Abstract: A method for making a container for retaining anesthetic agent. The method includes creating two or more parts each having a mating surface, where the container is formed when the mating surfaces of the two or more parts are coupled together, and where a first part of the two or more parts is formed of a material having pores defined within the mating surface thereof. The method further includes processing the mating surface of the first part via friction stir welding to reduce the pores defined therein. The method further includes coupling the two or more parts together such that the mating surfaces contact to create the container configured to retain the anesthetic agent therein.

Abstract: Systems are provided for a vaporizer gas mixer. The system includes a one-piece body; a gas inlet passage and a gas outlet passage; a first flow path fluidically coupled to the gas inlet passage and the gas outlet passage, the first flow path having a plurality of curves; and a second flow path fluidically coupled to the first flow path and a vaporizing chamber, wherein the first flow path and the second flow path merge after the gas inlet passage and before the plurality of curves. The second flow path includes curves extending in different planes.

Abstract: An electronic vaporizer system includes an anesthetic sump containing anesthetic agent, a vaporizer unit that vaporizes the anesthetic agent from the sump and delivers the vaporized agent to a patient breathing circuit, and a gas sensor configured to measure end tidal concentration of the anesthetic agent and exhalation gasses from the patient. A control system is configured to receive the measured end tidal concentration of anesthetic agent and compare the measured end tidal concentration to a desired end tidal concentration to be maintained for the patient. The vaporizer unit is then automatically controlled to deliver an amount of vaporized agent to the patient based on the comparison.

Abstract: A moisture management system for a medical device. A water trap has an inlet, outlet, first reservoir, and drain, the inlet receiving gas from a supply connection and the outlet returning the gas to a patient connection. The water trap removes moisture from the gas flowing from the inlet to the outlet, where the moisture removed is held in the first reservoir. The system further includes an evaporation chamber having an inlet, an exhaust, and a second reservoir. The inlet is fluidly coupled to the drain of the water trap to receive the moisture from the first reservoir. The moisture is subsequently held in the second reservoir. The evaporation chamber is configured such that the moisture evaporates from the second reservoir and exits as vapor via the exhaust. An evaporator increases a rate at which the moisture in the second reservoir evaporates via the exhaust.

Abstract: A ventilator system includes a gas flow chamber configured to receive ventilation gas circulating in a ventilation gas pathway of the ventilator and at least one UVC lamp. The UVC lamp is configured to radiate UVC spectrum light into the gas flow chamber to inactivate pathogens in the ventilation gas. A flow sensor is configured to measure a gas flow rate of the ventilation gas and a controller is configured to receive the gas flow rate, determine an intensity based on the gas flow rate, and control power to the UVC lamp based on the intensity.

Abstract: A method for making a container for retaining anesthetic agent. The method includes creating two or more parts each having a mating surface, where the container is formed when the mating surfaces of the two or more parts are coupled together, and where a first part of the two or more parts is formed of a material having pores defined within the mating surface thereof. The method further includes processing the mating surface of the first part via friction stir welding to reduce the pores defined therein. The method further includes coupling the two or more parts together such that the mating surfaces contact to create the container configured to retain the anesthetic agent therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is an X-ray detector assembly for use in a computed tomography system. The X-ray detector assembly comprises an array of detector cells coupled between two rails. A thermoelectric cooler is coupled to an end of each of the rails, and is controlled to alternatively heat or cool the detector array to maintain the array in a substantially isothermal and thermally stable condition. The detector assembly preferably includes both passive and active cooling devices and insulation materials for controlling the temperature of the detector assembly. An electrical heater coupled at the center of the detector array can be used in conjunction with the TEC's to control the temperature profile of the detector array, and to minimize changes in the temperature gradients.

Abstract: A connector cap assembly mechanically and electrically couples to the connector back shell that has connector contacts. A boot housing is formed of an electrically charged dissipative material. The housing is sized to receive the connector therein. The boot housing comprises a floor that contacts the connector contacts. A retainer is positioned on the housing and retains a ground wire in contact with the housing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for cooling the electronics associated with Computed Tomography (CT) detector arrays. More particularly, the present invention discloses use of thermoelectric coolers in cooling CT detector electronics. The present invention also provides for using blowers or fans to recirculated air within a plenum for the cooling of CT detector electronics. The present invention also discloses the use of wick type heat pipes being placed either horizontally or with the evaporator end radially farther out than the condenser end such that rotational forces assist with heat flow through the heat pipe for cooling CT detector electronics. The present invention also discloses use of axial groove heat pipes to cool the CT detector electronics because they have enhanced performance under revolving conditions. Lastly, the present invention discloses use of heat sinks and circulation fans in combination with either type of heat pipe.

