD and/or other patients suffering from dyspnea and/or other conditions. The pressure support system is configured to be small and lightweight so that a subject may carry the system and use the system as needed without requiring a device to be worn on the face. The present disclosure contemplates that the portable handheld pressure support system may be used to treat symptoms and/or conditions related to dyspnea, and/or for other uses. In one embodiment, the system comprises one or more of a pressure generator, a subject interface, one or more sensors, one or more processors, a user interface, electronic storage, a portable power source, a housing, a handle, and/or other components.

Abstract: Methods and system for treating obstructive sleep apnea and snoring are disclosed. The system generally comprises a mask for delivering pressurized air to patient's breathing orifice, a sensing mechanism for continuously assessing the state of patient's breathing and a pressure generator for generating the pressurized air in the mask. The pressurized air is applied to the breathing orifice only during selected portions of the breathing cycle, when such pressure might be required to prevent occlusion of the airway or to restore patency of the airway after such occlusion occurs.

Abstract: A patient interface device (8) includes a mask including a interface element (12) structured to engage a portion of the face of a patient and a headgear assembly (14) coupled to the mask. The headgear assembly has a top surface member (28) and a bottom surface member (30), the top surface member being coupled to the bottom surface member to form a fluid delivery housing (20) having an airtight internal chamber (32). The fluid delivery housing is structured to receive a flow of breathing gas from a pressure generating device and is fluidly coupled to the interface element. Also, the headgear assembly has a plurality of spaced support members (34) provided within the internal chamber to define a plurality of flow paths through the internal chamber around the support members, the support members being structured to support the top surface member relative to bottom surface member and prevent the internal chamber from collapsing.

Abstract: A washout vent for a mask for use with a system for supplying breathable gas pressurized above atmospheric pressure to an airway of a mammal for treatment of sleep disordered breathing, includes a solid mask section and a vent orifice extending through a thickness of the solid mask section and adapted for gas washout. The vent orifice includes opposed side walls providing a flow passage that allows gas to flow along the opposed side walls from an interior of the mask to atmosphere in use, and the opposed side walls defining at least a portion of a conic section having a length substantially greater than its width. The vent orifice includes an orifice inlet at the interior of the mask and an orifice exit open to atmosphere, and the opposed side walls converge from the orifice inlet to the orifice exit to reduce noise of gas washout.

Abstract: A sealing interface forms part of an apparatus for supplying a flow of respiratory gases to a user. The sealing interface comprises a foam or gel inner cushion and a thin resilient rubber outer sheath. A face side of the inner cushion resiliently supports the outer sheath. The inner cushion has a toothed profile formed on the face side of the inner cushion. The toothed profile consists of at least one tooth having an apex on the perimeter of the inner cushion. The apex is positioned between two valleys in the perimeter of the inner cushion. In use the apex of each tooth of the toothed profile is in supporting contact with the outer sheath.

Abstract: A patient interface assembly that includes a first conduit, a second conduit, and a patient interface coupled to the first conduit and the second conduit. The first and second conduits each include a first end that is disposed proximate to a top of a head of a user, and a second end that is disposed proximate to an airway of such a user when the patient interface assembly is being worn by the user. The first and second conduits also each include a central portion that extends along the sides of a face between the user's eye and an ear a head strap is coupled between the first and second conduit, and a patient interface is coupled to the second ends of the first and second conduits.

Abstract: A headgear for use with a mask includes a first strap being configured to engage a back of a patient's head and extend on either side of the patient's parietal bone behind the patient's ears and assume, in use, a substantially circular or oval shape. At least a portion of the first strap is substantially inextensible. The headgear also includes at least one second strap configured to removably connect the first strap to the mask. The second strap may be more extensible than the first strap. At least a portion of the first strap is self-supporting such that the headgear maintains a three dimensional shape when not in use. The substantially inextensible portion of the first strap is constructed to resiliently return to a predetermined shape when not in use. The arcuate region includes a first portion that may be arranged to align substantially parallel with a top of the patient's head and a second portion being arranged to align substantially to a rear surface of the patient's head.

Abstract: A patient interface, including a mask assembly and a headgear assembly, provides improved facial sealing and improved ease of use. The mask assembly includes an inflating or ballooning seal. The seal can be secured between two portions of a snap-fit exoskeleton. The headgear assembly connects to the mask assembly with flexible straps during course fitting and with more rigid straps following course fitting. The straps include holes that fit over a tapering post on the mask assembly.

