Abstract: A method and apparatus for a medical airway passage device suitable for maintaining an airway for a patient is provided. The medical airway passage device includes a novel coupler device designed to prevent contamination, infection, and unwanted discharge of patient fluids and solids during usage. The coupler includes a locking mechanism configured to lock the coupler to a breathing tube and thus preventing unintentional decoupling of the coupler from the breathing tube. The coupler also includes a self-sealing suction port for removing patient discharges. The coupler further includes a filter for enabling the free flowing passage of airflow but prevention of the flow of patient discharges.

Abstract: An taking up/receiving system (100) and a process for taking up/receiving of gas from a medical apparatus (1) are provided. The taking up/receiving system includes a feed line (6), a discharge line (8), a filter unit (4) with a filter and at least one buffer storage device. The feed line establishes a fluid connection between the medical apparatus and the filter unit. The discharge line establishes a fluid connection between the filter unit and a fluid taking up/receiving unit (7). The gas is discharged from the medical apparatus and is passed through the feed line to the filter unit and from there through the discharge line to the fluid taking up/receiving unit. The filter filters at least one gas component out of the gas that is passed through the filter unit. The one or more buffer storage device absorbs and again discharges gas from time to time.

Abstract: An odor containment and elimination device includes a containment center, first pathway, second pathway, and third pathway. The containment center can be configured to receive an odorous item that emits a contaminated air including an odor. The first pathway can be in fluid communication with the containment center and an outside environment and configured to allow contaminated air to travel from the containment center to a first release point while inhibiting seeping of the contaminated air from the first pathway into the outside environment prior to the first release point. The second pathway can be in fluid communication with the containment center and the outside environment via a first intake. The third pathway can be in fluid communication with the containment center and the outside environment and configured to reduce contaminated air released into the environment and/or direct the contaminated air through a door or window.

Abstract: Body-worn air-treatment devices include a body that is configured to be selectively coupled proximate to a respiratory tract inlet of a living individual, and a pathogen-deactivating mechanism that is supported by the body. Methods include deactivating pathogens proximate to a respiratory tract inlet of a living individual.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for stimulating the tracheobronchial air of a patient suffering from an obstructive ventilatory disorder and able to modify the rheology of his tracheobronchial mucus, which includes a negative pressure generator, a physiological interface able to interface the device with the patient's respiratory apparatus, a connection pipe connecting the physiological interface to the negative pressure generator, and a control circuit capable of controlling the negative pressure generator, during the passive expiration phase, for the application of a succession of alternation of negative pressure and venting impulses with a determined frequency and a duty cycle determined during a first part of an expiration cycle and then a second frequency and a second duty cycle during a second part of the expiration cycle and to reiterate a defined number of expiration cycles.

Abstract: A rebreathing apparatus having inhaled oxygen mixing and exhaled carbon dioxide removal functions, enabling rebreathing by maintaining the amount of breathing oxygen by inhalation and removing carbon dioxide discharged by exhalation. The rebreathing apparatus includes a mask having one side to which an inhalation hose is connected and the other side to which an exhalation hose is connected; an exhaled breath storing container storing exhaled breath; a filter removing carbon dioxide; an inhaled breath storing container storing the air having passed through the filter; an oxygen storing container supplying oxygen to the inhalation storing container; a decompressor installed at an inlet of the oxygen storing container; an oxygen mixing module mixing the oxygen discharged through the oxygen supplying hose with the air; and a controller controlling operations of the exhaled breath storing container, the inhaled breath storing container, the oxygen storing container, the filter, and the oxygen mixing module.

Abstract: An apparatus to remove liquid from a ventilation system can include a housing, a first port extending into an interior volume of the housing and a second port extending toward the first tube, into the interior volume, separated from the first port by a gap that is at least 5 mm in length, such that ventilating fluid transfers from the first port to the second while secretions and condensate escape through the gap, to be trapped in the housing. The first port joins with a ventilator. The second port joins with an intubation tube coupled to a tracheostomy or endotracheal tube. An extraction port is in a floor of the housing so that accumulated liquids in the housing can drain downward and out the extraction port, while minimizing positive end expiratory pressure loss in the ventilation system, and without exposing caregivers to biological material in the drained liquid.