Abstract: A retainer for retaining a connector to a board is provided. The retainer is positioned between a first carrier board and a second carrier board that is mounted to a circuit board. The retainer body has a middle retainer portion having a hole therethrough. The first retainer side extends from the middle portion. A second retainer side also extends from the middle portion. A first snap is disposed on the first retainer side and a second snap is disposed on the second retainer side. The first snap engages the first carrier board and the second snap engages the second carrier board.

Abstract: A tool is provided for separating a first circuit board and a second circuit board to prevent the damage thereof. The tool includes a piston assembly and a handle. A first blade and second blade are coupled between the handle and the piston assembly. The first blade and the second blade are normally biased outwardly. The handle has a first position and a second position relative to the piston assembly. In the first position the blades are biased outwardly and in the second position the piston assembly biases the blades inwardly to engage the first circuit board.

Abstract: A connector assembly for a circuit board includes a back shell that has guide channels therein. A housing having guide arms extending therefrom is also provided. The guide arms are sized to be received within the guide channel. Upon the alignment of the guide channels and the guide arms, the housing and the back shell will be aligned to prevent damage to the electrical contacts therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is an X-ray detector assembly for use in a computed tomography system. The X-ray detector assembly comprises an array of detector cells coupled between two rails. A thermoelectric cooler is coupled to an end of each of the rails, and is controlled to alternatively heat or cool the detector array to maintain the array in a substantially isothermal and thermally stable condition. The detector assembly preferably includes both passive and active cooling devices and insulation materials for controlling the temperature of the detector assembly. An electrical heater coupled at the center of the detector array can be used in conjunction with the TEC's to control the temperature profile of the detector array, and to minimize changes in the temperature gradients.

Abstract: Disclosed is an X-ray detector assembly for use in a computed tomography system. The X-ray detector assembly comprises an array of detector cells coupled between two rails. A thermoelectric cooler is coupled to an end of each of the rails, and is controlled to alternatively heat or cool the detector array to maintain the array in a substantially isothermal and thermally stable condition. The detector assembly preferably includes both passive and active cooling devices and insulation materials for controlling the temperature of the detector assembly. An electrical heater coupled at the center of the detector array can be used in conjunction with the TEC“s to control the temperature profile of the detector array, and to minimize changes in the temperature gradients.

Abstract: A tool is provided for separating a first circuit board and a second circuit board to prevent the damage thereof. In one aspect of the invention the tool includes a piston assembly and a handle. A first blade and second blade are coupled between the handle and the piston assembly. The first blade and the second blade are normally biased outwardly. The handle has a first position and a second position relative to the piston assembly. In the first position the blades are biased outwardly and in the second position the piston assembly biases the blades inwardly to engage the first circuit board.

Abstract: A tool is provided for removing a first connector portion from a second connector portion. The first connector portion has a retraction feature thereon. The tool has a piston assembly that has a channel therethrough. A cross-member slidably receives the piston assembly. The cross-member has a slot therein. The cross-member has a post head sized to be received within the retraction feature. The pin is positioned within the channel and is slidably received within the slot.

Abstract: A connector cap assembly mechanically and electrically couples to the connector back shell that has connector contacts. A boot housing is formed of an electrically charged dissipative material. The housing is sized to receive the connector therein. The boot housing comprises a floor that contacts the connector contacts. A retainer is positioned on the housing and retains a ground wire in contact with the housing.

Abstract: A retainer for retaining a connector to a board is provided. The retainer is positioned between a first carrier board and a second carrier board that is mounted to a circuit board. The retainer body has a middle retainer portion having a hole therethrough. The first retainer side extends from the middle portion. A second retainer side also extends from the middle portion. A first snap is disposed on the first retainer side and a second snap is disposed on the second retainer side. The first snap engages the first carrier board and the second snap engages the second carrier board.

Abstract: A connector assembly for a circuit board includes a back shell that has guide channels therein. A housing having guide arms extending therefrom is also provided. The guide arms are sized to be received within the guide channel. Upon the alignment of the guide channels and the guide arms, the housing and the back shell will be aligned to prevent damage to the electrical contacts therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is an X-ray detector assembly for use in a computed tomography system. The X-ray detector assembly comprises an array of detector cells coupled between two rails. A phase change material is coupled to each of the rails, and is controlled by a heater element to maintain the phase change material, and hence the detector array, in a substantially isothermal condition.