Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a passive optical network (PON) extender. The methods comprise: receiving, by the PON extender, a first optical signal from a remote node device of a passive optical network via a first optical link; amplifying the first optical signal using a Raman amplifier of the PON extender to obtain a first Raman amplified optical signal; amplifying the first Raman amplified optical signal using a first optical amplifier of the PON extender to obtain an amplified uplink signal (wherein the first optical amplifier is different than the Raman amplifier); and passing the amplified uplink signal to an optical line terminal via a second optical link (wherein the optical line terminal is disposed locally at a hub site along with the PON extender).

Abstract: Devices and systems for monitoring and measuring arterial carbon dioxide include an occlusive earpiece, a housing and a carbon dioxide sensor. The occlusive earpiece is configured to provide a hermetic seal enclosing a patient's external auditory canal, and the hermetic seal creates equilibration between airspace contained in the external auditory canal and the arterial blood vessels. The carbon dioxide sensor measures arterial carbon dioxide levels in arterial blood vessels of a patient's tympanic membrane and external auditory canal and may be located within the housing or at a proximal or distal end of the occlusive earpiece. A pressure sensor may also be provided to measure pressure changes in a patient's ear. The occlusive earpiece may define a tube running therethrough and may have a diffusible membrane that allows diffusion of carbon dioxide into the tube.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and systems for monitoring and measuring arterial carbon dioxide, including those with an occlusive earpiece, a housing and a carbon dioxide sensor. A pressure sensor may also be provided. The devices and methods can monitor for altered carbon dioxide production and ventilator impairment and provide alerts.

Abstract: Chromatic dispersion compensation is performed in one or more pluggable optical transceiver (POT) devices operating within an intensity-modulated direct-detection (IMDD) optical network. Compensation is performed within each POT using an electrical and/or optical chromatic dispersion module which are controlled by a set of parameters. A network computing device includes a computer processor and a host management interface for communicating with the POT. In the event of a link failure, the computer processor determines a second set of parameters to control the one or more dispersion compensation module(s) of the POT. The second set of parameters are different from a first set of parameters used to control the one or more compensation module(s) in the case of a first optical path. The computer processor causes the POT to use the second set of parameters in place of the first set of parameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a passive optical network (PON) extender. The methods comprise: receiving, by the PON extender, a first optical signal from a remote node device of a passive optical network via a first optical link; amplifying the first optical signal using a Raman amplifier of the PON extender to obtain a first Raman amplified optical signal; amplifying the first Raman amplified optical signal using a first optical amplifier of the PON extender to obtain an amplified uplink signal (wherein the first optical amplifier is different than the Raman amplifier); and passing the amplified uplink signal to an optical line terminal via a second optical link (wherein the optical line terminal is disposed locally at a hub site along with the PON extender).

Abstract: Chromatic dispersion compensation is performed in one or more pluggable optical transceiver (POT) devices operating within an intensity-modulated direct-detection (IMDD) optical network. Compensation is performed within each POT using an electrical and/or optical chromatic dispersion module which are controlled by a set of parameters. A network computing device includes a computer processor and a host management interface for communicating with the POT. In the event of a link failure, the computer processor determines a second set of parameters to control the one or more dispersion compensation module(s) of the POT. The second set of parameters are different from a first set of parameters used to control the one or more compensation module(s) in the case of a first optical path. The computer processor causes the POT to use the second set of parameters in place of the first set of parameters.

Abstract: An intravenous fluid delivery system includes a multiple tube portion including multiple IV fluid lines carrying fluid that are removably connected to each other and connectable to separate IV sources and a mixing element connected to the multiple IV fluid lines and configured to mix the fluid from the multiple IV fluid lines and provide them to a single outlet.

Abstract: Chromatic dispersion compensation is performed in one or more pluggable optical transceiver (POT) devices operating within an intensity-modulated direct-detection (IMDD) optical network. Compensation is performed within each POT using an electrical and/or optical chromatic dispersion module which are controlled by a set of parameters. A network computing device includes a computer processor and a host management interface for communicating with the POT. In the event of a link failure, the computer processor determines a second set of parameters to control the one or more dispersion compensation module(s) of the POT. The second set of parameters are different from a first set of parameters used to control the one or more compensation module(s) in the case of a first optical path. The computer processor causes the POT to use the second set of parameters in place of the first set of parameters.

Abstract: Objective Pulmonary Function (PF) evaluation for respiratory fatigue is vital to the diagnosis and management of many pediatric respiratory diseases in the intensive care, emergency and outpatient settings. A non-invasive PF instrument utilizes sensors and software to access respiratory breathing patterns, vital parameters, asynchrony and measures the work of breathing. Software algorithms predict respiratory fatigue. The hardware includes a microcircuit board that individually links to rib cage (RC) and abdominal (ABD) inductance bands. The bands wirelessly transmit changes in RC and ABD circumference. Point-of-care, real-time indices of respiratory work, breathing patterns and respiratory fatigue indices are developed on a user-friendly graphical user interface. The diagnostic data can later be securely emailed as an attachment for entry into patients' electronic medical records or sent to a caretaker's computer, or used directly to control a respiratory therapy device.