Abstract: An attachment device for a tracheostoma valve has a flexible layer structure having a stoma opening therein, and a circumferential flange attached to the flexible layer structure. The flexible layer structure has at least a layer portion that substantially has a funnel shape discharging into the stoma opening. A circumferential attachment area, where the flexible layer structure is attached to the circumferential flange, is situated at a distance from a circumferential edge of the stoma opening. Part of the funnel shape extends between the circumferential attachment area and the circumferential edge of the stoma opening.

Abstract: A neck extension device that positions a subject's chin away from the subject's upper chest lengthens the frontal area of the subject's neck and facilitates unobstructed breathing by opening the airway. According to some embodiments, the neck extension device includes a first surface and a second surface, where the first surface is configured to contact an area of the subject's head (e.g., the subject's mandible) and the second surface is configured to contact an area of subject's upper chest. The neck extension device may comprise a body member, which includes the first surface and the second surface on generally opposing sides. According to some embodiments, the neck extension device is configured to removably attach to the subject's neck.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of vacuum activated evacuatable medical positioners, warming devices for use with such positioners, systems that include a positioner and a warming device, and related methods. The disclosed embodiments include an electrical warming medium that is positioned, or adapted to be positioned, external to the patient-bearing side of an air-tight shell of a positioner. The electrical warming medium may be an integral part of a positioner, a part of a circumferential sleeve adapted to be placed around a positioner, or part of a pad adapted to be placed over a positioner, for example.

Abstract: A barrier device that can prevent infected skin in the pelvic region from making contact with a sex partner consists of a pelvic garment and a genitalia access hole. The pelvic garment contains a waist opening, a left leg opening, and a right leg opening such that a user can wear the pelvic garment similar to wearing a boxer brief. In the male version, the user inserts the penis through the genitalia access hole, which is circular in shape. In the female version, the genitalia access hole, which is oval in shape, delineates the vagina. The barrier device is made of latex and provides no inconvenience to a user during sexual intercourse. The barrier device is intended to be worn with a condom for maximum protection.

Abstract: Described is a barrier application device comprising a handle, an introducer assembly slidably and rotatably coupled to the handle, a beam assembly coupled to a distal end of the handle, and a flag coupled to the beam assembly. A method of using a barrier application device comprises providing a device comprising a handle, an introducer assembly slidably and rotatably coupled to the handle, a beam assembly coupled to a distal end of the handle, and a flag coupled to the beam assembly, and placing a barrier on the flag, sliding the introducer assembly along the handle from a retracted position to an extended position at least partially covering the beam assembly, and rotating the handle relative to the introducer assembly until the flag and the barrier are wound around the beam assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for protecting the face and/or head of an individual receiving medical treatment in a supine position. The protective device includes a central member having an exterior surface and an interior surface. One or more apertures may extend between the interior and exterior surface of the central member to expose the individual's eyes, nose, and/or mouth. Affixed on generally opposite ends of the central member are side portions that extend downward from the central member. The central member and side portions define a cavity and an opening configured to be positioned over the head of an individual receiving medical treatment in a supine position with the side portions supported on a support surface adjacent the individual's head. The protective device directs forces applied to the top surface of the central member away from the individual's head through the side portions to the supporting surface.

Abstract: Particular embodiments of the inventive technology may provide an incontinence pad that includes projection, such as a raised ridge, or a short length projection, that extends from a pad base of and effects application of a force against the urethra of a user (the force, typically upward, that may result from sitting by the user and/or tight fitting shorts and/or pulling a cord attached to the projection); the projection may act to transfer a force from the projection to the urethra. This force may partially or entirely obstruct flow of urine through, or out of the urethra, that might occur otherwise (i.e., without the projection). Another example of the many independent aspects of the inventive technology relates to the provision, as part of an incontinence pad, of a cord that is attached to part of the pad, such as (in only certain embodiments) the aforementioned upward projection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic system for attaching and removing medical devices and prostheses on human skin comprising external disks 4 and silicone implants 5; said system can increase, decrease or eliminate the magnetic attraction or repulsion force as a function of the rotation of the external disks 4 in relation to the silicone implants 5 such that the skin between the external disks 4 and the silicone implants 5 is subject to a pressure compatible with viable capillary microcirculation.

Abstract: A smoking article (10) incorporates a mouthpiece (14), the mouthpiece includes an open pore structure converted from an organic gel and a functional material dispersed in the open pore structure, such as aerogel particles (20).

