Abstract: Recombinant microorganisms configured for enhanced production of compounds such as 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (PDC) and methods of using the recombinant microorganisms for the production of these compounds. The recombinant microorganisms include one or more modifications that reduce 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid (PDC) hydrolase activity, 4-carboxy-2-hydroxy-6-methoxy-6-oxohexa-2,4-dienoate (CHMOD) cis-trans isomerase activity, 4-carboxy-2-hydroxy-6-methoxy-6-oxohexa-2,4-dienoate (CHMOD) methyl esterase activity, and/or vanillate/3-O-methylgallate O-demethylase activity. The recombinant microorganisms can be used to generate PDC from media comprising plant-derived phenolics, such as syringyl phenolics, guaiacyl phenolics, and p-hydroxyphenyl phenolics. The plant-derived phenolics can be derived from pretreated lignin, including depolymerized lignin or other chemically altered lignin.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a clamp attachable to a support rail of a hospital bed, for example. The clamp includes a body, first and second arms coupled to the body, wherein the first and second arms are moveable towards and away from one another. The clamp further includes at least one seat clamp member pivotably coupled to at least one of the first and second arms. The clamp is attached to the support rail when the at least one seat clamp member contacts the support rail and the first and second arms are in a clamped position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a clamp attachable to a support rail of a hospital bed, for example. The clamp includes a body, first and second arms coupled to the body, wherein the first and second arms are moveable towards and away from one another. The clamp further includes at least one seat clamp member pivotably coupled to at least one of the first and second arms. The clamp is attached to the support rail when the at least one seat clamp member contacts the support rail and the first and second arms are in a clamped position.

Abstract: A support surface includes a plurality of support surface air cells arranged in an array; and a CPR air cell in fluid communication with the support surface air cells via a plurality of inlet ports. The CPR air cell includes at least one outlet port. The outlet port has a higher flow rate than the inlet ports. The use of the CPR air cell provides an economical and efficient mechanism for rapidly deflating an inflatable support surface in the event that CPR is required.

Abstract: A support surface includes a plurality of support surface air cells arranged in an array; and a CPR air cell in fluid communication with the support surface air cells via a plurality of inlet ports. The CPR air cell includes at least one outlet port. The outlet port has a higher flow rate than the inlet ports. The use of the CPR air cell provides an economical and efficient mechanism for rapidly deflating an inflatable support surface in the event that CPR is required.

Abstract: The present invention includes a laparoscopic imaging apparatus including a housing mountable in a known relationship to a patient, an image capture element mounted with the housing, and an image control system connected to the image capture element. The image capture element is mounted with the housing such that when in use, the image capture element is within the body of the patient, and further such that the image capture element is adapted to generate a signal representative of an image of portions of the volume within the body of the patient. The image control system is adapted to be responsive to the signals generated by the image capture element as well as control inputs provided by a user. The image control system is further adapted to select a portion of an image represented by the signal, wherein the portion of the image is less than the whole image.

Abstract: The invention is a modular inflatable/air fluidized patient bed suitable for in-home use. The bed includes a double walled, molded plastic base formed from two pedestals and a connecting midsection. A blower compartment containing the electrical and mechanical components needed to operate the bed is formed in one of the pedestals. The bed optionally includes a plurality of block-shaped spacers that can be positioned under the pedestals to increase the height of the bed. A series of pilot operated check valves are provided in the air lines leading to the inflatable components. If air flow is interrupted, the check valves close to maintain the air in the inflatable components and prevent them from deflating.