Abstract: The present invention relates to an exhalation disposal system for collecting, transporting and properly disposing of a bio-waste exhalation from an infectious patient in a closed system, thereby minimizing, if not completely eliminating, contact between medical personnel and the infectious patient's bio-waste exhalation. The system utilizes a length of flexible vacuum tubing in communication with both a specialized patient mouthpiece and a waste drain, and a check valve positioned along the length of the tubing to prevent backflow of the bio-waste exhalation. In an exemplary embodiment, the disposal system further comprises at least one sensor, a window and an access point for clearing blockages that may arise in the disposal system during use. The disposal system is configured to service multiple infectious patients simultaneously.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment comprises a dynamic display based on a program image element which will only generate a preprogrammed image. As an example, the image element may comprise electrically-driven MEMS mirrors. This example may be embedded in an ID card. At the time of issue of the ID card, pixels in the mirror array will be permanently programmed as either ‘alive’ or ‘dead’ in a pattern matching the photo of the person in question. When stimulated, only ‘alive’ pixels will actuate, creating an image for comparison to the adjacent printed photo. Due to its dynamic behavior, delicate mechanical structures, and single-time hard-wiring, duplication of, or tampering with, this secondary dynamic image will be nearly impossible. The ID car is but one exemplary application and other embodiments, applications, and methods are described in the specification and claims.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment comprises a dynamic display based on a program image element which will only generate a preprogrammed image. As an example, the image element may comprise electrically-driven MEMS mirrors. This example may be embedded in an ID card. At the time of issue of the ID card, pixels in the mirror array will be permanently programmed as either ‘alive’ or ‘dead’ in a pattern matching the photo of the person in question. When stimulated, only ‘alive’ pixels will actuate, creating an image for comparison to the adjacent printed photo. Due to its dynamic behavior, delicate mechanical structures, and single-time hard-wiring, duplication of, or tampering with, this secondary dynamic image will be nearly impossible. The ID car is but one exemplary application and other embodiments, applications, and methods are described in the specification and claims.

Abstract: A defibrillator having a pair of electrodes for delivering a defibrillation shock and a method thereof is provided. The defibrillator includes an energy-source circuit that may be discharged through electrodes on a patient to provide a biphasic voltage or current pulse. The energy-source-storage circuit is coupled across a bridge switch for delivering a defibrillation pulse to the patient through a pair of electrodes. A controller operates to control the entire defibrillation process and detects shockable rhythms from the patient via an ECG front end. The controller determines the source of the defibrillator to match the selected mode, which is inputted by connecting coded accessories, such as internal paddles, adult electrodes, or pediatric external electrodes to deliver appropriate defibrillation shocks. Other types of patient-dependent parameters are also employed to achieve the impedance compensation.

Abstract: A defibrillator having a pair of electrodes for delivering an impedance-compensated defibrillation shock and a method thereof is provided. The defibrillator can be deployed rapidly and effectively with no or minimal clothing and hair removal. To achieve this, one electrode is coupled to a neck region of the patient, whereas the other electrode is coupled to the patient's body. Both attachment areas are easily accessible to the rescuer, thus allowing a minimally trained user to easily deploy the defibrillator to treat the patient. A wide range of energy levels that are safe for the patient can be generated selectively based on the patient impedance. The presence of voids in the electrodes decrease the effective shock impedance of the electrodes, thus allowing the defibrillator to operate at a lower level of energy when delivering the electrical pulse to the victim's heart.

Abstract: A defibrillator having a pair of electrodes for delivering an impedance-compensated defibrillation shock and a method thereof is provided. The defibrillator can be deployed rapidly and effectively with no or minimal clothing and hair removal. To achieve this, one electrode is coupled to a neck region of the patient, whereas the other electrode is coupled to the patient's body. Both attachment areas are easily accessible to the rescuer, thus allowing a minimally trained user to easily deploy the defibrillator to treat the patient. A wide range of energy levels that are safe for the patient can be generated selectively based on the patient impedance. The presence of voids in the electrodes decrease the effective shock impedance of the electrodes, thus allowing the defibrillator to operate at a lower level of energy when delivering the electrical pulse to the victim's heart.

Abstract: The lifting assembly 10. 110 is provided for lifting oilfield tubular members T onto the floor of a derrick D. The assembly includes a lower base 12 which is positioned at a selected location relative to the derrick, and an upper platform 14 pivotally connected at its rearward end to the base. The upper platform has a substantially planar upper surface with a lateral width sufficient for supporting a plurality of oilfield tubulars T thereon. One or more v-shaped troughs 52, 54 are positioned along the platform each for receiving one of the plurality of oilfield tubular members. A hydraulic ram 16 operates against an inclined slide member 20, 116 for tilting the upper platform 18 relative to the base. A powered ejection unit 34 moves a tubular within the trough with respect to the derrick. A push member 56 substantially encloses the v-shaped trough and pushes the tubular. The method of the invention enhances oilfield operations by reducing delays, and substantially improves worker safety.