Abstract: An apparatus for negative-pressure treatment may include an enclosure having a variable volume, a port and an actuation surface, a first one-way valve configured to allow fluid ingress to the enclosure, a second one-way valve configured to allow fluid egress from the enclosure, and an actuator configured to apply a linear force to the actuation surface.

Abstract: A breathing mask includes a mask body unit and a container. The mask body unit includes a mask body having an inner surface configured to cooperate with a user's face to define an interior space therebetween, and two straps respectively connected to two opposite sides of the mask body. The container has a container body defining a chamber for receiving working liquid and formed with a plurality of vent holes for communicating the chamber with the interior space. At least one gas generating unit is connected to the container, and includes an electrolysis device disposed in a casing thereof for electrolyzing the working liquid into a hydrogen/oxygen gas mixture.

Abstract: A control system, for controlling a closed-circuit respirator breathing gas circuit, includes a temperature sensor, a temperature-reading unit and with a control unit. The temperature sensor is configured to send a temperature signal in the presence of a corresponding temperature polling. The temperature signal indicates the temperature currently present in an area surrounding the temperature sensor. The temperature-reading unit is arranged in the closed-circuit respirator at a spaced location from the breathing gas circuit and the temperature sensor, and is configured to trigger the temperature polling at the temperature sensor by sending a polling signal, and to receive the temperature signal sent by the temperature sensor. The control unit is signal connected to the temperature-reading unit and is configured to determine the temperature indicated by the temperature signal in the area surrounding the temperature sensor and to output a control signal as a function of this temperature.

Abstract: A positive pressure ventilation apparatus may include a positive pressure mask; a positive pressure source; and an exhalation filter. The positive pressure mask may include a mask body having a patient-contact perimeter and including a flexible concertinaed portion of uniform flexion continuously around the mask body. The flexible concertinaed portion may include a plurality of ridges. The positive pressure mask may further include a gas inlet to the mask body configured to be connected to the positive-pressure source; and an adhesive seal positioned at the patient-contact perimeter which may be positioned at the outermost portion of the patient contact perimeter. The adhesive seal may comprise one or more layers. Each layer may include one or more cover members, each of which may include at least one removable tab; and at least one perforation. Each layer may further include a dual-sided form carrier with adhesive material on one or both sides.

Abstract: A blower assembly for a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) assembly includes: a lower housing; an upper housing connected to the lower housing, such that the upper housing and the lower housing collectively define a first interior cavity; a filter configured to filter ambient air drawn into the blower assembly; and a fan. The upper housing and the filter define a pathway for a flow of air into the first interior cavity. The fan is positioned in the first interior cavity such that, when the fan is activated, ambient air is drawn into the blower assembly and travels along the pathway into the first interior cavity for subsequent delivery out of the blower assembly. The lower housing defines an outlet port for directing breathable air out of the blower assembly for delivery to a user (e.g., via a breathing tube interconnecting a headpiece and the outlet port).

Abstract: A control system for an onboard oxygen generating system (OBOGS) includes a gain control communicatively coupled to an oxygen sensor configured to measure an oxygen concentration outputted from the OBOGS. The gain control selectively switches between unbalanced and balanced bed cycling modes of the OBOGS to produce a target oxygen concentration based on demand. A corresponding method includes providing a gain control communicatively coupled to an oxygen sensor configured to measure an oxygen concentration outputted from the OBOGS, controlling the OBOGS to operate in the unbalanced bed cycling mode when a low demand is placed on the OBOGS whereby the gain control provides a short bed cycle and a corresponding long cycle of a fixed cycle time, and switching the OBOGS to operate in the balanced bed cycling mode when a high demand is placed on the OBOGS. The balanced bed cycling mode operates at a decreased bed cycle time.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents methods, systems and devices for performing capnography (respiratory CO2) monitoring using a respiratory CO2 sensor and a breath tracking mechanism for tracking and/or detecting phases of the breath wherein the measurements of the CO2 sensor may provide baseline CO2 values, and modulate/quantify the respiratory CO2 levels according to the baseline values.

