Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the disclosure features a system that includes a flexible waveguide having a hollow core extending along a waveguide axis and a region surrounding the core, the region being configured to guide radiation from the CO2 laser along the waveguide axis from an input end to an output end of the waveguide. The system also includes a handpiece attached to the waveguide, wherein the handpiece allows an operator to control the orientation of the output end to direct the radiation to a target location of a patient and the handpiece includes a tip extending past the output end that provides a minimum standoff distance between the output end and the target location.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a flat box finisher for applying mud (or mastic or joint compound) over taped joints on walls and ceilings. Usually, paint or wallpaper is then applied over the finished mud. The flat box finisher has no external springs, but has at least one internal support bar which acts as a spring for applying pressure to a corresponding dry wall finishing handle affixed to the flat box finisher. The internal support bar is surrounded by the mud while the device is in use. As a result of having no external spring, the flat box finisher may be reduced in size for smaller jobs or difficult to reach areas of a room. The internal support bar may also eliminate problems with external springs, such as the spring wearing out or becoming damaged during use or storage.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to methods and automated documentation and medical-coding systems that combine predictions of clinical decision support or multiple medical-code assignments into a final medical-code assignment, such that the combination is different for different contexts. In certain implementations, each agent receives the same set of terms and phrases extracted from an electronic medical record (“EMR”). Based on the context of the EMR, each agent extracts medical codes from one or more medical codebooks, compares the terms and phrases to the medical codes, and assigns a code to the EMR based on a confidence score. The multiple code assignments are combined to generate a final medical-code assignment based on the confidence scores, context, and each agent's historical performance within the context. The automated system stores and outputs the final medical-code assignment.

Abstract: Small diameter tools are provided, and methods of use described, to facilitate less invasive surgical procedures employing laser beams. Such tools include distal tips that enhance the precise placement of optical waveguides, as well as enable cutting and dissecting procedures. A rotary coupler allows precise control of flexible conduits in which waveguides may be disposed. Waveguide tips with conical features protect waveguide ends and allow unobstructed propagation of the laser beam out of the waveguide. A preferentially bending jacket for waveguides may be used to control an orientation of a waveguide disposed therein. Surgical waveguide assemblies may include various combinations of these components.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the disclosure features a system that includes a flexible waveguide having a hollow core extending along a waveguide axis and a region surrounding the core, the region being configured to guide radiation from the CO2 laser along the waveguide axis from an input end to an output end of the waveguide. The system also includes a handpiece attached to the waveguide, wherein the handpiece allows an operator to control the orientation of the output end to direct the radiation to a target location of a patient and the handpiece includes a tip extending past the output end that provides a minimum standoff distance between the output end and the target location.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the disclosure features a system that includes a flexible waveguide having a hollow core extending along a waveguide axis and a region surrounding the core, the region being configured to guide radiation from the CO2 laser along the waveguide axis from an input end to an output end of the waveguide. The system also includes a handpiece attached to the waveguide, wherein the handpiece allows an operator to control the orientation of the output end to direct the radiation to a target location of a patient and the handpiece includes a tip extending past the output end that provides a minimum standoff distance between the output end and the target location.

Abstract: A wriggler device is provided for a gas meter endpoint or gas meter index as an interface with a gas meter drive mechanism. In general, the wriggler may include a base surface, at least one interface wall, and at least one guide wall. The base surface has a peripheral edge and a center point. The interface wall extends at an interface angle from the base surface, and may have an interface surface and a tip portion, with the tip portion spaced from the base surface. The at least one guide wall may extend between the base surface and the tip portion, and may have a guide surface. The guide wall may be configured to guide the drive mechanism along the guide surface to the base surface. Engagement of the interface surface by the drive mechanism causes the wriggler to rotate.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the disclosure features a system that includes a flexible waveguide having a hollow core extending along a waveguide axis and a region surrounding the core, the region being configured to guide radiation from the CO2 laser along the waveguide axis from an input end to an output end of the waveguide. The system also includes a handpiece attached to the waveguide, wherein the handpiece allows an operator to control the orientation of the output end to direct the radiation to a target location of a patient and the handpiece includes a tip extending past the output end that provides a minimum standoff distance between the output end and the target location.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the level of liquid within a chamber (10) is disclosed. The valve comprises a liquid inlet (30) and a primary float (40) that is movable in response to a change in the level of liquid (20) within the chamber (10) between an open configuration in which liquid (20) is able to flow through the liquid inlet (30) into the chamber (10) when the liquid (20) within the chamber (10) is below a predetermined acceptable level, and a closed configuration in which liquid (20) is prevented from flowing through the liquid inlet (30) into the chamber (10) when the liquid within the chamber (10) is at or above the predetermined acceptable level.

Abstract: A wriggler device is provided for a gas meter endpoint or gas meter index as an interface with a gas meter drive mechanism. In general, the wriggler may include a base surface, at least one interface wall, and at least one guide wall. The base surface has a peripheral edge and a center point. The interface wall extends at an interface angle from the base surface, and may have an interface surface and a tip portion, with the tip portion spaced from the base surface. The at least one guide wall may extend between the base surface and the tip portion, and may have a guide surface. The guide wall may be configured to guide the drive mechanism along the guide surface to the base surface. Engagement of the interface surface by the drive mechanism causes the wriggler to rotate.

Abstract: A humidification chamber for use in a breathing circuit to humidify gases before inhalation is disclosed. The humidification chamber is adapted to contain a volume of liquid, and includes a gas inlet port, a gas outlet port, and a fluid inlet for introducing liquid into the humidification chamber. The fluid inlet is provided with a primary valve seat and a secondary valve seat. An actuating member engages the primary valve seat when liquid within the humidification chamber is at or above a predetermined acceptable level. The actuating member is deformable in response to an increase in liquid level above the predetermined acceptable level to a deformed configuration in engagement with the secondary valve to prevent liquid from flowing through the fluid inlet into the humidification chamber.

