Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for assisting breathing in a subject. In one embodiment, the device of the present invention is a splint that can be used to apply negative distending pressure, i.e., outward pull, to one or both of the chest walls and/or the abdomen of a subject. In certain embodiments, the splint comprises an air bladder that can be attached to the skin of the subject's chest and/or abdomen. When the air bladder is inflated, negative distending pressure is applied to the subject's chest and/or abdomen, thereby assisting or promoting respiration. In another embodiment, the splint comprises a piezoelectric material that when activated can provide negative distending pressure to the subject's chest and/or abdomen. In another embodiment, the subject is a neonate. In another embodiment, the inflated air bladder can apply a compressive force on the chest to facilitate expiration, and the removal of secretions in the airways.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for implementing Transparent PSTN Failover. In some embodiments, a VoIP switch might receive a call request for connection between a calling party at a calling telephone number (“TN”) and a called party at a called TN. Based on a determination that connection via a session border controller (“SBC”) between the VoIP switch and an Internet Protocol (“IP”) gateway has been lost, the VoIP switch might route the call request to a PSTN redirect TN through the PSTN. One of the Class 5 switch of the PSTN or the IP gateway might replace the redirect TN with the called TN, based on a determination that the redirect TN represents a PSTN failover. The IP gateway may then route the call request to an IP PBX for terminating (establishing) the call connection between calling party and called party, without interception by an operator, receptionist, or auto attendant.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for implementing Transparent PSTN Failover. In some embodiments, a VoIP switch might receive a call request for connection between a calling party at a calling telephone number (“TN”) and a called party at a called TN. Based on a determination that connection via a session border controller (“SBC”) between the VoIP switch and an Internet Protocol (“IP”) gateway has been lost, the VoIP switch might route the call request to a PSTN redirect TN through the PSTN. One of the Class 5 switch of the PSTN or the IP gateway might replace the redirect TN with the called TN, based on a determination that the redirect TN represents a PSTN failover. The IP gateway may then route the call request to an IP PBX for terminating (establishing) the call connection between calling party and called party, without interception by an operator, receptionizt, or auto attendant.

Abstract: A system and method for communication failover is disclosed. The disclosed embodiments allow voice communications (both inbound and outbound) that are normally carried by VoIP to be automatically switched over to a PSTN in the event of a failure of the VoIP communication network.

Abstract: Embodiments are presented herein that provide early prediction of the development of necrotizing enterocolitis by a preterm infant through analysis of the high frequency component of heart rate variability, optionally with analysis of respiration rate. Methods of treatment following prediction area also reported.

Abstract: This invention presents a highly efficient electric motor which can be embodied in several configurations, including a standard motor, a hub motor, a linear motor, or other motor configuration. As a regenerative device, the motor may also act as a part-time or full-time electrical generator. There is provided a motor composed of a stator and a rotor. The stator has an array of coils arranged therein. The rotor has an array of magnets arranged therein. Each of the coils includes a first winding of wire wrapped around a core, and the wire has a non-circular cross-section. The wire can be a flattened wire.

Abstract: This invention presents a highly efficient electric motor which can he embodied in several configurations, including a standard motor, a hub motor, a linear motor, or other motor configuration. As a regenerative device, the motor may also act as a part-time or full-time electrical generator. There is provided a motor composed of a stator and a rotor. The stator has an array of coils arranged therein. The rotor has an array of magnets arranged therein. Each of the coils includes a first winding of wire wrapped around a core, and the wire has a non-circular cross-section. The wire can be a flattened wire.

Abstract: A chest brace and method of using same that prevents the chest wall from buckling inwards during patient breathing by providing a distending force on the patient's thorax. The chest brace also restores the normal anterior-to-posterior chest dimensions by providing a distending force in this direction. The chest brace includes an anterior member adapted to overly a patient's chest. An adhesive mechanism secures the anterior member to a surface of such a patient. A support structure is coupled to the anterior member such that, in use, the support structure imparts a force on the anterior member in a manner so as to distend a thorax of such a patient.

Abstract: A turbine blade includes a hollow airfoil having a plurality of bowed tip holes extending through a tip floor thereof and skewed toward a squealer rib extending outwardly from the floor.

Abstract: A chest brace and method of using same that prevents the chest wall from buckling inwards during patient breathing by providing a distending force on the patient's thorax. The chest brace also restores the normal anterior-to-posterior chest dimensions by providing a distending force in this direction. The chest brace includes an anterior member adapted to overly a patient's chest. An adhesive mechanism secures the anterior member to a surface of such a patient. A support structure is coupled to the anterior member such that, in use, the support structure imparts a force on the anterior member in a manner so as to distend a thorax of such a patient.

Abstract: A chest brace and method of using same that prevents the chest wall from buckling inwards during patient breathing by providing a distending force on the patient's thorax. The chest brace also restores the normal anterior-to-posterior chest dimensions by providing a distending force in this direction. The chest brace includes an anterior member adapted to overly a patient's chest. An adhesive mechanism secures the anterior member to a surface of such a patient. A support structure is coupled to the anterior member such that, in use, the support structure imparts a force on the anterior member in a manner so as to distend a thorax of such a patient.

