Abstract: A humidification system can include a heater base, a humidification chamber, and a breathing circuit. A cartridge can be removably coupled to the heater base. The cartridge can include various sensors, probes, sensor wire connectors, heater wire connectors, and/or other features. The cartridge can include features configured to mate with corresponding features on the humidification chamber and the heater base. The cartridge includes a memory, such as an EEPROM, or other suitable storage device. When the cartridge is installed on the heater base, the memory is electrically connected to a processor and/or memory of the heater base. Various models of cartridges can be produced for use with different humidification chambers, breathing circuits, and/or therapies. A connector can be configured to couple an inspiratory conduit to an outlet port of the humidification chamber. The connector can provide a pneumatic connection to the outlet port and an electrical connection to the cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preparing an isolated biological sample containing at least one of DNA and RNA, such that the DNA and/or RNA is preserved in the sample at ambient temperatures for at least thirty days, the method comprising: contacting the isolated biological sample with a composition comprising a chaotropic agent, and subjecting the contacted sample to microbial cell lysis; and optionally, contacting the lysed biological sample with a slurry of size-selected silicon dioxide to form at least one of DNA-silicon dioxide complexes or RNA-silicon dioxide complexes in the sample; isolating at least one of DNA-silicon dioxide complexes or RNA-silicon dioxide complexes from the sample; and, separating at least one of DNA and RNA from the silicon dioxide and collecting at least one of the DNA and RNA.

Abstract: A multiple re-entry compressor of the kind set forth in USA Patent application Ser. No. 335,162 now U.S. Pat. No. 3,869,220 is described having inter cooling between successive passes of the rotor blading. A further improvement is described in which variable aperture arcuate segmented flowpaths are provided.