Abstract: A catalyst alarm system for resin/catalyst spray applications, the system having a first flow sensor that monitors whether a catalyst from a manifold is flowing for supply to a spay gun or other applicator at a specified minimum rate; a second flow sensor that detects if the catalyst is flowing out of a bypass conduit of the manifold, which indicates the catalyst is not being mixed with the resin; a third flow sensor that detects if the catalyst is flowing out of an over-pressure conduit of the manifold, which indicates that only a partial amount of the required catalyst is being mixed with the resin; and monitoring circuitry for providing alarm and/or control features based on activation combinations of the three flow sensors.

Abstract: An oxygen concentrator (100) apparatus and a method thereof implement operations control to efficiently release oxygen enriched gas to reduce potential waste. The control methodology may include generating a profile such as a minimum inhalation flow profile of the user. The profile may be based on a size parameter of the user. The method may determine one or more control parameters characterizing a bolus of oxygen enriched gas based on the generated flow profile. The control methodology may then generate a bolus release control signal, such as for a supply valve, according to the determined one or more control parameters. The oxygen concentrator may then, with the control signal, release and deliver a bolus of oxygen enriched gas for a user such as for reducing waste.

Abstract: A gas-liquid separator includes a cylindrical inlet pipe and a fluid inflow pipe. The inlet pipe includes a fluid inlet which is formed in a fluid entering side and radially opens. An axis line of the inlet pipe horizontally extends. The fluid inflow pipe includes at an end a connection opening connected to the fluid inlet. An axis line of the fluid inflow pipe horizontally extends. The fluid inflow pipe introduces the gas-liquid two-phase fluid through the fluid inlet from a side of the inlet pipe. In a connecting portion, a position of an axis line extending through a center of a connection opening in communication with the fluid inlet is vertically offset with respect to a position of the axis line of the inlet pipe.

Abstract: A respiratory device provides respiratory support to a patient. The respiratory device includes an expandable bag and a rigid valve housing. The expandable bag has an air inlet valve as well as a first and second sides that are bounded, respectively, by first and second rigid side panels. Each of the first and second rigid side panels includes a biasing member projection. The rigid valve housing is in fluid communication with the expandable bag. The rigid valve housing includes an adjustable tidal volume control device that interfaces with the biasing member projection of each of the first and second rigid side panels to set one of a plurality of predetermined tidal volumes for the expandable bag in an uncompressed or compressed configuration. The rigid valve housing additionally includes a patient breathing interface connection member.

Abstract: A structural component having an internal support structure extending between outer wall portions of the component with one or more compartments included within the support structure. The support structure has support members including internal walls positioned between and/or defined by the compartments. At least one support member connects between the outer wall portions of the component to enhance the structural integrity of the component. The structural component, including the internal support, are cast from a molten material, and in some cases the support members of the internal support structure are formed with a rectilinear configuration. In some cases the cast structural component is a container and the one or more compartments are configured to store a fluid, such as a gas or a liquid. One or more preforms can be used to form a container and may be retained or eliminated from the container after casting.

Abstract: There is provided a device for measuring a user's oxygen-consumption. The device includes a venturi tube. The venturi tube has a first tapered portion, a second tapered portion that is more tapered compared to the first tapered portion, and a constriction between the portions thereof. The device includes at least one pressure sensor in communication with the constriction and the first tapered portion of the venturi tube. The device includes an oxygen sensor in communication with the constriction and the first tapered portion of the venturi tube.

Abstract: A fluid filtration device having an outer cylindrical surface with a first diameter having a longitudinal axis, and an inner cylindrical surface with an inner diameter substantially centered about the longitudinal axis, and a plurality of longitudinal holes substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis arranged between the outer cylindrical surface and the inner cylindrical surface.