Abstract: A hollow turbine airfoil includes pressure and suction sidewalls extending in span between a root and tip and extending in chord between opposite leading and trailing edges. The pressure sidewall includes a first pattern of first holes distributed in span and chord over a majority thereof, and a second pattern of different second holes also distributed in span and chord over a minority of the pressure sidewall between the tip and the midspan of the airfoil.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for stabilizing at least one medical device such as a tracheal or gastric tube entering or covering at least one facial cavity such as the mouth and/or nose, taking advantage of a stabilization stent to secure to a patient's face the tracheal or gastric tube without the need to apply tape to the face, while maintaining visibility of tube markings, preventing kinking of the tube, and keeping infant's face visible to parents and caregivers. In one form, the invention comprises a transverse stent comprising a superior border opposed to an inferior border, an inner surface and an outer surface. A first facial interface is attached to a first terminal end of the transverse stent, and positioned to adhesively adhere and mechanically clasp to a first side of a patient's face. A second facial interface is attached to a second terminal end of the transverse stent and positioned to adhesively adhere and mechanically clasp to a second side of a patient's face.

Abstract: The invention provides a polyurethaneurea composition comprising at least one diisocyanate compound and a poly(tetramethylene-co-ethyleneether)glycol comprising constituent units derived by copolymerizing tetrahydrofuran and ethylene oxide, wherein the portion of the units derived from the ethylene oxide is present in the poly(tetramethylene-co-ethyleneether)glycol at less than about 15 mole percent. The invention further relates to the use of such low ethyleneether content poly(tetramethylene-co-ethyleneether)glycols in spandex compositions. The invention also relates to new polyurethane compositions comprising poly(tetramethylene-co-ethyleneether)glycols with such low ethyleneether content, and their use in spandex.

Abstract: The invention provides polyurethaneurea compositions comprising poly(tetramethylene-co-ethyleneether) glycol having high number average molecular weight, from about 1900 to about 4000 Dalton. The invention further relates to the use of high number average molecular weight poly(tetramethylene-co-ethyleneether) glycol as the soft segment base material in spandex compositions. The invention also relates to new polyurethane compositions comprising poly(tetramethylene-co-ethyleneether) glycols with such high number average molecular weight, from about 1900 to about 4000 Dalton, and their use in spandex.

Abstract: A polyurethaneurea composition comprises a reaction product of at least one diisocyanate compound, a polymeric glycol, a poly(tetramethylene-co-ethyleneether) glycol comprising constituent units derived by copolymerizing tetrahydrofuran and ethylene oxide (EO) wherein the portion of the constituent units derived from ethylene oxide is present in the poly(tetramethylene-co-ethyleneether) glycol from greater than about 37 to about 70 mole percent, at least one diamine chain extender, and at least one chain terminator. The invention further relates to the use of blends of polymeric glycols and poly(tetramethylene-co-ethyleneether) glycols as the soft segment base in spandex compositions. The invention also relates to new polyurethane compositions comprising polymeric glycols and poly(tetramethylene-co-ethyleneether) glycols, and their use in spandex.

Abstract: Inflammation and vascular abnormalities of the eye, including those related to ischemia, its prophylaxis and its alleviation, are treated by administration to the mammal of small amounts of phosphate-glycerol group presenting bodies such as phosphatidylglycerol liposomes.

Abstract: A turbine airfoil includes opposite pressure and suction sides extending in span from a flowpath surface. The flowpath surface has chordally opposite forward and aft edges and laterally opposite first and second endfaces corresponding with the airfoil pressure and suction sides. The flowpath surface joins the first endface at the forward edge in a forward bullnose and joins the second endface at the aft edge in an aft bullnose, with the bullnoses varying in radius from the opposite edges.

Abstract: The invention provides a polyurethaneurea composition comprising poly(tetramethylene-co-ethyleneether) glycol having from about 37 to about 70 mole percent ethyleneether content and ethylene diamine as the extender. The invention further relates to the use of high ethyleneether content poly(tetramethylene-co-ethyleneether) glycol as the soft segment base material in spandex compositions. The invention also relates to new polyurethane compositions comprising poly(tetramethylene-co-ethyleneether) glycols with such high ethyleneether content, and their use in spandex.

Abstract: A spandex comprising a polyurethane or polyurethaneurea reaction product of at least one diisocyanate compound and a poly(tetramethylene-co-ethyleneether) glycol comprising constituent units derived by copolymerizing tetrahydrofuran and ethylene oxide wherein the percentage of ethylene ether moieties is from about 16 to about 70 mole percent with at least one chain extender selected from the group consisting of diamines and diols and at least one chain terminator wherein the spandex is spun at a speed in excess of about 750 meters per minute.