Abstract: A humidification chamber (10) for use in a breathing circuit to humidify gases before inhalation is disclosed. The humidification chamber (10) is adapted to contain a volume of liquid (20), and comprises a gas inlet port (16), a gas outlet port (16) and a fluid inlet (30) for introducing liquid into the humidification chamber (10). The fluid inlet (30) is provided with a filter member (60) including a plurality of exit apertures for enabling flow of liquid through the filter member (60). The filter member (60) also defines a collection chamber (69) that is disposed below the exit apertures, in use, such that foreign objects in the liquid that are unable to pass through the exit apertures fall under the influence of gravity into the collection chamber (69).

Abstract: A humidification chamber (10) for use in a breathing circuit to humidify gases before inhalation is disclosed. The humidification chamber (10) is adapted to contain a volume of liquid (20), and comprises a gas inlet port (16), a gas outlet port (16) and a fluid inlet (30) for introducing liquid into the humidification chamber (10). The fluid inlet (30) is provided with a filter member (60) including a plurality of exit apertures for enabling flow of liquid through the filter member (60). The filter member (60) also defines a collection chamber (69) that is disposed below the exit apertures, in use, such that foreign objects in the liquid that are unable to pass through the exit apertures fall under the influence of gravity into the collection chamber (69).

Abstract: A wriggler device is provided for a gas meter endpoint or gas meter index as an interface with a gas meter drive mechanism. In general, the wriggler may include a base surface, at least one interface wall, and at least one guide wall. The base surface has a peripheral edge and a center point. The interface wall extends at an interface angle from the base surface, and may have an interface surface and a tip portion, with the tip portion spaced from the base surface. The at least one guide wall may extend between the base surface and the tip portion, and may have a guide surface. The guide wall may be configured to guide the drive mechanism along the guide surface to the base surface. Engagement of the interface surface by the drive mechanism causes the wriggler to rotate.

Abstract: A wriggler device is provided for a gas meter endpoint or gas meter index as an interface with a gas meter drive mechanism. In general, the wriggler may include a base surface, at least one interface wall, and at least one guide wall. The base surface has a peripheral edge and a center point. The interface wall extends at an interface angle from the base surface, and may have an interface surface and a tip portion, with the tip portion spaced from the base surface. The at least one guide wall may extend between the base surface and the tip portion, and may have a guide surface. The guide wall may be configured to guide the drive mechanism along the guide surface to the base surface. Engagement of the interface surface by the drive mechanism causes the wriggler to rotate.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the disclosure features a system that includes a flexible waveguide having a hollow core extending along a waveguide axis and a region surrounding the core, the region being configured to guide radiation from the CO2 laser along the waveguide axis from an input end to an output end of the waveguide. The system also includes a handpiece attached to the waveguide, wherein the handpiece allows an operator to control the orientation of the output end to direct the radiation to a target location of a patient and the handpiece includes a tip extending past the output end that provides a minimum standoff distance between the output end and the target location.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, the disclosure features a system that includes a flexible waveguide having a hollow core extending along a waveguide axis and a region surrounding the core, the region being configured to, guide radiation from the CO2 laser along the waveguide axis from an input end to an output end of the waveguide. The system also includes a handpiece attached to the waveguide, wherein the handpiece allows an operator to control the orientation of the output end to direct the radiation to a target location of a patient and the handpiece includes a tip extending past the output end that provides a minimum standoff distance between the output end and the target location.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a flat box finisher for applying mud (or mastic or joint compound) over taped joints on walls and ceilings. Usually, paint or wallpaper is then applied over the finished mud. The flat box finisher has no external springs, but has at least one internal support bar which acts as a spring for applying pressure to a corresponding dry wall finishing handle affixed to the flat box finisher. The internal support bar is surrounded by the mud while the device is in use. As a result of having no external spring, the flat box finisher may be reduced in size for smaller jobs or difficult to reach areas of a room. The internal support bar may also eliminate problems with external springs, such as the spring wearing out or becoming damaged during use or storage.

Abstract: A track-and-hold circuit capable of tracking an analog input signal and holding a sampled voltage of the analog input signal at a sampling instant for processing by other circuitry, in response to a track signal that alternates with a hold signal. A first capacitor is provided, having a first terminal connected to a power supply terminal. Tracking circuitry operates when in an on state to apply through a resistor a tracking voltage to a second terminal of the first capacitor that corresponds to the voltage of the analog input signal, by applying the tracking voltage to a first terminal of the resistor, the second terminal of the resistor being connected to the second terminal of the first capacitor. A switch, responsive to the track signal and the hold signal, operates to switch the tracking circuitry to an on state in response to the track signal and to an off state in response to the hold signal, the time of change from the track signal to the hold signal comprising the sampling instant.

Abstract: A humidification chamber (10) for use in a breathing circuit to humidify gases before inhalation is disclosed. The humidification chamber (10) is adapted to contain a volume of liquid (20), and comprises a gas inlet port (16), a gas outlet port (16) and a fluid inlet (30) for introducing liquid into the humidification chamber (10). The fluid inlet (30) is provided with a filter member (60) including a plurality of exit apertures for enabling flow of liquid through the filter member (60). The filter member (60) also defines a collection chamber (69) that is disposed below the exit apertures, in use, such that foreign objects in the liquid that are unable to pass through the exit apertures fall under the influence of gravity into the collection chamber (69).