Abstract: A method for forming a filter rod may include providing a bale of crimped tow band having about 10 denier per filament or greater and about 20,000 total denier or less, the crimped tow band comprising a plurality of cellulose acetate filaments; and placing the crimped tow band in an apparatus so as to form a filter rod.

Abstract: An electronic vapour provision device comprising a battery assembly 8 and a vaporiser 24, wherein the battery assembly 8 comprises a power cell 10 and a computer 12, the vaporiser 24 is releasably connectable to the battery assembly 8 and the computer 12 comprises a computer processor 16 and a memory 18; wherein the computer 12 is configured to detect whether the vaporiser 24 is connected to the battery assembly 8; the battery assembly 8 further comprises a capacitor 38; and the computer 12 is configured to first charge the capacitor 38 and then detect whether a vaporiser 24 is connected to the battery assembly 8 by measuring whether the capacitor 38 is discharged.

Abstract: An electronic vapour provision device comprising a body (4) configured to be releasably connectable to a vaporiser (10). The body (4) comprises a power cell (20), a computer processor (18), a memory (22) and an audio signalling device (16). The memory (22) stores information on a first user notification event comprising connection of the vaporiser. Moreover, the computer processor (18) is configured to identify when the first user notification event occurs and to notify a user of the event by emitting a user (10) notification sound from the audio signalling device (16).

Abstract: A vaporizer and method of vaporizing a botanical material is described. Embodiments of the apparatus include a self-contained, fully enclosed, battery operated vaporizer having an air inlet and a mouthpiece. The vaporizer includes a window for viewing a botanical material contained therein and a heating element that is also visible through the window and through an air inlet. The vaporizer also includes a push-button switch that rapidly provides power to heat air, which is then drawn through the botanical material by inhaling. Embodiments of the method include utilizing a push-button switch for heating vaporizer air and viewing the glow of the heating element as a signal that the vaporizer is ready for use. In certain embodiments, electric power for heating the air is varied according to the temperature of the vaporizer. Certain other embodiments measure the battery voltage and adjust a heater duty cycle according to the measured voltage.

Abstract: A rigid tubular mouthpiece for a smoking article may include a cushioning wrapping material thereabout. The wrapping material may be configured to form several layers, encompassed by a polymeric label, which may include indicia. The wrapping material will provide a lower durometer, as applied, than the unwrapped mouthpiece, which may be incorporated as part of a smoking article.

Abstract: A rigid tubular mouthpiece for a smoking article may include a cushioning wrapping material thereabout and/or a tipping cover that may be configured as overmolding, a shrink sleeve, or other cover. The wrapping material, if present, may be configured to form one or several layers, encompassed by a polymeric shrink-label, which may include visual indicia. The tipping cover and/or wrapping material will provide a lower durometer and more elastic contact mouthpiece surface, as applied, than present in an uncovered mouthpiece, which may be incorporated as part of a smoking article.

Abstract: The invention is related to an electronic cigarette, including an outer shell; at least two soft layers are fitted around the outer shell and wrap the outer shell therein; the outer shell therein has a liquid storage component, an atomizer and a power supply; one end of the outer shell is set with a mouthpiece cover; the outer shell therein is further set with an liquid isolation component; the liquid storage component is disposed in a closed space enclosed by the mouthpiece cover, part of the outer shell and the liquid isolation component; inner wall of the liquid storage component is set with a conduit supporting the liquid storage component, the conduit is respectively communicated with the mouthpiece cover and the liquid isolation component; the atomizer is fixedly supported in the conduit. The electronic cigarette offers favorable feeling to touch and mouth, a simple structure, and quick and convenient assembly.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette or vaporizer may include a shell and a cartomizer receivable within a chamber within a portion of the shell. The cartomizer may hold a vaporizable fluid, dry substance, or other vaporizable substance such as a wax. A charger may also be included which in one embodiment may be insertable into the chamber, and in another embodiment may be connectable to an end of the shell. Various electrical components, such as a printed circuit board, a rechargeable battery, various indicator lights, a sensor, and display screen, for instance, improve the functionality of the vaporizer from known vaporizers. Magnets are also provided in order to secure the cartomizer or the charger to the shell.

Abstract: Vaporizer and/or electronic cigarette chargers useful for the recharging of rechargeable vaporizer or electronic cigarette power supplies such as batteries, compatible vaporizers and/or electronic cigarettes, their components, charging contacts, methods of their use and kits containing such chargers are disclosed.