Abstract: A system for analysis of vent gas of a urea plant, comprising: a Raman spectroscope; a sampling conduit that connects the spectroscope to a main pipe of the urea plant configured to convey a sample stream to be analysed to the spectroscope; and a temperature-adjusting device, operated by a temperature controller and acting on at least one thermal treatment portion of the conduit configured to adjust the temperature of the sample stream circulating in the conduit.

Abstract: A mask for use at an operating pressure substantially equal to atmospheric pressure includes a body with a three-dimensional shaped chamber that is configured to receive a user's mouth and nares and operate at the operating pressure. The mask also includes a seal forming structure with a nose seal portion that extends around at least a portion of the user's nares on an inferior side of the user's nose inferior to the user's nasal ridge, and a mouth seal portion that forms a seal at least partially around the user's mouth and between the user's chin and lip inferior. The nose seal portion is directly connected to the mouth seal portion. The mask also includes a positioning and stabilising structure to provide a force to hold the seal forming structure in position against the user.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an assembly and method of use thereof for reducing microbial load in an airway of a patient. The assembly includes a miniature vacuum unit. The miniature vacuum unit includes a housing, at least one air inlet configured in the housing for air intake; a vacuum motor for sucking the air through the at least one air inlet; vents configured in the housing for blowing the sucked air out of the housing, a filter media covering inner side of the vents, such as the sucked air passes through the filter media, the filter media configured to retain microbes suspended in the sucked air; and at least one suction tube. The suction tube is having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the at least one suction tube configured to sealably and releasably coupled to the at least one air inlet, a plurality of apertures configured in the wall of the suction tube near its distal end. The suction tube configured to be positioned within the mouth of the patient.

Abstract: A flow generator (21) for a respiratory therapy system configured to deliver a breathable gas flow to a patient comprises a housing (27) comprising an inlet (28) and an outlet (25) and a gas flow path between the inlet (28) and outlet (25). An impeller is mounted within the housing (27) for rotation about an axis, the impeller configured to be rotationally driven by a motor to provide a gas flow along the gas flow path. Various embodiments are disclosed in which the flow generator (21) further comprises a sensor (23) mounted in the housing (27) in the gas flow path and configured to detect a property of the gas flow. The sensor (23) may be mounted in the outlet (25) so as to project into the gas flow path. Flow generator may comprise an axial inlet (28) and a tangential outlet (25). In another embodiment the sensor (23) may be mounted in the inlet (28).

Abstract: A sample cell (10) for a respired gas sensor has a single-piece injection molded main body (40) defining a gas flow path including an optical sampling bore (42), a gas inlet lumen (50) connected with the inlet end (44) of the optical sampling bore, and a gas outlet lumen (52) connected with the outlet end (46) of the optical sampling bore. The gas flow path includes at least two curved walls (100, 102, 104, 106). The sample cell may be manufactured by assembling mold pins (120, 122, 124, 126, 128) for defining the gas flow path wherein at least two mold pins (122, 124) have curved surfaces for defining the at least two curved walls of the gas flow path, and injection molding the single piece injection molded main body including removing the mold pins after defining the gas flow path including the at least two curved walls.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are portable gas delivery systems and therapeutic methods of use. More specifically, the portable gas delivery systems herein include a regulator having an inhalation device, such as a mouthpiece, and is configured to operably couple with removable sealed gas cartridges that comprise a therapeutic gas mixture of either one or more noble gases or nitrous oxide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the collection, processing and reuse of amniotic fluid at a C-section site. The method is conducted coincident with and in the operating room wherein the caesarian section is performed. In the method, amniotic fluid is suctioned from the caesarian section collection site using a vacuum line system which includes a canister positioned along the vacuum line. The canister has a port whereby the amniotic fluid can be removed from the canister. The amniotic fluid can be then be mixed with a coagulant or sealant and applied to the wound site of the cesarean section patient. Placental aspirate may also be collected, processed and used in accordance with the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that ionize vapors for their chemical analysis is described. The new ionizer improves the ionization efficiency by reducing dilution of sample molecules and improving transmission of ions to the analyzer. This is accomplished by a new flow configuration, in which a stream of clean gas focuses the ions towards the analyzer. A deflector prevents the formation of turbulent perturbation, and the ionization maintains a laminar regime without the need for additional separating walls or electrodes. The flow within the ionizer is configured so that contaminants released by the inner walls of the ionizer do not reach the ionization region. The resulting ionizer improves the ionization efficiency, and the background levels for low volatility species. This makes it ideal for the analysis of low volatility species in the gas phase. One application of this ionizer is the analysis of human breath in real time.

