Abstract: A system to fluidize and convey finely divided particulate matter comprises a container with a top and bottom portion separated by a pan with apertures there through and a hatch to receive a volume of particulate matter into the container to be supported on the pan. The pan is funnel-shaped and has a discharge port at the lowermost portion of the pan. A bridging conveyor tube receives fluidized flow of the particulate matter from the discharge port and conveys the matter to a riser conveyor tube, which elevates the fluidized flow to a receiving bin remove from the container. The bridging conveyor tube and the riser conveyor tube receive gas streams provided through apertures from a bridging gas passage and a riser gas passage, respectively, to sustain fluidized flow from the discharge port of the pan to the receiving bin to minimize the air required to convey the matter.

Abstract: A patient parameter monitoring pod in embodiments of the teachings may include one or more of the following features: (a) portable housing containing a power supply, (b) a patient parameter module connectable to a patient via lead cables to collect patient data, the patient data including at least one vital sign, (c) a transceiver adapted to wirelessly transmit the patient data to a defibrillator, (d) a data port adapted to supply the patient data via a direct electrical connection to the defibrillator, and (e) a carrying handle extending from the housing proximate a patient lead cable port that permits connection of the lead cables to the pod, the carrying handle positioned to protect the patient lead cable port and the patient lead cables attached to the port from direct impact.

Abstract: An external defibrillator system is disclosed that generates and applies a diagnostic signal to the patient in conjunction with defibrillation therapy. The diagnostic signal is designed to elicit a physiologic response from the patient's heart, namely, mechanical cardiac response and electrical cardiac response, electrical cardiac response only, or no cardiac response. Depending upon the type of cardiac response detected, the system selects an appropriate resuscitation protocol that considers the likely responsiveness of the patient to defibrillation therapy. In one practical embodiment, a stimulus signal is applied to patients that show mechanical and electrical capture in response to the diagnostic signal. The stimulus signal maintains the mechanical capture (and, therefore, perfusion) for a period of time prior to the delivery of a defibrillation pulse.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining depth of compressions of a chest of a patient receiving chest compressions. A field detector is used having at least two coils at a fixed distance from each other.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting an orifice meter includes providing an orifice fitting body having a bore, an orifice plate, a plurality of tap holes, and a plurality of pressure sensors installed in the plurality of tap holes. The method further includes removing the orifice plate and the plurality of pressure sensors from the orifice fitting body and installing a plurality of transducers into the plurality of tap holes. At least one of the plurality of transducers is configured to generate a signal and at least one of the plurality of transducers is configured to receive the signal. Additionally, the method includes measuring a flow rate of a fluid flowing through the bore based on an output of each of the plurality of transducers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the spectral content of the output of a light fixture. The method of one embodiment includes driving the output of a light fixture to a target color and controlling the spectral content of the output of the light fixture. For example, a desired color is inputted using a color control methodology. A set of light source output intensity values that produce the desired color are identified, and then the light sources are driven to the identified output intensity values. A user is able to control the spectral content of the output of the light fixture by modifying the output intensity value of one or more of the light sources. After modifying the output intensity values, the color control and matching technique is used to identify a new set of output intensity values that maintain the previous target color but incorporate the changes in spectral content.

Abstract: A back plate includes an upper portion, a lower surface defining a plane, a first side, a second side, a plurality of first static attachment elements configured to releasably connect to legs of the compression device, and a plurality of second static attachment elements configured to releasably connect to legs of the compression device. Each of the first and second sides can include one of the plurality of first static attachment elements and one of the plurality of second static attachment elements. The distance between one of the plurality of second static attachment elements on the first side and one of the plurality of second static attachment elements on the second side is greater than a distance between one of the plurality of first static attachment elements on the first side and one of the plurality of first static attachment elements on the second side.

Abstract: A fluid conduit arrangement includes a reservoir containing a pressurized gas therein. An outer rigid conduit in communication with the reservoir contains a first working fluid under pressure from the pressurized gas within a dosed system defined by the reservoir and the outer rigid conduit. An inner flexible conduit is provided for conducting a second working fluid therethrough upon application of a supply pressure. The inner flexible conduit is disposed within the outer rigid conduit, and is subjected to the pressurized first working fluid in surrounding relationship therewith. Relative differences between the pressurized first working fluid and the second working fluid enable the inner flexible conduit to either expand and permit free flow of the second working fluid therethrough, or collapse and evacuate flow of the second working fluid therefrom.

Abstract: A performance venue having a dynamic load management system for use in managing loads. The system uses a dead man circuit as a means for determining the actual or anticipated dynamic load produced by moving loads, and then disables the system by opening the dead man circuit when too many loads are moved or selected to be moved. Preferably, the invention is embodied in a dead man circuit is pure hardware, and is free of software components. The invention also provides a method of controlling movement of loads in a performance venue having a plurality machines. In its basic form, the method comprises selecting at least one of the machines for movement, closing a dead man circuit, and opening the dead man circuit if the current in the dead man circuit falls outside a predetermined range.

Abstract: A reciprocating pump assembly having a power end housing and a fluid end housing and a cylinder having at least a portion within the power end. A plunger assembly reciprocates between the power end housing and the fluid end housing of the pump assembly, the plunger assembly having a crosshead, a first section limited to movement within the power end and a second section moveable within the fluid end housing. The pump assembly also includes a seal housing disposed within the cylinder, the seal housing having a proximal end adjacent an entrance to the cylinder, and a distal end disposed within the cylinder. A power end seal is secured to the seal housing proximate the distal end and a fluid end seal is disposed within the fluid end housing.