Abstract: Devices and systems for monitoring and measuring arterial carbon dioxide include an occlusive earpiece, a housing and a carbon dioxide sensor. The occlusive earpiece is configured to provide a hermetic seal enclosing a patient's external auditory canal, and the hermetic seal creates equilibration between airspace contained in the external auditory canal and the arterial blood vessels. The carbon dioxide sensor measures arterial carbon dioxide levels in arterial blood vessels of a patient's tympanic membrane and external auditory canal and may be located within the housing or at a proximal or distal end of the occlusive earpiece. A pressure sensor may also be provided to measure pressure changes in a patient's ear. The occlusive earpiece may define a tube running therethrough and may have a diffusible membrane that allows diffusion of carbon dioxide into the tube.

Abstract: Mixing systems and methods include a mixing device comprising a primary tube having a proximal end, a distal end, an outer surface and an inner lumen and at least one secondary tube having a proximal end, a distal end, an outer surface and an inner lumen. The at least one secondary tube is substantially parallel to the primary tube. The distal end of the at least one secondary tube is fluidly connected to the primary tube at a junction located on the primary tube close to the distal end of the primary tube.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a fluoroscopic needle guide device for use in medical procedures that facilitate the direct targeting of a pre-identified target in a subject and methods for reaching the same with a medical device. The present disclosure includes fluoroscopic needle guide devices including detachable alignment indicators and methods for using the same.

Abstract: Objective Pulmonary Function (PF) evaluation for respiratory fatigue is vital to the diagnosis and management of many pediatric respiratory diseases in the intensive care, emergency and outpatient settings. A non-invasive PF instrument utilizes sensors and software to access respiratory breathing patterns, vital parameters, asynchrony and measures the work of breathing. Software algorithms predict respiratory fatigue. The hardware includes a microcircuit board that individually links to rib cage (RC) and abdominal (ABD) inductance bands. The bands wirelessly transmit changes in RC and ABD circumference. Point-of-care, real-time indices of respiratory work, breathing patterns and respiratory fatigue indices are developed on a user-friendly graphical user interface. The diagnostic data can later be securely emailed as an attachment for entry into patients' electronic medical records or sent to a caretaker's computer, or used directly to control a respiratory therapy device.

Abstract: Mixing systems and methods include a mixing device comprising a primary tube having a proximal end, a distal end, an outer surface and an inner lumen and at least one secondary tube having a proximal end, a distal end, an outer surface and an inner lumen. The at least one secondary tube is substantially parallel to the primary tube. The distal end of the at least one secondary tube is fluidly connected to the primary tube at a junction located on the primary tube close to the distal end of the primary tube.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a fluoroscopic needle guide device for use in medical procedures that facilitate the direct targeting of a pre-identified target in a subject and methods for reaching the same with a medical device. The present disclosure includes fluoroscopic needle guide devices including detachable alignment indicators and methods for using the same.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods for providing accurate and reliable compact sonar systems for mobile structures. In one embodiment, a sonar system includes a mounting bracket, a transducer support arm, and a pivoting mechanism pivotably coupling the transducer support arm to the mounting bracket such that, for forces acting on the transducer support arm that are less than a preselected kick-up level, the pivoting mechanism holds the transducer support arm against such forces and at a user selectable first angular position relative to the mounting bracket, and for forces acting on the transducer support arm that are equal to or greater than the preselected kick-up level, allows the transducer support arm to be moved by those forces to a second angular position relative to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: An alignment device for an external coil in a transcutaneous energy transfer (TET) system. The device may be adhered to the skin or clothing of a patient and may ensure alignment between an external coil and an internal coil to provide optimal energy transfer in a TET system.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods for providing accurate and reliable compact sonar systems for mobile structures. In one embodiment, a sonar system includes a mounting bracket, a transducer support arm, and a pivoting mechanism pivotably coupling the transducer support arm to the mounting bracket such that, for forces acting on the transducer support arm that are less than a preselected kick-up level, the pivoting mechanism holds the transducer support arm against such forces and at a user selectable first angular position relative to the mounting bracket, and for forces acting on the transducer support arm that are equal to or greater than the preselected kick-up level, allows the transducer support arm to be moved by those forces to a second angular position relative to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: Mixing systems and methods include a mixing device comprising a primary tube having a proximal end, a distal end, an outer surface and an inner lumen and at least one secondary tube having a proximal end, a distal end, an outer surface and an inner lumen. The at least one secondary tube is substantially parallel to the primary tube. The distal end of the at least one secondary tube is fluidly connected to the primary tube at a junction located on the primary tube close to the distal end of the primary tube.

Abstract: Mixing systems and methods include a mixing device comprising a primary tube having a proximal end, a distal end, an outer surface and an inner lumen and at least one secondary tube having a proximal end, a distal end, an outer surface and an inner lumen. The at least one secondary tube is substantially parallel to the primary tube. The distal end of the at least one secondary tube is fluidly connected to the primary tube at a junction located on the primary tube close to the distal end of the primary tube.