Abstract: A smart respirator includes a main respirator-body including a first open end and a second open end. A diameter of the first open end is smaller than a diameter of the second open end. The smart respirator further includes a front respirator-body arranged at the first open end. The front respirator-body includes a filter sheet arranged inside the front respirator-body and configured to absorb pollutants in air entering the front respirator-body, an air sensor arranged inside the front respirator-body and configured to detect an air index of filtered air filtered by the filter sheet, and a flow sensor arranged inside the front respirator-body and configured to determine a total respiratory amount. The smart respirator also includes a fixation band arranged at the second open end.

Abstract: A thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer film includes a continuous phase that includes a thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer and a nanoinclusion additive dispersed within the continuous phase in the form of discrete domains, wherein each discrete domain is elongated with a long axis, wherein the axes are aligned in the machine direction (MD) when the film is relaxed, and wherein the axes are aligned in the cross direction (CD) when the film is stretched in the CD. Also, an article includes the thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer film.

Abstract: A gases delivery system for medical use is disclosed that has a container configured to house a metal-organic framework material within at least one section of the container. An activation mechanism may be associated with the container. The metal-organic framework material may contain one or more substances such that the one or more substances may be released from the metal-organic framework material when energy is applied to the container via the activation mechanism. The activation mechanism may be a heating mechanism. One or more containers housing metal-organic framework materials may be used in a gases recirculation system.

Abstract: There is provided an exhaled breath moisture reduction system including a dryer mechanism and a connector adapted to connect the dryer mechanism proximate to a respiratory output device. There is also provided an exhaled breath sampling assembly including an airway adaptor and a moisture reduction sleeve comprising a material adapted to reduce moisture and a connector adapted to connect said sleeve substantially adjacent to a breath sampling inlet within the adaptor. Also provided, a method of sampling breath which includes attaching an exhaled breath moisture reduction sleeve substantially adjacent to a breath sampling inlet.

Abstract: A portable sampling system includes a heated probe, an input/output (“I/O”) system, and one membrane dryer in the form of a conduit that couples the probe to the I/O system. The dryer has purge gas flowing over the drying membrane and a gas sample flowing through the drying membrane, which is in the form of tubes of a perfluorosulfonic acid material, and wherein the dryer is operated in some embodiments under deep vacuum and with the purge gas flowing at a rate that is typically less than that of the gas sample being dried.

Abstract: The disclosed technology regards a reusable, non-pyrotechnic diversionary device having a housing assembly which receives and supports a pressure manifold, activation assembly, and a lighting assembly. The housing assembly includes a vessel, a main chassis, and a transparent lens. Positioned within the main chassis is a pressure manifold which supports a compressed gas source. A puncture pin is provided in the activation assembly, and aligned with the compressed gas source to facilitate puncture of the source. The disclosed technology further regards a reusable, non-pyrotechnic diversionary assembly having a housing assembly and a reloading tool. The reloading tool has an externally threaded inner body with an aperture at its distal end sized to receive the puncture pin, and an outer body sized and internally threaded to rotatably receive a portion of the inner body in its shaft, allowing the inner body to traverse through and from the shaft at its distal end.

Abstract: A device 10 withdraws a breathing gas stream (A) from a ventilation system (B) and transports the breathing gas stream (A) to a gas analysis system (G). The device 10 has a tubular configuration with an inner side (41) and with an outer side (42) and includes two tube sections (11, 11?) and a drying stage (12, 14, 22) with an inner side (43, 43?) and with an outer side (44, 44?), and at least one liquid storage device (13, 21). The drying stage (12, 14, 22) includes a gas-tight and moisture-permeable material that transports moisture from the inner side (43, 43?) of the drying stage (12, 14, 22) through the gas-tight and moisture-permeable material to the outer side (42) of the tubular device (10). The drying stage (12, 14, 22) and/or the liquid storage device (13, 21) is arranged at least partially between the two tube sections (11, 11?).