Abstract: Systems and methods which allow a spotter external to a vehicle to provide signals to a driver of the vehicle in order to facilitate safe backup operations of the vehicle are disclosed. A wireless transmitter, in wireless communication with a receiver positioned within the vehicle, is operated by the spotter. An indicator, also in communication with the receiver, is configured to provide a plurality of audible and/or visible signals perceivable by the driver in response to a wireless signal received by the receiver from the transmitter. The audible and/or visible signals may comprise selected patterned tones and lights which inform the driver whether they should proceed to backup the vehicle or stop the vehicle.

Abstract: In one embodiment, dispersants are injected directly into a plume of oil in a subsea environment. The dispersant is supplied from a vessel, through a tubular string and flows through a routing manifold into a flexible hose. The hose then transports the dispersant to a distribution manifold, which is disposed on the sea floor, and permits injection of dispersants at multiple locations at the same time around the leaking oil. Injection of dispersants from the distribution manifold may be through injection wands, or the dispersant may be transferred to a containment or collection device located above the plume of oil, wherein nozzles are disposed around the circumference of such containment or collection device. If the dispersants are injected into the leaking oil through injection wands, such wands may be held and/or manipulated by an ROV.

Abstract: A frame for supporting a pressure relief valve located within a frac line connected to high pressure pumps on frac trucks. A metallic base is formed from rectangular tubing in the shape of a box. Saddles on the base support a tee on the lower portion of the relief valve. Brace links are connected at one end to the corners of the metallic base and swivel about clevises to allow access to the pressure relief valve. The other end of the brace links connect to clevises on a flange when assembled. The flange is rigidly connected to an upper portion of the relief valve to stabilize the assembly. Lifting loops on the flange allow the frame to be lifted during assembly.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a manual CPR device, also known as a CPR derrick, includes a frame that is put close to a patient who is on the ground. The device also includes a piston that can be moved up and down, and is aligned to be over the patient's chest. The device also has an actuator that the rescuer can operate manually so as to move the piston up and down, which will deliver compressions to the patient's chest. A bottom stop prevents the compressions from being too deep. In some embodiments, proper dimensioning of the CPR derrick permits the rescuer to perform CPR chest compressions while standing up, i.e. without kneeling. The rescuer may be able to perform higher quality CPR, and for a longer time, giving more opportunity to a life-saving team to arrive in time.

Abstract: A medical device such as an external defibrillator delivers electrical therapy using a special pulse sequence. The special pulse sequence includes a defibrillation shock that is automatically followed by a quick succession of automatic post-shock anti-tachycardia (APSAT) pacing pulses. Because of the pacing pulses, the defibrillation shock can be of lesser energy than an equivalent defibrillation shock of a larger energy. Accordingly, the external defibrillator can be made physically smaller and weigh less, without sacrificing the therapeutic effect of a larger external defibrillator that would deliver a defibrillation shock of higher energy. As such, the defibrillator is easier to configure for transporting, handling, and even wearing.

Abstract: A medical device for use with a patient is described. The medical device includes a component for administering a treatment to the patient or receiving data of the patient. The component is configured to operate according to an internal setting. The medical device also includes a user interface through which a user can modify the internal setting, as well as a settings signature generator for generating a settings signature that represents a present state of the internal setting. A gateway is also provided for communicating a version of the settings signature out of the medical device.

Abstract: A CPR apparatus includes a chest compression unit and a means for mounting the chest compression unit on a patient. The chest compression unit includes a plunger disposed in a housing. At its one end extending from the housing, the plunger has a compression member. The plunger is driven in a reciprocating manner by a reversible electromotor via a mechanical device for translating rotational motion of the motor to linear motion of the plunger or the plunger is driven by a linear induction electromotor. An electromotor control unit including a microprocessor, a first monitor for monitoring the position of the plunger in respect of the housing and a second monitor for monitoring the position of the plunger in respect of the mechanical device for translating rotational motion to linear motion or the rotor of the linear induction electromotor. The monitored positions are communicated to the electromotor control unit. Also disclosed is a corresponding CPR method.

Abstract: An integrated charger and alarm unit. A plurality of alarm receptacles are in a housing, each for selectively receiving a sensor cord for sensing security status of one of a plurality of chargeable devices. A plurality of charging receptacles are in the housing, one for each alarm receptacle, each for selectively receiving a power cord for charging one of the chargeable devices. A power receptacle in the housing connects to an electrical power source. An electrical circuit is operatively connected to the alarm receptacles, the charging receptacles and the power receptacle. The electrical circuit comprises an alarm control powered by the electrical power source and connected to the alarm receptacles and generating an alarm signal if the security status of any of the plurality of chargeable devices is in an unsecured status. A power supply control regulates power from the electrical power source to each of the charging receptacles.

Abstract: An integrated charger and alarm unit. A plurality of alarm receptacles are in a housing, each for selectively receiving a sensor cord for sensing security status of one of a plurality of chargeable devices. A plurality of charging receptacles are in the housing, one for each alarm receptacle, each for selectively receiving a power cord for charging one of the chargeable devices. A power receptacle in the housing connects to an electrical power source. An electrical circuit is operatively connected to the alarm receptacles, the charging receptacles and the power receptacle. The electrical circuit comprises an alarm control powered by the electrical power source and connected to the alarm receptacles and generating an alarm signal if the security status of any of the plurality of chargeable devices is in an unsecured status. A power supply control regulates power from the electrical power source to each of the charging receptacles.