Abstract: A device for evacuating a surgical site of a patient includes a container that defines a first end having a surgical site engaging surface and a second end having a pressure source engaging surface. The first end defines a tapered cross-section configured for being engageably received within an opening at the surgical site. In operation, vacuum pressure is applied to the second end in order to create a vacuum within the container to evacuate fluids from the surgical site.

Abstract: A breathing system for an anesthesia machine is provided, which comprises an operation mode switch, a CO2 canister, a bellows, a patient inspiratory branch and a patient expiratory branch. The operation mode switch comprises a vent communicating with the patient inspiratory branch, a vent communicating with the patient expiratory branch, a vent communicating with the bellows, and a vent communicating with the CO2 canister. The CO2 canister is positioned below the operation mode switch, so as to collect the water flowing through the operation mode switch.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying breathing air to a person includes a rebreathing system arranged in the air supply circuit, which removes CO2 at least in part present in the person's expiration air with a CO2 absorber, and treats the expiration air to supply treated air to the person again as inhalation air. The apparatus includes a condensate collection container (9) collecting water forming in the air supply circuit. The condensate collection container (9) is arranged at least in part below a reaction zone (17) of the CO2 absorber (1). At least one heat exchanger (10, 14) is provided in the CO2 absorber, via which heat from the air, which flows through the CO2 absorber and is heated as a result of the exothermic CO2 absorption reaction occurring in the reaction zone of the CO2 absorber, is dissipated.

Abstract: A trap bowl is provided to accumulate liquid droplets from a filter, as a liquid content. The trap bowl includes a transparent vertical prism. The transparent vertical prism includes a face that forms a vertical transparent surface facing against a content of the section. The face can provide a first angle of total reflection when content of the section is a type of gas, and a second angle of total reflection when the content of the section is the liquid content. A light source may emit a light beam incident on the face at an angle of incidence. The angle of incidence results in reflection of the light beam, striking the light receiver, when the face has the first angle of total reflection, and results in refraction of the light beam, missing the light receiver, when the face has the second angle of total reflection.

Abstract: An evacuation system and method for removing and/or treating gaseous and/or particulate byproducts of surgical procedures includes an end effector such as a side vent trocar, an operating room tower or the equivalent, a disposal vessel, a vacuum source and optionally a filter. The end effector may be coupled to the tower by a conduit, the tower may be coupled to the collection tank by a conduit, and the collection tank may be coupled to the vacuum source. Gaseous and/or particulate byproducts may flow from the surgical site through the trocar, conduits, tower tank and filter, and the flow may be regulated at least in part by the components of the system.

Abstract: A breath testing apparatus is provided with a mouthpiece, a collection chamber, and a discharge chute. A breath sample is captured within the collection chamber and transferred to an evacuated container through the discharge chute by a sample transfer assembly.

Abstract: A balloon or balloon cover comprising a composite material having a least one expanded fluoropolymer material and an elastomer is provided. The expanded fluoropolymer material can contain serpentine fibrils. In exemplary embodiments, the fluoropolymer is polytetrafluoroethylene. The composite material may be axially, helically, and/or circumferentially wrapped to form a balloon or balloon cover. The balloon or balloon cover exhibits a sharp increase in stiffness at a predetermined diameter. The balloon or balloon cover can be designed to have a stop point in either a radial or axial direction.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fluid adapter for a breathable gas delivery device, such as a facemask, for delivering breathable gas to a user. The fluid adapter comprises an adapter body defining an adapter chamber; a pressurized gas inlet port in fluid communication with the adapter chamber and arranged to be fluidically coupled to a source of pressurized breathable gas and an ambient air inlet port arranged to provide fluid communication between the adapter chamber and ambient air outside of the fluid adapter. The adapter also comprises an adapter outlet port in fluid communication with the adapter chamber and arranged to be fluidically coupled to a delivery device gas inlet port of the breathable gas delivery device; and an adapter connector arranged to connect the fluid adapter to the breathable gas delivery device such that the adapter outlet port is fluidically coupled to the delivery device gas inlet port.

Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus and method for determining the energy expenditure of a subject by indirect calorimetry where respiratory gases O2 and CO2 are captured in a tent mask coupled through a pneumotach flow meter to a vacuum inlet of a blower fan whose speed is controlled by a computer running a program that ensures that the bias flow being drawn through the mask always exceeds the subject's peak expiratory flow. VO2 and VCO2 and flow values are measured on a breath-by-breath basis and used in arriving at a bias flow adjustment voltage to be applied to the blower fan for adjusting its speed.

Abstract: A rectangular parallelepiped-shaped cartridge main body having a protective cap removably attached to a first end side thereof has a puncture needle retainer that retains a puncture needle provided at the back of a puncture opening provided on the first end side of the cartridge main body such that the puncture needle is slidable toward the puncture opening. Furthermore, a sensor unit having a depositing opening is provided on the first end side of the cartridge main body. The sensor unit has an introduction promoting hole that communicates with an introduction channel communicating with the depositing opening and that opens to the surface of the cartridge main body. The protective cap is provided with a puncture needle protector that covers the puncture needle, a sensor protector that covers the depositing opening of the sensor unit, and a sensor protector that covers the introduction promoting hole.

Abstract: A platform-agnostic buoyancy aid includes a bladder having a direction of inflation, an inflator coupled to the bladder and configured to fill the bladder with a gas in response to actuation by a trigger, a trigger connected to the inflator and configured to actuate the inflator in response to a tension applied to a ripcord, and a removable directional attachment rig holding the bladder, inflator and trigger, the removable directional attachment rig configured to attach the buoyancy aid to at least one of a wearer's backpack, clothing or harness such that the relative angle of the direction of inflation of the bladder to the wearer's centerline remains substantially constant.

Abstract: An automated water purging apparatus prevents dispensing of contaminated water by volumetrically flushing a standing volume of water between a tap and an exterior inlet as required. Volumetric control of flushing and usage monitoring between flushing events minimize water waste and delivery delays. Embodiments operate in demand and/or periodic modes, and switch therebetween according to a user-specified schedule. A controller and valve can be powered by a battery that is recharged by energy derived from water flow through the apparatus. Wireless and/or network connectivity can enable remote communication with the controller via a remote console and/or other wired and wireless devices. Embodiments take partial purge usage volumes into account when determining if standing water is contaminated. Partial purge volumes can include volumes shared with other taps. Embodiments can alert users to potential leaks. Embodiments include a volumetric flow sensor at the external inlet shared among a plurality of taps.

Abstract: A cap assembly for conveying air into the interior of a container and water from the interior of the container, the cap assembly comprising a valve moveable from a first position, in which the cap assembly is closed, to a second position, in which the cap assembly is open to permit the flow of air and water through the cap assembly, the cap assembly further comprising at least two apertures through which the air and water can flow when the cap assembly is open, wherein the apertures are offset with respect to one another in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the cap assembly.

Abstract: An automated water purging apparatus prevents dispensing of contaminated water by volumetrically flushing a standing volume of water between a tap and an exterior inlet as required. Volumetric control of flushing and usage monitoring between flushing events minimize water waste and delivery delays. Embodiments operate in demand and/or periodic modes, and switch therebetween according to a user-specified schedule. A controller and valve can be powered by a battery that is recharged by energy derived from water flow through the apparatus. Wireless and/or network connectivity can enable remote communication with the controller via a remote console and/or other wired and wireless devices. Embodiments take partial purge usage volumes into account when determining if standing water is contaminated. Partial purge volumes can include volumes shared with other taps. Embodiments can alert users to potential leaks. Embodiments include a volumetric flow sensor at the external inlet shared among a plurality of taps.